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!

I'd take a look at the northstar 600ss & 700s

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.

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! 1040lbs2 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?

1040lbs2 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.

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.

Truck camper for Toyota Tacoma - Questions | Good Sam Community

billyg
Explorer
Jan 20, 2015
Hi, there was a guy who went through this last summer. He had a 2014 Tacoma and bought a popup. He went through hell trying to return the camper. His truck simply could not carry it. I don't know how this turned out I just know we tried everything to make this work. What has happened Toyota made bigger more powerful Tacomas that can tow a lot more than my 2004 but they killed the payload. The payload is like 500lbs less than mine. My 2004 carries a camplite 5.7 at 1100lbs and we have had no issues. Others Tacomas I have read about are older and seem to do ok with what they carry. I would be very careful here. I don't want you to make the same mistake. Bill
bobndot
Explorer II
Jan 20, 2015
Mote wrote:
bobndot wrote:
Phoenix actually states your Toyota model truck :C http://www.phoenixpopup.com/toyota/

There's an article on truck camper magazine website about a couple with a Phoenix camper on a Tacoma driving the Beartooth highway.

Mote, good thinkin' , I forgot all about that one. I think it's this one.

http://www.truckcampermagazine.com/camper-lifestyle/brian-aberle-from-bear-to-plan-b
Mote
Explorer
Jan 20, 2015
bobndot wrote:
Phoenix actually states your Toyota model truck :C http://www.phoenixpopup.com/toyota/

There's an article on truck camper magazine website about a couple with a Phoenix camper on a Tacoma driving the Beartooth highway.
bcbouy
Explorer
Jan 20, 2015
you could always pick up a used lightweight pop up tc and strip it down to the basics.my sun lite 8 ft. only weighs 1050 loaded.an import size stripped could come in around 500 lbs.porta potti are self contained.does no trailers also mean no cargo trailers as well?
bobndot
Explorer II
Jan 20, 2015
Phoenix actually states your Toyota model truck :C http://www.phoenixpopup.com/toyota/
Driftwood132
Explorer
Jan 20, 2015
check out Livin lite, truck campers and the QuickSilver. Also the Camplite 5.7 probably to heavy for your truck but I have seen this one and is really a nice TC.
billtex
Explorer II
Jan 20, 2015
Geewizard wrote:

My experience with Toyota trucks goes back over 25 years. They are build tougher than most domestic trucks and, in my opinion and experience, will safely haul a lot more weight than is listed on the door sticker. Of course, you need to install higher load-rating tires and an air-bag suspension system to help the situation.

PM me if you want more details.

Wow...this thread actually got to pg 2 before it went down hill...
SupWheeler
Explorer
Jan 20, 2015
I like the fourwheelcampers and outfitter pop-ups, but Id rather purchase used. I guess there probably arent going to be many used pop-up shells with just beds being sold.

Thanks for all the ideas though. Keep 'em coming!
Geewizard
Explorer
Jan 20, 2015
I suggest talking to Outfitter Manufacturing. They will modify one of their pop-up camper designs to fit your needs. I suspect other similar-minded camper manufacturers will do the same.

My experience with Toyota trucks goes back over 25 years. They are build tougher than most domestic trucks and, in my opinion and experience, will safely haul a lot more weight than is listed on the door sticker. Of course, you need to install higher load-rating tires and an air-bag suspension system to help the situation.

Of course, the absolute safest thing to do is to buy a DRW pickup with a big diesel engine to haul the lightest TC. ;)

PM me if you want more details.
TomG2
Explorer
Jan 20, 2015
Capri campers can be purchased with just a double bed and they say they only weigh 600 pounds in their short bed version. Of course, adding things like AC, jacks, etc. would increase this weight. I have owned a couple of them and they seem to be well made for the rodeo crowd. A Porta Potti should meet the toilet requirement.