Outline · [ Standard ] · Linear+ Northstar owners question, Arrow U vs. Laredo?

[cjweener1]

We are getting close to purchasing our first truck camper! We will be using a 2017 Ram Mega Cab 3500 SRW Cummins. We recently did a tour of Northstar's warehouse in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Rex (owner, CEO and all around good guy) spent almost 4 hours with us giving us the tour and answering our questions. It's hard to find that kind of customer service these days...very impressive! We were able to spend some time in the Laredo and really liked it. My hubby is 6-2 so Rex recommended coming back to check out the Arrow U...they are next on the production schedule.
Any Laredo and Arrow U owners that can tell us what they like and don't like about their TC's? Here are our perceptions so far...with no experience to back it up:)

Arrow pros:

We like the idea of having 5 inches more of ceiling height on the Arrow U. It is also a little wider...7-6" vs 7'. Bath is 3 inches bigger. It's also about 300 pounds heavier when you add the extra propane tank to the Laredo so that each has 2 tanks. Arrow has dedicated lined strorage for our portable Yamaha 2000 generator.

Cons: Heavier, wider, taller....effect on fuel economy, driving comfort with increased weight and wind resistance, etc.....a bit more spendy.

Laredo:

Everything we need but a little tight in the bath and cabover height is really snug. Arrow U has the straight roof line and also 5 inches taller so cabover is taller.

We will be spending a fair amount of time....2-4 month trips...a couple of times/year. Do we go big and more comfortable in the Arrow....or keep it more nimble with the Laredo? Not sure how much difference between the two when it comes down to driving them. We do like camping Forest Service Roads/ BLM land and not so much RV parks. We usually pull some toys (tongue weight less than 300 to 400 pounds).

Thank you for any input and help!
Enjoy the Journey

[Freespool]

Both campers are nice and well built. I have been involved with truck campers for 2 years now and it all started with matching my 7700 series Ford 150 with a Northstar Liberty. I eventually decided that camper was a little too much for my truck and not enough space for me. My obsession for elbow room has lead me to the biggest campers available, so I bet you can guess what I would recommend.

The fact that you have a 3500 with a diesel should eliminate all your concerns about drive ability with either of these mid size campers. Having a few extra inches of width and height won't effect your mileage enough to even think about it, however it will increase your enjoyment while inside your camper. Three inches more in the bath room alone would be enough for me to choose the larger unit, add to that a space for your generator and it becomes an easy decision.

Buy the extra space now rather than later, it will be cheaper in the long run. Choose your options wisely. Take a look at Truck Camper Adventures site for Northstar information. Mike owns a Liberty and has tested many of the options Northstar offers. The way I see it you will have 4 important decisions to make. Battery's, buy the best sealed units you can afford. Solar, most people love it but it's not cheap and it requires more holes in your roof. AC units, I once thought that small 9K unit was pretty cool, but this weekend I have read about a lot of problems people are having with it, maybe you would be better served with a 11K unit or the window model, do your research on AC's. Last but not least, cassette toilets or black tanks. I like the larger capacity of the black tank, Mike likes the cassette. Have fun with your new camper and take some picture so we can enjoy it with you.

[cjweener1]

Thanks Freespool! You always give great advice!
Just curious...what have you been hearing about the Coleman 9K A/C's? We've already got the Yamaha 2000 generator so we need to go with what that will run.

Agree with getting good batteries...we are planning on doing 2 group 31's (6 volts are nice too but we can use the 31's for other purposes if need be.) Not sure what brand yet....always read good things about Trojan's and Lifeline's. Wish Costco carried them...great return policy! Plan on putting them inside under dinette similar to what Mello Mike did. I've learned a lot and really enjoy reading his site Truck Camper Adventures.

We'll definitely include some pics when we get it set up! Thanks buddy!

[Freespool]

The two battery's you mentioned are the best in my book, if you can afford the 31 Lifelines I would go for them. Look online, they can be found with free shipping and no garbage fee's. Two 31's will be over 500 bucks, ouch. Assuming you have not seen the larger camper google Truck Camper Warehouse, Bill has one that you can look at.

The time frames you mentioned will require plenty of wardrobe space, maybe Rex can change the bed room cabinets to suit your needs. From what I have read Northstar is open to such ideas.

This weekend I was doing a lot of reading on all the camper forums. On more than one post people reported having issues with motors coming loose and fan blades braking on the small AC units. I have always had 13.5's and have never had an issue. I too have a 2000 watt Honda and had hoped to use it with a 9K unit, I might have to rethink that.

Just for conversation, what lead you to Northstar? Most people need or want slides.