Truck campers are a popular choice for horseback riders, fishermen, hunters, and other sportsmen as a boat or horse trailer may be easily towed. They facilitate camping "off-road" in relative comfort. A good quality truck camper can cost as much as a much larger RV.
Is buying a truck camper worth it?
Maneuverability: Easily one of the top 10 reasons buy a truck camper. The maneuverability of the truck camper rig is hard to beat. The compact size of the rig coupled with the small turning radius of the pickup truck means you can maneuver out of trouble much easier than with towable RVs and large motorhomes.
Are truck campers hard to drive?
Driving a truck camper is certainly going to be one of these easiest RV transport experiences you'll encounter, but that doesn't mean it isn't going to take some work. You'll need to practice behind the wheel, so to give you some starter tips, we here at The Outpost RV have covered some of the most basic concerns.
Why truck campers are the best?
Other benefits include better fuel economy (compared to towing an RV), compact length, maintaining the ability to tow a trailer, having a lockable living area for gear and goods, and versatile construction that fits almost any pickup truck on the road. There are many different kinds of truck-bed campers.
Can you live out of a truck camper?
Living in a truck camper is perfect for those who want to explore remote locations but don't want to sleep on the ground under a tent, have a decent place to cook meals and comfortable place to use the restroom. Although it is incredibly fun, truck camper full time living is not necessarily a never-ending vacation.
Can you sleep in a truck camper while driving?
In general, the answer is yes. With just a few exceptions, most states allow passengers to ride in the camper while the truck is in motion. This is a little surprising since most of the same states don't allow passengers in a travel trailer or 5th-wheel.
Can a truck camper tip over?
Yes, it's possible for a camper or RV to tip over. Fishtailing, taking corners too fast, and driving in windy conditions can all cause RV rollovers. Wind can be generated from semi-trucks and other large vehicles as well, putting your camper at risk.
Can you stand up in a truck camper?
Hard-sided truck campers slide into the truck bed and have an overhang over the cab of the truck. They can be big or small and can even feature slide-outs. They also have hard walls and are tall enough that you can comfortably stand up in them.
What size truck is best for truck camper?
We almost always recommend that you buy a one-ton truck to haul a truck camper. Why? Because one-ton trucks feature the largest payload ratings for non-commercial trucks and are equipped with the suspension and brakes required to safely haul a heavy load like a truck camper.
Are truck bed campers comfortable?
Comfortable. Truck campers are quite cozy because their unique lay out puts all of your needs in one area. Everything from sleeping to cooking to lounging can be done in a small amount of space. This makes truck campers a romantic option for couples.
How fast can you drive with a truck camper?
62 to 70 miles per hour is the most common. At 62 to 65 I can see 14.5 miles per gallon with no wind.
Can you live in a truck camper in the winter?
It's not only the challenges that we will see but also all the good things that you can do during winter camping (what works with truck campers) . Truck Campers are pretty handy when it comes to winter activities. Unlike a motorhome. They are modest, compact and yet one can live inside them during winter.
Does a truck camper count as an RV?
A recreational vehicle is a motorhome, housecar, travel trailer, truck camper, or camp trailer; with or without motive power; designed for human habitation or other occupancy.
Is a truck camper hard on a truck?
They're Heavy (Require a Big Truck) Because truck campers are heavy and require heavy duty trucks, they are more expensive overall than a travel trailer – and they have much less space. In fact, we've seen underpowered trucks bend in half because they've been hauling around a truck camper.
What are the cons of a truck camper?
Cons:You Have To Have A Truck.A Truck Camper Can Be Top Heavy.Truck Campers Have Height Issues.A Truck Camper Can Be Difficult To Load and Unload.Getting In And Out Of A Truck Camper Can Be Difficult.Truck Camper Layouts Are Limited.The Price Per Square Foot Is Higher.Truck Campers Reduce Cargo Space.More items...•
Is it hard driving with a camper?
RVs don't drive like cars—they accelerate and brake slower, and your blind spots are much larger. That said, with practice and time, you'll become as comfortable behind the wheel of an RV as you are in your SUV or sedan.
How fast can you drive with a truck camper?
62 to 70 miles per hour is the most common. At 62 to 65 I can see 14.5 miles per gallon with no wind.
What is a truck camper?
A truck camper customized for beach driving and offshore fishing. In North America the term truck camper and its derived acronym TC, are generally used to refer to any recreational vehicle or RV that may be carried in the bed of a pickup truck. In North America, this RV type is sometimes known as a slide-in or cab-over .
Why is a camper considered an RV?
