Truck Camper - Newbie Needs Advice
Hello all-- Long time camper in pull trailers, 5th wheel, Class C and Class A. I did own a small overhead camper 30 years ago when I traveled Baja twice to Cabo and back. Used for those two trips...
Forum Discussion
First, I think you’re on track with what you want to do and what camper is best.
I’ve had many hard side TCs and the pop ups always appealed to me for their smaller size etc.
I recently bought a Northstar 850 SC for a trip to the Midwest and back and unfortunately had a lot of bad weather with wind, snow and ice. Most nights for just sleeping at a rest stop I didn’t even raise the roof for fear of having the canvas covered in ice in the morning. I was able to sleep in the dinette with the top down but it was tight.
I was also disappointed in my mileage. Even though it is 1-2’ lower than a hard side, I maybe got 1-2 mpg better in my 04 Dodge Cummins.
If you’re going off-road a lot and the size matters, a pop up may be better.
As far as Northstar, it was a quality camper and built well with many nice features.
I ended up going back to a small hard side, Lance 815 but will probably upgrade later to an 850 or similar.
Unfortunately, as you have probably seen it’s a sellers market and trying to find any decent RV is hard.
I think things will improve soon as Covid will seem to fade away now that Biden will fix everything. LOL
For your truck I would look at the Lance 855 or 855s (slideout) you will probably be over GVW but with a 2x4 gas F350 I wouldn’t worry. I’m probably right at max on my 3500 with a Lance 815.
I’ve seen a few 855 in So Cal recently but they come and go.
Unless you really need the room when you’re set up, I like the non slide for traveling and simplicity. You can also get a built in generator in either.
Happy shopping.
I’ve had many hard side TCs and the pop ups always appealed to me for their smaller size etc.
I recently bought a Northstar 850 SC for a trip to the Midwest and back and unfortunately had a lot of bad weather with wind, snow and ice. Most nights for just sleeping at a rest stop I didn’t even raise the roof for fear of having the canvas covered in ice in the morning. I was able to sleep in the dinette with the top down but it was tight.
I was also disappointed in my mileage. Even though it is 1-2’ lower than a hard side, I maybe got 1-2 mpg better in my 04 Dodge Cummins.
If you’re going off-road a lot and the size matters, a pop up may be better.
As far as Northstar, it was a quality camper and built well with many nice features.
I ended up going back to a small hard side, Lance 815 but will probably upgrade later to an 850 or similar.
Unfortunately, as you have probably seen it’s a sellers market and trying to find any decent RV is hard.
I think things will improve soon as Covid will seem to fade away now that Biden will fix everything. LOL
For your truck I would look at the Lance 855 or 855s (slideout) you will probably be over GVW but with a 2x4 gas F350 I wouldn’t worry. I’m probably right at max on my 3500 with a Lance 815.
I’ve seen a few 855 in So Cal recently but they come and go.
Unless you really need the room when you’re set up, I like the non slide for traveling and simplicity. You can also get a built in generator in either.
Happy shopping.
