I love the idea of a truck camper. I just wish someone out there would invent an escape hatch that allows a person to quickly slip through the cabover bed area directly into the front seat of the truck for a quick getaway….if needed?
I agree, moving internally from one to the other would be helpful. I camped up and down the East coast with a truck cap on an eight foot Ford bed. Both the truck and cap had big sliding windows and because I'm not very big (wirery ;) I could slip through. Secure transfer and "get-away" was my idea behind that and luckily I never needed them except once when I locked my keys in the truck.
Very comprehensive and thorough comparison of the different options. There is a lot of information here - I had to keep pausing the video and thinking about what you said. You touched on it briefly, but another advantage of a truck camper, is that you can use your truck for other purposes, like a job! Well done Timmy - you're a smart guy, and I really enjoy your videos!
I went with trailers as I’ve got lots of trailer experience. I run a buddy system, two tow rigs and two trailers. I’ve got a hummer h3 with a 16x6 trailer with bathroom and shower and all the fixings I use full time. My spare set up is a Mazda b3000 with my first trailer build 10x5 no bathroom.
Don’t know if in my country will pass the control and allow to do a truck camp. You definitely right, seems logical making this choice for so many reason. Alaska is an angle of the world I never was interested to, but seeing your videos, I fell in love with this peaceful part of the world. Those immense areas without any humans activity is just breathtaking.
Whoa I am all in for truckhouse! After watching so many of your videos have just fallen in love with that one and hope she is around for many years! Don't let anything happen to her or I will def cry! My friends love your videos too, just sent your Arctic Circle trip to a friend so her kids can watch your epic trip!
Exactly why I have '15 Tundra and a Kimbo camper. Agree on the difficulty of loading/unloading but so worth the versatility. Your truck camper has incredible insulation value. My Kimbo is not meant for MN winters!
Good to know ...thinking of a Kimbo for here in Canada!!! Sounds like its not insulated enough....but the versatility of taking it off ...is the KEY deciding factor for me!! Cheers, thanks for posting!!!
Yup. Love my ‘79 Okanagan camper. Keeps my rig light and nimble. And now it sports a back deck with built in bbq too. Anxiously waiting for Spring and summer outings. 🤙🍻🌲
Yes an I was thinking the wood holds heat too I love you camper it's the best an I love your house your building too .I love wood it just makes everything warm
I agree with you. We had a 8.5 ft. Vacationeer camper and we loved it. It was on a 78 Ford 3/4 ton 4X4 with limited slip in the rear and a 428 Cobra Jet motor with 375 HP. . So we had enough power and two gas tanks, we could pass everything but a gas station. We went a lot of places with that set up. Thanks for the video and I got to see that GREAT paint job again! That paint job set that truck apart from the rest!
Nice overview. We went with a used Lance 825 last year to go with my existing old F250. I didn't want another specialty rv vehicle to maintain and pay insurance on especially when its not being used. Truck Campers are considered as cargo in most states and do not even require registration. There is a make and model to suit just about any size or need you may have. Thanks Timmy!
For me I think the biggest drawback to a truck camper is having to exit the cab of the vehicle to access the living space. But, like you said, "different needs,". And you seem smart, that's cool man! The world needs more smart, friendly, neat & outgoing people!
RVs are really made of junk. I made them for 10 years, my two older brothers did it for 30 years. Their just made real cheap, but priced high. Truck Campers are the best!!
I love the raised height and fact that the camper is removable on trucks but I think a hi top 4x4 diesel van would be the way to go. Only downside like you said getting repairs done but hopefully I could do repairs myself
Interesting perspective Timmy. But I do believe the truck prices might be significantly different in Alaska than they are here in the Pacific Northwest; because you can’t find a truck that runs for less than $10,000 and even than trucks gonna need work and it probably won’t pass emissions. As to Truck campers and RVs most of them are metal sides they’re tin and stick. Which is why a lot of older RVs and campers have dry rot for exactly the reasons you’re mentioning. If trucks weren’t so expensive I love the idea I’ve actually got a really nice cedar shed in my backyard that would make an excellent camper it’s already insulated and wired I can just lift it up put it right on the flatbed whatever we haven’t been able to find any 4 x 4 trucks that are road legal and ready to go at any reasonable price older vans are actually far cheaper about half the cost if they do require build out.
