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ruthiebaby88's avatar
ruthiebaby88
Explorer
Nov 21, 2014

Life expectancy of pickup campers...

How long do you expect a unit to last before it's more trouble than it's worth?

Is it better to get a newer/cheaper model or an older higher quality brand?

What do you expect to pay for yearly maintenance on your pickup camper?

34 Replies

  • 2BLAZERS wrote:
    keep it covered at home, do the maintance and they'll last almost forever. Just fix the little things as they break.

    I'm telling friends when they mention getting a campers/trailers/rvs. You can't afford an RV until you can afford the carport/shop/or covered storage for it.

    Just to many toy haulers, campers, RVs made worthless by one little leak that was not caught....


    X2!!!!!! But I would still have one even if I wasn't lucky enough to keep them covered. My 98 Lance in my signature was almost like new when I bought it two years ago because it spent almost all of its life in a shed.
  • I understand that good used campers command a pretty high price in Idaho. I have owned 2 TCs that were older when I bought them and both were Lances. The first one was an 86 model 300 that was not visually appealing as it had seen a few low hanging branches and house eaves, but it did not leak. The newer one and my present camper is a 20 yr old Lance 480 which is similar to the recent 915 model. Slightly used, one minor leak ( roof has since been sealed by my self ) and complete functionality from the appliances for 4900 dollars bought in Colorado after Labor Day. The reason I say that is that it would be worth your while to expand your area of search and get the off season bargain that is waiting for you. Camped recently in 20 deg. F weather. Heater had to run but kept the camper warm. I can see some window covers in my future.
    To sum it up: buying older and a quality brand might be the best for you. An older Bigfoot, Lance or maybe an Alpenlite could be the ticket. Those are the brands I looked for and am really pleased with my purchase.
    Good Luck. DT
  • keep it covered at home, do the maintance and they'll last almost forever. Just fix the little things as they break.

    I'm telling friends when they mention getting a campers/trailers/rvs. You can't afford an RV until you can afford the carport/shop/or covered storage for it.

    Just to many toy haulers, campers, RVs made worthless by one little leak that was not caught....
  • If you keep the moisture out then their life span is indefinite.