Truck Campers

[Wildman]

Since a few members have been talking about truck campers recently I figured I'd start a thread about them. This isn't about travel trailers just truck campers.

For my choices I want either a double or triple slide camper. Just like with trailers the more slides you add the more weight it adds. So if you go with the MEGA campers that have triple slides it takes a 1 ton dually or more. And realistically if you want a triple slide truck camper you need to be looking at a cab & chassis type truck. And while a 450/4500 will work you really need to step up and get a 550/5500 truck.

The TOP of the line in truck campers is the HOST brand. They are made in Bend, OR and can be tailored to fit you with a lot of custom options.

HOST Truck Campers You can go to the plant and take a tour and see how the campers are made. If you get a chance go to a RV dealer and take a walk thru one of these gems. But they also do not come CHEAP. You are looking at $65k-$95K depending on what options you choose.

Eagle Cap Truck Campers is the other manufacturer that makes a triple slide truck camper. They are also very nice units just not to the caliber of the Host campers. They are made in WA state in Yakima.

Adventurer Truck Campers Has a nice lineup of truck campers and are made here in WA state in Yakima.


Lance Truck Campers Is like the Toyota of truck campers and has some very good units to choose from.


Arctic Fox Truck Campers Arctic Fox is known for making a very good 4 season truck camper. They are made in OR in the town or La Grande.


Bigfoot Truck Campers This truck camper is made in a unique way which is suppose to be leak free. They are made in British Columbia, Canada


Northern Lite Truck Camper They are another one of the 1 piece shell type campers that are suppose to be leak free. They are also made in British Columbia, Canada

Now there are other companies that make a truck camper but for me and what I am after these are the type of camper I'd be looking for. They are all hard side campers. There are soft side campers that are better suited for 3 season camping and are also popular in the 4WD crowd that want a camper you can take off-road to get into those off grid spots where a 4wd truck is going to be required.

My criteria for a camper is a little different as I plan on being on trips that last 6-8 months at a time so I want a little more in the creature comfort side of things. So for me it is either a double or triple slide camper with a side entry instead of a rear entry which makes it a lot easier to get into the camper when there is a trailer connected to the truck.

When looking for a camper there are places like Craigslist & FB Market Place for used units mainly.

The other places to shop are online sites like Auto Trader but for RV's.

RVT is one such site.

RV Trader is the other site.


OK so I've got this started so let's hear from those of you who have a truck camper or have had one before and your experiences with any of the brands listed or one I don't have also. If you have one or had one tell is the good and bad of the brand and if you'd buy one again. Some of the other things I can tell you with the shopping I have done is if it has a raised floor or not. The campers that do seem to have more storage and the distance from the floor to the cab over sleeping area is also lower which makes it easier for us OLD people to get in and out of it.

And then last is towing if you have a large camper. There are hitches available that allow you to have an 11 foot camper on a 8 foot bed truck and still tow 7K pounds of trailer.

 

[Apparition]

@DaveF has one

 

[Wildman]

@DaveF has one

It seemed like a good thing to discuss as it has come up in some other threads before.

My first truck camper was a S&S from Montana for my short bed Dodge Ram 2500.

My nest was an Adventurer with a single slid but I still had a short bed tuck so I made a Redneck Toyhauler with a gooseneck trailer.

So I don't have a TON of experiance with truck campers but have been doing a lot of research and also looking at different manufacturers and what they offer plus the quality of the build. They all have some pluses and minuses depending on what you want.

As I said I am looking at either a double or triple slide for my next camper but if I go with a triple slide I'm going to have to get a larger truck.

 

[DaveF]

@DaveF has one

@DaveF has one

Yeah so...

This is a big topic... and there certainly wont be one size fits all answers

When I researched this, I looked at multiple things, one of the big one was weight.

Fact is, MOST of the guys you see driving down the road with a 2 or 3 slide truck camper, and especially those towing a vehicle behind them on a trailer, are over weight. Most are over the max vehicle weight, and even some of those who aren't are over the per axle weight (then there are the tires).

