Some musing on new developments in Truck Campers.My first Truck Camper near Colima, Mexico. 14mpg on diesel.That Volcano behind my rig looked like this today!OK back on topic.This is my new truck and topper. 24+mpg on regular gas.Mixed feelings on the new rig, love the truck and it's great gas milage. Not at all happy with my SnugTop!The topper is back in California on it's second trip to SnugTop for warrantee problems.Every window leaks. Maybe a California built topper isn't suited for North West rain. Just after I bought the topper news of new smaller Truck Campers caught my interest.My truck can only carry a 930 pound camper according to its camper loading paper.Yet at least two camper manufactures have models to fit my truck.Travel Lites new Rayzr SS at about 890 lbs.Capri Campers Cowboy model.At only 400-500 lbs.Both have caught my interest. But like every other RV I like some things and dislike other things about them.So the crazy part. Having built a stitch and glue boat I'm thinking about building a Plywood, epoxy, and fiberglass stitch and glue small Truck Camper.The boat took all my spare time for two years. Sweet wife is trying to stop me as it would take up the entire garage. She doesn't want to give it up that long again.Photo of my 1996 stitch and glue boat connected to my then new 2003 truck and last topper. Best ever with the topper was 19 mpg on diesel.I only need a place to sleep and a portapoty.Thumbs up or down what say you? What are the chances they will actually get my SnugTop to stay dry?

Sounds like you got onough time on your hands if you want to build one. I'd rather spend / years of free time camping. Campers are cheap and dime a dozen. Spare Time is neither in my world at least.

I believe Northstar is coming out with something similar If not, I'd go with the Cowboy. Great reputation. As the other poster said, enjoy camping, not working in your garage for a year.

Wow, that is a pretty boat!I think building your own sounds like a great way to get real quality. And I won't knock you for how you spend your time -- I love camping AND projects, and I bet you do too! Some of the work, lots of it, you could even do WHILE camping, once you get it dried in. Just gotta plan well, pack tools and materials. I do this with my van.

I vote for Capri, or build your own. Either way though, kiss your 24MPG goodbye. You'll be lucky to get 16.The TravelLite is a nice idea and all, but poorly executed. Too heavy right out of the gate for most 15-series pickups once you add provisions.

Gas is cheap for the foreseeable future. Get a good-sized camper with everything you want already in or on it and enjoy.

Is less ever more? | Good Sam Community

Kayteg1
Explorer II
Nov 07, 2015
The reason I am using TC is becouse it beats my old 15 tons bus conversion in cost of use.
Still don't think I would like TC without a slide, but I travel with DW and 3 small dogs.
free_radical
Explorer
Nov 07, 2015
Less Stuff wrote:
Some musing on new developments in Truck Campers.

My first Truck Camper near Colima, Mexico. 14mpg on diesel.

That Volcano behind my rig looked like this today!

OK back on topic.

This is my new truck and topper. 24+mpg on regular gas.

Mixed feelings on the new rig, love the truck and it's great gas milage.

Not at all happy with my SnugTop!
The topper is back in California on it's second trip to SnugTop for warrantee problems.
Every window leaks.
Maybe a California built topper isn't suited for North West rain.

Just after I bought the topper news of new smaller Truck Campers caught my interest.
My truck can only carry a 930 pound camper according to its camper loading paper.
Yet at least two camper manufactures have models to fit my truck.

Travel Lites new Rayzr SS at about 890 lbs.

Capri Campers Cowboy model.
At only 400-500 lbs.

Both have caught my interest. But like every other RV I like some things and dislike other things about them.

So the crazy part. Having built a stitch and glue boat I'm thinking about building a Plywood, epoxy, and fiberglass stitch and glue small Truck Camper.

The boat took all my spare time for two years. Sweet wife is trying to stop me as it would take up the entire garage. She doesn't want to give it up that long again.

Photo of my 1996 stitch and glue boat connected to my then new 2003 truck and last topper. Best ever with the topper was 19 mpg on diesel.

I only need a place to sleep and a portapoty.

Thumbs up or down what say you?
What are the chances they will actually get my SnugTop to stay dry?

Id go with that Capri Cowboy,, comfy enough,,and light,low for good mpg.
Naio
Explorer II
Nov 07, 2015
I get 25mpg in my van, fully loaded with food and water for 2 weeks and clothes and tools and junk for a year. And cat. I don't see why a mini-TC should be any different. I mean, I brought like 25 dead tree books and 100 maps this year. I am not a minimalist :B.
Downwindtracke1
Explorer
Nov 07, 2015
I have been down that road, only going in the opposite direction. As it was only for hunting, it didn't need much, stay dry, stay warm. The second requirement was hard to meet. Even with a cat heater in the canopy, getting up before dawn to get coffee on a Coleman stove was tough.
Reddog1
Explorer II
Nov 07, 2015
It is easy to spend more money to save on fuel, and spend more that the fuel would cost. For me, I enjoy the bragging rights of good fuel mileage, but I will not have a truck and/or TC that I have to save money to buy fuel. I think it is all part of living within your means. I would encourage you to purchase what you are comfortable with and can afford. If you enjoy chasing MPG, and can afford it, then go for it.

Wayne
Bonesquatch
Explorer
Nov 06, 2015
Gas is cheap for the foreseeable future. Get a good-sized camper with everything you want already in or on it and enjoy.
mkirsch
Nomad II
Nov 06, 2015
I vote for Capri, or build your own. Either way though, kiss your 24MPG goodbye. You'll be lucky to get 16.

The TravelLite is a nice idea and all, but poorly executed. Too heavy right out of the gate for most 15-series pickups once you add provisions.
Naio
Explorer II
Nov 06, 2015
Wow, that is a pretty boat!

I think building your own sounds like a great way to get real quality. And I won't knock you for how you spend your time -- I love camping AND projects, and I bet you do too! Some of the work, lots of it, you could even do WHILE camping, once you get it dried in. Just gotta plan well, pack tools and materials. I do this with my van.
realter
Explorer
Nov 06, 2015
I believe Northstar is coming out with something similar If not, I'd go with the Cowboy. Great reputation.

As the other poster said, enjoy camping, not working in your garage for a year.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Nov 06, 2015
Sounds like you got onough time on your hands if you want to build one.
I'd rather spend / years of free time camping. Campers are cheap and dime a dozen. Spare Time is neither in my world at least.

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