Forum Discussion

Hat-Trick's avatar
Hat-Trick
Explorer
Feb 17, 2016

Looking for advice

We travel between MI & FL spring and fall. Because we have a large dog and 2 cats, motels are out of the question.

2 years ago we bought a new Thor 33SW Super C. My wife promised we could spend a week+ each way plus other trips. That just hasn't happened. My bride just wants to get back & forth as quickly as possible. I don't need a $100K++++ motor home for that.

Best solution I can come up with is a 2500 Pick up with a pop up truck camper. A toilet/holding tank set up is a must. The camper will probably be used no moe than 14 nights a year so I'm not looking to sped a fortune. I already did that.

Would sure appreciate some input.

Thanks!
Truck Campers
  • azrving's avatar
    azrving
    Explorer
    Feb 18, 2016
    How about sticking with the original plan? Many vehicles have dashboards large enough to hold a bumper sticker like this.
  • KD4UPL's avatar
    KD4UPL
    Explorer
    Feb 18, 2016
    A pop-up is not what you want if you're going to stop along the way for meals, bathroom breaks, etc. Putting the top up and down is kind of a pain in good weather; if it's raining or really windy it's even worse.
    I would look for an 8' hardside camper if you go the TC route at all. Either way, I highly recommend a 3500 truck over a 2500. Trucks run out of payload quickly and there really is no downside to the heavier duty truck.
    2 adults and 3 pets in any truck camper is going to be tight.
  • dave17352's avatar
    dave17352
    Explorer
    Feb 17, 2016
    Grit dog wrote:
    NEOK wrote:
    Houston Remodeler wrote:
    What if there was a (well timed and completely accidental) mechanical breakdown along the way? Such an unfortunate mishap could require an overnight stay while you wait for parts.


    Why would a breakdown in a truck with a truck camper be any different than a breakdown in a motorhome? Either way you may have to look for alternate accommodations until you can get the repairs completed.


    Went straight over your head NEO!!!

    Like said above, TCs are expensive for what they are, however for your minimal use even though I couldn't imagine 3 animals inthe camper with us while camping....
    It could be good. You would have a big pickup for a DD vehicle, that will get part of your man card back and your balls out of the wife's purse, lol.
    You can buy a nice older unit for like $5-7k no problem. Easy to store compare to the super C or a trailer.
    You don't have to tow anything while the ole lady is horse whipping your @ss all the way to FL!


    True story on the 5 to 7 k. I bought my lance for 5 grand and it was in very very good condition. Plenty of room too.

    But if your wife isn't into camping and you don't want to camp by yourself or with fishing buddies etc, I would suggest buying airline tickets. You will save a fortune. If you wife won't camp in your super c she probably would not tolerate a truck camper anyway! You can fly your pets also.

    fly with your pets american airlines
  • NEOK's avatar
    NEOK
    Explorer
    Feb 17, 2016
    BillL1356 wrote:
    Buy a 1 ton SRW, GM, Ford, or Ram. Pick your poison you really can't go wrong. For the pop up camper check out Northstar, Outfitter and Hallmark. My preference would be Northstar as they are well made and their customer service is legendary. Buy slightly used to keep costs down. Good luck


    A one ton srw isn't necessary for all truck campers. Pick the truck camper you want first then buy a truck to match the weight of the camper. If you are going to buy the truck first a one ton srw certainly opens up some possibilities for a camper over a 2500.
  • jimh406's avatar
    jimh406
    Explorer III
    Feb 17, 2016
    NEOK wrote:
    Why would a breakdown in a truck with a truck camper be any different than a breakdown in a motorhome?


    You can take the truck camper off at a camping area and stay in it.
  • Bedlam's avatar
    Bedlam
    Moderator
    Feb 17, 2016
    You can drop the the truck camper or a trailer at a campground or even a parking lot at the shop while your vehicle is being repaired. You cannot do this if it is a motor home.
  • NEOK's avatar
    NEOK
    Explorer
    Feb 17, 2016
    Houston Remodeler wrote:
    What if there was a (well timed and completely accidental) mechanical breakdown along the way? Such an unfortunate mishap could require an overnight stay while you wait for parts.


    Why would a breakdown in a truck with a truck camper be any different than a breakdown in a motorhome? Either way you may have to look for alternate accommodations until you can get the repairs completed.
  • Bedlam's avatar
    Bedlam
    Moderator
    Feb 17, 2016
    Truck campers are the most expensive RV per square foot. You may be better off with an inexpensive travel trailer and Class 2a truck (F150/1500).
  • BillL1356's avatar
    BillL1356
    Explorer
    Feb 17, 2016
    Buy a 1 ton SRW, GM, Ford, or Ram. Pick your poison you really can't go wrong. For the pop up camper check out Northstar, Outfitter and Hallmark. My preference would be Northstar as they are well made and their customer service is legendary. Buy slightly used to keep costs down. Good luck
  • Houston_Remodel's avatar
    Houston_Remodel
    Explorer
    Feb 17, 2016
    What if there was a (well timed and completely accidental) mechanical breakdown along the way? Such an unfortunate mishap could require an overnight stay while you wait for parts.

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