Any Caribou Owners out ther?

[BigFun]

I think I've found the truck camper I really like.



Fleetwood appears to have a new model this year; the Caribou 11L. It's a side entry with a sliding dinette. I saw the 11J last Spring at a RV show and liked it but didn't like it because of the lack of a slide out.



I'd like some feedback from you Caribou owners AND anyone else who has some experience with the Fleetwood truck-camper line up. We're not ready to buy yet since this is a first-year model. It sure looks like a winner, and I'm certainly at least interested. Good and not so good; let the praises begin!

 

[KEnhoffer]

BigFun ... I haven't any experience with Fleetwood slide ins, but from my experience with my new (1999) Fleetwood brand TT, I recommend you seriously research the qaulity before you buy. I will never buy another Fleetwood product. Also, a few years ago I was talking to a Lance dealer at an RV show when a gentlman stopped by who recently purchased a Lance. His former slide in was made by Fleetwood and he was unhapy with its quality. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[ralbert]

slide-in

I am an owner of a 1995 lance945 and it has its week points but I looked at a Fleetwood prior to buying and I know I made the right decision.

 

[BigFun]

Well dump the Fleetwood idea. Lance introduced a 1161 side entry model this year. Went to the RV show and liked it so much, I bought one. I pick it up the end of the month.



Looking forward to the great outdoors.

 

[Miklos]

Geez..... Am I the only satisfied Caribou owner out there? When I went shopping for a new camper in late '98, I looked at Alpenlite, Lance and Caribou. All came to the same price for the same features. I bought the one that was the best for me, a Caribou 11J. I though that the Caribou had more efficient use of space, a better TV location (for viewing from couch and for travel security), upholstered ceiling that eliminates ceiling sweating, and smooth fiberglass sides. I love the rubber roof and since my last camper had a fiberglass roof, I will never own another camper with a fiberglass roof. Why? Well I do most of my camping in the winter in the Pacific Northwest, where it rains... . a lot... . and the rubber roof is very quiet while a fiberglass roof is almost as bad as being in a metal pole barn.



Weight wise, all three makes were within 120lbs. But the surprising thing was when the Alpenlite was the heaviest.



The only problem I had quality wise with the camper was the wiring for the three outside lights were not as I wanted it. The dealer quickly changed the wiring at the switches and I was a "happy camper". First switch turns on only the rear light, second switch turns on the two side lights.

 

[Crazy Horse]

Go look at the Lance at www.lancecamper.com . The Lance Slideout model #1161 is quite a unit. It has the side entry and when your in it, it's hard to believe you are in a slide in truck camper (so much room). The camper's floor length is 11' 11". I just did a 3 day tour at their 110,000 sq. ft. factory in Lancaster, Ca. It was very impressive! Nobody builds campers like Lance. Lance uses alot of lamination construction and mitre joints throughout the camper which really adds to long life of the camper and the strength. You don't want to know how the others are built. All I can say is I don't want to get a war going here. I also traveled and lived in a Lance 9ft 10 for seven months and it was a great experience for me, my wife, and two Chocolate Labs. If you are interested in any additional information or have any questions Email me and I'll be happy to reply.

 

[BigFun]

That's exactly what I did. I've been eyeballing the Lance for a couple of years. Went to the RV show last winter and liked what I saw but wasn't ready to buy. I particularly liked the Carabou 11J model plan but no slide. Carabou introduced the 11L this year, and I got excited. Lance introduced the 1161 this year, and I got real excited. Went to the RV show just a few weeks ago. Really liked what I saw in the 1161 and bought one. I'll take delivery on the 1st of February.



Based on the research and testamonials here and on several RV sites as well as many, many visits to many of the dealers on the west coast of all the brands, I'm pretty confident I have the right rig. Construction, warranty, and options are tops.



Thanks for the feedback. It reenforces what I think I already know.



Bud

 

[GRudy]

So, does Lance still put the radio speakers above the dinette table? Thats where they are on my '95 modle Squire 8000. Stupidest thing I ever saw. If your up at the sink you can't hear the radio and if you sitting at the table the speakers are right in your ear. I don't have allot of good to say about my Lance. I do know that I will never buy another.