Post by: Skillet on August 05, 2013, 09:45:04 AM
Not looking to spend a ton - old is great if it is good.
Thoughts? Things to look out for or avoid?
Post by: NoBark on August 05, 2013, 09:55:43 AM
Most campers have no problem staying warm. For really cold weather camping, some have a "cold weather package" but basically, good thick curtains and a styrafoam plug in the big escape vent over the bed will be helpful. More often the cold weather issue isn't warmth but condensation.
Most campers made in the last 20 years will be more than tall enough for you. My lance is 6'9" inside. most are about 6'6".
Hope you find one and enjoy!
Post by: wildmanoutdoors on August 05, 2013, 10:11:39 AM
Attwoods are cheap, HappiJacs are expensive. You get what you pay for.
Interior applicences the same...Dometic, Surbuban are good. Attwood, Coleman ect are cheaper. Again, get what you pay for.
Try to find one that has a cold weather package. My underfloor heats and keeps tanks from freezing.
Make sure you can walk on floor when unsupported. Some of the older ones you cant...
Towing a boat is in your hitches ratings. I have a 9 and a 1/2. I use a superhitch with a 36" extension. Max load 5000 pounds. If you want full tow capacity get an 8 footer so you dont need an extension.
Really depends on how much weight you want to tow?
Post by: Skillet on August 05, 2013, 10:37:15 AM
How to tell if it leaks on a nice hot dry summer day? Would it help to run a hose on the roof for a few minutes if the seller was game? How about clues on the inside - ie., mildew, water stains, etc. Any "hotspots" that are tell-tale places to check for water intrusion?
Boat and trailer combo doesn't weigh that much, probably under 4000# all-in loaded with fuel, gear and road-ready. I have a Curt Class 4 hitch that has plenty of excess capacity.
Is it worth it to look for the 9.5' vs the 8' for most uses? Anybody get the 9.5 and feel like they have too much camper? I plan on taking it up into some "end of the road" areas, so I definitely don't want to have too much camper if an 8'er will work. The point is to get out there to "GET OUT THERE", not drive somewhere so I can hide inside. That said, when the weather is terrible, I'd like a place that I can hang clothes to dry, and just basically not have to worry about them touching the side of the tent anymore :chuckle:
Post by: wildmanoutdoors on August 05, 2013, 10:39:46 AM
There should be up top corner cabinets on each side of the bed. Look in those!
Get a ladder and look at the outside sealing areas to see if its cracked. Especially front corners that see 60 MPH air and rain getting pounded in. You can see it when caulk starts going bad. You will see a gap in the sealing to panel or bead.
Mines a 9-5 and I love its size. Go look at some 8 and 9.5s at the dealer and see what you might miss having. Or look at floorplans online. Its all about what you can live with.
A slide is the biggest area adder. It really opens up the inside nicely.
Post by: Encore 280 on August 05, 2013, 10:55:20 AM
Post by: MIKEXRAY on August 05, 2013, 03:41:04 PM
Post by: gasman on August 05, 2013, 04:30:28 PM
Electric jacks are a must. they will make and break deal for me. It just cost to much to add them to a camper, and they are a time saver for loading and unloading.
Had an 8' and now i have 9'6". you will be surprised on how much room and storage a foot and half will give you.
Post by: Hilltop123 on August 05, 2013, 05:26:57 PM
Post by: gasman on August 05, 2013, 07:47:53 PM
It helps a whole lot :tup:
Even my buddies with one ton trucks have air bags. It helps the ride so much more.
Post by: deadwoodbuck on August 06, 2013, 11:51:51 AM
Post by: Encore 280 on August 06, 2013, 12:13:04 PM
Post by: gasman on August 06, 2013, 04:02:55 PM
hey gasman...do you level your camper with the air bags after it is loaded with stuff? how do you know you are level? I have air bags on my camper and highly recommend them.
It really depends o where I am going.
If I'm just driving the hwy, no biggie, just add about 40-50lbs of air, but If I am hitting the FS roads or Hwy 410 :bash: i max out the air pressure and my camper don't move a bit.
I used to use a portable plug in air compressor but now I just use a small CO2 tank I have. Air them up and when I get to camp or take my camper off, I just let out the air and then air it back up when the camper goes back on.
I considered the helper spring, but like the comfort of being able to increase or decrease my suspension ride as I want. I dont have to worry if i have to much weight, or how much travel I left. The air bags give me all the room I need.
Post by: wildmanoutdoors on August 06, 2013, 04:11:24 PM
My frame from being point loaded with airbags finally broke in half right were the airbag mounts were bolted. Both sides exactly the same.
I suppose if you dont do allot of serious dirt roading, and keep your PSI to a minimum you will likely be fine. After I fixed my frame I went with a Hellwig 1.5 ton progressive kit. While its not as easy to adjust, once there I just leave it. And no more point loading on the frame.
Google frame braking from airbags. You'll be surprised how ofetn it happens...
