Narrowing it down...

[ruthiebaby88]

So here are some campers I am trying to choose between - would love to hear any thoughts you have. My use will be boondocking in Idaho (or on occasional trips across USA) with 7 months summer, 5 months winter, probably 30 nights a year.

1. (5,000$) 2002 Lance 815 - My current fav! Wet wt only 1875# which will make finding a suitable truck much easier. The price is right and although it does look used inside, the only structural concern I have is the owner said they were afraid that the roof might develop a leak because they saw a pool of water on it and they were planning on getting everything resealed in spring.
The curtains in front of the pass through window had water marks as though water had seeped up from below - I did not see any water damage around the window though. Owner states window does not leak, thinks it may have been steam from when she was canning in there.
I will call a mobile RV mechanic and plan to ask for a prepurchase inspection.

2. (6,995$) 2000 Lance 880 - wet weight (2450#) 2 concerns -
A. panel under camper bathroom pulling away (underneath camper) - shined flash light inside but could not see what was going on in there - rodents? dry rot? or does the panel just need to be refasteded?
B. front pass through window - the 2 outer sections bow out - owner states they came that way and it just has rounded windows - however I have not noted this in any of the other Lance campers and they did not feel evenly round but a little wavy.

3. (13,000$) 2006 Northern Lite - Missoula (7hr drive) - Owner states this had some leaking around a window, but was professionally repaired.

[ticki2]

Ruthiebaby , looks like you settled on a nicely matched rig . Happy camping .

[ticki2]

billyray50 wrote:
Jim, Yeah airlift 5000s..although I only use 20 psi because any higher than 30 psi it creates more sway the way airbags have to be installed on 3 rd generation Dodges. mounted on axle to bed frame.

Believe it or not these bags are installed properly. Had other Dodge owners state the same and do not like them. Think super springs would be better choice since my truck does not have top overload leaf spring.

Wouldn't that bottom airbag saddle straddle the shock mount so it's inline with the top ? That's scary looking .

[bka0721]

Congrats and what a great opportunity for you, too.

If you get down to the Mojave, this winter, give a shout.

b

[bigfootford]

ruthiebaby88 wrote:
South!

Come on, start another thread.....

Ruthiebaby goes south!

Don't worry about pictures, just tell us, when you can where ya are.

So glad things are coming together.

Hope you can maintain comm with us here when you can.... So we can help along the way...

Jim

[ruthiebaby88]

South!

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

Now comes the "nesting" part 🙂 Have fun!!

[homefor2]

Where are you headed ????

[bigfootford]

Sounds great! We all will keep our fingers crossed that all goes well...
Congrats on finding something satisfactory.

Keep us in the loop!

Jim

[ruthiebaby88]

In the end I opted for a
$4995 - 2002 Lance 815 (wet weight 1879#) &
$9500 - 2002 Chevy Silverado 2500 SRW (payload per sticker = 2842#)(101k miles)

They are both in great shape and I found them on craigslist. The sellers were both wonderful people and I enjoyed purchasing from them a million times more than at a dealer. I feel like the camper and truck have everything I need and nothing I don't. The camper is tiny, but certainly larger than our tent and has a bathroom and shower. No AC, but we can ad later as needed. The truck has an 8.1L Vortec engine (Allison transmission) which may be more than I need, but I'm sure we'll enjoy it on the hills.

We are cleaning things up and packing and should be out of here in a couple of days.

I was bowled over by the wonderful help I received on the forums - some people even searched the camper/trucks ads and sent me their great finds!

If I meet more truck campers like you when I'm out traveling, I'm sure we'll be loving this sport for years to come.

Happy Camping!

[billyray50]

Jim, Yeah airlift 5000s..although I only use 20 psi because any higher than 30 psi it creates more sway the way airbags have to be installed on 3 rd generation Dodges. mounted on axle to bed frame.

Believe it or not these bags are installed properly. Had other Dodge owners state the same and do not like them. Think super springs would be better choice since my truck does not have top overload leaf spring.

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

Looks awesome!!!

[billyray50]

Thanks Jim. The pro flex brushable sealer works great but be careful with fumes .. Pretty strong odor. The 4 coats of Zep high traffic floor polish really got rid of dull finish!

[bigfootford]

Amen to the PROFLEX!

Excellent product.

Good job Billray catching the leaks when you did....

Nice looking camper too!
Sits really nice on that Dodgieeee!
Air Bags?


Jim

[billyray50]