Benefits of owning a truck camper

[Mello_Mike]

I thought I'd start up this thread for the benefit of newbies and those who are thinking about purchasing a truck camper. So what are the benefits of owing a truck camper? I was able to come up with eleven:

1. Unmatched Versatility (can tow and be unloaded at campsite)
2. No Registration or Insurance Fees (in most cases)
3. Superb Maneuverability
4. Easy to Drive
5. Outstanding Boondocking Capability
6. Cheaper to Maintain
7. Better Fuel Economy
8. Easy to Store
9. Great Bug-Out Vehicle
10. Upgrade Independence
11. Excellent Depreciation Value

A full article on this topic can be found at the link below:

Eleven Benefits of Truck Camper Ownership

Can you think of any others?

[JimBollman]

Maneuverability, park anywhere and tow a trailer when we need to are the big wins for us. I especially like camping in what is listed as tent sites. Most campgrounds were we have asked have no problem with it and it is usually cheaper. Sometimes we get no hookups, which is not a problem, usually there is electricity but we don't always bother connecting. Most campgrounds that have tent sites would rather we parked there instead of taking one of their big sites for our little rig.

[run100]

Maneuverability is a huge one for us. As I watch people struggle to navigate giant motorhomes, trailers and 5th wheels around gas stations, parking lots and campgrounds, I am relieved we own a truck camper.

Now, the same could be said for B's and small C's, but the benefit with the truck and camper combo, is that you can change/upgrade either component independent of the other. So, if one decides it's time for a new truck, that doesn't mean the camper has to be swapped out too . . . and vice-versa.

Same goes for service on the house/camper or the chasis/truck.

Furthermore, most B or C owners wouldn't take their rig to the local home improvement store to pick up bricks, or sheets of plywood.

[AITG]

I like to move every four days or so and the TC is so easy to set up / take down.
Also, when you're on the road you can park places where the 5ers / MHs / TTs won't fit. If I see something that looks interesting I stop...frequently I can park in a standard parking spot.

[RobertRyan]

May I add the following
(1) They are relatively cheap
(2) Large range of Pickups and other vehicles can carry them
(3) Can be used on small Bush tracks
(4) Free to tow another RV or vehicle behind them
(5) Can leave them behind and use your Pickup to do things.
(6) Can cross rivers semi submerged(In Australia)
(7) Do not need a RV Storage area if not required.
(8) Can be used in Jungle, Desert and Bush areas.

[Artum_Snowbird]

One feature of truck camping that hasn't been mentioned is living high. Only truck campers have beds up that far off the ground, and on occasion we have been able to enjoy an ocean or lake view while laying in bed sipping coffee in the morning while we look overtop shrubbery or lower units beside us.

[Rollin]

Well, It looks like Buzzcut1's reply would qualify for a Lance commercial and 69 Avion's the ultimate versatile RV! As for me, my vice is bass fishing and sometimes the action doesn't pick up for a couple of days because of whether or they are off the bite. I don't want to pitch a tent and a motel would be too expensive. Also, you need a special license to double tow behind a 5er. I'd rather camp out at a site than the launch parking area so a motorhome option is out. One more thing, you can secure the boat at the camp site with the tc and take the truck into town for dinner or supplies for the camper.

[69_Avion]

No doubt that Bryan has one of the most versatile TC set ups in the world. With extra LP, water, solar, etc. he can stay for very long periods of time. Very few TCs can compete with his rig.

[Mello_Mike]

bka0721 wrote:

rooney77 wrote:

campingken wrote:
bka0721, (haven't heard anyone use BKA "Better Known As" in a while.)

Can you carry 4 bales of hay plus firewood inside your Lance? Campers are great but they aren't "one size fits all" RV's.

Benefits of truck campers not problems with truck campers. That's how I read the title.

Actually, yes I can carry Hay Bales and firewood. But busting cattle and bucking hale bales as a kid I would never put hay in a LQ (Living Quarters is what we called the bunk in front of a horse trailer). I would just load them onto the roof of my Lance Camper, like other Horsemen do with their campers.

I never see problems, just solutions.

b

Bryan (bka0721) has one of the best TC setups I've ever seen. Redundancy for all of his systems including water, propane, solar, and battery. I may have even missed one or two. 🙂

[Buzzcut1]

I just keep the hay in bale sized bags in the front tack of the sundowner. no fuss no muss

[bka0721]

rooney77 wrote:

campingken wrote:
bka0721, (haven't heard anyone use BKA "Better Known As" in a while.)

Can you carry 4 bales of hay plus firewood inside your Lance? Campers are great but they aren't "one size fits all" RV's.

Benefits of truck campers not problems with truck campers. That's how I read the title.

Actually, yes I can carry Hay Bales and firewood. But busting cattle and bucking hale bales as a kid I would never put hay in a LQ (Living Quarters is what we called the bunk in front of a horse trailer). I would just load them onto the roof of my Lance Camper, like other Horsemen do with their campers.

I never see problems, just solutions.

b

[rooney77]

campingken wrote:
bka0721, (haven't heard anyone use BKA "Better Known As" in a while.)

Can you carry 4 bales of hay plus firewood inside your Lance? Campers are great but they aren't "one size fits all" RV's.

Benefits of truck campers not problems with truck campers. That's how I read the title.

[campingken]

bka0721, (haven't heard anyone use BKA "Better Known As" in a while.)

Can you carry 4 bales of hay plus firewood inside your Lance? Campers are great but they aren't "one size fits all" RV's.

[Ski_Pro_3]

BTW my insurance company, Safeco, tells me my camper is 'personal property' covered under my truck's policy when on the road, and covered under my homeowner's policy if at the house.

I'd seriously ask my agent about the personal property aspect to your camper. You may have to increase the AMOUNT of coverage to include the camper with your other personal property, but that's got to be pennies on the dollar compared to a separate policy I would think...

[Ski_Pro_3]

One of the GREAT benefits I like about my camper is that I can decide to spend the night without having to drive home from various events. For example; my grandson's birthday party. Two hour drive in the heavy holiday-heading-home traffic of the Veteran's Day weekend on Monday evening in the SF bay area would be over 4 hours on this occasion. Instead, I just went to the camper and slept. Woke up around 2am, so I headed home. No worries!!

I've done this on other events and occasions, like leaving a ball game parking lot, Christmas shopping, etc. Too much traffic, too much drinking, etc. just take a nap and call it when you are ready to go.