NorthStar hard side owners- What would you change?

Rex made a few modifications to my Adventurer for me. Mine has dual propane tanks and instead of the battery tray they mounted 2 grp31 AGM batteries under the sink near the fresh water tank. Both of which I would do again.

I would definitely get the pass through window. The main advantage is being able to heat or cool the camper from the truck while driving. If you travel in freezing or very hot weather, you will greatly appreciate the difference.

I think Northstars are well made but my 2005 Igloo had a few issues. The paneling is really poor. The surface can easily abrade and wear. I do not know if they offer any options.

We had problems with our counter top. The substrate is pressboard that is not water resistant. There was a 45 degree bevel on the joints that exposed the substrate. With very little use, the water dampened the substrate and caused serious damage. Ask about getting a marine plywood countertop.

Next, I would look at the storage area under the sink. There is a fair amount of space but poorly laid out and hard to use. Using this for storage is risky because of exposed wiring, plumbing lines and pump and the need to keep open the electronic ventilation and fan. Lines from the bottom of the water tank and the drain cock are also unprotected.

Also think about the TV. We have never tried to use ours and rarely camp where there is a signal. Without the TV, there would be space for additional clothing storage.

Don't forget to lock the Dometic side windows, did that, lost the window, made a big noise, couldn't find it, didn't hurt the frame, repair kit from Lance (1040 model) was a couple hundred bucks.

I would really like Rex to offer real wood interior, instead of the photo wood as an option. Bamboo, Maple and/or Cherry wood.

I'm scared of heights, so to me the ladder is useless too. The nice thing about the pass thru window, is I can see out the back of the camper. It wouldn't need to open, though. Actually they could cut down on weight if everything wasn't heavy wood--doors and such, especially in the cab-over. The mattress is super soft. PM me if you want my most inmportant suggestion!!

I have a clear window in the lower door, makes it nice to see those truck grills when they tailgate me. I went back to the factory and had them put in a bigger window up higher. Trouble is, the screen door is on the inside, so no room for any type of blind. I'd also like to have a battery cut-off switch, near the back door. I have to get down on my knees and pull a fuse down by the water tank when I leave the camper for a week or more. Don't care for the expensive skylight, and the bedroom windows are very small. In bug country, you have to open the screen to close the window, lets all the bugs in that have gathered outside by your light. Can't beat the convenience of the cassette toilet. The microwave is mounted behind the rear axle, should be above the sink which would be less weight at the far back end of the camper. I'd like a detachable power cord.The back rest sticks out an inch or so too far into the camper. They tried to make it so 4 could sit around the dinette. Not necessary in my case Most of my wishes appear to be standard on Lance campers.

gerrym51....care to elaborate a little more?

gerrym51 wrote:
i would look at modifying a Northstar Igloo.

I agree with Bubtoofat and would not get the pass through window next time.

We had them put in a "Euro" sink" -single, round, glass top and tip up.down faucet. My wife likes it, I would rather a double for wash and rinse operations.

I find the ladder on the back useless as it climbs right up the the bath plastic vent. If I have to go on the roof I'll go through the big Heki vent over the bed.

Tall as I am I would like a bubble top on the bath so that with the raised floor out and the bubble in place I could have about 7 feet as I am 6"8".

Love the Northstar 6'8" ceiling height.

I too would change out the back door window with its bathroom type glass to a clear one and a shade. If someone bangs on the door in the night I would like to be able to shine a light in their face and identify them ( or let them show me their badge before I open the door. )

The LED lights are great. We don't need as many as they provided but no complaints really.

I added middle shelves to the two closet like cabinets to gain the kind of storage we prefer. we don't really hang anything up.

We swapped out the dinette table that fits as the middle bed section for a shorter table as we don't use the bed there and wanted the room in the middle of the camper. With no slide outs it is hard for us to pass by each other but I wouldn't trade it for the space of a slideout with the extra weight and more potential problems. I like to be able to get in and out of the camper at any time on the road, use the bath, grab a soda from the fridge etc.

I think I would pass on getting the TV antenna next time. It rarely picks anything up in our travels and if we are near a town we can usually find a campground with cable. Besides, we broke the antenna off on a low overhang.

I just put the camper on the truck today and I am so looking forward to season 2 in our Northstar. We spent 90 days in it in season 1.

Not to mention the price to replace one .

price of Heki vent

Ha, free shipping ?

http://www.rvworldstore.co.nz/heki-2-roof-vent

woodhog wrote:
I don't like that bathroom type window that is in the door.

You cannot see out of it and you have to add black out material for night..
Maybe it is there to let some light in during the daytime hours..

Get them to put an inspection/deck hatch in your water tank, you would not believe how slimy and dirty the tank gets in a short period of time until you look inside with a flashlight. It is also good for dumping in water if you are boondocking.


I would not order the Heiki Hatch unless they are greatly improved in quality now.

We like the cassette toilet, no dump stations...

I would not change the service from the manufacturer.
They usually get back to you within a few hours on anything you call about. It is really quite amazing.

X2 especially the Heiki Hatch. Very flimsy. Would not have another. Otherwise no complaints.