Forum Discussion

SupWheeler's avatar
SupWheeler
Explorer
Jan 19, 2015

Truck camper for Toyota Tacoma - Questions

Hi - Just got a new 2015 Tacomca TRD Pro Double Cab. I would like to find a "self contained" camper for it that sleeps 4 to use on Assateague Island, MD (regulations say it must have approved toilet and permanent waste storage tank).

Do they make anything like this for a truck this size? I do not need heat/AC/shower or even a kitchen really (maybe they all have this?). All I really need is the toilet, tank and as much bed-space as possible.

Any suggestions or ideas where to look? Also, Id like to get a tonneau cover for it. Can you put a camper on and off with a tonneau cover?

Thanks!
Truck Campers
  • joerg68's avatar
    joerg68
    Nomad III
    Jan 20, 2015
    Have a look at fourwheelcampers.com. They make one of the lightest campers available, and they have shell models - but even those start at 550 lbs empty. And I am not sure if you could sleep four in any of these.

    Whatever you do, watch the weight on the rear axle of the truck.
  • SupWheeler's avatar
    SupWheeler
    Explorer
    Jan 20, 2015
    My primary use for this would be overnight surf-fishing trips to Assateague in the spring and fall. No trailers allowed on the beach. Only self-contained pickup campers.

    Yeah, weight's going to be an issue. I need to find something without the kitchen/sink/stove. Does anyone make an empty popup truck camper shell that you can customize the interior yourself?

    I also looked at the flippac, which I think would be perfect for me, but I dont think it would be approved by the park since it needs to have "an approved toilet and permanently installed waste storage tank".
  • brholt's avatar
    brholt
    Explorer II
    Jan 20, 2015
    I would second looking for a nice light weight trailer, maybe a pop up (we had a pop up for a long time, went to Alaska twice with it). Just be careful, your limitation is not going to be the towing capacity but rather your payload. Trailers usually put around 15% of their weight on the truck through the hitch. You can do the math and see how you can run out of payload pretty fast.
  • KD4UPL's avatar
    KD4UPL
    Explorer
    Jan 20, 2015
    I don't think you can find what you want. There's just not enough capacity on your truck. You'd have to look at a pop-up TC for sure. Many of them have portable toilets, does that count?
    I once had a pop-up TC with no bathroom and no tanks. It weighted 1,700 pounds.
  • camp-n-family's avatar
    camp-n-family
    Explorer
    Jan 20, 2015
    1040lbs

    2 adults (310lbs) + 2 kids (170lbs)

    Mission impossible? Any chance I'll find anything with just a toilet and beds? Or will they all have kitchen areas?


    I don't think what you want is possible. With only 1040lbs of payload available and using 480lbs of that with passengers leaves you only 560lbs for a camper. You'd use up that weight with clothes, food, and a tent.

    Why not a trailer? You'd be much better off, and more comfortable with a decent sized tent trailer or small hybrid.
  • SupWheeler's avatar
    SupWheeler
    Explorer
    Jan 19, 2015
    brholt wrote:
    What does the yellow sticker on the driver side door pillar say for your maximum carrying capacity? That will be your starting point. I'm hoping the four people are not all adults as that would likely make it mission impossible.


    Thanks for the reply!

    1040lbs

    2 adults (310lbs) + 2 kids (170lbs)

    Mission impossible? Any chance I'll find anything with just a toilet and beds? Or will they all have kitchen areas?
  • brholt's avatar
    brholt
    Explorer II
    Jan 19, 2015
    What does the yellow sticker on the driver side door pillar say for your maximum carrying capacity? That will be your starting point. I'm hoping the four people are not all adults as that would likely make it mission impossible.

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