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Suggestions on purcahsing a new slide in camper
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Well I just got back from a 5 hour round trip looking at another brand of slide ins. I looked at S & S Campers. They are from Kallspell MT. Very impressed. Nicer fit and finish than any thing I have seen in person so far(Coleman,Lance,Elkthorn,Cariboo). They even have a few models with slide outs. I was told they hold the resale value as good as lances. You can't find them used supposedly. Does anybody out here have any opinions or experience with S&S? http://www.peakrv.com/ is a place to check out where I went and what I am talking about. Comments wanted.
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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
[This message has been edited by Griff996 (edited 08-30-2000). ]
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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
[This message has been edited by Griff996 (edited 08-30-2000). ]
Griff996,
1) Get the Filon siding 2)Don't try to get accurate info from a salesman 3) Star ratings ? My Dodge dealer has 5 stars
4)The GVWR issue has lead to many arguments in the past, whether you feel safe or not doesn't matter, follow the law.
Ron
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98 3500 QC 4X4 Int Blue, 6BTA5. 9, Auto 3. 54 LSD, PIAA Pro90's, RS9000's, Tonneau, Running Boards, 5K Air Bags, Hadley Air Horns, EGT/Boost/transmission Temp Gauges, Cobra / K40, Valley class V, Bugflector II, Bedliner, Tow Hooks, Cup Smoothie, Meg's turn-down tip, SS Fender Flares... .....
99 Lance 1110 Slide-On Truck Camper
1) Get the Filon siding 2)Don't try to get accurate info from a salesman 3) Star ratings ? My Dodge dealer has 5 stars
4)The GVWR issue has lead to many arguments in the past, whether you feel safe or not doesn't matter, follow the law.
Ron
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98 3500 QC 4X4 Int Blue, 6BTA5. 9, Auto 3. 54 LSD, PIAA Pro90's, RS9000's, Tonneau, Running Boards, 5K Air Bags, Hadley Air Horns, EGT/Boost/transmission Temp Gauges, Cobra / K40, Valley class V, Bugflector II, Bedliner, Tow Hooks, Cup Smoothie, Meg's turn-down tip, SS Fender Flares... .....
99 Lance 1110 Slide-On Truck Camper
Griff:
It matters to me not at all what camper you choose because I wouldn't trade the one I own (Northern Lite) for any other camper on the road today. And as far as S&S are concerned, remember this: On a scale of 1-5, your S&S is rated at a "3". Lances and Bigfoots come in at "4". These ratings are by the people who OWN them; not the salesman who earns his commission from selling them. I've seen the S&S and you gotta love them to want to buy one... but that's your perrogative.
It matters to me not at all what camper you choose because I wouldn't trade the one I own (Northern Lite) for any other camper on the road today. And as far as S&S are concerned, remember this: On a scale of 1-5, your S&S is rated at a "3". Lances and Bigfoots come in at "4". These ratings are by the people who OWN them; not the salesman who earns his commission from selling them. I've seen the S&S and you gotta love them to want to buy one... but that's your perrogative.
I have a 1500 series and wouldn't want anything heavier on my truck.
wouldn't work with your dogs and kids though. Just leave the kid's behind! Maybe you could get a combo trailer unit for your car that the dogs could sleep in.
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tedstruck 2500qc, no leather or abs
bigfoot & other travel pics 1500 bigfoot, no auto waterheater or microwave.
Cool Summit Pass Pics, & Alaska Journal
AMSOIL Battery Mounted Dual Remote
wouldn't work with your dogs and kids though. Just leave the kid's behind! Maybe you could get a combo trailer unit for your car that the dogs could sleep in.
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tedstruck 2500qc, no leather or abs
bigfoot & other travel pics 1500 bigfoot, no auto waterheater or microwave.
Cool Summit Pass Pics, & Alaska Journal
AMSOIL Battery Mounted Dual Remote
I've got a 93 Lance and am very pleased with it. I only looked at used campers when shopping and figured out quickly that Lance and Bigfoot (we don't have the Northern Star here) held their resale value better than anything else. Look at some 5-10 year old campers in the other brands and I think you will clearly see the difference. Just my . 02.
