Palomino Bronco 800

[eDUBz]

Looking at a 2004 palomino bronco 800 truck camper, It’s in great shape.
would this be a good starter camper? We currently own a 19’ toy Hauler that we love and plan on keeping it. I always liked the idea of TC and always wanted one. We have a camper shell with carpet kit that we throughly enjoy at the beaches and where ever we go for quick day trips. I can definitely see us using the heck out of it. What are the pros and cons to consider before buying one? I Plan on using it while towing with the Toy hauler aswell. Truck is 07 Chevy Diesel 2500 crew cab.

[TriumphTim]

Has Palomino ever made a pop-up truck camper that will fit in a 6.5' bed and allow the tailgate to close?

[SidecarFlip]

Why I never considered one Lizzie until they went to the solid back wall and a real RV style solid door. That was a terrible design and they all leaked.

The newer ones like I have, the side walls are higher but the top is lower so you can actually use it (toilet, fridge and dinette) with the top down. Makes it nice for a snack on the road or using the toilet. You still have to watch your head of course but you can get in unlike the older ones where you had to raise the top to swing the top section up to open the door to get in.

Why they aren't worth much used. If they has not redesigned it, I would have probably bought a Northstar because I require a pop up. a Hardside don't work for my uses.

[lizzie]

Crawl all over it. Use a strong flashlight to check the back walls of the cabinets and feel of them for moisture. Our Bronco leaked, badly and we couldn't seem to stop it. The back door was a pain. It never fit properly and was the source of most of the leaking. If it was stored inside (and if you can store it inside) great, but remember they are not under cover when you use it. I hope it works for you. lizzie

[eDUBz]

SidecarFlip wrote:
The new Palomino's quality is a lot better, I have one. I'd say the quality of construction is on par with the Lance (2001) I sold.

Prior to 2012, Palomino employed a 2 piece back wall that is prone to leaking, almost impossible to seal up and they used a raising mechanism similar to what Hallmark used that intrudes on the inside space.

That all changed in 2012. The new ones (Called Backpack's) have a solid rear wall with a solid door and they use the Reico-Titan lift mechanism that is all hidden and don't intrude in the living space. Actually why I bought one, I didn't want the 2 piece rear or the old style roof mechanism.

If the unit is in very good condition, by that I mean the canvas is in good shape no tears, the windows are good (no cracks) and all the zippers work and all the appliances work, fridge, stove top and hot water heater and furnace plus the water system, it's worth about 2 grand tops but it has to be in very good condition as in stored inside. If it's been stored outside and not maintained, 1500 max.

If it has not been maintained it will have rot issues because it's a wood framed unit.

Good starter unit to get your feet wet so to speak. I'm really happy with mine, but mine is the upgraded unit.

As an aside, if the canvas has issues, you can purchase a new pre made canvas dorect from Palomino. The sections zip together and are replaceable.

Weight wise, the camper will weigh wet, around 1800 pounds, that's water propane and battery.

Hope that helps...

Any questions, PM me, If I can help you I will...

Have fun.

Great info! Owner says everything is in working order, and says it’s in great shape and the pics look good. going to check it out after New Years.

[SidecarFlip]

The new Palomino's quality is a lot better, I have one. I'd say the quality of construction is on par with the Lance (2001) I sold.

Prior to 2012, Palomino employed a 2 piece back wall that is prone to leaking, almost impossible to seal up and they used a raising mechanism similar to what Hallmark used that intrudes on the inside space.

That all changed in 2012. The new ones (Called Backpack's) have a solid rear wall with a solid door and they use the Reico-Titan lift mechanism that is all hidden and don't intrude in the living space. Actually why I bought one, I didn't want the 2 piece rear or the old style roof mechanism.

If the unit is in very good condition, by that I mean the canvas is in good shape no tears, the windows are good (no cracks) and all the zippers work and all the appliances work, fridge, stove top and hot water heater and furnace plus the water system, it's worth about 2 grand tops but it has to be in very good condition as in stored inside. If it's been stored outside and not maintained, 1500 max.

If it has not been maintained it will have rot issues because it's a wood framed unit.

Good starter unit to get your feet wet so to speak. I'm really happy with mine, but mine is the upgraded unit.

As an aside, if the canvas has issues, you can purchase a new pre made canvas dorect from Palomino. The sections zip together and are replaceable.

Weight wise, the camper will weigh wet, around 1800 pounds, that's water propane and battery.

Hope that helps...

Any questions, PM me, If I can help you I will...

Have fun.

[joerg68]

Why not? If you have the money to buy it and a place to store it while not in use... If the price is good you can always sell it again if it was not right for you. At the very least you will have learned a lot about truck camping.

Palomino quality does not have the best reputation, but if the unit you are looking at is in good shape, there is nothing wrong.

Climb inside and imagine how you would spend your days. Have the seller demonstrate every single feature.

Only you can make the decision if truck camping is for you or not.