Great video and info ..we have a 1 ton dodge ram dually diesel 6 speed 2003 truck and I would not trade it for any new truck out there .our camper is 12 ft long plus the over the cab extension. Its built for year round camping with a bigger furnace and ducted heat to the holding tanks.the truck is also 4 wheel drive with a locker in the rear end. It's a beast and we love it😍😍😍
Timmy you forgot to mention that most states don’t require you to license a truck camper and my insurance company insured my home built camper for 45,000 for only 40.00 a year. They just added it to my truck policy. I’ve owned 3 Roadtrek vans and, although they rode and drove great I hated to camp in any of them. Even the wide body one was terrible to use the toilets and, the inside shower was a joke. I’m a retired RV repair facility owner for 40 plus years and, I’m building a non cab over 8 foot slide in with a big bathroom with black and grey holding tanks and an outdoor shower. I’ve owned 45 foot MH that I bought brand new to a pop up tent camper and I loved the MH and, I had it for 15 years and towed buy custom built trailer that was 32’ long with my Rubicon,Harley and my can am four wheeler. Traveled all over the US in it but, own a farm and shop in NW Arkansas and now want to be able to travel all of the back roads and really neat out of the way, hidden camping areas all over the country. With my background in RVs I’m trying to implement all of the things that were in my 45’ diesel pusher into an 8’ non cab over slide in camper. I’ve made my own set of jacks that allow me the advantage of lifting my camper up and, rolling it by myself on concrete floors on and off my 1 ton crew cab single rear wheel loaded Ford Lariat. Hey man I’m 75 years old but, like the shit out of your videos and, your doing it right kid. Keep on trucking and, don’t pick your nose while you’re traveling in your rig because everyone will be staring at your build. If I knew how to do it I would like to send you a picture of my homemade truck camper. Just getting started on the inside cabinets and trimming it out with solid oak and a metal stamped ceiling panels. Thanks Timmy
I want to build my own truck camper out of 1" steel square tubing for the frame, and aluminum sheething, and these fiberglass, foam cabinets I saw online just as a little project. My dream build Right there. It's cheaper than vans these days, people are selling by a mile.
Michelada cents I'd rather have a camper than a motorhome or a van I really love your camper man and you got a beautiful set up man I love that what time the same way as you are I don't need a lot and you got the perfect setup
Have I missed an episode? I would love to see an episode with you staying in the truck camper disconnected from the truck, especially to see how stable it is on the jacks going in and out. I am convinced…..truck camper is a great way to get into the van life on a budget.
It can be done, just not ideal, you'd want to lower it onto my portable saw horses like I did in Moab when I took the camper off to 4 wheel the truck on Hells Revenge.
How much insulation in the floor, walls, and celling do you recommend? I'm designing a camper very similar to yours in materials and size. It will be used it mainly during winter months and I could really use your input. You are one of the few with a lot of winter experience. Thanks for the videos, they are a great watch.
Very good overview and comparison. I agree that if I was wanting to do a lot of travel into the more remote back country,. I would want a truck camper. Trucks and jeeps will always be superior for traveling those rugged roads. I have a Ford transit cargo Van myself, on which I built my own relatively inexpensive but very cozy conversion. But I don't live in it full-time. And I tend To be happy staying on well maintained dirt roads that are easy for 2 wheel drive vehicles to travel on.
I love your camper, The wood is lovely,, and I feel healthier to live in then metal, especially with all the WiFi radiation these days. Thank you for May this video 👏🏽
Honestly I've been into the rv and cabin gig for most of my life at least the past ten years,tiny houses truck campers motorhomes etc and basically it's a truck camper or a travel trailer I drive a 96 f350 cc lb with a zf5 and a trailer fitted with a woodstove suits me well on superior in northern Michigan the electric jacks are a life saver I actually lost my last slide in truck camper because the chincy Jack's gave way and it toppled over nearly into my neighbors house take time advice it's worth the couple thousand
Totally agree Truck campers are the best to get to remote places. Our Lance 1172 has an aluminum structure instead of wood. Also there are a few other company's that also build truck campers with aluminum like northwoods ,lance,and I believe Eagle cap as well. Most of these company build huge truck capers as well so your not feeling closed in. We have had ours for over 4 years and don't see switching anytime soon. We are full-time in under 100sqft with a big ass dog🤣 and love it. Hope to meet you down the road Timmy🤙👍🇺🇸
Brother! Just saw the truck house in a Billy Strings video entitled Billy Strings - Renewal 2022 Recap Video. About 35 seconds in. Awesome man! (Video has been up 4 months)
Love your videos dude keep it up! I’ve got a 99 7.3 with a lance overhead camper and really digging it. Getting ready for another trip to colorado next month.
