Been reading for a while and thought I would ask for some advice. DW and I have had 2 TT's and one MH. Without right now and thinking of going the TC route. Open to all types of 3/4 and 1 ton pick ups and any TC's. I am open to all advice on trucks, campers, gear to carry and not carry, space restrictions to adjust to while going smaller and anything really. It is just the wife and I. We could go new or used but are fine with used. We are thinking of Alaska next year and could take advice on that too, like how much time to plan on west Tn. to Alaska and back. We know we can not see it all of course and are just planning so far on a small area of the state this first time. All suggestions welcome. Thank you very much. I love reading this site and enjoy the friendliness. Travis.

Will you like the steps?How about the upstairs bedroom?

Been reading for a while and thought I would ask for some advice. DW and I have had 2 TT's and one MH. Without right now and thinking of going the TC route. Open to all types of 3/4 and 1 ton pick ups and any TC's. I am open to all advice on trucks, campers, gear to carry and not carry, space restrictions to adjust to while going smaller and anything really. It is just the wife and I. We could go new or used but are fine with used. We are thinking of Alaska next year and could take advice on that too, like how much time to plan on west Tn. to Alaska and back. We know we can not see it all of course and are just planning so far on a small area of the state this first time. All suggestions welcome. Thank you very much. I love reading this site and enjoy the friendliness. Travis. You did not provide enough information. For example, why not another TT or motorhome? Do you not like towing? Or do you want to tow horses or boats as well as have an RV? What did you not like about a motorhome? A TC is in my opinion after owning three the best RV for maneuverability, for towing something behind it, for short time camping where you are mostly moving on every few days and not staying in one place for a week, and for those that like to own stout trucks. Most truck campers that have slides and are well optioned almost require a dually one ton or more truck. Slideouts make the interior room much larger. It is much easier to hitch/unhitch a trailer or fifth wheel than load/unload a truck camper, the steps are high especially for the basement model campers, and the price per square foot living space is higher in a TC than a TT or FW. The headroom in the bedroom is nowhere near stand up. If you are not going off road a lot or towing something else why not get a TT or FW (assuming you are not motothome folks anymore)?

You will want a long bed 3500 series truck; skip the 3/4 ton. If you want a large, hardside camper with lots of options and slides you will most likely need a dually. Having a smaller truck and a short bed will greatly limit your options and living space.The hardest part about using a TC is getting used to thinking about the weight. They are heavy! Truck's don't have that much payload in relation to what campers weigh; especially if you're talking about trucks with diesel engines, back seats, and 4wd.For some of the largest truck campers you would really be better off with a 4500 or 5500 truck but then you need to add your own custom bed.You will need tie downs and an electrical connection on the truck. You will likely want E rated (or higher) tires, possible air bags, HD shocks, HD anti-sway bars, etc.My rig weighs in at 13,500 pounds loaded with the camper, family, dog, gear, boat, etc. That puts me about 2,100 pounds over my GVWR. Many people freak out if you dare go 1 pound over. Most people with truck campers are at GVWR to about 10% over. I've carefully weighed, analyzed, and built my truck to handle the weight just fine.I have a TC so I can pull my boat. It's also very maneuverable to get into tight, out of the way camping spots. I also like that there is no personal property tax, tags, inspections, etc on a TC, it's just cargo. (At least in VA)TC's are the most expensive type of RV on a square footage/dollar basis. But for me, the advantages outweigh the cost.

I was worried about storage space myself. Its amazing how much******was in my TT. I like to carry lots of stuff, and I found a place for everything when I finally weeded out what was really necessary. I agree with looking at bigger rigs. Check out the slideouts, do you really need one? If you get a long camper, you will need a pricey superhitch if you tow.

Thanks for the info and suggestions. My wife might get tired of the stairs and the high bed. Motorhome will probably not be pursued because I need a truck for a lawn business also. I like to have more truck than I need, so a smaller TC or TT is what I will end up with. I have had 3 Cummins and one being a dually so far. Without a diesel right now but will get one. I am considering a TC because I like the thought of just one rig on the road instead of two. I liked the TT's OK but I am thinking of getting into smaller or more remote areas with our next setup. Obviously my wife will have some big sway in this because I do not want her miserable the whole time we are out. I like peaceful trips. I am just trying to weigh all the options as good as I can. I am considering just driving a 4X4 up there and staying in hotels or cabins etc. the whole way. As empty nesters I think we will be doing a lot of camping in years to come, so I might as well take a camper up there. Thanks. Also, what are a few of the more challenging aspects of TC camping? I know all types of camping has its good and bad.

Thinking of buying truck and TC | Good Sam Community

25 Replies

homefor2
Explorer
Nov 17, 2013
Take momma out to look at a Dually. Roll the windows down and stick a tape measure through them and measure the distance from the outside to outside of the mirrors. Now measure the width at the fenders. Same. Now do what she tells you to do.
bens170
Explorer
Nov 17, 2013
Travis look at Truck Camper Magazine and Mello Mike's Truck Camper Adventure, also check out the various truck & camper mfgrs online and request information & brochures. We already had the truck spent 4 yrs looking for a truck camper.
a4edriver
Explorer
Nov 05, 2013
Travis,
I live in West TN also, near Somerville, and have a Four Wheel Camper Grandby on a Dodge 2500 long bed. You are welcome to stop by to see what we travel around in and what we take with us. We would also like to take a trip to Alaska one of these years. Living in the humid half of the country and having a camper without air conditioning restricts us somewhat in our travels during the hot summer months. Travelling out west or up north it's not as big a problem because the temps drop enough at night. Anyway, do your homework and good luck in your search. I think a truck camper is the best RV to see the USA and Canada in.

