Northern Lite - the good the bad and the ugly.

So you had a Lance?

I've got one. A 2011 model. I've owned several different types of rvs but only two different types of truck campers. A Lance and now my Northern Lite.
Appliances are a wash, they all seem to use similar appliances so there is nothing to discuss there.
So now all that's left is how its built. I know all about the maintenance required with corner moulding and rubber roofs and things like that. The Northern Lite has none of that so that's a really good thing. Less maintenance. Everybody wants that right? But lets be real here. Sure the fiberglass shell they build it pretty much water proof, right up until you cut a bunch of holes into it. Of course the holes are needed for things like windows, vents, appliances, etc, etc, etc.
Not so waterproof anymore. On mine, three out of five windows leaked. And let me tell you, the Northern Lites hide the leaks well. It can leak in one corner and the water can travel a crazy distance to where you notice it. It takes some serious investigation to really find the leaks.
I took all my windows out early this year and resealed them. No more leaking there. I know others that have had other leaks as well. So are they perfect? Of course not. No RV is. But I think they are a very good way of building a nice camper.
Would I buy another, absolutely.

To be honest, if you want a camper that will last 20 years you have two options. Buy something from about 1996 - 2005ish, do a little maintenance and then take care of it. Or, buy a new camper of any brand, remove all the windows and reseal, remove all the corner trim and reseal, remove any roof penetration and reseal, then keep up with the maintenance. They have just started making them with so many corners cut to reduce cost including quality of labor that nothing is well sealed today as you have already partly found out.

That said, if I wanted to buy new, go with a Bigfoot or Northernlite. However, I will continue to buy used with care even though I can afford new and replace each 10+ years as needed. I paid $5k for a used unit 8 years ago and it'll give me at least another 3 until I want to go a bit larger for full timing. And when I sell it, I'll probably get $5k for it with only a few hundred invested in minor repairs.

"(Very large name brand in the TC world, purchased new 2015)"

I wouldn't say the name either. Keep it a secret! Let us guess. Since they are VERY large! Yes, I have lots of advice but will keep it secret.

What about Bigfoot? I would also take a look at Cirrus and if a inside shower isn't a necessity Alaskan makes a very dependable TC.

If you really want it to last, store it inside when not in use. its really simple but it helps a LOT.

I don't think anyone can guarantee the quality of all units of any brand of RV. Most have some warts that will need to be corrected.

With respect to Northern Lite, they are simpler than many other brands. In general less moving parts means less to go wrong. That's the same for non-slide Bigfoots as well. If that works for you, great. I don't count it as better engineering. I count as units with reduced functionality.

Not better or worse, just different.

zb39 wrote:
If you really want it to last, store it inside when not in use. its really simple but it helps a LOT.

I agree with this 100%. I am fortunate to have room for an RV roof beside my house. It's not inside but it's covered. Best move I've made in a long time.

We have a new NL we got last fall (see my signature for details). Build quality is amazing. We bought our 2004 Bigfoot for the quality and it is still running like new. Given the build quality on the NL, I expect the same - and that's why I got it. Everything has been flawless.

We've made one change and plan one more change!

First, we replaced the TV with a 32" and replaced the mounting bracket too so that the TV swung out where we can watch from the table area. We turn the table into the bed and my wife made two wedge pillows (very solid) so we can sit like on a couch. I then open the stove and put our snacks/drinks on a non-skid pad so I can reach them from our homemade "couch." Works great. :)

Second, we're going to replace (i.e. upgrade) the thermostat. The original is an analog slider and it doesn't manage the heat very well. I think I priced the digital replacement at just over $100. Should be an easy fix.

And, forgot - the magnet on the bathroom cabinet won't hold back anything! You have to add extra magnets to keep that cabinet door closed when traveling.

Of course, we got the high-end unit, so have the solar (love it) and lots of things we take for granted. We're probably going to add the generator, but haven't done so yet. Ours is all wired, but it still be a $5000 upgrade (I'm told).

Finally, buy at an RV show. NL dealers don't make enough margin to give a discount. At the RV shows, NL factory steps in and gives a HUGE rebate. We got our $46K unit for $39-40K just for buying at the RV show. HUGE!

Good luck. let us us know what you get!

Bill

Had an older NL and if I was still into truck campers I would have it or a newer one.

Quality is amazing (yes you will hear of some issues) but overall REALLY good.

As mentioned before keep up the maintenance and you should have a unit for many years!!