Definitely agree about the truck camper theme as my brother has done that for years for summer holidays/camping at a lake etc. Flat tows a Jeep TJ behind so that when the 6.0 diesel quits he still has transportation to get himself out of a bind !. Timmy, I was curious what your plan is for that cement pad or was that already on the property when you bought it ?
A truck camper might be ideal for a single, healthy, active person, but for a family with kids, or an older couple with pets, like us, an RV is ideal. We have been living this off-grid lifestyle FT for the last 4 years in a 1999 Class A motorhome pulling a little 30+mpg Chevy toad. We were going to go FT in a truck and trailer, but the diesel truck engine died right before we retired. They wanted $15k to fix it, so we sold it for scrap and used that $15k to buy our 36ft National Tropical MH instead. If our MH ever breaks down when we're deep in the wilderness, God forbid, we have our toad to go for help, so we're never stranded. It saves us a ton of money on gas too as we put a lot more miles on the toad than our MH each year. When you're living on social security this is important. You'd be surprised the places we can go with our MH - down rutted, muddy FS roads to camp overlooking the rim of the Grand Canyon, under some Hoodoos in UT, on top of a mountain in Colorado or on a beach in TX. Our gas MH is 1/2 the weight of a diesel pusher, and our tag axle helps us stay on top of the mud or sand. So far, we've never gotten stuck (though we came close a couple times.) I'm an ex-dirt racer, so being able to drive and read the terrain helps. No rock crawling for us though. As Clint Eastwood said, "A man has to know his limitations." We mostly boondock on BLM, Forest Service and State Trust land. The way we live, we like to stay for the full legal camping limit, usually 14 days before we move our big 8mpg MH an average of 50-100 miles to our next camping spot, to stretch our gas. Therefore, we need enough resources to make it through, and we've found that fresh water, and disposing of it, is our limiting factor. We carry 110 gallons of fresh water with us and have 100 gallons of waste tank capacity, which is usually sufficient. There's no way we could carry that much weight in a van or truck camper. We have a 620-watt liftable solar array and 560ah of lithium batteries as well as a 5,500w generator which takes care of our electrical needs. We're 66yr old retirees who don't like to go where it snows but do like to go where it's warm enough to run our air conditioner at times. Our 25-gallon propane tank usually lasts us over a month - sometimes two if all we are using it for is our fridge and cooking. Plus, there's plenty of room onboard and in our tow vehicle to store everything we need. Like you say, different folks have different needs. A truck camper would be unsuitable for us. To start with, my wife could never make it up and down those steps you have. Besides in that tight of a space, one of us would have killed the other by now. I'm just saying...😵 Even the most loving couple needs their own personal space for mental health reasons. A slide-out or two is a big help to remove any claustrophobic feelings one might have if shut in for any period of time. I'm sitting in our bedroom, typing this on my computer now, while my DW is streaming shows on Netflix or Roku on our 55" UHD TV from her recliner in the living room. Later she might surf the net, play a game on her tablet or call family and friends living all across the country. Life is good.
I just did this 3 weeks ago. Not so cheap because I'm a fan of diesel engines so I bought a 2002 RAM 2500 Cummings diesel and then went shopping for a used slide on camper like yours. Pickup truck 14,000 dollars cash. Camper 7500 dollars cash. The truck only has 133 thousand miles on it, So it's just broken in !! Depending on financial status, "Cheap" is a matter of opinion. Some of these full timers has a large passive income . Then you get your working stiff like me earning 48k a year and living fugal eating rice and beans stashing away 2000 dollars a month for the "DREAM". So to me that was a ton of money, to the trust fund couple it would be "Cheap". You are right Timmy there are 5000 dollar deals on pickups and the camper? Forget it in Middle Tennessee I thing I bought the only one that was under 10,000 dollars. THEY ARE RARE and hard to find. Being 68 years old my building days are over, but if I was young I would have built something like your and save a ton of money. So my stile is that of a weekend warrior, I don't intend to give up my job or apartment. I wanted reliability and durability so I sprang the extra 10 grand on a cummings power plant. These diesels engines don't even know what a load is. Amazes me how it handles hills and speed. I hear that Turbo kick in and it puts a smile on my face. OH YA NO BANK PAYMENTS Thank you Dave Ramsey!!
