Considering a truck camper?.!

[No-Madder Nomadder]

I started out camping across the US in my Jeep Grand Cherokee. Unfortunately, it did not make it back home to NJ and I traded it in for a Toyota Tundra 4x4, 4.6L.

Before I knew there were forums such as these with help and advice, I got a pop-up camper and set out again. 

With each failure, I am learning.

I am considering a truck camper. I would prefer to not tow anymore, although I realize I may end up with another towable.

I know there are truck campers to fit even the smallest of trucks, regarding size and weight restrictions etc. I would be willing to make modifications to my truck to accommodate if necessary.

If anyone would like to give me any advice or their own personal knowledge of a truck camper, it would be welcomed.

Thank you,
Donna

 

[highdesertranger]

there is nothing you can do to your truck to change the GVWR. in some states you can derate the GVWR but you can never make it more then what the factory says. highdesertranger

 

[DannyB1954]

When you say you got a pop up camper I assume you mean the kind that you tow behind you. They do make truck campers with a pop top.
It all comes down to what amenities that you want to have in your home. If you can be a minimalist, a truck camper with a pop top is a popular choice with 4WD. it is low enough to get under most tree branches, and does not make the rig too top heavy when the vehicle is not on level ground. My guess would be a cargo trailer mod if you want all the comforts, as a 1/2 ton will limit you because of weight, (by the time you put a structure on the truck there will be little weight that you can add after that. I have a buddy that has this setup and he has had to beef up his suspension quite a bit to handle the load. Making your brakes stop the heavier weight is most difficult.

there is a Youtuber that lives with his wife in a small DIY truck camper. Maybe check out his videos. I find his raised voice very annoying so I turn off the sound for the first 13 seconds.

This is another good site for info on how to build a living container. http://tnttt.com/

 

[Minivanmotoman]

There are so many options out there. People camping out of their bed toppers, raising the bed toppers for stand up room, building their own slide in from minimal to oversize to rugged expedition worthy. Roof top tents, teardrops, converted cargo trailers.
Depends upon your preferences, priorities and budget. If you look in the truck forums here, as well as Google and YouTube, will find lots of ideas/types/ options from DIY to factory built slide in, pickup campers. Seek out what is ideal for you.

Many on here have chosen a van with only having to build out only the interior, being relatively cheap and require modest to no build skills/tools.

Weight is the big issue with slide in because everyone wants all the space and comforts which means, more weight. Your truck has limited capacity and size so you will need something lightweight and small.
We can only surmise by the size/weight limitations of the vehicle, without a clue of your specfic situation and preferences.

Questions for you to answer;
How minimal can you go? Could get a plain simple shell built for maybe $1000 or less and you then finish the inside yourself to your taste and preference.
Or get a topper only or raise it, etc...
There aren't allot of factory built, fully loaded slide ins for mid size pickups like yours. And they're expensive.
Why popups exist, cheap alternative that can be towed. As you will see, it's always about compromise; size, weight, cost, features, durability, convenience, use and so on.
That's your challenge, finding what is right for you.
Your only limited by your imagination.

 

[bob91yj]

I have a pop up truck camper...my wife and I love it. We get 30 nights a year or so out of it. The one I have is discontinued (SunLite SkyHawk). It has a furnace, 2 burner stove, small 3 way 'frige and a porta-potti. We are SoCal/Baja desert racers/adventure travelers so I added a roof air, should have gone with a small house type window AC on the rear window. Technically it will sleep 4, we are only in the camper to sleep unless the weather is bad.

If you are looking to "stealth camp", not a good choice as it's pretty obvious that you are in it if it is popped up.

 

[tx2sturgis]

Consider the smaller, lightweight campers and toppers:

http://belairshells.com/wood-n-alum

https://capricamper.com/

https://www.eurekacamper.com/camper-models/slideinn-truck-camper/

 

[rm.w/aview]

Also have a look at https://www.fourwh.com These are pop up truck campers that are either fitted out or "shell" models that you'll outfit to your liking. But the main attraction here is the light weight of the campers.

 

[No-Madder Nomadder]

Thank you for all of your responses. It has given me more information to work with.

There is a lot to consider and my time on the road, albeit not as much as many of you, has taught me some things. Living quarters have the potential to make or break you on the road. It's important to get it right before putting a tire to the road.

Thank you, again,
Donna

 

[phleeb]

Thank you for all of your responses. It has given me more information to work with.

There is a lot to consider and my time on the road, albeit not as much as many of you, has taught me some things. Living quarters have the potential to make or break you on the road. It's important to get it right before putting a tire to the road.

Thank you, again,
Donna

There are several truck camper forums you can check out with tons of information that, like you, need guidance and help on what to choose. We have had our Lance camper for over a year and love its versatility