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> newbie, looking to buy

rjfont60
post Nov 15 2017, 10:58 AM
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Group: Members
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Joined: 15-November 17
Member No.: 9,879
Favorite Truck Camper(s): still looking
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: Toyota Tundra 1/2 ton
Type of Tiedowns used: none used right now
Truck and Camper Setup: Don't have a camper yet-still looking.



My wife and I are a couple years from retirement and are getting interested in a pick up camper, one that fits in the bed. We have a 2013 Tundra 5.7 2W.D., double cab, 6 or 6.5 foot bed(I need to measure it). I want a cab over, with heat, a.c., and a toilet. Am considering a pop up type. What I want to know, is if there are any brands I should avoid. I have considered a used one, unless some of you don't recommend it. We have never had a camper of any type before, so we're new to this. Thank you!
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RV_Tech
post Nov 15 2017, 05:26 PM
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Group: Members
Posts: 201
Joined: 27-July 12
Member No.: 6,199
Favorite Truck Camper(s): Hallmark, Northstar, Outfitter
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: F-350 SRW 6.2 Supercab
Type of Tiedowns used: Happijack front, Torklift rear
Truck and Camper Setup: Hallmark Ute XL No modes to truck Torklift Fast Guns Fast guns had to be cut down to absolute minimum (14 1/2") to use with Happijac front tie down and Hallmark camper.



QUOTE(rjfont60 @ Nov 15 2017, 11:58 AM)
My wife and I are a couple years from retirement and are getting interested in a pick up camper, one that fits in the bed. We have a 2013 Tundra 5.7 2W.D., double cab, 6 or 6.5 foot bed(I need to measure it). I want a cab over, with heat, a.c., and a toilet. Am considering a pop up type. What I want to know, is if there are any brands I should avoid. I have considered a used one, unless some of you don't recommend it. We have never had a camper of any type before, so we're new to this. Thank you!
*



Unless you insist on as the saying going "smelling the paint", there is much to be said for buying used. As to brands to recommend, how something is cared for has more bearing on how well it holds up than brand name. My suggestion is to do a lot of reading and search after spending time online narrowing the list in which you might have an interest.

Steve
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SidecarFlip
post Nov 16 2017, 02:09 PM
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Group: Members
Posts: 472
Joined: 15-October 16
Member No.: 9,221
Favorite Truck Camper(s): Forest River Palomino SS
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: 1997 Ford F350 4x4 LB SRW CC 7.3 diesel
Type of Tiedowns used: HappyJac standard
Truck and Camper Setup: 1997 Ford F350 4 door 4x4 Crew Cab 7.3 Diesel, Lance 915 loaded, 2015 Palomino SS1500 Loaded



With a Tundra you are pretty limited as to what you can put in the bed because your payload weight is limited.

Far as new goes Four Wheel Campers will work and so will the lighter Northstar (both pop ups). You don't have the truck for a hardside, they are too heavy.

Hallmark (like RV Tech has) is an option as well but I'm not sure if you can carry anything other than the small one.

Lots of used Palomino's on the market. Just avoid one built before 2013. The pre 2013's are no good.
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SharBear
post Nov 18 2017, 06:06 PM
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Joined: 10-November 17
Member No.: 9,869
Favorite Truck Camper(s): Napier
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: F-150
Type of Tiedowns used: not sure
Truck and Camper Setup: husband does this



Before you buy a camper I would consider all types since you have never bought one before. 5th wheels are nice and so are pullcampers. One of my favorites as a kid was a pop-up pull camper.
You could also get a tent for the pick-up bed. Please just look at all your options before you buy.
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SidecarFlip
post Nov 21 2017, 09:09 PM
Post #5





Group: Members
Posts: 472
Joined: 15-October 16
Member No.: 9,221
Favorite Truck Camper(s): Forest River Palomino SS
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: 1997 Ford F350 4x4 LB SRW CC 7.3 diesel
Type of Tiedowns used: HappyJac standard
Truck and Camper Setup: 1997 Ford F350 4 door 4x4 Crew Cab 7.3 Diesel, Lance 915 loaded, 2015 Palomino SS1500 Loaded



I've even seen car top tents that go on the roof of an SUV. Lots of options but if you want any conveniences like toilet or shower or galley, your choices are limited by your truck size/capacity.

