Truck Campers: Cozy, Compact, And Affordable

Truck campers are a great option for those who want to explore the outdoors without sacrificing comfort. They come in two types: hard-side and pop-up, with the former offering better insulation and storage, and the latter being more lightweight and fuel-efficient. When it comes to bathrooms, truck campers typically have either a wet bath, dry bath, or no bath at all. Wet baths are more common due to their space-saving design, while dry baths offer a more residential feel. For those who want to save weight and cost, a truck camper without a shower and bathroom is a viable option, with some campers opting for outdoor showers or portable toilets instead. The price of a truck camper without a shower and bathroom can vary depending on the brand and features, but generally, they are more affordable than their bath-included counterparts.

Truck camper showers and their functionality

Truck campers are a great way to explore the world while still having some of the comforts of home. They are highly versatile, less expensive than full-size RVs, and can go anywhere a truck can go. However, one of the biggest concerns for people considering a truck camper is the bathroom situation. Most truck campers have what is known as a "wet bath," which means the shower and toilet are in the same space. This can be a bit cramped, but it does allow for more privacy than a public restroom. Some truck campers also offer a "dry bath," which has a separate shower stall. This option tends to be found in larger truck campers.

When it comes to showering in a truck camper, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, water conservation is key. Truck campers typically have limited water tank capacities, so it's important to take quick, navy-style showers. Some people choose to use a camp shower, which is a portable shower head that you can hang anywhere and fill with a few gallons of water. This option saves water and eliminates the need to worry about tank capacities. Another option is to install a recirculating shower system, which recycles the water used during your shower. This system can be a bit complicated to install and may not be ideal for everyone, but it certainly helps conserve water.

Another thing to consider is the size of the shower. Truck camper showers tend to be on the smaller side, so if you're tall or have broad shoulders, you may find it a tight squeeze. Some people choose to sit on the toilet to shower, which can help make the most of the limited space. Additionally, a wet bath can be a bit messy, as everything tends to get wet. It's important to have a good ventilation system to help dry out the bathroom after showering.

While truck camper showers may not be as luxurious as those found in larger RVs, they certainly get the job done. With a bit of creativity and flexibility, you can enjoy the benefits of a hot shower even when you're off-grid. For those who prefer a more rustic experience, there's always the option of showering at campground facilities or simply bathing in a nearby river or lake. Ultimately, the decision to include a shower in your truck camper comes down to personal preference and how much weight your truck can handle.

Cassette toilets and how they work

Cassette toilets are a type of toilet commonly found in RVs, caravans, motorhomes, and truck campers. They are characterized by their small, portable waste tanks, known as cassettes, which can be removed and emptied at a public restroom or dump station. This makes them a popular option for those who enjoy off-grid camping or prefer not to deal with the hassle and long lines of traditional dump stations.

Cassette toilets function similarly to a regular toilet in that you can sit on them and flush them. However, instead of flushing into a black tank, the waste is stored in a small, portable waste tank (the cassette). These cassettes typically have a capacity of around 5 gallons and are mounted atop a bench seat inside the camper. They are accessible from the outside through a small hatch, which is where you fill them with clean water and remove them for emptying.

Benefits of Cassette Toilets

The main advantage of cassette toilets is their compact size, making them ideal for small RVs, truck campers, and similar vehicles with limited space. They are also easier to clean and tend to have less odour due to the need for more frequent emptying. The portability of the cassettes means you can empty them without having to drive your entire vehicle to a dump station, which is especially convenient if you plan to camp in one place for an extended period.

Tips for Using a Cassette Toilet

• Avoid using the cassette toilet for solid waste if possible, as it can lead to clogs and make dumping more difficult.
• Do not put toilet paper in the cassette; instead, throw it away to save space and prevent clogging.
• Dump the cassette frequently, especially if travelling in a group, as it can become heavy and full quickly.
• Clean the cassette regularly to avoid odours and maintain hygiene.
• Use a tank cleaner or distilled white vinegar to reduce chemical usage and keep the cassette fresh.

Examples of Cassette Toilets in Truck Campers

• Thetford C402C Cassette Toilet: Features a 4-gallon freshwater tank and a 5-gallon removable waste cassette. It offers flexibility in dumping locations and is easy to clean and maintain.
• Northstar Liberty: A lightweight and short truck camper featuring a wet bath with a cassette toilet and both interior and exterior showers.
• Adventurer 80RB: Adaptable and light-duty camper with a wet bath, foot-flush toilet, and an outdoor shower.

Wet baths and their pros and cons

Wet baths are a type of bathroom commonly found in small campers, trailers, and RVs. They combine the shower, toilet, and sink into one compact space, allowing for more living or sleeping space in the camper. While they are a great option for those looking to save space, there are some pros and cons to consider before deciding if a wet bath is right for you.

Pros:

• More Space for Showering: The combined space of the shower and toilet can make the shower feel more spacious, giving you more room to move around.
• Convenience: Having a wet bath means you have the convenience of a full shower and toilet in a small space. This is especially useful for those camping off the beaten path or in remote areas without bathroom facilities.
• Larger Shower: Since the entire bathroom is your shower, wet baths often provide a larger shower space compared to dry baths.
• Place to Sit: The toilet provides a place to sit while showering, which can be handy for washing your feet or cleaning areas that are easier to reach while sitting down.
• Easy Cleanup: Since everything in a wet bath is designed to get wet, cleanup is easy. You can simply spray down the entire area and wipe it dry.
• Drying Space: Wet baths can also be used as a drying space for wet clothes, umbrellas, or other items you don't want in your living space.

