What pop-up truck camper to buy?

I looked at new Bronco 1251s last year. The Bronco 1251 has the same floorplan as the SS1608. The Broncos have a full sized door where an upper portion was inserted after the top was raised. This presents two issues in my eyes; the rear wall is two halves rather than being solidly connected possibly affecting strength, and potential leaking problems at the door. The advantage is a full-sized door.

I felt that you were getting what you paid for; a cheap camper. All of the new Broncos I looked at had the corner of the counter peeling up. One had a leaky skylight over the shower. I couldn't stomach the cost of even the cheapest new camper with this low quality.

I bought a used Real-lite SS1608 that was a few years old instead. The SS1608 instead has the "half-door," eliminating the door-leak issues of the Broncos. Downside, obviously, is that you have to duck to get in. I've smashed my head and shoulders a good bit going in and out. I have a 3-burner vs. 2-burner stove on the Broncos, but I think that's the only differences between them.

I don't have any complaints about the quality for what I paid. The roof doesn't leak and everything works. I've made a few minor repairs -- but the repairs could have happened on any camper. I had to replace a leaky dump valve, for example.

Go with a Northstar you won't find a better value in a popup camper.
Truck Camper Warehouse in NH isn't that far from you and Bill Penny has a great selection.

I'd buy something used.
I had a Palamino pop-up TC.
I wouldn't buy another one.

Why not look for a used camper? Prices have gone up by more than 100% with campers over the past 10 years. A camper model that sold for $10k in 2000 is now selling for $24k. If someone bought a new one in 2008 for $18K that is now 5 years old they are trying to recover as big a chunk as possible from their $18k purchase price so a $12k asking price is what you are likely to find.

Many campers are barely used at all during the year and some are stored inside so you are not going to have to settle for a beat up unit that has problems and looks ragged by buying a used one.

I also recall some discussion about leaking water inside the TC from around the top fabric. I dont own one so Im not speaking from experience. I just know that this topic was discussed on the forum awhile back. Maybe you can do a search.
Good luck with your purchase.

Reply: I have a 2012 GMC 3/4 ton crew cab. All the better brands, ie. used Northstar, Hallmark, Outfitters, etc. seem to be located in either Colorado, Florida or Wyoming. Way too far to go and check them out. I don't want buy something sight unseen. I may have to go with the Palomino Real Lite after all. Hopefully I wont have to regret it

i also have been looking at the Palomino 1500. I have heard they have trouble opening the door, seems it gets stuck. I visited a RV dealer in IN and they also had trouble opening the door on the unit I was looking at. They never did get the door open so I could get in. I have also heard that the new year model has solved that problem. That being said I would rather purchase a used, any other model, than a new Palomino. Check out Craigslist or Ebay, etc. I do not know what your price range is, but be sure to check a used ,any other model, first. BTW my biggest problem with the Palomino is there in no grey water tank.

Majku wrote:
I'm looking to buy a Palomino Real Lite SS 1608 pop-up truck camper. I can't really afford the $15-20.000 extra for a similar model of a Northstar, Hallmark or Outfitter. Should I expect a lot more problems with a Real Lite compared to the other more reputable brands?

I don't know the diff between the Real Lite and the Bronco series,but for the money
I am happy with it.
It is good for exploring back country,a good basic camper.
I was happy to find that the new models have LED lites.
I have added my own micro wave,generator and porta potti.
I hope you have a 3/4 ton truck because only 2 smallest ones are lite enough for a 1/2 ton

Not a lot more problems but less attention to details and strength
What about a good used one (of any make) and benefit from someone else working out the bugs (and eating the tremendous depreciation ) ?