DiverDan80 wrote:
First off, I wanted to thank everyone for responding to my first/last post! Now a new question for all you TC gurus!
A little background: I have a 2001 Ford F250 SD 7.3 XLT 4x4 long bed (non-dually) with heavy duty overload springs and am in the process of upgrading my tires for firmer side walls, adding full Stable Load kit, adding Rear Sway bar & replacing front stock sway bar both with Hellwig's Bigwigs, and getting Sumo Springs. My aim is to get get a 'light' camper (preferably with toilet & shower) no more than 2,000 LBS dry, 3,000 loaded. That will enable me to be semi-adventures (i.e, not a pavement king) and tow my zodiac dive boat.
Hard-side VS Pop-Up TC's Pros and Cons (?)
First, I am getting this debate has all the emotions and passions of 'Chevy VS Ford' or "R VS D', but please limit this forum for those with first-hand experience hauling/using BOTH. Hard-siders make comments like, "It's a tent in the back of your truck" (Ummm I don't have a heater, refer, stove/oven, AND bathroom in my tent!) and pop-up'ers say, "Why would ANYONE NOT own a pop-up??". My observations (as I try to decide between the two types) are:
Hard-Sides
-Warmer/cooler
-Heavier (generally)
-More 'top heavy', more sway issues, roll issues, etc.
-Less versatile
-Cheaper used than pop-ups
Pop-Ups
-Better Gas mileage
-Lighter
-Get colder/hotter quicker
-Can be obtained with all the 'comforts' of a hard-side
-Are harder to find and are more expensive used than hard-sides
Thanks!
I have a 2002 Lance 815, bought it new and still have it. When you refer to "light" I guessing you mean weight. The manufacture uses "light" in options up can get as in my Lance 815 just about everything was a option. As far as having a wet bath in a pop-up your going to be almost as heavy as a Lance 815 or a Lance 165s. I bought a hardside because I didn't want to have to raise and low the roof section especially during bad weather. I don't known if your looking for new or used, Lance 815 can only be found used. If you a tall person this camper could be a problem since it has a low profile for a hardside. I'm 5'6" tall and the ceiling is only about 4" higher. The bottom line is what YOU want.
Death Valley NP, Ca.
Mojave Road Trail,Ca.
