Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Power Equipment & RV => Topic started by: bullchaser on August 21, 2009, 08:39:44 AM

Title: Camper Question
Post by: bullchaser on August 21, 2009, 08:39:44 AM: Have any of you folks had any experience with northland campers Good? Bad? I am looking at buying one tonight. any of you guys try to fit a 7 or 8 footer on a half ton does it work?
Thanks I really appreciate your input.
Title: Re: Camper Question
Post by: MagKarl on August 21, 2009, 08:45:19 AM: You'll likely be over GVW but do-able in a half ton. I'd highly recommend a set of Firestone airbags to level it out, they really help with the stability.
Title: Re: Camper Question
Post by: Curly on August 21, 2009, 08:57:53 AM: My first camper was a Northland. It was ok except for the fact that the roof leaked. The guy I bought it from said it didn't leak........he said he just kept the tarp over it and the heat lamp inside just to make sure to keep it dry inside. >:( I believed him when he said the fairly new roof seal coat was also just preventive maintenance........ :bash: I guess I was too trusting when I was 23 years old. It had been leaking for a while and I don't think he was able to fix the leak...........I never could get the leak fixed either.

Other than that, I think they are made pretty well. They are kind of heavy, but that just means that there is plenty of insulation and are made solid. I have no experience with a camper on a half ton.
Title: Re: Camper Question
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on August 21, 2009, 09:28:38 AM: I can't speak to that brand of camper.

Depending on the truck, without some suspension upgrades, a cab over camper might not be the best idea on a half ton. Weight has a huge affect on braking ability and on the suspension system to stabilize the load. One thing most people don't think of is the wind load added to the vehicle. You'll be very unhappy with the total package if your engine is not strong enough to compensate for the weight and wind load.

-Steve
Title: Re: Camper Question
Post by: Curly on August 21, 2009, 09:39:18 AM: Have you seen those pop-up type campers? That kind I think would work great on a half ton.

Here (http://www.hallmarkrv.com/page/faqs.html?inet=aD1zbmRmLXlheCZyaD1zbmRmLXlheCZwbHVnaW4tYWN0aW9uPXJlYWQmcnBsdWdpbi1hY3Rpb249ZGVmYXVsdCZjcGx1Z2luPXNuZGYmcmVjaWQ9MTYzMSZzaG93YWxidW09dHJ1ZQ) is an example of one.
Title: Re: Camper Question
Post by: NRA4LIFE on August 21, 2009, 09:39:52 AM: If it's a small 7 footer, it may have been designed for smaller trucks. Before buying, make sure the jacks are set wide enough apart to clear the sides of the truck. Check the weight too, it should be on the serial number plate an the back. Half tons can be a wee bit unstable with heavier campers.
Title: Re: Camper Question
Post by: Rick on August 21, 2009, 09:47:03 AM: Unless you have an absolute base model truck that doesn't weigh much,you'll just about be guaranteed to be over the GVWR of the truck.

The GVWR is the max the truck (and gear passengers,etc) can weigh. The more options the truck has,the more it weighs and the less cargo it can carry.

The biggest problem with half tons is their axle ratings. You break an axle with an overloaded half ton and then your tire/wheel comes off and shoots past you down the freeway.

Half tons are great for a lot of things,but hauling or towing heavy isn't their strong point.
Title: Re: Camper Question
Post by: jackelope on August 21, 2009, 09:50:39 AM: FANATIC on here had a 7 1/2' foot camper in the bed of his 1/2 ton shortbed silverado and he seemed to be relatively ok with it. he had airbags on it, and as i remember he didn't like it on winding roads as it was kinda top heavy. you might send him a pm and ask him for any input. i agree with the weight issue opinions. i am a big fan of overkill with this type of stuff.
Title: Re: Camper Question
Post by: bullchaser on August 21, 2009, 11:39:55 AM: I really appreciate the info please feel free to add any more. it is a 7 footer and the guy told me it weighed 700 lbs (I think he may be off on that) I am thinking about trying it and being carefull. have any of you tried a camper and went back to the good old tent camp I am kind of worried this may be more hassle than its worth.
Thanks for the input.
-Matt
Title: Re: Camper Question
Post by: NRA4LIFE on August 21, 2009, 11:53:12 AM: That seems real light. I have a lighweight 7' popup and it weighs right about 950 and change completely empty (no water, propane tank, etc.). If it's a popup, make sure you raise the roof and check the fabric for any damage and especially signs of mildew. The fabric on some popups can be prone to sweating on the inside in certain conditions. You can get mildew if the roof is put down and then stored with the fabric damp.
Title: Re: Camper Question
Post by: Blacklab on August 21, 2009, 01:14:59 PM: Finding out your max load with the truck should be a tag in the door jam with this info. Call the manufacture or a dealer on the trailer they'll give you the specs you need. ;)
Title: Re: Camper Question
Post by: BLKBEARKLR on August 21, 2009, 01:19:30 PM: Quote from: Curly on August 21, 2009, 09:39:18 AM
Have you seen those pop-up type campers? That kind I think would work great on a half ton.

Here (http://www.hallmarkrv.com/page/faqs.html?inet=aD1zbmRmLXlheCZyaD1zbmRmLXlheCZwbHVnaW4tYWN0aW9uPXJlYWQmcnBsdWdpbi1hY3Rpb249ZGVmYXVsdCZjcGx1Z2luPXNuZGYmcmVjaWQ9MTYzMSZzaG93YWxidW09dHJ1ZQ) is an example of one.

I had one it was only two years old before it started leaking bad around all the seals, I sold it quick...

Joe
Title: Re: Camper Question
Post by: Curly on August 21, 2009, 01:23:36 PM: Quote
I had one it was only two years old before it started leaking bad around all the seals, I sold it quick...

Joe

That sucks. I hate leaks. Seems like a good alternative for 1/2 ton trucks to get a lighter weight camper........but I guess not if they are prone to leaking.

Bullchaser, you might try asking over at RV.net or searching the forum. They have a section there on truck campers.
Title: Re: Camper Question
Post by: Huntbear on August 21, 2009, 01:47:43 PM: You may have to upgrade your brakes if you go over the GVW. Just imagine how much more heat you will build up in your brakes, coming off a steep mountain road, with the added weight of a loaded camper. Unless your truck is a stick, so you can really make the tranny slow you down, I would be concerned. Just my :twocents: