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 slept in a tent or in the back of my Volvo wagon but am thinking that age may start to make this challenging. I want to be able to go off road...not hard core 4 wheeling but on dirt tracks off the beaten path to camp and fish. I've never owned a pickup but it seems to me this would be the best vehicle for off road travel. Given that a camper also makes sense as a trailer off road doesn't seem smart. I also don't think a camper van would do very well off road, especially in mud etc.I know virtually nothing about pickup trucks and campers but have been trying to research them. Where I am now is thinking that I don't need anything big so a short bed truck or something like a Tacoma might be best. (I want the best gas mileage I can get too since I'll be on a retired budget). I want a popup camper for better mileage and light weight. I've browsed the sites of 4 wheel campers, hallmark campers, phoenix campers etc. But end up discouraged thinking that between new camper and truck I'll never be able to afford something.For those of you who have been at this for years, if you were starting new with a modest budget, looking a fishing trip camper/truck for 1, sometimes 2 folks where would you start? What trucks would you look at and what campers to match?Thanks for any help in getting me started on a more detailed search.

The overriding thing one looking for slidein campers needs to keep in mind is that they all weight more than what they are advertised to be. Once you have placed all your gear and filled the unit with necessary water you will be amazed that you have reached or exceeded your GVWR of your carrying vehicle. In that regard most any camper you might choose will take at least a 3/4 ton short or long box truck to accommodate the camper. This is especially true if you are thinking about a unit with a wet bath.You will get a lot of opinions in regard to your question and concerns and they will vary greatly depending upon personal preference.Good luck in your search.

Find the Camper you want first. Then take the weight of the camper as listed and figure with gear, propane and water you will add on another 500-1000 pounds depending of camper size of freshwater tank, number of batteries, number of propane tanks and your own gear. Then start looking at trucks that after you load yourself and fuel will have adequate remaining load capacity for the camper.

I would definitely start out looking at used ones. You might have to look for awhile but you're expenditure s will be low and you will learn a lot without taking the depreciation hit. Talk to people with Tacomas and campers; if its just you and fishing gear you don't need a lot and they can tell you what works and what they would do different.

My own experience ... Bought truck in Texas... Used camper on Craig's list....Mike CPs I live in calif.

I too bought a 3/4 ton from tx, I live in NC. Mileage is not going to be that much different when loaded, especially when you consider the pucker factor of driving a truck that is too small to properly handle the job. I could do exactly what you want to do for less than 10k.

How to get started with a truck camper | Good Sam Community

27 Replies

Led_67
Explorer
Nov 09, 2013
Here is a website Can I Haul That that will help you when you think that you have found the right combination but remember this will get you into the ballpark as when you add personal items it will change.
When you do get your rig the best thing to do is find a scale and get it weighed with and without the camper loaded as that will give you your actual numbers.
Good Luck and look forward to more post and some pics.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Nov 09, 2013
Buzzcut1 wrote:
Find the Camper you want first. Then take the weight of the camper as listed and figure with gear, propane and water you will add on another 500-1000 pounds depending of camper size of freshwater tank, number of batteries, number of propane tanks and your own gear. Then start looking at trucks that after you load yourself and fuel will have adequate remaining load capacity for the camper.

x2
when I was looking at TCs I was always asked what truck I was going to use it on, as I drove up in a S-10 or Dakota. :)
I pointed out that I was going to buy an appropriate truck when I figured out what I had to haul.
bumpy
Rockrash
Explorer
Nov 09, 2013
I too bought a 3/4 ton from tx, I live in NC. Mileage is not going to be that much different when loaded, especially when you consider the pucker factor of driving a truck that is too small to properly handle the job. I could do exactly what you want to do for less than 10k.
dodgerdog
Explorer
Nov 08, 2013
My own experience ... Bought truck in Texas... Used camper on Craig's list....

Mike C
Ps I live in calif.
Coblue
Explorer
Nov 08, 2013
I would definitely start out looking at used ones. You might have to look for awhile but you're expenditure s will be low and you will learn a lot without taking the depreciation hit. Talk to people with Tacomas and campers; if its just you and fishing gear you don't need a lot and they can tell you what works and what they would do different.
Buzzcut1
Nomad II
Nov 08, 2013
Find the Camper you want first. Then take the weight of the camper as listed and figure with gear, propane and water you will add on another 500-1000 pounds depending of camper size of freshwater tank, number of batteries, number of propane tanks and your own gear. Then start looking at trucks that after you load yourself and fuel will have adequate remaining load capacity for the camper.
1mtnman
Explorer II
Nov 08, 2013
The overriding thing one looking for slidein campers needs to keep in mind is that they all weight more than what they are advertised to be. Once you have placed all your gear and filled the unit with necessary water you will be amazed that you have reached or exceeded your GVWR of your carrying vehicle. In that regard most any camper you might choose will take at least a 3/4 ton short or long box truck to accommodate the camper. This is especially true if you are thinking about a unit with a wet bath.
You will get a lot of opinions in regard to your question and concerns and they will vary greatly depending upon personal preference.
Good luck in your search.

Forum Discussion

How to get started with a truck camper

27 Replies

About Travel Trailer Group

Related Content

Truck camper match

New Truck Camper Forum Comments

Truck Camper Tie Downs

Truck camper towing a boat

Truck Camper A/C instalation