Truck Camper Rig Tour - Kingstar Camino \\ Would You Live In This Truck Camper?
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- čas přidán 21. 07. 2024
- Kingstar President, Marcus Niemela, gives us a detailed rig tour of their innovative hard side Truck Camper. We bumped into him while attending the Truck Camper Adventure Rally in Quartzsite, AZ. Another big thank you to Truck Camper Adventure for putting on such a great event! Take a look and let us know what you think in the comments!
The Kingstar Company was founded in 2018 by Marcus and Cal Niemela, two brothers from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with a long history of entrepreneurial and design success. After moving to Arizona, Marcus became involved with equestrian sports and recognized the challenges faced when traveling with horses for recreation, shows, and riding sports. These special challenges lead Marcus and Cal to design their own style of trailers and truck campers to meet their needs as well as those of their customers.
Their intended demographic includes outdoorsman, sightseeing, rock climbing, Overlanding, fishing, skiing, off-grid, equestrian, and other outdoor enthusiasts.
We think their design and innovative features are exactly what we want to see coming out in the Truck Camper industry. What do you think?
Additional Details can be found here:
✅ kingstar.net
✅ kingstar.net/truck-campers
✅ / thekingstarcompany
✅ / kingstartrailers
✅ / @kingstarcompany5621
👕If you're looking for Truck Camping T-Shirts, check out this site:
✅ www.travelmotivated.com/
Index:
Intro: 0:00
1. Marcus Niemela: 0:30
2. Hitch Pack: 0:53
3. Interior Tour: 2:01
3.1: Bed: 2:25
3.2: TV and Stereo: 2:44
3.3: Air Conditioner: 2:53
3.4: Refrigerator: 3:05
3:5: Interior Principals: 3:22
4. Layout Options: 3:33
5. It's SO QUIET!: 5:44
6. Roof Construction: 6:46
7. Storage and Features: 7:27
8. Water Heater: 7:54
9. Storage and Features: 8:03
10: Water Storage: 8:48
11. Stainless Shower: 10:01
12. Boot and Shoe Storage: 10:32
13. Weight: 11:04
14. Pricing: 11:16
15. Options: 11:28
16. The Jack Pack: 12:32
Outro: 13:26
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✅ www.travelmotivated.com/
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We are a travel couple and explore full time in our NuCamp Cirrus 920 Truck Camper. The camper rides in our Ram 3500 Dually Diesel CrewCab truck. We love our camper and we are excited to share our life with all of you!
Our plan is to continue traveling for another 5 years at least, we are just getting started. Subscribe and follow our adventures around North America and the World!
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**UPDATE**
In the video, Marcus indicated the use of 2x2 construction, the actual construction is a mixture of 2x2 and 2x4 wood.
Also, the interior width is 7’2”
Let us know if you have additional questions 😁
Hi StonyBoot (Scott). My friend Roadside Resident turned me on to your channel. I just subscribed. Cool stuff.
I’ve gotten used to the wood framing. The lack of thermal bridges should be noticeable. The lack of a basement with the grey water work arounds are pretty interesting. For my solo self, this would be a good choice, especially with their new N/S bed configuration. I’ll be in touch with Marcus and see about what length of aluminum flatbed would work.
We also like some of these new features and their take on the camper. It’s always good to have fresh ideas and designs. I’d be interested to hear how your conversation goes with Kingstar and/or Marcus. Great people!
I’ll keep you posted for sure. Maybe I’ll be at the Quartzite TC rally next year.
What type wood? Not soft pine I hope. Will be interesting to see the longevity of this framing. Is there a factory tour video. Would really like to see how these are put together. Like that he is not using luan.
Handsome design & nice features, esp the ‘open’ plan. Retro chic 🙂
Yes, it‘s a great camper!
I thought he was going to say $60k. Mid 30's for a loaded model seems like a decent deal. I like it a lot.
Agreed, the pricing is very competitive!
? That's to much for that. You can get an artic fox 990 or992 for $32,000 if you know how to negotiate. I got a year end 2018 992 for $33,000 off the lot and a slide out topper thrown in
@@freedomisntfree5573 *too
Great price actually!