Cons:

• Everything Gets Wet: The biggest drawback of wet baths is that everything inside will get wet when you take a shower. This includes the toilet, walls, counter, mirror, and any toiletries you have in the bathroom.
• Lack of Storage: Wet baths typically have limited storage space for toiletries and other items. You may need to remove these items before taking a shower to prevent them from getting wet.
• Time-Consuming: You will need to spend time drying off the wet bath after each use to prevent moisture problems and mould.
• Privacy: Wet baths may not offer as much privacy as dry baths, as they often have glass or acrylic doors that are open at the top for ventilation.
• Wear and Tear: Wet baths may show wear and tear faster than dry baths due to constant water exposure and foot traffic.

Ultimately, the decision to opt for a wet bath or dry bath comes down to personal preference and the size of the camper you are purchasing. Wet baths are a great option for those looking to save space and have the convenience of a full bathroom, but they may require a bit more maintenance and come with some trade-offs in terms of privacy and storage.

Now, onto your initial query: how much is a truck camper without a shower and bathroom?

Truck campers with basic features and amenities can range from $12,499 for a used model to upwards of $30,000 for a new one. For example, the Northstar Liberty, which does not have a shower but includes a cassette toilet, is priced at $35,990.

If you're looking for a more lightweight option without a bathroom, you can find campers weighing between 1,000-1,500 lbs, which will be even more affordable.

Dry baths and their pros and cons

Dry baths are what you would expect to find in a traditional house and are common in larger RVs. They have a separate shower, sink, and toilet, with only the shower getting wet.

Pros of Dry Baths

• Easy to share: Multiple people can use the bathroom at the same time, making it ideal for couples or families.
• Familiarity: Dry baths are similar to home bathrooms, providing a sense of comfort and familiarity.
• Storage: Dry baths typically offer more storage space for toiletries and other bathroom essentials.
• No soaking: You don't have to worry about everything getting wet, including the toilet paper.
• Privacy: Dry baths usually have better privacy due to their solid doors.

Cons of Dry Baths

• Space: Dry baths take up more space, which may be a concern in smaller RVs or campers.
• Expense: RVs with dry baths tend to be larger and more expensive overall.
• Cleaning: They require more cleaning and upkeep since they don't get hosed down like wet baths.
• Weight: Dry baths may add weight to your vehicle, affecting fuel efficiency and manoeuvrability.

Truck camper bathroom locations

Truck bed campers are a specially built RV that rests inside the bed of a truck. They are also referred to as pickup campers, slide-in campers, or truck campers. They are highly versatile and can go anywhere that the truck can go. They are also more affordable than full-size RVs and are easier to store.

Truck bed campers can come with a bathroom, which is a huge plus when travelling through areas without many rest stops or spending time in remote areas without bathroom facilities. The bathroom can be a wet bath, dry bath, or outside shower.

A wet bath combines the shower, toilet, and sink into one room, which is convenient for those who need to bathe while seated. It also takes up less space, making it ideal for truck campers where space is limited.

A dry bath has a separate shower stall and toilet, giving it a more home-like feel. This option provides more privacy and may be preferred by those who want to avoid the cramped quarters of a wet bath.

Lance 650 Truck Camper

This truck camper is designed for half-ton trucks with 5' and 6' beds, such as the Ford F-150. Despite its compact size, it includes a full-size dinette, kitchenette, queen-size bed, and ample storage. The bathroom features a shower, foot pedal toilet, removable clothes rod, skylight, and ducted heat. The starting MSRP is $35,456.

Lance 975 Truck Camper

The Lance 975 is a hard-side, full-wall slide-out truck camper made for one-ton dually trucks. It features a mid-ship dry bath with a separate marine toilet and shower, giving it a home-like feel. It also has impressive water storage tanks, with a capacity of 45 gallons of fresh water, 30 gallons of grey water, and 28 gallons of black water. The dry weight is 3,675 lbs, and the starting MSRP is $56,413.

Northern Lite 10-2EXCD Special Edition Truck Camper

This robust truck camper offers a touch of luxury with its "Dry Bath", which separates the shower stall and toilet. It has large water storage tanks that can accommodate a small family for multiple days of boondocking. The hot water heater is 6 gallons, and the dry weight is 2,650 pounds, requiring a three-quarter to one-ton truck for support. The interior includes a true queen-size bed and a dinette that can be configured in a face-to-face or U-shaped layout. The MSRP is $64,995.

Northstar 850SC Popup Truck Camper

The Northstar 850SC is a pop-up truck bed camper with a wet bath and shower. It has a pop-top roof that improves fuel economy while in motion and provides ample headroom when raised. This camper can fit in a standard short bed or long bed pickup. It features a queen bed and a convertible U-shaped dinette, accommodating 3-4 sleepers. The freshwater tank has a capacity of 30 gallons, the grey water tank holds 13 gallons, and the black water tank holds 5 gallons. The dry weight is 1,785 lbs, and the starting MSRP is $28,995.

Adventurer 80RB Truck Camper

The Adventurer 80RB is a versatile and light-duty truck camper that can fit on any truck bed, from super short to long bed configurations. It incorporates a wet bath with a foot-flush toilet, a fiberglass shower pan, a skylight, and a vent fan. There is also an outside shower. The camper offers a queen mattress and a convertible sofa that turns into an additional bed. The freshwater tank has a capacity of 15 gallons, while the grey and black water tanks hold 6 gallons each. The dry weight is 1,762 lbs, and the starting MSRP is $21,245.

Frequently asked questions