Help a newb shop.
Hi. Steve from Hailey, Idaho, which is near Sun Valley. Starting a process of shopping. I want to upgrade from car/tent camping towing out boat with a Suburban to a Truck Camper that will fit within a long bed, as I get also my first pick up. I am married, mid-50's, mountain biker, water skier, snow skier, father of 3 teens/young adults.
We will be towing a ski boat, so I would like the Camper not to hang over the long bed.
My shopping list as posted on my Malibu boat forum:
1. Warm and comfortable sleeping. And room to sleep 3, 4 in a real pinch. We will have our daughter with us often and sometimes our other two kids, but they would likely pitch a tent.
2. ability to heat water and basics inside, but ability also to cook outside.
3. Create outside living space with awning, so that hanging out and cooking is outside with a cover if necessary.
4. Restroom optional. We camp usually where potties exist. don't need to take up the space with it. Same with shower. Would like ability to have an outside shower.
5. Outdoor power for tunes (blue tooth speaker will be fine, no big installed stereo, dvd, tv, etc. required or desired.), lights, etc. Would love to hang solar or low powered ambiance lights on and awning, You get the idea, I want the living space and fun outside, and the quiet and sleeping comfortable and inside.
6. If possible, I would like it not to hang over the back of the bed, as I don't want to deal with an extension for trailering.
We are price conscious and I like the idea of getting something like this used ( I think it will fit within a long bed and allow for towing with a normal hitch, help me out here?? )
https://www.rvtrader.com/dealers/Gardner%27s-RV-%26-Trailer-Center-3030106/listing/2001-Northland-Truck-Campers-CAMPER-5000060202
***Link Removed***
I would love for the slide out to be on the other side, as I would like to use the starboard side as the living area, as it seems most trailers, and therefore most camp sites around here, are set up that way.
Thinking I would like to stay away from a soft side or pop up, as it can get cold at night in Idaho. But a little bit open minded.
I am planning on saving for and finding a decent recent year 2500HD level truck. Our boat is not heavy, and I think 2500HD will be sufficient, and if not, I can add some airbags. But I think it will be.
Thoughts? Stuff I am missing? Good places to shop? Thoughts about trucks? (except no brand wars please. I dislike brand wars. Etc. Thanks!
We will be towing a ski boat, so I would like the Camper not to hang over the long bed.
My shopping list as posted on my Malibu boat forum:
1. Warm and comfortable sleeping. And room to sleep 3, 4 in a real pinch. We will have our daughter with us often and sometimes our other two kids, but they would likely pitch a tent.
2. ability to heat water and basics inside, but ability also to cook outside.
3. Create outside living space with awning, so that hanging out and cooking is outside with a cover if necessary.
4. Restroom optional. We camp usually where potties exist. don't need to take up the space with it. Same with shower. Would like ability to have an outside shower.
5. Outdoor power for tunes (blue tooth speaker will be fine, no big installed stereo, dvd, tv, etc. required or desired.), lights, etc. Would love to hang solar or low powered ambiance lights on and awning, You get the idea, I want the living space and fun outside, and the quiet and sleeping comfortable and inside.
6. If possible, I would like it not to hang over the back of the bed, as I don't want to deal with an extension for trailering.
We are price conscious and I like the idea of getting something like this used ( I think it will fit within a long bed and allow for towing with a normal hitch, help me out here?? )
https://www.rvtrader.com/dealers/Gardner%27s-RV-%26-Trailer-Center-3030106/listing/2001-Northland-Truck-Campers-CAMPER-5000060202
***Link Removed***
I would love for the slide out to be on the other side, as I would like to use the starboard side as the living area, as it seems most trailers, and therefore most camp sites around here, are set up that way.
Thinking I would like to stay away from a soft side or pop up, as it can get cold at night in Idaho. But a little bit open minded.
I am planning on saving for and finding a decent recent year 2500HD level truck. Our boat is not heavy, and I think 2500HD will be sufficient, and if not, I can add some airbags. But I think it will be.
Thoughts? Stuff I am missing? Good places to shop? Thoughts about trucks? (except no brand wars please. I dislike brand wars. Etc. Thanks!
