Truck Campers: Exploring The Cost Of Mobile Adventure

how much is a truck camper

Truck campers are a convenient and cost-effective way to enjoy the outdoors without having to buy an RV or tow a trailer. They are designed to fit into the bed of a pickup truck, and they come in two types: slide-in and pop-up. The cost of a truck camper varies depending on factors such as size, brand, and condition, but on average, a new truck camper ranges from $5,000 to $60,000, while a used one can be found for $2,500 to $30,000.

Characteristics Values
New Truck Camper Price Range $5,000 - $60,000
Used Truck Camper Price Range $2,500 - $30,000
Truck Camper Length 8 - 22 feet
Truck Camper Weight 1,197 - 4,700 lbs

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New vs. used truck camper prices

The cost of a truck camper can vary widely depending on factors such as size, brand, features, age, and condition. On the lower end, you might find used truck campers for around $2,500 to $10,000. Newer and more feature-rich models can range from $15,000 to $60,000 or even higher for premium models with luxury amenities.

New Truck Campers

New truck campers can range in price from as low as $5,000 to over $60,000, depending on the features, brand, and size. For example, the 2020 AT Overland Equipment Summit is an exceptionally lightweight soft-sided truck camper priced between $10,000 to $12,000. On the other hand, the 2021 Lance – TC 1062 is a larger, hard-sided truck camper priced between $35,000 to $45,000.

Used Truck Campers

Used truck campers can be a more affordable option, with prices ranging from under $1,000 to $30,000 or more, depending on the age, condition, and features. For instance, the 2014 Northwood – Wolf Creek 850 is a used truck camper priced between $5,000 to $7,000, while the 2017 Northwood – Arctic Fox 1150, a larger model with more features, is priced between $12,000 to $20,000.

Factors Affecting Price

Several factors can affect the price of a truck camper, whether new or used. These include the type of camper (soft-sided or hard-sided), special features and amenities, the age and condition of the camper, and the brand and manufacturer. Additionally, depreciation can significantly impact the cost of a used truck camper, with newer models typically retaining more value.

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Truck camper sizes

The size of a truck camper is determined by its length, width, height, and weight. These factors are influenced by the type of truck camper (hard-sided or pop-up) and the size of the truck it is designed to fit (compact, mid-sized, full-sized, or heavy-duty).

Length

Truck campers can range from 10 to 20 feet in length, with pop-up campers typically being shorter (10 to 13 feet) and hard-sided campers longer (12 to 20 feet). The length of a truck camper is measured from the front bumper of the camper to the back of the truck bed or overhang if the camper is longer than the bed.

Width

Most truck campers are between 7 and 7.5 feet wide. This width is standard across both pop-up and hard-sided campers.

Height

Pop-up campers are typically shorter than 9 feet, while hard-sided campers can be 11 feet or taller. The height of a truck camper is important to consider, especially when driving, as it can affect the vehicle's stability in high winds or stormy conditions.

Weight

Truck campers can weigh anywhere from 958 pounds to 4,000 pounds or more. The weight of a truck camper is influenced by its size, type, and the number of features and amenities it includes. Slide-outs, for example, can add at least 300 pounds to the weight of a camper. When matching a truck camper to a truck, it is important to consider the truck's payload capacity to ensure it can safely accommodate the weight of the camper and any additional gear.

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Truck camper weight

The weight of a truck camper varies depending on the type of camper and whether it's a hard-side or pop-up style. On average, a truck camper weighs about 2,684 pounds (1,217 kg), with models that have slide-outs adding about 1,000 lbs (453 kg). When checking the specifications, the weight will be listed as either dry weight (the weight of just the vehicle frame) or wet weight (the weight of the vehicle when it's full of fuel and belongings).

When it comes to matching a truck camper to your truck, it's important to consider the payload capacity and truck bed length. The average F-150 truck can handle a payload capacity of up to 2,309 lbs, depending on the model. Additionally, if you plan on hauling outdoor gear or towing a trailer, this will add to the total weight.

