Browntrout73
Missoula, MT
New Member
Joined: 02/09/2012
View Profile
 Offline
|
Hey all,
We are looking to pull the trigger on a popup TC. The two models were are looking at are the Northstar 850sc vs the Palomino 1500 Bronco
TV is a 2001 dodge cummins 2500 long bed with just under 3000# payload. Both these campers come in dry at around 1700# ish, so loaded light should be under payload.
What say you as far as build qaulity, layout, functionality etc...?
Obviously the Palomino is a lot cheaper in price and possibly quality but that does not affect my over all decision. This will be used as a complement to our fver, we will use it for quick overnighters, remote camping and hunting/mild winter camping. I also want to be able to get a canoe on the roof if possible. Reason we are looking at a popup is lighter and lower clearance for backwoods traveling and better mpg(?). But might not be opposed to a hardside if i can find a light one
Thanks!
Jason
|
ScottG
Bothell Wa.
Senior Member
Joined: 02/25/2005
View Profile
Offline
|
That's amazing, at 3000# your 2500 has the same capacity as my 03 3500!
Scott, Grace and Wesly
2003 Dodge 3500 4x4, 6 speed Cummins (lightly bombed),
2004 Forest River 25RKS many, many mods.
H0NDA eu2000i
|
jimh425
Western WA
Senior Member
Joined: 06/11/2006
View Profile
Offline
|
If I'm looking at the right two...I prefer the North/South bed of the Northstar and it looks like it has more storage and a more open floor plan and a shower.
Northstar
Palomino
I haven't heard anything significantly bad about either brand, so that's a wash as far as build quality.
'06 F350 Lariat Supercab SRW, 6.0 PSD 4x4 Long Bed, Intake Elbow, Walker Big Truck Muffler. '06 Host Rainer 950 Double Slide, Fastguns. Firestone Air Bags, Rancho 9000s, Vision 19.5s with Hankook DH-01 245s, Energy Suspension bump stops.
|
MKish
SF
Senior Member
Joined: 09/01/2011
View Profile
|
I looked at these recently and noticed a few things that made us prefer the Northstar. The extended cabover bed was a big one for us because we have lots of people and need the storage. You might not need that.
The Broncos have a reputation for developing leaks due to the full height door weakening the rear structure. On the other hand, they have full height doors!
|
s1214
Vt
Senior Member
Joined: 05/06/2006
View Profile
|
I actually went thru the same decision process, same 2 campers, and I have a 2500. I went with the Northstar. The deciding factors for me were the extended cab bed, storage, and cassette toilet. Are there some things I wish were different? Yep, but it was the best for what I wanted. You'll have to do the same evaluation of your needs and make your decision from there. Good luck.
|
|
|
ecoast
NW NJ's Highlands
Senior Member
Joined: 06/01/2011
View Profile
Offline
|
if you sleep with anybody else; north/ south IS a big deal...
I have a shower/cassette toilet in my laredo, and love having it after my first camper did not.
did i mention north south? ( Mine is east/west)
07 5.9 CTD & 2000 Northstar Laredo TC towing 87 Samurai ORV on dual axle trailer
|
weymard
NORMANDY
Senior Member
Joined: 11/07/2008
View Profile
Offline
|
I will say go to Northstar, I tested one vs a Palomino Bronco, the build quality is really better in all aspects.
But the price is not the same ...
FORD F250 LARIAT 4X4 DIESEL 2008
Lance 815 2007
France, Normandy
|
Mello Mike
Mesa, AZ
Moderator
Joined: 05/14/2003
View Profile
Offline
|
Northstar!!! Hands down.
2011 Wolf Creek 850N/Polar Cub/240w Solar/2-6v Lifeline AGMs/Morningstar Sunsaver w/RM-1 & SureSine-300 Inverter
2011 Ford F-250/6.2L/3.73/Bilsteins/Air Bags/Torklift TD w/Fastguns
2004 Jeep Wrangler/4.0L/5-spd
US Navy Ret.
My Truck Camper Adventure Blog
|
xnorp
Spokane Washington
Senior Member
Joined: 07/29/2004
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club Member
Offline
|
I would go with the North Star if for no other reason the customer support that they offer. You can talk to one of the owners with just a phone call and they are a company that has been in business a long long time. Just my 2 cents worth.
xnorp
2000 F-250 SD PS 04 Snowriver 9'6" Rancho 9000X Super Springs Vision 19.5 w/Toyo M608Z
|
~DJ~
Boise, Idaho
Senior Member
Joined: 05/10/2005
View Profile
|
Hmmmmmm.....my 01 CTD 2500 had 1800# payload. Had I put 3500 springs under it would of then brought it up to 2900#. Is that what you did?
Anyway, another vote for Northstar!!!!
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
|
|
|
