The Cost Of Truck Campers: A Comprehensive Guide

Truck campers are a type of trailer that hitches onto the bed of a pickup truck. The average price of a new truck camper is $5,000 to $60,000, with the price differential due to materials, size, weight, and manufacturer. Used truck campers are cheaper, with prices ranging from $2,500 to $30,000.

New truck campers can cost between $5,000 and $60,000

New Truck Campers: A Wide Range of Options

Basic Models

If you're looking for a no-frills option to get you outdoors, you can find new truck campers at the lower end of the price spectrum, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. These models often include essential features such as a bed area, a small food preparation area with a sink and stove, and a sitting area that can be converted into additional sleeping space.

For example, the 11' folding 2011 Palomino Bronco B600, priced between $8,000 and $15,000, offers a double bed, a dinette, a two-burner stove, a sink, and an icebox or mini-refrigerator.

Larger Models with Additional Features

If you require more space and amenities, larger truck campers typically range from $20,000 to $50,000. These models often include features such as a bathroom, additional sleeping areas, and even slide-outs to expand your living space.

For instance, the 20' Lance 1191, starting at $30,000, offers a queen-sized bed, a dinette, a three-burner stovetop and oven, a refrigerator, and a bathroom with a sink, toilet, and separate shower stall.

Luxury Options

For those seeking the utmost in comfort and convenience, luxury truck campers can cost upwards of $50,000, with some models reaching prices of $60,000 and beyond. These top-tier options offer spacious interiors, high-end finishes, and a wide range of amenities.

Take the Lance 1172B, for example, with a sticker price of $60,000. This model boasts a separate bedroom with a closet and a full bath, a spacious living area with a dinette and sofa, and a well-appointed kitchen.

Factors Affecting Price

The cost of a new truck camper depends on various factors, including size, weight, materials used, manufacturer, and included amenities.

Size and Weight

Larger and heavier campers require more materials and often incorporate more durable, expensive components. As a result, they tend to be priced higher than their smaller and lighter counterparts.

Manufacturer and Brand Recognition

Well-known brands, such as Lance, can command higher prices due to their reputation and assumed trust in the market. On the other hand, smaller manufacturers may offer more affordable options but require buyers to place more faith in their products.

Amenities and Upgrades

The inclusion of additional amenities and upgrades can significantly increase the price of a truck camper. Features like slide-outs, larger bathrooms, upgraded kitchens, and entertainment systems all contribute to a higher price tag.

Additional Considerations

When purchasing a new truck camper, it's essential to consider the payload capacity of your truck to ensure it can safely accommodate the camper's weight. Additionally, don't forget to factor in potential additional costs, such as taxes, shipping, finance charges, warranty fees, and dealership fees.

Used truck campers can cost between $2,500 and $30,000

Used truck campers are a great option for those looking for a cost-effective way to combine transportation and accommodation. They are also ideal for those who want to navigate narrow roads and find unique camping spots, as they are compact and highly manoeuvrable.

When shopping for a used truck camper, it is important to thoroughly inspect it for any water damage, rust, and structural issues. It is also crucial to check that all appliances, plumbing, and electrical components are in proper working condition. Ensure that the camper fits your truck by checking the size and weight capacity requirements.

Some things to keep in mind when considering a used truck camper include the maintenance history, potential recalls, layout, amenities, and storage space. It is also beneficial to research online forums and user reviews to learn about common issues and the camper's reputation.

With a lower price point, used truck campers offer a great opportunity to access a wide range of features and amenities that might have been unaffordable when buying new.

Basic truck campers cost between $3,000 and $15,000

Basic truck campers are an affordable option for those looking to explore the great outdoors without breaking the bank. With prices ranging from $3,000 to $15,000, they offer a cost-effective way to combine transportation and accommodation. This type of camper is also known as a slide-in camper or a cab-over camper and is designed to fit into the bed of a pickup truck.

