Aayan Hebert
Whether you can legally ride in a truck camper depends on where you are. While it is legal in most US states, five states explicitly outlaw passengers in truck campers when the vehicle is in motion: Maine, Mississippi, Arkansas, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire. Four other states impose specific restrictions: California, Georgia, Hawaii, and Kansas. In California, passengers must be able to communicate with the driver, the exit must be accessible from the inside and outside, safety glass must be installed in the windows, and seatbelts must be worn. In Georgia, passengers must have free access to the driving compartment. In Hawaii, passengers must be at least 13 years old, and in Kansas, they must be 14 or older.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legality | In most states, it is legal to ride in a truck camper while it's in motion. However, laws vary by state, and some states explicitly outlaw passengers in truck campers. |
| Safety | Truck campers are not typically equipped with seatbelts, which are required in RV motorhomes by federal law. Truck campers also don't undergo the same crash testing as cars and trucks. |
| Communication with the driver | Some states require passengers in a truck camper to be able to communicate with the driver, either directly or through a device such as a walkie-talkie or intercom. |
| Age restrictions | Some states, such as Hawaii and Kansas, require passengers in a truck camper to be a minimum age, typically 13 or 14 years old. |
| Other restrictions | Some states require the truck camper to have safety glass, an accessible exit, and the ability for passengers to access the truck's cabin. |
What You'll Learn
Safety belt laws
In general, all states require the driver and front-seat passengers of a vehicle to wear a seat belt. However, laws regarding passengers in the back of RVs and truck campers differ across states. Some states, such as Alabama, Indiana, and Ohio, only require front-seat riders to buckle up. In contrast, other states, like Alaska, California, and Delaware, mandate that all passengers in the vehicle wear a seat belt. Age is also a factor in some states; for example, in Arizona, children under 15 need to wear a seat belt in the back seats, while in Connecticut, passengers in the back seats who are under 16 are required to buckle up.
It is worth noting that seat belt laws are based on the minimum safety standards and do not always reflect the safest practices. The safest practice is to have everyone in the vehicle buckle up, regardless of their seating position or the state's legal requirements.
When it comes to truck campers specifically, there is an added layer of complexity. While some states may legally allow passengers to ride in the back of a truck camper, it is important to consider the safety risks. Truck campers are not typically equipped with safety belts, and unlike motorhomes, they are not required by federal law to have them. Additionally, truck campers are not constructed with high-speed vehicle accidents in mind and may not provide adequate protection in the event of a collision.
To ensure the safety of all passengers, it is recommended to follow the guidelines for motorhomes, which require well-anchored seat belts for all designated seating positions. If passengers ride in a truck camper, it is advised to install a sufficient number of lap belts with adequate anchoring and to only allow it during low-speed travel. Hand-held radios can also aid communication between the driver and passengers in the back.
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Age restrictions
The age restrictions for riding in a truck camper vary from state to state in the US. In Hawaii, for instance, passengers must be at least 13 years old to ride in the camper while the vehicle is in motion. In Kansas, the age limit is 14 years old, while in California, there is no age requirement. However, California requires that passengers in the truck camper be able to communicate with those in the truck, and that the camper's exit must be accessible from both the inside and outside. These age restrictions and additional requirements are important to consider when planning a trip involving a truck camper to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.
It is worth noting that laws can change over time, so it is always a good idea to check the current regulations in the states you plan to visit or travel through before embarking on your journey.
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Communication with the driver
Legal Requirements for Communication
Several states, including California, explicitly require passengers in a truck camper to communicate with the driver. This mandate ensures that the driver is aware of the passengers' presence and can respond to any needs or emergencies. This regulation underscores the importance of maintaining constant communication and a direct line of sight between the driver and passengers.
Methods of Communication
If the truck camper has a pass-through window, it can facilitate direct communication between the driver and passengers. However, if a window is not available, alternative methods such as handheld FRS radios or an intercom system can be utilised. Cell phones are not a reliable option due to inconsistent service.
Visual and Audible Signalling
In addition to verbal communication, some states, like California and Oregon, require an audible or visual signalling device to be present in the truck camper. This could include a simple hand signal or a designated device to alert the driver in case of an emergency or when communication is hindered.