@@freedomisntfree5573, comparing MSRP with buying a leftover no one wanted isn’t a good comparison. Just saying.
13:35 No surprise that he's impressed, Scott. We are, too - every time you and Sasha come out with another informative video.
We're about 80% sold on a Nucamp for a start in 2022, but Marcus has us opening up our research folder once more!
😊thanks! It’s nice to see different options out there!
For people who like tuck campers your channel is the best!!
Awww, thanks! 😊
Another great video Scott! It sounds like a great camper! Awesome features and good build. Keep em coming! It's so good to see we have solid options.
Thanks, that’s what excites me. New options and ideas coming to market is good for everyone. It’s nice to have the ability to share these finds with a larger group of people.
The big companies can learn from this set up.
Agreed, some very cool features and options.
That’s a great looking camper. I love the options. Especially the side mount ac unit.
It has some great features!
Thank you for these. We're still shopping, so being able to check out options is really helpful!
You’re welcome! It’s nice to hear that the videos are helpful! Good luck with the search 😁
Love this camper! The customizations, stainless steel, sound insulation, all that storage space...
100% agree!
Great video review! My fiancé and I just picked up a brand new Open Range model and spent a night in Tahquamenon Falls last weekend with our Rottweiler. We have nothing but good things to say about the camper, the experience, and the great people over at KingStar! It feels unlike a traditional truck camper and more like a spec home with high quality finishes throughout. Every detail was implemented so well and we’re sure our Camino 88 will keep surprising us as we continue to get more use out of it.
In case anyone is curious, we drive a 6.6l gas 2020 2500HD with a 6.5 ft. bed and it’s right at the gvwr with us, our 100lb dog, and a full tank of gas. It drove great down the road and felt very balanced for our trip back down to the lower peninsula.
If you want a new hard side truck camper that is built like a tank and beautiful on the inside and out, as well as affordable, buy one of these!
It’s nice to hear actual owners loving their camper! Thanks for leaving such a great comment!
Pricey😮😮😮
@@kimberlyparkerson4530 not really.. go look at a Lance or the mammoth …
Nice camper for what it’s intended for. Good quality construction and well thought out.
Well stated!
The owner of this company is so damn likable. Makes me wanna be a customer
Marcus is a great guy! If you get a chance to meet him he’s wonderful to chat with!
Very impressive build. As an alum of Michigan Tech this video brought back lots of memories of Houghton. Congrats on the company Marcus and thinking outside the box.
We love fresh ideas! Marcus is really passionate about their products, he loves the life and it shows!
That was beautiful! Hot damn! Competitive pricing too! They’re in the running!
We loved it!
Thank you I love these campers and I love your channel
It *is* refreshing to see what boutique RV producers can come up with. And what a well-deserved compliment Marcus had for you two, Scott. Yes, it's a little 'angular' in form and reliant on 2x2 & 2x4 lumber, a yesteryear structural choice. But to my mind what you get are a) a builder loaded with creative ideas & functional touches, and b) a RV that was hand-built, which means later repairs, mods and additions are more easily done than with factory produced materials and construction techniques. And Marcus is right: Picking it up in UP is a great way to 'commission' a new RV. This was a nice treat, Scott - thanks!
Awesome comment! Marcus and I had a great conversation about living in RVs and some of modifications that go along with it. He’s such a nice guy!!!
There are pros and cons with each construction method. I like skipping the wood, however, we have issues with the aluminum structure in our camper sweating in cool-cold temps. Wood flexes, has a better R Value and is easy to repair. Aluminum is strong, ridged and won’t rot. Northstar is still made with wood and they have a good product. If I had to build my own camper, I’m not sure which way I’d go.
We might have to take a loop up through the UP and see what all the talk is about. We love finding beauty places!
I was waiting for this...loved the tour! Love the company, just oozes quality in every detail. I can dream.....Thanks!
Thanks for watching! We agree, it just felt great in there and the recliners still have me pondering where to put them;)
@@Stonyboot Lol on the recliners! I would personally love the couch/bunk plan, great for taking the grandsons out! Take care you two!