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99 3500 QC 4X4 5sp 3. 54 K&N air filter, DiPricol gauges, 275 hp injectors, Pacbrake, Westin nerfs, GN hitch, Tekonsha Brake controller, Mopar seat covers, Husky mats, silencer ring removed, Draw-tite front receiver
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99 3500 QC 4X4 5sp 3. 54 K&N air filter, DiPricol gauges, 275 hp injectors, Pacbrake, Westin nerfs, GN hitch, Tekonsha Brake controller, Mopar seat covers, Husky mats, silencer ring removed, Draw-tite front receiver
Griff 996, Having just read all the replies to your question about campers. we had a Lance 10 1/2 foot that we had on the 91 Cummins and also on the 95 we have now. We went to an Alpenlite as the center of gravity
is about 3 inches in front of the rear axel. This has not been mentioned but is very important. Our 95/2500 w/Firestone airbags and factory camper package handles it very well. The Artic Fox camper that was mentioned is nicer than anything I have seen. Nice big slide out dinning area and lots of floor room. They are built about 8 miles from my place and if we had the bucks to spare, one would be on our truck. I think you said you had a Newfie, well we have 3 bernese Montain Dogs and when we go to the dog shows the horse trailer goes along.
#ad
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95 3/4 4x4 5 Spd K&N Air Filter 100,000
Ride Rite Air Overloads
10 1/2 Cabover Camper
is about 3 inches in front of the rear axel. This has not been mentioned but is very important. Our 95/2500 w/Firestone airbags and factory camper package handles it very well. The Artic Fox camper that was mentioned is nicer than anything I have seen. Nice big slide out dinning area and lots of floor room. They are built about 8 miles from my place and if we had the bucks to spare, one would be on our truck. I think you said you had a Newfie, well we have 3 bernese Montain Dogs and when we go to the dog shows the horse trailer goes along.
#ad------------------
95 3/4 4x4 5 Spd K&N Air Filter 100,000
Ride Rite Air Overloads
10 1/2 Cabover Camper
A word of caution, The camper MFGs LIE about the dry weight. I have a Bigfoot that has a Dry weight on the plaquard is 1650 Lbs. Actual is 2850 Lbs!!
My 3500 hauls it very nicely with the help of an Airlift kit. I did this because of a bad list to the street side.
Good luck and Happy camping.
Andrew
My 3500 hauls it very nicely with the help of an Airlift kit. I did this because of a bad list to the street side.
Good luck and Happy camping.
Andrew
GRIF 996, We just got a Tracker, 8 1/2'. Nice rig,fiberglass , dry weight 1880 advertised. We had air, $700. 00, microwave $185. 00, and an 8' awning $750. 00 added $11. 000. 00 total cost. A week after we picked up our camper we looked at a 9 1/2' Arctic Fox with a SLIDEOUT. We were ready to trade ours in but slept on it and came to our senses and decided it was not worth the extra $10,000 for one more foot, the slide out and the generator. (we only have 2 cats) You may want to look at the Artic Fox before you spend your bucks, the extra space is AWSOME. I hate to say it but you are going to be limited to what you can get because of not enough truck. Can I suggest looking at the "Weekend Warrior pull along trailer? Slick unit! You would have all the room you need, and pull your car too. Price is about the same as a 10' slide in with the "works" and you wouldn't have to sweat GVW. Happy camping, Dave
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Dave Hauser, 96 3500 4x4 extended, auto 4:10 LSD, K&N, tow hooks, fog lights, custom front reciever hitch and mount for 8000 Ramsey winch, alum diamond plate box and running boards, Dodge dually mudflaps, tow 18' flatbed, 69 Vette, 89 HD FLHS
[This message has been edited by Dave (edited 09-04-2000). ]
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Dave Hauser, 96 3500 4x4 extended, auto 4:10 LSD, K&N, tow hooks, fog lights, custom front reciever hitch and mount for 8000 Ramsey winch, alum diamond plate box and running boards, Dodge dually mudflaps, tow 18' flatbed, 69 Vette, 89 HD FLHS
[This message has been edited by Dave (edited 09-04-2000). ]
Beside the consideration of the siding material, you should also consider the roofing material. Those campers that have either aluminum or fiberglass will last a lot longer than any that use a rubber material. That said, I'm glad we decided on the Lance with the fiberglass siding... A recent trip to the Big Bend country of Texas and a Spring storm with golfball sized hail did dent the roof of the Lance and took out all the clearance lights but the fiberglass siding wasn't affected at all. The truck sustained $3400 in damage, the windshield of the truck was protected by the overhang of the camper.
I've heard that the rubber roofs have to be recoated every year or two and can sustain major damage from overhanging limbs etc.
I know that Bigfoot and Lance don't suffer from these problems...
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Y2K 3500, 4WD, Auto, 3. 54, Custom Brush Guard, Mopar nerf bars & rock guard, Camper package, Towing package, all options except leather, Air-Lift Air Bags, Hadley 'BULLY' air horns, Lance 1130 Camper
I've heard that the rubber roofs have to be recoated every year or two and can sustain major damage from overhanging limbs etc.