Age-Related Considerations
It is worth noting that some states, like Hawaii and Kansas, impose age restrictions on passengers riding in truck campers. These laws should be carefully considered when planning a trip, as they may impact the ability of younger passengers to communicate effectively with the driver.
Recommendations for Safe Travel
Even if riding in a truck camper is legal in your state, it is essential to prioritise safety. Always ensure that passengers can communicate with the driver and have a clear understanding of emergency procedures. Additionally, consider alternative seating arrangements, such as travelling in the truck's cab or following the camper in a separate vehicle, to enhance communication and overall safety.
In conclusion, communication with the driver is a critical component of safe travel in a truck camper. By understanding and adhering to state laws and implementing recommended safety measures, you can help ensure a more secure and enjoyable journey for all occupants.
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Vehicle size
When it comes to vehicle size, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind when matching a truck to a camper. Firstly, it is important to determine the payload capacity of your truck. This can be done by calculating the difference between the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Curb Weight. The GVWR refers to the maximum allowable weight of your truck when it is fully loaded, including cargo, fluids, and passengers. The Curb Weight, on the other hand, refers to the weight of the truck on its own, with only the necessary fluids. By subtracting the Curb Weight from the GVWR, you can find the payload capacity, which represents the maximum additional weight your truck can handle.
The next step is to determine the centre of gravity of your truck. This can be done by measuring the distance from the front wall of the bed of your truck to the centre of the rear axle. The centre of gravity of your camper should be forward of this point.
Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that the dimensions of your truck and camper are compatible. This includes considering the bed length, bed width, rail height, cab height, tailgate opening, and truck bumper. Not all truck and camper combinations are fit compatible, as campers are typically designed to fit trucks available at the time of manufacture. Therefore, it is important to verify that your specific truck model can accommodate the camper you are interested in.
To improve the handling and stability of the truck, you may also consider adding support equipment such as air springs, special shock absorbers, and cabover shocks. Maintaining maximum tire pressure on quality tires is also recommended.
It is worth noting that truck manufacturers provide certain ratings, such as GVWR, Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), and Combined Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (CGVWR), which can be found on the driver's side door jam, in the glove box, or in the owner's manual. These ratings can help determine the capacities of the truck. However, it is always wise to take your truck to a commercial truck scale to determine its actual weight.
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State-specific laws
In the United States, each state has its own laws regarding the size of your trailer, your speed when pulling one, and the passengers and where they can sit. While most states allow people to ride in the truck camper while it’s in motion, five states explicitly outlaw passengers in the truck camper when the vehicle is in motion.
- California: Passengers in a pickup truck camper must be able to communicate with the driver. The camper exit must be able to be opened from both inside and outside. Safety glass in windows and seat belts are required.
- Georgia: Passengers must have “free access” to the driving compartment. They must be allowed to roam freely about the camper but must have easy access to the drive compartment.
- Hawaii: Passengers must be at least 13 years old.
- Kansas: Passengers must be 14 years old. Passengers fourteen years and older are permitted in 5th-wheels, travel trailers, and truck campers.
- Pennsylvania: Riding in a 5th-wheel is allowed, but not in a truck camper.
In addition to the above, some states require that passengers be able to access the truck cabin, which is not always standard in truck campers.
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Frequently asked questions
In general, yes, but laws vary by state. While most states allow passengers to ride in the camper while the truck is in motion, five states explicitly outlaw it. These states are Maine, Mississippi, Arkansas, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire.
Yes, there are several safety precautions you should take if you're riding in a truck camper. It's important to triple-check your tie-downs and turnbuckles to ensure that your camper is securely attached to your truck. You should also consider installing seat belts in the camper and make sure that all passengers are wearing them. Additionally, it's a good idea to secure any loose objects before setting off and ensure that the camper door is unlocked in case of an emergency.
Yes, a safer alternative is to travel in the truck's cab if it's large enough to accommodate all passengers with seatbelts. Another option is to follow the camper in a separate vehicle.
In California, passengers in a truck camper must be able to communicate with the driver. The camper exit must be accessible from both the inside and outside, and safety glass in the windows and seat belts are required.
