Considering switch from TT to truck camper

[bedell]

We have had a 32ft. travel trailer for five years. Due to some health/mobility issues we no longer want to deal with towing. We are considering getting a truck camper to use with our 2005 Silverado 2500HD with an 8ft. bed. The truck has a big V8. factory tow package etc. It is a 2WD gasser. We are totally new to the concept of a truck camper so any advice, help would be appreciated.

[silversand]

Vis mobility issues and truck camper:

I think that you should look at hard-side truck campers in the 22xx to 25xx LB dry weight range (add 600~750 LBS of cargo to those numbers), then, at a dealership with a stock of several models in your weight hauling range, pretend to go about your every-day routines (both get up onto bed; try bathroom almost all the way; pretend you are cooking; climb in and out of camper from the ground; etc...); one or the other should move around inside the camper as you pretend these activities to get a feel for life in a truck camper. Then, a few weeks later, do it all over again. 2500HD and 8.1L big-block (and you have the Allison transmission with this big-block) is plenty of truck to haul around the number I outline above. Also, you may want to consider Super-springs and air bags and beefier tires (~3900 LBS rated) and air bags just to level the camper, not as a primary suspension aid!

Also, consider that you MAY have to remove the camper from time-to-time. Get the dealership to guide you through a REAL dry load/unload run, too.

Good luck.

If the above does not work out for you, perhaps try a used Class B+ ?

Cheers,
Silver-

[handye9]

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.

[deltabravo]

bedell wrote:
The truck has a big V8.

8.1 liter?

Lots of options since you have an 8' bed.

Northwood Manufacturing has the Wolf CreekWolf Creek

The Arctic Fox campers that are currently available will put you over the limits of your truck.

Years ago there was an Arctic Fox model called an 805. I think it only was built about 2 years. That might be an option to consider.

Regarding having "mobility issues".... will those issues limit your ability to climb in and out of the bed in a truck camper?