Pros and Cons of Truck Campers

When you think of an RV, you probably think of the luxury motor coaches, standard motor homes, towable trailers, or Class B or Class C rigs. Truck campers likely don’t make your list, and sadly, they are often overlooked as viable RV options for buyers. But truck campers can be incredibly versatile depending on your needs. Of course, there are disadvantages to owning a truck camper, too, just like any RV, so let’s explore some of the pros and cons of these rigs:

Pros of truck campers:

• You can go pretty much anywhere – Truck campers are units that slide into the bed of (typically) a one-ton pickup truck, making them able to go wherever a pickup truck can go. Want to spend time boondocking in the desert or in the mountains, in hard-to-get to areas? A truck camper is a great option.
• They are easy to maintain – Because of their smaller footprint compared to other RVs, truck campers are typically easier to keep clean. Maintenance tasks can be like those required for other types of RVs, but again, the smaller footprint of a truck camper may at least reduce the time required working on those tasks.
• They are easy to drive – If driving a Class A motorhome or a towing a massive trailer scares you, look at a truck camper. These RVs are easy to maneuver and drive because they’re in a pickup truck and make navigating incredibly straightforward. You won’t have to worry about dealing with hitches or maneuvering with extreme length behind you.
• Low fees and insurance rates – Many states don’t require truck campers to be registered or titled, which eliminates fees that often apply to RV ownership. Additionally, truck campers require minimal insurance coverage as well, making them a cost-effective rig compared to other types of RVs.

Cons of truck campers:

• Space can be limited – While many of today’s truck campers come equipped with up to three sliders and offer plenty of room for families, the smaller footprint can be a disadvantage for those looking for an RV with a lot of square footage.
• They can be heavy – Depending on the type of truck camper, the unit itself can be heavy, and require a heavy-duty pickup truck to handle the weight. Even then, modifications to the truck itself may be necessary – such as adding airbags and beefing up the suspension system – to properly support the weight of the unit.
• The ability to roam away from camp can be limited – A truck camper must be removed from the truck bed if you want to set up camp and use the truck to explore, go to the store, or otherwise leave camp. For some people, removing the camper can be a hassle that takes up precious time.

Pros and cons aside, what’s good to remember is that truck campers, just like any RV type, may suit some people well and not others. If you’re deciding on whether to own a truck camper or another type of rig, be sure to do your research and consider how you personally want to use the vehicle and the types of excursions you plan to do. Then you can select the RV that works best for you. Want to learn more about RVs? Contact us today!