[ Outline ] · Standard · Linear+ new member, finging the right camper for our needs

[jashyd]

Hello, I am a new member here. I am changing from a 5th. wheel camper to a truck camper . I have a 2004 dodge 1 ton dually diesel long bed. My problem is I don't know what size camper will be right for our needs. we may have as many as 4 adults some times but mostly just 2 or 3 . I do want a dry bath ,A/c furnace ,most all common items . I am wanting a used one . I was told that a Lance is the best but that to me is hear say . We camp 2 to 3 weeks a year and some weekends . I need advice from all you good folks . Thank You.

[mbrink]

With that truck you have a lot of options. I had a 2001 Lance 820 for 15 years, and now have an Artic Fox 811. Both a short bed campers. Campers get tight for 4 people, both on sleeping and moving around; especially with 4 adults. We had 4 of us in the Lance (2 kids, 2 adults), and a dog. Worked OK. Now just the two of us in the 811.

The Artic Fox has a slide out, which makes the living space so much more spacious. But the slide out comes at expense of cost, weight and complexity. If need to sleep 3 to 4 adults, look for as long as a dinette as you can as that is the second bed.

[jashyd]

With that truck you have a lot of options.  I had a 2001 Lance 820 for 15 years, and now have an Artic Fox 811. Both a short bed campers.  Campers get tight for 4 people, both on sleeping and moving around; especially with 4 adults.  We had 4 of us in the Lance (2 kids, 2 adults), and a dog.  Worked OK.  Now just the two of us in the 811.     

The Artic Fox has a slide out, which makes the living space so much more spacious.  But the slide out comes at expense of cost, weight and complexity.  If need to sleep 3 to 4 adults, look for as long as a dinette as you can as that is the second bed.

Thanks, with the slide out what kind of complexity is there , won't it slide out while on truck ? also I don't want any type of popup .

[mbrink]

I have never had a trailer, but assume a camper slide out is essentially the same. You rely on motors, gears and tracks to extend and retract the slide out. Yes, you can slide it while on the truck. In fact you essentially have to in order to enter the camper. I can barely squeak by when the slide is in. Trick is to remember to slide it back in after that quick rest stop.

There is a manual crank backup system, but still complex. Since most trailers and 5thers have slides, I think it is safe to say manufacturers have it figured out. For a camper I think the issue is weight (and cost go up). With your 1 ton dually you should have the payload needed.

Pop ups seem like a great idea for a rig that goes offroad a lot. I took my Lance places people said I could not go. The Artic Fox is considerably heavier and taller, so really can't take it down a trail.

I see the biggest issue with pop ups is the small door. Every option has its pros and cons, just like a 5th vs TC.