Truck Camper For Chevy Silverado 1500

BurbMan wrote:
Bert this issue is that the beaches that the OP references all require self-contained camping, so at a minimum he needs to be able to use a port-a-potty under the cap, and also have fresh water, sink, and gray tank.

Ah. Bummer.

specta wrote:
Have you considered a travel trailer?

i have thought about a trailer. have not ruled one out. though as stated
in an earlier post there are 5 places where i can camp on the beach or next
to the ocean. 4 of them only allow truck campers.

Bert this issue is that the beaches that the OP references all require self-contained camping, so at a minimum he needs to be able to use a port-a-potty under the cap, and also have fresh water, sink, and gray tank.

A tall cap was gonna be me suggestion. If it's fiberglass or Alum., with no windows, you could add some. Might find one used. Seems auto parts store trucks I see have cube units that aren't that big but may be big enough. But then it's a question of getting it on and off the truck. OK if you have a forklift.
Maybe a truck cap just for sleeping (would be like crawling into bed in a TC, really) and get a nice size tent. One of those units with the pop up frames and has walls. Have it up against the back of the truck so you'd be mimicking what you have with a TC. But they aren't insulated.
Just don't let your budget force you into doing something dangerous to yourself and others.

32vld wrote:
I am thinking about building my own out of wood. i have the tools.

Let me know if you want some help! The link in my signature is the photo blog for the Lance I am currently rebuilding. First stop will be Montauk! I've also got some spare parts to get you started if you are serious about building a TC. PM if you want to check out the project.

32vld wrote:

we had a pop up years ago. when i hit my 40's, my hands could not take the cold.

Just to be sure, you understand when people in the TC forum talk about pop-ups we're not talking about the trailer that pops up into a tent. We're referring to campers like this-



These often have insulation packages that add a layer of insulation to the fabric portion.

The Four Wheel Grandby is really the perfect camper for your truck. I see Four Wheel now offers a line of Topper model that sits on the bed rail instead of sliding into the truck bed. I suspect winters would get cold in this model though.

32vld wrote:
payload 1,550

problem is if i wanted to put a lance 650 on the truck it would be to short to fill the
bed length wise.

i know that 1,550 lb pl limits me weight wise, but it appears all campers are made for 5.5' or 6.5' beds, unless you have a 1 ton truck.

i also do not want a pop up truck camper.

A 1550 lb payload means you should be shopping for a camper that weighs around 1000 lbs. Ideally 500 lbs but let's be realistic. :)

Even with a 1000 lb camper loaded and ready to camp you'll probably be over your vehicles rated capacity. Most of us are but we also verify we don't exceed tire, wheel, and axle ratings and many of us have added suspension mods to compensate.

There was a company, Six-Pac Campers that made a light weight hard side but they stopped building some years ago. You may be able to find a used one.

Another possibility - Cavecampers

Also, check the Camper Chooser on Truck Camper Magazine.

I had a fairly heavy TC on a 1957 GMC 1500 stepside..I re-arched the springs and it road fairly well..I hauled horses in a two horse trailer over some rough roads and never had axle issues but Burningman did break an axle on a 1/2 ton with a TC...

Don't know what to say about the nay sayers when there are a bunch on here 2K over there GVWR and only a few compared, that are not over there GVWR with a TC..

Building one out of wood probably isn’t the way to go. If $$ is an issue, I’d look at used models and especially used models that came with matching trucks that are suited to carry them. You’ll probably have to do some maintenance and upgrades, but you’ll save a lot in the long run and have a rig that’s matched and not overloaded. Just a thought.

Have you considered a travel trailer?