First time buyer

[300win]

Hello all,

I am looking for my first truck camper. I primarily am going to use it for hunting generally with 1-2 people. My preference is something with a toilet built in. I am looking for something on the less fancy side. So far it looks like the Palmino 1251 may be a good fit for me. I am a little surprised the listed it for 1500 as at almost 2k weight, that exceeds a fair amount of 1500 trucks payload. I am looking at getting a 2500, with either a 6 foot or 8 foot bed.

Any other suggestions? Anything i should look out for?

Thanks,

[NEOK]

If you are going to use the rig primarily for hunting you might want to consider what type of roads and terrain you will be traveling on. Will a dually and/or long bed fit the roads and terrain? A one ton or dually certainly are required for some campers but not all. Just make sure you get a truck and camper that match in weight requirements and meet you needs.

[djg]

X2
!st had a f-250 with a old 78 heavy camper on it, got sick and sold it all then had a 1500 with a noethern lite all upgrades done the truck held it ok but by the time you do the upgrades you might just as well go for a 3500 I did and am now very glad I did you have a lot more options with a bigger truck as said before you can not have too much truck

[Mattyd]

300win-
Been there. I would tell you from my stand point of being fairly new to the TC world, I had received some good advise from the forum..I would defiantly go 3500. You can't have too much truck. The idea to look at NorthStar is a very solid suggestion. We toured their facility. Great folks. Their fold down camper would fit your lower profile need very well. You save weight, but not as much as you think. Good luck.

[mkirsch]

If you are looking at used campers, don't limit yourself to one brand or model.

In my case I did not set out looking specifically for a Palomino B1500. I looked at several campers and this one was by far in the best shape and the price was too good to pass up.

With used campers the overall condition is more important than the company's reputation or whether the company is still in business or anything else. There's no warranty on a used camper anyway, and nothing is so specific that it can't be fixed by you or at worst a competent RV service center.

On my B1500, I like it for what it is. It's still in excellent shape because it was kept inside before I bought it, and has been kept inside since. The shower pan was a problem, but I found a creative solution.

I've had it 5 years now, and just last summer I finally added a few creature comforts including a rooftop air conditioner, 15" flatscreen, and a memory foam mattress on the dinette bed.

[cd4eac]

We own a 1251 and we are very happy with it. We bought new in 2007 and have been all over the USA with it, done some rough roads, and it holds together fine. I have an 04 F250 and am fine with it. The toilet and shower are nice to have. My truck is a super cab, short-bed. If I had to do it again, I would get the same camper. Good luck and Happy hunting.

[300win]

there seems to be some recurring advice to look at a 3500....

I will take a look at them

[d3500ram]

...oh, and to reiterate what others have mentioned: If you are not going to try to shoehorn a TC in a 1500 series truck, go for the 3500 class with an 8' bed.

[KD4UPL]

Palamino is certainly on the low end of quality but, if you don't want fancy it may be just what you need.
I would get the 8' bed and a 3500 series truck. You will be surprised how fast the weight adds up. When you count water, propane, batteries, accessories (none of these are included in the camper's advertised weight) it get's heavier. Then add the weight of passengers, pets, gear, truck bolt-ons, etc.

[d3500ram]

I am biased when I recommend NorthStar because it is what I own. Not sure of the terrain/ areas you need to get to, but the NS campers are narrower than most all other TC's. This may be a factor in getting into your areas.

NS campers offer a cassette toilet. This to me is a major plus because I can use windshield washer fluid or RV antifreeze because the reservoir is separate from the domestic water; it wont freeze when using these flushing mediums. Lots of information on this type of toilet.

Even though the NS is narrower, it makes good use of the space- the table can stow out of the way allowing for space to dress. It is nice to have a warm camper with the toilet, but do not discount the shower. I shower (rinse, not soap) after a day in the field- it is one of the little pleasures of the TC while my compatriots staying in the outfitter tent must boil water and use a washcloth.

I am usually the only one in my TC when hunting. In the past sometimes when hunting with my brother as the only other person, we have stayed in it and will set up a separate supply storage tent. It is manageable inside, but it is a TC and a little organized routine needs some planning. More than 2 hunters is not going to be comfortable.

Lance at one time had a Sportsman option that split the cabover sleeping area into 2 separate mattresses and pushed them to the outermost sides. It had no side wardrobe storage and each person accessed the mattresses via the middle area. Not sure if they still offer this. Other wise one hunter is atop while the other is on the dinette sleeping feature. Be sure to get a dinette sleeper long enough if the person using it is tall.

An over head bunk that folds down (in lieu of cabinet storage) is very handy- I keep my rifle in that space.

Sorry for being long winded in this reply, but I feel that the TC is the ultimate RV to camp in comfort in very remote places and for hunting it especially shines!

[s1214]

If you're looking for a good camper for one or two people, take a look at the Northstar 850 pop-up. If you are going to be hunting anywhere near low hanging branches this will allow you to sneak into places that a hardside will get hung up.

[MORSNOW]

I prefer a shortbed camper for the added storage in the overhang area in a relativly short camper in the 8'-9' range. Lighter weight short campers with additional storage was a big plus in my shopping list.

[300win]

anyone have experience with ether the 1251 or the 1500?

[northshore]

Ive got a 6 foot bed and wish I had a 8 foot bed, lots of options with a 8foot bed. If you have the choice i would suggest 8 foot bed.

[Richandtd]

And get an 8 foot bed