Finding the right TC

[Shiltsy]

I'm in the market for a lightweight hard sided truck camper. I'd like to stay around 1700-1900 lb dry and a wet bath is a requirement... So far, the Lance 825 seems like a great option. The Palamino Maverick might work, but construction seemed a little cheap on the one that I walked through. Sun Valley (out of business) also has a couple in this weight range with a shower, but they are hard to find.

It's really tough finding new or used inventory that meet my requirements. Outside of eBay and RVTrader, are there other places I should be looking? Any manufacturers that I'm missing?

Thanks for the feedback! Great to have our camping season starting after a long winter.

[shiltsy1]

Negotiated down to $13k for Camper, generator, tie down system, air bags, Thule rack and box. That's a good 2k in add ins, so I feel like this was a very fair price. Pumped to get back in the game after selling our last rv!!!

[jefe_4x4]

Jeanie and I toured Mark's (JPnAZ) new Lance 865 at OX, as it was the heir apparent to my old Lance 165-s and I can report I was very impressed and happy to see Lance has continued to upgrade their short and narrow 8'6" platform. Amazing what 15 years newer will get you. His is slightly heavier due to his air conditioner. My old 165-s with no AC weighs 1845 pounds, wet (18 gal. fresh/3 gal. hot/ full tank of propane).
Only a few mfgrs. offer this lower height ( 6'4" ceiling), 86" wide, xtra cab/N/S queen platform. Since we own one, of course, we think it's good enough.
You have not disclosed what truck you are thinking about using with this elusive camper. we don't need a brand, only a class or size. Mark's and mine are for a 6-1/2' short bed.
I'll have to agree that smaller hard sides are, it seems, difficult to obtain. The 10 to 11-1/2 footers are easy to find. Some have had good luck at CrankyApe.com
It's good that you are doing due diligence. This is a big decision.
regards, as always, jefe

[tktplz]

I would look at Wolf Creek or Travel Lite. I have had a Travel Lite for 3 years now and really love it. Only thing, I cooked the first battery I had and it cooked the charging system in the converter for it. The converter was under warranty so new 1 was shipped to my house. Now I use a Battery Tender for my AGM battery and use the converter when I go camping. Not plugged in all the time to charge the battery. I just have a Tacoma so I was limited on choices but at around 1700 Lbs. you have quite a few choices.

[Shiltsy]

Yeah, saw that one for $16,500 in TX, but not sure I want to drive to the Mexican border... could have it shipped up I suppose.

[billtex]

Brand new for $16k Lance Close Outs

[Shiltsy]

That's a used 2010. I am amazed at the price they're getting for these Lance 825 campers. Seem to be around $20k new and not many that are a few years old. Based on my research, I'm not finding much lightly used around the $10k mark.

[billtex]

Shiltsy wrote:
Thanks for all the great feedback! Searchtempest is a great site. I actually found a Lance 825 in CO Springs for $14k, which is a pretty good deal. Colorado road trip is a nice bonus!

At that price...I hope it's brand new?!

[Shiltsy]

Thanks for all the great feedback! Searchtempest is a great site. I actually found a Lance 825 in CO Springs for $14k, which is a pretty good deal. Colorado road trip is a nice bonus!

[Grit_dog]

Craigslist!
Think I've bought every vehicle, sled, camper, new tires, etc off Craigslist in the last 5 years.
If you're in the Twin Cities you have a huge search area that is within a 4 hr drive. From all of Northern WI and MN to Des Moines, Cedar rapids, Chicago, Madison, Milwaukee, etc.
I've found that way less people use the pay sites like RV trader, Auto Trader, Fleabay these days.
You do have to wade through some BS adds, but generally people selling expensive stuff are legit.
Picked up a SRT8 Charger for my wife last year, immaculate condition, owned by one of the richest people I've ever seen (like a $5M estate with a staff of servants) for about $5k less than any other ones seen.
Got the new camper for $12k, almost perfect condition. Again, way less $ than all other sources looked at.
New, 18 mi on it, Polaris 800 snowmobile last winter for $5k less than new.
I could go on............

[jimh406]

Host made some super light models. I think around 1500 lbs. You are right that they aren't on their website now.

[dadwolf2]

jimh425 wrote:
Host makes some lightweight campers as well.

:h The lightest model I found on their website was 2805 lbs dry.

[KD4UPL]

The manufacturer you're missing is Northstar.
As for sites:
National Association of Truck Camper Owners has a classified page.
Outdoor Express RV - OERV.com usually has some used units
Have you found the online Truck Camper magazine? They have adds from lots of dealers around the country.

[Tugboat_Bill]

I just received my Waterfall 865 (formerly White Water), it is in the size and weight range you are talking about. Their website is RiversideRVs.net.

[GpnAZ]

We just bought the Lance 865 about 6 months ago and really like it. It was approx. 1800 pounds dry and wet & loaded is about 2600 pounds.