YouTube and truck campers

Went to Grand Targhee and Jackson Hole this past weekend, for a wedding. Some truck camper footage and random events found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgMX2rMV9hM

We've been posting videos from our Truck Camper adventures from time to time. Here's one from the Oregon Coast.

Oregon Coast Video.

Newest video, first of three.
Trip to Trout Lake via Gifford Pinchot NF.

There are also a couple how to videos, replacing the fridge vent cap, installing a Fantastic Vent, LED lighting and a couple others. I put them together for fun and to share with folks.

We have met and maintain a friendship with West Coast Roller.
He's a good guy and likes to have fun with his TC lifestyle. He's pretty busy with his business over the summer but as fall and winter come, he will be more active again on YT.

There are several from this forum who have put out some very fine video content. Steve, sabonsulting did South Africa and North Africa videos, I think Jefe and buzzcut1 have put out a couple videos. A couple years back, somebody on the forum went to Iceland and put together several very fine videos of their trip.

There are a lot of people doing travel videos on YT these days. Most in vans, Class C, and class A. Some do it better than others but they all try and there's always something interesting coming up.

I get a kick out of following Nomadic Fanatic. An Olympia Washington native who travels with his 7 toed, 24 pound cat, JAX. He is just beginning an across the Northern States to Maine and elsewhere trip, posting new content every day or 2 or so. He is also about the most popular channel of his type on YT with close to 80,000 subscribers.

GordonThree wrote:
Question for all you truck campers, is it truth or myth that truck campers have a much higher cost per square foot of living space than a tow-behind camper?

Looking at used TC, their prices are ridiculous. Tow behind seem to lose a lot of value after only a few years, but TC command a high price, at least in advertisements 10+ years.

Are they built using better materials (steel, aluminum vs plywood, balsa wood?), hence the higher cost? They're physically smaller, and don't have a trailer frame, axle, wheels, brakes or any of that added cost, but still they are very expensive.

What gives?

It is true that TC's have a higher per square foot cost than than a tow behind. TC's are built stronger than your typical a Tow trailer since they are hauled on a truck and are subject to a lot more rough handling The manufactures of TCs use a lot of different materials in their construction, but I haven't heard of balsa wood being used. Also the TC market is a niche market, as with many items for sale the bigger the market the lower you can price it. I did have a tow trailer a ton of years ago and my (2002) Lance 815 is built way much better than that long gone trailer.

Look at the ultra slim tablets and laptops verses the clunky ones. Same thing hing applies: all the same components are required for full functionality, but more engineering is needed to pack all that into a small space.

Question for all you truck campers, is it truth or myth that truck campers have a much higher cost per square foot of living space than a tow-behind camper?

Looking at used TC, their prices are ridiculous. Tow behind seem to lose a lot of value after only a few years, but TC command a high price, at least in advertisements 10+ years.

Are they built using better materials (steel, aluminum vs plywood, balsa wood?), hence the higher cost? They're physically smaller, and don't have a trailer frame, axle, wheels, brakes or any of that added cost, but still they are very expensive.

What gives?

For me and even though I have toys and pulling them is a great advantage to having a TC, getting into remote locations was and is the primary factor for my family having a TC. You are correct, that money goes further with a small TT, but a person couldn't drag one into the places we like to visit.

For example, going up a logging road saw a cut off to the right and just drive up to see where it went. Hit a landing that was barely large enough for me to turn around. I guess a person could have backed down the few miles I went up but just knowing that, might not have explored that road. That is the freedom a TC brings, adventure and exploration.

Who knows, you might be right and I'm wasting time thinking younger folks would be interested. I feel fortunate I am able to do this and share it with my kids, just want to see more kids out in the outdoors and spend less time in front of the tv!

Z-Peller wrote:
Not you tube, but have you checked out Mellomike's Truck Camper Adventure online magazine?...he used to be a moderator on this truck camper forum.

http://mellomikeadventures.us

Truck Camper Adventure has videos on Youtube.

General search on youtube: Truck Campers

I was too poor back then for many toys. I had a street bike that fit in the back of the truck with the canopy removed and an inflatable river raft. I probably could have moved everything I owned by filling up the truck and camper.

I lived within my means without any debt, but my means was under $10K/year back then...

But most people I know get a TC, because they already have a pickup and wish to pull their boat, ATV trailer, Jeep trailer, etc.... behind them too.

Those of you talking about used $1000-1500 TC's could have bought a travel trailer in better shape for $500-1000 and pulled it with a mini pickup, mid sized sedan or mini van. This was my first combo up at Squaw Valley: