Looking at a camper tomorrow - help!

redsox947 · 07-20-2012, 09:45 AM

I'm going to look at this camper tomorrow: 1986 sunline slide on camper

I've never had a camper before and not sure what I should be looking for. I don't care if it's dated and needs cosmetic updating inside, but I probably don't want to be dealing with rot that needs to be replaced. I have a '96 Ford Ranger that I'm hoping to use with it. I wasn't going to bring the truck tomorrow because it's an hour drive and I'm not sure I'm going to buy it, but should I? My truck doesn't have any sort of place to tie things down around the bed, it looks like the brackets? (I don't know what you call them) were removed. Would I even have a way to transport this? Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

**Sunline Fan** · 07-21-2012, 09:40 PM

I probably got to this too late...sorry, been pretty busy.

Most campers of any brand, when they get this old, have wood rot issues. Very few don't depending on how they've been taken care of, but you have to be on the lookout. It's usually indicated by rippled/dark paneling inside the camper. Make sure to pick up the front mattress too and look underneath. Sometimes people store these campers front down, so water gets in around the front window and rots out the front edge.

Yes, you will need tie down brackets and turnbuckles to hold the camper down ideally, but you should be able to drive it home with it just held down with a bunch of ratchet straps. Just drive like 55 and not push it too much.

OhhWell · 08-15-2012, 10:22 AM

I always find it interesting when people only post an outside picture of an RV when selling. CL allows at least 4 pictures. I would be very carefull in inspecting it.

I'm sure you went over it with the seller since it's in the description but your Ranger is a long bed model right?

Also, that looks like the most precariously perched truck camper I have ever seen.

**Sunline Fan** · 08-15-2012, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OhhWell

I always find it interesting when people only post an outside picture of an RV when selling. CL allows at least 4 pictures. I would be very carefull in inspecting it.

Yes, I agree 100%. CL actually allows up to 8 pictures now, and the increased the size. So you can see more details in them that weren't possible before.

firemedic08 · 08-29-2012, 10:18 AM

I hope im not to late..... If you have not purchase this camper yet, please contact me. I would like to talk to you about hauling that thing in your ranger. I know it say it was made for a midsize, BUT theres a few thing you need to consider first. I have had 3 different truck camper and can give you some advice some personal experience....