Hello all,
We currently camp in a 6x12 cargo trailer conversion that I built. It's fine but my wife and delightful (screaming) children don't have the patience for the slower highway speeds (CA limit for trailers is 55 mph). Plus we like boondocking and a trailer limits us to the smoother roads.

Understanding that my current truck (Honda Ridgeline) is not going to work for a TC, I'm thinking we will start looking for a 1/2 or 3/4 ton pickup and a TC.

So, what would you all recommend for 2 adults and 2 small children?

Here's a bit more about us:

-We would probably want a used TC to save $$, I don't mind some DIY repair work
-Fuel efficiency would be a very important consideration
-A bathroom would be nice, but not required
-We prefer boondocking to campgrounds
-We don't need luxury features, in fact a lighter camper would be preferable
-I'm not a big fan of soft-sides/pop-tops
-We really only sleep and change clothes inside our current camper, all other activities are outside

Thanks for the input!

Welcome to the Forum!!!... Hope you enjoy it here and hope you stay around and post often!!!

There is just so many to choose from!

If I was new to truck campers and was planning to buy a truck camper, this would be my first pick!

http://www.livinlite.com/truck-campers.php

All Models

When I get ready to buy another TC, I'll be buying one of those!

The reason:.. They use aluminum and you won't have to worry about rot, plus they're ''Ultra Lightweight''.

For a used camper.. Look at the RV Trader Online.

Also, look on Craigslist, but watch out for ''scams''... If you have a local trade-in-sell like we have, I would look there too.

Also when buying used, try and buy from a ''private seller'' instead of a dealer... You will get a much better deal!... I bought my Sunlite from an older couple and we have been really happy with it.. It also has a bathroom, so that was a big plus! ....We've had it for 8 years now!

Good-luck!

Thanks for the tips. Any advice on choosing a truck? I'm looking toward a F150 crew cab, do I need a long bed? I have to park in San Francisco on a regular basis so shorter is better. Will a 3/4 ton handle a whole lot better than 1/2?

Most of us utilizing a truck camper have a 1 ton......Some even go to the 450 or 550. I would consider a HD 3/4 ton minimum, and even then you will be limiting your options on truck campers a lot......and wanting to sleep 4, you will be more comfortable in a larger TC.

I am not personally very familiar with the lighter weight pop top TC's.....Don't know how many you can comfortably sleep.

I have a F-150 Super Cab short bed... I have to leave my tailgate down and the camper comes to the edge of the tailgate.... I also have to use an extension hitch when pulling my boat... I own a welding shop, so I make my own and sell them in my area.

Yeah, a long bed is better... But a lot of people have a short bed.

Ever seen a Crew Cab with a long bed ? ... I know several around here that has one, and they're not good to take to Walmart! LOL


I have a 1/2 ton F-150... When I haul my TC, I pull a pontoon behind... I had to install airbags!

So, if you can, I would get a 3/4 ton... Also, diesel trucks are great!

I've been lookin' for a nice used F-250 Super Crew diesel short bed or long bed.... Hard to find one in this area... Most used ones have a lot of miles!

You can see my setup in this thread.

http://www.truckcamperforum.com/index.php?showtopic=2469

If your looking for something with out the price tag of a Livenlite try looking at Capris. They are economy built and you can get them as a shell or maxed out.

Good hunting, Tom