truck camper or class c?

bka0721 wrote:

NatParkJunkie wrote:

bka0721 wrote:

For me, I use a get around vehicle, motorcycles, for most of my traveling time. Boondocking my TC and going out exploring or running to the store. But a couple of years back I purchased a separate vehicle (Ford Ranger Truck) and installed it in a location

b

thanks bka0721
out of curiosity, why do you use a separate vehicle for running around instead of the truck that the camper sits on? ie: take the TC off the truck and leave it at the campsite.

Hi. Good question. Let me see if I can answer this in a relatable way.

The honest answer is, I don't want to.

It is just too much risk and work, as I carry my camper full time and it has been on the truck since 2009. There has been much discussion over the years of Who or Who Does Not take their campers off once they get to their destination or home. You will find it is more of a rare occasion for someone to take their camper off.

The other factor is my truck is set up for Boondocking and I would lose the ability to access my propane tank and additional potable water tanks. My range for propane is up to 5 months (my time in the National Park) between refills, including weeks below freezing. My range for potable water/gray/black is up to 8 weeks. Only because I have never gone longer and suspect I could but I eventually need to go and get groceries and mail.

The final reason is economics. To be honest, the cost in what fuel and servicing my Diesel truck, for 2016, would be greater than what my 2004 Ford Ranger Truck cost to purchase, used. I commuted my first summer back as a Ranger (I first started in 1977 for 6 seasons) on my BMW GSA during temps in the teens, rain, snow and forest fires and knew I wouldn't return for another season commuting on a Motorcycle. Good used vehicles can be found for very little money. With an F550, your MPG will reflect it's capability and great ability to carry a large load and tow, as well.

If you are planning on taking your camper on and off often, IMHO you will grow tired of this procedure very quickly. It is definitely an advantage for TC owners, but often used by those going out for a weekend or vacation. I do see some of my fellow NPS TC owners taking their campers off and using their trucks in the way you are curious about. But in this situation they are in place for 5 to 6 months and a less complicated set up than I have.

Thanks for bringing a good question here for others to consider too.

b

This is good info too. My thought was to take the camper off and use the truck to drive around. If more people full/part timing end up leaving the camper on the truck all the time, then the class c plus towing a little jeep is making more sense to me.