You could pull a nice pop up tent camper or small TT with all the convenience features but you will be limited to basically improved camping. pull behind units have limited axle clearance, why I don't have one.
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RV_Tech
post Nov 22 2017, 12:37 PM
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Group: Members
Posts: 201
Joined: 27-July 12
Member No.: 6,199
Favorite Truck Camper(s): Hallmark, Northstar, Outfitter
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: F-350 SRW 6.2 Supercab
Type of Tiedowns used: Happijack front, Torklift rear
Truck and Camper Setup: Hallmark Ute XL No modes to truck Torklift Fast Guns Fast guns had to be cut down to absolute minimum (14 1/2") to use with Happijac front tie down and Hallmark camper.



QUOTE(SidecarFlip @ Nov 21 2017, 10:09 PM)
I've even seen car top tents that go on the roof of an SUV.  Lots of options but if you want any conveniences like toilet or shower or galley, your choices are limited by your truck size/capacity.

You could pull a nice pop up tent camper or small TT with all the convenience features but you will be limited to basically improved camping.  pull behind units have limited axle clearance, why I don't have one.
*



There are what amounts to pop-up campers with space in front of the camper to carry gear or even an ATV that are set up specifically for off-road destinations so that would be another option.

This is one example - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ed1r2txJ9Vg

The list of possibilities goes on and on! smile.gif

Steve
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SidecarFlip
post Nov 23 2017, 06:51 AM
Post #7





Group: Members
Posts: 472
Joined: 15-October 16
Member No.: 9,221
Favorite Truck Camper(s): Forest River Palomino SS
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: 1997 Ford F350 4x4 LB SRW CC 7.3 diesel
Type of Tiedowns used: HappyJac standard
Truck and Camper Setup: 1997 Ford F350 4 door 4x4 Crew Cab 7.3 Diesel, Lance 915 loaded, 2015 Palomino SS1500 Loaded



I guess my main impetus for having a TC is, like a turtle, my 'house' is always with me, just behind the backseat and I don't have to deal with another license plate or registration, another set of tires or another unit to store.

Myself, I like more compact trucks (and I had one previously) but, they really limit what you can put in the box as far as an TC.
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RV_Tech
post Nov 23 2017, 01:12 PM
Post #8





Group: Members
Posts: 201
Joined: 27-July 12
Member No.: 6,199
Favorite Truck Camper(s): Hallmark, Northstar, Outfitter
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: F-350 SRW 6.2 Supercab
Type of Tiedowns used: Happijack front, Torklift rear
Truck and Camper Setup: Hallmark Ute XL No modes to truck Torklift Fast Guns Fast guns had to be cut down to absolute minimum (14 1/2") to use with Happijac front tie down and Hallmark camper.



QUOTE(SidecarFlip @ Nov 23 2017, 07:51 AM)
I guess my main impetus for having a TC is, like a turtle, my 'house' is always with me, just behind the backseat and I don't have to deal with another license plate or registration, another set of tires or another unit to store.

Myself, I like more compact trucks (and I had one previously) but, they really limit what you can put in the box as far as an TC.
*




If you do this long enough you come to realize one size does not fit all and there is no single best choice. smile.gif

Steve
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Freespool
post Nov 23 2017, 02:13 PM
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Group: Members
Posts: 167
Joined: 2-June 16
Member No.: 8,975
Favorite Truck Camper(s): Still deciding
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: 2016 GMC3500dualyy4x4diesel
Type of Tiedowns used: Torklift with Fastguns
Truck and Camper Setup: The plan will utilize a 3500 GMC with a 11 or 12' TC with a full compliment of Torklift hitch components and tie downs. Stable loads if needed will be installed.