I love the different layout options. Very creative way to use the space.!
That is a heck of a camper. Your video production improves with every video you make! Cheers!
I loved the setup, it had a great feel! Thanks, I’m learning all the time.
Love all the options so cool. I really love how every inch is used for something really taking advantage of everything.
We totally agree with that!☺️ It’s always nice to utilize as much space as possible!
How unusually refreshing. A walkthrough/buildout reveal and discussion that INCLUDES it's price. Can't express enough how rare that is for a price to be included. Out of my budget for sure but what a nice and fully loaded truck camper. Not a big fan of wooden framing and the carpet, but that's just me. Love the design elements and execution of the build. Thanks for sharing.
Seen the horse trailer with living quarters today. Sitting here on u tube and was impressed. Then checked out the truck camper on utube. Very well done. 👏
I don't have a need for a horse trailer, but I love their products, very nice stuff! Thanks for watchign!
Awesome looking camper, I love the couch and love seat options in a truck camper. Also like how it looks like it fits the new trucks. Some of the bigger truck campers can look really goofy in that back of a truck, this one looks slick.
It does blend in well with the truck. I think it’s a beautiful setup!
These are beautiful
I agree completely! 🤩
Nice. Love the look and the space.
Same here, it’s very comfortable to hangout in.
I talked to the owner, super nice. Kinda cool he makes these awesome campers in the keeweenaw peninsula in the U.P., great place to start camping. Go kingstar go!
Marcus is a really great guy! He’s got some great ideas and knows how to bring them to life 😎
The free range! I stretch and workout, perfect!
I keep getting comments about that feature. I love it, I’d rather have the space and do what I want with it.
Now that's what I call a bumper! These are really cool. The owner looks like one of those Wyoming guys we see down here in Denver from time to time. 😆 For me with two toddlers the bunk bed option is a winner!
Marcus is a great guy! He’s really great to talk to and super down to earth. The campers various layout options are awesome!
I love the side seating options, been thinking of doing that in my truck camper.
I love it, I'm seeing more and more campers utilizing that arrangement.
Cool! It’s awesome to see boutique manufacturers since most product coverage is dominated by the big companies.
It’s very refreshing!
I appreciate the video and I think a well insulated shell is a must for a successful build.
In my case I'm needing a little more comfort with my age and injury history but I would encourage younger adventurers to take a look.
Good luck gentlemen
I have to say nice-looking spokesperson for the company, very chill. Looks like a nice rig.
Thanks! We agree completely. Marcus is a great guy to talk to!
This is beyond cool!!!!!
Thanks, we agree!
Awesome camper...want one...from Boyne City... watching
Thanks for watching! This is a beautiful camper for sure!
I just seen this MFG Kingstar and met the owner in Tampa, with me and my brother who with me own Cedar Hills RV Sales, Inc. in Mazomanie, Wi, we want too add this too our lines we carry qulity MFG and being in the campground business also in Mazomanie. This is a great person, a true camper lover turned MFG, Me and my brother have had 8 different truck campers, from all the big names, this is the best Truck Camper made today! hands down, Thanks for the Kingstar Hats! We look forward to seeing your mfg plant this spring!
Thank you so much for this comment! Marcus is a great guy and their campers are top notch! I’m glad you had a chance to meet Marcus and check out the Camino-88!
@@Stonyboot thanks, i will be back at the show sometime in the next day or so, couldnt get everything done in a day, great show!
Someday, I’ll make it to the Tampa Show. I’m starting to miss Florida.
Thank you for the kind words!
Great video and hello from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷
Thanks for watching! We love PR, approximately where are you located? We’ve been all over PR and can’t wait to return someday.
I really like these truck campers! I am leaning toward the open concept mainly so I can make that area into my art studio.
We really like them too! That open space can be used in so many ways.
Awesome camper great look , I would suggest a water proof ceiling in the wet bath though , thanks .
That's a great suggestion! Thank you :)
There is a lot to like about this camper! My favorite item in all campers though are the stargazer windows above the beds. Unfortunately, I keep reading in owners forums that they usually leak. I hope KingStar can finally lick this problem.
