Truck Camper Installation: Bedliner Considerations

If you're looking to go camping in your truck, you'll want to consider getting a truck bed camper. But before you do that, it's important to get a bed liner to protect your truck bed from any potential damage. There are a few different types of bed liners to choose from, including spray-on, plastic drop-in, and rubber bed mats. Some people also choose to add an extra layer of protection with a bed rug or a bed shell. Once you've got your bed liner sorted, you can start shopping for a truck bed camper. There are two main types: slide-in campers and pop-up truck campers. Slide-in campers are the most common type and offer amenities like a regular RV. Pop-up campers are more lightweight and have a lower profile, making them a popular choice for off-road adventures. So, if you're planning to turn your truck into a camping vehicle, don't forget to start with a bed liner!

Slide-in truck campers

Slide-in campers are built similarly to regular RVs but without a base frame, wheels, or a drivetrain. Instead, they are typically constructed with aluminium or bonded fibreglass walls and insulated with fibreglass batting or foam sheets. This construction method allows them to be lightweight while still offering the amenities of a regular RV.

Slide-in campers usually feature sleeping areas, sitting areas, a bathroom, and a kitchen. They can also be cab-over campers, which means they overhang the cabin of the truck, providing room for the main camper mattress.

One of the benefits of slide-in campers is that they can slide out and stand alone when you reach your camping spot, allowing you to use your truck independently. However, they may also make your truck top-heavy and offer limited storage space.

When choosing a slide-in camper, it's important to consider the weight and size of your truck. Lighter campers are available for midsize or compact trucks, but they may have fewer amenities to keep the weight down. Full-size trucks, on the other hand, can accommodate larger and heavier campers with more features.

Additionally, it is recommended to outfit your truck bed with a bed liner before installing a slide-in camper to protect your truck from any potential damage.

Pop-up truck campers

The interior of a pop-up truck camper typically includes a seating area, a small kitchen, and sometimes a separate toilet. You can also find pop-up campers with additional features such as a removable toilet, freshwater storage, and an optional refrigerator. However, it's important to note that pop-up campers generally have more basic and sparse interiors compared to slide-in campers.

When it comes to pricing, pop-up campers are more affordable than slide-in campers, with a range of $8,000 to $42,000 for a pop-up compared to $10,000 to $70,000 for a slide-in. This lower price is due to the simpler construction and lack of hard walls and extensive amenities.

Some popular brands in the pop-up truck camper market include Alaskan Campers, Hallmark Campers, and Palomino Campers. Alaskan Campers offer nine models, including short and long bed versions, while Hallmark Campers provide seven models with similar bed options. Palomino Campers stand out by offering both slide-in and pop-up campers, with six models dedicated to the pop-up style.

Camper weight and truck bed size

When it comes to camper weight and truck bed size, it is crucial to ensure that your truck can safely handle the weight of the camper you intend to use. The payload rating, which can typically be found on the driver's side door pillar placard or in the glove box, will inform you of the maximum weight your truck can carry without overloading its frame, suspension, wheels, and tires. This rating includes the weight of passengers, gear, and a fully loaded truck camper. Exceeding the payload rating compromises safety and may lead to costly repairs.

When selecting a truck camper, you have two primary options: slide-in campers and pop-up truck campers. Slide-in campers are the most common type, featuring hard sides and amenities similar to a regular RV, such as sleeping areas, a bathroom, and a kitchen. The length of a slide-in camper depends on the length of your truck bed, with some models offering overhangs that extend below the bed for additional storage.

If you're considering a pop-up truck camper, you'll find that they have similar visuals to slide-in campers but with a key difference. Pop-up campers have a roof that can be lowered, reducing the overall height and making your truck less top-heavy. This design often features soft, canvas walls that are less insulated but contribute to a lower weight. Pop-up campers are a popular choice for off-road adventures due to their lightweight and streamlined profile.

When matching a truck and a camper, it is essential to consider not only the weight but also the center of gravity and fit compatibility. The camper's center of gravity should be forward of the truck's rear axle to ensure proper handling and performance. Additionally, not all truck-camper combinations are fit compatible, so measuring and verifying the exterior dimensions of both the truck and the camper is crucial.

