I have the newer NorthStar 850sc with A/C, Maxx Air Fan, and the cassette toilet. Love mine. You trade weight for convenience. I have installed 800 watts of solar, Bluetti, and upgraded the house battery to a 12v/300ah LifepPo4 with app battery. The Ram Cummins hauls it like it is not even there. Good info on the comparisons of the two different styles. Great video, thank you.
I'm in love with the new 920, too! Every rig has pros and cons. The 920 is bigger and heavier, and I would need a beefier, more expensive truck, possibly a dually. Thanks for watching! 😊
I have a custom built (to my own dimensions) Phoenix pop up slide in camper riding on a Ram 2500. I spend 2 months at a time in it. Love the light weight of it (2000 lbs fully loaded), good fuel mileage (14-16 MPG), coldest night in it was 11 degrees F and was perfectly warm. It has wet bath w cassette toilet, Webasto Diesel heater, electric actuators for raising the roof, solar, 8000 BTU AC powered by Honda 2200 generator (which I converted to run on propane). This unit can go on any terrain. I absolutely love the light weight of this unit and the low profile when on the road, giving me a very low center of gravity compared to a hard side. It’s very compact and looks proportionate to the truck. Have been in some bad wind but never had to lower the roof. I sacrifice some storage space but very glad I went with a pop up.
It sounds like the perfect rig for you! I was looking into a pop-up at one time for backwoods camping and the off-road capability. I decided to stay with the hard-sided for the comfort of full-time living for me. There is not wrong choice. If I wasn't full-time, I would probably go with a pop-up.
Well Scott has an interesting setup. After having a fifth wheel with stupid slide toppers, worrying about them being shredded in high wind, there was no way i was gonna buy a truck camper with a slide, let alone a soft sided truck camper lol. And I enjoy having very little to do to pack up or setup. Although my name isn't Jack, think of that nursey ryhme with a twist...jack be nibble or jack be quick. I choose be quick lol. 🍻
Good point! Every rig has pros and cons. You make your best choice and find out quickly what is the best trade off for you. I appreciate you supporting my channel!
Hi there. I think you went with the better option and from what you’ve explained why you did it I can understand why because it makes perfect sense. In one of your previous videos you said you were 59! I thought you were younger than me. I’m 49. I thought you were around about 40 to 42 at the most. It must be the good living or there is something in the water in America. LOL. Another great video from yourself and as I always say please stay safe out there. Blessings to you and your family from across the pond.
Hi there. I have to admit that I would prefer (for safety reasons) the hard side camper. Although I do agree with the four-wheel-drive because it can get you out of a lot of places that you might get stuck in. But as one of your other subscribers said, to each his own. It depends on the person. I prefer yours though. Take care and please stay safe out there. Blessings to you from the UK.
The pop-up has many benefits, but I'm with you, I prefer the hard-sided with four wheel drive. I didn't go for the four wheel drive because of weight. It adds about 200 pounds to the truck and that decreases the payload and I didn't know how often I would use it. There were several times that I got stuck and needed it. Blessings back to you!
@@KimannChessa I've always wondered about condensation on those walls up top. Taking down camp if it hasn't had a chance to dry I can imagine moisture gets trapped in there if a person needs to get on the road early.
I'll have to ask Scott about that. I know he is primarily in the Southwest, where condensation is less of a concern than other places. I never notice condensation in my camper. I have the Froli system under my bed, so any moisture doesn't get on the mattress and can air out. I also use fans and ventilate at night.
Great video. You covered everything. The cost comparison is interesting. For new campers, I think yours is more value for the money. But I think they're both too expensive new. I would definitely buy used, like the very used 1985 Toyota Dolphin motorhome I bought in 2004 for a whopping $5,000! LOL Happy travels............
Very true! When I buy another rig, it will be a late model and used. New is expensive and doesn't guarantee that you won't have issues. Such is the RV industry! I love the Dolphins! I was looking into them years ago when I was doing research! They are super cute!
I can't imagine living in the pop-up camper for any period of time. I think it's ok for some weekend trips but I'd definitely spend the money for a hard side camper. I'd feel a lot more secure. You made a 👍 choice.
Thanks for sharing! I agree, but some people love pop-ups. I didn't want to feel like I was living in a tent - although there is nothing wrong with that.
@@KimannChessa There's such a big price difference, I'm sure that's a factor. Your right, nothing wrong with living in a tent but I wouldn't want to do it for any period of time and unfortunately, a lot of people do. I think I'd get a conversion van before I got a pop up camper. I was amazed about the shower that you have in yours.
My hard-sided truck camper doesn't do well in high winds. It is like a big sail and it is very stressful. I have had to stop driving for the day the few times that this happened. Scott said that it still happens to him, but I would think it wouldn't be as extreme.
In the video, Scott had to replace his because of creasing, dry rot, and zipper problems. He had a company make another one, and he installed it himself. He said it was a big job.
One question that was not asked, that I would like to know....how do both rigs do traveling down the road in high winds? The Southwest, especially the deserts in AZ and CA, can have tremendous winds. Hwy 395 in CA is another windy place. Logically, the HS would be very top heavy in heavy winds.... I've heard the HS can be very scary in high winds!
