Suggestions on purcahsing a new slide in camper

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Just something to add to your thoughts:

A friend with a '96 2500 long bed had a 11' slide-in and had added air bags to keep rear from sagging. He had several bad scares while driving and getting hit by side winds etc and decided that this was a dangerous setup. He was overloaded with that camper (I don't know weight). He was going to get a 3500 to handle this, but did't have the cash on hand or want to get rid of his current truck.

What he ended up doing after all is selling the slide-in camper and getting a used 5th wheeler instead (about 25' or smaller). He also tows a boat behind the 5th wheeler. With the 2500 he likes this setup much better than his slide-in, more stable going down the road. This setup is legal in Utah (double trailers) but is not in all states so research if considering this.

Personally I would not go anything bigger than a 8' poptop camper on a 2500, but I just can't stand the feel of a top-heavy load. As I am sure your figured out by now, a big slide in camper is very heavy, and will weight much more than the listed dry weight once you're ready to hit the road. This weight is quite high off of the ground (worse with 4x4) and increases the roll-over risk of the vehicle. Be careful in your choice.

 

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Well I just purchased a 3500 from a TDR member in the Midwest. I flew out sat. morning out of Philly at 8:30. The guy met me at the airport. I checked out the truck and asked all the questions and then drove for a while. Agreed on a price and had lunch. Drove me back to the airport and luckily got right back on the same AS Air flight that I flew in on a few hours earlier. Was home by 5:00. Cost round trip from Philly to Minneapolis- 180. bucks. Know I have my signature for sale. So I guess I can get whatever slide in I want and can afford. All of your sugestions are welcome and appreciated.

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96 2500HD, lost my cat,K&N-Re-0880,Rancho RS 9000's, ext. cab, LWB, 4x4 w/western 8. 5 pro plow-finally paid for, 4. 10, tek style by design tonuea cover w/thule bike rack over the bed and cover, aftermarket front bumper with the foglights under the headlights,like the new style, red bumper and grill with billet aluminium inserts, mopar black powdercoted nerf bars, under the rail bedliner, wood grain dash, cab lights and dual trumpet horns,Marvel Mystery Oil and some Rotella, All SNAP ON, eclipse cd player w/extant amp on steroids, 130,000 going strong

80 Porsche 911 SC Turbo Look Track car

 

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I have been VERY happy with my 1995 Alpinlite Odessa 9. 5 ft We use it in our buisness and have about 110,000 miles on it ( about 100 to 120 nights a year ) We use it on some very rough roads and trails it has held up quite well. (welded aluminum frame). I had it on my 95 2500 Dodge untell just last month now it is on a 2001 3500. I dont know if they have a site but you may try western wilderness ( the parent company) We had a Northern Lite #ad
and had a terrible time with rips and tearing of the fiberglass shell. The air conditioner started coning through the roof after about 20,000 miles and the company wouldnt cover it. . I could say much more about that experiance.
Good luck

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1995 2500 5 spd bombed. 2001 ETH 3500 stock. 1972 1066 International Harvester 414 ci diesel pulling tractor.
GONZO

 

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I would consider a 5th wheeler.

Something to consider, I bought a new popup camper in Feb. , and now I'm wishing that I went the 5th wheeler route instead. Its ok for 4x'ing in the backroads, but you could do more of that after you "dropoff" the trailer (your home) in the campsite, to keep it reserved, while you go out "exploring" or making trips to the store, or whatever. Also, taking the camper off & putting it back on is a pain in the *ss. If you keep it on, it sure takes away from the driving pleasure our great running trucks give. Also, the shower & nice RR are big plusses!

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2k, 17k miles, QC, 4x, 6sp, 3. 54,285/75r16 bfg/at, stock air cleaner (reliable), silencer ring "in", popup cmpr, 9000 lbs. 15-16. 5 mpg's. VA, DD1's, PS Boost module, DD Elbow... also, Nitrous Oxide piped direct into the block (stealth - to keep the warranty), Propane Injection, Ceramic pistons, ported heads, twin turbos, 10 gallon per minute fuel pump, ECM right out of Don Garlit's Top Fueler (he gave it to me) (for letting him ride in my truck), Super Modified DD1 Injectors ("Hand Honed" with a 1/4" reamer & my 12v Makita). More BOMBING to come!! After I think of whats next...

 

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After my last post I believe that I have purchased the new 98 3500 and a new S & S Camper 11DB model. Got a great deal at a show over the weekend. Have a handshake deal on this as I rap up the purchase of the new 3500 from Minnesota. I am flying out next weekend to drive it home. I am really pissed, I will be driving thru Indy while the formula 1 race is taking place. Would love to go and I even have the oprortunity to go with friends for 4 days in a camper at the trck but I can't take the time plus I have to get the truck and get back home. O well **** happens.

We looked at the alpinelites, Lances and Fleetwoods. Finnally settleing on the S & S. Not cheap but very nice camper. I will let you know if we get the new S N S.

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96 2500HD, lost my cat,K&N-Re-0880,Rancho RS 9000's, ext. cab, LWB, 4x4 w/western 8. 5 pro plow-finally paid for, 4. 10, tek style by design tonuea cover w/thule bike rack over the bed and cover, aftermarket front bumper with the foglights under the headlights,like the new style, red bumper and grill with billet aluminium inserts, mopar black powdercoted nerf bars, under the rail bedliner, wood grain dash, cab lights and dual trumpet horns,Marvel Mystery Oil and some Rotella, All SNAP ON, eclipse cd player w/extant amp on steroids, 130,000 going strong

80 Porsche 911 SC Turbo Look Track car