I hear the same issues. So far, ours hasn’t leaked, but I’m waiting. That reminds me to go clean and condition the seals.
It will leak. If they haven't figured out how to put a skylight in a house that doesn't leak there's no chance a significantly less expensive truck camper skylight will be any better.
Oh no! They leak?! I always thought they were a great feature and I have been looking mainly at campers that have them. Guess I need to rethink this idea. Good to know, and thanks for the share.
Saw this very camper at the Truck Camper Adventure 2020 Rally in Quartzsite, Arizona. It was A excellent rally!
It sure was, we had a really good time there. That’s where we met Marcus from Kingstar. Such a cool guy and a cool camper 😎
Impressive!
We loved it!
Daaamm, I’d consider swapping out my Lance for this!
It’s a beautiful rig!
Very Impressive Workmanship 🇺🇸👏💯👍
Very nice camper !
Agreed!
So cool, I would love to retire and have one of these!
That would be great! These campers are really nice!
That is impressive. It reminds me of a Capri camper in the looks department but much nicer inside.
I love the looks too, it really stands out!
Wow, that thing looks amazing, I love the rounded edge stainless roof, and I don't think any other TC companies offer these floorplan options, not for this price anyway.
Nice camper nice layouts... different
We agree with that! It’s always nice to check out other campers and see what’s out there.
Nice overview.
Thanks!
one of the nicer truck campers I've seen...no wasted space
It's and excellent layout and design. Pretty smart people!
Damn that thing is super nice.
Some solar panels on the back side of the roof would be great. It might even help block the sun/heat on the SS roof.
It's an awesome setup! The roof is a perfect candidate for solar!
Very nice camper woooow
It really is nice! Thanks for watching 😁
I love this camper!!! It is so much better than the mainstream campers on the market today. (I hate RVs). This is exactly what I would like to have in a camper. I love the versatility and the ext. storage. I’m not in love with the wood-looking paneling. I also would like to know if the interior storage areas (where you see plywood) are those plywood bits finished in any way (polyurethane), especially the exterior storage areas on the camper itself.
Thanks for the comments!
I think that was a question.
Not a comment. That I’m waiting for an answer as well please
Love mine! It’s our channels home base on the road.
What do you think of it?
Love it! Super functional for my needs. Love the bunk bed option.
The layout options are nice. I love the pull out tables to.
Yo didnt know kingstar is located in houghton. Going to michigan tech currently. Ill keep that in mind when looking for my next camper
That’s awesome! They make high quality campers!
Awesome walkthrough, almost makes we want to reconsider going with a Cirrus 920! Your videos have me and my wife set on the 920.
What I like about this are the external styling, utility boxes outside, the flexibility in floor plan, storage, and the bits of good convenient user design like the shoe rail/rack.
What I don’t like are the cassette toilet, no gray water tank, E/W bed orientation, carpet, heating system, seemingly hard access to battery compartment, and the fact that some common features like a fridge is an option. I’m lukewarm on the idea of a gen 1 or gen 2 long term durable product that needs time to shake out the kinks.
Would you personally consider swapping out your 920 for this or a flavor of this? I’d be curious as to why or why not. TIA!
Excellent points and questions. Thank you!
I'm quite happy with my 920. It offers a little more space, it has the Alde and I've put a ton of work into it. However, if we weren't full time and just wanted to do some shorter trips, I'd love to have one of these.
@@Stonyboot we are just eagerly awaiting the new 920 and rumored 1-slider 920 to see if we want to buy new or get an used 920. The anticipation is killing us!
@@JL-qf3hq I’m having my doubts about the 920 Slide. Anyone that wants on, should start contacting NuCamp so they have an idea of the market demand.
love the channel..new sub
Thanks for the sub! If you have any video ideas, send them our way!
Looks very nice. I had actually looked online at this a while back and wrote it off because of the east-west bed, so good to hear you're planning a north-south layout. Will be interesting to see how that changes the rest of the interior.
