S&S Truck Camper opinions please, looking for fixer upper

[podunker]

Hi folks, new member and hopefully soon to be new to truck camping. I would love to get some input on what my wife and I have planned. We are getting close to retirement, 5 years away and want to start traveling and seeing the country. We looked at all the options and have done a ton of research over the last year. These forums have been invaluable. We decided that a Truck Camper is the way we want to go. We are planning on getting a better/bigger truck this year. Unfortunately, that will take up much of our budget. So instead of waiting a few more years to purchase a newer 15,000 plus camper, we have decided to look at buying a used one in the 5,000 to 10,000 ranges. The lower the better. I have some handyman skills and am willing to put in some work on a used one. Not to mention the fact, that we have never even done it before, so we wouldn’t be out a lot if it ends up not being for us.

So I have been scouring rvtrader, craigslist, etc. for campers. We really like the floor plans in the S & S campers and have found several in our price range. Most built in late 1990’s to early 2000. I am having a heck of a time finding out any information on S&S truck campers, but the pictures look promising. Just curious if anyone owns one or has owned one in the past. Love to hear your thoughts on them. I can’t seem to find anything on the weight of the campers, length, etc. I would love it if we could get one that would fit on a F250/F350 non-dually. Not just limited to S&S, just like the look of them. Obviously any of the name brand guys would work also, but usually more expensive. (Lance, Northernlite, Northstar, etc.) Also like Alpinelite, but man they are very heavy.

Basically we are looking for a fixer upper that has a good reputation. We would love to get started this year truck camping, but probably would only be able to do it with a used camper. Thanks in advance for any help!

[RideSlow]

I found a used S & S, needed some work, but am slowly getting it up and running. The owner said the electrical was messed up, and the refrig was out. I just followed the wires, and made sure all the connections were tight, and correct, (someone had crossed some wires) and everything works now. I got a refrig from a discounter in CA, and had it shipped up, half what local retailers wanted, and it is working fine. A/C works, heater works, and the battery stays charged. I haven't put fire or power to the hot water heater yet, I want to make sure it is good before I switch it on. Mine is an 11', bubble window, and it is heavy. I carry on a 3500 Dodge 4x4 QC SRW, with Air Ride. Dually would be much better, but it was a trailer puller first.

[cruiseruser]

We used Meguiars Plastic X liquid. It worked very well. Some of our friends have used the 3M kit. That involves some sanding. Their results have been good as well.

[carmichael]

We also have the bubble front windows. They made a big decision in our selection in 2004....there is nothing better than awaking to panoramic views in the mornings. We have never had leaks and they are still quite clear but I would appreciate it if you would tell us what automotive restorer you did use for future reference.

[cruiseruser]

Podunker,

Actually, we pulled all of windows out of the S and S. Yes, it took a little bit of time, inch wide butyl tape, stainless steel screws and new caulking. Make sure that you are very careful with the front bubble windows. We contacted S and S and were told that they are no longer available. Automobile headlight restore kit was used on the bubble windows to make them shiny and clear. They look great with absolutely no leaks.

[podunker]

Thanks for all the info everyone. So far we have found maybe 6 or 7 on RVTrader. Ranging from 1996-2006. Heard nothing but good things about them so far. We have a vacation coming up and plan on making trips to see them in person.

carmichael- If we get by your way we may try to get ahold of you to take a look. Thanks

cruiseruser- Yes we really like the bubble windows in the front. What in particular special maintenance has to be done to them? We are looking at F350's right now.

[carmichael]

We have a 2004 11 dbs S & S and have absolutely loved it. Very heavy but very well made. We had a small problem with the radio when we first purchased it and have had no other problems in these 10 years. We have spent many winters in it and it is just like new. We have always kept it inside when not in use so is in excellent shape.

I notice that you are in Missouri but not sure where. We would be glad to show the camper to you so that you could see the build quality. Sometimes we think we would like to sell it and go to a class C but always change our mind simply because it has been so trouble free. We carry it on a 2004 3500 Dodge diesel dually. We love the stability of the dually and we would stay with a dually even if we were to go to a smaller camper. It is really a great camper.

We are located west of Indianapolis if you would have any interest in checking it out. I know when we were looking it was impossible to find the units in the midwest. Good luck.

[jroddick]

We still enjoy ours after about 8 years of ownership. Every once in a while I try to think of something better……..but I can't.

[cruiseruser]

Hello there,
I have been the proud owner of a 2001 S and S 9.5 SC for 3 years now. As with any camper, as long as you keep up the maintenance, it can be joy to own for a lot of years.

When I first started looking at truck campers in 2008, I had my heart set on a S and S 9.5. However, living in PA, truck campers are limited. I ended up with a HOST Tahoe double slide for a price that I could not resist. There were so many problems with the build quality and constant adjustments to the slides (due to those back forest roads) that I sold it.

Within Weeks I found the S and S and have been a very happy camper ever since. No slides to contend with, solidly built... great! Ours has the bubble type windows up front,which we love. But you have to spend time maintaining them. The wood build is heavy. Our build badge says that our camper is 3094 pounds dry. We found that our wet weight fully loaded is 3998 pounds. We have a Ford 350 SRW to haul with. Absolutely NO PROBLEM. Everything has held up beautifully. And cold season camping is now a breeze. The wood is a wonderful insulate. No cold spots at all. I would buy another one in a heart beat!!!

Hope this helps!

[brholt]

They have a good reputation but in the age camper you are looking at condition is everything.

[btggraphix]

I should make a longer post, but we had an 8.5SC Ponderosa Series for 4 years or so and absolutely loved it. Great winter camper, zero problems, heavy, but it was a great camper for us, held up well, and held its value well.

[mockturtle]

Extremely well built and real four-season campers. While I haven't owned one, I camped in one a few times and was very impressed with the quality and layout. They are heavier than most so you need a sturdy truck.

[bobndot]

did u see this ?
https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/26956101/print/true.cfm

If you cant make contact directly , see if you can make contact with someone in the area to update this info. (the town hall or local P.D. might be a good place to ask)

IMO, a great camper since Doug took over building them. Solid Wood frames, on the heavy side.

Personally, I would buy a 350 dually if I were doing over the road trips for long periods of time. You will be rewarded with a more stable foundation especially in crosswinds.