I bought a Northstar 850SC TC last fall and I was very happy with it. It drives beautifully and it's very comfortable. When I bought it I told the dealer that I wanted to add an AC, rear ladder and removable skirts to it the following year. Now I find out that I have the high lift version of roof system, not the standard one, and that you shouldn't add an AC on top of in (Small Polar Cub 8500-9000). The first few cranks would become quite hard and I'm not a strong person. I'm working with the dealer on a trade. Should I get a Northstar 650SC or the small hardside Liberty? I expect I'll have to pay some difference in either case. The popup is great to drive, but is a bit low on storage. Also would be nice to be able to use the washroom, while travelling. ( without having to first crank open the roof and then close it again afterwards) Once you get older, it may be getting too hard to get in/out through that low door? With a popup I don't have to worry as much about unexpected low bridges or other obstacles. Taller TC, more worries, but it's ready to use the minute you park your vehicle. Other pros, cons on either option? I don't do any off roads or back woods camping.

I am partial to the hardside TC with no basement. I have never had an issue with unexpected low bridges or other obstacles. Like anything else, you just pay attention with where you are at.Wayne

It sounds like a small hardside is in your future. The good part is it's always set up. Just pull down the steps and camp. If you do no adventure XTC-ing (code for extreme truck camping) size is not a problem.We do a lot of off-roading in a 7 foot wide hardside XTC and have only dragged tree branches (and some Joshua trees) along the sides top actually scraping off side lights, vent covers, refrigerator top vent and half of the top storage rack, and added some desert pinstiping . Oh, and one puncture recently which I patched with some waterproof duc tape. Other than that, no harm no foul. It just looks like a dogs dinner.If you do get a small hardside, consider getting the 4-season insulation package with dual pane windows. This will increase the comfort level thru hot and cold.jefe

If you call them "worries" you probably shouldn't buy that particular camper. Camping should be worry-free. When you're constantly worried about plowing into a sudden low bridge around every blind corner, it's no longer fun and relaxing.There are a couple ways to address that:1. Get the popup.2. Drive like you know what you're doing, quit worrying about it, and be confident that you can deal with the situation should it arise.

Are there a lot of really low bridges and other obstacles in the Ontario area that are lower than a standard hardside? For someone who doesn't do off roads or back country camping I don't see the main advantage of going with a pop-up.I've had both pop-up and now a hardside. I see two main reasons for getting a pop-up: A)you boondock / offroad with your camper in more extreme conditions B) you have a 1/2 ton truck and your pop-up is really light.

Have you talked to Northstar about this 'high lift' roof system that won't support a roof AC? I don't see any such option on their web site, and a roof AC certainly is an option.In any case, a roof AC will make the roof heavier -- again, I would talk to Northstar about how much harder it will be to crank the roof. Unfortunately, I don't see an electric lift option on their site.

Pop-up or 7ft wide hard side TC with no basement?

29 Replies

whizbang
Explorer II
May 23, 2014
That new 650 has zero interior room. It's perfect for folks that spend all day outdoors and just use the camper to cook, sleep, or use the toilet.

I would try MKish's suggestion and crank the roof with some extra weight on top. It just might work fine.
woodhog
Explorer
May 22, 2014
No pop toilet

According to this article Northstar's 650SC has been changed to allow use of the toilet with the top down if that is of use to you...

They probably could make an 850SC the same way, they just increased the height of the wall a few inches...
WVbassmistress
Explorer
May 22, 2014
I don't have any personal experience with them, but have really checked them out 'cause I would love to have one...Don't the Northstar pop ups usually have the "window" type AC on the back wall? And I believe there is a new 650SC that has a bath in it.
The Liberty is #1 on my wish list right now.
MKish
Explorer II
May 22, 2014
But the 650 doesn't HAVE a washroom! It's not really in the same category as something with a bathroom.

Why not do a test? See what an AC weighs (I have no idea), put that much weight on the roof, and crank it. We have an 800, so 6" less roof, and only noticed a slight difficulty increase with 50 lbs on the roof. My 5-year old could still do it.

Also I wouldn't have anything to do with a dealer that misled you like this one. But I tend to hold grudges. :)

DO contact Northstar if you think you might want to work with the 850 you have. They really are helpful and will let you know about your options.

If you do get a new one, seeing as you want more storage, an adult-sized door, and better on-the-road access to the washroom, go for the Liberty (or the Laredo which is pretty much the 850 hardside).
cewillis
Explorer
May 22, 2014
Have you talked to Northstar about this 'high lift' roof system that won't support a roof AC? I don't see any such option on their web site, and a roof AC certainly is an option.
In any case, a roof AC will make the roof heavier -- again, I would talk to Northstar about how much harder it will be to crank the roof. Unfortunately, I don't see an electric lift option on their site.
dadwolf2
Explorer
May 22, 2014
Are there a lot of really low bridges and other obstacles in the Ontario area that are lower than a standard hardside? For someone who doesn't do off roads or back country camping I don't see the main advantage of going with a pop-up.

I've had both pop-up and now a hardside. I see two main reasons for getting a pop-up: A)you boondock / offroad with your camper in more extreme conditions B) you have a 1/2 ton truck and your pop-up is really light.
mkirsch
Nomad II
May 21, 2014
If you call them "worries" you probably shouldn't buy that particular camper. Camping should be worry-free. When you're constantly worried about plowing into a sudden low bridge around every blind corner, it's no longer fun and relaxing.

There are a couple ways to address that:
1. Get the popup.
2. Drive like you know what you're doing, quit worrying about it, and be confident that you can deal with the situation should it arise.
jefe_4x4
Explorer
May 21, 2014
It sounds like a small hardside is in your future.
The good part is it's always set up. Just pull down the steps and camp. If you do no adventure XTC-ing (code for extreme truck camping) size is not a problem.
We do a lot of off-roading in a 7 foot wide hardside XTC and have only dragged tree branches (and some Joshua trees) along the sides top actually scraping off side lights, vent covers, refrigerator top vent and half of the top storage rack, and added some desert pinstiping . Oh, and one puncture recently which I patched with some waterproof duc tape. Other than that, no harm no foul. It just looks like a dogs dinner.
If you do get a small hardside, consider getting the 4-season insulation package with dual pane windows. This will increase the comfort level thru hot and cold.
jefe
Reddog1
Explorer II
May 21, 2014
I am partial to the hardside TC with no basement. I have never had an issue with unexpected low bridges or other obstacles. Like anything else, you just pay attention with where you are at.

Wayne

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Pop-up or 7ft wide hard side TC with no basement?

29 Replies

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