This would be classed as a RV, because the camper section is permanently attached to the frame of the truck. In the 1970s and 1980s, campers for compact trucks (mainly Toyotas and Datsuns) were popular in North America. Many were built on bare chassis with twin rear wheels.
What are the different types of campers?
There are different classes of RVs generally labeled as truck campers: 1 Clamshell: The clamshell construction is utilized by two Canadian manufacturers, Bigfoot and Northern Lite and consists of two fiberglass shells, joined horizontally, at the center. 2 Hardside Filon, Wood Framed: This is a camper using wood framing (usually fir), finished in Filon, a thin fiberglass layer on a wood backing. 3 Hardside Filon, Aluminum-framed: This is a camper using aluminum framing, finished in Filon, a thin fiberglass layer on a wood backing. 4 Hardside aluminum: This is a camper using wood or aluminum framing, finished with aluminum siding. 5 Pop-up: A low-profile truck camper designed to cut back on weight and wind resistance.
How many corner jacks does a truck camper have?
Truck campers are loaded and off-loaded to a vehicle utilizing four corner jacks which enable the camper to be raised, and the truck backed up underneath. The camper is then secured to the vehicle with chains or spring-loaded tie-downs.
What is a hardside fir camper?
Hardside Filon, Wood Framed: This is a camper using wood framing (usually fir), finished in Filon, a thin fiberglass layer on a wood backing.
What is a clamshell camper?
There are different classes of RVs generally labeled as truck campers: Clamshell: The clamshell construction is utilized by two Canadian manufacturers, Bigfoot and Northern Lite and consists of two fiberglass shells, joined horizontally, at the center.
Where are truck campers made?
North America's largest truck camper manufacturer is Lance Camper Manufacturing Corporation of Lancaster, California, followed by Arctic Fox of La Grande, Oregon. Lance's most popular model is the Lance 1172. Truck campers continue to be most popular in the Western United States and Canada, and this is where most manufacturers are headquartered. They are slowly making inroads into the eastern part of the continent as the baby boomer generation retires, and are looking for comfort combined with freedom and versatility. The truck camper is also becoming a very popular RV type in Australia, where rugged terrain makes them a practical choice.
What is a truck camper?
A truck camper is a vehicle mounted camp trailer. It's designed to be attached to, and towed behind, a pickup truck. The basic idea is simple: Take the comfort of home with you on your travels. While many use it as an extra bedroom for guests or family members, they are often used in combination with a tent for camping trips where extended stays are required or unwanted.
How much do truck campers weigh?
The average truck camper weighs roughly 2,600 lbs. This weight is distributed over a truck's average weight of 3,500-4,000 lbs. towing capacity. This means you have a 1,000 -1,600 lbs. of weight left for your personal things (clothes, tools, food supplies). Keep in mind that this is an average weight. Depending on what type of truck camper you buy and what year it was manufactured will make a difference in how much weight you are allowed to carry on the truck camper itself; some can only accommodate 100 lbs., others 500-800 lbs., etc. Be sure to verify this with your dealer when buying or leasing a truck camper so there will be no surprises later down the road if they don't allow any cargo onboard.
Why do you need a level camper?
A level camper is needed to operate your absorption refrigerator, for proper water draining, and for basic equilibrium inside your camper. It also makes cooking inside easier. There are several ways you can level your truck camper—by using air bags, lift jacks, or leveling blocks.
What is a pigtail on a camper?
The umbilical connection or “pigtail” provides your truck camper with the running, brake, and turn signal lights needed to be legal on the road. It also provides an important connection to your truck’s alternator to charge your camper’s battery while driving. The six-pin receptacle for this connection is usually on the driver’s side front of the camper (though many pop-up truck camper manufacturers place the six-pin receptacle in the back). Due to this placement, truck camper owners will often install a standard seven-pin electrical RV receptacle on the driver’s side, front of the truck bed. But another perfectly acceptable option is to simply run an extra-long umbilical from the front of the camper to the seven-pin receptacle at the rear of the truck. Remember, only six wires are needed for a truck camper since the truck camper doesn’t have its own brakes (the brakes run on the blue wire). For a more detailed look at the pigtail wiring for truck campers, please click here.
What are turnbuckles for truck?
Turnbuckles are essential pieces of hardware in truck camper ownership. They act as the “middleman,” securing the truck camper to the tie-down system of your truck. Strong winds, rough roads, and driving at highway speeds will test the ability of your tie downs and turnbuckles to control the forces or stresses working against your camper. Proper tension and installation of your turnbuckles is critically important. Too much tension can over stress and damage your camper; too little tension can allow your camper to shift and slide around in your truck bed while you drive. Make sure you read and understand the installation instructions for your turnbuckles to make sure they work optimally. We use and highly recommend the Torklift FastGuns to secure our camper. For an in-depth review of the Torklift FastGun, check out our review here.
