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geo11RT's avatar
geo11RT
Explorer
May 18, 2020

Looking into a Truck Camper

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.
Truck Campers
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    May 18, 2020
    #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!
  • jimh406's avatar
    jimh406
    Explorer III
    May 18, 2020
    No, there aren’t any TCs that meet your criteria unless you are talking kids.

    Otherwise, look at Northern Lite and Bigfoot.
  • geo11RT's avatar
    geo11RT
    Explorer
    May 18, 2020
    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.
  • harley4275's avatar
    harley4275
    Explorer
    May 18, 2020
    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.
  • work2much's avatar
    work2much
    Explorer
    May 18, 2020
    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.
  • geo11RT's avatar
    geo11RT
    Explorer
    May 18, 2020
    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's avatar
    work2much
    Explorer
    May 18, 2020
    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
  • jaycocreek's avatar
    jaycocreek
    Explorer II
    May 18, 2020
    I here 'ya on the Delam..Kinda like rolling the dice..I also can't think of a slide out on aluminum skin..

    The older ones like Lance would work maybe..Mine will sleep 6 actually..Two in the upper bunk/two on the dinette and two above the dinette if there small in weight..I guess a guy could beef that up pretty easy if need be..

    Doesn't have the floor space of a slide but has a ton more storage than most slides..With a slide you lose the bed option above the dinette on most models and the storage above the bed if you don't use it for sleeping..It's all a trade off in what each person wants the most..

    Floor space seems to be the most important around here and where the slide wins..Not important to me within reason as my time in the TC is out doing stuff and on the rainy days/TV and movies are there if you want..
  • Old_Days's avatar
    Old_Days
    Explorer II
    May 18, 2020
    Buy a good used Lance 1072 then build a shed to store it in, the camper will last for at least 25 years. You will not find a fiberglass TC with 3 slide outs. Good luck with your search.

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