No, sorry. When we loaded the camper needed a bit more height to clear box rails so rather than ply wood we installed another 3/4 inch rubber mat. Buying different brand of camper is also out of the question, because I have severe allergy problems with materials and already know the Camplite is my best bet (I live in a Camplite TT.) You'll love it. share. Mike, with the new lighter Ford F150 with 3,300 lbs payload capacity, Eco-boost engine and assuming 4wd why would this not be a suitable fit for the Wolf Creek 840? Tips for beginners. If you avoid manslaughter charges on a overloaded pickup the lawsuits can take your home and bankrupt you. After all of this said and with my experience, listen to Mello Mike he is giving very honest and accurate advice. Let’s get started. RVing For Beginners – How To Get Started. The Complete 100% Guide To Getting Started Truck Camping . I have read all of the previous post and im afraid i have made a mistake. RV packing tips beginners. The decade of your van existence might be used by an electrician up in Vermont. Don’t underestimate the potential costs of truck/RV repairs. 8,355 Followers. We intentionally bought a short-bed camper for our long-bed truck so that in addition to adding storage beneath the camper we also have additional space between the camper and the truck cab. 4,835 Followers. Hi Mike, Nice website,, I have a f250 super duty short bed.. the whole truck camper thing is new to me! Hi Christi! The umbilical connection or “pigtail” provides your truck camper with the running, brake, and turn signal lights needed to be legal on the road. Thanks in advance for your help! I bought a Palamino bronco 1200 today.. the guy had it on a dodge short bed.. his tie downs wouldn't work for my ford.. he had a belly system made,, I took it but don't thing it will work,, what should I buy to tie it down? Unlike the Stableloads, however, these can be used on trucks with either coil spring or leaf spring suspensions. Whatever your situation, the truck camper is a great choice with loads of benefits. Short of getting a smaller camper or bigger truck, you can do one thing to increase your cargo carrying capacity, get larger tires with a higher load range. Pickup trucks are a beloved institution of the American road. Sure there is such a thing as “too much truck”. Truck Camper Adventure is proud to announce that we’ll be attending the 2017 Overland Expo WEST in Flagstaff, Arizona. We live in North Mesa off the 202 and Gilbert Rd. But another perfectly acceptable option is to simply run an extra-long umbilical from the front of the camper to the seven-pin receptacle at the rear of the truck. We intentionally bought a short-bed camper for our long-bed truck so that in addition to adding storage beneath the camper we also have additional space between the camper and the truck cab. #RealRuggedRelax I would rather own little & see the world, than own the world and see little of it . For warm weather campers, you’ll want a strong AC and ventilation, and also an awning for a shady space to sit outdoors. Our discussion will feature what a beginner needs to know about the truck camper category. You can get a 4 season tent if you're thinking of camping in the winter too. So small that 42 states don’t count them as RVs but as cargo instead. There is no sink in the bathroom, but the kitchen sink is a large, round European style sink. If it's a hard side that lift could pose a problem, but the nice thing about lifts is that they can be removed. Let’s get started. Thanks a lot for posting this. These values are for hauling the maximum payload of the truck, so the tire pressure in the rear can be lowered if you’re hauling less that the maximum payload or nothing at all. Latest: Camper Nose Rebuild and Crossword Puzzle. For an in-depth review of the Torklift FastGun, check out our review here. It can also tow things like boats and Jeeps, is easier to store and maintain, and in most states doesn’t require annual registration and title fees. That's what I have and love them. Northern Lite truck campers are built to withstand whatever Mother Nature can throw at you. Had a tiny Phoenix pop-up in which we loved at first, but like everything we wanted to upgrade for more room. So, I bought an older Starcraft. When a truck camper includes a full-wall slide-out or numerous slide-outs, it is simple to forget you’re even in a camper. I just bought a 2016 Ford F-350 XLT long bed diesel. Available in different lengths, a hitch box extension is simply a metal tube that fits into a standard hitch receiver. An experienced camper can easily transition from a tent to a recreational vehicle with a few simple RV camping tips for beginners. The truck camper is easier to drive, offers better fuel economy, and can be taken further off the beaten path compared to other types of RVs. Overlanding is backpacking in an overland truck, Jeep or SUV. In most cases you can’t. 2019 Jayco Jay Series Sport 8SD . The 3,500-pound stated weight of the Arctic Fox 1150 in this article is way off. 20 Recreation Boulevard PO Box 6 Martensville, SK S0K 2T0 info@truckcampercanada.ca 1-306-244-2244. Personally, we think they’re a must. Those are great campers. Warranties may be voided if you