1. Wife is bummed that the bathroom only has a curtain. Not sure she can get past that.
2. Never seen that kind of toilet. Was hoping it would be a cassette that can be easily removed from the outside. Not sure I want to lift a full toilet out the back door while navigating some steps.
3. Not a fan of the 2-tone cabinet doors. I think it would look a lot more modern a single color.
4, Love that there are very minimal roof penetrations. That's huge.
5. Are the front running lights required by law? They're notorious for leaking. I don't think they provide any value.
6. Assuming it's forced air heat...which wakes me up every time the fan comes on. I know Aldi has it's issues, but they've been in Europe for years. To me, that's a great way to get heat fully circulating in a truck camper.
I"m in MN...and snowmobile in the UP multiple times a year, so I'll definitely be making a visit when the time comes to purchase.
You should send them an email with your thoughts, companies love hearing customer and potential customer feedback to help the make future changes and plan where the product is going over time.
I think the clearance lights are federally required.
After 1.5 years living in our rig with our Alde system, I can’t imagine having forced hot air again.
Drop them an email and see what they have to say!
Also, this is the toilet that they use. It does have a removable cartridge.
www.thetford.com/product/porta-potti-565e/
New sub. Nice tour
Thanks for the sub! Marcus was really nice to give us a tour and hang out for a bit.
Very nice ....
It's awesome! Thanks for watching :)
Yooper here, have to give this guy a look at.
Thank you!
Yes I would live in this camper rig.but sadly we live in the highlands of Scotland and it’s beautiful we need a flight to get abroad to some sun !
We just spent a few months on the West Coast and it rained almost every day, so we hear ya! Scotland is on our list of places to visit someday (probably in the summer😀).
people seem concerned about the wood framing, but with the addition of the spray foam which is a glue along with insulation value will lock all that together into a very strong frame and in conjugation with the stainless roof with little roof penetrations should provide a strong roof for a very long time. my only knock is the 70's paneling look which i guess can be painted to provide a more lighter n brighter interior, and not a fan of all the carpet which can become very dingy over a very short time of camping
All excellent points. Wood framing has its pros and cons. I guess it all depends on what you are looking for. I love that there are new options coming out!
Ok I want one very nice layout
😄They are nice!
Love the recliner! Just don't need two TC's. Would prefer the Alde heat system. Too heavy for our F250.
I love our Alde too! The recliners are pretty slick, I also like the idea of getting the camper with nothing installed, since I’d need an office.
No rubber/pvc roof… I’m definitely interested.
I’m a fan of that too! A stainless roof is nice :)
Really nice! Silly question, is it possible to design one with access to the truck cabin from the camper?
That's an excellent question. I'm not sure if they offer a passthrough window, but I'm sure you can ask them. They have a contact from on their website:
kingstar.net/contact
One of the biggest challenges with that these days is finding a truck with a large enough rear window!
Expensive!!!!
Quality isn’t cheap. From my research, their prices are competitive with similar campers.
Hi Marcus , I watched this video again. I love your truck camper more than the Lance 795. It’s lighter , less bulky. I hope to install your camper to my truck bed permanently. I also prefer the bunk model. My truck is Ford 350 dulley long bed 8 foot.
I can’t keep accessories in the back as I use my truck for daily commute from home to work. I am located in Memphis Tennessee. It’s 15 hours net time to get to your factory.
I will request the black shining color as my truck is black. So you can understand that my truck and your camper will be integrated into one body by their black color. Thank you. - z sun
Sounds like you will have a beautiful truck and camper setup! Enjoy!
Great review guys! Very nice camper. Are they a new manufacturer?
Thanks for watching. They are pretty new, if you look at the about on their site, it tells the story.
Looks like a great quality build and tons of options for almost every taste. Not sure about storage options for full-time living and carpet on the floor but other than this is something I would consider.
Agreed, it’s just nice to see some new options coming out. Love the look and quality of it. Their website is also really good. I even love their horse trailers, I don’t ride, but the design and concepts are impressive!
Is the wood framing glued and screwed? Have to wonder how it would hold together on today's earthquake roads. Especially the front overhang.