Buzz
mike_mck
Explorer
Nov 04, 2013
Travis1963 wrote:
One of the bigger issues I have is my wife refuses to drive a dually. Worried about the fenders. We live in an area where mailboxes are close to an already narrow road. I had a Dodge dually figuring she would give in, she never budged. Some things you learn to just let go of. So a single rear end is what I will get. That is starting to narrow it down. Thanks a ton. Travis.

And there it is. If mamma ain't happy nobody is happy. the trade off may be no slides.
Joe417
Explorer
Nov 04, 2013
When I decided to get a TC,I read this forum for a while learning a lot and asking a few questions. Lot of strong opinions, you just have to accept what makes sense to you.

Getting started, I bought a cheap 2003 Palomino M8801 to try. Couldn't tell it was on the truck(2500HD). I really liked it but the wife didn't. To get into the bed we had a folding stool to step up on the "step" and another stool to step from there up to the bed. Great way for someone our age to break a "hip" or maybe a neck. Black and Grey tanks were 8 gallons each. That's about 1 day for any red blooded american woman. And only half a shower. Used it for 3 trips and learned what we had to have. One of the trips, we went from dealer to dealer looking. Actually enjoy that as a vacation. Wife liked the Arctic Foxes at American RV in Michigan.

Picked up a "not so cheap" used Arctic Fox in Memphis. Larger bath, large tanks, larger frig, small step up to the bed and a booth dinette slide.

A couple of days at a local campground and only one 1200 mile trip with it, but she likes it so far. That is all that really matters isn't it?

It is heavy, 4400# the way we load it, so I had to build the truck suspension and new tires to carry it. The truck handles it very well with the upgrades.

I'm also pleased with it but would like to have a few of the items that come the newer unit. That may happen once we're sure this is the one.

Good luck in you search.
Buzzcut1
Nomad II
Nov 03, 2013
Travis1963 wrote:
One of the bigger issues I have is my wife refuses to drive a dually. Worried about the fenders. We live in an area where mailboxes are close to an already narrow road. I had a Dodge dually figuring she would give in, she never budged. Some things you learn to just let go of. So a single rear end is what I will get. That is starting to narrow it down. Thanks a ton. Travis.

I might point out that a TC sticks out just as far as the Dually fenders so SRW vs Dually becomes a moot point when loaded. Unloaded yes there is that difference.
Travis1963
Explorer
Nov 03, 2013
One of the bigger issues I have is my wife refuses to drive a dually. Worried about the fenders. We live in an area where mailboxes are close to an already narrow road. I had a Dodge dually figuring she would give in, she never budged. Some things you learn to just let go of. So a single rear end is what I will get. That is starting to narrow it down. Thanks a ton. Travis.
SugarHillCTD
Explorer
Nov 03, 2013
Some of the larger TCs have a much shorter step up to the bed- Here is the step in an Eagle Cap
mike_mck
Explorer
Nov 03, 2013
Travis1963 wrote:
Been reading for a while and thought I would ask for some advice. DW and I have had 2 TT's and one MH. Without right now and thinking of going the TC route. Open to all types of 3/4 and 1 ton pick ups and any TC's. I am open to all advice on trucks, campers, gear to carry and not carry, space restrictions to adjust to while going smaller and anything really. It is just the wife and I. We could go new or used but are fine with used. We are thinking of Alaska next year and could take advice on that too, like how much time to plan on west Tn. to Alaska and back. We know we can not see it all of course and are just planning so far on a small area of the state this first time. All suggestions welcome. Thank you very much. I love reading this site and enjoy the friendliness. Travis.

Travis
Nice to have a goal. As I read the various posts what you buy will come down to what activity's are most important to you. I will share my experiences and you can add it to your decision making process.
I started my TC adventure with a 11' 3" 3500 lb Caribou. Loaded it is about 5000 lbs. I started with a F350 diesel DRW. Truck got the job done but it did squat a few inches and I would get some sway when turning or on uneven forest service roads. Started thinking of how to get into a better rig for my needs without breaking the bank. I went to a F550 dually. Best move I ever made. I bought it used with a pickup bed already installed. Far more stable platform. No squat or sway. Far more comfortable a ride. I wish it had 4wd but have not needed it at this point. I do run Forrest service roads to get to mountain lakes in northern AZ and no issues. My wish for 4x4 is if it rains and those roads that are fine dry turn to mud when wet. Really want 4x4 in that situation. I can't imagine running serious off road trails with a cabover on. Yes I off roaded for years. I also found out when camping and fishinging I wanted to take far more gear than I could take in the TC so I added a hitch extension and trailer. Went way overboard on the trailer but a good deal came up. I don't think about airbags, helper springs, shocks or stopping ability. No need to ask if It will handle the load. As you mentioned and I agree. Get more truck than you need. Only you can decide what that is. Take a moment to look under a F550 or Dodge equivalent and the 1 ton version and you will see the difference. 15.4 disc diameter, Dana 135 rear end spring packs. Components are huge to get the job done.
Jeepers92
Explorer
Nov 03, 2013
Good luck on your camper and adventures. You will notice the increase in TCs the father North you go. We did Alaska in 2011 from South of Atlanta. Planning Ak is different from other trips. There is only 11 roads and not a lot of loops. You will drive lots of miles to get to see something and have to turn around and drive back. Consider at least 2 months for the trip. Best RV trip ever.
On your camper, also consider your holding tank size, it's great if you can go for 3 days without dumping or needing water. ( ref. camper, not you ). :). Just my opinion, I would not consider a non slide unit. Make sure to take a couple shake down cruises.