Advice on Camper

[Dusty Stevens]

Im a montana guy myself.
Why do both of those bigfoots look like they just dont fit the truck- like they had to be lifted in the front and dont sit level?

 

[Evan]

I'll reiterate from above: Many slide in campers are too much for a 3/4 ton truck. My buddy had to airbag his Cummins RAM 2500 to adequately support his small slide in because the truck was squatting and would dangerously bounce and wallow at anything above 45mph. Oh, it also cut several mpg and was very loud due to wind drag on the highway. He ultimately got better mileage pulling loaded trailers than he did with that little slide-in.

Slide-ins are small, uncomfortable, and inconvenient to load and unload. I highly recommend people avoid them, based on my experience. A tow behind is much easier to manage and provides a more comfortable experience but it unfortunately takes up more space. For tow behinds, tandem axles are WAY better than a single axle trailer for handling, stability, etc.

 

[284winner]

I'll reiterate from above: Many slide in campers are too much for a 3/4 ton truck. My buddy had to airbag his Cummins RAM 2500 to adequately support his small slide in because the truck was squatting and would dangerously bounce and wallow at anything above 45mph. Oh, it also cut several mpg and was very loud due to wind drag on the highway. He ultimately got better mileage pulling loaded trailers than he did with that little slide-in.

Slide-ins are small, uncomfortable, and inconvenient to load and unload. I highly recommend people avoid them, based on my experience. A tow behind is much easier to manage and provides a more comfortable experience but it unfortunately takes up more space. For tow behinds, tandem axles are WAY better than a single axle trailer for handling, stability, etc.

One rig isn't really the answer for all. I tried pull behinds, fifth wheels and pop ups. None work as well for back in the woods set up or towing another trailer behind. None. Especially if weight in towing is a factor. Towing a lot of weight in deep snow off road is not easy with big trailers or long rigs. I have air bags on my short bed. 2400 lb camper still gives me more than enough front axle weight while rear ride height is whatever I want it to be based on air pressure. I can tow a fairly small half enclosed/ half open trailer behind easily as it's weight is under 3000 lbs loaded. Again, everyone's needs vary. For me, it's the ideal set up. I use it for deer hunting trips. I hunt from 6am thru 6pm and only eat dinner and sleep in it. Perfect for that. During warmer months, I set up for fishing and hang out outside mostly till bedtime if I'm not fishing. In fact, most campers don't stay inside their campers while camping. Only in rainy weather or to sleep. These truck campers have a niche for sure but may not be for all. I will say that my fuel economy isn't any better than when I pulled my fifth wheel. Not so much from wind but from having a tandem axle trailer behind the truck still. I get about 12 mpg with just the camper in. I only got 9 with just my fifth wheel. With camper and trailer behind the truck, I get around 9 also. It's the drag of the trailer tires towed behind the truck that drops the mpg and not high profile camper.

 

[284winner]

I'll say this. If you need a small camp and small footprint, the pick up truck camper fits that bill. Just be aware that used campers are not new. People don't always take care of their things and neglect maintenance. Make sure there are no water stains inside on ceilings or walls inside cupboards, closets etc. When you find the right one, you'll know it.

 

[Evan]

I have air bags on my short bed. 2400 lb camper still gives me more than enough front axle weight while rear ride height is whatever I want it to be based on air pressure. I can tow a fairly small half enclosed/ half open trailer behind easily as it's weight is under 3000 lbs loaded.

I think it's important to emphasize this. I think some folks think their big truck can handle it, but you almost always have to air bag your truck to maintain adequate control on the highway with that much weight on the back of it. Just a factor to keep in mind.

EDIT: I'll clarify that the trailer I was referring to was an open trailer with some ATVs and equipment on it. Maybe 5k pounds; not crazy.

 

[Papa Charlie]

I'll reiterate from above: Many slide in campers are too much for a 3/4 ton truck. My buddy had to airbag his Cummins RAM 2500 to adequately support his small slide in because the truck was squatting and would dangerously bounce and wallow at anything above 45mph. Oh, it also cut several mpg and was very loud due to wind drag on the highway. He ultimately got better mileage pulling loaded trailers than he did with that little slide-in.

Slide-ins are small, uncomfortable, and inconvenient to load and unload. I highly recommend people avoid them, based on my experience. A tow behind is much easier to manage and provides a more comfortable experience but it unfortunately takes up more space. For tow behinds, tandem axles are WAY better than a single axle trailer for handling, stability, etc.

One thing I can agree on. Most trucks are not equipped properly to have a cab over camper. But I could say the same thing about trucks that are pulling loads as well. Most do not use the proper hitch rated for the load, suspensions are not designed from the factory for these types of loads as well. Add to this if you are contemplating a fifth wheel you have just placed a huge hitch in the bed that now has rendered your pickup bed useless (somewhat at least).

