All well and good if you pavement camp or camp in a campground.
neither of us do, so, weight and physical size play an important role in camper choice. I want to be as narrow as possible to negotiate tight unimproved roads and seasonal accesses in forested areas and I want to be as low as possible to clear overhead branches.
Believe me, I have some scratches on the sides of my unit, even being as careful as I can and driving in 4L and creeping. It can get really tight at times.
Along that vein, I'd opt out of any external graphics on the unit. The vinyl stick on graphics don't do well with errant branches and brush. I may remove all of mine just because of that issue.
Things to consider.
2015 Backpack SS1500
1997 Ford 7.3 OBS 4x4 CC LB
SidecarFlip wrote:
You need to check the capacity of the roof and lift system to ascertain that. I'm sure a call to Northstar will get you that data. Keep on mind that if you get roof air, that will decrease the capacity of the roof by 100 pounds.
I think, If I was you, I'd add a front receiver and spare tire mount there, versus the camper roof. That gives you 2. One under the truck and one on front.
Interesting you get flats in Main. My good friend in Northern Maine hunts from his TC and never has a flat issue.
Think I'd keep the roof clean and available for hauling field dressed game instead.
You know that you can buy direct from R.C. Willett in Iowa? That way you can custom spec what you want and they will do the mounts and set the unit at the factory....
One option you'll want is their bunk ladder. Getting older means less mobility and the ladder allows much easier access to the cabin over bunk. I almost bought one for my Palomino but got a Top Line instead.
Keep in mind your camper weights and where you plan on going. Myself, I'd get the 850 because it's lighter. Lighter means more 'stuff' capacity and less suspension issues and modifications.
jat4 wrote:
Appreciate the continued advice. Ryan Penney emailed back from TCW to say their only 850sc is going out tomorrow, we won't be there until Sunday, so we're not going to do a side by side comparison. That 950sc is sold but doesn't go out until November, so we'll be able to take a good look at that. He has more 850sc models on order, if we were to go with the 950sc I imagine we could simply fill out a build sheet and order one, that way we'd get exactly the features we want.
How do folks feel about roof racks? reason I ask is we have done a lot of hunting in northern Maine over the years, and up there you need to bring two or even three spare tires to deal with the inevitable flat tires. The camper roof seems like the only place to carry a couple of extra full size spare tires.
New truck is in the driveway as we speak, and guess what . . . it has ICY COLD AIR CONDITIONING. I had almost forgotten what that feels like.![[emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/biggrin.gif "biggrin")
Appreciate the continued advice. Ryan Penney emailed back from TCW to say their only 850sc is going out tomorrow, we won't be there until Sunday, so we're not going to do a side by side comparison. That 950sc is sold but doesn't go out until November, so we'll be able to take a good look at that. He has more 850sc models on order, if we were to go with the 950sc I imagine we could simply fill out a build sheet and order one, that way we'd get exactly the features we want.
How do folks feel about roof racks? reason I ask is we have done a lot of hunting in northern Maine over the years, and up there you need to bring two or even three spare tires to deal with the inevitable flat tires. The camper roof seems like the only place to carry a couple of extra full size spare tires.
New truck is in the driveway as we speak, and guess what . . . it has ICY COLD AIR CONDITIONING. I had almost forgotten what that feels like.
You need to check the capacity of the roof and lift system to ascertain that. I'm sure a call to Northstar will get you that data. Keep on mind that if you get roof air, that will decrease the capacity of the roof by 100 pounds.
I think, If I was you, I'd add a front receiver and spare tire mount there, versus the camper roof. That gives you 2. One under the truck and one on front.
Interesting you get flats in Main. My good friend in Northern Maine hunts from his TC and never has a flat issue.
Think I'd keep the roof clean and available for hauling field dressed game instead.
You know that you can buy direct from R.C. Willett in Iowa? That way you can custom spec what you want and they will do the mounts and set the unit at the factory....
One option you'll want is their bunk ladder. Getting older means less mobility and the ladder allows much easier access to the cabin over bunk. I almost bought one for my Palomino but got a Top Line instead.
Keep in mind your camper weights and where you plan on going. Myself, I'd get the 850 because it's lighter. Lighter means more 'stuff' capacity and less suspension issues and modifications.
good points all around. I had already thought about the front hitch mount though for extra gas cans, because that is also a factor in Maine--you are a long, long way from places to fill up on gas. And non-hunting trips, my wife is thinking bike rack in the rear hitch.
