Hierarchy of hard sided campers that handle the snow/winter?

B^2

B^2

Observer
Another thing to keep in mind is your version of winter could be a lot different than mine. In lake tahoe it doesn't get the same kind of cold that it would get if I was still going up to Northern Vermont. Good thoughts none the less.
 
G

gator70

Well-known member
Victorian said:
We have many TotalComposites camper owners that sold their mass produced “4 season” campers. Condensation that turns into mould, cold walls/floors, unusable water lines in cold temps are reasons for them to switch.
Key features to ask when selecting a cold weather camper:
- Thermal transfer free construction
- High R value insulation (do your research on insulation material)
- Double pane windows/ insulated doors
- Proper ventilation between seat cushion and bed mattress! You do not want to trap cold air that will then condensate in hidden spots
- Diesel heater . Skip the thermostat function and rather have it run 24/7 on high than low temp and on/off. This will kill your diesel heater in no time.
- All waterlines/tanks inside the heated space
- Forget pop up campers in cold temps. The condensation will drive you crazy
- Ask for proof of “thermal efficiency“ . Thermal images or talking to owners/users will Confirm the claims.

At the end it comes down to your budged, your travel needs, available truck and overall Personal preferences.

Good luck!
Click to expand...


My new habit has 55mm composite walls and ceiling. I'm trying to understand the heat retention. The heater is a propane based Truma.

To the best of my knowledge is is a four seasons design with all water tanks and plumbing inside the composite container.

I have dual pane windows.
 
rruff

rruff

Explorer
Do you know what it weighs? Has it been rebuilt?

I found a photo of one on a Tacoma...

460719531_10233329862816820_8141030364673674941_n.jpg
 
S

stever1000

New member
What about the Adventurer campers? Originally made in Canada and they moved manufacturing to Washington state... I've looked at a few and they appear well suited for the cold with heated basements. Not as high quality as Northern Lite or Bigfoot, but more affordable...
 
JSKepler

JSKepler

New member
stever1000 said:
What about the Adventurer campers? Originally made in Canada and they moved manufacturing to Washington state... I've looked at a few and they appear well suited for the cold with heated basements. Not as high quality as Northern Lite or Bigfoot, but more affordable...
Click to expand...
I like the Adventurer campers but they are too heavy for my old truck so I went with a Lance 825. Who knows, if I decide I love truck camping maybe I'll upgrade everything.
 
K

kdawnz

New member
Resurrecting this thread for some questions:
The page isn’t loading super well, but I am not seeing a total composites/cascadia, etc fully built out camper with all the amenities anywhere near the price range of some of the probably lesser quality more name brand campers that are easier to get and build out (Scout, Lance, Northern Lite, Soaring Eagle). I have an 8ft bed so want an 8ft floor and would prefer a camper with no overhang.

I live in my truck camper 5-10 days/month for work year-round, and I live in the Tetons so it gets very cold. I am making do with my current truck Camper, but would definitely prefer something with a diesel heater, double pane windows, etc. I reached out to a couple of companies about building out a Cascadia composite shell, and ended up in the $70-$80,000 range every time. On the other hand, I can get a Scout with all of the amenities, diesel heater, knowing that the R value of the walls is probably not as good, but build the entire thing out for $44,000 and have a warranty. My current truck camper has a poor R-value, but it heats up just fine/quickly, I just get condensation with the propane heater. If the temperatures are below zero, I have to find a place to plug in and use a space heater so I don’t wake up in a freezer box. Keeping it warm isn’t really the issue, the condensation and everything that comes in through the windows is my biggest problem. It would be nice to have something more modular so that I would have the option to use water When the temperatures are borderline. Right now I have a full water system that gets winterized so basically can’t use any water or the toilet (its not cassette) in the camper at all for about six months of the year. Looking at other options like a Soaring Eagle Aerie for around that same price though it’s a more traditional camper build. Because I live in it a portion of the month, I do want a sink, fridge, indoor shower option, stove, water heater, cassette toilet.

Right now a Scout Kenai checks the most of my boxes and is the most affordable. There are lots of opinions that it’s not a great company, just great marketing. But would love to see some fully complete build outs of a Cascadia or similar with all the amenities I am needing for $50,000 or less.
 
calameda

calameda

Active member
kdawnz said:
Resurrecting this thread for some questions:
The page isn’t loading super well, but I am not seeing a total composites/cascadia, etc fully built out camper with all the amenities anywhere near the price range of some of the probably lesser quality more name brand campers that are easier to get and build out (Scout, Lance, Northern Lite, Soaring Eagle). I have an 8ft bed so want an 8ft floor and would prefer a camper with no overhang.

I live in my truck camper 5-10 days/month for work year-round, and I live in the Tetons so it gets very cold. I am making do with my current truck Camper, but would definitely prefer something with a diesel heater, double pane windows, etc. I reached out to a couple of companies about building out a Cascadia composite shell, and ended up in the $70-$80,000 range every time. On the other hand, I can get a Scout with all of the amenities, diesel heater, knowing that the R value of the walls is probably not as good, but build the entire thing out for $44,000 and have a warranty. My current truck camper has a poor R-value, but it heats up just fine/quickly, I just get condensation with the propane heater. If the temperatures are below zero, I have to find a place to plug in and use a space heater so I don’t wake up in a freezer box. Keeping it warm isn’t really the issue, the condensation and everything that comes in through the windows is my biggest problem. It would be nice to have something more modular so that I would have the option to use water When the temperatures are borderline. Right now I have a full water system that gets winterized so basically can’t use any water or the toilet (its not cassette) in the camper at all for about six months of the year. Looking at other options like a Soaring Eagle Aerie for around that same price though it’s a more traditional camper build. Because I live in it a portion of the month, I do want a sink, fridge, indoor shower option, stove, water heater, cassette toilet.

Right now a Scout Kenai checks the most of my boxes and is the most affordable. There are lots of opinions that it’s not a great company, just great marketing. But would love to see some fully complete build outs of a Cascadia or similar with all the amenities I am needing for $50,000 or less.
Click to expand...

im not certain that it checks all your boxes, but you should check out Outpost Campers. They appear to have cracked the high value code in 4 season composite builds. From all reports their quality far exceeds Scout. Rumor that they will soon announce an 8 ft version, so may be worth a call.

regarding toilet: urine diverting compost toilets are great and use no water. no smell, really.
 
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