1995 Jayco Sportster, Help Please

[svaras]

Hi guys,
I`m in the process of buying my first camper. Down here in Chile we do not have a lot of options, but the last 3-4 years a lot of people are importing used campers to sell.
I dont want to spend a lot. I found an old 1995 ? Jayco Sportster that seems to be in good shape.

Few questions before I pull the trigger.

How is the quality of this campers ?
Whats the main frame material ?
Any heads up on what to check ?
Would this camper withstand dirt roads ?

The plan is to use it on my 2500 RAM.
Any input will be appreciated,
Thanks
Sebastian

 

[tanglefoot]

It looks like a nice one! That camper is wood framed--likely 2"x2" lumber or close to it. I have a 1988 wood-framed popup that I use on dirt roads without a problem. The full-height rear door is a feature that reduces the integrity of the camper, as there is less structure keeping the back of the camper from spreading. It looks square now but if it ever starts to spread, you may have to install a reinforcement at the top of the main door and lose the use of the upper part. It may never give you trouble though.

Moisture is a common trouble spot on campers. Look around and under the cab-over mattress for darkened or damp wood. Stains or swelling of the roof or walls can indicate moisture intrusion.

Do measure the camper and your truck bed to confirm it will fit. Older trucks generally had wider beds and tailgate openings than the newer ones so some earlier campers are too wide to fit in newer trucks.

 

[svaras]

Thanks for you response.
I found out more...

Its a 8D Model from 1997.

Tomorrow I will go and check if everything is ok.
Hope to come back home with the camper on my trucks bed !

 

[Jakota]

I love mine

Mine has spread at the back and I'll probably replace the top door and panel with canvas. At the moment it just means that the weather seal gap is too wide where the small and large doors meet. Make sure that the top-lifting cables are all equal tension, I have one that has "jumped" and curled around the eyebolt of another which is starting to come open. An easy fix in an inconvenient location. Other than that, I think that it is well made and expect my '95 to last for a long time. Keeping them out of the weather when not used and checking the caulking seem to be the key to avoiding leaks. Good luck and happy camping.
Bob

 

[svaras]

Update

Well, I bought it and we made a short trip last week. Everything went ok. We are very happy with the camper and we look forward for new adventures.
Only mods I made was a new Dometic 3 way fridge (It came with the ice box) and I rebuilt the entire kitchen cabinet (the interior + new top).

Few pics

 

[bob91yj]

Very nice! I think you will really enjoy the camper!