Soft vs. hard side TC

loggenrock wrote:
As one who HAD a soft-side Northstar, here's something to consider - at least in the rainy Northeast... I could put it up alone with no issue, but taking it down was sometimes a challenge! It worked much better for us with 2 people, as 1 would lower the top, the second person would be outside, tucking the fabric portion "in", so it didn't get pinched between the hard lower side and the rigid roof. Maybe the current versions have changed so this is no longer an issue. Always thought some system of bungie-type cords to pull the sides in would be helpful as the top was lowered. When I had to do this alone (on ours we had a crank inside to raise/lower the top), I'd hang a loaded backpack on the crank to keep it from "free-wheeling" down while I ducked outside to tuck in the fabric. No fun when it was raining, and you needed long arms to get the portion over the cab. To be fair, this was 10 years ago, so maybe the design has been improved. Would be curious to hear what current owners say! And yes, in ours you could sleep on the dinette with the top down, still access the fridge and cabinets, and run the heater. It was tight, but doable. Just couldn't access the under-bed storage - so you had to plan ahead for what you may need and keep it out. ST

In both of my pop ups, a previous 88 Northstar and my present 07 Sun Lite I had Fantastic Fans installed. Close up the camper and turn the fan on to high exhaust. Slowly crank the top down and the canvas gets sucked in neat as you please, wet or dry.

I like my pop up for the lower clearance in the woods but it is no light weight!! Loaded for bear I am right up to the max GVWR of my F 250 and it has a 3000# payload. But like said, heavier usually equals quality and the Sun Lite has been holding up very well. I shook the NS to pieces in just 2 years. But to be fair it was a much older camper.

I have also owned 3 different hardsides. The pros and cons are too many to list but I will give you my top ones.

Pop up:

Pros

Lots of light and fresh air with top up and windows open.
Lower total height.
Not all but most can be used with top down.

Cons

Outside noise, like sleeping in a tent.
Uncomfortable in cold weather unless some type of Arctic Kit can be used. Canvas sweats in really cold weather. Had to use a small tarp on my bed on a snowmobiling trip to keep it dry. 25 below 0 tho.
A couple nights in Death Valley the wind got so bad I felt I had to lower the top to protect the canvas from ripping out.

Right now if I were to start over with a new camper I would try to find a nice used Lance, the smaller ones like CTraveler and Jefe 4x4 use. I don't think they are made anymore but these two have proved to be very capable of severe off road and still have a hardside.

JMHO