Truck Camper Buying Guide: Identifying Your Perfect Camper

Truck campers are a unique and adventurous way to explore the outdoors. They are compact habitats that fit into the bed of a pickup truck, providing a portable home with all the comforts of home. With a truck camper, you can explore rugged terrain and tight spots that larger trailers can't access, making them a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts. In this guide, we will introduce you to the world of truck campers, covering everything from their history to their features, and help you identify the key characteristics that make them a versatile and popular choice for camping enthusiasts.

Know the different types of truck campers

There are two main types of truck campers: hard-sided (or slide-in) campers and pop-up campers.

Hard-sided campers are what most people imagine truck campers to be. They have solid walls and a fixed roof, providing excellent insulation and protection from the elements, making them suitable for year-round camping. Full flatbed campers are a subtype of hard-sided campers that are made for completely flat beds and can be as wide as the truck cab.

Pop-up campers, on the other hand, have a collapsible design that "pops up" to reveal additional living space when parked. This design allows for a lower centre of gravity while driving, making them popular for overlanding. The integration with the vehicle also allows for smoother handling and improved off-road capabilities.

Hard-sided campers are further divided into cabover and cabover-less campers. Cabover campers have a forward cabover bedroom area, while cabover-less campers do not.

Pop-up campers can be either hard-sided or soft-sided. Hard-sided pop-up campers have hard wall panels made from wood and aluminium, while soft-sided pop-up campers have pop-up walls made from waterproof vinyl fabric.

Both hard-sided and soft-sided pop-up campers have windows. Hard-sided campers have glass slider windows, while soft-sided campers have windows integrated into their vinyl fabric with built-in shades and bug screens.

When it comes to bathrooms, there are three types: wet baths, dry baths, and toilet-only rooms. Wet baths are shower stalls that contain a sink and toilet, while dry baths are separate rooms with a toilet, sink, and shower stall. Some campers also offer cassette toilets or porta-pottis.

Truck campers also vary in terms of bed length, with options for long beds, standard short beds, and super short beds. Most models are designed for long bed and short bed trucks, but there is an increasing number of super short bed models being introduced to the market.

Finally, truck campers can have different numbers of slide-outs, with options for non-slide, single-slide, double-slide, and triple-slide designs. Slide-outs increase the amount of floor space available but add weight and complexity to the camper.

Understand the features and amenities

Truck campers are designed to fit snugly into the bed of a pickup truck, offering a compact and versatile habitat for camping adventures. They come in a range of sizes and weights, with lengths varying from around 6 to 18 feet and heights from 4 to 8 feet. The weight of a truck camper depends on the amenities it offers, ranging from 700 to 4,000 pounds. Despite their compact size, truck campers are designed to maximise space and comfort, often including clever storage solutions such as cabinets, overhead compartments, and under-bed storage areas.

Truck campers can accommodate one to three people and often come with a variety of amenities to enhance your camping experience. Many models include kitchens equipped with cooktops and sinks, comfortable sleeping areas, and even bathrooms with water hookups. Some truck campers also feature "slides", which are movable sections of exterior walls that can increase the interior living space. These "slides" may contain just the dinette or may be "full wall" slides with additional appliances.

When it comes to construction, truck campers can be categorised into several types:

• Clamshell: This construction type is used by two Canadian manufacturers, Bigfoot and Northern Lite, and consists of two fiberglass shells joined horizontally at the centre.
• Hardside Filon, Wood Framed: This type of camper uses wood framing (usually fir) and is finished with a thin fiberglass layer on a wood backing.
• Hardside Filon, Aluminum-Framed: This camper uses aluminum framing and is finished with a thin fiberglass layer on a wood backing.
• Hardside Aluminum: This camper uses wood or aluminum framing and is finished with aluminum siding.
• Pop-up: A low-profile truck camper designed to reduce weight and wind resistance, available in both soft-walled and hard-walled options.

In addition to the construction types, truck campers can also be classified based on their amenities and features:

• Refrigerators: Keep your food and beverages cool during your trip.
• Stoves: Cook your meals with ease.
• Furnaces: Stay warm and comfortable, even in colder climates.
• Ovens: Enjoy the convenience of baking or roasting on your camping trip.
• Microwaves: Heat up quick meals or snacks.
• Bathrooms and Showers: Some truck campers offer the convenience of a private bathroom and shower.

With their versatile design and ample amenities, truck campers provide a cost-effective and convenient way to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the comforts of home.

Check the weight and size specifications

When it comes to identifying the weight and size specifications of a truck camper, there are several key factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to determine the payload capacity of your truck. This can be calculated by subtracting the curb weight (weight of the truck without cargo or passengers) from the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which is the maximum allowable weight of your truck when fully loaded. It is crucial to ensure that the weight of your truck camper, passengers, and cargo does not exceed the payload capacity to avoid overloading your vehicle.