Many people add on springs, air bags, etc to try to level the vehicle and increase cargo capacity but those don't help out the poor axles carrying them or the tires, or the call from insurance when you're in an accident and they find out you're 1000lb over weight


So that said, we were buying our truck and camper at the same time, and to work together. Since my truck is my daily driver and I have to park in/around down town Seattle, a Dually is just too wide That meant a SRW (single rear wheel) truck. We bought a truck that has just over 3k cargo capacity, and we bought a camper that 'wet' was around 2200lbs. This left some weight for the tongue of the trailer

Another thing I didn't want to have to deal with is a hitch extension, I wanted simple, traditional towing. Hitch extensions are heavy, and take even more from your cargo capacity while simultaneously reducing your towing rating. They work sure, but it wasn't what I wanted to deal with.


End result was an Adventurer camper with an 8' floor (we bought an 8' bed truck) so it doesn't hang out over the back at all and is fairly light. It also was fairly inexpensive ($25k ish)... the nices ones can be over 80k! Ours has a single slideout (dinette) and meets our needs for the two of us.

With a full load and both passengers on board while driving, it scales out just under weight on both axles, for the truck itself, and of course gcvw.

We bought it 2 years ago now, and we were glad we had it when Covid hit. We were able to travel and camp comfortably in our little home away from home. I lived in it for 10 days for my Moab trip and it was just fine. In fact, we'll be in it for a week for Trail Jam so we'll be close to you!

Living for 6 months? I'd want something bigger, which is why when we retire and go full time, we'll be looking for an RV that will then tow the Jeep instead of another truck camper.

 

[Wildman]

Thanks for dropping in Dave.

You bring up a lot of good points and some of the things you have to address when camper shopping. And as you said if you are hauling a double or triple slide camper you are hauling some weight. One example is a Host triple slide wet weight with clothes and food is pushing 6K pounds. This is why I said if you want to have that type of camper you need a 450/4500 or 550/5500 truck. I'm not going to get into all the issues that come with going to these larger truck.
Yes I can see where some would think that trying to live in a truck camper for 6+ months would be rough but there are a lot of people who do this. And for me it's just myself and a fur buddy. And while I understand wanting something larger I've done the motorhome thing and have no desire to ever own one again. And again this is why I want to get a double or triple slide. None of the assembly line toyhaulers are made to handle the weight of a Jeep and I'm taking my Jeep and Harley with me so my needs are a little different than others.
The only other option is a custom built toyhauler that would fit both my Jeep and Harley and there are only a few manufacturers who build these types of trailers. The other option is to make another redneck toyhauler.

So I'm seriously looking at a Ram 5500 so I can haul my camper and tow a trailer with my tows in it.

 

[DaveF]

Thanks for dropping in Dave.

You bring up a lot of good points and some of the things you have to address when camper shopping. And as you said if you are hauling a double or triple slide camper you are hauling some weight. One example is a Host triple slide wet weight with clothes and food is pushing 6K pounds. This is why I said if you want to have that type of camper you need a 450/4500 or 550/5500 truck. I'm not going to get into all the issues that come with going to these larger truck.
Yes I can see where some would think that trying to live in a truck camper for 6+ months would be rough but there are a lot of people who do this. And for me it's just myself and a fur buddy. And while I understand wanting something larger I've done the motorhome thing and have no desire to ever own one again. And again this is why I want to get a double or triple slide. None of the assembly line toyhaulers are made to handle the weight of a Jeep and I'm taking my Jeep and Harley with me so my needs are a little different than others.
The only other option is a custom built toyhauler that would fit both my Jeep and Harley and there are only a few manufacturers who build these types of trailers. The other option is to make another redneck toyhauler.

So I'm seriously looking at a Ram 5500 so I can haul my camper and tow a trailer with my tows in it.

Yep, all makes sense, like I said, there is no once size fits all

Funny thing is I just loaded it on the truck an hour ago, we're leaving in the morning for the Tillamook JJUSA event.

I don't think it would be horrible living in a truck camper for 6 months if you had a larger one, I just wouldn't want to do it with ours. And the reason we're going with an RV is that it will be our full time home for years. Our retirement plan includes ditching the house, buying a true Class C (freightliner class 10 chassis for example) and traveling the country for 10 years or so... towing the Jeep in an enclosed trailer. The big Class C's can tow as much as 30,000 or more and the engines have a half life of a million miles. Of course, you're talking $300k to buy one new hence the house sale


I think the biggest limitation of any truck camper will be the size of your consumables including fresh/grey/black tanks, battery, propane, etc. You'll either have to deal with those more frequently, or stay in places with hookups... but you already know that.

Pro's though include the ability to take your "home" off the truck and park it at the campground while you have the truck serviced, more versatility of campgrounds, etc.

 

[DaveF]

I'll add that for our Adventurer specifically

• Light, and size is right.
• We have issues with moisture when it's wet out side and cool, the floor below the bed isn't insulated enough so it get's cold and moist air condenses on it.
• Haven't had any quality issues yet, everything is still right and tight.
• the tank sizes are a bit small, but I think standard for a camper that size.
• The two of us can go 5-6 days if careful with onboard water/electric/propane
• it does NOT have a battery disconnect

 

[tombicon]

Hey Wildman, great thread, as this is something I'm struggling with currently.
If I would have already had the right combo, I would have went to Moab earlier this year.
The sad thing is, I would probably need to start over. I bought my truck and TT new, but quite awhile ago. They have both been paid off for years, but each are over ten YO now.
Now that the jeep is done, I need a way to go to events, and do so semi-comfortably.
Like Dave F I too have a plan for future MH, but it's not in the plans currently.
So. I may sell the TT and look for a camper.
My wife might have something to say about that, however.

 

[Wildman]

Yep, all makes sense, like I said, there is no once size fits all

Funny thing is I just loaded it on the truck an hour ago, we're leaving in the morning for the Tillamook JJUSA event.

I don't think it would be horrible living in a truck camper for 6 months if you had a larger one, I just wouldn't want to do it with ours. And the reason we're going with an RV is that it will be our full time home for years. Our retirement plan includes ditching the house, buying a true Class C (freightliner class 10 chassis for example) and traveling the country for 10 years or so... towing the Jeep in an enclosed trailer. The big Class C's can tow as much as 30,000 or more and the engines have a half life of a million miles. Of course, you're talking $300k to buy one new hence the house sale


I think the biggest limitation of any truck camper will be the size of your consumables including fresh/grey/black tanks, battery, propane, etc. You'll either have to deal with those more frequently, or stay in places with hookups... but you already know that.

Pro's though include the ability to take your "home" off the truck and park it at the campground while you have the truck serviced, more versatility of campgrounds, etc.

My two biggest issues with the motorhome is that once you get to where you are going unless you have another way to get around you are stuck where you're at unless you break camp and use the MH to get around.

My second thing was that I was getting 12-15 MPG driving my Ram truck towing my gooseneck with the Jeep and then got a diesel pusher MH and dropped to 6-8 MPG. And the other thing was that I was spending $6K every winter on bullshit things. Now I know this is what happens when you buy a 10+ year old rig.

I'll add that for our Adventurer specifically

• Light, and size is right.
• We have issues with moisture when it's wet out side and cool, the floor below the bed isn't insulated enough so it get's cold and moist air condenses on it.
• Haven't had any quality issues yet, everything is still right and tight.
• the tank sizes are a bit small, but I think standard for a camper that size.
• The two of us can go 5-6 days if careful with onboard water/electric/propane
• it does NOT have a battery disconnect

These were the things I was going to ask you but you beat me to it. These are all things to think about and see to be some of hat I have experienced with my two campers.

 

[Apparition]

My two biggest issues with the motorhome is that once you get to where you are going unless you have another way to get around you are stuck where you're at unless you break camp and use the MH to get around.

