Camper choices! TopperEZlift or renovated pop-top or... ?

[lmagnuss]

Hi All! I'm hoping to get some informed help making a decision on a pop top camper for a '16 tacoma off-road TRD with access cab & 6ft bed. We've only ever tent camped, but would like to get something more comfortable/easy to camp in. Budget is small (under $5k), we just want to get a sense if this is something we want to do more of. I thought we had decided on getting a topper with an EZlift, but after seeing how they are installed (drilled into truck bed) we weren't sure about them. My husband wants to be able to take the camper off fairly easily so he can still use the truck bed to transport dirt/mulch etc. I found this '91 Startcraft Sportstar for $2k and it looks to be in fairly good condition. The Payload capacity on the taco is ~1300 lbs, and the camper is right at 1140. We were thinking about purchasing it and renovating, removing lots of the shelves & cabinets and replacing with something lighter. We've also just considered spending 1/2 the $$ and getting a better camping setup. Really just been going in circles for a few months trying to make a decision! We'll be using this for some campsites, dispersed camping and potentially a road trip up to Canada to visit my family if they ever open the border again...

Has anyone renovated an old truck camper & made it lighter? Or can you point me to threads that might help? Or anyone have experience with the topperEZlift? Thanks for your help!

 

[tacomabill]

I doubt you can do too much to lighten it. There a differing opinions regarding being overweight, and mine is that I would not worry if you go as high as 500 lbs over payload, provided you drive carefully and don't try any hairy offroading. Load range D or E tires will handle the weight better than stock tires, but I have seen many Tacoma owners with stock tires and a popup camper and claim no issues. Strongly recommend a suspension upgrade if not done already: I added more leafs to the rear springs on my Tacoma, but airbags are convenient if you need to take the camper off a lot.

I would check that camper carefully for evidence of past leaks. It very likely has a wood frame and given its age it may have some rot, and not sure how to check for that but ask around as I think there are ways to detect it. If you can get a few years out of it before it turns to mush then it might be worth the $2k.

 

[SDDiver5]

The main reason I don't own a Taco is because the lack of payload and it seems that just about every camper is just under the max for a taco-Add in people, your cute pup, gear, food etc and you're over the max for the taco.

Have you looked into going the small offroad trailer route with a roof top tent?

Other taco options are all over 5k....

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

The Skamper I am getting has an icebox instead of a fridge and no house battery probably in the name of saving weight (they were optional)

Depends on how drastic you want to go... the heater, stove (and subsequent propane system) and sink may not really be "required" either. Especially if you are cross shopping against a RTT.

 

[lmagnuss]

Well, that camper sold already anyways! Finding a used camper in Colorado this year has been a slog! We've looked into towing something, but the main issue we have is the dog. We don't currently have a cap, so would need to spend $2k on that first, so he could come with us (doesn't even come close to fitting in the access cab, he's a pyr).

My husband wouldn't even think of getting a camper before he bought the taco. This is something I'm slowly getting him on board with.

We might just get a tall cap, make a platform & sleep in the back. Seems like plenty of people do that too! Only worry I have is again... the pooch. Sigh. Next time I'm getting a dachshund.

 

[tacomabill]

spotted this ad for a refurbished FWC Fleet[which is what I have] in Denver. Guy left no way to contact him other than to join Wanderthewest.com, which is a sister site of this one, and send him a private message.
https://www.wanderthewest.com/forum...ruck-camper-alert-thread/page-375#entry235148

He is asking $7k but has added solar and a bunch of other stuff. And it is pretty light weight. Maybe you can negotiate the price.
These older FWC campers go really fast so don't delay if interested.

[I originally posted this in the wrong thread for someone else looking for a camper, case someone thinks I am cross-posting].

 

[lmagnuss]

spotted this ad for a refurbished FWC Fleet[which is what I have] in Denver. Guy left no way to contact him other than to join Wanderthewest.com, which is a sister site of this one, and send him a private message.
https://www.wanderthewest.com/forum...ruck-camper-alert-thread/page-375#entry235148

He is asking $7k but has added solar and a bunch of other stuff. And it is pretty light weight. Maybe you can negotiate the price.
These older FWC campers go really fast so don't delay if interested.

[I originally posted this in the wrong thread for someone else looking for a camper, case someone thinks I am cross-posting].

Awesome! Thanks so much!! Any clue what a fair price might be? Edit - I think it's for a 7.5' bed... I wonder if that would fit with our tailgate down.... might be too long.

 

[tacomabill]

Mine is a 2016 Fleet and fits a 6 foot bed but have to remove tailgate and then it overhangs about 2-3 inches. some just put tailgate down. I guess I should not assume an older version has same dimensions, but I would be surprised if it is for a full size truck. Ask seller or call FWC in Sacramento. Just did a google search and found on jd power it is 7.5' -if that is true then it would be way too long -very dangerous having that much weight hanging out past the frame of the truck.