DW and I have been contemplating a more simplified life style. We are retired and currently licensing and insuring 4 vehicles, to wit: the class A, her daily driver, my daily driver/towed vehicle, and an old pickup I use for hauling this and that. The more we consider this "problem," the more we realize that we could downsize to two vehicles, to wit: her daily driver and a better pickup, with a TC. We are absolute neophytes at truck campers. We have just begun to look at them. DW now believes that she can make the transition. We have noted that there seem to be a very small number of variations in floor plans. We have seen a couple of different ones, but mostly they are the same, except for the length of the camper and the possible addition of a slide here and there, which mainly adds to the floor space but doesn't change the overall arrangement much. So far, the one that we both have been most drawn to is a Weekender by Skyline. I believe it is a 910 model. (We were at an RV dealer but there were no salesmen available, so a mfr. rep. from Work and Play who happened to be on the lot showed us around. He was not too conversant with TCs.) Judging by the condition and decor of the unit, I would guess it to be from the early '90s. Does anyone have experience with this camper? Are there any particular things we should inquire about or look for? (I know to look for signs of delamination and water damage, etc. I'm wondering about quirks of this model.) Do you know where I can get some specs on this TC, i.e. weight, tank capacities, etc., etc.? NADA puts the value at something like $2200. Does that sound about right? Thanks for any light you can shed on this endeavor. On a slightly different topic, is it terribly difficult to put the TC on the PU and take it off? I would need to be able to use the PU for other hauling. Thanks again

Hi.Once you get used to it it should only take a few minutes to load / unload the camper. It will take you a lot longer the first couple of times, but don't let that put you off. Various people have various different techniques to make loading easier. I've got runners screwed onto the bottom edge of the camper to guide it in between the wheel arches exactly.Good luck.Steve.

It takes me just over an hour to load up all by myself. I hand crank, but have the camper on saw horses and boards, so stored fairly high up. I'd check out Lance, they have been around a long time and build a good camper,and have a huge network of dealers if you have any problems. Also, check out Hallmark if you are interested in a pop-up.

Puno,I would suggest looking at some of the more mainstream camper choices. Too many manufactures dabbled in TC's then ran when their designs didn't hold up. Lance is the biggest, however other good models include Eagle Cap, Chalet, Artic Fox I enjoy my Host. There are others, and many will chime in with a favorite, however I think you'll find it time well spent researching some of these rigs.Mooney

I must admit, I was adamant that I would not camp in a TC. I wanted a 5er. However, TCs have come a long way and there are so many more options and luxuries available in today's market.DH can live with minimal; but I however had a few more requirements. I don't want to feel closed in, so I wanted a bathroom near the front, and a TC with more windows in the living area. I also wanted a slide to ensure enough room for us and the dogs (2).What we chose has turned out to be a perfect fit. It's bright, cheery, has more than enough storage to include a wall closet and pull out pantry. Ours also has more counter space than others that we looked at. The best thing is that the bath is near the bed so that we don't have to climb over the big dog in the middle of the night to get to it.I know your wife thinks she can make the switch, but it's just a few things to consider from a woman's point of view. Make sure your truck is large enough...ours is about 4300 lbs wet.Hope this helps. Choose carefully, so there will be no regrets and you will enjoy your adventures.

While there are as many variations as people, the fact is your age and physical condition are big factors. The folks who come from a much more roomy MoHo, 5-er, or TT are struck by three things.1. You must climb a set of rather narrow steps without handrails to enter the TC, especially on a 4WD Dodge with the highest bed level. This gets more difficult as you put on the years. My brother (@46 yrs old) broke his leg when he missed the top step on his brand new OUTFITTER!.2. You must get used to a very small bathroom in which you need to be a contorsionist to do all your duties. I take a shower sitting on the pot with the wand, and my feet in a tub to save gray water from going in the black tank. I then dump the tub outside. Not my first choice but we're used to it.2. You must further climb another set of very tall steps to get up into that luxurious queen size bed...and back down the steps in the middle of the night if need be (that pesky prostate?).I turn 70 next week, and I can still climb the obstacles with gusto. So far- so good. Of course, we're hikers and do a lot of walking. YMMV.These have been the defining obstacles which make many old-time TC-er's decide it's time for a low slung class C with no steps. Depending on how old you and your spouse are and your condition, THERE STILL MAY BE TIME! 8<)I'm not trying to dissuade you, but only to give some options. One is to get a smaller class C with an actual towing rating (most can tow nothing) and buy a 6x8 utility trailer for your hauling needs. The woe here is most C's are gas, so good mpg's are out, compared to a diesel. Lot's of ways to go here.regards, as always, jefe

Coming over from the dark side... maybe. (long, need input!)

campn4walleye
Explorer
Jul 17, 2013
I must admit, I was adamant that I would not camp in a TC. I wanted a 5er. However, TCs have come a long way and there are so many more options and luxuries available in today's market.

DH can live with minimal; but I however had a few more requirements. I don't want to feel closed in, so I wanted a bathroom near the front, and a TC with more windows in the living area. I also wanted a slide to ensure enough room for us and the dogs (2).

What we chose has turned out to be a perfect fit. It's bright, cheery, has more than enough storage to include a wall closet and pull out pantry. Ours also has more counter space than others that we looked at. The best thing is that the bath is near the bed so that we don't have to climb over the big dog in the middle of the night to get to it.

I know your wife thinks she can make the switch, but it's just a few things to consider from a woman's point of view. Make sure your truck is large enough...ours is about 4300 lbs wet.

Hope this helps. Choose carefully, so there will be no regrets and you will enjoy your adventures.
Mooney
Explorer
Jul 17, 2013
Puno,

I would suggest looking at some of the more mainstream camper choices. Too many manufactures dabbled in TC's then ran when their designs didn't hold up. Lance is the biggest, however other good models include Eagle Cap, Chalet, Artic Fox I enjoy my Host. There are others, and many will chime in with a favorite, however I think you'll find it time well spent researching some of these rigs.

Mooney
realter
Explorer
Jul 17, 2013
It takes me just over an hour to load up all by myself. I hand crank, but have the camper on saw horses and boards, so stored fairly high up. I'd check out Lance, they have been around a long time and build a good camper,and have a huge network of dealers if you have any problems. Also, check out Hallmark if you are interested in a pop-up.
sabconsulting
Explorer
Jul 17, 2013
Hi.

Once you get used to it it should only take a few minutes to load / unload the camper. It will take you a lot longer the first couple of times, but don't let that put you off. Various people have various different techniques to make loading easier. I've got runners screwed onto the bottom edge of the camper to guide it in between the wheel arches exactly.

Good luck.

Steve.

Forum Discussion

Coming over from the dark side... maybe. (long, need input!)

About Travel Trailer Group

Related Content

Alum. flatbed input.

HURRICANE COMING

Right side, left side?

Side Mirror

2008 Winnebago Journey 39z input