Ok guys, I am doing my homework. I started asking some basic questions on a different thread regarding truck campers (we have been 5th wheeling for 10 years now) Went to the Minneapolis RV show this weekend and was amazed with the Lance Campers I saw there. especially the 2014 855S that will fit on my 2011 SRW short bed 3500 Duramax/Allison. I said to the wife after 10 years of 5th wheeling do you think its time to change how we travel and where we can go? I was impressed with the room in this model. The refrigerator/freezer was just about the size of the one in our current trailer. Both have a queen size bed too.Has anyone downsized from a large trailer to a truck camper and if so what did you think and why did you do it?As for us I would like to return to Alaska, but not pulling a 15000 32 ft trailer.Tell me this how does the truck feel with a huge camper and all its weight on the truck? Does the truck drive differently? I have the power and I have the brakes and what ever to handle this. Any comments or experience that you could share with us?Thanks

Is your wife ok with a wet bath? That's a show stopper for many.

rkassl wrote:Ok guys, I am doing my homework. I started asking some basic questions on a different thread regarding truck campers (we have been 5th wheeling for 10 years now) Went to the Minneapolis RV show this weekend and was amazed with the Lance Campers I saw there. especially the 2014 855S that will fit on my 2011 SRW short bed 3500 Duramax/Allison. I said to the wife after 10 years of 5th wheeling do you think its time to change how we travel and where we can go? I was impressed with the room in this model. The refrigerator/freezer was just about the size of the one in our current trailer. Both have a queen size bed too.Has anyone downsized from a large trailer to a truck camper and if so what did you think and why did you do it?As for us I would like to return to Alaska, but not pulling a 15000 32 ft trailer.Tell me this how does the truck feel with a huge camper and all its weight on the truck? Does the truck drive differently? I have the power and I have the brakes and what ever to handle this. Any comments or experience that you could share with us?ThanksI have a 2013 chevy silverado 3500srw crew cab duramax with the 855s on it it handles fine. but I added firestone air bags with separate air lines and torklift stable loads you will be over gvw with that camper ready to go. I was at 11520lbs with out gear in it

Not qualified to answer, but it might be helpful for others to know:Do you spend a lot of time in the RV when traveling?Do you 'entertain' or host visitors?We use our TC as a home base and travel companion. If we were to full-time or park, hookup, and sit in one spot for a few weeks that might affect the choice to have a TC vs. something 'homier.'

Downsize??? We went from a 38' motorhome to an AF TC. So far no regrets. Being able to move around and go where we want to go now is definitely a plus to traveling. Our first big trip was up thru Alaska and having the TC made it even better. No way would I of done it with the MH. We've lived in our TC for about 2 months steady hosting at a state park and loved it. We've adjusted very well. You have the same amenities, you just dont have as much room.

I haven't owned a big 5'er for 30 years, but I think I recognize that "give me 40 acres and I'll turn this rig around" syndrome. Stuck on highways. Can't go here, or there. Sounds to me like y'all might be ready to make the move. There is joy to be found in a small space. Carry less stuff. Go places you couldn't. Feel less like a freight train. I say do. Do. Joe

Trying to do my homework :-) | Good Sam Community

24 Replies

kerry4951
Explorer
Feb 09, 2014
Downsize??? We went from a 38' motorhome to an AF TC. So far no regrets. Being able to move around and go where we want to go now is definitely a plus to traveling. Our first big trip was up thru Alaska and having the TC made it even better. No way would I of done it with the MH. We've lived in our TC for about 2 months steady hosting at a state park and loved it. We've adjusted very well. You have the same amenities, you just dont have as much room.
steve68steve
Explorer
Feb 09, 2014
Not qualified to answer, but it might be helpful for others to know:

Do you spend a lot of time in the RV when traveling?
Do you 'entertain' or host visitors?

We use our TC as a home base and travel companion. If we were to full-time or park, hookup, and sit in one spot for a few weeks that might affect the choice to have a TC vs. something 'homier.'
timdan94
Explorer
Feb 09, 2014
rkassl wrote:
Ok guys, I am doing my homework. I started asking some basic questions on a different thread regarding truck campers (we have been 5th wheeling for 10 years now) Went to the Minneapolis RV show this weekend and was amazed with the Lance Campers I saw there. especially the 2014 855S that will fit on my 2011 SRW short bed 3500 Duramax/Allison. I said to the wife after 10 years of 5th wheeling do you think its time to change how we travel and where we can go? I was impressed with the room in this model. The refrigerator/freezer was just about the size of the one in our current trailer. Both have a queen size bed too.

Has anyone downsized from a large trailer to a truck camper and if so what did you think and why did you do it?

As for us I would like to return to Alaska, but not pulling a 15000 32 ft trailer.

Tell me this how does the truck feel with a huge camper and all its weight on the truck? Does the truck drive differently? I have the power and I have the brakes and what ever to handle this. Any comments or experience that you could share with us?

Thanks

I have a 2013 chevy silverado 3500srw crew cab duramax with the 855s on it it handles fine. but I added firestone air bags with separate air lines and torklift stable loads you will be over gvw with that camper ready to go.
I was at 11520lbs with out gear in it
rjf7g
Explorer
Feb 09, 2014
Is your wife ok with a wet bath? That's a show stopper for many.

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Trying to do my homework :-)

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