How much pressure should I put on my truck tires?
For example, the door jamb sticker for a 2013 Ram 3500 truck with LT275/70R18E tires calls for 60 psi for the front tires and 80 psi for the rear. These values are for hauling the maximum payload of the truck, so the tire pressure in the rear can be lowered if you’re hauling less that the maximum payload or nothing at all. Make sure you check your tires regularly for abnormal wear and proper inflation, especially before leaving on each trip. As for the size of the tires, that’s a personal choice. Those who haul around long-bed truck campers, the heaviest campers on the market, swear by 19.5 inch tires (load range H) because of the stiffer side walls and how well they handle with the extra weight.
How many wires are needed for a truck camper?
Remember, only six wires are needed for a truck camper since the truck camper doesn’t have its own brakes (the brakes run on the blue wire). For a more detailed look at the pigtail wiring for truck campers, please click here.
What is the importance of a truck's suspension system?
Most people know how critical wheels and tires are to truck handling and safety, but the rest of the truck’s suspension system is important, too. In addition to the wheels and tires, the suspension system consists not only of springs and shocks, but also of steering components and linkages. All combined these components directly contribute to a truck’s handling and braking and play a major role in your driving pleasure and comfort.
How to determine payload rating on a truck?
The payload rating can either be found on a driver’s side door pillar placard or in the glove box on a payload certification form. You can also determine the payload rating by subtracting the curb weight of the truck (you’ll need to take it to the scales to get this figure) from the truck’s GVWR. The payload rating is important because it tells you how much weight your truck can safely haul without stressing the truck’s frame, suspension, and tires. Basically, everything being carried in your truck, including all passengers, gear, and your “wet,” fully loaded truck camper, should be below your truck’s rated payload. Grossly exceeding the payload and GVWR is neither safe for your passengers nor for others who are sharing the road with you. And if you happen to get in an accident while overloaded, your insurance company can void out your coverage. For more information on buying the right truck, check out our article entitled buying the best truck for a truck camper.
What is a Truck Camper?
A truck camper, also referred to as a slide-in, is a camper that sits in the bed of your truck. Truck campers are kind of like backpacks for trucks – and usually come with many of the same things a regular RV has. There is typically a cabover area with a bed, a small kitchen area, and a small seating area.
Why are truck campers so popular?
Truck campers are great because they’re compact and allow campers to get far off-grid. But, there are several reasons why a truck camper may not be the right rig for you.
Why do truck campers have slideouts?
Some truck campers have slideouts to maximize space. Others have a pop-up canvas tent top to make them more nimble on the road and more lightweight overall.
How much does a truck camper cost?
Truck camper prices vary depending on the type, age, etc. If buying a new truck camper, you can expect to pay anywhere from $8,000 to $60,000. Truck campers tend to hold their value very well. But, you can find used truck campers starting at $2,000 and up for a camper in decent condition.
How many people can sleep in a truck camper?
Most truck campers don’t sleep more than 3 comfortably.
Can you camp in a truck for a weekend?
Truck campers can be great campers for weekend getaways or shorter road trips, but they leave a lot to be desired for many full-time RVers.
Do truck campers look cool?
There’s no doubt about it – truck campers look really cool.
What Comes First: Truck or Camper?
During the first decade of publishing Truck Camper Magazine, we attended and worked dozens of RV shows. The shows were an incredible opportunity to meet fellow truck campers and listen to their perspectives. They were long days on concrete, but we loved the interaction with our vibrant community.
What is truck camper magazine?
Truck Camper Magazine explains how to choose the right pickup truck for a truck and camper rig. We discuss truck brands, classes, engine choices, configurations, and more. Let’s dig in.
What was the first mission of Truck Camper Magazine?
When we later launched Truck Camper Magazine, our first mission was to put a line in the sand for safe truck and camper matching. An important part of that mission was an early article on choosing the right truck for a truck camper. Fourteen years later, we’re still on that mission and have a bit more to say on the topic.
How long is a hard side truck bed?
If you’re looking to assemble a hard side truck camper rig, you will have more camper options with a long bed truck (8-foot bed). Not only are there more available hard side floor plans for long beds, but the manufacturers build and ship more hard side campers for long bed trucks.
What brands of trucks are approved for campers?
There are currently six automotive brands with trucks recommended and approved by the manufacturers for truck campers; Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Nissan, Ram, and Toyota.
Why do you need a short bed truck?
First, you might already own a short bed truck. Second, you might prefer a shorter overall rig length for parking, camping, off-roading, or storage considerations. And third, you could have your eye on a particular short bed camper.
