Is less ever more?

[Less_Stuff]

Some musing on new developments in Truck Campers.

My first Truck Camper near Colima, Mexico. 14mpg on diesel.


That Volcano behind my rig looked like this today!



OK back on topic.

This is my new truck and topper. 24+mpg on regular gas.


Mixed feelings on the new rig, love the truck and it's great gas milage.

Not at all happy with my SnugTop!
The topper is back in California on it's second trip to SnugTop for warrantee problems.
Every window leaks.
Maybe a California built topper isn't suited for North West rain.

Just after I bought the topper news of new smaller Truck Campers caught my interest.
My truck can only carry a 930 pound camper according to its camper loading paper.
Yet at least two camper manufactures have models to fit my truck.

Travel Lites new Rayzr SS at about 890 lbs.


Capri Campers Cowboy model.
At only 400-500 lbs.


Both have caught my interest. But like every other RV I like some things and dislike other things about them.

So the crazy part. Having built a stitch and glue boat I'm thinking about building a Plywood, epoxy, and fiberglass stitch and glue small Truck Camper.

The boat took all my spare time for two years. Sweet wife is trying to stop me as it would take up the entire garage. She doesn't want to give it up that long again.

Photo of my 1996 stitch and glue boat connected to my then new 2003 truck and last topper. Best ever with the topper was 19 mpg on diesel.


I only need a place to sleep and a portapoty.

Thumbs up or down what say you?
What are the chances they will actually get my SnugTop to stay dry?

[Less_Stuff]

languiduck wrote:
But I thought the new truck bed cap (that's what it really is) was so awesome and the best thing for you. Are you changing your mind?

Love the truck!!!
On edit: The wife likes riding in my truck better than in her Malibu!
Dislike the SnugTop due to water leaks.
Changing my mind or musing not sure, But I'm even looking at small single axle travel trailers at this point.

[Geewizard]

Your post reminds me of the decision I had to make regarding the time, money, and space needs of building a kit airplane or spending the time and money flying what I had. I couldn't effort doing both.

I chose flying.

My 2 cents worth of opinion is to buy the TC you want and spend time using it.

[Vinsil]

I'd rather be in a tent than a truck bed with a topper.

I've done it, when I was 19. Then went to tents, a cargo trailer, fiver, TT, TC's, toyhauler now back in a TC. It fits and works for our needs...but I'll take the 12 mpg hauling my junk over double the mileage and living in a truck bed.

Go with a small light weight TC if you don't upgrade trucks, but remember you'll have a ton of upgrades if you do.

[languiduck]

But I thought the new truck bed cap (that's what it really is) was so awesome and the best thing for you. Are you changing your mind?

[Less_Stuff]

RobertRyan wrote:

Your New Truck Camper would be called a Ute Canopy here,not really a Slide On or TC

They are called toppers or canopies or camper shells in the Americas as well.
Being a native of Utah state, Ute is used often but never about a truck.
Having attended the University of Utah for short time I could be called a UTE.
Great football team this year. "Go Utes"

This statement should have shown that I also understand the difference.

"Just after I bought the topper news of new smaller Truck Campers caught my interest."

The Rayzr and Cowboy units pictured are campers here. But very small ones.

[RobertRyan]

free radical wrote:

Less Stuff wrote:
Some musing on new developments in Truck Campers.



OK back on topic.

This is my new truck and topper. 24+mpg on regular gas.


Mixed feelings on the new rig, love the truck and it's great gas milage.

Not at all happy with my SnugTop!
The topper is back in California on it's second trip to SnugTop for warrantee problems.
Every window leaks.
Maybe a California built topper isn't suited for North West rain.





I only need a place to sleep and a portapoty.

Thumbs up or down what say you?
What are the chances they will actually get my SnugTop to stay dry?

Id go with that Capri Cowboy,, comfy enough,,and light,low for good mpg.

Your New Truck Camper would be called a Ute Canopy here,not really a Slide On or TC

[Kayteg1]

The reason I am using TC is becouse it beats my old 15 tons bus conversion in cost of use.
Still don't think I would like TC without a slide, but I travel with DW and 3 small dogs.

[free_radical]

Less Stuff wrote:
Some musing on new developments in Truck Campers.

My first Truck Camper near Colima, Mexico. 14mpg on diesel.


That Volcano behind my rig looked like this today!


OK back on topic.

This is my new truck and topper. 24+mpg on regular gas.


Mixed feelings on the new rig, love the truck and it's great gas milage.

Not at all happy with my SnugTop!
The topper is back in California on it's second trip to SnugTop for warrantee problems.
Every window leaks.
Maybe a California built topper isn't suited for North West rain.

Just after I bought the topper news of new smaller Truck Campers caught my interest.
My truck can only carry a 930 pound camper according to its camper loading paper.
Yet at least two camper manufactures have models to fit my truck.

Travel Lites new Rayzr SS at about 890 lbs.


Capri Campers Cowboy model.
At only 400-500 lbs.


Both have caught my interest. But like every other RV I like some things and dislike other things about them.

So the crazy part. Having built a stitch and glue boat I'm thinking about building a Plywood, epoxy, and fiberglass stitch and glue small Truck Camper.

The boat took all my spare time for two years. Sweet wife is trying to stop me as it would take up the entire garage. She doesn't want to give it up that long again.

Photo of my 1996 stitch and glue boat connected to my then new 2003 truck and last topper. Best ever with the topper was 19 mpg on diesel.


I only need a place to sleep and a portapoty.

Thumbs up or down what say you?
What are the chances they will actually get my SnugTop to stay dry?

Id go with that Capri Cowboy,, comfy enough,,and light,low for good mpg.

[Naio]

I get 25mpg in my van, fully loaded with food and water for 2 weeks and clothes and tools and junk for a year. And cat. I don't see why a mini-TC should be any different. I mean, I brought like 25 dead tree books and 100 maps this year. I am not a minimalist :B.

[Downwindtracke1]

I have been down that road, only going in the opposite direction. As it was only for hunting, it didn't need much, stay dry, stay warm. The second requirement was hard to meet. Even with a cat heater in the canopy, getting up before dawn to get coffee on a Coleman stove was tough.

[Reddog1]

It is easy to spend more money to save on fuel, and spend more that the fuel would cost. For me, I enjoy the bragging rights of good fuel mileage, but I will not have a truck and/or TC that I have to save money to buy fuel. I think it is all part of living within your means. I would encourage you to purchase what you are comfortable with and can afford. If you enjoy chasing MPG, and can afford it, then go for it.

Wayne

[Bonesquatch]

Gas is cheap for the foreseeable future. Get a good-sized camper with everything you want already in or on it and enjoy.

[mkirsch]

I vote for Capri, or build your own. Either way though, kiss your 24MPG goodbye. You'll be lucky to get 16.

The TravelLite is a nice idea and all, but poorly executed. Too heavy right out of the gate for most 15-series pickups once you add provisions.

[Naio]

Wow, that is a pretty boat!

I think building your own sounds like a great way to get real quality. And I won't knock you for how you spend your time -- I love camping AND projects, and I bet you do too! Some of the work, lots of it, you could even do WHILE camping, once you get it dried in. Just gotta plan well, pack tools and materials. I do this with my van.

[realter]

I believe Northstar is coming out with something similar If not, I'd go with the Cowboy. Great reputation.

As the other poster said, enjoy camping, not working in your garage for a year.