I am on our 5th truck camper at the present time, a Lance. But I don't believe there is any "magic" brand that will have no problems. My 5th TC, is built basically the same way as was the first, back in the early 70s, just better material used, IMHO and much heavier.
As mentioned, find a model with a floor plan you like, the weight you feel your truck can handle and a price you consider to be reasonable. There are at least a half dozen brands that I would be just as happy with as my Lance. I am not big on brand loyalty, I guess. One of my neighbors down the street has an Arctic Fox and I believe it is the best looking camper I have seen, on the exterior. Another neighbor has a Host but it takes a lot more truck, than I have, to haul it without problems.
If buying new, having a dealer close by, may or may not be important to you. Some of the brands I wanted to look at didn't have a dealer within 500 miles of me. You will find praise and condemnation of about every TC made, I do believe, on this forum. If buying used, check it our throughly, to make sure it has been properly maintained by the prior owner. If new, do a good walk through with the dealer before you take delivery. And if you plan to weight it, do this "before" you buy, not afterwards, unless the dealer/seller will guarantee the unit's weight in writing and agree to take it back if the weight is way off of what they claim.
joe b.
Stuart Florida
Formerly of Colorado and Alaska
Chevy 3500 DRW Dmax CC - Rockwood 8281 SS 5th Whl & 2008 Lance 845 TC www.pajbcooper.com web site
Alaska Trip 2011 posted
Colo-Utah-Ariz 2012 trip posted
"Without challenge, adventure is impossible".
I think you will find that most people will suggest the brand of camper they own if they like it. Something eventually goes wrong or may need worked on with any camper.
I purchased a new camper a few years back. So far I have not had any problems with it. Actually, I've been pretty impressed with it. I have given it a good workout each season of the year. So it goes without saying that I'd have to recommend it! Umm now if I could only think of the brand....
2004.5 Dodge Ram SLT 2500 Cummins 4x4 Firestone Ride Rite Airbags
2009 Northern Lite 9.6Q Classic SE w/Boat Rack
Progressive Dynamics Inteli-Power 4645
Torklift Tie Downs w/Fastguns
Honda EU2000i
I checked out the Bigfoot and Northern Lite first and then went to Arctic Fox. AF is built by Northwood Manufacturing and has the quality I was looking for, the aminities I wanted and the size I liked with a slide out. Wjile I've only had it about 3 weeks, I'm loving it! There are a few things I will change, like getting rid of that over-my-head cabinet, installing some cabinet and drawer dividers, installing one more 12volt and 120 volt outlet, but other than those things, the TC is right where I want and need it.
We just purchased our new Adventurer and LOVE it! (Sorry about yours DiscoChicken). Yes, it's new and we haven't used it yet, but have seen no evidence of impending problems. I have a couple of small things and spoke with the company and dealer today and they are being handled bettter than I had hoped. Disco- you had me scared, but Adventurer has been great.
Research each manufacturer and dealer. Listen to everyone and then make your choice based on your facts and comparisons. Call and speak with them personally, sometimes that alone will give you the sense of professionalism that should be expected from the RV industry.
My opinion-Adventurer-should be on your short list of consideration. A very nice TC for a more reasonable price.
2011 Adventurer 910FBS,Torklift tie downs,Fastguns & Wobbl-stopprs
2012 Dodge 3500 DRW 6.7L CTD, 4x4, LB,CC,6 speed auto,3.73 axle, General 17" on/off road
2008 Lund 1825 Explorer Sport,115 Merc,9.9 kicker,Torklift Super Hitch,42" Supertruss
USAF ret E-9&E-7
Aiden and Wade, we have the same brand as you. 2011 model. We looked for years, b4 purchasing. We wouldn't have paid that much for a camper if we didn't think it was worth it. You can have a lemon with any brand.... of anything!
2002 Chevy 2500HD CC 4x4 D/A 2011 Northern Lite 9'6" Q Classic SE
Any you guys ever pulled any NL work? Windows, water heater, compartment doors, jack brackets? Ever crawl up inside the basement, drilled an access plate to the bathroom under sink? Ever pulled the battery boxes? How about just pulling the range cook top to gain access behind the cabs?
Do any you guys have your NL in constant rain?
TIA.... Many of you guys are new owners, others try and paint an unrealistic picture that NL campers are so far better than the rest. Mine is not a lemon... it was built with industry standards. I can a test to that since I have been all thru it. I would guess part of the problem is when a manufacturer applies those same standards to a fiberglass body.
* This post was
edited 04/17/12 07:15am by covered wagon *
One more comment in support of Northstar as a quality camper. In addition they are excellent in product support. You can pick up the phone, call the company and talk to one of the owners with your questions.
As stated earlier, they are not the widest or the heaviest and do not do slides. But what they do is done well.
2004 Chevrolet 2500HD, 4WD, 6.0, ext.cab, SB, 4.10 Supersprings 265 Firestone tires, 8 X 16 rims 2003 Northstar Laredo SC
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