Survey on new technology for truck campers

They also need bumpers that double as a storage box and triples as a small work bench/ back door deck.

To each their own on gadgets and I think the response is going to be dependent on the type of use at hand. The primary use of my camper (as far as my CPA knows) is for business so spending money on a cell signal booster was a must to keep good connectivity to my customers.

I don't know if I would necessarily want manufacturers to start including everything for me though as usually the factory installed equipment is just so-so quality or features compared to the aftermarket. Plus, what fun is it if you don't spend all your extra time putting around working on the to-do list if projects and upgrades?

Hemi Joel wrote:
Truck Camper magazine asked for input on new technology for truck campers. The answer was a resounding NO! I don't want any high tech, ready to fail at the wrong time gizmos on my camper. How about you?


tech article

Now that hemp is legal to grow Id like to see someone make campers from hemp plastic,,light and strong,,instead of those flimsy aluminum panels..
Hemp car
https://youtu.be/srgE6Tzi3Lg

Better tank monitors.

I love the SeeLevel system I installed in my AF811

https://www.garnetinstruments.com/rv-shop/

covered wagon wrote:
Need quiet fans not let the whole camp know what your business is when they sound like a C-130 taking off. Need better insulation so your not camping in crowded summers. need 3 way water pump switch with one in the bathroom. Aluminum escape hatch lids/ covers so they last. Last, they need to slightly reduce the voltage to the furnace fan since they rumble too loud and a macerator pump out not dump out with a hard to clean hole cracking corrugated sewer hose.

My fan is quiet, don't use it hardly at all and no ac either. No need. You can spec a camper with added insulation (called cold weather package). I don't have a bathroom, I use the woods, well I do have a bathroom that I've never used, it's there for the wife...

I agree with aluminum hatch covers, nit a bad idea actually. My first truck camper back in the 60's had aluminum covers....

The furnace, well, when I use it, it's limted use only and I have no idea what a macerator is and not sure I want to know. I dump my grey and black at home (when I use the gacilities, which is seldom) in a clean out next to the driveway. 20 bucks for a sewer hose don't seem to me to be excessive...

Like I said before, it's camping, not taking your home to the campground, but then, truck campers are a different breed from other RV'ers.

Need quiet fans not let the whole camp know what your business is when they sound like a C-130 taking off. Need better insulation so your not camping in crowded summers. need 3 way water pump switch with one in the bathroom. Aluminum escape hatch lids/ covers so they last. Last, they need to slightly reduce the voltage to the furnace fan since they rumble too loud and a macerator pump out not dump out with a hard to clean hole cracking corrugated sewer hose.

I have no slides and don't want or need any. Myself, I want simple. If I want all that luxury stuff, I can stay home. I only boondock anyway. Never been to a campground and don't ever plan on going, unless, I own it, which may be in the near future.

Bedlam wrote:
I would like to see these campers more serviceable and upgradeable:

1. Wires should run in guides that go between compartments and be properly labeled
2. Appliances and fixtures should be able to be swapped out without having to remove a window or skylight
3. Circuits should be isolated better to allow easier troubleshooting
4. Wiring and connection standards should conform to marine/boating rather than stick and brick
5. Critical systems like slides and jacks should always have a mechanical backup
6. Access to batteries, cutoffs and fuses should be available whether slides are in or out and whether the camper is loaded or not

X2.. Most can't even supply a schematic diagram of their electrical systems.. decades behind the times..

I would like to see these campers more serviceable and upgradeable:

1. Wires should run in guides that go between compartments and be properly labeled
2. Appliances and fixtures should be able to be swapped out without having to remove a window or skylight
3. Circuits should be isolated better to allow easier troubleshooting
4. Wiring and connection standards should conform to marine/boating rather than stick and brick
5. Critical systems like slides and jacks should always have a mechanical backup
6. Access to batteries, cutoffs and fuses should be available whether slides are in or out and whether the camper is loaded or not

Couldn't agree more. The power awnings are a great example. Brilliant on paper but downright dumb in the field. Not everything has to be high tech. Truck campers are still appealing to those baby boomer demographics and less appealing right now to my generation of millennials. Until the industry can get reliability and quality under control I don't see how adding more complex 'technology' benefits anyone, other than the manufacturer's