To make an accurate assessment, consider the weight of optional equipment installed in your truck camper, as well as the weight of passengers, gear, and trailer tongue weight if applicable. Additionally, factors such as the configuration of your truck (2WD vs. 4WD, standard cab vs. extended cab, etc.) and its capacities for carrying and/or towing will influence the compatibility of your truck and camper.

When determining the weight of your truck camper, consider both the dry weight (without any fluids) and the wet weight (with full holding tanks). The wet weight can be calculated by adding the weight of full holding tanks, optional equipment, supplies, personal gear, and other cargo. It is also essential to ensure that the center of gravity of your truck camper is forward of the center of the rear axle of your truck to maintain stability.

Before purchasing a truck camper, verify that its dimensions fit your particular truck model. Measure key features such as bed length, bed width, rail height, cab height, tailgate opening, and truck bumper. Additionally, consider the addition of support equipment such as air springs, special shock absorbers, and cabover shocks to improve truck and camper handling.

It is worth noting that truck manufacturers' websites and brochures may provide misleading or inaccurate information about weight ratings. Always refer to the information physically posted on your truck, such as stickers or labels in the glove compartment, to obtain accurate weight capacity information.

Learn about the loading and off-loading process

Loading and off-loading a truck camper requires some practice and knowledge of how to reverse a vehicle. Here are some tips for the process:

Preparation:

• Recruit a spotter to guide you when backing up the truck.
• Clear your truck bed and lay down a rubber mat to give the camper traction and prevent sliding.
• Remove the tailgate of the truck.
• Adjust the camper jacks to lift the camper to the right height.

Loading:

• Find level ground to make aligning the camper easier.
• Centre the camper and truck and back up in a straight line, adjusting as needed.
• At various points, pause and check for clearance on both sides, around the wheel wells, and ensure the camper's power cord is clear.
• To prevent damage, install a camper bumper kit to safely position the camper on the truck.
• Once the camper is in place, lower it slowly by raising the camper jacks.

Off-loading:

• When off-loading, ensure you do so in a level spot to avoid instability.
• Some campgrounds may not allow off-loading, so check before you begin.
• It may take some practice to become proficient at loading and off-loading, so be patient and take your time.

Find out about the clubs and communities for truck camper owners

There are many clubs and communities for truck camper owners, each offering its own unique benefits and resources. These groups provide a great opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for truck camping and can enhance your overall experience. Here's a detailed look at some of these clubs and communities:

North American Truck Camper Owners Association (NATCOA)

NATCOA is a dedicated community for owners of slide-in truck campers. They have an extensive online presence, with groups and pages on Facebook, offering a platform for members to connect, share experiences, and seek advice. NATCOA also organises rallies and events, providing opportunities for members to meet in person and form lasting friendships.

Truck Camper Magazine Owners Groups

Truck Camper Magazine (TCM) is a valuable resource for truck camper enthusiasts, and they also host several owners' groups. These groups are often centred around specific truck camper brands, such as Adventurer, Alaskan Camper, Arctic Fox, and Capri Camper. By joining these groups, owners can connect with others who have the same camper model, facilitating the exchange of brand-specific tips, modifications, and maintenance advice.

RV Clubs

RV clubs cater to a wide range of recreational vehicle enthusiasts, including truck campers. These clubs offer a sense of community and shared passion for the outdoors and travelling. RV clubs typically organise rallies, camping trips, and social events, allowing members to meet and form lasting friendships. Some popular RV clubs include Escapees, Family Motorcoach Association (rebranding to Family RV Association), and Republic of Nomads. These clubs provide various benefits, such as educational resources, discounts, and community support.

Volkswagen Owners Clubs

For those who own Volkswagen campervans, joining a VW Owners Club can be a great option. These clubs cater to vintage and modern VW models, offering exclusive events, resources, and discounts. The Volkswagen Type 2 Owners Club, for example, caters exclusively to VW Transporter and camper enthusiasts, providing members with access to information and resources related to their vehicles. Other notable VW Owners Clubs include the Hampshire Volkswagen Owners Club, Herts VW Owners Club, and Cornwall Volkswagen Owners Club.

Specialty RV Clubs

Specialty RV clubs offer a more intimate and tailored experience for those seeking a close-knit community. These clubs may focus on specific interests, lifestyles, or geographical locations. Examples include Fulltime Families, which caters to families living the RV life, and Rainbow RV Club, which celebrates and supports LGBTQ RVers. Specialty RV clubs provide a sense of belonging and can be a great way to find your niche within the larger RV community.

Joining these clubs and communities can enhance your truck camping experience by providing access to valuable resources, exclusive events, and a network of like-minded individuals who share your passions and interests. It's a great way to build friendships, gain maintenance tips, and make the most of your travels.

Frequently asked questions