My second thing was that I was getting 12-15 MPG driving my Ram truck towing my gooseneck with the Jeep and then got a diesel pusher MH and dropped to 6-8 MPG. And the other thing was that I was spending $6K every winter on bullshit things. Now I know this is what happens when you buy a 10+ year old rig.




These were the things I was going to ask you but you beat me to it. These are all things to think about and see to be some of hat I have experienced with my two campers.

You'll have a motorcycle and a jeep to get around with

 

[B00mb00m]

I know this isn't what you want, but for me this is the goal:
http://alaskancampers.com/7-cabover/
I want to stick with a 6.5' bed as i DD my truck. I don't do super long trips. I prefer simple and don't mind making the kids poop in a bucket and pee on a tree. My primary truck camper function would be overnighting in ski areas and for that reason and driving on snowy passes i would like a low profile camper like the alaskan. I could be swayed to a Bigfoot style for the weather protection (less seams) too, i'd need to check out both.

 

[Apparition]

I know this isn't what you want, but for me this is the goal:
http://alaskancampers.com/7-cabover/
I want to stick with a 6.5' bed as i DD my truck. I don't do super long trips. I prefer simple and don't mind making the kids poop in a bucket and pee on a tree. My primary truck camper function would be overnighting in ski areas and for that reason and driving on snowy passes i would like a low profile camper like the alaskan. I could be swayed to a Bigfoot style for the weather protection (less seams) too, i'd need to check out both.

That looks great but would completely ruin the view out of my panoramic sunroof.

 

[B00mb00m]

That looks great but would completely ruin the view out of my panoramic sunroof.

I also dont do sunroofs.

 

[TurboTJ]

We have an Adventurer 86FB on a SRW F350 with the 8 foot bed. The camper has no slide-outs, no generator and no AC so it is relatively light. The truck has the optional high gross weight limit of 11,500 lbs. But weight adds up fast! We once had it weighed when fully loaded with fuel, water, food, etc. and we were 1000 lbs over gross! Admittedly, we had a canoe on top and enough food for a two month trip but still, with all of that removed we would have been well over the limit. The truck has a diesel engine and is 4WD. That adds a lot of weight. It also has a 48 gallon gas tank which comes standard with the long bed. Eliminate these things and the capacity would be much more, but who wants a short bed, gas, 2WD truck for a camper? Not me.

The lesson is, you will probably be overweight in a SRW truck unless you are using the lightest of the light campers with no slide-outs. We are well under the axle and tire limits, but over the truck limit.

 

[Wildman]

You'll have a motorcycle and a jeep to get around with

I'm over thinking of those times the Jeep is broken and it's a part to large to carry on the bike. And or the weather is shitty and I can't ride the bike.

Also I want 4WD since a lot of my camping will be boondocking.
So that really limits the MH selection out there.

I know this isn't what you want, but for me this is the goal:
http://alaskancampers.com/7-cabover/
I want to stick with a 6.5' bed as i DD my truck. I don't do super long trips. I prefer simple and don't mind making the kids poop in a bucket and pee on a tree. My primary truck camper function would be overnighting in ski areas and for that reason and driving on snowy passes i would like a low profile camper like the alaskan. I could be swayed to a Bigfoot style for the weather protection (less seams) too, i'd need to check out both.

If I was looking for the things you're wanting then yes that would be fine.. Shitting in a bucket was fine when I was 30 years younger.
I'm more interested in my creature comforts now.

 

[B00mb00m]

I'm over thinking of those times the Jeep is broken and it's a part to large to carry on the bike. And or the weather is shitty and I can't ride the bike.

Also I want 4WD since a lot of my camping will be boondocking.
So that really limits the MH selection out there.



If I was looking for the things you're wanting then yes that would be fine.. Shitting in a bucket was fine when I was 30 years younger.
I'm more interested in my creature comforts now.

Bucket shitting is a creature comfort, i usually use a stump!

 

[Wildman]

Bucket shitting is a creature comfort, i usually use a stump!

