Looking into a Truck Camper

[geo11RT]

Hi - I am looking into a used truck camper. We’ll be taking this to Alaska for 6 weeks and while we will spend as much time as possible outside, the weather will force us inside. We do not want to feel like sardines.

I have some requirements below so if people know if models, please let me know

1- no laminate/gel coated sides. I do not want to deal with delam.
2- this means it has to be made of either molded fiberglass or aluminum
3- sleeping capacity of 5
4- given #3, a slide(s) is probably needed.
5- Also, I am ok with building a bunk over a dinette if it fits 4 out of the box, I have seen this done well
6- have the usual amenities

All that said, are there any used aluminum or hard sided models that meets this criteria? Used could be 2 years to 50 years old, I am really open, just not taking the depreciation hit. The truck will be a long bed dually so no real concerns about weight.

[work2much]

geo11RT wrote:


I will look at the 830. Keep the suggestions coming. The DW really likes the 1072/1172 but the wrong outside material.

I believe Lance uses Azdel for their wall construction. They are supposed to be impervious to delamination.

https://www.azdelonboard.com

[geo11RT]

Yes by aluminum I mean outside siding, whether it be an Avion-like or older Lance. I just am not aware of an aluminum sided TC with a slide. Were they ever made? A large TC sans slide would be fine too, just depends on the layout. I like the overhead bunk idea that makes the 5th bed.

3 older kids, they are tall but skinny. I really like Northern and Bigfoot but the newer ones just do not have a good layout for us. Maybe an older one changed? Even putting the kids in the big bed with us in a smaller would be ok.

I will look at the 830. Keep the suggestions coming. The DW really likes the 1072/1172 but the wrong outside material.

[work2much]

By aluminum you mean aluminum siding I assume so there should be some older Lances and other TC's out there that could sleep 2 adults and 3 kids.

Keep in mind that these older wood framed aluminum sided campers may never delam but wood rot of the framing structure is very common.

[harley4275]

Look at a lance 830. 2 in front bed,one on dinetteand one on fold down rear hybrid bunk. Family of 5 were next to us in Denali a few yrs back in that model. And side door was nice too.

[geo11RT]

jimh425 wrote:
No, there aren’t any TCs that meet your criteria unless you are talking kids.

Otherwise, look at Northern Lite and Bigfoot.

I find that hard to believe. 60 years of TCs with many makers and models and not one? I will wait for others to chime in.

[jimh406]

No, there aren’t any TCs that meet your criteria unless you are talking kids.

Otherwise, look at Northern Lite and Bigfoot.

[Grit_dog]

#1 and #2 don't agree with #5. The clamshell construction TC's, like Bigfoot are very solid as you know, but don't have slides, none that I'm aware of. Same for Al sided, maybe old ones exists, but haven't seen them.
If 3 of the 5 are small kids, you could do 2 little kids on the dinette bed and one in a bunk, but it'll be squishy if they're older than elementary school.
Might need to adjust your criteria to make it work. Good luck!