thinking about truck camper

[mayorb]

Hi all It's been awhile since I posted because I've been without an RV. We had 5th wheels and TT. But sold those because of being very busy and being unable to go.

Now we are ready to get back to making some trips around the country. I started looking at class b, but just didn't need another vehicle. Then started looking at TCs. I know you guys aren't basis, so I wanted to get your experience with TCs.

Would you ever go back to a tag along? Rv parks welcome you the same as other RVs? Is fuel mileage the same or better? Do you use your TC off the truck? What brand you recommend? Any other benefits or disappointments?

A Little about us, me,DW, 2 grandbabies now(maybe more in future) but they only go for one night or so, 3 dogs. Oh we have a chevy 2500 6.0 short bed.

[cewillis]

Two fundamental questions:
1) more about your truck - year, any upgrades?
2) your intended use.

Not my intent to discourage you.
My truck is a 2006 GMC 2500hd shortbed, extended cab. I could (and did) carry my 'relatively' small popup camper OK, but with noticeable sag, and some sway. Not good for my far off-road use. So I did some some extensive rear suspension upgrades and added a front locker. I personally would still not want a heavier camper on my truck.
BTW, I usually travel alone, and off road as stated.
For a camper big enough for your family, you 'might' be able to make your truck work - especially if it's a very late model. But it probably wouldn't be worth it.

You mentioned campgrounds. If your camping is going to be at campgrounds, I don't really see an advantage for a TC. You could get a lot more room in a TT or 5th wheel, and your truck could handle it as it (probably).

[sonuvabug]

mayorb wrote:
... snipped ... Would you ever go back to a tag along? Rv parks welcome you the same as other RVs? Is fuel mileage the same or better? Do you use your TC off the truck? What brand you recommend? Any other benefits or disappointments?

A Little about us, me,DW, 2 grandbabies now(maybe more in future) but they only go for one night or so, 3 dogs. Oh we have a chevy 2500 6.0 short bed.

I believe the specific concern is with the length of your truck and its carrying capacity. Too short (for the number of people & canines) and the right size TC will be too heavy for your 2500 (unless seriously modded and even then ... ).

To answer your questions: Never had a TT but did have a 29' Class C. Would not go back. Like you, didn't want another engine/tranny to maintain and we now love the TC & ability to cargo trailer our maxi-scooters behind us.

Personally we've never had an issue with RV Campgrounds or state/provincial/national parks hosting us. Even though our setup is older, is well maintained and looks great.

We're apples and oranges regarding mileage. Our lass C had the Ford 460 gasser and we got about 6-10 mpg depending on the terrain (i.e. mountains vs. flatlands). Current Ford 7.3 diesel has never delivered less than 10 mpg (hard driving through mountains pulling trailer) and has gone as high as 15 mpg with TC and trailer (both hand calculated). Again, depends on terrain and speed (we never exceed 62.5 mph/100 kph). The diesel pulls like a train and doesn't know the word quit.

Our TC is stored off the truck and used as a spare "bedroom" if we are in an overflow situation. We have never unloaded the TC while camping ... never have had the need or urge to.

Regarding brands and pro's & con's of TC'ing etc. there are trade-offs with every type of brand and RV class. I'd start searching and reading as there are lots of threads expressing varying opinions and experiences. It really depends on your needs, wants and available resources.

For us, we found a combination that works really well for us, we love our TC and our setup, and for now, can't see doing anything else in the foreseeable future.

Hope this helps mayorb.

[ppine]

A travel trailer would fit your needs much better. Truck campers are small, especially the ones that will fit on your truck.

My girl summed up our TC experience in one line.
"A camper is too much trouble to put on for a short trip,
And too small for a long trip."

[Jack_Hart]

I'm no expert, but it sounds like you have the wrong truck to handle a camper big enough for your needs.

[donn0128]

4 people and 3 dogs in a TC that your truck can handle? Good luck. Not something I would consider.