Looking at a cab over camper... what should I know?

Hi there! I'm Dave and I have a 2018 Tacoma LWB DC TRD Sport. Currently have a Leer 180 and a build out in the back. I do not 4 wheel, but pack on about 30k miles per year camping all over Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and Washington. I am based in Denver. The most offroading my truck see's is finding a camping site in the desert in Moab, or driving up a forestry road in the mountain. My girlfriend would like something with a few more creature comforts. I started looking at Kimbo 6's and FWC, but they seem to be pretty pricey (and I imagine amazing build quality and resale value), and also they are pretty much back ordered for 52 weeks, and it has been tough to even track down a used one. I have also looked at the Palomino Backback SS500 and the Real-Lite SS1600, as there are a few more of them out there, but they seem to all be asking WAY over NADA blue book both used and new.

So I have a couple questions before I get too deep into this.

1. What is the best way to get a decent deal on a mainstream brand like Palomini or Real-Lite?
2. Are the above a total POS? Or if you are not wheeling will these last a long time?
3. What suspension upgrades are required? Air bags, add-a-leaf, or shocks?
4. Am I better off with a tear drop or smaller enclosed?

Thanks for any input!

 

Look at the weight on most slide in campers, you're going to be well over the GVWR on the Tacoma, especially when you actually put stuff in it, add two occupants in the cab, etc. I don't know about the '18s, but the brakes on the second gens aren't great to start with (note all of the threads with folks trying to improve them including swapping on Tundra brakes).

I can't speak to the two models you listed, but I haven't been impressed with the build quality of most of the RV industry products. There are several members here who have made various pop-up campers that are much sturdier construction but obviously more spartan to keep the weight down. You're still going to need to upgrade your suspension. If you need a bathroom and such you're pretty much going to need a trailer, again, though, lighter is better behind these trucks.

Something like a Scamp or Casita might work for you but they're not inexpensive.