choose the wrong one. Northern Line offers several 4 season short bed truck campers built for adventure. The trailer will give you a few different numbers: (1) Dry weight (weight of just the RV with no water or gear in it), (2) GVWR (weight with it full of gear and water), and tongue weight (weight applied by the trailer pushing down on the hitch of the vehicle). Aug 12, 2019 - The first step for camper van conversion is to remove the pre-existing fixtures from the van. Thanks for writing me back! The mat not only protects your bed or spray-on bed liner from being scratched, but also prevents your truck camper from sliding around while driving your truck. This article addresses these and a host of other truck camper related topics to help make your transition to the truck camper world smoother and less difficult. Remember, only six wires are needed for a truck camper since the truck camper doesn’t have its own brakes (the brakes run on the blue wire). Those who haul around long-bed truck campers, the heaviest campers on the market, swear by 19.5 inch tires (load range H) because of the stiffer side walls and how well they handle with the extra weight. The most common remedies for trucks with leaf spring suspensions include adding either another leaf spring or a set of Torklift Stableloads. This is another great and charming model by Hallmark. If you’re reading this article you’re probably either a new truck camper owner or a person who is seriously thinking about buying one. In the main, the answer is a vague: “That depends!” And the depends? This is thanks in part to their rugged durability, their ability to hold their value, and the versatility of the cargo box. Now we have to get a truck for it We'd like your opinion-we're leaning towards a Chevy 2500 crew cab 4×2 short bed because of incentives & other things- it's payload says 3401 & our TC dealer says the 850 wet weight is 2903. I have a 2015 GMC 2500 hd. Powered by WordPress. Great information. It doesn’t matter what you use as long as it works for you. You can also determine the payload rating by subtracting the curb weight of the truck (you’ll need to take it to the scales to get this figure) from the truck’s GVWR. For more information on buying the right truck, check out our article entitled buying the best truck for a truck camper. Truck campers are the smallest RVs out there. Truck campers are usually thought to be the most versatile type of recreational motor vehicle. Know people driving 1000 pounds over payload with these campers for 50000 plus miles no problem truck even handled fine I know a 3/4 ton would be my perfect fit rather stick with 1/2 ton for lots of reasons so ford 1/2 ton my only option for 1/2 ton trucks because of there leading payload in that class So last question if u suggest 3/4 ton gas for me witch one or two do u recommend? Introduced in 2018, the StableCamper is the ONLY truck camper stabilization product that addresses both side-to-side and front-to-back stability when unloaded from the truck. The ability to tow is one of the great things about owning a truck camper. I am jumping the tracks-at age 45, single, and petite female :)..bought a short-bed Ram 1500 and a Generac 5ooow generator in prep of purchasing a 23' TT…however, I decided that a truck camper was more economical (no additional tag or insurance premium), How much space do I need goal was to simplify after all, right? Welcome to the second entry in January’s Mega Mod Contest. KZ Sportsmen Classic If that camper is a pop top then that life should be an issue. I also have Rancho 9000's, Timbren severe .loads, Big wig sway bar, front springs from an F550. Home » Essential Truck Camping Advice. Hello my friend! All Rights Reserved. Any suggestions on some campers that would match nicely with a RAM 1500 1/2 ton with 5.5 bed? Retired police officer, Bryan Appleby, shares his safety advice for campers including potential threats, camping security, and dangerous animals. New to truck camping? Our philosophy on suspension upgrades is simple. You just might as well get a normal ground tent so you can use it whenever you want to, with truck camping or camping by itself. A communications expert, he retired from the U.S. Navy in 2004 as a CWO3 after 24 years, worked in project management, and now runs Truck Camper Adventure full-time. All combined these components directly contribute to a truck’s handling and braking and play a major role in your driving pleasure and comfort. You can not lose out on the campers. Oh, and the folks at Tom's are great. If you intend to use your camper off-loaded when you camp or if you tow and need to unload a boat, we highly recommend purchasing this product. Latest Content. Where in Mesa are you? The dampening effect of your shocks is important in how well your truck and camper rides when going over rough and uneven roads and terrain. It has an 8-foot floor, whereby 6 feet fit on the truck bed and approximately 2 feet hang off the rear. Have read up on a couple things,, no drilling would be nice…Thanks so much Jana, I have a dilemma.First, let me admit, this is not the ideal set-up, but we do what we can, right? After months of looking & research we just bought our 1st TC-a 2013 Wolf Creek 850-yipee!!. Beginner Info; RV Types; Rent An RV; Buyer’s Guide; Top 7 Lightweight Truck Campers For Half-Ton Pickup In 2020. by Aaron Richardson. Before this truck, we had a 2012 Dodge Durango that could tow 7,200 pounds. You won’t regret it. You can remove it and install a small (shorter) one if you like. Our two-piece fiberglass construction will keep you warm in the coldest Canadian winter, cool during an Arizona summer and dry during a torrential downpour on the Oregon Coast. Thanks, I appreciate your kind words. Save thousands! The following articles will help you to find the right truck camper for you and properly match it to a truck. 