To ensure a proper match, you can follow three paths: Truck First, Camper First, or Fast Match. If you already own a truck, the Truck First path involves weighing your truck, calculating its payload capacity, measuring the center of gravity, and selecting a compatible camper. On the other hand, if you already have a truck camper, the Camper First path requires calculating the dry-with-options weight of the camper, determining the wet-with-options weight, and then choosing a truck that meets the weight, center of gravity, and fit compatibility requirements. The Fast Match path, recommended for those without a truck or camper yet, involves selecting a specific truck camper, adding a buffer weight, and then finding a truck with sufficient payload capacity.

Remember, the key to a successful truck and camper combination is ensuring that your truck can handle the weight of the camper and its occupants and gear, while also considering the center of gravity and fit compatibility. By taking the time to properly match your truck and camper, you'll enjoy a safer and more enjoyable camping experience.

Camper movement and tie-downs

When camping with a truck camper, it is essential to install camper tie-downs to provide anchor points for securing your camper to your truck. The number and placement of these tie-downs are crucial to ensure the stability and safety of your setup.

Number and Placement of Tie-Downs

Campers require four tie-down points, with two points at the front and two at the rear of your truck bed. This configuration allows the tie-downs to pull the camper in opposite directions, keeping it more stable. The front tie-downs should be located in front of the anchors on the camper, while the rear tie-downs should be positioned behind the rear anchors. This setup prevents the camper from shifting to one end, which could cause the turnbuckles to loosen.

Types of Tie-Downs

There are two main types of tie-downs available: bed-mounted and frame-mounted. Bed-mounted tie-downs typically attach to the bed rails, front wall, or bumper of your truck. On the other hand, frame-mounted tie-downs bolt directly to the truck's frame, providing a stronger and more stable base for securing the camper. Frame-mounted tie-downs also help prevent your setup from becoming too top-heavy. Since they attach to the truck's frame, they are lower than the bed, distributing the weight more effectively and improving handling.

Advantages of Frame-Mounted Tie-Downs

Frame-mounted tie-downs offer several advantages over bed-mounted tie-downs. Firstly, they are attached to the strongest part of the truck, the frame, ensuring a more secure connection. Secondly, they help to avoid bed and bumper damage that is common with bed-mounted tie-downs. Additionally, frame-mounted tie-downs can be customised to fit specific vehicle makes and models, ensuring optimal safety and confidence. They are also designed to be easily installed and removed, with no loss of ground clearance, making them ideal for off-road camping.

Accessories for Tie-Downs

To enhance the security of your setup, consider using accessories such as the Torklift Tie Down Finishing Kit, which protects the tie-down from road debris and grime, preventing rust. Tie Down Locks are also available to secure your tie-down inserts and prevent potential theft.

Camper height and headspace

When it comes to camper height and headspace, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, the height of your camper can impact the overall height of your vehicle, which may be a factor if you plan to use garage or underground parking. For example, the Headspace Camper for the Land Rover Defender 110 adds 138mm to the vehicle's overall height.

The height of your camper will also affect the available headspace inside the sleeping area. A comfortable amount of headspace will depend on your personal preferences and the height of the occupants. Some people may prefer a more spacious feel, while others may not mind a cosy or enclosed space. It's worth noting that taller campers can make your truck more top-heavy, which can affect handling and stability.

When considering camper height, it's also important to think about the type of camper you want. Pop-up campers, for example, have a lower profile when closed, which can make them a more stable option for driving. They also provide more headspace when open, giving a more spacious feel. However, the soft walls of pop-up campers may not provide as much protection from extreme weather conditions as the hard sides of slide-in campers.

Another factor to consider is the length of your truck bed. Longer beds can accommodate larger campers, which may provide more headspace. Additionally, some campers have pop-outs or extendable support legs that can increase the overall size of the camper and provide more headroom.

Finally, the height of your camper can impact the amount of storage space available, both inside and outside the camper. A taller camper may provide more room for storing gear, while a lower-profile camper may be more streamlined and aerodynamic. Ultimately, the decision on camper height should be based on a balance of factors, including comfort, functionality, and safety.

Frequently asked questions