Considering switch from TT to truck camper

I also have to support the idea of going with a class B or a class C motor home. I love my truck camper, I love where I can go and what I can do with it, but the stairs are the big drawback. I did recently install a set of Glow steps and that has made it much more stable to get in and out, but I still have all those steps to go up and down. I've been looking at class B and class C units myself, the big thing I do not like about the class B is the fact that you have to make and fold up your bed every day. With a class C you can get a lot of these with the beds in the back that stay made up just as a bed at home would. Another advantage I saw in the class C is that if you don't use the bed over the cab (if you have one) you can use this for storage of light items such as clothing.

I never figured back when I bought my truck camper that old age would creep up on me so fast. If you're already considering downsizing from a travel trailer you may want to consider what it's going to be like in another five or 10 years and buy today something that you can use down the road.

Like the others said, you just have to get in and try one out and see how it works with your particular mobility issues. Some are easier to get into the bed than others, but they're usually the ones with more steps to get to the door.

(It's much much much easier to steal a trailer--even a popped up popup--than a TC. A TC theft would almost have to be premeditated!)

X2 on the B+ or smaller C. We've kinda kicked that around lately but then check prices and just load stuff in the old TC and continue to crawl in and keep moving, alibet, slower and more carefully.


X3 on Small C o B Been looking the same
Ken

We have a 5thW and a TC. Arthritis hurts a bit crawling into and out of bed but I'll take the TC first. The 5thW is for when we wine and dine the grand kids.

1st go round TC didn't have a basement(so bed was too high) and bath was too small. Sold it, then went with an AF and love it. Wherever we park, "somewhat" leveling is all the effort it takes.

Looks like the same steps as Jefe4x4 (GlowStep) except we use a swing out hand rail. They are solid. Also added an extra firm mattress to help with the back.

I added 3750# tires, air bags, and a sway bar. Probably didn't have to have the air bags but they help balance the load. Don't put too much air in if you do add them. The rear axle is ~6900# and is the reason for the heavier tires.

I'm happy we bought the first TC fairly cheap. It let us find out quickly what we liked and disliked.

You'll never know until you try it. Maybe you can rent one somewhere and try for a short trip.

Did a TC from the RV world about 6 years ago and have never looked back. Us and 5 dogs. If you have mobility issues then I would look at several of the TC that have the door opening on the side, the door sits MUCH lower. Host campers have side doors, and there are some others.

The cost difference between 2500 and 3500 trucks is minor unless you jump into diesel and DUAL RW, stay gas and SRW and the dollars are minor, plus you get much larger payload capactity, up to 7000 lbs.

Do it, but look and ask lots of questions, look before you leap and you will never regret it!

X2 on the B+ or smaller C. We've kinda kicked that around lately but then check prices and just load stuff in the old TC and continue to crawl in and keep moving, alibet, slower and more carefully.

With mobility issues, I also suggest a Class B or C over a truck camper. There is a big climb to the door and into bed which will only be bigger if your condition is worsening.

I've never put my tailgate back on. Got a 2 x8 and sawed it to fit am
Nd painted same color as truck. Works nice

Keep in mind when you are looking at TC's that they are always shown unloaded with the step on the ground. I was shocked the first time I saw how high the first step was the first time I got in one that was actually loaded on a 4wd truck. For us it's no big deal, but I can't tell you how many times I've almost fallen off that Fox Landing. I know it's going to kill me some day.

If the issue is the strength required to hitch a TT, it is less physical effort loading a truck camper, but putting the tailgate on and taking it off is pretty difficult. If you are going to just leave it on the truck forever this is a non-issue of course.

handye9 wrote:
With health / mobility issues, a TC may not be a good fit. You need to climb into the camper and climb into bed. Your truck's payload, limits your options in TC size / weight. You're looking at smaller hardsides and pop-ups.

I have a smaller hardside. Don't enjoy the climbing. The bathroom is so small, it's difficult changing your mind. Forget about changing clothes or showering in there. With mobility issues, it could be difficult just getting into the bathroom. With just two people, somebody is always in the way. Took the wife on a two week trip, with the TC, she said never again. It works good for a couple guys on hunting trip.

Maybe, a better option would be downsizing the travel trailer and changing to a lighter hitch. Possibly and Andersen WD hitch.

This could be me writing this. And on mine with the bathroom being about 5" up, we literally just fall out. No kidding.

The dinette is too short for a tall person to sleep on also.

I'd consider a Casita or Scamp. Light weight design.

Best of luck.