Author Topic: Don's 2024 Palomino 2902 (Read 847 times)

Flyin6 · « **on:** February 29, 2024, 12:59:23 PM »

I pulled the trigger and purchased one of the first 2024 Palomino slide-in truck Camper.

We purchased a Back Pack max series HS 2902 unit which features a slide for additional interior space.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 29, 2024, 01:09:57 PM »

Pictures don't seem to be posting in the correct orientation...Big surprise!

The 2024 unit has converted largely to being solar-powered. It can still be hooked up to shore power, but the frig was changed to a large 11 Cu Ft 12 volt, powered entirely by a 100 Ahr Lithium battery. There is 400 watts of solar panels on the roof charging that. All the lights are LED and the heater, 20,000 BTU is gas and electric. The unit will need shore power of some larger power source to run its AC or microwave, but that's it.

We plan to boondock most of the time in it, especially for this year's Wyoming trip and next year's Alaska expedition.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 29, 2024, 02:05:16 PM »

The front is LineX coated already with a front window that is crack resistient.

The battery compartment is in the front and two 200 watt solar cells are on the roof.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 29, 2024, 02:08:29 PM »

I have not taken delivery of this thing yet, that will happen in mid-March, but the salesman was kind enough to send me loads of pics of my actual unit.

The rear has a built-in bumper with storage.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 29, 2024, 02:11:13 PM »

You enter through a narrow rear door.

My favorite part of the interior is the dual theater reclining seats in the slide.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 29, 2024, 02:13:31 PM »

Ours has a small wet bath. I am not sure how all this will work out, but after the trip, I'll be able to let you know.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 29, 2024, 02:16:28 PM »

The refrigerator doors can be opened from either side. What a clever idea!

Flyin6 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 29, 2024, 02:17:14 PM »

We have a 3-burner cooktop, an oven, and a microwave.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 29, 2024, 02:18:37 PM »

The TV is only 22". I want to see about upgrading that to a 32" unit. It pivots as would be expected.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 29, 2024, 02:20:51 PM »

It has a pantry/wardrobe near the entrance along with multiple cabinets and this closet in the sleeping area.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #10 on:** February 29, 2024, 02:22:54 PM »

The mattress is a queen, 60x80, and there are two steps up into the sleeping nook.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 29, 2024, 02:24:30 PM »

Ours has a "fantastic fan" over the bed and an 11,000 btu AC unit mid-cabin that runs on AC alone.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #12 on:** February 29, 2024, 02:26:56 PM »

So, this is a four season unit. It has loads of insulation, a big furnace, on-demand hot water heater, Azdel siding, and a heated basement for the fluid tanks

Flyin6 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 29, 2024, 02:32:33 PM »

The other features that made this camper my choice were the all-aluminum frame construction, the lighter weight of 3,200 dry, and the generous 45-gallon fresh water tank capacity along with big gray and black water tanks.

With all considerations in play, it is the right unit for a more adventuresome camper. It fits the smaller bed of my 3500 Ram. The lighter weight will keep me under the vehicle GWT and make getting down a bumpy two-track possible. With this unit, I will have no problem pulling off the interstate into nearly any normal shopping area, very unlike the fifth-wheel crowd. I can dismount the camper in about the same time it takes to drop a fiver and have a regular truck to drive about.

Finally, the cost is good in the mid-'30s and it sports a decent warranty and dealership support network.

Farmer Jon · « **Reply #14 on:** March 01, 2024, 08:01:40 PM »

Thats pretty sweet. My first ever camper was a pickup box camper. Nothing like this. Mine was free.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #15 on:** March 02, 2024, 09:31:19 AM »

Quote from: Farmer Jon on March 01, 2024, 08:01:40 PM

Thats pretty sweet. My first ever camper was a pickup box camper. Nothing like this. Mine was free.

Def NOT free!
But easily within my means. Giving myself 1 year to pay it off.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #16 on:** March 10, 2024, 10:24:13 AM »

After purchasing the Palmino something interesting has been happening.

Kathy started taking a real interest in truck campers. Up to the point of purchase, I would say that I have been the driving force in going in that direction. Knowing we tend toward the less touristy and wilderness venues; I could see something like a medium truck camper could fill our needs providing both a place to stay and a vehicle to move about with rather easily.

Anyway, she quickly joined a Palamino owner's website/owners' group. She was devouring articles and then started actively participating. I would venture to say she gets some good information there, but also some total hogwash. An example is the person who told her the Palamino campers are made from wood and will rot. Of course, that is not true, the thing has an aluminum frame with Azdel panels.

Then she started loading up on YouTube videos and learning. At some point, I saw the pencil and notepad come out. She was writing down tips and tricks and part numbers and addresses and who knows what.

Next comes the boxes. Amazon and UPS trucks started showing up with lightweight Corell dishes, some cool pots and pans, and two-sided tape. We have quick-drying towels, little trays, and gadgets to hold, sort, and secure.

My deal with her was, "Honey, you have the inside, and I have the outside and the truck. I only asked her to add some color to that white interior. (I am not a fan of the modern "whiteish" look). So well ahead of actual delivery, we seem to be turning blue with a splash of KY bluegrass-green. I'm checking out Honda 3200 watt generators and bigger Lithium batteries and she is loading up on a cool bedspread.

I am very much looking forward both to picking it up, and to going on a road trip with my bride.

oklawall · « **Reply #17 on:** March 10, 2024, 08:01:00 PM »

The wife's buy-in is priceless

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Flyin6 · « **Reply #18 on:** March 13, 2024, 08:59:23 PM »

We leave in the AM to pick up the Camper near South Bend. The 4.5-hour drive should be relaxing.

Oh, and I made a major, really major modification to this one already.

I'll explain on Friday when we get back...

stlaser · « **Reply #19 on:** March 14, 2024, 07:33:42 AM »

When / If you pass thru NE IN tell em I said Hey!

Assuming you’re going to Mishawaka/ Elkhart area……

oklawall · « **Reply #20 on:** March 14, 2024, 11:51:54 AM »

If you are taking US 31, take the bypass around Stoplight City AKA Kokomo

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Flyin6 · « **Reply #21 on:** March 15, 2024, 07:41:09 PM »

Well, we went to Middlebury.

There was some challenging weather to deal with. A tornado 75 miles south of us on the ground and a really huge Cumulus-Nimbus, I had to crawl through.

We went over to Indy, then north to South Bend, then east a little way, past the Studebaker plant to Middlebury IN. That is a cool area/town. We had to follow/pass so many Amish buggies, that I lost count. Really, like a couple dozen.

When we arrived, they had our new 3210 ready, not the 2902 I purchased. You see when I bought the bigger bed and dual wheels, we thought, why settle for a smaller slide-in when we could go for their flagship? And that's what we did!

Here it is to close out this thread. I'll start a proper thread on it.