Truck Campers

**doug1980** · 05-09-2009, 07:19 PM

Anyone here use one? I just got a 2007 GMC 2500HD extended cab shortbed and looking at buying a self contained truck camper. In order to get the wife out camping it must have a toilet. There are so many extra's and options I can't decide on what we really need to make it an enjoyable experience. I know this doesn't really fit into the Wilderness Survival stuff but I figure if anyone would know, someone here would. Looking for comfort and functionality not a bunch of crap like TV's and stereos. I mean seriously who goes camping to watch TV.

**crashdive123** · 05-09-2009, 07:33 PM

Are you looking for a cab-over camper that sits in the bed, or one that you pull?

**doug1980** · 05-09-2009, 07:36 PM

Would like a cab over. Just seems easier to manuver and stuff with one like that.

**crashdive123** · 05-09-2009, 07:50 PM

I've been inside a couple. Never drove with one or camped in one. I was actually quite impressed with the amount of stuff that was in them and the supprising amount of room they had. Don't know how the short bed will affect what you can carry. The ones I saw up close hung a couple of feet off an eight foot bed.

**Nativedude** · 05-09-2009, 10:44 PM

Lance Truck Campers are very nice.

My buddy has one on his F-350 and it does all he needs it to. He uses it for hunting and taking the family (all 5) camping.
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Four Wheel Campers IMHO are the best for the $$.

They are lightweight and the top folds down to save on fuel.

Those are the best 2 options that I know of.

**Stairman** · 05-09-2009, 11:26 PM

With a short bed the tailgate will have to be down, with an 8 ft bed the tailgate is usually removed but it depends on the camper length. They are quite heavy and require 4 men to load or unload. I spent a long weekend in one at Key West some years back. They are pretty neat the way theyre set up with storage, table/beds, fridge, stove ect.

**oly** · 05-10-2009, 07:53 AM

I had a truck camper for years and since it was built in 1959 It was falling apart so we went looking for a new one and the cost for a truck camper was higher than a trailer and the trailer is a lot more roomy. the down fall is finding a remote location to park it.
Try renting one from the rec center at the AFB.

**Schleprok** · 05-10-2009, 09:34 AM

Lived on a campground for some time. Rather have a tow behind, but a truck camper (to me) would be better than a motor home. Have you considered finding an abused one that is still structurally sound - and gutting it? Good way to make sure it has what you need.

**doug1980** · 05-11-2009, 04:46 PM

Yeah thought about getting an old one and fixing it up. I'm not sure what all I need in one. It needs to be self contained so need the grey/black/fresh water tanks....capacity not sure. Also need power so either a generator or solar power or both? Will need to be a shorter one like 8"6" max but the newer ones have everything even that size. How do they attach to the truck though? What size tanks for LP and water?

**Rick** · 05-11-2009, 04:54 PM

Doug - Go to any of the sites and pull up their campers and look at the specifications. They should list everything the camper contains including the size of the tanks. You can even view the floor layouts to get some idea of how you want it arranged.

**doug1980** · 05-11-2009, 05:02 PM

Originally Posted by Rick

Doug - Go to any of the sites and pull up their campers and look at the specifications. They should list everything the camper contains including the size of the tanks. You can even view the floor layouts to get some idea of how you want it arranged.

Yeah that what I been doing and now I'm confused.

Not sure how long 30 gallons of fresh water would last. They vary so much I don't know what would be the best on to get. I guess I could just get the largest capacity one with solar power and a generator so I know it will be good enough. But those are expensive.

**Rick** · 05-11-2009, 05:05 PM

I've never had one so I can't help you with that. Some of the other folks might have comments on how large holding tanks should be.

**crashdive123** · 05-11-2009, 05:08 PM

Doug - 30 gallons of water will last you the same length of time as it does at home. Drinking and cooking is easy to calculate. Washing, showering and flushing are not quite as easy. Do you need a generator? Propane can power your stove and fridge, solar to charge batteries for DC lighting, DC/AC power inverter (I'd go with at least 1500 watts) for some of your AC needs. Beyond that, a small Honda (really quiet) generator can be thrown in for extra power.

**doug1980** · 05-11-2009, 05:15 PM

Originally Posted by crashdive123

Doug - 30 gallons of water will last you the same length of time as it does at home. Drinking and cooking is easy to calculate. Washing, showering and flushing are not quite as easy. Do you need a generator? Propane can power your stove and fridge, solar to charge batteries for DC lighting, DC/AC power inverter (I'd go with at least 1500 watts) for some of your AC needs. Beyond that, a small Honda (really quiet) generator can be thrown in for extra power.

Yeah now that's what I need. I have wondered however, does the fresh water get used for showering and dishes and stuff like that then the waste goes into the grey water tank or is the grey water a seperate sytem all together in that one could use river/stream water in that to wash with and use for the toilet to conserve on fresh water. Prolly not like that I assume the grey water is a collection tank for the shower and sink drains the black is for solid waste and fresh water is for all those uses.