Lets talk campers!

[Greg]

I'm going to buy a camper for my Dodge, looking to spend no more than $5k. I need something that fits the shortbed and will allow me to pull a trailer still. I'm going to use the camper when I'm working away from home in addition to wheelin & camping trips.

I'd like to have an inside shower, not top priority but it would be handy. I think A/C might come in handy too, but it's not a requirement. I know Lance campers are quality units, but wondering if you guys are familiar with S&S or Northland?

I found a couple on KSL.com that look pretty good.

Here's a nice Lance- http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=618444&lpid=1&cat=150

And a Northland, but I can't tell if it's a shortbed or longbed camper. I'd assume the latter- http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=618444&lpid=1&cat=150


I'll be needing it around January, but I'm worried that there will be none for sale at that point, since the season is ending. Any additional thoughts relating to the subject are welcomed.

 

[Hickey]

That Lance is for a long bed. A Lance 185 is for the short bed.

 

[Greg]

That Lance is for a long bed. A Lance 185 is for the short bed.

I kinda thought that. Thanks for the clarification. So is a 8 1/2 ft camper for a shortbed & 9 1/2 ft for a longbed? I'm camper-dumb. :guilty:

 

[Greg]

I really like this SixPack, it's a 2002. Not a bad price either-

http://adcache.rvtraderonline.com/3/8/8/86208388.htm

 

[Hickey]

I kinda thought that. Thanks for the clarification. So is a 8 1/2 ft camper for a shortbed & 9 1/2 ft for a longbed? I'm camper-dumb. :guilty:

Pretty much. I'll sell ya mine for $13,500.

 

[Greg]

Pretty much. I'll sell ya mine for $13,500.

Thanks, but... I'll have to pass.

 

[Crinco]

It is my understanding that a six-pac will only fit a smaller truck, toys and mazda's and such. They aren't tall enough to clear the cab of a full size truck.
The AC will only work if you plug in the camper or have a generator, but you already knew that.
You will need a 8' or 8.5 foot camper or your weight will be too far back over the axle. That plus a little tounge weight will cause you trouble. KSL is a great place to watch, I would check their daily as the good ones can go real fast. Try to get one with a winter kit too if you are planning to use it in the winter, helps keep the tanks from freezing.
CR

 

[James K]

I looked at them all. Took us 3 years to finally buy one and its a Lance. The only other one I would even consider is a Host.

 

[OCNORB]

Did the camper thing for 4-5 years... then traded up to a toyhauler 5th wheel...would not go back...easier to tow...easy to hook and unhook...more room to stow gear...more beds for kids and their friends....TV....DVD...pool table in the basement[j/k]...gas pump for refilling in the boonies.

Seriously, I wish I had just bought the 5th wheel in the first place. When I want to rough it, I take a backpack and a tent.

 

[Shawn]

Did the camper thing for 4-5 years... then traded up to a toyhauler 5th wheel...would not go back...easier to tow...easy to hook and unhook...more room to stow gear...more beds for kids and their friends....TV....DVD...pool table in the basement[j/k]...gas pump for refilling in the boonies.

Seriously, I wish I had just bought the 5th wheel in the first place. When I want to rough it, I take a backpack and a tent.

This is my next purchase. I have the camper now, but the fifth wheel is just around the corner.

 

[BCGPER]

Kids..........

Sorry, but give up wheeling because you won't fit your rig in one.

Back to the post now: Greg, measure from the fron of your bed out and see what your're dealing with. With a shorty, you'll need an extended hitch. Also, the tailgate will have to disappear, do Dodges come off easily?

Having had many campers, I'd vote Lance (the Caddy of campers), 8' max, and as much cab_over as your can find.

This is my next purchase. I have the camper now, but the fifth wheel is just around the corner.

 

[OCNORB]

Kids..........

Sorry, but give up wheeling because you won't fit your rig in one.

Back to the post now: Greg, measure from the fron of your bed out and see what your're dealing with. With a shorty, you'll need an extended hitch. Also, the tailgate will have to disappear, do Dodges come off easily?

Having had many campers, I'd vote Lance (the Caddy of campers), 8' max, and as much cab_over as your can find.

Hate to spoil your party, but YES my rig does fit in it!

 

[Hickey]

Shawn's definitely won't

 

[BCGPER]

My sammy would too.......


My Jeep wont, and most wont. Back to the camper thread?

Hate to spoil your party, but YES my rig does fit in it!

 

[Shawn]

Shawn's definitely won't

Like I care too............

 

[Shawn]

Kids..........

Sorry, but give up wheeling because you won't fit your rig in one.

Kids............? Sh!t grampa, I'm not the one that sold my wheeler for a Sunday Driver.........

 

[BCGPER]

You're givin up wheelin?????

Best of both worlds, pick up a motorhome and drag your crap behind you.

Like I care too............

 

[Meat_]

...do Dodges come off easily?..

Very.

 

[BCGPER]

I'll go $100 bucks mine has more off road miles than your has this year.....

Kids............? Sh!t grampa, I'm not the one that sold my wheeler for a Sunday Driver.........

 

[offroaddave]

Here's mine in a shortbed truck.
$1500. And it's yours
NO a/c, and the shower is outside.