When it comes to features, a basic truck camper will typically include a narrow room with a bed area, a table or sitting area that can be converted into an additional bed, and a small food preparation area with a sink, a two-burner stove, and either an icebox or a mini-refrigerator. Some models may also offer a wet bath, where the shower and toilet are combined in a single stall, or a dry bath with a separate shower and toilet area.

One of the advantages of a basic truck camper is its maneuverability. It can go almost anywhere a pickup truck can, making it ideal for navigating narrow roads and finding unique camping spots. Additionally, its compact size makes it easier to store in your garage or driveway when not in use.

When shopping for a basic truck camper, it's important to consider factors such as truck compatibility, intended use, and your budget. Be sure to inspect the camper thoroughly for any signs of water damage or structural issues, and ensure that it fits your truck in terms of size and weight capacity. With proper care and maintenance, a basic truck camper can provide you with years of camping adventures and outdoor exploration.

Large truck campers cost between $20,000 and $50,000

Large truck campers are a cost-effective way to combine transportation and accommodation, saving on separate hotel stays and restaurant expenses. They are also a good option for those who want to tow a trailer behind their truck.

Large truck campers can cost between $20,000 and $50,000. This range is for new models, and the price will depend on the features included. For example, a larger truck camper with features such as a bathroom or a slide-out to expand the living space will be priced at the higher end of this range. Soft-sided slide-outs are less expensive than hard-sided ones.

The price of a large truck camper also depends on the type of truck it is meant to be paired with. Some truck campers are designed for three-quarter or one-ton pickup trucks and can be quite expensive. Others are designed for smaller trucks and are more affordable.

When budgeting for a large truck camper, it is important to consider not just the purchase price but also the ongoing costs of ownership, such as maintenance and repairs. Additionally, truck campers start depreciating as soon as they are bought, so it is worth considering buying a gently used camper that is a few years old to save some money.

Truck camper depreciation: 20-30% in the first year

Truck campers are a great option for those who want to experience the #VanLife but prefer the affordability, off-road capabilities, and other options that come with a pickup truck. They are also one of the least expensive types of recreational vehicles, with prices ranging from $5,000 to $60,000 for a new camper. However, depreciation can significantly impact the cost of a new versus a used truck camper.

Truck campers depreciate quickly, and it is estimated that you lose 20-30% of your RV's value by simply driving it off the lot. In the first year alone, a truck camper can depreciate by as much as 30%, and this depreciation curve gradually shallows out to around 50% of the original purchase price by the end of the 6th year. This means that a truck camper that initially cost $50,000 could be worth as little as $35,000 after the first year and only $25,000 by the end of the sixth year.

Several factors contribute to this rapid depreciation. Firstly, time is a significant factor, as the longer you own the camper, the more the value decreases. Additionally, external damages such as dents, scratches, and dings can cause drastic depreciation, even if they are purely cosmetic. It is important to repair these issues quickly and inexpensively to maintain the value of your camper.

Another factor that affects depreciation is the class of the vehicle. Nearly all motorhomes fall under three distinct classes: Class A, Class B, and non-motorized RVs such as travel trailers. Depreciation rates vary among these classes, with fifth-wheels depreciating the fastest, followed by Class A and Class B vehicles.

The brand of the RV can also impact depreciation, as people tend to associate influential brand names with high-quality products. RVs made by trusted brands like Winnebago, Airstream, and Coachmen will depreciate at a slower rate than those made by lesser-known brands.

Furthermore, broken or old appliances can significantly devalue your RV. Modern motorhomes often come with microwaves, ovens, television sets, and USB chargers. If these appliances are outdated or not functioning properly, it can negatively affect the overall value of the vehicle.

Finally, proper storage of your RV when it is not in use is crucial. Storing your RV outdoors without a cover can lead to corrosion and pest infestations, resulting in costly repairs. Instead, it is recommended to store your RV in a garage or covered carport, or rent a storage space if you do not have the necessary space at home.

Frequently asked questions