There are TONS of different options, and its even more nuanced then you have here. There are people who work the rodeo for example, they travel from city to city for up to 8 months a year, racing. For this they have a combination horse trailer and RV trailer, often 5th wheel set up. in the very back is the stables, often 3-5 hourses can stay there but they often just keep 1 or 2. Feed, tack and such. then there is a connecting door through the bathroom to the main camper part, where they have office, bed, kitchen etc, and they live out of this on the road. The option to be able to decouple and drive off to go shopping is a big pro with this set up. since they are going to set "fair grounds" or tracks, facilities are there for them to tie in to shore power, pump out and hook in to city water for them. Next, truck campers - vans- rvs.... got nothing on MOWAG for offroad. these 6 wheel drive vehicles are tough, durable, and are built for endurance. in some cases you can live out of these for weeks or even months straight without going back into town. between solar arrays of up to 3000 watts, revers osmosis water treatment systems allowing you to dump a hose into a lake and have water on demand... and their huge fuel tanks... they can often sit in one area without issue. The options really are more, what each person wants and wants to use the vehicle for. "urban" camping, vans tend to work best. Mixed utility, truck, people who are "snow birding" traveling between camp grounds and such... full sized RV's. People who don't like to drive, 5th wheel towables. Yes there are people that will have a huge 5th wheel tow-able, and will hire companies to move them from site to site as they travel... This is important because, in transit... the companies insurance covers any damage or accidents.
Interesting viewpoint seeing I do watch videos people doing the van life buddy 👍 you also have those small teardrop campers also as an option. What about security cameras?
Good info . Had a couple of camper truck combos and definitely went further , with .ess cost and troubles , too o.d now have a 30 tow trailer, but I,m spoiled.ed and travel less, great videos
Speaking as a lone female I love my truck but would rather camp in a van; if any dangerous situation arose where you had to take off I would rather be able to access driver seat from inside than have to go outside where the danger is in order to drive away.
Couple of questions for truck campers, firstly, yes it might be a benefit being able to detach it while your truck has to be towed however what if ur in a situation where you have no where to keep the camper while the truck is getting fixed? also will tow companies tow with camper attached? Atleast with a van yes you are having your home towed away but you could book a hotel or something and not have to worry about the camper Next, it is tougher to break into a truck camper like you mentioned however what if they just break into your truck while your asleep and drive off with your truck, truck camper and most importantly You inside of it. Other that those questions I do think overall truck campers have alot of rly positive points and are probably a better way to go for alot of ppl.
Thanks Timmy for all the recs and greatly enjoy your channel! Two questions please- First did you record when you built your truck camper so we can see the building process or do you have any recommendations of other videos that do the breakdown? Secondly, what are some good manufactured truck campers for colder weather if someone were to buy instead of build? Thanks and cheers :)
On low you didn’t mention is space. Your space is going to be the smallest of all three options. If you’re married you’re essentially halving that space. And if you want a bathroom, that’s even more space.
That camper can also fall on you. Met a guy once who was quadriplegic from his camper falling on him when he was trying to do a repair. Not an unusual type of accident, either. I just don't like the water/shower situation. It would severely shorten the time I could be off grid.
I wish it were true that "you can find an in expensive truck", because I don't think they exist anymore. I have thought about getting a truck camper, but there seems to be so much involved in matching the truck to the camper, with payload, GVWR, and allll that stuff you have to calculate. And if you do it wrong, that can be bad. And then you have to get the right tie downs, maybe mod your truck's shocks or put airbags or whatever to make it work. It's all so confusing and daunting to me.
I'm about to be living in a fzj80 landcruiser with my dog . I'd never pick a motorhome unless it was a Toyota or a mid 70s chevy. as for the setup you have, I'd be running a dually setup for safety. I'd always choose a towable camper over any setup in case of a wreck or catastrophy. ( A scamp ) or other fiberglass equivalent camper. Diesel high top vans are also nice especially if 4wd . Me myself I'd never pick a truck camper.... I don't the weight over and behind the axel ... I am a mechanic and my landcruiser is Damned near bulletproof....I'm thinking about cutting the top off and building a custom ( fiberglass camper shell). The biggest pointer I'd tell people is stay away from the pretty new campers!! They are expensive and built crappy!! Waste of money. research fiberglass campers.. scamp/ happy camper and others....13-19 feet . Yes they are expensive even for old ones, but they are built like tanks compared to any others being made today. Be safe out there....just because you can get it in your rig doesn't mean it should go!! Learn about weight!!
