Forum Discussion

rvshrinker's avatar
rvshrinker
Explorer III
Jul 13, 2017

Last shot at a TC...

I *think* I've decided on a 25 foot travel trailer but went to my favorite (national park) campground this weekend and found out they have an 18 foot limit on trailers. So now I'm just (one more time) ruling out a TC option.

I have a 2017 RAM 3500 Megacab shortbed 4x4 with Cummins and AISIN. SRW. Payload listed at 3950 lb.

I am only interested in a quality, durable, four season brand - thinking Arctic Fox or Lance - though I'm open to others if they fit the need - have to be able to camp in the mountains in the winter for a weekend for skiing.

FIgure the wet weight of my TC shouldn't be more than around 3200 lb, maybe only 3000. That doesn't leave tons of options.

Are there any single slide, sleep 4-5 TCs in this weight and quality range that you'd recommend?
Truck Campers
  • Kayteg1's avatar
    Kayteg1
    Explorer II
    Jul 13, 2017
    PatrickA51 wrote:

    When I was looking to buy my 2500 2016 Ram Laramie. I looked at every dealer in So Cal.I looked at Ford's Chevy's GMC's and Ram Trucks. (I switched from Ford to Ram because of the Cummins Engines, If I could have gotten a Cat in a Ford I would still be driving Ford, But I am Very Happy with what I bought and I am not ever going back) I started looking in June of 2015. I could not find what I wanted. I am not trying to Hijack your thread, but my suggestion is Buy what you want not what they have on their lot and have to get rid of. In Jan.2016 I ordered my Ram and with the options I wanted not what every dealer in So. Cal wanted me to buy off their lots. (I hate vehicles that are painted white)

    I kind of have to agree with Kayteg1


    I did the same with my F350. Took over 2 months of waiting, but by custom order, I got all the options (360 cameras) RWD on my dually I like, while not ordering the stuff factory is pushing (sunroof, crew cab, 4WD) I actually saved money.
    By now I know precisely what camper I want and like our Fletwood with single slide for big countertops.
    What I don't like is rear door, what with basement makes pretty inconvenient steps (I have glow steps on it). Looking at campers with side door, I love that design, who unfortunately is pretty rare.
    But in case of camper I am not spending 60 grands to build one, so have to deal with what is available there. But I will take my time. If I don't find it now, I will find it in the winter.
  • WyoBull's avatar
    WyoBull
    Explorer
    Jul 13, 2017
    I have the Northern Lite 8.11 SE on my 2017 Ford F350. My truck has a payload capacity of 4226 lbs. When I weighed my camper wet it weight 3200 lbs. NL is a true 4 season camper but they do not have a slide. The new 8.11's have a dry bath option you can get now. I have a friend who has an Arctic Fox and he really likes it a lot but it is very heavy.
  • rvshrinker's avatar
    rvshrinker
    Explorer III
    Jul 13, 2017
    That is a good point - One of the Lance models I am looking at claims to sleep 5 but I can see no way how from the photos.

    In all cases the "sleeps 4-5" would be 1 night, two at very most - and we spend all day skiing and the evening hanging out at the ski lodge or outside in the sunshine before dark. The TC would just be a place to sleep and potty and cook up a light breakfast in the morning.

    Does Northern Lite hold up in the winter? Just for a couple days at a time, nothing prolonged.
  • HMS_Beagle's avatar
    HMS_Beagle
    Explorer
    Jul 13, 2017
    The "sleeps 4-5" pretty much leaves out everything but a huge triple slide. My opinion, anyway.
  • TCINTN's avatar
    TCINTN
    Explorer
    Jul 13, 2017
    rvshrinker wrote:
    I *think* I've decided on a 25 foot travel trailer but went to my favorite (national park) campground this weekend and found out they have an 18 foot limit on trailers. So now I'm just (one more time) ruling out a TC option.

    I have a 2017 RAM 3500 Megacab shortbed 4x4 with Cummins and AISIN. SRW. Payload listed at 3950 lb.

    I am only interested in a quality, durable, four season brand - thinking Arctic Fox or Lance - though I'm open to others if they fit the need - have to be able to camp in the mountains in the winter for a weekend for skiing.

    FIgure the wet weight of my TC shouldn't be more than around 3200 lb, maybe only 3000. That doesn't leave tons of options.

    Are there any single slide, sleep 4-5 TCs in this weight and quality range that you'd



    recommend?


    Look at the new Northern Lite 811,dry bath,. I carry the 811 on our 3500 Mega Cab. Love it.
  • Bedlam's avatar
    Bedlam
    Moderator
    Jul 13, 2017
    A Northern Lite is nice if you do not want a slide. I was happy with my Arctic Fox, but it will be heavier than you want.
  • SidecarFlip's avatar
    SidecarFlip
    Explorer III
    Jul 13, 2017
    JimK-NY wrote:
    Northstar is a quality builder that has many fairly low weight options that will easily fit on a 1 ton truck. They use cassette toilets, which I highly recommend.


    So do I. My next TC will have one.
  • JimK-NY's avatar
    JimK-NY
    Explorer II
    Jul 13, 2017
    Northstar is a quality builder that has many fairly low weight options that will easily fit on a 1 ton truck. They use cassette toilets, which I highly recommend.

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