jr,
A hard side is a better bet for stealth camping or vagabonding. We've used our 8.5' Lance on a short bed for 12 years with many 'in town' layovers. Why is it better, you ask? It doesn't change shape. It looks the same whether someone is home or not. Raise the roof on a pop up and everyone knows you are in there. Climb the steps, close the door, drop the shades and it's hard to tell in a hard side. If there is a woman involved, she will enjoy the use of a full service wet bath, whether you think that's the case right now or not.
When we travel and visit people, we invariably stay in our little 'sweet' as it is the best night's sleep we ever get and does not impose on their space. Well, we usually park in their driveway or close by. Also, we use the camper at home when a whole lot of people show up. It's just an extra bedroom at that time.
Having just finished a big upgrade with a new converter, a new battery, a 200W solar panel system, we now will leave the generator at home, reducing the noise level even further. We too have a Ram 2500 short bed diesel.
jefe