2018 Ram 3500 srw crew 3.73 4x4 6.4L Hemi
2018 Northstar 850sc
2008 Jayco 26L, Reese HP DC WD hitch
2006 Dodge Ram 2500 mega 3.73 4x4 5.9L Cummins, Prodigy, MOPAR power tow mirrors (traded)
2000 F-150 V8 5.4L, Reese Brakeman (died)
Don't know if the Northstar come standard with an outside shower but in my view it's a necessity, especially when in the woods to clean up before entering the camper. We use ours all the time and if you aren't modest you can take a shower outside too...
With the bumper on the 950, you'll need a hitch extension to clear it. I don't have a bumper on my unit so I can actually hook up my trailer to the drop hitch (and everything clears my Glo Steps too. A little close but no problem.
SidecarFlip wrote:
True, but it adds weight. All the 950's I've seen (in pictures) are on dually's.
His primary goal is offroad camping. When camping offroad, especially on unimproved 2 tracks and seasonal access, weight is a consideration. I know, thats all I do.
Nice camper (950) anyway, minus the antique roof system.
mkirsch wrote:
Only overhanging by a foot, your truck's rear bumper will hit the ground long before the camper on any terrain you can traverse with a stock pickup truck.
Only overhanging by a foot, your truck's rear bumper will hit the ground long before the camper on any terrain you can traverse with a stock pickup truck.
True, but it adds weight. All the 950's I've seen (in pictures) are on dually's.
His primary goal is offroad camping. When camping offroad, especially on unimproved 2 tracks and seasonal access, weight is a consideration. I know, thats all I do.
Nice camper (950) anyway, minus the antique roof system.
so studying the specs and features tonight. Dry weight for the three Northstar sc popups run 1610 lbs for the 650sc, 1735 for the 850sc, and 1920 lbs for the 950sc. The 650 has a 20 gal water tank, the 850 and 950 have 30 gal tanks. So it looks like the 850sc and the 950sc wouldn't be terribly different in weight--figure 1000 lbs more for wet weight and that would be 2735 vs 2920 lbs. Door sticker on the new truck lists payload as 4295. These are all narrow (7') campers, so that's good.
btw, I wouldn't be averse to considering putting the 650sc in the long box, would be able to keep the tailgate on that way. But looking for a balance point for comfortable two-person camping, still guessing the 850 would feel more comfortable without having seen any of them yet.
hey, and I did find a video on youtube of someone who had an electric roof lift on a Northstar--I'll see if I can find that again. It was from several years back.
jat4 wrote:
so studying the specs and features tonight. Dry weight for the three Northstar sc popups run 1610 lbs for the 650sc, 1735 for the 850sc, and 1920 lbs for the 950sc. The 650 has a 20 gal water tank, the 850 and 950 have 30 gal tanks. So it looks like the 850sc and the 950sc wouldn't be terribly different in weight--figure 1000 lbs more for wet weight and that would be 2735 vs 2920 lbs. Door sticker on the new truck lists payload as 4295. These are all narrow (7') campers, so that's good.
btw, I wouldn't be averse to considering putting the 650sc in the long box, would be able to keep the tailgate on that way. But looking for a balance point for comfortable two-person camping, still guessing the 850 would feel more comfortable without having seen any of them yet.
hey, and I did find a video on youtube of someone who had an electric roof lift on a Northstar--I'll see if I can find that again. It was from several years back.
SidecarFlip wrote:
True, but it adds weight. All the 950's I've seen (in pictures) are on dually's.
His primary goal is offroad camping. When camping offroad, especially on unimproved 2 tracks and seasonal access, weight is a consideration. I know, thats all I do.
Nice camper (950) anyway, minus the antique roof system.
mkirsch wrote:
Only overhanging by a foot, your truck's rear bumper will hit the ground long before the camper on any terrain you can traverse with a stock pickup truck.
Only overhanging by a foot, your truck's rear bumper will hit the ground long before the camper on any terrain you can traverse with a stock pickup truck.
True, but it adds weight. All the 950's I've seen (in pictures) are on dually's.
His primary goal is offroad camping. When camping offroad, especially on unimproved 2 tracks and seasonal access, weight is a consideration. I know, thats all I do.
