Exploring The Open Road: Truck Camper Travel

Truck campers are a great option for those who want to travel and camp with ease. They are more lightweight and compact than RVs, making them easier to drive and park, especially in cities. They also have better fuel economy and are more cost-effective. Truck campers can access areas that are off-road or too narrow for RVs, such as certain national parks, rural areas, and winding mountain roads. They are also more convenient for simple stops, like refuelling or going through a drive-through. However, it is important to note that truck campers typically do not have seat belts, and laws regarding riding in them vary by state. Overall, truck campers offer a flexible, spontaneous, and adventurous travel experience.

Truck camper safety

Driving Safety:

• Know the laws: Each state has its own laws regarding trailer size, speed limits when pulling a trailer, and where passengers can sit. Make sure you are familiar with the laws in the states you will be travelling through.
• Use seat belts: Truck campers are not typically equipped with seat belts, but it is important to ensure that all passengers are wearing seat belts while the vehicle is in motion. Seat belts are required by federal law in all RV motorhomes and provide essential safety in the event of an accident.
• Communicate with passengers: If you have passengers in the back of the truck camper, make sure you have a way to communicate with them. Hand-held FRS radios can be useful for this purpose.
• Be aware of your vehicle's limitations: Truck campers are typically not designed for high-speed travel or collision. Drive at safe speeds and be cautious when navigating tight spaces.

Personal Safety:

• Assess your comfort level: If you are camping in a remote location, make sure you are comfortable with the isolation and lack of immediate help in an emergency. Consider the comfort level of those travelling with you as well.
• Be cautious of other campers: Unfortunately, other campers can sometimes be a cause for concern. Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts if someone makes you feel uncomfortable.
• Protect yourself from wildlife: When camping in remote areas, you may encounter dangerous animals such as snakes, bears, coyotes, and insects. Be prepared and know how to respond if you encounter wildlife.
• Secure your campsite: When leaving your campsite unattended, take steps to secure your belongings. Lock your camper, park in well-lit areas, and avoid leaving valuable items visible. Consider investing in a security system or camera to monitor your campsite.
• Be mindful of fire safety: Always follow fire safety guidelines when building campfires. Ensure that you have a way to extinguish a fire, and never leave a campfire unattended.
• Stay informed: Familiarize yourself with potential weather hazards in the area and be prepared for extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes or tornadoes. Have a plan in place for seeking shelter if needed.

State-by-state laws

The laws regarding riding in a truck camper vary from state to state in the US. Here is a state-by-state breakdown of the relevant laws:

California:

In California, passengers are only allowed in fifth-wheel trailers and not in travel trailers. Additionally, California has specific requirements for riding in a truck camper, including the need for safety glass in the windows, safety belts, and accessible exits from both inside and outside. The state also imposes a speed limit of 55 mph for vehicles towing a trailer on freeways.

District of Columbia:

The District of Columbia allows passengers to ride in travel trailers.

Montana:

Montana only permits passengers in fifth-wheel trailers, not in travel trailers.

New York:

New York also only allows passengers in fifth-wheel trailers. The state also prohibits trailers on most parkways.

North Dakota:

North Dakota follows a similar pattern, permitting passengers only in fifth-wheel trailers.

Oregon:

Oregon allows passengers in fifth-wheel trailers but not in travel trailers.

Pennsylvania:

Passengers are allowed in fifth-wheel trailers in Pennsylvania but not in travel trailers.

South Dakota:

South Dakota follows the same rule, with passengers permitted only in fifth-wheel trailers.

Wisconsin:

Wisconsin is another state that allows passengers in fifth-wheel trailers but not in travel trailers. Wisconsin also has specific regulations for riding in a truck camper, requiring passengers to have “free access” to the driving compartment.

Georgia:

Georgia does not explicitly forbid riding in a truck camper but places restrictions on it. Passengers must have “free access” to the driving compartment.

Hawaii:

Hawaii requires passengers riding in a truck camper to be at least 13 years old.

Kansas:

Kansas has a similar age restriction, mandating that passengers must be at least 14 years old.

Alabama:

Alabama imposes an 8-foot width limit and a trailer length limit of 40 feet.

Arizona:

Arizona allows, with some restrictions, more than one trailer.