  • Travel Lite Rayzr Fb: Dry weight of 2,900 lbs (1,315 kg), wet weight of 3,493 lbs (1,584 kg)
  • Lance Campers: Dry weight ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 lbs
  • Palomino RV: Dry weight of 3,051 lbs, wet weight of 3,716 lbs
  • Travel Lite RV: Dry weight of 1,510 lbs, wet weight of 1,760 lbs
  • Northstar Campers: Dry weight of 1,819 lbs, wet weight of 2,090 lbs

When considering the weight of a truck camper, it's important to take into account the weight of storage, add-ons, seating/sleeping, and gasoline (wet weight). It's crucial to refer to your vehicle's owner's manual and towing and payload capacity information to ensure you don't exceed the recommended weight limits.

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Truck camper manufacturers

Truck campers are versatile and can go anywhere your truck can. They are also known as TCs, slide-in campers, or cab-over campers. There are approximately 18 manufacturers of truck campers in the United States, with the majority located in the western half of the country.

Palomino

The Palomino Backpack Truck Camper HS-6601 offers a lot of features for its list price of $21,000. The exterior features a high-gloss gel-coated fibreglass, a heated and insulated basement, and an aluminium frame with foam insulation. The roof is walkable, and the camper has a dry weight of 2,051 lbs. The kitchen is equipped with a single-bowl sink, a 2-burner stove, a microwave, a single-door refrigerator with a small freezer, and cabinets. Additional features include a hot/cold outdoor shower, an awning, and electric jacks.

The Palomino Backpack Edition Soft Side SS-1251 is another popular model, with a dry weight of 1,795 lbs and a total fresh water tank capacity of 15 gallons. It can sleep up to 4 people and typically costs around $15,000. Palomino is known for producing truck campers that hold their value over time.

Lance

Lance manufactures luxury truck campers, with models ranging from $35,000 to $60,000. The Lance 1172B offers a separate dedicated bedroom with a closet and a full bath, including a shower. The living area features a comfortable sofa and a 4-person dinette. The kitchen is equipped with beautiful cabinetry, a 3-burner cooktop with an oven, a 3-way stainless refrigerator, a large single sink, and a pantry.

The Lance Short Bed 855S is designed for 6-foot short beds and offers a slide-out dinette that can seat 4 people and convert into a bed for 2. This model typically costs around $53,769 and has an overall length of 18 feet. It has an interior height of 81 inches and a dry weight of 2,997 lbs.

Northwood

Northwood manufactures a range of truck campers, including the Arctic Fox and Wolf Creek models. The Northwood Arctic Fox Camper 1150 is a popular choice for families who camp in cold weather and is priced between $30,000 and $40,000. It features superior insulation in the walls and ceiling, a dry bath with a separate toilet and shower, and ample sleeping space for up to 5 people. It has a dry weight of 3,454 lbs and a total fresh water tank capacity of 59 gallons.

The Northwood Wolf Creek 850 is a slightly older model that can be found for as little as $5,000. It offers sleeping space for up to 5 people and has generous water storage tank capacities. It has a dry weight of 2,008 lbs and an interior height of 6 feet 6 inches.

Host

Host manufactures large truck campers, such as the Host Mammoth, which has an overall length of 19 feet 3 inches and a floor length of 11 feet 6 inches. It features 3 slide-outs that provide a ton of interior space, totalling 180 square feet. The dry weight of this camper is 4,700 lbs, and it requires a robust truck with a minimum payload capacity of 5,500 pounds. The Host Cascade is another popular model, offering a range of standard features and options.

Adventurer

The Adventurer Eagle Cap 1200 is one of the most expensive truck campers on the market, priced at $58,985. It offers 100 square feet of floor space and includes luxury features throughout. The bedroom features a 72" x 84" California King bed, while the bathroom has a separate toilet and shower. The galley includes a fridge, a 3-burner stove, and a double sink. The interior also features two sofas and a wardrobe.

