I looked at a new Palimino pop up TC yesterday. It was for a LWB, had a shower and tolet, don't know if it was cassette or not. Roof air, hand crank jacks.
Anyways, looked OK, if not a little basic. But the price was $11K ish, for a brand new one and mounted.
Why are these new campers so much cheaper than others?? Even a used Hallmark/Outfitter is more than that. Are they build that much better?? And why??
I have looked at several other brands and I currently own a Palomino. Is there a difference? Absolutely. With no disrespect towards Palomino, they cater to people who cannot afford the higher end campers, or people who are just getting into camping and don't want the big investment. Palomino is economy. All you have to do to see this is study the construction of them.
1992 Salem by Cobra 21F Fifth Wheel
Reese Classic 15K Hitch 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 5.9L Ext.cab 4x4
towing pkg, 3.55 gears,
*not an actual fire truck
Palomino is a company that has been building RV's continually since 1968. In 2002 Forest River (Part of Bershire Hathaway/Warren Buffet) the 2nd Largest RV Company in the World) bought them and infused more money into the Company. And their buying power brought new life to the company. Palomino is ran as a seperate division of Forest River, with seperate management, some of which were there with Palomino for years.
They can build RV's such as the Palomino Real Lites and Bronco's to be inexpensive, entry level pop-up truck campers, but while the quality is fine, and the ammenities are certainly not going to be up there with the other brands of Pop-top campers like Alaskan, Camp-Lite, Four Wheel, Hallmark, North Star's and Phoenix pop-up campers! But again the Palomino ain't going to cost as much either!
Not a lot of frills, a long list of options and built to a lean price point. As long as you know that going into it, you'll be fine with the Palomino.
Good luck!
My posts shouldn't be taken for factual data. They are purely fictional, for entertainment purposes and should not be constituted as actually related to scientific, technical, engineering, legal, spiritual or practical advice. Amen.
Quote: Even a used Hallmark/Outfitter is more than that. Are they build that much better?? And why??
I was just reading through Palomino website; the Bronco Model in particular. They don't give much if any information on the structure (shell & roof construction) other than a single term, "laminated", and "steel floor support". Laminated what to what? And, most importantly, how? There is no technical data (like on Outfitter's site, for example) detailing (in excruciating minutia) every part of the camper shell, and precisely what the components are.
In concluding, it is really impossible to attempt a scientific analysis of the Palomino truck camper, in terms of it's construction! So, there is absolutely no way to answer your question (unless someone here has taken a new unit apart, and examined every part, and the methodology behind its manufacture).
as always cheap price = cheap quality,SIGH. the build quality of these units is so poor that i would prefer a quality used brand in lieu of a new Palomino pop up.no offense intended to the mfg or past/present owners as i had one of equal or worse build quality(STARCRAFT),never again.
How much quality can one put in a light weight TC? Is the skin a heavier gauge?
Same furnace; same water heater;same thetford;same A/C same Bargham. Better carpet? Better windows? Better upholistry So what are you paying for? More important: Is the roof one piece;no leaks? What is the guarrantee and what is the reputation for service? Is that worth another 10G?
The dealer where I just bought my used SunLite just started carrying Palomino Broncos. The sales guy was pushing them pretty hard. For only a few more $1000 you could have a brand new one.
I did not like it as it did not have it's own battery. It was wired direct to the truck battery. I suppose you could rig it with it's own battery but for what? Another $500?
2011 F250 Super Cab Lariat 6.2 373 FX4 Short Box 4" BDS, 35" Toyos, TorkLift, 16.5K Warn, Locked & Loaded
2007 SunLite Pop Up
The Real Lite SS-1608 I had did have a battery...the thermostat wasn't level and I agree, the quality control wasn't what I would have expected, but it did not leak and was quite comfortable....
I bought a bigger truck and realized I wanted to step in the back and go to bed...Hello Hardside! I upgraded to another Real Lite...same issues but is still watertight and even more comfortable!
Ram 3500 DRW CC, w/ Torklift tiedowns, SuperHitch, StableLoads, FastGuns, Airlift Bags and Wireless Compressor and Rancho 9000XLs. Real Lite HS-1810 TC. Starcraft 18' SuperFisherman Fishing Boat.
niftypkg wrote: How much quality can one put in a light weight TC? Is the skin a heavier gauge?
Same furnace; same water heater;same thetford;same A/C same Bargham. Better carpet? Better windows? Better upholistry So what are you paying for? More important: Is the roof one piece;no leaks? What is the guarrantee and what is the reputation for service? Is that worth another 10G?
good point!! however i for one would gladly pay 5k more for one that would at least make it home before leaking,the last two which i purchased new did not and still leaked when i got rid of them.i know wishful thinking.
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