Currently my family and I are camping with a RTT on our Tacoma. We eventually want to upgrade to either a pop-up truck camper or a teardrop style trailer. We want something that can be treated a little more as a complete package for camping (if that makes sense). Currently I am looking at either a Hiker trailer (likely a 5x8/5x9 off-road deluxe) or a Palomino SS 500 pop-up truck camper. The Hiker looks very promising but would require a bit of work after we bought it to make sure it had everything we want (such as water heater, solar, fridge, etc.). We would also get to keep our current RTT with it. But the down sides are we would be towing a trailer and it would still require a bit of setup when we reach camp as compared to a pop-up truck camper.
The SS 500 would require far less work after purchasing as it would come ready to go with water heater, shower, stove, sink, furnace, solar plug-in, etc. The only thing we would probably consider adding is an awning. My wife and I also really like the fact that you can stand upright in it. And the fact that we wouldn't be towing a trailer is a massive plus. The downsides are we would be pushing the Tacoma to the max payload once we loaded our gear and would need to upgrade the suspension (but I was already planning on doing this anyways) and it would not be quite as expandable once the kid(s) started getting bigger. Also, another big downside for the SS 500 is the lack of information. I have searched everywhere and have been unable to find any kind of testimonial or review (good or bad) from someone who has bought one. I don't know if its just that the SS 500 is too new or what, but I cannot find anything beyond youtube videos from RV dealers. We have one dealer here who had a SS 500 listed, we decided to go look at it but it had already sold. The dealer said they disappear from the lot as soon as they get in. So I don't think the lack of information is due to lack of sales. But it is still strange.
Anyways, I am looking for advice/experiences from other people here who have a pop-up truck camper or trailer and why you went with what you did. Also, before someone suggests it, I know about 4WC. I would love a 4WC! In fact a flatbed 4WC is my dream camper! But that still doesn't change the fact that their prices are simply astronomical, even when used.
The SS 500 would require far less work after purchasing as it would come ready to go with water heater, shower, stove, sink, furnace, solar plug-in, etc. The only thing we would probably consider adding is an awning. My wife and I also really like the fact that you can stand upright in it. And the fact that we wouldn't be towing a trailer is a massive plus. The downsides are we would be pushing the Tacoma to the max payload once we loaded our gear and would need to upgrade the suspension (but I was already planning on doing this anyways) and it would not be quite as expandable once the kid(s) started getting bigger. Also, another big downside for the SS 500 is the lack of information. I have searched everywhere and have been unable to find any kind of testimonial or review (good or bad) from someone who has bought one. I don't know if its just that the SS 500 is too new or what, but I cannot find anything beyond youtube videos from RV dealers. We have one dealer here who had a SS 500 listed, we decided to go look at it but it had already sold. The dealer said they disappear from the lot as soon as they get in. So I don't think the lack of information is due to lack of sales. But it is still strange.
Anyways, I am looking for advice/experiences from other people here who have a pop-up truck camper or trailer and why you went with what you did. Also, before someone suggests it, I know about 4WC. I would love a 4WC! In fact a flatbed 4WC is my dream camper! But that still doesn't change the fact that their prices are simply astronomical, even when used.