Forum Discussion

usmcshepherd's avatar
usmcshepherd
Explorer II
Aug 31, 2016

Truck Camper & 5th Wheel

All,

I was curious of all the dedicated truck camper owners out there how many had a truck camper for there travels as well as a 5th wheel for either full time living or their longer camping adventures?

After having visited Yellowstone and the Teton's this year we are sure we don't want to get rid of our truck camper anymore, but have occasion when we would like more room for the entire family when we are remaining in place a little longer. Anyway...I don't know if there is a specific thread on this or not yet, but I was curious if anyone was actively using both, thinking about it or had done so and would mind providing some feedback with your experiences.

Thanks
Truck Campers
  • VTLee's avatar
    VTLee
    Explorer
    Sep 01, 2016
    We have both. If traveling we take the 9.5' TC and if we are staying put for a week or more the 5th wheel.
  • allygerry's avatar
    allygerry
    Explorer
    Aug 31, 2016
    We have a 32' fifth wheel and a 9.5'TC both get used and each one is enjoyed or used as often as possible. Be hard to pick one over the other.
  • sbryan's avatar
    sbryan
    Explorer II
    Aug 31, 2016
    We are shopping for a truck camper now and have a Heartland Cyclone toy hauler 5th wheel. We have decided to leave the big RV at a local campground we really enjoy so it will be our home away from home when we want to camp locally. The TC we plan to purchase will be for traveling. I have no desire to haul a 40 foot 18,000 pound toyhauler across the country. We could do it - but many places restrict the size of campers and we want to hit the back and local roads when we travel. At 13.5' tall we have to constantly check for low underpasses on our routes. The big RV is great but we're looking forward to the TC for extended travel.
  • ClassicB's avatar
    ClassicB
    Explorer
    Aug 31, 2016
    I only have a TC which I spend quite a bit of time keeping it clean and maintained. I couldn't imagine doubling up my efforts on a 5th wheel. No thanks!
  • Mote's avatar
    Mote
    Explorer
    Aug 31, 2016
    We also have both. They are both older campers so we don't have a lot of money invested. Our 5th wheel is a 2006 Cougar 29RL and the truck camper is a 2001 Lance 1030.
    We bought the truck camper for a West trip we took last year. Now we plan on keeping it for those kind of trips. The Cougar we use locally for long weekend trips as the extra room and tank capacity is nice to have.
    The biggest hassle is since my 5th wheel rails are on the bed floor when I want to use the Lance I put down platforms to raise it above the rails. Which puts it 2 inches higher than it should be. Not a big deal but still something I have to do.
  • TxGearhead's avatar
    TxGearhead
    Explorer II
    Aug 31, 2016
    We have a Montana and recently bought a Bigfoot TC. We started this RV madness in about 1982 with an old 3rd hand TC to use for hunting trips. Went from that to a class C. Had a 20 year void with no RV, then a Cougar XLite and the Montana.
    If it was just me the 5th would be sold. I'm not too crazy about commercial RV parks. I want some elbow room and not a view of another RV. I also hate dragging the 5th around trying to figure if I can get in, then out, of a parking lot for a restaurant. Just about have to use truck stops for fuel. Wait in line to pay 20 cents more and stand in a puddle of diesel.
  • noteven's avatar
    noteven
    Explorer III
    Aug 31, 2016
    maxum1989 wrote:
    Yup. Have both and actively use both about the same amount depending on where we are going and who is coming along.


    We have a TC and 5th wheel toyhauler for ^

    The TC is compact, nice to park, goes up the back trails where there is overhead clearance, it is expensive square feet.

    The toyhauler is big and clumsy and really nice once you are there and set up.

    And then if you run a steering axle dolly attached to your frame you can haul your TC and tow the Big Fiver at the same time:

  • Buzzcut1's avatar
    Buzzcut1
    Nomad II
    Aug 31, 2016
    Now I did see a guy going down the highway in the opposite direction on my last trip that had his TC on a dually and was pulling a bumper pull travel trailer behind it using a super hitch. Not a bad idea in some instances
  • maxum1989's avatar
    maxum1989
    Explorer II
    Aug 31, 2016
    Yup. Have both and actively use both about the same amount depending on where we are going and who is coming along.

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