Outline · [ Standard ] · Linear+ Truck & camper suggestions needed, Help choosing

[Sharon]

I'm a single woman hoping to upgrade from a Class B to a truck & camper. There are no RV dealers w/in 20 miles that have slide-in campers & I don't know anybody w/ one so I need lots of help. I want to buy a 4x4 truck, probably 3/4 ton, and a hardshell camper w/ a toilet; for financial reasons both need to be used. I'm particularly interested in knowing which campers have a window that opens to allow access thru the sliding rear window in the truck. Also, which truck(s) would be best suited to those campers. Thank you very much for any advice, suggestions & warnings, Sharon

[Spanky]

Hi Sharon and welcome to the forum. IMO you need to decide which of the two to start with. I think you should start with the camper. Try to find one that appeals to you in looks as well as all the amenities that you require. Hardside campers are almost always heavier than a pop up. The weight depends on those amenities and the length and what it will weigh with full tanks both black, grey and fresh water, and all your food, clothing, dishes, pets, and any other camping equipment that will make you comfortable while camping or traveling. And since you are buying used, you will want to have the camper checked over real good for such things as leaks, broken window cranks, battery, electrcal appliances, heater, fridge,inverter/converter, water pump and anything that works off electric or battery. If buying from a dealer try to get info on the previous owner and contact them and ask them EVERYTHING you can think of. Make sure to ask if the tiedowns come with the camper as these can be coastly if you have to purchase them yourself. Also ask them what kind of truck THEY hauled it on and that may give you a headstart on what sort of truck you would need.
Ahhh the truck. There are so many choices that this is really gonna be up to you as to what brand you are loyal to and what that truck will haul. Things like, do you want a 4x4( which I recommend). You will want to go places that a 2wd truck cannot go, if you plan to do some backcountry camping. I like Ford trucks and they make several models that will haul the biggest camper but there are some other brands that will also. A lot of the members here have Dodge, Chevy and even Toyota's. Do you want a 4 door or a 3 door (which I jokeingly call a truck with 4 doors but the back doors are like half doors) Check the trucks GVWR which tells you what the Manf. says it is designed to haul. Never exceed this rateing. Do you want a truck with a 6ft bed or an 8ft bed? Really depends on the camper. If the camper is 8ft in length or better then you would want an 8ft bed. Some trucks come from the manf ready to haul heavy loads and the there are things that you can buy to install on your tuck to make them load raedy. I would try to find one that is already set up for camper hauling. And again, have the truck checked over before you buy, if it is from a dealer, make sure they do whatever it is you want done BEFORE you leave the lot. If from an individal, ask to take the truck to a trusted mech.and have them give it a once over.
Well, maybe this will get you started and I am sure some of our members here will jump in and have more info for you. Most of all you want to find a truck and camper that work well together. And remember that just like a home this rig is gonna need regular maintence inside and out. Have fun looking and don't hesitate to ask more questions. Here, there are no dumb questions.
Gary
Also take a look at popup campers while you are shopping. They weigh a lot less and are very easy to haul as the top will let down therefore reducing wind drag and will be a little more fuel frindly.

[Sharon]

Thank you, Gary, for the welcome & excellent suggestions, many things to consider that I hadn't tho't of. Thank you for confirming that the first choice is which camper. My reason for thinking hardside is because I plan to do winter camping in the north & have read that windows in a pop up crack below freezing. I'd like to start by learning which campers have an opening window corresponding to the back window of a truck & then choose from them; any suggestions as to how to learn this? Thank you, Sharon

Hi Sharon and welcome to the forum. IMO you need to decide which of the two to start with. I think you should start with the camper. Try to find one that appeals to you in looks as well as all the amenities that you require. Hardside campers are almost always heavier than a pop up. The weight depends on those amenities and the length and what it will weigh with full tanks both black, grey and fresh water, and all your food, clothing, dishes, pets, and any other camping equipment that will make you comfortable while camping or traveling. And since you are buying used, you will want to have the camper checked over real good for such things as leaks, broken window cranks, battery, electrcal appliances, heater, fridge,inverter/converter, water pump and anything that works off electric or battery. If buying from a dealer try to get info on the previous owner and contact them and ask them EVERYTHING you can think of. Make sure to ask if the tiedowns come with the camper as these can be coastly if you have to purchase them yourself. Also ask them what kind of truck THEY hauled it on and that may give you a headstart on what sort of truck you would need.
     Ahhh the truck. There are so many choices that this is really gonna be up to you as to what brand you are loyal to and what that truck will haul. Things like, do you want a 4x4( which I recommend). You will want to go places that a 2wd truck cannot go, if you plan to do some backcountry camping. I like Ford trucks and they make several models that will haul the biggest camper but there are some other brands that will also. A lot of the members here have Dodge, Chevy and even Toyota's. Do you want a 4 door or a 3 door (which I jokeingly call a truck with 4 doors but the back doors are like half doors) Check the trucks GVWR which tells you what the Manf. says it is designed to haul. Never exceed this rateing. Do you want a truck with a 6ft bed or an 8ft bed? Really depends on the camper. If the camper is 8ft in length or better then you would want an 8ft bed.  Some trucks come from the manf ready to haul heavy loads and the there are things that you can buy to install on your tuck to make them load raedy. I would try to find one that is already set up for camper hauling. And again, have the truck checked over before you buy, if it is from a dealer, make sure they do whatever it is you want done BEFORE you leave the lot. If from an individal, ask to take the truck to a trusted mech.and have them give it a once over.
   Well, maybe this will get you started and I am sure some of our members here will jump in and have more info for you. Most of all you want to find a truck and camper that work well together. And remember that just like a home this rig is gonna need regular maintence inside and out. Have fun looking and don't hesitate to ask more questions. Here, there are no dumb questions.
                                                                        Gary
Also take a look at popup campers while you are shopping. They weigh a lot less and are very easy to haul as the top will let down therefore reducing wind drag and will be a little more fuel frindly.