Cab over camper, looking to buy.

whiteworks · Jun 10, 2024

One of my buddies is looking for a simple, older, clean cab over camper. Nothing fancy just the basics so he and his chick can do a little camping. Price range would be $2500-$3500, maybe more for the right one. It’s kind of a weird item to find as the lower value ones are not really on peoples radar to sell when they have not used them in a while. He’s a younger guy, hard working good ol boy type. Something like in the photo below would be fine, 1990’s style

Whatcha got?

Willie B · Jun 10, 2024

… I highly recommend 1991 to 1997 Lance 990 campers… I have had two of them both with generators… They are 11 foot three and do require a three-quarter ton with an 8 foot bed… The problem is the decent ones come up for sale at the beginning of May because Summers coming on and I have seen a couple of pretty good deals disappear fast

… In the $25-$3500 range, you are not going to find a camper with a generator which is OK… I highly recommend one with freshwater tank…propane… and black water and gray water holding tanks and one with a toilet and a a shower???…
… There are a few still out there…

sintax · Jun 10, 2024

yea, older stuff has its challenges for sure.

I'd look for something that has been gone through already, any structrual has been addressed, any leaks fixed, some power upgrades are always good too.

for that age, id look for a older Bigfoot if possible, but not sure you'll find anything in that price range.

2Driver · Jun 11, 2024

whiteworks said:
One of my buddies is looking for a simple, older, clean cab over camper. Nothing fancy just the basics so he and his chick can do a little camping. Price range would be $2500-$3500, maybe more for the right one. It’s kind of a weird item to find as the lower value ones are not really on peoples radar to sell when they have not used them in a while. He’s a younger guy, hard working good ol boy type. Something like in the photo below would be fine, 1990’s style

Whatcha got? View attachment 1386121

What type of truck is he going to run. Geez the 250 looks a bit capped out

sintax · Jun 11, 2024

2Driver said:
What type of truck is he going to run. Geez the 250 looks a bit capped out

haha those big dogs aint light!

toss some bags or timbrens on there and it'll be fine

my camper would straight up squat my Duramax if I didnt have the timbrens

2Driver · Jun 11, 2024

sintax said:
haha those big dogs aint light!

toss some bags or timbrens on there and it'll be fine

my camper would straight up squat my Duramax if I didnt have the timbrens

Im mid build on a F350 full carli pintop plus their XXHD 3500 progressive springs. I should be under GVWR by 1,200 lb after fully wet, loaded down and in the truck. I just didn't want to deal with air bag issues, but they are nice to adjust.

Waterjunky · Jun 11, 2024

Yes, been down this road myself.

First thing to determine is how much truck he has. Second is how he plans to tie it down. I would recommend these, head and shoulders above everything else. https://www.torklift.com/ Third would have a plan for air bags. If you get one that's light enough not to need them fine. but have that planned at least ahead of time.

From there start shopping.

whiteworks · Jun 11, 2024

2Driver said:
What type of truck is he going to run. Geez the 250 looks a bit capped out

Gen 1 dodge ram 4x4 full size bed.

Gelcoater · Jun 11, 2024

2Driver said:
What type of truck is he going to run. Geez the 250 looks a bit capped out

You should see my truck

77charger · Jun 11, 2024

I sure do miss my cabover set up. Sold it cause kids were getting to big for it to sleep. And just a couple years later they got older son got a job and can’t make it out as much wide decide she don’t want to go out as much etc

Kept the toy hauler and now it’s not as useful and should have sold that instead. Only prob camper prices doubled. Paid 3800 for mine one 2009. Lance squire 185 made for a shortbed truck and the bed was front to back vs sideways.

2Driver · Jun 11, 2024

Gelcoater said:
You should see my truck

Post it, maybe it will serve as a warning for others.

Gelcoater · Jun 11, 2024

2Driver said:
Post it, maybe it will serve as a warning for others.

To stay the fuck out my way

Willie B · Jun 11, 2024

…1991 Lance 990…$3500 StabiLyft… jacking assembly… Generator… Solar panel, etc…. It was damaged by an uninsured motorist… It’s needs $500 worth of holding tanks… $400 in aluminum siding… a new power cord… some structural damage …My insurance company totaled it… I got paid off…. If I decide to get rid of it… I would probably let this go pretty cheap …if somebody wanted to take on a big project….

… or better yet for me if somebody knows a backyard camper repair specialist I would just as soon fix it

… Used to do this stuff myself… Anymore no can-do

sintax · Jun 11, 2024

Willie B said:
…1991 Lance 990…$3500 StabiLyft… jacking assembly… Generator… Solar panel, etc…. It was damaged by an uninsured motorist… It’s needs $500 worth of holding tanks… $400 in aluminum siding… a new power cord… some structural damage …My insurance company totaled it… I got paid off…. If I decide to get rid of it… I would probably let this go pretty cheap …if somebody wanted to take on a big project….

… or better yet for me if somebody knows a backyard camper repair specialist I would just as soon fix it… Used to do this stuff myself… Anymore no can-do View attachment 1386294

There you go @whiteworks

Put those woodworking skills to work, I got a bud with a TON of random RV parts and accessories. If you could get this one for a song and redo it.

Mandelon · Jun 11, 2024

They are suprisingly expensive. We had a Vacationeer for a bit to start out, then picked up a Lance 1010. It was really well done. Back then they were $6500 for a good one. Prices are pretty high now. You might have to travel to find a deal.

I put airbags on my F 250 and the ride was fine with the camper on but rough as hell without it. The Chevy K3500 SRW was fine in stock form. Fun times.

sintax · Jun 11, 2024

Waterjunky said:
Yes, been down this road myself.

First thing to determine is how much truck he has. Second is how he plans to tie it down. I would recommend these, head and shoulders above everything else. https://www.torklift.com/ Third would have a plan for air bags. If you get one that's light enough not to need them fine. but have that planned at least ahead of time.

From there start shopping.

for sure on the Torklift tie downs and fastguns, they make everything super easy. This is the setup I went with mine.

rivergames · Jun 11, 2024