Is this a deal?

[parkkitchings]

Here's my predicament. Have a Toyota Tacoma and have been looking at FWC, ATC and Northstar. I know these are much better units but I have the chance to buy a very slightly used 2014 Palamino Bronco for $7000 from a private owner. He has never spent the night in it. Bought it about 6 weeks ago and now must sell due to wife situation. Comes with the jacks, fridge, etc. I know these are not comparable to the others listed above but when I look at saving $8000 it's hard to stay away from it. I don't plan on doing a lot of hardcore offroading with the rig. Your thoughts would be helpful here.

 

[UHAULER]

I wouldn't do it. Hold out for a used, better quality camper.

 

[UHAULER]

Maybe something like this.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/119850-2002-Four-Wheel-Camper-Eagle

 

[CJB]

Here is a used 2012 Northstar listed at $7900:

http://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2012-Northstar--111346010.

I agree with the previous post. We looked at a Palamino before purchasing our N* 850SC and definitely made the right choice.

 

[rayct77]

I also agree that it is best to avoid the Palomino lines but at that price you could probably buy it, use if for a year, realize you don't like it and sell it for the same price.:ylsmoke:

 

[parkkitchings]

Here is a used 2012 Northstar listed at $7900:

http://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2012-Northstar--111346010.

I agree with the previous post. We looked at a Palamino before purchasing our N* 850SC and definitely made the right choice.

Only problem is that I'm in Bend, Oregon and Grand Junction is a haul from here. If it was here I'd buy it tomorrow.

 

[RHINO]

Only problem is that I'm in Bend, Oregon and Grand Junction is a haul from here. If it was here I'd buy it tomorrow.

you know your on a travelling site, your not going to get any points around here with comments like that. most of us have spent more on gas than what we went to get just for the road trip.

 

[parkkitchings]

you know your on a travelling site, your not going to get any points around here with comments like that. most of us have spent more on gas than what we went to get just for the road trip.

Concur but it's about 20 hours out and 20 back. Right now I just don't have the time so am looking for something a little closer to my area. Thanks for the insight though.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Concur but it's about 20 hours out and 20 back. Right now I just don't have the time so am looking for something a little closer to my area. Thanks for the insight though.

If there is not a Palomino dealer in Bend, there is in Portland. Apache Camping on 82nd. We looked at both the Palomino annd NorthStar there, and didn't care for either. We visited the FWC factory in Woodland, and ordered a Granby. It will be delivered in a few weeks.

 

[RHINO]

i wonder if someone in grand junction would be willing to look it over, and then i wonder if the seller would be able to store it if you bought it, might be worth looking into.

 

[tanglefoot]

Palomino does build some very nice looking, comfortable campers. The newer Palominos look more luxurious inside than many more expensive campers.

If you are interested in Palominos, though, I recommend looking at them new first. I don't think the new prices are much different than the one you found, and then it could be outfitted more to your liking.

I think truck campers make great used buys, because they are often seldom-used and they don't have engines, drive trains or running gear to worry about. Very nice pop-up campers show up around here in the used market for $2000-$4000 pretty frequently. It's easy to get the purchase price way down and still get a great camper if you shop carefully.

The wood-framed campers usually do fine with most use, including off-road, and they usually have more space than the aluminum-framed, more compact designs. I'm really happy with my $500 wooden pop-up.

Hmm, just looked at Craigslist in your area--your pickins are pretty slim compared to here.

 

[AbleGuy]

Park,

I would advise you skip the Palomino, Northstar, etc. as they are too heavy for your truck.

Stick to FWC, Flip Pac, or an ATC camper.....maybe even a Hallmark. A heavier, wider brand of Popup Truck Camper may be okay or driving your Taco on a good, straight paved road, but those rigs will drive you absolutely nuts on dirt forest roads up there.

You can find some very nice lightweight popups for sale at the "Wander the West" forum "Gear Exchange" page.

If you want the heavier, wider units with more developed interiors like the Palomino or Northstar, you may be better off shopping for a bigger truck too. I have just been thru this truck/camper analysis process and wound up selling my 1/2 ton 4wd and buying aused 3/4 ton truck.

Call me or email me if you want to chat about this stuff (you have my ph no and email since you manage our rentals in Bend!).

Bailey in Tucson

 

[AbleGuy]

Here is the Wander the West Gear Exchange site:

http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/forum/15-gear-exchange/

The main forum page here also has very good forums on most brands of pop up truck campers.