Forum Discussion

Hanya's avatar
Hanya
Explorer
Mar 31, 2021

Hard Top or Flexible Top Truck Camper - pets and gas mileage

I have a truck that has a maximum weight of 1800 pounds. I also have a short box, so my options for truck campers are limited. Does anyone have any details on how much more the gas mileage would be with a traditional hard sided and taller truck camper than it would be with the ones that have the rooves that lift?

Also for pet owners - I travel with 4 cats - they have travelled more miles than many people over 35,000. I am wondering with the soft sided hyrdraulics if there is a risk they could get out of the camper? Thanks for your help.
Truck Campers
  • mkirsch's avatar
    mkirsch
    Nomad II
    Apr 01, 2021
    1. No, but I imagine the difference is less significant than you'd be expecting.

    2. Depends on the cat, but I would be more concerned with them sneaking out the door when you come in or out.
  • JimK-NY's avatar
    JimK-NY
    Explorer II
    Apr 01, 2021
    You do not need to wonder about mileage for larger trucks or campers. With your light weight pickup you are limited to a light weight pop up camper or a small trailer.

    We went full time with 2 cats in our truck camper. At first it was difficult to keep the cats from escaping and that happened twice in the first couple of months. After that they adopted the TC as their new home and did not try to leave. Using a pop up would make dealing with cats more difficult. You will need to account for each cat and make sure they are in safe places when you lower the top. You are also going to need to think about ventilation and temperature control for the collapsed camper.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Mar 31, 2021
    My current cat...she is tuff, loves to play fight and then snuggle... would never attempt to escape. Previous cats would scratch their way out.

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