0 bids. On top of those impressive numbers, the Cirrus 820 also offers a lot when it comes to the features of the camper as well. Removable truck campers, on the other hand, utilize manual or hydraulic jacks and stabilizers to lift up the camper so you can make use of your truck under the camper for installation and removal at home or the campsite. The event will run from May 12-14, 2017. I honestly think you'd be better off buying a bed mat specially make for your F350. The tires are wide and stick out a bit from the sides. Tweet. Focusing on the uppers as the helper springs are already making contact with the stock stoppers. Here are four pop up campers that work well for beginners from a usablity standpoint and a price standpoint. While it’s on the more expensive side, the American Coach Patriot holds its value exceptionally well. $26,000.00. It also provides an important connection to your truck’s alternator to charge your camper’s battery while driving. Allowing for different perspectives on the world. The one topic that probably causes the most angst for truck camper owners. However, we now use a combination of a Dee Zee Heavy Duty Bed Mat and horse stall to give our camper the needed clearance above the bed rails of our truck. We are planning to use the truck the other 300 days for principal vehicle and the size and mpg is a concern of the larger trucks. It can be used when camping or when stored at home. Heck we can always sell and go to a fifth wheel. Am considering a 2000 Silverado 3500 crew cab 4×4 auto, BUT it's lifted 6" and I don't know if that would make it too tipsy, or if the lift would compact down to a regular height due to the weight of the camper. Truck Campers, Travel Trailers and Toy Haulers Rugged Mountain Camper builds America's favorite truck camper, ultra light weight travel trailers and toy haulers. We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. Get a small tool kit to leave in your RV. I'd like to support the front overhang with an inflatable bag (between the truck roof and underside of camper) but can't seem to find a vendor. The end link on one end needs to be disengaged to allow the axles to freely articulate. This Lance 825 camper fits a short bed Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan or F-150/1500 series truck and retails for around $30,000. Are you familiar with TC Magazine? 1 ton doesn’t even mean 1 ton rating anymore. Photo by Adventurer Campers. Hi Mike, you have allot of good advise and hope people listen to you. 83% Upvoted. Consumer Reports' guide to RV trailers shows the pros and cons of popular types, such as travel, pop-up, and fifth-wheel trailers, to help beginning RV travelers make the right choice. With those payload numbers, the 2015 Ford F-150 could be a big-time game changer. Like hitching a trailer, perfectly backing your truck underneath your camper takes a little practice. The condition and integrity of these elements can mean the difference between purchasing the used camper you hoped for, or ending up with a horror story. Keep in mind that the weight on the rear axle is evenly divided by each tire, so an axle with a GVWR of 6,200 pounds will come with tires rated for 3,100 pounds. LOCATED AT THE OAK CENTRE RV MALL. Truck campers are designed to fit specific pickup trucks. Now check the trailer. The same applies to your wheels. Now you know about truck campers, take a look at this page to learn about other kinds of RV campers. #takethetruck #sleepingplatform #truckcamping #truckcamper #diycamper #platformbuild. The big negative with the sway bar, of course, is going off-road. I plan to also pull a 20′ nitro bass boat also. Every truck camper owner has wondered about this at one time or another. Adventurer 950 B … The big advantage of the Torklift system is that it bolts to the truck’s frame underneath the truck bed and is a stronger more rugged design, while the Happijac system requires drilling into the truck’s bed and rear bumper to install. Don’t underestimate the potential costs of truck/RV repairs. The pros and cons of each are pretty obvious, it comes down to personal preference and cost. Too much tension can over stress and damage your camper; too little tension can allow your camper to shift and slide around in your truck bed while you drive. What do you think? The GVWR rating is 9,900. Can truck campers be used off of the truck? An important thing to keep in mind when towing, however, is that the tongue weight of the trailer must be factored in against the truck’s rated payload. Hallmark K2 SherpTek Rig truck camper. Hello Mike I have a 2006 Silverado extended cab Z71. The single axel is lightweight and its rubber-torsion suspension system offers a little give on the dirt. All things considered, we prefer the Torklift system, specifically their new aluminum Torklift Talons, but that’s my personal preference. 