Weekender by Skyline 1010 Truck Camper

[zippinbye]

I just read a similar post asking about a Caribou camper ... I'm looking at a 1994 "Weekender by Skyline" model M1010EXT. Any thoughts on this? Let me qualify by saying that I really wanted a used Lance 9. 5 foot unit, and have just missed or hesitated too much on several deals. I am very aware of Lance quality, probably equaled or surpassed only by Bigfoot, Northernlite, Arctic Fox and perhaps Alpenlite. This Weekender is 1/2 the price of a comparable Lance (I will get it for $3000 or less, and it is clean w/electric jacks, a Superhitch and Torklift tie downs for a Ford <good for my resale, I already have the Dodge Torklifts> and otherwise normal equipment, no gen). Additionally, this is a step into RVing that could go down two commonly traveled paths ... we might love it, use it a lot and move into what we learn to be the more ideal RV later, or it sits in the yard except for a once a year trip or is simply in-law quarters (probably worth the investment for that feature alone!). Unless I find out that Weekenders are the worst POS ever made, I'm not sure how I can go wrong. Any thoughts?

 

[HBarlow]

Well, you probably won't like my question and comments. I have no problem with the slide-in camper assuming you inspect it carefully for leaks.

My question is how much will it weigh loaded for travel? A lifted srw truck is a poor choice for hauling an 11' slide-in. You could be overloaded on the rear axle and rear tires and the oversized tires and lift kit will contribute to and amplify the top heavy sway inherent in slide-in campers.

I would ask the seller to let you mount it on your truck and take the rig to a certified scale. If you load it empty and dry, assume the camper will weigh probably at least an additional 1,000 lbs. with clothing, bedding, camping gear, cookware, food, water, and propane.

 

[DonTX]

HBarlow speaks wisely! I had a Weekender for a year or so before I bought a Host. That thing was HEAVY! It was far too much for my one ton dually with air bags for sure. I cannot recall the weight, but was a real heavyweight. For sure load it up and take it for a spin before you commit yourself would be my advice.

 

[wcoomes]

Do you think you'll be happy if you buy something other than a Lance? Seems from your post you had your mind made up as to what you wanted.

 

[zippinbye]

The points on weight are well taken. I should have explained that so far, I have not viewed the Weekender personally - just my buddy, and he says its the real deal relative to the pics I have and the very forthright description from the seller. He has never scaled the rig, but used a 1999 F-250 and (of course) says it was fine. Keep in mind this is the M-1010, which is supposed to be a ten-footer, not eleven. He says the placard weight is 2500. But obviously I need to see it, weigh it etc. I have had a similar weight camper on for a test before, and it was decent ... obviously anything that heavy and tall has an impact; it's just a matter of being legal and safe, but it will never be as stable as fifth wheel or a load of topsoil. BTW, my tires are rated at 3970, much better than stock. I will do the things that were suggested before committing. HBarlow, if you had a camper before, how in the world did you find places to stash a half ton of stuff? I hope to do better, and keep a "backpacking" frame of mind while provisioning. Afterall, this is my step up from a tent, and I'll be nothing but disappointed if I compare it's size and capacities to a trailer or motorhome. Back to the quality. Any known reputation for the Weekender? And I really could use some experienced insight regarding leak evidence. Particular spots to look? Do I need to peel back trim, interior panels or seals anywhere? Thanks for the replies.

 

[zippinbye]

Sure, I'd prefer a Lance. But at 1/2 price it's the difference between having a camper and not. I like the way you think, and I usually hold out for what I really want. But this looks like one of those times where flexing makes the difference between enjoying something, or wishing that I was.

 

[HBarlow]

... ... ... ... HBarlow, if you had a camper before, how in the world did you find places to stash a half ton of stuff? I hope to do better, and keep a "backpacking" frame of mind while provisioning. Afterall, this is my step up from a tent, and I'll be nothing but disappointed if I compare it's size and capacities to a trailer or motorhome. Back to the quality. Any known reputation for the Weekender? And I really could use some experienced insight regarding leak evidence. Particular spots to look? Do I need to peel back trim, interior panels or seals anywhere? Thanks for the replies.

Better to estimate a little heavy than underestimate, buy the camper, and blow a rear tire, right? 30 gallons of water and one 30# LPG bottle is over 200 lbs. Canned goods, dry goods, pots and pans, etc. all add up, often to more than expected. Starting from the experience of a tent camper is a good thing but we Americans have a tendency to buy until we fill (overfill?) all available storage space.

I didn't comment on the tongue weight of your boat trailer but assuming camping trips will include a boat and trailer weighing 12,000# you'll have a tongue weight of 1500# minimum.

It can be difficult, perhaps impossible to inspect all areas where water leak damage is possible but areas around and under all "hull" penetrations should be considered and studied. RV style jalousie windows and RV doors are notorious for leaking as are all exterior seams. I don't think you should go as far as disassembly of the camper but look carefully at panel and trim joints under all windows and hull openings, under the bunk and seat cushions, all corners, along floor edge, etc.

 

[DonTX]

Mine had developed a leak on the roof back on the passenger side rear. The water had separated the roof plywood, it was soft and spongy in about a two square foot area, easy to find if you walked around on the roof a bit.

 

[zippinbye]

I didn't comment on the tongue weight of your boat trailer but assuming camping trips will include a boat a boat trailer weighing 12,000%# will have a tongue weight of 1500# minimum.

.

Ouch! That really would be a rolling disaster. Not that I haven't seen things like that on the road. But my hefty boat would not be connected to the truck with camper installed. Perhaps a little aluminum fishing boat or ATVs.

 

[ray1933]

Older campers/finding leaks

Rich

I'm the person that had the post about the older Caribou camper which we are NOT getting. I have been around P/U campers for over 37 years and sure do not want to buy some ones problem. I found several on various craigslist for different cities in my area. We looked at several in the 1995 to 2001 range and all ads said no leaks.

Guess what all had some type of water damage and hard to detect in places.



If you are looking at one with the fiberglass outer skin look at areas under windows, any door large or small and and along the the roof where the vents are and the side where the awning rail is fastened.



Minor water damage may not show up on the inside but by running your hand over the outer skin you can feel if it has separated from the plywood as it will have very slight puffiness or small waves you can feel . If that is the case you have a very good chance for the start of dry rot in the area.



We looked at a 2001 9'6 Lance today and it would have been okay except for the skin separation in areas I spoke of. When I got on the roof and checked a lot of the caulking along the edge of the roof had cracks where the water could seep in. That is where I could feel the looseness of the outer skin along with the fact many of the screws holding the awning rail on were rusted.



Make sure there are no leaks in the water system!!!



My thanks to H Barlow and Grizzly as I used there suggestions also to help me check.