Post by: deadwoodbuck on August 07, 2013, 01:48:58 PM
Post by: cohoho on September 17, 2013, 08:04:00 PM
Post by: CAMPMEAT on September 22, 2013, 11:31:52 AM
Post by: Ridgeratt on September 22, 2013, 11:39:39 AM
But in Curlew shouldn't that be a Skool Bus? :chuckle:
Post by: gasman on September 22, 2013, 12:36:01 PM
Im sure you will enjoy it. :brew:
Post by: KFhunter on September 22, 2013, 01:21:39 PM
Nice Campmeat!!
But in Curlew shouldn't that be a Skool Bus? :chuckle:
with a wood stove :tup:
This is a fancy one!
http://kalispell.craigslist.org/spo/4050579143.html (http://kalispell.craigslist.org/spo/4050579143.html)
Post by: Skillet on September 22, 2013, 01:24:42 PM
Nice Campmeat!!
But in Curlew shouldn't that be a Skool Bus? :chuckle:
with a wood stove :tup:
And "Further" painted above the windshield...
Nice setup there, campmeat!
Post by: KFhunter on September 22, 2013, 01:25:26 PM
http://spokane.craigslist.org/ctd/4079617143.html (http://spokane.craigslist.org/ctd/4079617143.html)
These windows are pre-licked and ready for you campmeat!
Post by: KFhunter on September 22, 2013, 01:27:56 PM
http://spokane.craigslist.org/rvs/4076730683.html (http://spokane.craigslist.org/rvs/4076730683.html)
paint some flowers on the side of this old girl and she's be fresh as new - even got a platform on top to haul your bear out
Post by: CAMPMEAT on September 22, 2013, 02:02:42 PM
Post by: KFhunter on September 22, 2013, 02:20:06 PM
Post by: CAMPMEAT on September 22, 2013, 02:37:10 PM
good thing you got a small lightweight camper for that "truck"
3200 lbs of camper, ain't quite light weight there sonny boy. Plus our car trailer, ATV and Side x Side too. Get 'er done !!
Post by: KFhunter on September 22, 2013, 02:42:19 PM
just givin ya some crap :tup:
Post by: Westside88 on September 22, 2013, 02:46:05 PM
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on September 22, 2013, 03:01:00 PM
Post by: CAMPMEAT on September 22, 2013, 04:56:44 PM
dang that heavy - wow
just givin ya some crap :tup:
...................on company time too, I bet !!
Post by: CAMPMEAT on September 22, 2013, 05:00:18 PM
We bought a 2003 northern lite in 2006 used. Had cosmetic damage inside that I fixed. Would have never bought it new at full price. One of those to good to pass up deals. Been a grate truck camper! Hunted in zerro deg temps and all worked with some added insulation here and there to keep the water flowing.It is 10' 2" and 2425lbs dry. That one Campmeat got is a beautiful outfit! Hes gots penneys to burn? :chuckle:
Northern lites get very good reviews.
My wife bought it for me so I can leave and be gone all the time............. Hmmmmm ? Maybe I just thought of something I better ask her about. :chuckle:
Post by: 6x6in6 on September 22, 2013, 07:21:48 PM
Wow, I would have never thought that Eagle Caps were that heavy.good thing you got a small lightweight camper for that "truck"
3200 lbs of camper, ain't quite light weight there sonny boy. Plus our car trailer, ATV and Side x Side too. Get 'er done !!
My Arctic Fox 990 is 3280 dry weight. Fully loaded for a 2 week elk hunt to Wyoming a few years back, I scaled out at 5,028 pounds over the trucks normal weight. It was a little heavy - I was crawling over stuff to get down the aisle. :chuckle:
Nice camper Meat, hope the Cheby makes it home every time. :chuckle:
Post by: KFhunter on September 22, 2013, 07:30:26 PM
I think it's 10.5 foot, electric jacks, awning and such. I really like it except when I take all the kids then its the suck :(
Post by: norsepeak on September 22, 2013, 07:33:11 PM
Post by: KFhunter on September 22, 2013, 07:34:56 PM
Post by: CAMPMEAT on September 23, 2013, 08:00:07 AM
Wow, I would have never thought that Eagle Caps were that heavy.good thing you got a small lightweight camper for that "truck"
3200 lbs of camper, ain't quite light weight there sonny boy. Plus our car trailer, ATV and Side x Side too. Get 'er done !!
My Arctic Fox 990 is 3280 dry weight. Fully loaded for a 2 week elk hunt to Wyoming a few years back, I scaled out at 5,028 pounds over the trucks normal weight. It was a little heavy - I was crawling over stuff to get down the aisle. :chuckle:
Nice camper Meat, hope the Cheby makes it home every time. :chuckle:
The camper has everything, gen, A/C, slide, all compartments are heated and it carries 49 gallons water, and 29 (?) gallons in grey and black water each. That Cheby didn't miss a beat coming home from Pasco. It's the first diesel I've ever owned and I like it. Lotsa power to spare with the camper on.