I need a truck and a truck camper by April. I am new to this so was hoping people had suggestions on what worked best for them. I plan on going out west and living off road and on BLM land and national forest land most of the time. I have about $20,000 to spend for both the truck and trailer. A 4x4 is a must but I am pretty open to everything else. Camper must have toilet and shower as I am going to live in it for 1-2 years. Any recommendations? Thanks!

Why a truck camper and not a trailer? More room better layout. More options

Valerie, welcome to the forums! I am hoping the moderator moves this over to the Truck Camper forum -- this is the trailer group. First, have you checked Craigslist? There are some great bargains to be had. If you are not experienced, be sure to have someone knowledgeable check your camper thoroughly before you buy it.It is possible to live off-grid most of the time out west, but it is not easy, especially if you are not yet an expert in boondocking (which is what we call it -- the rangers call it dispersed camping). There is a separate boondocking forum here, which focuses on tips and tricks.One more question: are you "handy" with tools and repairs? If not, this may not be a great fit for you -- all RVs involve a fair amount of routine maintenance, more than an ordinary house does. (That's mostly because the camper is subjected to a violent earthquake every day -- the road!)Hang in there, good luck, and ask lots of questions!

I'd look for a used Northern Lite or Bigfoot, and buy the truck to haul it. You'll probably have to come to the Northwest/BC to get one at a reasonable price. That could be a good thing because our trucks also don't rust out like Ohio.

I suggest you start prowling rv lots and looking at all the trailers that are available. Don't just walk through but spend some time in them sitting pretend you are doing what ever it is that you do, watch tv, getting dressed, showering etc. Once you find a floor plan that you like then start prowling for that floor plan in both new and used. After you find a trailer that suits your needs and desires, choose the truck that is capable of pulling it. Usually a 22-25 foot trailer is minimum that I would even consider for spending a lot of time in. Slides make a lot of difference in living area, some like them, some don't, There are lots of posts on here that provide info on GVWR, hitch info, and such. Pulling a trailer demands a GOOD hitch. Do not go cheap in a hitch. Good luck.

You might even look into to something like a 17 foot "Casita" trailer. You'd have a lot more room then a truck camper. And they can be pulled with just about anything with a 4 or 3.5 liter engine w/tow package.

Suggestions please..new to this! | Good Sam Community

profdant139
Explorer II
Jan 16, 2017
Valerie, welcome to the forums! I am hoping the moderator moves this over to the Truck Camper forum -- this is the trailer group. First, have you checked Craigslist? There are some great bargains to be had. If you are not experienced, be sure to have someone knowledgeable check your camper thoroughly before you buy it.

It is possible to live off-grid most of the time out west, but it is not easy, especially if you are not yet an expert in boondocking (which is what we call it -- the rangers call it dispersed camping). There is a separate boondocking forum here, which focuses on tips and tricks.

One more question: are you "handy" with tools and repairs? If not, this may not be a great fit for you -- all RVs involve a fair amount of routine maintenance, more than an ordinary house does. (That's mostly because the camper is subjected to a violent earthquake every day -- the road!)

Hang in there, good luck, and ask lots of questions!
Cdaddy
Explorer
Jan 16, 2017
Why a truck camper and not a trailer? More room better layout. More options

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