Nice camper (950) anyway, minus the antique roof system.
so studying the specs and features tonight. Dry weight for the three Northstar sc popups run 1610 lbs for the 650sc, 1735 for the 850sc, and 1920 lbs for the 950sc. The 650 has a 20 gal water tank, the 850 and 950 have 30 gal tanks. So it looks like the 850sc and the 950sc wouldn't be terribly different in weight--figure 1000 lbs more for wet weight and that would be 2735 vs 2920 lbs. Door sticker on the new truck lists payload as 4295. These are all narrow (7') campers, so that's good.
btw, I wouldn't be averse to considering putting the 650sc in the long box, would be able to keep the tailgate on that way. But looking for a balance point for comfortable two-person camping, still guessing the 850 would feel more comfortable without having seen any of them yet.
hey, and I did find a video on youtube of someone who had an electric roof lift on a Northstar--I'll see if I can find that again. It was from several years back.
I don't want to start a war but...
Those advertised dry weights are fiction. Not trying to demean Northstar, I like their products, you just need to keep an open mind on weight.
My Palomino was listed at 1910 and it actually weighs 2200 dry. Add in water, propane, food and gear and I'm around 3200 minus my lard arse and my skinny wife (lol).
Back when I bought my truck (1997) payload weights weren't listed on the door jamb. I guess back then they figured if it wasn't dragging it's tail on the ground, it was good to go.
I do have air bags and a sway bar (front and back) but that was for the Lance. I really don't need either for the Pop Up. I went on a 1500 pound diet.
As an aside, I have a 23 gallon FW tank but I never worry about water. I carry a 7 gallon jug in the truck, sometimes 2. Only time water is even a concern is when the wife is along. When it's just me, I find a tree.
SidecarFlip wrote:
I don't want to start a war but...
Those advertised dry weights are fiction. Not trying to demean Northstar, I like their products, you just need to keep an open mind on weight.
My Palomino was listed at 1910 and it actually weighs 2200 dry. Add in water, propane, food and gear and I'm around 3200 minus my lard arse and my skinny wife (lol).
Back when I bought my truck (1997) payload weights weren't listed on the door jamb. I guess back then they figured if it wasn't dragging it's tail on the ground, it was good to go.
I do have air bags and a sway bar (front and back) but that was for the Lance. I really don't need either for the Pop Up. I went on a 1500 pound diet.
As an aside, I have a 23 gallon FW tank but I never worry about water. I carry a 7 gallon jug in the truck, sometimes 2. Only time water is even a concern is when the wife is along. When it's just me, I find a tree.
jat4 wrote:
so studying the specs and features tonight. Dry weight for the three Northstar sc popups run 1610 lbs for the 650sc, 1735 for the 850sc, and 1920 lbs for the 950sc. The 650 has a 20 gal water tank, the 850 and 950 have 30 gal tanks. So it looks like the 850sc and the 950sc wouldn't be terribly different in weight--figure 1000 lbs more for wet weight and that would be 2735 vs 2920 lbs. Door sticker on the new truck lists payload as 4295. These are all narrow (7') campers, so that's good.
btw, I wouldn't be averse to considering putting the 650sc in the long box, would be able to keep the tailgate on that way. But looking for a balance point for comfortable two-person camping, still guessing the 850 would feel more comfortable without having seen any of them yet.
hey, and I did find a video on youtube of someone who had an electric roof lift on a Northstar--I'll see if I can find that again. It was from several years back.
SidecarFlip wrote:
True, but it adds weight. All the 950's I've seen (in pictures) are on dually's.
His primary goal is offroad camping. When camping offroad, especially on unimproved 2 tracks and seasonal access, weight is a consideration. I know, thats all I do.
Nice camper (950) anyway, minus the antique roof system.
mkirsch wrote:
Only overhanging by a foot, your truck's rear bumper will hit the ground long before the camper on any terrain you can traverse with a stock pickup truck.
Only overhanging by a foot, your truck's rear bumper will hit the ground long before the camper on any terrain you can traverse with a stock pickup truck.
True, but it adds weight. All the 950's I've seen (in pictures) are on dually's.
His primary goal is offroad camping. When camping offroad, especially on unimproved 2 tracks and seasonal access, weight is a consideration. I know, thats all I do.