I understand why some people want truck campers, but IMO the list of reasons is short. Towing a trailer makes more since for most people. Those that need to tow boats or horse trailers make up the bulk of truck camper owners. The Tundra, due to it's short bed makes a poor choice for hauling around a camper. However, if you insist, I would look at the Northstar Laredo if you like hard wall models. Northstar also make pop up's that would fit your truck. I would avoid a slide out due to weight and problems that often come with these models. Spend some time learning about truck campers and then go rent one and give it a try. The expense to rent one for a week will be minimal compared to a purchase and you will know for sure if you will be happy owning one.
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RV_Tech
post Nov 23 2017, 07:36 PM
Post #10





Group: Members
Posts: 201
Joined: 27-July 12
Member No.: 6,199
Favorite Truck Camper(s): Hallmark, Northstar, Outfitter
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: F-350 SRW 6.2 Supercab
Type of Tiedowns used: Happijack front, Torklift rear
Truck and Camper Setup: Hallmark Ute XL No modes to truck Torklift Fast Guns Fast guns had to be cut down to absolute minimum (14 1/2") to use with Happijac front tie down and Hallmark camper.



My thought would be the majority of us who own truck campers do so to get to where others, or at least most of them, normally do not go. smile.gif

Steve
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Freespool
post Nov 24 2017, 07:16 PM
Post #11





Group: Members
Posts: 167
Joined: 2-June 16
Member No.: 8,975
Favorite Truck Camper(s): Still deciding
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: 2016 GMC3500dualyy4x4diesel
Type of Tiedowns used: Torklift with Fastguns
Truck and Camper Setup: The plan will utilize a 3500 GMC with a 11 or 12' TC with a full compliment of Torklift hitch components and tie downs. Stable loads if needed will be installed.



I don't know about the majority needing a truck camper for boon docking but certainly my reason as well as your reason make up the majority of T/C owners. I still have a strong need to own a truck camper because I fish. My problem is I expect a high level of quality if a manufacturer is going to be successful at selling me a 12 foot box that cost 45000 dollars. To date I have the truck and everything needed to haul and tow my boat and a camper but I still have no camper and my vacations continue to be adversely effected by this situation. Oh well, maybe someday.
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SidecarFlip
post Nov 24 2017, 08:00 PM
Post #12





Group: Members
Posts: 472
Joined: 15-October 16
Member No.: 9,221
Favorite Truck Camper(s): Forest River Palomino SS
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: 1997 Ford F350 4x4 LB SRW CC 7.3 diesel
Type of Tiedowns used: HappyJac standard
Truck and Camper Setup: 1997 Ford F350 4 door 4x4 Crew Cab 7.3 Diesel, Lance 915 loaded, 2015 Palomino SS1500 Loaded



QUOTE(RV_Tech @ Nov 23 2017, 07:36 PM)
My thought would be the majority of us who own truck campers do so to get to where others, or at least most of them, normally do not go. smile.gif

Steve
*



Exactly.
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SidecarFlip
post Nov 24 2017, 08:05 PM
Post #13





Group: Members
Posts: 472
Joined: 15-October 16
Member No.: 9,221
Favorite Truck Camper(s): Forest River Palomino SS
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: 1997 Ford F350 4x4 LB SRW CC 7.3 diesel
Type of Tiedowns used: HappyJac standard
Truck and Camper Setup: 1997 Ford F350 4 door 4x4 Crew Cab 7.3 Diesel, Lance 915 loaded, 2015 Palomino SS1500 Loaded



I don't refer to it as 'Boon docking'. I refer to it a primitive camping with amenities. I'd love to have a big TT or a 5er or a motorhome but it's not going to get into the places I want to camp at. at least not in one piece.

The problem is, is most all TC's with the exception of just a select few, require a full sized truck with some capability and cargo capacity.
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