What the ??

As said before, I’ve already got the truck, and I’d have a truck even without a TC. Class A/B/C’s are of no use to me when I need to haul something. Anything longer than about 30’ total can’t even make it to my garage where the camper is stored, and wouldn’t be able to turn around if they tried.

While I have a flatbed trailer to use when I have to, I prefer not towing over towing. I especially like NOT towing when we go traveling around for fun in the camper, and there’s always at least one time on every trip that I say to the boss “Sure am glad we aren’t towing anything right now”, or “If we were towing something, that wouldn’t even be an option”.

I’m glad there’s an RV option that suits everyone’s taste, but for over 30 years the TC has fit mine perfectly.

:):)

Any time something "small" needs to perform as though is was a full-sized RV, it's going to cost more.

We bought a used truck camper - we always have a truck around anyway, and sometimes the "little guys" get the most interesting camping sites! Plus we can utilize rustic campsites that may RVs can't get to. We can park in a "regular" parking space. I can go on and on about the handiness of a TC and their long lives...

The prices are high to keep the rif-raf out. Plus when you join the TC community someone will teach you the secret handshake. :D

Seriously though, if you are compoaring based model chassis class As with top of the line diesel 4x4 trucks with top of the line multislide TCs, it’s not a fair comparison. Try comparing a bench seat small engine gasser with one of the low end TC slides. Or, compare the highend TC with deisel 4x4 etc to a diesel 4x4 loaded B. or compare a quality diesel pusher.

For instance a XL 350 DRW with Regular Cab starts at around 37K but can push 90K with Limited package Diesel 4x4. TCs are the same, but I don’t want to hurt feelings by calling out the more economy lines, but of course, even the nicest TCs don’t get anywhere near 90K.

My point is the prices vary a lot from top of line truck to bottom. The same for TCs as well.

Finally, there is a reason for every type/economy level of each type of vehicle and RV. Find the one that works for you.

MitchF150 wrote:
I don't know why 8' truck campers cost more than my 26' TT??

It's the intricacies of building it. There's a lot more labor involved to build a truck camper compared to a TT.

A truck can double as a daily driver, a Class A /B/ B+ cannot. I could NEVER justify spending the amount of money that at Class A/B/B+/C costs because it would sit around / not get driven 90% of the time.

timmac wrote:
How in the world does the truck camper makers stay in business with these high prices..

:h

The same way other RV manufacturers stay in business by building low or questionable quality units.
People keep buying them...

While I agree the prices are steep, I would never do a one-piece. I like being able to separate the two, plus, I need a truck anyway. Plus I like to go where you can't really get a bigger one-piece or trailer in.

I don't know why 8' truck campers cost more than my 26' TT?? I can tow my TT with an F150 that is 7 years old now, but still plenty of truck for the task.

Plus, the truck comes in handy when not towing all the time for me, so works well.

I probably have less in my truck/trailer combo than it would cost to buy a new F150 these days... Much less an F250..

Anyway, we all 'camp' the way that works best for us, so you just gotta do what you gotta do if that's what you wanna do.. :)

Good luck! Mitch

KansasKen wrote:
versatility, truck can be used during the 85% of the time campers never leave home. ? in my mind is how average worker can afford a new f350.

Yep I haven't bought a full size truck for sometime now, I did buy a 4 cly 2018 Tacoma for under $24,000 but just went looking and new F-250 and F-350 and cant believe the price they want for them now, and than looked at new camper prices with just one slideout and was also shocked..

I can see why class C's and A's are selling like hot cakes compared to a new truck with a new camper...

I think the truck campers are meant for someone that already has (or otherwise needs) a truck - the truck is useful even when you're not camping.

Also, a lot of the price for the truck comes from options -- you can buy a base model V-8 F-250 for under $40K and add a $30K camper shell for the price of that motorhome. The camper is going to be more cramped than the motorhome, but you can use the truck when you're not camping so it's a trade-off.

E-350 cutaways aren't that expensive, they cost around $30K (and will be equipped about the same as that F-250 base model)

For me, the tradeoff was easy, I don't need (or want) a truck, so I got a motorhome.