Recommended truck for 2010 Northstar 8.5 Adventurer?

[theclarkster]

Hi

Newbie here.

We are looking at a 2010 Northstar 8.5 Adventurer and we are finding conflicting numbers on what type of trucks would be able to carry it. It seems that some trucks have a camper rating that is a lot less than the payload rating. What do I need to specifically look for to support this camper?

We are lucky that we haven't bought either the camper or the truck yet. We don't mind getting a larger truck to ensure safety and for insurance purposes (we live in BC, Canada).

Thanks

[djc486]

I carry a Northstar Igloo on my '97 Chevy 2500HD. Added supersprings, new shocks, and a swaybar. Carries the Igloo fine. Of course I already had the Chevy which was paid off. Will get a bigger truck if we get a bigger camper someday.

[Buzzcut1]

British Columbia...They are quite serious on the rigs weight specification. Over the trucks tags and you ma have to offload the camper right there and then per the other BC residents on this board. that means getting someone to haul it off and a sizeable fine. Better off to have a truck with a larger GVWR than the loaded camper weight from the get go.

[realter]

3500 ONLY. Speaking from experience with a Laredo. Only poor advice I ever got from Northstar was when Rory told me to order the 3/4 ton truck.

[big_whitey]

SugarHillCTD wrote:
Here we go again.....:S

Anything heavier than this:

better have a 1 ton dually under it.

A 2500/250 would easily handle an Adventurer. We had a N* 850SC (200# lighter) on a Ram 2500 with no changes to the suspension.

In some places (ours included) dealers have quite a few 3/4 ton pickups in stock and deals can be made, 1 tons- not as much.

I have the exact same TC the OP referenced on a 2011 GMC 2500. It handles it ok, but not easily and not without suspension upgrades (stable loads). I wish i had bought the 3500 and strongly advise anyone looking to put a hard side TC on a pickup to do likewise. If looking used you may have to settle for a 3/4 ton but you will be settling. If buying new it only costs a little bit more to go first class,get the 1 ton.

[DWeikert]

theclarkster wrote:
Also, this used 2010 model is being sold for CD$16,000. No A/C and and it has manual jacks. Good deal?

We've considered ordering a new one and custom add A/C, electric jacks, solar panels and maybe an extra battery.

Anyone has experience ordering new from Northstar? what was the cost with import fees + taxes?

Anybody know of any other similar compact (we like the cassete toilet) truck campers we can get for under 25k?

Thanks!

I bought my Adventurer new, custom ordered and picked up at the factory. Only bad thing I can say is they initially installed an absorption fridge and I ordered the DC compressor version. But they immediately changed it out and other than that the whole process was very pleasant. The paperwork was routed through Truck Camper Warehouse and that was who I made the check out to, but I dealt exclusively with Rex at the factory. Sorry I can't help with the import info. Don't be afraid to pick up the phone and give them a call. Great people to deal with.

[DWeikert]

I've got an 8.5 Adventurer on a Chevy 2500HD. My only reason for going with a 2500 was GM didn't and still does not make an extended cab 6' bed 3500. But I got the diesel which gave me the same rear axle as the 3500. So after upgraded tires and wheels, shocks, sway bar and helper springs I'm happy with the setup.

Save yourself lots of upgrades and get a 350/3500 SRW.

[theclarkster]

Also, this used 2010 model is being sold for CD$16,000. No A/C and and it has manual jacks. Good deal?

We've considered ordering a new one and custom add A/C, electric jacks, solar panels and maybe an extra battery.

Anyone has experience ordering new from Northstar? what was the cost with import fees + taxes?

Anybody know of any other similar compact (we like the cassete toilet) truck campers we can get for under 25k?

Thanks!

[theclarkster]

bka0721 wrote:
What I am interested in learning, what was your reasoning in wanting to use a F250/2500 for carrying this TC? Was it because you already have one, have one available to purchase or mistaken belief that it would be less costly (not figuring the modifications that come standard on a typical F350/3500)?

It is always interesting to learn what the thought process is for a newbie on this subject.

Also, Welcome to the TC Forum!

b

Yes, we thought the 3/4 ton would be less expensive to purchase, more fuel efficient, and also, there are more used ones (3/4 ton) to choose from. Though you nailed it right there, we haven't thought through the cost of mods needed for a 3/4 ton to carry this camper.

[SugarHillCTD]

Here we go again.....:S

Anything heavier than this:

better have a 1 ton dually under it.

A 2500/250 would easily handle an Adventurer. We had a N* 850SC (200# lighter) on a Ram 2500 with no changes to the suspension.

In some places (ours included) dealers have quite a few 3/4 ton pickups in stock and deals can be made, 1 tons- not as much.

[dadwolf2]

theclarkster wrote:
Thanks, big whitey. I was hoping we could get away with a 3/4 ton but I guess it's better to go big.

The 3500 series isn't really going big in the truck camper world. It's the same size dimensionally as a 2500 SRW and shares most of the same components. Of course when I got my 2500 in 2005 to tow a trailer I thought the same way, why on earth would I ever need a one ton truck. Mainly what it does is get you an higher rated payload sticker and more capacity in the rear suspension. Always a good thing in the truck camper forum.

[gerrym51]

Since your buying a truck new-a one ton is the way to go-not that much more than 150/250. even better get duallys. you can upgrade camper later on. too much truck is usually never a problem.

[bka0721]

What I am interested in learning, what was your reasoning in wanting to use a F250/2500 for carrying this TC? Was it because you already have one, have one available to purchase or mistaken belief that it would be less costly (not figuring the modifications that come standard on a typical F350/3500)?

It is always interesting to learn what the thought process is for a newbie on this subject.

Also, Welcome to the TC Forum!

b

[dadwolf2]

Another vote for a one ton.

[Mello_Mike]

Yes, skip the 3/4 ton and buy a one ton.