Truck Bed Camper Cost: How Much To Shell Out?

Truck campers are RVs that are designed to fit over the cab of a pickup truck. They are also referred to as slide-ins or cab-over campers. New truck campers can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $76,500, while used truck campers can range from $650 to $65,000. The price of a truck camper depends on various factors, such as the type, age, features, and manufacturer.

Truck campers can be categorized into two types: hard-sided and soft-sided. Hard-sided truck campers have rigid walls, while soft-sided truck campers have canvas sides that collapse when travelling, making them more compact and aerodynamic. Hard-sided truck campers are generally more expensive, ranging from $20,0000 to over $50,0000, while soft-sided truck campers are more affordable, with prices starting at around $8,000.

When choosing a truck camper, it is important to consider the payload capacity and bed size of your truck. Additionally, certain features and amenities can affect the price of a truck camper, such as an upgraded suspension system, air conditioning, and insulated water storage tanks.

Overall, the cost of a truck camper can vary significantly depending on various factors, and it is important to do your research to find the best option that fits your needs and budget.

New truck campers can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $76,500

New Truck Campers:

Truck campers are a great option for those who want to experience the RV lifestyle. They are versatile and can go anywhere your truck can go. They are also easy to store and fuel-efficient. A truck camper is a good choice for those who enjoy dry camping and simple set-ups.

The cost of a new truck camper can vary depending on the features, amenities, and type of truck it is meant to pair with. Prices for new truck campers can range from as little as $5,000 to as much as $76,500.

On the lower end, you can find small popup truck campers with minimal features starting at around $5,000. These campers are a good option for those on a budget or who want a more basic camping experience.

However, if you are looking for a more luxurious option with all the amenities, you can expect to pay a premium. Larger models meant to fit on three-quarter or one-ton pickup trucks and loaded with luxury features can cost as high as $50,000 to $76,500.

When considering a new truck camper, it is important to keep in mind the payload capacity of your truck. Truck campers can be heavy, so you will need to ensure your truck can handle the weight. Additionally, the size of the truck's cargo box will also influence the size and type of truck camper you can accommodate.

• The 2020 Palomino Backpack Edition Soft Side SS-1251 (Price: $15,000): This soft-sided truck camper has a dry weight of 1,795 lbs and can sleep up to four people. It offers a good balance of features and price, making it a popular choice for those looking for an affordable option.
• The 2020 AT Overland Equipment Summit (Price: $10,000 - $12,000): This ultra-lightweight soft-sided truck camper is designed to fit in the box of most half-ton pickup trucks. It has a unique design where the roof rises in the rear, providing more space while keeping the profile low.
• The 2021 Lance – TC 1062 (Price: $35,000 - $45,000): This hard-sided truck camper is on the higher end of the price spectrum. With a dry weight of over 3,000 lbs, it requires a one-ton pickup truck. It offers a spacious interior with a slide-out section, a large bathroom, and ample water storage tanks, making it a good choice for families.
• The 2020 Real-Lite Truck Camper HS-1910 by Palomino (Price: $18,000 - $25,000): This truck camper offers a great balance of features and price. With a dry weight of 3,037 lbs, it can fit most three-quarter-ton pickup trucks. It has a spacious interior and ample water storage tanks, making it a comfortable choice for three to four people.
• The 2020 Northwood – Arctic Fox Camper 1150 (Price: $30,000 - $40,000): This hard-sided truck camper is designed for three-quarter to one-ton pickup trucks. It offers superior insulation, making it ideal for cold-weather camping. With a spacious interior and large water storage tanks, it can comfortably sleep up to five people, making it a good choice for families.
• The 2020 NuCamp Cirrus 920 (Price: $37,000 - $44,000): This hard-sided truck camper has a sleek design and is packed with features. It offers a separate sleeping area, a wet bath, and ample sleeping space for a small family. With a dry weight of 3,454 lbs, it requires a robust truck to accommodate its weight.

Used truck campers can cost anywhere from $650 to $65,000

Truck campers are a great option for those who want to explore the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort and convenience. They are easy to store and fuel-efficient, making them a popular choice for campers.

When it comes to used truck campers, the price range is quite wide. For example, a used truck camper in good condition can cost around $25,000, while those on the lower end of the spectrum might only set you back a few hundred dollars.

If you're looking for a more affordable option, consider a soft-sided truck camper. These tend to be more lightweight and have a lower profile, making them safer for highway driving and more fuel-efficient. They also typically cost less, with new models starting at around \$8,000 and used ones available for as little as $650.

On the other hand, hard-sided truck campers are built with rigid walls and offer more headroom and space for amenities like a dry bath, expanded kitchen, or increased sleeping quarters. These usually start at around $20,000 for a new model and can go up to $65,000 for a used one.

When purchasing a used truck camper, it's important to inspect the unit thoroughly, paying close attention to the seams, caulking, roof, plumbing, and other components. This will help ensure that you're getting a quality product that will provide many years of camping enjoyment.