I know that Bigfoot and Lance don't suffer from these problems...
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Y2K 3500, 4WD, Auto, 3. 54, Custom Brush Guard, Mopar nerf bars & rock guard, Camper package, Towing package, all options except leather, Air-Lift Air Bags, Hadley 'BULLY' air horns, Lance 1130 Camper
Who makes the weekend warrior?
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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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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
BlownRat-
What is the weight posted inside your closet? I believe that the weight on the outside plaque is BEFORE any appliances are added.
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David Dressler
2001 Driftwood 3500 Quad Cab 4x4, 155 inch WB, 5. 9L HO Cummins Diesel (ETH), 6-Speed HD Manual (DEE), SLT+, 3. 54 Anti-Spin Axle, Camper Special Group, Trailer Tow Group, Leather, Sliding Rear Window, Jacob's E-Brake, Rhino Liner, VDO Vision (pyro, boost, engine oil temp. ), Weather Guard Diamond Plate Saddle Box, AND functional Halo light!
Bigfoot 3000 10. 11 Slide-in Camper.
What is the weight posted inside your closet? I believe that the weight on the outside plaque is BEFORE any appliances are added.
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David Dressler
2001 Driftwood 3500 Quad Cab 4x4, 155 inch WB, 5. 9L HO Cummins Diesel (ETH), 6-Speed HD Manual (DEE), SLT+, 3. 54 Anti-Spin Axle, Camper Special Group, Trailer Tow Group, Leather, Sliding Rear Window, Jacob's E-Brake, Rhino Liner, VDO Vision (pyro, boost, engine oil temp. ), Weather Guard Diamond Plate Saddle Box, AND functional Halo light!
Bigfoot 3000 10. 11 Slide-in Camper.
GRIFF, I think it is it's own brand (Weekend Warrior) I looked at some other combination car hauler / travel trailers that, to be kind, looked like they were put together by a first year shop class. WW is really built well, top shelf components Onan Generator. I was contemplating a 30' pull behind over the 5th wheel. The pull along gains you about 100 cu ft of useable space that doesn't have to be cut out to clear the truck bed. Check and see if they have a web site. Good luck, Dave
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Dave Hauser, 96 3500 4x4 extended, auto 4:10 LSD, K&N, tow hooks, fog lights, custom front reciever hitch and mount for 8000 Ramsey winch, alum diamond plate box and running boards, Dodge dually mudflaps, tow 18' flatbed, 69 Vette, 89 HD FLHS
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Dave Hauser, 96 3500 4x4 extended, auto 4:10 LSD, K&N, tow hooks, fog lights, custom front reciever hitch and mount for 8000 Ramsey winch, alum diamond plate box and running boards, Dodge dually mudflaps, tow 18' flatbed, 69 Vette, 89 HD FLHS
Griff996, I found the dealer where I saw the WW. Reed's Trailers & Equipment 5500 Redwood Hwy N. Petaluma Ca. 94954-6564 (707) 792-9100 They should be able to give you all the info you need. Happy huntin, Dave
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Dave Hauser, 96 3500 4x4 extended, auto 4:10 LSD, K&N, tow hooks, fog lights, custom front reciever hitch and mount for 8000 Ramsey winch, alum diamond plate box and running boards, Dodge dually mudflaps, tow 18' flatbed, 69 Vette, 89 HD FLHS
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Dave Hauser, 96 3500 4x4 extended, auto 4:10 LSD, K&N, tow hooks, fog lights, custom front reciever hitch and mount for 8000 Ramsey winch, alum diamond plate box and running boards, Dodge dually mudflaps, tow 18' flatbed, 69 Vette, 89 HD FLHS
I have a Bigfoot 3000 and can only say that it is a perfect camper for 4 seasons. I have a friend that services RV's and campers and has had to rebuild Lances after 5 years due to rot. In the NW this is a real problem. Had my camper for two, would only upgrade to a newer Bigfoot with a slide out.
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98. 5 ,4x4 ,1Ton ,dually
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98. 5 ,4x4 ,1Ton ,dually
Whatever camper you choose, watch the weight of it very closely.
On a 2500 series truck, I would choose nothing heavier than a Lance Lite equivelent. The Lance 1030 I have weighs in close to 4000# loaded, so my '96 3500 is maxed out before I ever hook up my car trailer.
You MIGHT want to consider trading up to a dually first.
As for wood vs. aluminum, I see both having advantages -- aluminum being rot-free, but wood has memory. If something happens that'd make a camper flex badly, the wood will return to it's original shape. Aluminum won't, and you'll have an expensive repair.
