Soft sided camper???

[hammersley]

OK I know about the limitations of these - but does anybody have any experience with them?????



http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...MEWA:IT&viewitem=&item=270092162788&rd=1&rd=1

 

[PKnoerzer]

I ordered Starcraft like that in 2004, but ended up backing out of the deal to get a hard sided Lance. It had just came from the factory and it had some caulked seams that were separating. The Starcrafts have a full height door that folds down. This seems to weaken the structure compared to others. When the dealer was trying to set it up for me, it was supported by the jacks and the sides bowed in when they raised the top. The door wouldn't close. I guess once the door is set up properly it is rigid enough. The Starcrafts are nice, but other brands that have a lower door and aluminum frames are much more sturdy.



You might try the Woodalls or RV.net forums for other opinions.

 

[hammersley]

That's the eaxct sort of

info I was wondering about - thanks a million... ... ...

 

[Regcabguy]

Northstar campers

My wife and I have enjoyed our Northstar for seven years now with absolutely no problems. It's survived thirty Baja runs(mostly decent Baja roads) and was on my '99 which was an honorable mention in the TDR calendar. Quality workmanship throughout. I've got it on the '07 now and with Lorenz's 2. 25 SAW suspension the truck handles real well. On the stock '07 suspension it sucked bigtime. Down here in SoCal a soft side is fine. Up in your area where it actually rains it might be a little sketchy.

 

[VicR]

Can't help you with that brand in particular, but in general I have a lot of good things to say about pop-up truck campers. We've had ours for 6 1/2 years and we love it. Its a Sunlite Eagle (SunValleyInc.com) Its been a good unit and a good value, and haven't had any trouble with it. Its a great 3 season camper. We have camped it in during the winter, and its OK but I don't think I would do it reguarly. The pop-up part only adds about 1 minute to set-up and departure.



If I were buying one today and money was no object, I would get an Outfitter (outfittermfg.com) Pricey, but nice.



Another popular one that is a little more spartan is fourwheelcamper.com



Good luck



-Vic

 

[hammersley]

Can't help you with that brand in particular, but in general I have a lot of good things to say about pop-up truck campers. We've had ours for 6 1/2 years and we love it. Its a Sunlite Eagle (SunValleyInc.com) Its been a good unit and a good value, and haven't had any trouble with it. Its a great 3 season camper. We have camped it in during the winter, and its OK but I don't think I would do it reguarly. The pop-up part only adds about 1 minute to set-up and departure.



If I were buying one today and money was no object, I would get an Outfitter (outfittermfg.com) Pricey, but nice.



Another popular one that is a little more spartan is fourwheelcamper.com



Good luck



-Vic

How much are the OUTFITTER ones - I mean how much more... ... .

 

[BimmerAgent]

Starcraft

We had a Starcraft that I bought new--pop-up w/canvas, and a good layout with good equipment. Used it hard for 3 years. It worked really well, but started to feel cramped, especially when the weather was real bad. The only real problem we had was with the mechanism that raised and lowered the roof. Somehow it wasn't lined up perfectly. A local RV place fixed that for me under warranty. It never leaked, even in driving rain. The canvas will flap in a strong, gusty wind, tho. We really liked ours, and when we decided to sell it to get our fiver, it sold for a grand less than we had paid, in just 5 hours ! I had called the ad in to the Denver Post, they put it on the internet, and it sold before the ad ever printed in the paper. So I think you can unload 'em pretty easy if you want to get out of it. Bruce

 

[Regcabguy]

Outfitter

How much are the OUTFITTER ones - I mean how much more... ... .

The Outfitters are really nice. Sean Lorenz has one and member "Marek" had one for sale awhile back. You can get on their website and inquire.

 

[Ken Gallaghan]

The outfitter is one of the cleanest designs around. I have a apex 8. 5 and completely loaded with all the necessary goods. I love the fact that my weight is actually under 1900 lbs with water. If safety is a concern check the competitors as they are much heavier. This unit is worthy ever penny at 23000. 00 new with solar panels and genertor+ a. c. this unit is on a 2001 c. t. d. 4x4 2500 short bed ex cab. 20 mpg on the highway at 70mph. I would also reccommend a dtt transmission to boot. the ultimate surf rig chasing waves from mavericks to baja. I will send pics if interested for the promotion of a great company with great one on one customer service..... out

 

[Ken Gallaghan]

outfitter

oh yea, a shower and an outside shower + marine grade toilet. fully self contained.

 

[CRuth]

Here's another site you can chat with owners of fwc and atc campers.



http://www.wanderthewest.com

 

[Regcabguy]

Solar power

The outfitter is one of the cleanest designs around. I have a apex 8. 5 and completely loaded with all the necessary goods. I love the fact that my weight is actually under 1900 lbs with water. If safety is a concern check the competitors as they are much heavier. This unit is worthy ever penny at 23000. 00 new with solar panels and genertor+ a. c. this unit is on a 2001 c. t. d. 4x4 2500 short bed ex cab. 20 mpg on the highway at 70mph. I would also reccommend a dtt transmission to boot. the ultimate surf rig chasing waves from mavericks to baja. I will send pics if interested for the promotion of a great company with great one on one customer service..... out

The Outfitters are really a fine setup. I wish I'd had solar installed when I got mine. I've got a 2000 Northstar TC 800. Yakama surfboard/kayak racks,oversized water,outside shower,fantastic fan,Dometic awning(sucks),yada,yada. $11,100 otd in 2000. They're a lot higher now. If you can find a quality used one,buy it. You're getting a lot more fuel economy than I did on my '99. I had a DTT,mach 1. 6's and a EZ. Averaged 14. 5,but gobs of power. I'm getting 13mpg. with my '07 w/Northstar.