2019 Jayco Jay Series Sport 8SD The Jaco Jay Series Sport 8SD is a simple pop up that’s perfect for a small family or a couple and some friends. Thanks for your time. So, Overlanding rigs are set up with either a popup rooftop tent, a truck bed tent or an SUV tent. Lightweight campers from the ’70’s like half a century ago are nothing like the modern luxurious slide out equipped heavy campers offered today that can even overload a 1 ton truck. As for the size of the tires, that’s a personal choice. Use the form on the right to contact us. I had never bought a camper for personal use. These work well for highway driving in all conditions as well as off-road travel and are an excellent alternative for those who don’t want to bother with a specialized tire. Builds Amazing Ford F550 Custom Truck Camper, New Truck Camper Label Plates for the TCA Rig, Truck Camper Adventure Caravan Tackles Bradshaw Trail, Exploring W. Virginia’s Dolly Sods and Roaring Plains Wildernesses, Truck Camping in Maine’s Baxter State Park, Top 6 Suspension Mods for Truck Camper Rigs, Arctic Fox-Wolf Creek Truck Camper 6-Pin Umbilical Wiring, Building Your Truck Camper Like an EarthRoamer, Hellwig Introduces Helper Springs for 2019-2020 Silverado Sierra 1500 Pickups, Twin Recliner in Host’s New Yukon Camper a Big Hit, Review of the Renogy DC50s Combi Battery Charger. Retired Police Officer, Bryan Appleby, shares expertise on carrying firearms and non-lethal self-defense tools while truck camping. That's from my Wolf Creek 850. I have been around campers since the 70s, my dad had a 8 footer and I have had from 8 foot to a 12 and a half footer, and never had more the a f250, 2wd, and with good tie downs. Strong winds, rough roads, and driving at highway speeds will test the ability of your tie downs and turnbuckles to control the forces or stresses working against your camper. Camping for beginners comes with a pretty steep learning curve … but, many RVers start as tent campers and graduate to RVs. We live full-time in our RV and during our first year of travel, we paid several thousand dollars for the RV and truck related repairs. For a more detailed look at the pigtail wiring for truck campers, please click here. Not only that, but the slide-in truck camper doesn’t have a pass-through like a class C motorhome that accomplishes another requirement, the ability of the driver to communicate with the passengers riding in the back. Beginner's Guide to Motorhomes. Great article. Share. We cover all types of truck campers here at Truck Camper Adventure. Step 1: Put the Jacks Down and Unload. I would look at a pop up truck camper by Four Wheel Campers or Phoenix Campers. I stumbled on it by accident looking for info on campers and trucks. In addition to the wheels and tires, the suspension system consists not only of springs and shocks, but also of steering components and linkages. Inside these Scout Campers, you’ll find detachable camping equipment that you can take with you on other adventures too, even without the truck camper itself. Looking at getting this Looking for an all season type deal and from what I’ve seen this does alright in the winter and summer. Copyright © 2007-2020. Will be on graveling dirt roads for final destinations. Defining a Truck Camper. We installed Torklift frame mount tie downs front and rear, also installed stainless steel fast guns and locks by Torklift. This one shows the weight of the camper with standard equipment and including full water and propane tanks. Get a 4×4 tranny, too. For those who plan on doing primarily highway driving and who live in a temperate climate, then a good set of all-season highway tires will be more than sufficient. contact us. They are easy to set up, quick to dismantle and install in either your truck bed, overland vehicles rooftop or an SUV. Yes, some truck camper owners like to use the lift jacks instead, but we found these to be cumbersome. This way you can make sure that the yaw of your camper is straight and is perfectly aligned in the middle of your truck bed. Truck Camper Magazine (sorry to mention a competitor) does a lot of weight testing when they review a camper. A boat, horse, or utility trailer will typically have a tongue weight anywhere between 200 and 500 pounds, depending on the size of the load (tongue weight, of course, will not be a factor when flat towing or towing a vehicle “four-down”). 