Our first camper was heavy, if memory serves me correctly, its dry weight was around 3500lb. Add water, gear and every thing else and it topped 4000lb. I used a Chevy 2500HD, gas engine, single rear wheel truck. I added Firestone air bags and later added an air compressor to adjust and level as needed. Also provided a quick disconnect for air hose to use for repairs or what ever away from home. Currently, I drive an F350 Crew Cab 4x4 Long Bed dually with 7.3lt Northstar diesel. Still would add air bags if I wanted to tow or go with a camper. We are not talking a huge expense, I installed on my last truck for less than $400.

Regardless of what anyone decides to use for camping (Tent, camper, trailer, fifth wheel, etc) one needs to ensure that the vehicle is set up properly to handle it. To expect to take a stock vehicle and put a heavy load on it and then complain it doesn't perform is just self defeating. Like buying a Remington 700 ADL from Cabelas and then complaining it doesn't perform in competition.

 

[284winner]

I think it's important to emphasize this. I think some folks think their big truck can handle it, but you almost always have to air bag your truck to maintain adequate control on the highway with that much weight on the back of it. Just a factor to keep in mind.

EDIT: I'll clarify that the trailer I was referring to was an open trailer with some ATVs and equipment on it. Maybe 5k pounds; not crazy.

100%. When I bought my Truck camper, the truck had factory suspension. Well a 2400 lb camper in the bed of a short box 3/4 ton truck isn't gonna work no matter what companies truck is used. I started off with Timbren suspension blocks. Worked great while camper was in the bed but rode like a logging truck when empty. Removed those this spring and installed Firestone Air bags. Much better system. I never had swaying issues and traveling at 65-70 was no problem. Wind of course hit the side hard and of course caused a little push but never effected the ride or driving. No rear sag either. Even with a 400lb tongue weight trailer on the hitch, it rides fantastic. No different than towing just the trailer. Setting the truck up for what you'll use is necessary. They just don't come from the factory that way unless you buy one set up that way from the factory.

 

[Buzz]

It's set up with an airbag system already.

 

[lawman29]

I've been around slide-ins, bumper pull, gooseneck and 5th wheel. Plus and minuses to all of them.

Some things to think about. Natural light - windows. Ventilate inside with windows and doors that open to naturally cool inside and get rid of humidity. Storage - what do you want to take now or in the future? Fresh water and black/grey capacity... Gallons Propane. Battery power. Honda generator and fuel? Going to cook outside bring your Volcano and charcoal got room? Have some rainy weather and need to hang stuff to dry etc - where (back to that humidity ventilation question).

 

[Richard Coody]

I've been around slide-ins, bumper pull, gooseneck and 5th wheel. Plus and minuses to all of them.

Some things to think about. Natural light - windows. Ventilate inside with windows and doors that open to naturally cool inside and get rid of humidity. Storage - what do you want to take now or in the future? Fresh water and black/grey capacity... Gallons Propane. Battery power. Honda generator and fuel? Going to cook outside bring your Volcano and charcoal got room? Have some rainy weather and need to hang stuff to dry etc - where (back to that humidity ventilation question).

I like the truck campers. Now not those that look like an ant try to carry a Caterpillar back to his nest. They would overload a 550.

The pop up type truck campers are much lighter and make good off road campers.

I too have gone through several different types of campers. Storage is always one of.my top priorities. Make a list of all the stuff you need and then where you would put it in the camper you are looking for. You would be suprised how much space it takes up. Place for clothes that is easy to get to. Food storage,Tools,camping gear.

Weight is next. What can your truck handle easily. Don't be looking at dry weight. Gross vehicle weight is the number and then you want some reserve.

I just sold a camper and wanted to downsize to more of a boondocking camper. I started with the little eco campers. Lightweight no problem towing them into any reasonable location. But nowhere to put anything. Searched for 4 months. Settled on a 26' flagstaff superlite. Plenty of storage, gvw 7500 lb, my f150 is rated for 13,000. sits up nice and high for those rocky mountain forest service roads. Has an outdoor kitchen that works very well camping. Smallest thing i could find that works for me.

Good.luck in your search. Everything is a compromise.

 

[COOPDUCK]

I worked at a facility that repaired campers, RV’s and the like. They all fall apart. By far the biggest killer is water leaks. Plan on storing your camper in a garage or shed. At the very least a car port.

Spot on. I have an Arctic Fox currently, and owned a Lance prior. Pretty much all held together with staples, bubble gum, and balsa wood. And you pay a pretty penny for it compared to a bumper pull or 5th wheel. You need to be constantly vigil with water intrusion. I’m constantly checking caulk and seals EVERYWHERE. Not a toy you can buy and forget about.