Slide in Campers

[wapitibob]

Used the chit outta mine, WY, AZ, NM, all over the place. Had it down roads no sane person would go without issue. The only time I used the little trailer was when taking the quad. Plenty of room for gear in the camper and back seat of the crewcab for a two week hunt with two guys.

 

[AKDoc]

Lots of valid comments from others thus far. There are pros/cons to slide-in campers. For us, a slide in camper has fit our chosen outdoor activities perfectly...we really enjoy remote road-trips.

We bought our slide-in camper brand new in 1997...a Bigfoot 2500. We still have it and use it every year. It's been up and down the Alcan several times, several times up the Haul Road and the Dempster, and all over the YT and Alaska road systems. The furnace on it and insulation are perfect for Alaska late season and winters. It has held up really well over the years, and everything is still working just fine, e.g., refrigerator, furnace, water pump, hot water, etc. I have gone through a couple jack systems over the years. The full length basement has been a very helpful feature.

It's always been on an F-350...I'm in agreement regarding a one-ton is the way to go. We also have a trailer that we pull for four-wheelers or snow-machines. Our Bigfoot has handled really well on our F-350's.

 

[wapitibob]

I also had firestone air bags on my F350.

 

[TaperPin]

Just having a one ton doesn’t guarantee anything - many are softly sprung, have weak anti sway bars, complete lack of overloads or bags, and if the truck has four doors, chances go way up you’ll be maxed out on gross weight and tire capacity with singles.

Having been with a heavily loaded dually during a blowout on an interstate bridge with new tires, I would buy the biggest truck possible and avoid the tallest heaviest campers.

My brother in law can’t use one because he can’t drive slow enough - he’d have a self induced blowout or run off the road.

These things depreciate like crazy, so look around. Buying new doesn’t guarantee great customer service on the warrantee.

 

[180ls1]

How many amenities do you (wife) need?

Four Wheel Campers save a ton of weight and give a lot of offroad capability back, even then they will limit you substantially. The GoFast style are cool too but very bare bones.