How much weight can a 2020 Ford Super Duty carry?
Above: 2020 Ford Super Duty, 7,850 pounds of payload capacity is possible in the regular cab, gas engine, two-wheel drive, dual rear wheel truck. It’s possible that the truck brand you prefer is also excellent in these important categories. However, it’s also possible that another brand offers a better solution.
What is payload on a camper?
When it comes to hauling a truck camper, nothing is more important than the truck’s payload rating. The payload of a truck is simply the amount of weight that the truck can carry and is a product of the truck’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The payload, expressed in both pounds and kilograms, can either be found on a driver door pillar ...
How much does a truck cost?
Buying a new truck in today’s economy is a big deal. Depending on options and trim lines, a new truck can easily cost you over $80,000. So before you pluck down those bucks, you better be sure that what you buy is what you really want and has the features that you really need. Sure, you can buy used, but there’s always an element of risk associated with buying a truck from a total stranger without a warranty. Either way, it’s best to buy the right truck for a truck camper without having to go through the process again in a year or two. Who makes the best truck for a truck camper? What things should you look for? We’ll take a look in this article.
How much weight can a 3/4 ton truck carry?
For instance, today’s 3/4-ton trucks have payloads between 2,300 and 3,800 pounds, while one-tons can haul anywhere between 3,800 and 6,200 pounds. The large variances are due to bed-size and options so each option must be carefully chosen.
Can a half ton truck haul a camper?
Can today’s half-ton pickup truck haul a truck camper? The answer is yes, but with several caveats. It depends on the truck, the truck’s rated payload, and the size and weight of the camper you have in mind. For example, the 2015 Ford F-150 short-bed (154 inch wheelbase), crew cab, two-wheel drive, with the heavy duty payload package, has a rated payload of 2,799 pounds. That’s a pretty impressive number even for a gasoline-powered 3/4-ton truck. Most half-ton pickup trucks out there, however, have much less payload, usually around 1,600 pounds. This reduced payload basically limits you to pop-up truck campers and smaller hard-slide campers like the Lance 650 and the cab-less models like the Northstar Vista. With the exception of the aforementioned Ford F-150, most half-tons will need upgrades to the shock absorbers, spring packs, brakes, and tires, the latter meaning a capacity improvement from the weak passenger tires that came with your truck to a set of good light truck (LT) tires with a load range of either D or E.
Overview
In North America, the term truck camper and its derived acronym TC are generally used to refer to any recreational vehicle or RV that may be carried in the bed of a pickup truck. In North America, this RV type is sometimes known as a slide-in or cab-over.
In English-speaking Europe the term demountable or dismountable is more freq…
History
Truck campers are usually considered the most versatile form of camper. They are capable of going virtually anywhere a pickup truck can go.
The earliest truck campers date to the mid-50s and appeared almost at the same time. They were the Cree Truck Coach built in Saline, Michigan by Howard Cree and the Sport King built by Walter King's company in Torrance, California. …
Features & classification of truck campers
Technically speaking, any RV that can be easily dismounted from its carrying vehicle qualifies as a truck camper. In Australia it is very common to see them mounted on flatbed trucks, or even on what, in North America, would be considered a car.
The lines of definition can blur between a truck camper and a recreational vehicle with some expedition vehicles like the xpcamper or the Earthroamer.
Suitable truck types
Larger North American pickup trucks are generally the best for carrying a truck camper, although many manufacturers produce units for lighter duty European and Japanese models. The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of a truck is the figure used to determine what size camper may be carried. The GVWR, minus the weight of the truck with passengers and fuel is the payload that the truck …
Shows and rallies
There are several RV shows each year featuring truck campers. The major Truck Camper Show held bi-annually in the US Midwest features truck campers exclusively. This is usually combined with a national rally. It is currently suspended due to economic conditions in the industry (2008-2012).
Clubs and manufacturer organizations
The North American Truck Camper Owners Association is a non-profit organization representing manufacturers & users of Truck Campers. It also runs the national show through an associated S-Corporation (North American Truck Campers of America, also NATCOA).
The Lance Owners of America (LOA) is another truck camper club representing Lance owners and also open to any other truck camper enthusiasts. There are many other clubs that are brand spe…
Truck camper in popular culture
American author John Steinbeck owned a truck camper, a Wolverine cabin on a GMC 1960 model 3/4 ton truck that he named "Rocinante" after Don Quixote's horse. He used it for a tour around the US with his French poodle Charley in 1960. Steinbeck's book "Travels with Charley in Search of America" (1962) is a travelogue of that trip. The camper still exists at the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas, California.
See also
• Campervan
• List of truck types
• Motorhome stopover
• RV park
• Trailer park