How to get started with a truck camper
Hi all, I'm getting close to retirement and am looking forward to some years of fishing trips. Most of these will be on my own (the wife is losing interest in camping adventures). I've always sle...
Forum Discussion
As Buzzcut suggests ,
Decide what features you might want to have in a camper, like a shower etc. Buzz also makes a very good point regarding weights.
You're doing 3 things, a camper, a truck and your safety equipment if you're going solo.
You have the option of a lower 'pop-up' camper or a full size hardside camper. Backwoods travel might be better with a pop-up to avoid low hanging branches. If that's the case, then you need to view the models and floorplans avl. for your needs.
Another option avl. is, some campers are 7 ft wide (like some Northstar models) some are 8 ft wide. Check Northstar camper website for general info. regarding different models.
If most of your trips will be solo, then I would NOT look at anything with a slideout. The extra room you gain is not worth the extra weight, taller profile and possibility of something malfunctioning where you wouldn't be able to slide it back in when you're in the middle of nowhere.
Being that we (you and I ) go into the woods to our favorite fishing hole, we have to take measures to be safe and be able to get back out.
If you go onto the muddy trails then I would consider a winch and some H.D. long rope because there is never a tree close enough when you need one. Installing a front hitch with a removable winch might work for you. Either that, or stay on dry hardpack all the time.
After you've given this some thought, you might feel that you would feel more comfortable in a heavier duty SRW 4x4 truck. IMO , I feel you are always better off with more truck to handle anything you might need to do. You'll be finding yourself adding more equipment as you get into it, you will have the truck to handle it.
Finally, if you go solo, I would buy or rent a sat phone to be able to get yourself help. You can get an Iridium sat/phone delivered to your doorstep with free shipping. For $12 a day, its communication insurance for me. Most of the time, im in areas with no cell service and on-star is useless. At my age, its too easy to get into trouble out there in the woods....alone.
Good luck, PM me if you decide you need any info. on equipment, Bob
Decide what features you might want to have in a camper, like a shower etc. Buzz also makes a very good point regarding weights.
You're doing 3 things, a camper, a truck and your safety equipment if you're going solo.
You have the option of a lower 'pop-up' camper or a full size hardside camper. Backwoods travel might be better with a pop-up to avoid low hanging branches. If that's the case, then you need to view the models and floorplans avl. for your needs.
Another option avl. is, some campers are 7 ft wide (like some Northstar models) some are 8 ft wide. Check Northstar camper website for general info. regarding different models.
If most of your trips will be solo, then I would NOT look at anything with a slideout. The extra room you gain is not worth the extra weight, taller profile and possibility of something malfunctioning where you wouldn't be able to slide it back in when you're in the middle of nowhere.
Being that we (you and I ) go into the woods to our favorite fishing hole, we have to take measures to be safe and be able to get back out.
If you go onto the muddy trails then I would consider a winch and some H.D. long rope because there is never a tree close enough when you need one. Installing a front hitch with a removable winch might work for you. Either that, or stay on dry hardpack all the time.
After you've given this some thought, you might feel that you would feel more comfortable in a heavier duty SRW 4x4 truck. IMO , I feel you are always better off with more truck to handle anything you might need to do. You'll be finding yourself adding more equipment as you get into it, you will have the truck to handle it.
Finally, if you go solo, I would buy or rent a sat phone to be able to get yourself help. You can get an Iridium sat/phone delivered to your doorstep with free shipping. For $12 a day, its communication insurance for me. Most of the time, im in areas with no cell service and on-star is useless. At my age, its too easy to get into trouble out there in the woods....alone.
Good luck, PM me if you decide you need any info. on equipment, Bob
