Pop up w/ 3rd bed

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Pilotamis

Observer
I'm looking into purchasing a TC for a upcoming extended trip we're going on. I really like the idea of a pop up TC to help w/ weight, MPG's, and general drivability. My wife's 1 request is that each of our kids (2/3) have their own beds. Is there a pop up TC that has a queen and 2 beds? I've been looking and have found plenty of hard sided TC that offer a bunk but not and soft sided.


Thanks!!
 
Rot Box

Rot Box

Explorer
Another option (if kids are old enough) is using the back seat of the truck as a bed. Sliding windows make it nice for younger kids because they can crawl through and still feel like they are sleeping close to their family. Older kids enjoy it because they can close the window and not listen to their old man snore all night.. haha.
 
doctorit

doctorit

Adventurer
Another vote for the Northstar with XB option. I bought one new, specifically for that option and don't regret it one bit. Really turns a pop-up into a viable family-friendly camper.
 
S

shanz3n5

Adventurer
docdave said:
YES, Northstar has a model with a flip down 'tent' type bunk on the side, and Outfitter has the Juno with a large bunk at the rear that folds down. Also several manufacturers, including Hallmark and Outfitter have a second bunk that fits over the dinette. Check out their websites.... www.hallmarkrv.com , www.outfittermfg.com , www.northstarcampers.com .
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i now own a FWC Grandy. about 10 years ago i owned an Apex Outfitter, in my opinion i would never buy another especially for the price, unless the company really made some changes. i do think the hallmark is the best product for pop-up but very expensive. i do like Northstar as well, just second to Hallmark. For now since I dont need the extra space/bed and cant do anymore weight ill be a happy FWC owner. Good Luck and safe travels.
 
P

Pilotamis

Observer
Thanks for all the replies. We found a Northstar TC800 about 4 hrs away. No bunk but after watching the video, building one falls easily into my construction skills. They're motivated to sell so its a real possibility. Just not entirely sure what to look for in a used TC. The Hallmarks are super nice but way out of my price range.
 
P

Pilotamis

Observer
My wife and I are planning an extended trip with out 2 kids, 2.5 and 3.5 y/o. We've narrowed it down to our current top 4 TC based off what we've found on the internet. Finding one of these within a 4 hr drive to just walk through has been impossible. We really like the Northstar 650 (1610lb) and the 850 (1735) and the Livinlite 10.0 (2290) and the 8.6 (2095). I've been researching payload capacities for trucks and the smallest truck to carry them legally. From what I've seen on various forums is to add a 1000lb to the dry weight and go from there. I also found for GM a sheet to fill out to make sure each axle isn't over weight and where exactly the COG needs to be. That means after options we're looking at a 3000lb minimum payload. From what I can tell that leaves me a F-250 or 2500HD or larger. We need a Max Crew Cab to fit the carseats and are looking at the 8' beds. We'd also like 4x4. Does this all sound right? We're planning on traveling for at least a year and seeing as much of the USA and CA as we can till our funds run out. I don't want to purchase a truck now and find out its not going to make the trip. Also thinking a 3500HD or F-350. Is it something worth looking into or will I be fine with the 3/4 ton. The Notthstar's website list them as usable with a F-150. That doesn't seem possible with the options we'd need with the truck. What kind of MPG's can we expect while carrying the TC? My best guess is 10 on the flats and sub 8 in the mountains and headwinds.

When purchasing a used camper what are the important things to look at? Smell seems to be the first. If it's wet, mildew or rotten and run. Are the floors solid? Everything sturdy, nothing loose. Have them tie into shore power and test everything in the camper. Stove, AC, lights, etc. Is there anything else I should be looking at? Does it matter if the TC has wintered over outside? I found one 4 hrs away and they seem desperate to sell but the pictures are from last winter. What do you think about it?

http://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2010-North...TC800-111643953

Thanks for all the help! If you can think of anything I'm forgetting please let me know!!
 
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J

JHa6av8r

Adventurer
At that weight don't waste your time with 3/4 ton especially with a crew cab. A friend who's been truck camping for more than 20 years gave me that advice and I'm glad I took it. My Chevy 3500 HD CC with a 4,200# verified payload capacity has a manufacture's sticker in the glove compartment stating the camper rating is 3,158# with the camper CG over the rear wheels. My rig is solid and safe on and off road and more importantly my wife feels confident and safe driving it without me. Sizing a truck for a camper is like sizing a computer for memory. You need more than you think. Don't listen to those operating at and over GVWR when your family's safety is at stack. Off my soap box now. Enjoy your adventure!
 
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shanz3n5

Adventurer
Pilotamis said:
Thanks for all the replies. We found a Northstar TC800 about 4 hrs away. No bunk but after watching the video, building one falls easily into my construction skills. They're motivated to sell so its a real possibility. Just not entirely sure what to look for in a used TC. The Hallmarks are super nice but way out of my price range.
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good to hear, Northsatr is a quality product.
 
R

ripperj

Explorer
OP- stick around a day or two, we'll have you in a reg cab long bed diesel dually with 5600# payload and 30,000 tow.

Shop for trucks after you decide what camper you want. Sometimes you can find the striped down 350/3500 cheaper than the 250/2500, and the gas mileage will be the same(assuming gearing and tires are equal). To some extent you are better off having lots of payload reserve, but an unloaded 1 ton will turn your innards to goo that will leak out your rear:)
A 2500 will ride much nicer unloaded , but at the expense of lots of payload.
I shopped around a lot and most crew cab short beds that I saw had around 2400-2600# payload. I ended up with a Ram 2500 for my Alaskan, but will probably be maxed out plus when all is said and done.
 
S

shanz3n5

Adventurer
JHa6av8r said:
At that weight don't waste your time with 3/4 ton especially with a crew cab. A friend who's been truck camping for more than 20 years gave me that advice and I'm glad I took it. My Chevy 3500 HD CC with a 4,200# verified payload capacity has a manufacture's sticker in the glove compartment stating the camper rating is 3,158# with the camper CG over the rear wheels. My rig is solid and safe on and off road and more importantly my wife feels confident and safe driving it without me. Sizing a truck for a camper is like sizing a computer for memory. You need more than you think. Don't listen to those operating at and over GVWR when your family's safety is at stack. Off my soap box now. Enjoy your adventure!
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ditto on this input. especially for a year of travel with the family. I have a 2500hd and never expected to have a TC again. Now after 11yr in this truck i am way over loaded with a custom steel bed and TC plus gear. I have had to modify the rear suspension considerably. Also agree with post #14, pick out truck after u decide on TC and add 500-1000 in additional payload. When i retire in 7 yrs I will sell every
thing and go to a 1 ton with aluminum cargo bed and the the best p/u tc for my needs then.
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