Back in the day, I used to detail RV's for a living. I have seen some excellent workmanship and some, let's say, pretty shoddy workmanship. When I went shopping for a camper for my new truck, I stopped into a place that sales Northern Lites. I was immediately drawn to their quality. I have seen many a rig in my day and I will tell you, even my wife noticed I was impressed (I am not easily impressed). Now, that being said, I was not ready to drop down $35K for a new camper, so after that I looked for used. Luckily we found one, not too far from home for a decent price. Exactly what we wanted. A 2004 Northern Lite Ten-2000 CD. We love this rig. We looked at many other brands, the usual suspects, but decided on this one based upon my many years of experience with RVs. The solid fiberglass construction, solid wood cabinets, overall build quality, and attention to detail sold us. What about you?
2008 Dodge Ram 2500 QC 4x4 - HEMI
2004 Northern Lite Ten-2000 CD
1998 Glastron GS 180 SF w/ Merc 150 HP
The best one is the one that meets your needs and fits your wallet.
RRUGG
2008 Dodge 2500 QC 4x4 SB Cummins 6 speed auto 3.73
1997 Holiday Rambler 29FK travel trailer
2006 Summit 22RB travel trailer
2003 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport
Bob & Grace professional retirees
Good Sam life members
After looking at Lance,Artic Fox,and a few others,I went with Big Foot(used) the problems with filon siding scared me. I had to do some upgrades,but I'm happy with it.Just got back from the Keys,and the AC kept it a cool 68'
2006 GMC 4X4 CC DM/A 6spd DRW Timbren's on all 4 corners, Rancho's Torklift's,Fastguns 2004 BigFoot 30.11SL
At this time my Lance is the best for us due to it was what we could afford to pay cash for at the time we bought it used. (a year old at the time) This TC is our 4th one we have owned, the previous 3 are all "orphan" brands now. I don't mind financing my home, cars, etc. but I won't finance a "toy." My RVs, boats, off road Jeeps, motorcycles, etc. are either cash or I don't buy them.
If I were in the market for a different TC, I really like the Arctic Fox, my neighbor down the street has, and I think I could make a real good argument to my wife, as to why we "need" a new Okanagan and bigger truck to carry it. The Bigfoots look good also to me along with others. When you get into the $25K and up new price range for TCs, I don't see much difference in the different brands other than lay outs and features offered. All TC/RV/boat manufacturers have to be able to charge enough for their products to make a profit and be able to sell their products or they are going to turn out junk, IMHO.
My thought is to find a dealer you can work with, a TC that has a floor plan that you like, and be willing to pay for the quality you want.
I believe the answer to your question is . . . "the one you own." Many of them are very nice . . . if you take a look at some of the threads on this forum you'll find pros and con's on a variety of models. Just like many different RV's, trucks, boats etc. . . I think you'll find some strong opinions when it comes to brands.
Congrats, it sounds like you're happy with the NL and found a good deal on the one you wanted.
'08 Ford F550, Lariat, Link Air Suspension, Roll-A-Long Conversion, Twin Turbo 6.4, TorkLifts, SuperHitch, "Monster Duty Truckasaurus"
'05 Lance to-the-Max (Sold)1181.
'09 Host Everest
If we define 'best' as a camper that has no problems after the sale, then I guess mine can enter that elite status. No problems (except the Dometic recall) and I have a 2000 model year camper.
'05 Dodge Cummins 4x4 dually 3500 white quadcab auto long bed airbags overload springs bumpers
'00 Elkhorn 10V w/basement
I think it depends on how many years you want to go back, and what features you want. Some of the newer brands and some of the older brands that just started with slides, Host included, have made lots of changes over their first few years in slides which is still around 5 years.
Others, like NL with their same basic nonslide design for the last few years, are about the same as they were 15 years ago and don't seem to be making anything but tiny changes. I'd put Snow River in the same category for campers with Slides although finding an older Snow River for sale is about like looking for a needle in a hay stack.
If you like NLs, I think that was a very good choice. I wanted the latest features and a more open floor plan which meant they were off the list.
'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.
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