Connecticut:

In Connecticut, the width of RVs is limited to 7.5 feet, the height to 8 feet, the length to 24 feet, and the weight to 7,300 pounds on specific parkways.

Mississippi:

Mississippi's Natchez Trace has a trailer length limit of 32 feet.

Iowa:

Iowa requires equalizing hitches, sway control, and brakes on all trailers over 3,000 pounds.

Minnesota:

Trailers weighing 6,000 pounds or more must have breakaway brakes in Minnesota.

North Carolina:

North Carolina mandates an independent brake system for house trailers weighing 1,000 pounds or more.

Utah:

Utah requires a breakaway braking system for trailers over 3,000 pounds.

New Jersey:

New Jersey has unique firearm laws, prohibiting out-of-state firearms.

Texas:

Texas has a daytime speed limit of 70 mph and a night-time limit of 65 mph.

Maryland:

Propane tanks are not allowed in the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel or Fort McHenry Tunnel in Maryland.

Virginia:

Virginia restricts the number of portable bottled gas tanks to two with a weight limit of 45 pounds each in specific tunnels.

It is important to note that laws can change, and it is the responsibility of the traveller to be aware of and abide by the specific regulations of each state they are visiting.

Truck camper maintenance

Helper Springs for Your Rig

Consult an expert like Mike Hallmark of Hellwig Products to understand if your truck camper rig is under or over-sprung and what helper springs you may need.

RV LP and CO Detectors

It is important to replace your RV LP and CO detectors regularly. This is a crucial safety measure that should not be overlooked.

Camper Seals

Maintaining camper seals is critical to prevent leaks. Inspect your seals regularly, especially where fixtures meet the roof or sidewalls. Use a strong citrus cleaner like Goo Gone to remove old caulk, and apply new caulk twice a year when de-winterizing and winterizing. Use Dicor sealant for FRP or rubber camper roofs, and Geocel MHRV sealant for the rest of the exterior.

Slide-Out Camper Seal Maintenance

If your truck camper has a slide-out mechanism, remember to use a slide-out rubber seal conditioner at least twice a year to maintain the slide room seals.

Slide-Out Camper Maintenance

Consult an expert like Doug Karr from Northwood Manufacturing for advice on maintaining your slide-out camper mechanism. Most campers use a rack and pinion mechanism from Power Gear or Lippert Components.

Refrigerator Replacement

Be prepared for the possibility of your camper refrigerator failing. Entry doors may be too narrow to remove the old refrigerator, so plan accordingly.

RV Water Heater Maintenance

To get rid of that rotten egg smell from your RV water heater, consider consulting an expert or seeking online advice.

Winterizing Your Truck Camper

If you're not using your truck camper during the colder months, learn how to winterize it properly, especially if it has a slide-out mechanism.

Truck camper living

Advantages of Truck Camper Living

• Flexibility and Accessibility: Truck campers provide the freedom to go off-road and explore remote locations that are inaccessible to larger RVs. They can navigate narrow forest service roads, off-road trails, and areas with road restrictions, such as Zion National Park or Glacier National Park.
• Ease of Travel: Truck campers are more manoeuvrable and can fit into standard parking spaces, making city driving and stopping at gas stations or fast-food drive-throughs much easier.
• Cost-Effective: Truck campers generally offer better fuel economy than towing a large RV. They also provide access to more free camping options on public lands and stealth camping spots. Additionally, insurance for truck campers can be added to existing policies, whereas RVs require separate, more costly policies.
• Simplicity and Spontaneity: Truck campers encourage a minimalist lifestyle, forcing you to bring less and focus more on outdoor adventures. They also allow for spontaneous route changes and explorations without the hassle of finding a secure location to park a larger rig.
• Convenience: Truck campers allow you to tow additional vehicles or equipment, such as a fishing boat or ATVs, and still use your truck for everyday tasks. They also keep your gear with you at all times, providing added security.

Challenges and Considerations

• Space Constraints: Truck campers offer limited living space, so it's essential to be mindful of the amount of stuff you bring and focus on efficient organisation.
• Maintenance and Chores: Living in a truck camper requires regular maintenance and upkeep, including roof and seal inspections, battery checks, and water system maintenance.
• Safety Concerns: Truck campers are not equipped with seat belts, and riding in the camper while driving is generally not recommended due to safety hazards. However, some states have varying laws regarding passengers in campers.
• Campground Restrictions: Some RV parks and campgrounds may have rules restricting truck campers, such as age limits or prohibiting the removal of the camper from the truck.

