Forum Discussion

r47smiley's avatar
r47smiley
Explorer
Nov 04, 2018

Camper Suggestions???

Been using a friends Lance 855s occassionly and love it but I'd like to get my own TC. Driving a 2012 F250 6.5' crew cab with enough upgrades to carry the 855s pretty well in spite of the weight.

Right now is not the time for us to spend what a 855s costs. I foolishly passed on a mint condition Fleetwood Angler a few years ago that was cherry.... oh well, live and learn.

Any suggestion on a 8'6" floor camper that is made for a short bed from approx the year 2000 that would be good to search for? I'd like to keep the purchase under 5k. Doesnt need a built in gen, but AC is a must. I realize there are huge variable including who owned it and how it was cared for, but it seems that some models that old are more prone to water issues then other. Would plan to keep it for a few years until our second child who is due in a few months is ready for frequent camping and upgrade to a 855s or possibly a small class C.

Thx,

Rob
Truck Campers
  • jaycocreek's avatar
    jaycocreek
    Explorer II
    Nov 08, 2018
    A $5K camper is a 'throw-away' in my opinion. Not worth fixing up; you just use it up and dump it when it is no longer safe.


    Maybe from where you live but that definitely is not the case around here and this general area..

    When I was looking last year I ran into three that were under $5K that were in excellent shape...Older person bought new and kept in the barn when not being used, is a good example of a few out there that are just like new but older.Not all 5K rigs are "throw aways"..

    The TC world has gone crazy with the influx of newbie's going truck camping and the used prices are way out of line,the new prices are just insane!

    Something is wrong in Denmark when a new TC cost more than a quality new fifth wheel or travel trailer.It's just crazy..You can buy a new Class C for less than some TC's(retail)..I see them all the time for $59K or less.
  • burningman's avatar
    burningman
    Explorer II
    Nov 08, 2018
    To some people, $2 million dollar waterfront houses are tear-downs.
    To me, blowing $20, $30k or more on a truck camper is cutting into my flying-to-Hawaii budget way too much. It all depends on your priorities.
    There are tons of $5000 and under campers in nice shape and worth fixing up.
  • DWeikert's avatar
    DWeikert
    Explorer II
    Nov 08, 2018
    Northstar makes some campers that fit your requirements. The 8.5 Adventurer and Laredo SC are options for a 250/2500 series truck.
  • jaycocreek's avatar
    jaycocreek
    Explorer II
    Nov 08, 2018
    Any suggestion on a 8'6" floor camper that is made for a short bed from approx the year 2000 that would be good to search for? I'd like to keep the purchase under 5k. Doesnt need a built in gen, but AC is a must. I realize there are huge variable including who owned it and how it was cared for, but it seems that some models that old are more prone to water issues then other.


    A few years ago I bought a 90's Lance Squire 8.6 for just under $3000 that had no water damage..I re-sealed it up and used it heavily on rough mountain roads and it never did leak..One of the best TC's I have ever had..I did have to replace the AC($470 on special) on it,but that's all..I sold it for $2500 to a smoke jumper with a Dodge shortbed..He left the tailgate down when he loaded it and it looked great..He still has it.

    Stealhead fish'in on the Salmon river.Very cold out with extended propane hookup..

  • jaycocreek's avatar
    jaycocreek
    Explorer II
    Nov 08, 2018
    r47smiley-

    Just a quick look on craigslist in California (don't know where you live) so I chose Redding and I came up with what looks to be a great little truck camper for $3500..The pictures look impressive for an older Lance.No leaks!!!

    1990 Lance Squire LS 2500. I used it on my Dodge 1500. Great condition. Everything works. The entire roof has been completely sealed. No leaks. It's 8.5 ft long but will fit a 6ft bed with the tailgate down. It has brand new bedding, new black-out curtains, new deep cycle RV battery, 3-way fridge which works propane or electric, 12,000 btu furnace, 3 burner stove with oven, double sink, bathroom with flushing toilet and full propane tank. It also has fresh, grey and black water tanks. $3500 OBO No Texts Please.

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