campbug wrote:
... snipped ... wanting to get a truck camper with a slide and bathroom ... not looking to buy New Just Good to Excellent
I notice the original poster (OP) has not been engaged in the thread since their first post. However, for the benefit of others asking a similar question here's what I would do if starting fresh again and looking for a good used truck camper (TC).
First, determine the floor plan you really desire. This is probably the single most important factor in whether you enjoy your camper (TC) or not. For us it's always function over form. You can do this by accessing the various manufacturers websites and look at the new floor plan layouts. Most used units will have derivatives of these plans. How & where you will use your TC is also important in this step i.e. back woods vs. state/provincial parks vs. RV campgrounds.
Secondly, decide on your options list separating the items into "must haves" i.e. your slide and bathroom items versus nice to have i.e. outside shower
Third, start accessing the various places where you might find good-to-excellent units i.e. dealers, Craiglist, autotrader, rvtrader etc. Talk to as many people as you can about their likes, dislikes, experiences with a TC etc.
Fourth, establish your budget. You can use the info from websites that offer units for sale and get data from places like NADA etc. After looking at enough units, you'll get a pretty good sense as to the going rate & range for year, make, options and condition.
Fifth, once you have your "must have list" for the unit you desire, keep looking and be patient. There are units constantly coming up for sale and if you miss one, there will be another one coming along at some point ... you may have to wait a while but it will come along. (i.e. it took me 1.5 years to buy my 2001 diesel F250 ... with 45,000 mi. in excellent condition within my budget).
Six, if this is your first RV, take an experienced and "handy" RV person along with you when going to inspect it. Take your time, go over it with a fine-tooth comb. Look at the roof, underneath, inside every nook and cranny. Ask to have every system demonstrated. Take notes and pictures of everything ... good and bad. Ask for service records. Buying used (from anybody ... dealer and private alike) is always higher risk than buying new.
If buying used from a dealer, negotiate a 90 warranty for all major systems (water & plumbing, everything electric including HappiJacks, gas systems and on all appliances). Also have them put in writing that any functional deficiencies regarding mechanical operations, trim fitments or water leaks will also be covered by the 90 warranty. Then go camping at least a couple of times to ensure everything works because once the 90 day warranty period is up ... you are on your own.
Lastly, after you have purchased your new-to-you TC, look closely at the center of gravity, dry and wet weights, dimensions, the type of camping you will be doing i.e. back woods vs. other etc., define the specs and then go looking for a truck that will handle the TC safely, legally and efficiently. Too many of us buy our trucks first and then are either limited in our choice of TC's or end up doing significant mods to our trucks in order to equip them to safely and efficiently (but not usually legally) handle our TC's.
Good luck, it's a bit of a process but worth spending the time and effort because you don't want to make a major mistake with such a large and important purchase. Good Luck ~ Bugjr ~
2007 Adventurer 90fws Truck Camper
2001 FORD F250 SuperCab; 8' box; 4x4, 7.3l diesel, rear Sumo Springs
