Truck camper

[NorTX-Dave]

So my wife and I have been talking about getting some sort of RV or camper for self supported travel.

Our (her) one requirement is that we be able to tow our (her) horse trailer.

After looking at available options and discussing what we want and need, we've decided on a truck camper for various reasons.

Anyone here have one??

[sk_tle]

Don't have one but I have the feeling it might not be such a good idea. Those campers are pretty much permanent solutions and if my memory is correct lack space and comfort that you would get from a normal RV or trailer camper (like a bathroom). In the end that don't really make them not much better than a tent. They are also really heavy and thus require a big truck. I guess it depends if you already have the truck or not but I'd tend to think that a roof tent on a dual cab truck would nowadays make more sense which allows you to keep the functionnality of a truck bed for storage and you would not necessary need a huge heavy duty truck. And outside of travels you get a functionnal truck for other duties.

I think there are also middle way alternative like pop up truck bed toppers.

Whatever you chose in the end that is a nice project.

[Clyde]

Contact Mike at SC Trailers in Kannapolis NC he can make you a unit that incorporates both. He built ours which is pictured on the other thread. Living space + horse trailer might be a solution.

[Too Tall]

@SeanEasley Just got a truck camper.

You are going to need a dually to manage the total bed weight + tongue (on the ball) weight.

If it was me and I'd just robbed a bank I'd buy one of those horse show trucks that have living quarters and stalls...assuming that where Mrs. NorTx goes the horses follow and marital bliss ensured.

[rydesteel]

There are also tow able trailers that combine living quarters and horse hauling in one. A friend is a Hard Core Barrel Racer and that what she has. Takes a pretty good truck to pull it and you may want to look at a 5th wheel trailer. If you use a bumper hitch make sure to get a weight distribution anti sway hitch. Good advice for anyone with a pull behind actually.

[j44ke]

So...



...not a workable solution?

[SeanEasley]

So my wife and I have been talking about getting some sort of RV or camper for self supported travel.

Our (her) one requirement is that we be able to tow our (her) horse trailer.

After looking at available options and discussing what we want and need, we've decided on a truck camper for various reasons.

Anyone here have one??

Hey Dave,

Toots is right, I got one earlier this year. It is a used Hallmark Guanella, so it's in the 'light weight' category and dry weight is under 1300 lbs. I also purchased the truck that the previous owner used which is a half-ton but he put airbags on it which will help keep stress off some of the suspension components. No bathrooom, just a cassette toiled (that I've yet to use) and outdoor shower. For what I'm doing with it that's fine for me, but so far its only been myself and other bike degenerates using it. Not the wife and kids. Honestly I wouldn't want to deal with black/gray water tanks anyhow so it's perfect for me. Pretty much a weekender for boondocking, but most of them have shore power and water connections so you can still go to a state park/campground with a shower and toilets if you need that.

[NorTX-Dave]

Thanks Sean!

Good advice from someone that actually has and uses one.

I "thought" I "needed" a shower, but maybe not so much anymore. You make a good point about dealing with various water tanks, not my bag either.

We're going to a dealer in the coming weeks to check some out and generally do a little recon-ing to get the lay of the land, see what's available etc.

I've seen in previous posts that you're military? I'm retired Army....and I see you in the Bishop thread....soon to be me as well!

[froze]

I personally would not buy a truck camper mostly because a truck already has a high center of gravity making them unable to handle as well as cars, but now you're going to increase that center of gravity a lot more making the truck unpredictable in handling; with that higher profile your MPG will suffer vs a trailer. I guarantee you that after you had a truck camper for a couple of years you wish you never bought the stupid thing. Plus travel trailers about the same square footage as a camper top is a lot less expensive, this means you could afford to buy a larger trailer. It's also a lot easier to connect and disconnect a trailer; you have limited storage space.

Of course there are advantages to a truck camper, there is no registration fee since it is part of the truck, takes up less space, easier to park, less intimating to drive until you have an emergency.

Anyway instead of me banging the keyboard like a raped ape just read this instead then figure out which suits your needs better: https://camperreport.com/travel-trai...-cons-to-know/

[NorTX-Dave]

I personally would not buy a truck camper mostly because a truck already has a high center of gravity making them unable to handle as well as cars, but now you're going to increase that center of gravity a lot more making the truck unpredictable in handling; with that higher profile your MPG will suffer vs a trailer. I guarantee you that after you had a truck camper for a couple of years you wish you never bought the stupid thing. Plus travel trailers about the same square footage as a camper top is a lot less expensive, this means you could afford to buy a larger trailer. It's also a lot easier to connect and disconnect a trailer; you have limited storage space.

Of course there are advantages to a truck camper, there is no registration fee since it is part of the truck, takes up less space, easier to park, less intimating to drive until you have an emergency.

Anyway instead of me banging the keyboard like a raped ape just read this instead then figure out which suits your needs better: https://camperreport.com/travel-trai...-cons-to-know/

Pros and cons considered and is this what we ended up with. I think it meets all our requirements perfectly. And I don't regret buying "the stupid thing" yet!

The biggest requirement that totally precluded a towed camper is that we want to haul a horse trailer while simultaneously hauling a camper, like I mentioned in the original post. Cannot do that with a trailer!

The tail gate closes with the camper in place. So no need for an ungainly hitch extender when we tow the horse trailer.

P1020466 (2).jpg

[rwsaunders]

My niece and her boyfriend have been working on this medical marijuana van conversion for the past 9 months and they stopped over yesterday to say hello before their Grand Départ, as they are heading on a 60 day trip. He’s rigged 3 solar panels on the roof, a mini kitchen and loo…let’s see if she uses it. It’s nice to be 27 and free, as they both quit “real jobs” and will be working part time/remotely.