Advice on a used TC in the $5,000 - $8,000 range

Thanks for all the advice. I live in southern California so Idaho is a bit farther than I would like to go to get a camper. I have read several times to check for rot but I am not sure how to do that. Also, how do you tell if there are leaks in the roof or anywhere else if it is not raining when you check out the camper.

As for hiring someone to inspect a camper how you you recommend finding a good inspector?

I think I can check all the appliances and make sure things like that work but I don't want to buy something that is rotted out and needs a lot of structural repairs and battles with mold.

Thanks again for all the help. If there is anything already written up that would provide these answers please let me know. I looked in the FAQ section and there was one titled Buying Basics Summery but none of the links worked so it didn't help much.

GBEngineer

I see in your signature map that you have traveled the western part of the U.S. so I'm a bit confused as to where you really are.

But, here is a thought, depending upon your circumstances & your trucks weight carrying ability. You could hire an inspection service & if it checks out, have this shipped to you.

CRAIG'S LIST

Just keep looking at the used TCs in your price range and it should be much easier to find a decent one out there than here in Oklahoma. Check out all systems especially water and gas, holding tanks for leaks. If wood poke around corners, Windows and jacks for rot. Check roof for cracked seals at seams and around openings coming thru roof but those that haven't resulted in leaks can easily be resealed. Check inside for soft paneling in ceiling and around windows and vents. Pressure up all systems and keep a flashlight handy to check inside compartments for water leaks. Plug in electricity and check all appliances, gauges and outlets. Connect to battery to check everything on 12v. Just be thorough and if sellers are reluctant to allow testing, run, don't walk, NEXT! Good luck and happy camping. Oh, we have an 04 Chevy like yours with the exception being ours is 4x4 and it handles our 9.5' old school wood camper real well. Just watch actual not tag stamped weight of camper or there can be truck add on expenses to carry the load even with a dually. Ours hasn't required any of that but it was built to carry a camper from the factory. We paid $2,700 for our old camper knowing there would be things needing attention/repair and add ons spending another $2,800. We got one with no structural issues and it was actually usable from the get go just not fully functional, fixed things as we could afford them checking and buying online for needed items at reduced prices. We were also fortunate to have a mobile camper tech that came to our place to do things I couldn't or chose not to do myself. Happy hunting and camping.

Mid 90s to early 2000s Lances are in your range and carrying ability. Slides are not. Aluminum roofs were a great feature if seals maintained. Torklift tiedowns will set you back a bit, but they are worth it. If you find a good Lance everything will still work. That era of Lance are pretty solid.

If you were in the Northwest, I'd suggest a Northern Lite. Otherwise, I'd look for a Bigfoot.