A truck camper tells everyone you are camping if you are in a parking lot, you can stealth camp in a van. Most truck campers don’t have access the the cab of the truck, so if you need to leave in hurry, you would have to get out of your camper and run up to the truck. A van you can just hop up into the front and take off. A new truck camper is $ 50,000, you can find an old one, but it is probably a pos. Then you have to find a 1/2 ton truck, probably upgrade the suspension to handle the weight. You can find smaller and lighter campers, but they don’t have much to them. You can get a Chevy express and take it a get 4 wheel drive put on it and it will be more capable than a truck with a camper on the back. There is certainly pro and con to both van and truck camper, but I wouldn’t say one is better than the other, it really depends how you are going to use it. Me personally, I think a van is better, but I am not going to be living out of it nor would it be a daily driver. I would use it for camping or long road trips and going to the bar and getting to drunk and then stealth camping in the parking lot.
I have a 1992 pop-up aluminum truck camper that's in great condition. I keep it popped down in cities and stealth camp in residential areas on my couch/bed vs the cabover, it also has a small pass through which I've only used a few times. (I use my cab for storage). And whenever the truck becomes too much to fix, I can move my home to the next rig. Pop-up, low center of gravity, and I am writing this from a beach in Baja.✌️
It all depends on what kind of camping you want to do. Yes a van can be stealthy so if you plan on camping in big city's that's a great set up. But most camper vans you can tell they are campers. We love having a home base and our Truck to explore out further. No matter what there is always a compromise between comfort and mobility. Big 5th wheels are comfortable but not very mobile. Truck campers especially if on a 4x4 are VERY mobile but not as roomy. There is no such thing as a perfect camper, but you can get close.👍
It all depends on what kind of camping you want to do. Yes a van can be stealthy so if you plan on camping in big city's that's a great set up. But most camper vans you can tell they are campers. We love having a home base and our Truck to explore out further. No matter what there is always a compromise between comfort and mobility. Big 5th wheels are comfortable but not very mobile. Truck campers especially if on a 4x4 are VERY mobile but not as roomy. There is no such thing as a perfect camper, but you can get close
We had fun having our Lance Truck Camper. Yes it was quick. Yes it was scary every time I had to load it or unload it. I'm a big fan of the Scout Truck campers. Love the simplicity. Now we're having fun sporting a GFC Go Fast Camper. Talk about micro Truck Camper. LOL Mark (& Teresa) Maryland
What do you think about a utility trailer camper? instead of the back of a pick up truck? I have both but just looks like i can make a camper bigger on the utility trailer. Just curious Thanks
RV shmarve....Tim Id take your truck camper any day! Is it on VRBO by any chance? I'm just messing with ya but if I ever I mean ever see your rig parked somewhere I'll be chilling on your porch until you show up if you aren't in it. Be safe out there and keep sharing your awesome adventures!!!
Excellent video. So… when you remove a camper from a truck, do you set it completely down on the ground? Those jacks don’t look terribly sturdy. I have no idea. Never seen one in action. Thx!
Thanks for the video, i have a project with f150 no bed , then build something from the frame , do you have video building your own camper , the way i could see it ,that’s varnish plywood wall outside?
lol, man hope your camper turns up dude, so crazy it got stolen. The day after you told me it was stolen, someone broke into my 1989 Toyota station wagon and stole $1,500 of gear and tools out of it:(
Longtime subscriber. I get notified when you post. Thanks.... ah... title (choose). Sorry, I was a teacher for about 174 years. I can't help it. You can remove this after reading it btw... I don't mind.
I love the idea of a truck camper. I just wish someone out there would invent an escape hatch that allows a person to quickly slip through the cabover bed area directly into the front seat of the truck for a quick getaway….if needed?
Yup that would be sweet lol
I agree, moving internally from one to the other would be helpful. I camped up and down the East coast with a truck cap on an eight foot Ford bed. Both the truck and cap had big sliding windows and because I'm not very big (wirery ;) I could slip through. Secure transfer and "get-away" was my idea behind that and luckily I never needed them except once when I locked my keys in the truck.