Nice camper (950) anyway, minus the antique roof system.
so studying the specs and features tonight. Dry weight for the three Northstar sc popups run 1610 lbs for the 650sc, 1735 for the 850sc, and 1920 lbs for the 950sc. The 650 has a 20 gal water tank, the 850 and 950 have 30 gal tanks. So it looks like the 850sc and the 950sc wouldn't be terribly different in weight--figure 1000 lbs more for wet weight and that would be 2735 vs 2920 lbs. Door sticker on the new truck lists payload as 4295. These are all narrow (7') campers, so that's good.
btw, I wouldn't be averse to considering putting the 650sc in the long box, would be able to keep the tailgate on that way. But looking for a balance point for comfortable two-person camping, still guessing the 850 would feel more comfortable without having seen any of them yet.
hey, and I did find a video on youtube of someone who had an electric roof lift on a Northstar--I'll see if I can find that again. It was from several years back.
I don't want to start a war but...
Those advertised dry weights are fiction. Not trying to demean Northstar, I like their products, you just need to keep an open mind on weight.
My Palomino was listed at 1910 and it actually weighs 2200 dry. Add in water, propane, food and gear and I'm around 3200 minus my lard arse and my skinny wife (lol).
Back when I bought my truck (1997) payload weights weren't listed on the door jamb. I guess back then they figured if it wasn't dragging it's tail on the ground, it was good to go.
I do have air bags and a sway bar (front and back) but that was for the Lance. I really don't need either for the Pop Up. I went on a 1500 pound diet.
As an aside, I have a 23 gallon FW tank but I never worry about water. I carry a 7 gallon jug in the truck, sometimes 2. Only time water is even a concern is when the wife is along. When it's just me, I find a tree.
no, I get that, we've gone through that with the trailer. I was really just making the comparison between the 850sc and 950sc, seems to me they're pretty close in weight, I think the length and overhang is the issue I'm wondering about. I also agree about the water, for hunting I make it through a week with one 5 gal jug and two dogs to keep watered.
btw I found that video on youtube, check this out, I cued it up to the right part: https://youtu.be/Ub1AVoPS8i8?t=45s
Not sure about the Northstar but with mine, I still need to get up on the sides and insure the tent is tucked in when closing the top (even with the Fantastic fan on high, sucking in the tent) and it's a bit too high for me to reach so I use the aluminum bunk ladder to get up there. Everything I take does double duty, part of having a TC I guess.
SidecarFlip wrote:
Additionally, the problem with closing the tailgate is.. You will have to carry a step ladder to get in and out. Won't be an issue for you but will for your wife. Why, when I bought mine I considered a 'Little Giant' ladder. You can build a back carrier for the ladder and take it along (as some with pop up's on here do) but I went with the TorkLift Glo-Step Revolution steps and their quick release bracket (on it) (and it the pictures I sent you and you posted earlier on). That eliminates the need for a ladder to get in and out.
Not sure about the Northstar but with mine, I still need to get up on the sides and insure the tent is tucked in when closing the top (even with the Fantastic fan on high, sucking in the tent) and it's a bit too high for me to reach so I use the aluminum bunk ladder to get up there. Everything I take does double duty, part of having a TC I guess.
Additionally, the problem with closing the tailgate is.. You will have to carry a step ladder to get in and out. Won't be an issue for you but will for your wife. Why, when I bought mine I considered a 'Little Giant' ladder. You can build a back carrier for the ladder and take it along (as some with pop up's on here do) but I went with the TorkLift Glo-Step Revolution steps and their quick release bracket (on it) (and it the pictures I sent you and you posted earlier on). That eliminates the need for a ladder to get in and out.
Not sure about the Northstar but with mine, I still need to get up on the sides and insure the tent is tucked in when closing the top (even with the Fantastic fan on high, sucking in the tent) and it's a bit too high for me to reach so I use the aluminum bunk ladder to get up there. Everything I take does double duty, part of having a TC I guess.
ha! actually with my new knee I suspect it would be more a problem for me to hop up on the tailgate than for her, she's pretty nimble. Still looking like the 850 is in the lead.
Ryan at TCW said they have a hardside Laredo on the lot, same basic floorplan as the 859sc and same "feel," so we should be able to get a good sense for comparison's sake.
Go look and get a feel. I have a busy weekend putting brakes on the wife's van and delivering chipper knives to the local tree services. I sharpen tree chipper knives on the side.
on edit: Actually on all his popup models, looks like that dealer orders them with the electric roof lifts.