
by Palomino (Forest River) · 2025
Palomino's full-size hard-side truck camper. Sleeping for four with available bathroom. Competitive pricing through Palomino's large dealer network.
The Palomino SS-1240 offers a lot of camper for the money — a full-size hard-side with wet bath option at a price well below Lance or Adventurer. Build quality is the trade-off, but for budget-minded buyers who want maximum interior space, it's hard to beat on value.
Based on 9 reviews and 3 owner submissions
Budget-conscious buyers who want a full-size hard-side with a real bathroom, families who need maximum interior space without the premium price tag, and buyers who value dealer network access over boutique brand build quality.
The sheer amount of interior space and features you get for around $32,000. The wet bath option gives you a real shower and toilet in a camper that costs significantly less than comparable Lance or Adventurer models. The Forest River dealer network means parts and service are widely available. For the price, no other hard-side offers this much livable space.
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The SS-1240 offers similar interior space and features at a significantly lower price point — often $10,000-$15,000 less than a comparably equipped Lance 850. The trade-off is build quality. Lance has a reputation for tighter construction, better fit and finish, and longer-term durability. If budget is the primary concern, the SS-1240 delivers more space per dollar. If you plan to keep the camper for many years and value build quality, the Lance is worth the premium.
You need a 3/4-ton truck minimum — F-250, Ram 2500, or Silverado 2500. At 2,500 lbs dry and well over 3,000 lbs loaded, it's too heavy for any half-ton. A 1-ton truck like an F-350 or Ram 3500 gives you the most comfortable margin and better ride quality under the load. Most owners on forums recommend a diesel 3/4-ton or 1-ton for the best experience.
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Weight-conscious buyers — at 2,500 lbs dry, this is firmly 3/4-ton or 1-ton truck territory. Buyers who prioritize build quality and long-term durability over initial value. Off-road enthusiasts who need something built to handle rough terrain without rattling apart.
At 2,500 lbs dry, the SS-1240 is not a half-ton camper. Loaded with water, gear, and options, you're looking at 3,000+ lbs, which firmly requires a 3/4-ton or 1-ton truck. Some owners report running it on heavy-duty half-tons but consistently advise against it. The size-to-weight ratio is actually reasonable — you're getting a lot of camper for that weight.
The SS-1240's value proposition is its strongest selling point. At around $32,000, you're getting a camper with comparable interior space and features to models that cost $40,000-$50,000 from Lance or Adventurer. The dealer network means competitive pricing and occasional clearance deals. The catch is build quality — you save money upfront but may spend more on maintenance and repairs over time.
Interior space is generous for a truck camper at this price point. The floor plan feels open, and the wet bath option gives you a real bathroom that many budget campers lack entirely. Kitchen amenities are solid with decent counter space and storage. It's a camper you can comfortably spend a rainy day inside without feeling claustrophobic, which is not something every truck camper can claim.
Build quality is the SS-1240's Achilles' heel and the most common complaint in owner reviews. Owners report issues with cabinet doors not aligning, trim pieces coming loose, and seals that need attention early on. The frame and structure are adequate but not overbuilt. It's a camper that benefits from a thorough inspection on delivery and proactive maintenance to catch issues before they become problems.
Most owners who opted for the wet bath say yes, especially for longer trips or camping without hookups. Having a real shower and toilet in a truck camper at this price point is genuinely rare. The wet bath is small — everything gets wet when you shower — but it's functional and beats a portable toilet for most people. If you primarily do short weekend trips near facilities, you can skip it and save the money and weight.
The most commonly reported issues are: cabinet doors coming out of alignment from road vibration, window seals needing resealing within the first year, trim pieces working loose, and the entry step mechanism being flimsy. Most of these are annoyances rather than deal-breakers, and handy owners fix them with basic tools. Doing a thorough walk-through at delivery and addressing issues under warranty is highly recommended.