Just getting started... Tips

[rvshrinker]

Hello all!

I've been researching trailers and campers for several years now and think I've zeroed in on a truck camper as the one that will do what I need with the most versatility.

I'm looking to be able to go anywhere including off road, 3 1/2 seasons, and dry camp two people for up to one week at a time, and four people for a long weekend. It needs to be good for mild winter use (weekends skiing), but most often will be used for hiking trips and to support some tent campers.

I need both a tow vehicle and a camper. I'd rather buy the right one, and a good quality one, the first time.

Biggest question on the tow vehicle is whether I really need to go up to a full ton pickup with or without dually? I need a super cab so I can seat six and this starts to get to be an enormous vehicle (and expensive), but like I said I only want to do this once. The new F150s seem to have high payloads available given the aluminum body and heavy duty options, but what do you think?

Biggest question on the camper is how to narrow down the options? There seem to be many reputable brands out there. Durability and reliability are critical, considering the possibility of off roading; and the ability to dry camp as described above (so adequate water, propane, and black/grey tank capacity).

What do you think? Am I on the right track? Any tips appreciated. I've been a lurker on this forum and others for a long time.THANKS IN ADVANCE.

[wvabeer]

2280# empty just shy of 3000 loaded with tongue weight of what ever i pull. It handles very good,even in high cross winds.

[jrmcdona]

wvabeer wrote:
All I can say is more than two adults in a truck camper is crowded. That's my opinion. I have a small truck camper but even the most spacious is really only comfortable for two adults.

How much does your camper weigh? Your 150 carries it pretty well?

[billtex]

wvabeer wrote:
All I can say is more than two adults in a truck camper is crowded. That's my opinion. I have a small truck camper but even the most spacious is really only comfortable for two adults.

???
We have had 5 people sleep/eat in our single slide.
No problem.

Oh yeah, 70# lab too.

[wvabeer]

All I can say is more than two adults in a truck camper is crowded. That's my opinion. I have a small truck camper but even the most spacious is really only comfortable for two adults.

[jrmcdona]

Bedlam wrote:
We will be at the one in Seattle in February. There are shows in Puyallup, Tacoma and Monroe around that time too.

A couple of Fall shows are coming back with increased RV demand, but you may miss the new model year changes.

Thanks, I see one Oct 8 in Tacoma so that is coming up quick and should be a good option.

[Bedlam]

We will be at the one in Seattle in February. There are shows in Puyallup, Tacoma and Monroe around that time too.

A couple of Fall shows are coming back with increased RV demand, but you may miss the new model year changes.

[jrmcdona]

rvshrinker wrote:
There is an upcoming RV and camper show that I'll be attending. I'm far from having wrapped up anything. To be honest, just got back from another tent camping weekend and I'm done. Some health problems make getting in and out of the tent very uncomfortable.

I might be looking at 2 separate items. A truck camper to go off road and boondock with for long weekends, including weekends at the ski resort for 2 or 3; and a travel trailer for the family of 4 for a week, and handling a rough dirt road but not true off road in that case. It doesn't have to all be at once, but I can see the value in having a truck from the start that can handle everything.

When and where is the RV/camper show?

[Bedlam]

whizbang wrote:
Good luck finding a short bed super cab in the Pacific NW. It is the least popular configuration.

That is what I owned for 10 years before buying current truck. It handled loads better than the detractors would let on...

[lonegunman]

I happen to be in the Spokane area myself and just got finished doing what you are doing.

I bought the truck a couple of years ago new. I bought an F-250 SRW, with off-road, heavy duty and camper package so it was the heaviest suspension they could stuff under it. It is basically an F-350 underneath without the higher GVWR. In hindsight, buy an F-350 and probably consider a dually. I added airbags, 18" wheels, a tire upgrade and Rancho 9000XL's to complete the package. I'd have rather had all of it on an F-350 to get the GVWR on the sticker.

We settled on an Arctic Fox 865, we did not want a slide. We have had it out three times since we purchased it this summer. It is a winner and other than a few tiny things everything worked perfectly and fit correctly. We had it in a twelve hour cold rain storm down on the Clearwater river for Labor Day and loved it. Nothing leaks, heat is a flick of the switch and dinner is on the stove. We were warm, dry and playing cribbage while it poured outside. Then we went to bed in warm bed, dry and off the ground. Getting up to take a leak at 2am was two steps away.

