Peak Truck Camper

I have a '04 Lance 820 that fits what you describe. You should be able to find one similar for the price you mention (under 10K).

Maybe a request for advice would be in order.

I'm looking for a no-frills type TC, with a wet bath, N/S queen bed (I'm 6'4") that's short enough for me to tow a boat or flatbed behind without much of an extension if any. Solidly built and long lasting is much more important to me than a 4 burner stove, dry bath, or microwave. No slides - don't wan't anything with a big hole in the side of the structure and a bunch of weight torquing on said hole. Under $10K, closer to $5K would be preferred.

If you were looking today, what brands and models would you look for and why?

Don't rule out all wood framed TC's. What I mean is although my 40year old TC had rot... It was just that. 40 years old. And even with that, the rot was confined to 3 areas. Fridge vent, roof vent and sewer vent. Should those vents been maintained, there may have not been any rot at all. Now mind you, my TC had a FULL fiberglass roof and front cab over. In the newer campers, sometimes the rot is just throughout like the Black Plague. Think workmanship rather than materials. Sometimes older technology trumps newer. Just my 2 cents.

Interesting feedback. I've never heard of Peak before either. Externally, the TC looks IDENTICAL to the later Kodiak units - carbon copy right down to the location and shape of the panels and storage cabinets.

Anyone out there have any direct experince with Peak/ Kodiak?

I've heard of people that have had a great experience with their Fleetwood units, but let's face it - people are selling these things for a reason, and often the reason is that they don't want to deal with problems that aren't worth fixing. 2 of 2 that I could find and look at had structural problems, and it's easier just to cross them off the list than to roll the dice.

Side note - looked at an old Avion TC today - needed a full restoration, but even after all these years, it was still solid and almost everything worked flawlessly. Plus, it just looked so cool - art deco jet age styling at it's best. They sure don't build them like they used to. If I was interested in a project, I would have snapped it up in a heartbeat.

I've never heard of Peak.
My Fleetwood (I've heard the stories too but mine has been really good.) says "aluminum frame" right on the outside. Well, the roof trusses are wood, the area around the door is wood. The framing around the front window is wood.
I was in a campground one day when a guy stopped by to admire my camper. He said he used to work for Fleetwood. I asked him about the framing. He told me roughly where the aluminum was and wasn't. Basically, the vertical walls that were full height were wood. Anything curved, or shorter than full height was wood.

Peak manufacturing in North Battlefield Sk Canada built the Kodiak truck camper.I don't know if they are still in business. They also built 5ers tt, and motor homes. web site www.peak-mfg.com

Thanks for the advice. I'm with you - I prefer aluminum, but I wouldn't rule out an incredible deal on a wood framed unit. The aluminum and fiberglass units seem to hold their value better, which is a good indicator to me of quality and durability.

I know aluminum and fiberglass isn't a guarantee, but if water ever does make it's way in, at least the structure doesn't weaken like it does with wood. Cosmetic repairs I can handle - structural, not so much. And they all leak eventually. So I know a throrough inspection will be in order no matter what brand I choose.

Anyone have any direct experience with Peak/ Kodiak or similar?

I've heard horror stories about the Fleetwood units, and sure enough, the two I looked at had major sag issues - one Elkhorn and one Caribou. Avoiding them like the plague.

I don't think aluminum is a guarantee. I don't know anything about the Peak brand, but there are stories for other brands of badly welded frames with broken welds. If the aren't weld correctly they break on flexing of the bed/camper.

For any brand, you need to fully inspect for leaks. Even fiberglass models like Bigfoot and Northern Lite can have leaks and they are just as much of a issue with those brands to fix. For campers, the biggest problem compared to a boat is that there are a lot more holes to potentially leak. For instance, you don't usually drill holes in the bottom of the boat except for through hulls, but there are lots of holes in the top of campers for lights, vents, etc. that are potential spots for leaks.

I prefer aluminum frames, btw. But, all types can be good.