Well we all have different standards but if that's what works for you more power to ya.
I myself want a toilet that is similar to what I'd find in a home. Plus a indoor shower is nice. Don't want to put all those other guys to shame with this dad bod.
Plus you can't handle the sight of a sore on my stump. Can you imagine the hysteria if I was using a outside shower?

Come tell me how much your shit bucket is used in 30 years.

 

[Wildman]

Since BOOmbOOm brought up this style of camper I figured I share a few manufacturers

Four Wheel Truck Campers They make some very nice campers that can be mounted onto flat bed truck or slide in for a standard truck bed.


Palomino Truck Campers They offer both soft side and hard side campers.


Alaskan Truck Campers This from what I remember is one of the original collapsible type campers and have been around for years. I can remember this brand from back in the 60's even.


As has been pointed out there are so many options out there for the different styles and options of campers that of course what works for one may not work for the next person. There are also some CUSTOM built truck campers available out there. What you choose to spend is sort of like deciding on how much to spend on our Jeeps. The sky is the limit and you can have just a basic place to sleep out of the weather or go all out and have a camper that is close to the size of a small apartment if you choose. Fresh water & gray and black water holding tank sizes varies from brand to brand and by size.


As Turbo TJ said you'll be surprised at how much things actually weigh once you're loaded and ready to roll. It helps to run your rig across the scales just to see where you at once you have everything loaded up. I hope this helps others out for those who are thinking about purchasing a truck camper at some point.

 

[Rick Flair]

I’ve owned two and all RV’s in between. From fivers, travel trailers, toyhauler’s, enclosed trailers converted.

Our most favorite by far is the versatile truck camper.


First was a cheap S&S to try it out with my old 95’ F350. Loved it! It was great to get into the back country and setup a dry camp where you find the space to level it out.


Then bought a mega cab Ram.


With a 6.5’ bed, it really limited us to what would buy. Did a lot of research and settled into a WolfCreek camper made by Arctic Fox. Nash, makes well built 4 season campers. They are pretty heavy and dated in most ways and n the inside. Ours was brand new, still had a early 2000’s look and feel to it. But it didn’t bother me.


Had zero issues. But I used to build RV’s and having owned them for the past 20 years, you figure them out quick.

And yes, weight adds up quick. I was overloaded in all ways. My truck from the factory had a dismal 800 lbs of cargo. Before people. WTF Ram!


So, I did the typical yahoo thing. I was already a owner of a short bed camper. I knew it would be over my cargo but figured under my GVWR. Rolled the dice.



So, put 19.5’s on her. Bags. Torquelifts biggest super hitch (which as mentioned is stupid heavy) and towed my 21’ Thunderjet all over the place. No issues.


But it wasn’t exactly legal. The G rated 19.5’s made it stable and safe to drive.

I was 8200 pounds on the rear axle. Yikes.


This time, I’m doing it right.

We like the Host triple slides too. Another thing to mention, watch your tank sizes. I didn’t buy a Lance because Arctic Fox offers nearly double the capacity.


The Host has a basement and HUGE holding tanks. I’ve also talked to the owners, they will customize nearly as much as you want, Arctic Fox…..nope. You can pick from their option lists.



And I’m doing a F550 this round, 14k of payload. I won’t do that again.

 

[Wildman]

And I’m doing a F550 this round, 14k of payload. I won’t do that again.

While I like the idea of the 550/5500 rig setup to haul a triple slide my ONE thing I'm not real excited about is loading and unloading a the camper by myself. I have a buddy who has been full timing in a Arctic Fox now for 5 years and hauls it with a Ram 4500.
He's damaged 2 jacks once when trying to unload on too steep of an angle and then another time when he caught a leg on something.

That and the fact I've already got my truck makes me think a lot about making another RNTH (redneck toyhauler) and put a camper on that. A 30' deck with the rear 12' being a tilt bed and a powered motorcycle ramp sideways behind the camper.

https://motorcycletrailer.com/rampage/
http://www.cruiserlift.com/cruiserramp
But for now I would like to find a Adventurer 116DS which they no longer make. It's light enough I could haul it on my truck but also have room for me to be able to move around some.