Lance is a nice camper, however, I have some serious quality control issues I need to take up with Lance before I recommend them to anybody.
Meanwhile, I just looked over the Bigfoot site. I looked at the 2000 and 3000 series models. The 3000 series models weigh significantly more than the Lance equivelents, and appear to have no more storage or any better features than the Lance. I think it'll come down to personal preference of the interior styling. I DO like the large bath/shower on their 10'11 model, but holy cow, the base weight is 3040 lbs!!!
Also, they go on about how they have enclosed and heated holding tanks. So does my Lance 1030 with the all-weather package. I also have (like the Bigfoot) the RV antifreeze hookup.
It also appears that Lance has more propane storage (twin 30# tanks instead of twin 20#). Fridge size is the same, hot water heater capacity is the same. Holding tanks are slightly larger (by 2-3 gal ea) on the largest Bigfoot compared to the largest Lance.
Rob
[This message has been edited by RobG (edited 09-08-2000). ]
On a 2500 series truck, I would choose nothing heavier than a Lance Lite equivelent. The Lance 1030 I have weighs in close to 4000# loaded, so my '96 3500 is maxed out before I ever hook up my car trailer.
You MIGHT want to consider trading up to a dually first.
As for wood vs. aluminum, I see both having advantages -- aluminum being rot-free, but wood has memory. If something happens that'd make a camper flex badly, the wood will return to it's original shape. Aluminum won't, and you'll have an expensive repair.
Lance is a nice camper, however, I have some serious quality control issues I need to take up with Lance before I recommend them to anybody.
Meanwhile, I just looked over the Bigfoot site. I looked at the 2000 and 3000 series models. The 3000 series models weigh significantly more than the Lance equivelents, and appear to have no more storage or any better features than the Lance. I think it'll come down to personal preference of the interior styling. I DO like the large bath/shower on their 10'11 model, but holy cow, the base weight is 3040 lbs!!!
Also, they go on about how they have enclosed and heated holding tanks. So does my Lance 1030 with the all-weather package. I also have (like the Bigfoot) the RV antifreeze hookup.
It also appears that Lance has more propane storage (twin 30# tanks instead of twin 20#). Fridge size is the same, hot water heater capacity is the same. Holding tanks are slightly larger (by 2-3 gal ea) on the largest Bigfoot compared to the largest Lance.
Rob
[This message has been edited by RobG (edited 09-08-2000). ]
Another brand out there that seems comparable to the Lance is Fleetwood RV. I've got a low-end model (Angler 8C) that has worked out well, but at 2500# loaded and 94" wide has some issues on a Ram 2500. I've installed 5000# Air-Lift bags and Rancho 9000's to help the side-to-side sway and keep it level.
I also pull a 9000# trailer (GCW is over 18,000#) with about 800-900# of tongue weight. Mine handles the load just fine, but I'd be happier with a little more stability. A 3500 would take care of that, but with a wife and 3 teenage kids I REALLY need a crew cab too... .....
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Mike B.
'98 RAM 2500 4x4 CC LWB Auto 12v 4. 10s Intense Blue, Sport, TST Power Kit, TCS Converter, TransGo
Diesel Shift Kit, M/T 16x8 Classics, BFG AT LT295/75R16, PIAA 90 Pro, ISSPRO Boost,Pyro,Trans Temp
http://www.geocities.com/baja/cliffs/2182/dodge1.html
[This message has been edited by Mike Bressin (edited 09-08-2000). ]
I also pull a 9000# trailer (GCW is over 18,000#) with about 800-900# of tongue weight. Mine handles the load just fine, but I'd be happier with a little more stability. A 3500 would take care of that, but with a wife and 3 teenage kids I REALLY need a crew cab too... .....
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Mike B.
'98 RAM 2500 4x4 CC LWB Auto 12v 4. 10s Intense Blue, Sport, TST Power Kit, TCS Converter, TransGo
Diesel Shift Kit, M/T 16x8 Classics, BFG AT LT295/75R16, PIAA 90 Pro, ISSPRO Boost,Pyro,Trans Temp
http://www.geocities.com/baja/cliffs/2182/dodge1.html
[This message has been edited by Mike Bressin (edited 09-08-2000). ]
As I sit hear friday night i await a phone call from a fellow TDR member with a 3500 for sale. I hope to be flying out of Philly in the morning to look at his 98 3500. I just need to hear back from him this evening to let me know if he is able to show me the truck. Wish me luck. This may solve my problem. In the meantime I may have my signature for sale below. I really don't want to sell my baby. I'm so torn. Well I will let you all know later. If all goes well I should be back by sunday at noon. see ya
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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
------------------
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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