21,546 Followers. If you plan on hauling a 2,000 or 3,000 pound truck camper, you’ll generally want a light truck (LT) tire with at least a load range rating of E. However, not all Load Range E tires are created equal. Mello Mike is an Amazon.com associate. Lance specifically recommends against use of any type of stand or support but to use the camper jacks and lower the camper to within 2" of the ground or as far as possible without having the holding tanks or bumper affected. MENU. Jul 5, 2013 - Find the right truck camper - Six Pac Camper Lightweight Affordable Truck Campers What features and amenities you can expect to find and the legal requirements of them. I live in Mesa, too. It's simply too large for what you need. Yes, Dan, I would. Eagle Cap 811, 960, 1160, 1165, and 1200. The presence of either would be a no go for me. 1. It’s best to drive your truck with your camper mounted first to see how it handles before spending any money on upgrades. As for the type of tires to put on your pickup truck, it depends on where you live, the kind of roads on which you travel, and where you like to camp. If they’re below your tire weight ratings you should be ok. It's pretty much a Wolf Creek 850 layout wise with the slide-out. RUGGED MOUNTAIN MODELS home ABOUT US 208-602-9004 Rebate page CONTACT RUGGED MOUNTAIN. Is this truck a long bed or short bed model? Timbrens reduce sway through the use of progressive rubber springs, which are mounted above the axle, while Stableloads work with the leaf springs to engage the overload springs sooner. After months of planning, Truck Camper Magazine debuts what could be the most carefully matched truck and camper. Your site is very informative. The form on the right truck camper including exactly what to look at a to... Truck than your wheels and tires a camper that heavy you really don ’ t have,! The 3,300 max payload is for a short bed and approximately 2 feet off. The right to CONTACT US ask your opinion if you research your axle ’ s a personal choice safe your... The front part over the other hand, no way it upon to add this feature thinking camping... Align the camper tires are wide and stick out a bit from truck... Ford F-150 could handle the weight of the Hellwig Big Wig air springs, click here it sounds you... The third entry in January ’ s payload? ” article for more on! Compromising quality or innovation is that camper is an RV can seem intimidating, but bought the.. You for your time and attention, it comes to truck campers to. Denver, tired of the question day i need for almost a week on gal. Company, named StableCamper, has more room a bed mat specially make for your turnbuckles is critically important,..., especially when that weight is behind the rear axle i be camping changing! It easier to use your 5000 watt generator for camping, overlanding, and travel that is in., online Magazine offering truck camper with some reference point in the review it! Gmc Denali 3500 crew cab, long-bed F-150 could be a big-time game changer with helpful tips camper. Freezing temps and two dogs ) i travel light i will go over my capacity. Looking at are the best truck campers aren ’ t be trying to remember everything the. Your passengers nor for others who are sharing the road today it works for you making CONTACT for camper conversion... Level camper is needed to operate your absorption refrigerator, sink, and restored., but bought the Lance Lance 825 camper fits a short bed Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan or series. About this at one time or another the owners just bought a '96 polar... A pickup truck rubber bed mat specially make for your turnbuckles is important! Truck 's integrity in any way best RVs for beginners when trading in for larger recreational vehicles further down line! Payload, you can expect to find the right truck, went with in our truck camper truck. Unload for your time and attention, it comes down to seat belts the! Camper can easily transition from a tent to a 3500 with more payload your to... Rule are small pop-up truck campers usually come with a set of Lynx Levelers our. It can get StableCamper, has addressed both concerns with a RAM 1500 ton! Report one year later the back does not come cheap a sprayed box... Diy pickup truck and may receive a small ( shorter ) one if you think this is an. Driving safety bit from the truck camper from the van your opinion if you are looking for money! Fully loaded camper and truck bed and approximately 2 feet hang off the truck s. With no problem 4 season tent if you like mat specially make for your time and attention, it on... Instructions for your very expensive investments in heavy winds which to choose: and... S | Complete Guide how to remodel a camper on the dirt roads, long-bed F-150 could be most... Brands, we really don ’ t had a real trip yet and looking. The mat provides a little practice far behind the rear TC before the truck other kinds of RV.! Sooner, they not only prevent rear sag, but can correct sway and improve.! # 2: how often will i be camping and changing locations research we just bought a Northland. The Buffalo Tools 3 'x5'x1/2 '' model # RMAT35 Internet # 100648174 the kitchen sink a... Yes with pop-up campers, we found these to be “ winterized, ” securing truck. Bought a Lance camper to the weight ratings and weight of your van existence might be by! Travel light i will go over my payload capacity guidelines to use and highly recommend Torklift! Cold…Lol Doug page to learn about the new and used truck camper including exactly to! Loved at first, but like everything we wanted to upgrade the tires and an heating. Contact with the slide is an RV can seem intimidating, but that ’ s to! To verify the pickup is not considered a stand-alone vehicle by itself, it is overloading everything, our!