Tips for Truck Camper Living

• Seal Maintenance: Regularly inspect the seals around windows, doors, and the roof to prevent moisture leaks.
• Battery Checks: Monitor battery life and consider safe storage options to prevent damage and potential theft.
• Water System Maintenance: Use appropriate chemicals and regularly flush grey and black water systems to prevent clogs and ensure clean water.
• Generator Care: Run your generator at least once a month for 15-20 minutes to prevent internal component corrosion and rust.
• Security: Consider using products like the FastGun Wobble Stopper to prevent camper wobbling and potential theft when the camper is off the truck.

Truck camper benefits

Go More Places

Truck campers allow you to go to incredible places that most RVs cannot. This includes off-road trails and locations that require a high-clearance vehicle or 4WD. Many National Parks have road-use restrictions on larger vehicles, but these are not a problem for truck campers. They are also much easier to navigate in cities, where finding parking for an RV can be a challenge.

More Access to Free Camping

Truck campers give you access to millions of acres of public lands that are difficult or impossible for standard RVs to traverse. They are also better for stealth camping, as they are less conspicuous than a large RV.

Better Fuel Economy

Truck campers generally have better fuel economy than RVs. One source reports an increase of five miles-per-gallon when switching from an RV to a truck camper, an increase of 38%.

Less Stuff, Easier Access to Gear

The limited space in a truck camper means you will bring less stuff, which encourages you to get outside and have more adventures. It is also easier to organise your gear efficiently, and it will always be with you when you need it.

Fit in Standard Parking Spaces

Truck campers can fit in standard parking spaces, which is a huge advantage when navigating cities or stopping at restaurants or fast-food drive-throughs.

More Spontaneous Routes

Truck campers allow for more spontaneous adventures. It is easy to change your plans and explore a random forest service road or trail, without having to worry about finding space to turn your rig around.

Insurance Advantages

Truck campers are typically cheaper to insure than RVs. They can often be added to your existing homeowner's insurance policy or your truck's auto insurance policy for a nominal amount.

Easier to Store

Truck campers are small enough to store on your property, or, if not, their compact size means you will pay less for storage in a storage lot.

Better Depreciation Value

Truck campers hold their value better than typical RVs. This is partly because they are built better, but also because of the smaller niche market for them.

Easier to Upgrade

As the truck and camper are separate units, it is easy to upgrade one or the other. This versatility does not exist with a motorhome, which is a single unit.

Better Maneuverability

The compact size and small turning radius of the truck-camper combo make it easy to manoeuvre out of trouble.

Off-Road Capability

The compact size and two-axle configuration of a truck camper mean it can go where a large RV cannot. Add a four-wheel-drive pickup truck and you will be able to go practically anywhere.

Low Maintenance

Truck campers are cheaper to maintain than RVs. There are no towing or running gear costs, and you only need to maintain your truck as normal, with periodic servicing.

Superior Boondocking

Boondocking is easier in a truck camper as they can go more places off the beaten path, and fit into smaller spaces. They also attract less attention, and have sufficient battery and holding tank capacity to last several days without hook-ups.

Competitive Purchase Price

Truck campers are competitively priced, with new models ranging from $8,000 for a basic pop-up to $50,000 for a loaded multi-slide-out hard-side model.

Save Money on Registration and Insurance

In most states, truck campers do not need to be registered, and they are usually insured with your truck. This can save a lot of money compared to other types of RVs.

Save Money on Maintenance

Trucks cost less to service and repair than motorhomes, and there are many more places to get them serviced.

Save Money on Storage

As mentioned, truck campers are small enough to store on your property, or cheaper to store in a storage lot due to their compact size.

Save on Depreciation

Truck campers tend to hold their value better than other types of RVs, as they are built better and there is a smaller market for them.

Save When You Upgrade

Because the truck and camper are separate, you can decide to upgrade one or the other, which can save a lot of money compared to trading up a whole motorhome.

Frequently asked questions