Palomino Maverick - Good? Problems? 1st TC. Advice welcome.

[Carb_Cleaner]

We're considering a Maverick TC. Specifically, the 8801. Our truck is a 2013 F250 extended cab long bed, gas, 4.30 gears, factory hitch with the Camper Package. We'll be towing a single axle, enclosed 6x12 utility trailer with a couple bikes weighing about 3,000 pounds. 350 or so tongue weight. Presently, the truck is rated and registered at 10k pounds. The Slide-In Camper Certificate that came with the truck says I have 2,125 pounds available ("Cargo Weight Rating"). I expect air bags are recommended. The 8801 extends past the back of the truck a little, having a 9 foot floor and is spec'd at about 2,400 pounds before options, I assume.
How's the build quality of the Palomono units? I haven't looked at one in the flesh, but they look OK on-line and I like the idea of aluminum construction. We've looked at Real Lite, Camp Lite, Travel Lite, Lance, and NorthStar, but the Maverick 8801 has a floor plan I think we can live with. Will I need a hitch extension to pull my little motorcycle trailer? Are there registration concerns in Virginia? It's my understanding I can up the registered weight above 10k pounds to be legal, without concern for the 10k pound GVWR, but I'm a little unclear on this. Am I barking up the wrong tree? Should I be looking at the pop-up TC models, due to their reduced weight (I think I'd rather get a toy hauler)? What other difficulties/hurdles might I run into?
I grew up camping with trailers and motor homes, but that was 30 years ago. This will be our first camper after tent camping for ages. Once I decide on a new camper, I assume my options are to find one and travel to it, or go to my closest dealer and make a deposit on an order. Any one know about picking one up at the factory to save some dough? What about recommended Palomino dealers within 200 miles of Washington, D.C.? I'd entertain used , if the price is right, but everything around here seems too high in contrast to new with a warranty.
Thanks, and happy camping!

[Palominoguy]

Rear cargo door opens to nothing. I understand that there is a short bed package available to enclose it, but haven’t been able to locate one. 

[way2roll]

Not sure if you are aware but you are responding to a post that's 11 years old. 

[MAV_8801]

timbrens and a big wig sway bar and Bilstiens have done me well with this TC. It handles smooth and I am not "white knuckle " driving. Nothing to do with the Timbrens...easy and cheap...good for lighter loads.

[billtex]

Carb Cleaner wrote:
Thanks for the input. I'm a carpenter, so I'm picky about build quality. I don't expect to see dovetail joinery, but I won't tolerate shody workmanship or poor engineering. So far, what little feedback I have about the Maverick line, the responses are favorable. I've located an 8801 Maverick close by, so I reckon a walk through is in order.
I'm curious about a Lance unit being worth the premium prices they ask for them. I guess I should take a look at one, just so I know. If I'm willing to spend the dough for a Lance is a different issue.
Any other buying, inspection or truck advise is welcome. I'm reading a lot, but using the Search feature for "Palomio Maverick" has yielded little. I need to learn more about air bags vs. Timken helpers vs. Hellwig, etc. I thought airbags were the way to go, but now I'm wondering.

With TC's you get what you pay for.

Go look at several floor plans/brands BEFORE you purchase.

As far as suspension mods;
How much payload will you have available?
How heavy will your (locked/loaded) camper be?

Air bags are great because they are one of the only adjustable mods, and they level side2side.

But don't rush into suspension mods, after you get this all safely figured out (truck/camper)you should use it for a year and then decide if you need mods.

Good luck, B

[Carb_Cleaner]

Thanks for the input. I'm a carpenter, so I'm picky about build quality. I don't expect to see dovetail joinery, but I won't tolerate shody workmanship or poor engineering. So far, what little feedback I have about the Maverick line, the responses are favorable. I've located an 8801 Maverick close by, so I reckon a walk through is in order.
I'm curious about a Lance unit being worth the premium prices they ask for them. I guess I should take a look at one, just so I know. If I'm willing to spend the dough for a Lance is a different issue.
Any other buying, inspection or truck advise is welcome. I'm reading a lot, but using the Search feature for "Palomio Maverick" has yielded little. I need to learn more about air bags vs. Timken helpers vs. Hellwig, etc. I thought airbags were the way to go, but now I'm wondering.

[Mike_and_Terry_]

It's a good camper for the price. My first truck was a 2006 f-250 ( added air bags and sway bar) it ran good. I now put it on a 2011 gmc 3500. I think the trick with a truck camper is winter storage and to keep it out of heavy snow and ice. I took it out west and up the coast of New England and places I should not have taken it.

[MAV_8801]

Carb.....I have had my Mav for three years now...been to Florida and back with it.. Very happy....is it the best...nope...is it value for the dollar yep!! Just washed and waxed it yesterday..love it for what I spent. Very happy with it. Tanks are small but I mostly use campgrounds. It prob. Weighs 3000 lb loaded and my 2500 is fine for me to drive with my mods. I would definitely buy another Palomino.

[SugarHillCTD]

These folks have been around for quite a while OERV

When we have been looking at RVs, one sign of quality is to look EVERYWHERE. Open all closets and compartments. Is what you see well built and somewhat carefully assembled or does it look like a high school shop project gone bad?