Good Choice for an Off-Road, Hard-Side Truck Camper?
I've taken my camper on some pretty rough roads and trails in the 3 years I've owned it and it has the scratches on the sides and on roof vents and skylights to prove it. Except for a window valence in the cabover area, the camper has held up extremely well. But in my travels I've come to realize that I need something a bit narrower and with a lower profile, so I'm starting my search for another camper.
Now I realize that I'd be better served with a pop-up camper like an Outfitter, but the wifey doesn't like them, so we need to compromise. Guys like Jefe4x4 and C.Traveler have taken their hard-side campers on some pretty intense trails and roads over the years so it can be done with the right camper.
Here are my requirements: Short-bed, non-basement model with no-slide out; no more than 7.6-ft wide, battery compartment that can hold two batteries for boondocking; 30 gallon fresh water holding tank; wet bath; dry weight less than 2,500 lbs; lots of storage.
In looking at what's available, the Northstar Arrow U 8.5 comes the closest to meeting my requirements except the battery compartment can hold only one battery.
The Lance 865 also comes close but it appears that the battery compartment can hold only one battery. Storage also appears to be lacking.
The Lance 825 also comes close, but again the battery compartment can hold only one battery, it's too small, and it sorely lacks storage.
The Livin lite Camplite 8.5 also comes close. Being a former Airstream owner, I really like the all-aluminum build. But it, like all of Livin Lite TC'ers, appears to be a basement model (confirmation would be appreciated) and has a battery compartment large enough for only one battery.
Is there a camper out there that meets all my requirements?
Now I realize that I'd be better served with a pop-up camper like an Outfitter, but the wifey doesn't like them, so we need to compromise. Guys like Jefe4x4 and C.Traveler have taken their hard-side campers on some pretty intense trails and roads over the years so it can be done with the right camper.
Here are my requirements: Short-bed, non-basement model with no-slide out; no more than 7.6-ft wide, battery compartment that can hold two batteries for boondocking; 30 gallon fresh water holding tank; wet bath; dry weight less than 2,500 lbs; lots of storage.
In looking at what's available, the Northstar Arrow U 8.5 comes the closest to meeting my requirements except the battery compartment can hold only one battery.
The Lance 865 also comes close but it appears that the battery compartment can hold only one battery. Storage also appears to be lacking.
The Lance 825 also comes close, but again the battery compartment can hold only one battery, it's too small, and it sorely lacks storage.
The Livin lite Camplite 8.5 also comes close. Being a former Airstream owner, I really like the all-aluminum build. But it, like all of Livin Lite TC'ers, appears to be a basement model (confirmation would be appreciated) and has a battery compartment large enough for only one battery.
Is there a camper out there that meets all my requirements?