Wow. That is suprisingly cheap. Awesome tour
Thanks for watching, it’s a great rig at a great price!
Cool
Thanks!
Nice
Agreed!!!
Badass
It is!😊
Man... I have to stop watching these. My rig seems too small now. Really nice design!
What do you have for a rig?
I absolutely would
The Camino is such a comfortable place to hang out. We loved it!
Worth every penny, I would just swap out the AGM's for SOK's 205AH LifePO4's with a Red Arch Power Management System.
Kingstar is open to customization. You can contact them through their website!
@@Stonyboot Thanks, I would skip a dealership add-on, and just swap out the AGMs with the Lithium Batteries, or just ask for the pre-wire option with no batteries. This gives you more flexability to shop around between SOK, Signature Solar, Battleborn... and so much more.
Yes
😊
Wow they actually have a sofa or recliners instead of an uncomfortable dinette!
We loved it, it fits how we live better than a dinette.
What a quality build! Definitely a notch above all of the mass produced truck campers. Perhaps it's just my personal taste, but I think that he needs a little help with the interior decor.
I'm okay if you don't think so. If you read my comments again, I praised the quality of the build. Sorry if you or anyone else doesn't like or appreciate my honesty.
They over several options for interior. It's just nice to see some new options coming out!
Looks like you need a dually for this one, very nice though. Rough and tough.
It is in a dually, but the weight is under 3k lbs which would work in many SRW trucks.
No, just saw a pair of these this weekend in Colorado and they were both on SRW 1-tons.
Durable , smart, modern, specious. Excellent
Need one .. delivered to Europe. Price please?
You can contact Kingstar through their website.
kingstar.net/contact
They will discus the options with you.
Very nice ! Any chance on a slide out version ?
Not that I know of, but I’m out of the loop. You can contact them and let them know about your interest. It’s a fast moving company and if they keep hearing requests, that will help steer their designs. Their website is easy to use and they are very good to talk to.
@@Stonyboot
Yeah they seem very customer oriented like Capri campers .
Were do you mount the rear License plate. Your supposed to remount it if it’s covered
There is a lighted mounting area for a license plate.
WOW THEY ACTUALLY GAVE YOU A PRICE
They are very easy to talk to. It's a price range, but there are no secrets.
Looks heavy 🌲🏔
Pretty light actually. Depends on options, but for it's size, its a light camper.
Had me right up tell you said wood framing.
It's nice to see fresh ideas coming out!
Completely impressed with pricing
They are pretty good!
Yes....
👍
Surprised with how light the camper is.
Me too, it has a lot going for it!
off topic but what kind of battery box are the ones you have and where did you get them? Thanks!
Are you asking about the battery box in the Kingstar or in our Cirrus?
@@Stonyboot Cirrus. Maybe those are complete drop in batteries?
The model that was $25k on the video a year ago is $51k on their website now. Maybe more things come standard? But, wow.
Wow
My thoughts exactly!
Prices have gone up!
Materials have gone wild this year. I just had to pay $4.21 for diesel!!!!
Beautiful camper not a bad price did I miss something no black tank? I hate cassette toilets nasty lol
You’d have to talk to them, I’m not sure if all the options they offer.
Looks great.. unfortunately for me my 21 RAM2500 Diesel has only 2000lb payload so I can't look at them. Well back to the smaller/lighter less space campers... ;-(
We had a 2005 lance we had a trailer. At some point we want a truck camper again. Hit the sub button nice channel
Thanks! We also have dreams of different rigs in the future. So many options, so little time to try all of them. What was your first TC?
@@Stonyboot 2005 lance 845. We have the 2020 f350 7.3 gas for short box. I love it.
@@adventurerhoades sweet! I’m really interested in the new gas trucks. How’s your MPG while hauling the camper?
@@Stonyboot we don't have a new camper yet. Glad we found this Kingstree. It looks intriguing
@@Stonyboot this is our truck our story from recently trying to find a new truck camper
czcams.com/video/7OgMR_fpU8I/video.html
Which would you suggest for a 2011 F450?
I love the space in the new North / South camper, but either design would work well on an F-450.