I know all about a hard side and negotiating 2 tracks in Michigan and elsewhere. One, too high, two top heavy and three just too much weight. Why I bought a Palomino SS1500. After 2 seasons I have some scratches on the outside (from those bushes and tree limbs that line seasonal roads) but, unlike my HS Lance, it never feels 'tipppy' on my 1 ton Ford 4x4 diesel and I'm not apprehensive about taking it down an unimproved toad. The wife and I use ours for summer camping and I use it with my hunting partner for early season turkey and duck hunting.
The places I go to to hunt and camp, a HS won't work, just too tall.
I don't use it for winter deer however. The Super 8 works better for that.
Finally, while I have plenty of truck to haul about any camper, I'm very aware of how easily it is to handle on the road, not affected by cross winds at all. In fact, I don't even know it's in the bed, unless I look in the mirrors.
We started our with a HS Lance and 'degraded' to a soft side pop up and candidly, I'm happy with the choice.
Had my Palomino for 2 years now (2 camping seasons and 1 hunting/fishing season) and I have to say I have had no issues at all. Nothing has broken, nothing has failed, everything is still tight and everything works as it should. I (and my wife) are tickled with it.
I should add that I'm usually pulling a trailer with either the quads or my hunting partner's Aluma Craft fishing boat. Nice to be able to stay at the state campground on the Muskegon River, put the boat in, fish all day and grill out catch on a nice wood fire and sleep comfortable in the camper, all without going anywhere.
Works real well for the wife and I and my other 'hobby' too.
