Forum Discussion

username_taken's avatar
Feb 17, 2014

Riverside White Water Campers

I've been looking for a camper for a while now.

While the new AF and Lance units are nice, they sure as hell aren't $30k nice IMHO. They're also heavy as hell, and while my diesel dually can carry pretty much anything, I think like a backpacker and travel light. All we really need are a bed, a bathroom, a couple of burners, and a fridge. AC is a bonus out here in the NV desert, and I can mount a small gas genset to the truck or the trailer we pull for the toys.

Used units seem to be scarce, and people are incredibly proud of units they haven't taken care of. Not paying $10k for a 15 year old camper that only sold for $15k new. The condition of the units also speaks volumes about the build quality - even the brands that are selling for $30k today the campers look to be ready for the scrap heap after 15-20 years.

So I've found a "value" option - Riverside White Water campers. Brand new, the 865 looks to be around $12-13k with everything I need. Nice and light, which gets me better mileage through the mountains and leaves me more room to tow bigger and heavier toys. Plus for $12-13k, I'm not expecting perfection like I would if I dropped $30k.

Has anybody heard of these? Any links or dealers out there? Information from a google search is surprisingly sparse.

17 Replies

  • Very basic camper, almost retro looking. 13K for a bare bones model with no history and looks like no dealer support,you might be better off buying something a couple of years old from a manufacturer that has a track record and a dealer network. Lots of campers out there in the 8 > 13 range from dealers that are near you in the USA.
  • username taken wrote:
    Old-Biscuit wrote:
    They don't even mention TCs on their website.........LINK


    NADA shows 3 models (800, 850, 865) but only for 2011, 2012, 2014

    This is only place I could find with floorplans/info on current models....LINK


    Thnaks for the leads. I've sent an e-mail requesting information to the mfg.

    I'll let you know what I find out - I can't be the only one out there that has interest in an opening price point no frills camper.


    Amish built. Looks like a good fit for a lightweight simple TC.
  • Old-Biscuit wrote:
    They don't even mention TCs on their website.........LINK


    NADA shows 3 models (800, 850, 865) but only for 2011, 2012, 2014

    This is only place I could find with floorplans/info on current models....LINK


    Thnaks for the leads. I've sent an e-mail requesting information to the mfg.

    I'll let you know what I find out - I can't be the only one out there that has interest in an opening price point no frills camper.
  • Sorry if that's how I came across - not what I meant to convey at all. If your camper is perfect for you, that's awesome. I'm just looking for some advice to help me find the camper that's right for me.

    I'll be the first one to admit that I've gotten very frustrated after 8 months of looking for a TC, and I'm sure my frustration is coming across - especially since I just came from a local RV dealer who was clearly more interested in making a sale than helping me find the right camper. Water leaks, rot, sagging jacks, and delamination are the norm - even after just a couple of years - and it certainly doesn't inspire confidence.

    For my needs and budget, the new units I've looked at are bigger, heavier, and more expensive than what I'm looking for. It seems like the simple, lightweight, value side of the market is underserved - but I'm sure that's a function of market demand.

    Here to learn as well. Robert
  • They don't even mention TCs on their website.........LINK


    NADA shows 3 models (800, 850, 865) but only for 2011, 2012, 2014

    This is only place I could find with floorplans/info on current models....LINK
  • Dang!

    A whole lot of attitude there, UT!

    Chill!

    Some of us are kinda fond of our overpriced, overweight pieces of******which only a durn fool would buy.

    You sure you need advice?

    Sounds to me like you are here to teach us up!

    Always eager to learn Joe