In addition to the type of truck camper, the vehicle you plan to pair it with will also impact the cost. Truck campers are designed to fit specific types of trucks, so it's crucial to consider the payload capacity and bed size of your truck when making your decision.

Overall, used truck campers offer a wide range of options to suit different needs and budgets. Whether you're looking for a simple and affordable soft-sided camper or a luxurious hard-sided model, there's sure to be an option that fits your camping lifestyle.

Soft-sided truck campers are cheaper than hard-sided ones

Soft-sided truck campers are generally more affordable than their hard-sided counterparts. While hard-sided campers offer durability and weatherproofing, soft-sided options are more cost-effective, especially for those on a limited budget.

The price of a truck camper varies based on various factors, including the type, age, manufacturer, features, and amenities. Soft-sided campers tend to be more affordable, with prices ranging from $2,000 for a used model in decent condition to $11,999 for a new Forest River Palomino (as of 2020). In contrast, hard-sided campers can cost anywhere from $5,000 for a used model to upwards of $11,000 for a new one, with some options even reaching $26,000.

For example, the 2020 Palomino Real-Lite truck camper offers both hard-sided and soft-sided models. The soft-sided Forest River Palomino (2020) is priced at $11,999, while its hard-sided counterpart, the Palomino Real-Lite HS-1912 (2020), is listed at $25,995. This significant price difference of nearly $14,000 illustrates the cost advantage of choosing a soft-sided option.

Soft-sided campers are a great choice for those who want to enjoy the camping experience without breaking the bank. They often include essential features such as a mattress, cooktop, sink, fridge, and storage, all while being easier on your wallet.

However, it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences. Hard-sided campers offer advantages like increased durability, weatherproofing, and sometimes more space, which may justify the higher price tag for some buyers. Ultimately, the decision between a soft-sided and hard-sided truck camper depends on your budget and the features that are most important to you.

Soft-sided truck campers are more vulnerable to wear and tear

In addition, soft-sided truck campers are typically not as well-insulated as hard-sided campers, which can make them less comfortable in extreme temperatures. They may also be noisier, due to the thinner walls, and the wind can cause the walls to move, making it difficult to sleep. For these reasons, soft-sided campers may not be ideal for use in harsh weather conditions or for extended periods of time.

Another consideration is security. Soft-sided campers often have only one door, and the soft sides themselves may be easier for intruders to breach. If you are camping in a remote area or are concerned about security, a hard-sided camper may be a better option.

Furthermore, some campgrounds do not allow soft-sided campers due to safety concerns. This is especially true in areas with bears or other wild animals that could potentially tear through the soft sides. Therefore, if you plan to camp in certain national parks or other restricted areas, you may need to opt for a hard-sided camper.

While soft-sided truck campers offer a more affordable and lightweight option, they may not be as durable or secure as hard-sided campers. They may also be less comfortable in certain weather conditions and may have more restrictions on where they can be used. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider your needs and priorities before deciding which type of truck camper is right for you.

Hard-sided truck campers are more spacious

Hard-sided truck campers offer more choices in today's market. There are more hard-sided camper makes and models available, both new and used, than pop-up campers. The big three manufacturers—Lance, Northwood Manufacturing, and Host—offer a total of 24 full-size models, with some made for full-size, short-bed trucks, and others for full-size, long-bed trucks.

Hard-sided campers are larger and offer much more living space than pop-up campers. This is due to their longer floorplans, which can offer a floor length of up to 12 feet, and the availability of slide-outs, which provide even more living space. The amount of living space in some triple-slide campers, such as the Host Mammoth 11.6 and the Rugged Mountain Denali 3S, rivals that of a motorhome.

The higher walls and roof lockers of hard-sided campers also provide more storage space. Additionally, the bed in a hard-sided camper is always accessible, making it convenient for quick power naps during road trips.

Hard-sided campers also tend to offer more amenities. While some pop-up campers offer a wet bath, most are small and cramped. In contrast, many hard-sided models feature larger dry baths with spacious grey and black water holding tanks. For example, the Rugged Mountain Denali 3S offers a whopping 82 gallons of fresh water, whereas pop-up campers typically have smaller holding tanks.

Hard-sided campers also offer more air conditioning options, with both AC and DC air conditioner models available. They usually have larger electrical systems, including bigger batteries and solar setups.

When it comes to protection from the elements and wildlife, hard-sided campers are superior. They are better insulated and quieter than pop-up campers, providing a more comfortable and peaceful camping experience. Additionally, some national parks don't allow pop-up campers in areas with bears due to safety concerns.

In summary, hard-sided truck campers offer more space, amenities, and protection from the elements. They are a great choice for those seeking a spacious and comfortable camping experience, especially in colder climates or areas with wildlife concerns.

Frequently asked questions