That's a great question! I would bet that the hard side is more challenged in the wind. Sometimes, I have to just pull over and stop because the wind is very stressful! I'm sure the pop-up still has issues in the wind, but not as bad. The hard side is like a giant sail! I hate driving in the wind.
Just check that the F150 has a high enough payload to carry the weight of your camper. There aren't that many hard-sided truck campers built for a 1/2 ton truck. The Cirrus 620 and Lance 850 are built for 1/2 ton trucks.
I started my own business, so I no longer have to take travel nursing jobs. When I was travel nursing, I was stationary in a campground on shore power for 3 to 6 months, so my dogs were in a temperature-controlled environment. That is one reason I am in a truck camper: I can leave the camper and ride to work in my truck. I hated them in the camper for so long by themselves. The wouldn't let anyone else walk them so I left pee pads down that they never used. The money was good in travel nursing but time and life enjoyment is more important than money for me. Thanks for watching!
I have the newer NorthStar 850sc with A/C, Maxx Air Fan, and the cassette toilet. Love mine. You trade weight for convenience. I have installed 800 watts of solar, Bluetti, and upgraded the house battery to a 12v/300ah LifepPo4 with app battery. The Ram Cummins hauls it like it is not even there. Good info on the comparisons of the two different styles. Great video, thank you.
Great rig! It looks like you have an awesome setup! Enjoy and thanks for watching!
Would you full time in an 850?
This had a lot of good pros and cons. Thank you
I'm happy that you found it informative. That's my goal! I appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment.
Well I would go with a hard side for quick setup and take down, I would want a 4x4 for some off the road camping, but nothing crazy.
Very informative video, thank you so much for sharing this ❤
Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching it!
Thank you for a great comparison
Anytime! Thanks for watching it! 😁
One of my favorites is the Cirrus 920 Truck Camper.
I'm in love with the new 920, too! Every rig has pros and cons. The 920 is bigger and heavier, and I would need a beefier, more expensive truck, possibly a dually. Thanks for watching! 😊
@@KimannChessa Thank you for sharing your adventures, sometimes I feel like I’m there as well!
It was very interesting to see the comparisons side by side.
I have a custom built (to my own dimensions) Phoenix pop up slide in camper riding on a Ram 2500. I spend 2 months at a time in it. Love the light weight of it (2000 lbs fully loaded), good fuel mileage (14-16 MPG), coldest night in it was 11 degrees F and was perfectly warm. It has wet bath w cassette toilet, Webasto Diesel heater, electric actuators for raising the roof, solar, 8000 BTU AC powered by Honda 2200 generator (which I converted to run on propane). This unit can go on any terrain. I absolutely love the light weight of this unit and the low profile when on the road, giving me a very low center of gravity compared to a hard side. It’s very compact and looks proportionate to the truck. Have been in some bad wind but never had to lower the roof. I sacrifice some storage space but very glad I went with a pop up.
It sounds like the perfect rig for you! I was looking into a
pop-up at one time for backwoods camping and the off-road capability. I decided to stay with the hard-sided for the comfort of full-time living for me. There is not wrong choice. If I wasn't full-time, I would probably go with a pop-up.
@@KimannChessayeah, my pop up would not be ideal for full time. Happy trips to you!
Yes. Some people do it, like Scott in the video, but for me it is more of a perfect, part-time, adventure rig!
Thx for keeping it friendly and to the point.
You're welcome. Thanks for watching! 😉
Thank you
Glad you liked it!
Well Scott has an interesting setup.
After having a fifth wheel with stupid slide toppers, worrying about them being shredded in high wind, there was no way i was gonna buy a truck camper with a slide, let alone a soft sided truck camper lol. And I enjoy having very little to do to pack up or setup. Although my name isn't Jack, think of that nursey ryhme with a twist...jack be nibble or jack be quick. I choose be quick lol. 🍻
Good point! Every rig has pros and cons. You make your best choice and find out quickly what is the best trade off for you. I appreciate you supporting my channel!
Hi there. I think you went with the better option and from what you’ve explained why you did it I can understand why because it makes perfect sense. In one of your previous videos you said you were 59! I thought you were younger than me. I’m 49. I thought you were around about 40 to 42 at the most. It must be the good living or there is something in the water in America. LOL. Another great video from yourself and as I always say please stay safe out there. Blessings to you and your family from across the pond.
Great review of SS vs HS! BTW...is that last section of your video Hwy 371 headed south just off Hwy 74 (near Garner Valley, CA)? Cool video!
I have to check. I have been in that area but I thought it was the road going up to Cloudcroft, New Mexico. Thanks for checking out my video!
Hi there. I have to admit that I would prefer (for safety reasons) the hard side camper. Although I do agree with the four-wheel-drive because it can get you out of a lot of places that you might get stuck in. But as one of your other subscribers said, to each his own. It depends on the person. I prefer yours though. Take care and please stay safe out there. Blessings to you from the UK.