Truck campers win if you want to get into the woods or off road into places where dragging a trailer is a bad idea. I want to use mine for hunting season and down a few logging roads, that is why it beat a trailer.

Everyone lies about weight. Every TC we looked at was heavier than the sticker. I think the TCmagazine weights are close to reality. Remember,,awnings, air conditioners, water, gear and any option over the base model is not included in whatever lie the dealer told you or the base weight on the sticker.

We walked thru several different dealers locally, looked at several different brands and really liked the Adventurer 86FB. Adventurer makes a high quality product in Yakima so we liked the idea of keeping the home state working. The local guy was a crook in my opinion and after getting jacked around on price, we moved on. I found our camper on-line, the local Arctic Fox dealer said they do not sell non-slide campers. I made 90% of the deal over the phone or via email and arranged financing thru our bank. We drove down, got the tie downs and electrical installed and picked up the camper in a day. The guys we dealt with were fine, just avoid the over-priced company store if you can.

I've always wanted one, I am pleased with my purchase and every outing has made me smile. We have no intention of getting rid of the camper, if we purchase a new truck it will be bigger. That being said, our first time out we stopped for lunch and a couple with a nice looking Arctic Fox 811 on a SRW F-250 parked right next to us. He had been enjoying his for three years with no issues, even towed a fishing boat.

We now look a little closer at truck campers on the road, most of them are on SRW trucks and nobody is crashing. Plenty of people are packing a large camper, pulling boats and ATV's with no problems. Driving a top heavy box down the road means you just have to go a tad slower, brake a bit sooner and control your speed in the curves.

[twodownzero]

It really depends on what camper you're using, but if I had it to do all over again, I would have a dually. If you're buying a new 1 ton truck, the SRW trucks have more payload than they used to have, but I still would just go straight to the dually, because it eliminates the #1 most stressed part on a SRW with a truck camper--the tires.

[Ace_]

OP, I think you'll be better off with SRW. You'll have a smaller contact patch but greater contact pressure, better in most off road/on road weather conditions.

[zb39]

Buy way more truck than you think you need. That way 3 years from now when things change, you can still keep the same truck. I love off roading with a dually. 6 tires clawing their way thru mud. Love it. Been doing it for over 40 years.

[rvshrinker]

deltabravo wrote:

rvshrinker wrote:
I might be looking at 2 separate items. A truck camper to go off road and boondock with for long weekends, including weekends at the ski resort for 2 or 3; and a travel trailer for the family of 4 for a week, and handling a rough dirt road but not true off road in that case. It doesn't have to all be at once, but I can see the value in having a truck from the start that can handle everything.

I've been contemplating the same thing.

Nash 22H is a very good trailer for your intended uses.

Where in the "PNW" are you?

southwest WA near PDX. Mostly camp in the forests - Okanogan, Wenatchee, GiPo, etc. Would be great to camp at or close to some of these trailheads for a night or two rather than having to set up camp at the nearest established campground, then still drive an hour to the hike I want to do.

[campn4walleye]

Find your camper first, then choose the truck to match the weight.

You have to figure out what type of camping you'll be doing. What amenities do you HAVE to have and what can you live without. Ask yourself these questions seriously. It's a hard expensive lesson to find out that your choice was wrong.


We were tenters before getting our TC. I knew I wanted a front bathroom for convenience in the middle of the night. I wanted lots of storage and as much counter space as possible and I had to have a pantry. We wanted a 4 season camper. DH was just thrilled that I had adjusted to the thought of a TC...he could tow the boat easier.

That's a whole other factor. Will you be bringing toys?

All of your must haves and concessions should equitable between partners. So many times guys will say they don't need a bathroom or even running water, when in fact it's a major factor for the wife.


Read EVERYTHING you can on Truck Camper University. It has so much good information. Look up past posts of folks that have asked the most basic of questions. I'm sure I drove everyone here nuts, but they were great. We ended up with the right TC/truck combo (for us) and couldn't be happier.

Take your time and don't hurry the process. It's exciting but use your head not your heart. TCs as it turns out are more complex than other RVs. (In my opinion).