Opinions on new Palomino campers?

[Jason Arrington]

Hi all-

New guy here, ready to jump back into truck campers after a decade or so. Just closed a deal on a leftover 2020 Ram 3500 Tradesman Crew Cab 4×4 Longbed with the 6.4 Hemi. Truck should be delivered tomorrow so I’m set on that front.

My first real question is if anybody has experience with the most recent Palomino hard side campers? I know they have a reputation as a low-end builder but I really like the looks of some of their newer models with the front windshield, and the price is pretty appealing too. Specifically looking at the HS-8801, which should be a good fit on our 8′ bed Ram and leave plenty of payload for people / stuff / possibly a trailer.

Thanks in advance for any info,
Jason

[Joel Gambino]

Not a hard side, but I have a 2015 SS-1251. As far as I can tell, they haven’t changed significantly over the years. I’ve had mine for 3 years now and I’m happy with it overall. It’s solid enough and has held up well. I haven’t had any trouble with any of the systems. The behind the scenes finish work leaves something to be desired. For instance, routing of the plumbing and wiring is sub optimal. This may be true of all campers though. I would recommend looking inside all of the compartments with a flashlight when you go to look at one. Pulling out the drawers will also reveal some of the inner workings.

I’m happy to answer any specific questions you may have. As far as I know the soft side units have the same appliances as the hard side units.

Joel

[Jason Arrington]

The biggest change I’ve seen on the new (2020-2021) models is the automotive style windshield on the cabover, which I really like. The only other brand that does a front cabover window these days as far as I can tell is Cirrus, and they’re just a little rich for my blood. Nice rigs though.

Glad to hear your 2015 is treating you well. I currently own a 2005 vintage Class C made by Thor, so I’m very aware of how … let’s just say haphazard the construction of mainstream RVs can be. Fortunately that also means I’ve gotten pretty good at DIY RV repairs.

If there are any other brands I should be taking a close look at I’m all ears though. My priorities are:

Hard side, no slide camper < 3000 lbs
Prefer N/S cabover
Decent amount of floor space for a medium-large dog
Passthrough window to truck so we can keep an eye on the pooch
Wet bath
Prefer larger seating area vs larger kitchen / more storage

We’ve kind of narrowed it down to Northstar vs Palomino but would consider a nice used rig at the right price.

[ardvark]

Here’s a discussion focused on the same question.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1630777-palimino-hard-side.html

Steve

Steve and Andra
2012 F350 6.2 gasser SRW LB
Fab Fours front and rear in case we run into a rhino
2019 Northstar Laredo SC

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