The pop-up has many benefits, but I'm with you, I prefer the hard-sided with four wheel drive. I didn't go for the four wheel drive because of weight. It adds about 200 pounds to the truck and that decreases the payload and I didn't know how often I would use it. There were several times that I got stuck and needed it. Blessings back to you!
Love them both but for me, yours wins 😊
Yay! Thank you! Pop-ups are great but I prefer the hard-sided for me.
@@KimannChessa I've always wondered about condensation on those walls up top. Taking down camp if it hasn't had a chance to dry I can imagine moisture gets trapped in there if a person needs to get on the road early.
I'll have to ask Scott about that. I know he is primarily in the Southwest, where condensation is less of a concern than other places. I never notice condensation in my camper. I have the Froli system under my bed, so any moisture doesn't get on the mattress and can air out. I also use fans and ventilate at night.
Great video. You covered everything. The cost comparison is interesting. For new campers, I think yours is more value for the money. But I think they're both too expensive new. I would definitely buy used, like the very used 1985 Toyota Dolphin motorhome I bought in 2004 for a whopping $5,000! LOL Happy travels............
Very true! When I buy another rig, it will be a late model and used. New is expensive and doesn't guarantee that you won't have issues. Such is the RV industry! I love the Dolphins! I was looking into them years ago when I was doing research! They are super cute!
Good info!
I can't imagine living in the pop-up camper for any period of time. I think it's ok for some weekend trips but I'd definitely spend the money for a hard side camper. I'd feel a lot more secure. You made a 👍 choice.
Thanks for sharing! I agree, but some people love pop-ups. I didn't want to feel like I was living in a tent - although there is nothing wrong with that.
@@KimannChessa There's such a big price difference, I'm sure that's a factor. Your right, nothing wrong with living in a tent but I wouldn't want to do it for any period of time and unfortunately, a lot of people do. I think I'd get a conversion van before I got a pop up camper. I was amazed about the shower that you have in yours.
I love my shower! When I traveled in a van, I didn't have a shower.
@@KimannChessa I can only imagine how great that is to have one and you don't have to try and find a truck stop to take one.
Very great information
Glad you think so! Thank you!
Enjoyed the video 👍🏼 See ya on the road 😹
What about on-road at highway speeds during cross-wind events?
My hard-sided truck camper doesn't do well in high winds. It is like a big sail and it is very stressful. I have had to stop driving for the day the few times that this happened. Scott said that it still happens to him, but I would think it wouldn't be as extreme.
Look at that Tan on scott! 😊
My concern is living in it full time opening and closing it regularly for 5 or ten years it would wear out.
In the video, Scott had to replace his because of creasing, dry rot, and zipper problems. He had a company make another one, and he installed it himself. He said it was a big job.
One question that was not asked, that I would like to know....how do both rigs do traveling down the road in high winds? The Southwest, especially the deserts in AZ and CA, can have tremendous winds. Hwy 395 in CA is another windy place. Logically, the HS would be very top heavy in heavy winds.... I've heard the HS can be very scary in high winds!
That's a great question! I would bet that the hard side is more challenged in the wind. Sometimes, I have to just pull over and stop because the wind is very stressful! I'm sure the pop-up still has issues in the wind, but not as bad. The hard side is like a giant sail! I hate driving in the wind.
Best hard sided for a F150 4x4?
I’m new to this idea so clueless lol. Thanks for your relatable info!
Just check that the F150 has a high enough payload to carry the weight of your camper. There aren't that many hard-sided truck campers built for a 1/2 ton truck. The Cirrus 620 and Lance 850 are built for 1/2 ton trucks.
I think id like a pop up
Pop-ups have a lot of great features! They also feel more spacious and bright.
Just curious, he mentioned you are a traveling nurse. Work 12 hour shifts? How do you manage your dogs while away at work?
I started my own business, so I no longer have to take travel nursing jobs. When I was travel nursing, I was stationary in a campground on shore power for 3 to 6 months, so my dogs were in a temperature-controlled environment. That is one reason I am in a truck camper: I can leave the camper and ride to work in my truck. I hated them in the camper for so long by themselves. The wouldn't let anyone else walk them so I left pee pads down that they never used. The money was good in travel nursing but time and life enjoyment is more important than money for me. Thanks for watching!
I am surprised the pop-up camper has a wet bath. Most don't seem to have one.
That is a great feature of Scott's truck camper! You don't have to sacrifice an inside shower or toilet.
No pop up for me.
I feel the same way but everyone is different. Thank you for watching!
Also yours looks cozy and inviting like a home, not just a weekend camper.
In America everything is purdy 😂😂cool
Where are you from Jesus?
@@KimannChessaItajai Brasil
Or you could buy one here a ford F1000 with a diesel engine power and economy
Model of his and your truck? gas or deisel? Talking mpg without answering those questions makes the mpg section irrelevant
You are right. I have a 2018 Ford F250 gas engine. He has a Chevy 4x4 with a gas engine also.
Silverado 2500
It's safer in a hard sided x
Itajai Brasil
Cool! I would love to drive my camper down to Brazil! I would have to ferry it through the Darien Gap. That is intimidating! Someday I will do it!
😊
Love your smiles, Diana! I am sending you positivity and happy vibes!