The Adventurer 80RB is a mid-range option, typically priced around $24,207. It is designed to fit super-short, short, and long-bed pickups and includes a bathroom with a shower and toilet. This model is lightweight, with a dry weight of 1,819 lbs, and has a forward centre of gravity. It offers sleeping space for up to 4 people and features a comfortable sofa and dinette.

Northern Lite

The Northern Lite 10.2 EX Limited is a distinctive truck camper with an above-average price tag of $49,275. It includes standard equipment not usually found in other similar campers, such as a 14-foot heated basement and enclosed tanks. The bed is a 60" x 80" queen, and the bathroom is a dry bath. It has a dry weight of 3,265 lbs and an overall height of 106 inches. The interior headroom is a comfortable 80 inches, and the camper can sleep up to 4 people.

Travel Lite

The Travel Lite Super Lite 590 is a more affordable option, typically priced at just over $12,500. It includes a comfortable bed, a 3-way 2-cubic foot refrigerator, a dinette with an indoor/outdoor table, a 2-burner stove, and ample seating. The exterior length is 10 feet 3 inches, and the interior floor length is 5 feet 9 inches. The interior height is 6 feet 9 inches, making it comfortable for most people to move around. It is rated for a half-ton pickup.

BigFoot

The BigFoot 2500 9.4 Series Short Bed is a high-end truck camper, typically priced around $41,525. It features R8 1.5-inch high-density EPS insulation and a 30,000 BTU furnace for all-weather comfort. Standard features include electric jacks, rear door awnings, a microwave, and living room skylights. Optional features include an awning, an air conditioner, a

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Truck camper features

Truck campers are a great option for those who want to experience the joys of camping without sacrificing comfort and convenience. Here are some key features to look for when choosing a truck camper:

Size and Weight

Size and weight are important considerations when choosing a truck camper. They range from 6 to 22 feet in length and can weigh anywhere from 1,000 to 5,000 pounds. It's essential to ensure that your truck has the payload capacity to handle the weight of the camper.

Amenities

Truck campers can be equipped with a variety of amenities to make your camping experience more enjoyable. These can include a bedroom, toilet, shower, kitchen, and dinette. Some campers even offer luxury features such as a California King bed, flat-screen TV, and a spacious kitchen with a stove, microwave, and refrigerator.

Materials and Construction

The materials and construction of a truck camper can vary significantly and will impact its durability, insulation, and overall cost. Look for campers with high-quality materials such as aluminum, fiberglass, and foam insulation. Some campers also offer four-season packages, ensuring you can camp comfortably in all weather conditions.

Slide-In vs. Pop-Up

Truck campers come in two main types: slide-in and pop-up. Slide-in campers are hard-sided and designed to fit into the bed of a truck. Pop-up campers, on the other hand, are soft-sided and collapsible, making them more compact and lightweight. Pop-up campers are generally more affordable and fuel-efficient but may not offer as many amenities as slide-in campers.

Brand and Price

The brand and price of a truck camper can also be important factors in your decision. Well-known brands like Lance and Northwood tend to be more expensive but often offer higher-quality construction and more amenities. Used truck campers can be a more affordable option, but it's essential to carefully inspect them for any damage or issues.

Customization Options

Many truck campers offer customization options to tailor the camper to your specific needs. This can include adding extra storage, upgrading the kitchen appliances, or installing a power awning. Keep in mind that these options will increase the overall cost of the camper.

Frequently asked questions

A new truck camper will cost between $5,000 and $60,000.

A used truck camper will cost between $2,500 and $30,000.

The price of a truck camper depends on its size, manufacturer, materials, and amenities.

Slide-in campers are hard-sided boxes designed to slide into the beds of pickup trucks. They are heavier and bulkier than pop-up campers, which affects the handling of the truck. They also have a higher centre of gravity and wind resistance, which can make them harder to handle in heavy winds or when cornering.

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