Definitely the game changer is NOT losing your lodging if you need to repair your TRUCK...cheers, Timmie!!!
yup!
Very comprehensive and thorough comparison of the different options. There is a lot of information here - I had to keep pausing the video and thinking about what you said. You touched on it briefly, but another advantage of a truck camper, is that you can use your truck for other purposes, like a job!
Well done Timmy - you're a smart guy, and I really enjoy your videos!
exactly! thanks:)
I went with trailers as I’ve got lots of trailer experience. I run a buddy system, two tow rigs and two trailers. I’ve got a hummer h3 with a 16x6 trailer with bathroom and shower and all the fixings I use full time. My spare set up is a Mazda b3000 with my first trailer build 10x5 no bathroom.
Don’t know if in my country will pass the control and allow to do a truck camp. You definitely right, seems logical making this choice for so many reason. Alaska is an angle of the world I never was interested to, but seeing your videos, I fell in love with this peaceful part of the world. Those immense areas without any humans activity is just breathtaking.
Whoa I am all in for truckhouse! After watching so many of your videos have just fallen in love with that one and hope she is around for many years! Don't let anything happen to her or I will def cry! My friends love your videos too, just sent your Arctic Circle trip to a friend so her kids can watch your epic trip!
I agree, I will take the truck home over
other options, the versatility of a truck is unmatched.
Exactly why I have '15 Tundra and a Kimbo camper. Agree on the difficulty of loading/unloading but so worth the versatility. Your truck camper has incredible insulation value. My Kimbo is not meant for MN winters!
Nice setup!
Kimbo is the one I'm leaning towards the heaviest. How do you like it?
Good to know ...thinking of a Kimbo for here in Canada!!! Sounds like its not insulated enough....but the versatility of taking it off ...is the KEY deciding factor for me!! Cheers, thanks for posting!!!
Check out Total Composites for a truck camper built for canadian weather. Tested mine in -25°C last weekend and no problem.
Yup. Love my ‘79 Okanagan camper. Keeps my rig light and nimble. And now it sports a back deck with built in bbq too. Anxiously waiting for Spring and summer outings. 🤙🍻🌲
nice!
Yes an I was thinking the wood holds heat too I love you camper it's the best an I love your house your building too .I love wood it just makes everything warm
I agree with you. We had a 8.5 ft. Vacationeer camper and we loved it. It was on a 78 Ford 3/4 ton 4X4 with limited slip in the rear and a 428 Cobra Jet motor with 375 HP. . So we had enough power and two gas tanks, we could pass everything but a gas station. We went a lot of places with that set up. Thanks for the video and I got to see that GREAT paint job again! That paint job set that truck apart from the rest!
Ok, I needed this video 3yrs ago🤣
whoops lol
More fun to design & build, hard to beat Timmy's though.
Nice overview. We went with a used Lance 825 last year to go with my existing old F250. I didn't want another specialty rv vehicle to maintain and pay insurance on especially when its not being used. Truck Campers are considered as cargo in most states and do not even require registration. There is a make and model to suit just about any size or need you may have. Thanks Timmy!
For me I think the biggest drawback to a truck camper is having to exit the cab of the vehicle to access the living space. But, like you said, "different needs,". And you seem smart, that's cool man! The world needs more smart, friendly, neat & outgoing people!
Yup true
RVs are really made of junk. I made them for 10 years, my two older brothers did it for 30 years. Their just made real cheap, but priced high. Truck Campers are the best!!
Lots of good info to think about.
Thanks!
I love the raised height and fact that the camper is removable on trucks but I think a hi top 4x4 diesel van would be the way to go. Only downside like you said getting repairs done but hopefully I could do repairs myself
Interesting perspective Timmy. But I do believe the truck prices might be significantly different in Alaska than they are here in the Pacific Northwest; because you can’t find a truck that runs for less than $10,000 and even than trucks gonna need work and it probably won’t pass emissions. As to Truck campers and RVs most of them are metal sides they’re tin and stick. Which is why a lot of older RVs and campers have dry rot for exactly the reasons you’re mentioning. If trucks weren’t so expensive I love the idea I’ve actually got a really nice cedar shed in my backyard that would make an excellent camper it’s already insulated and wired I can just lift it up put it right on the flatbed whatever we haven’t been able to find any 4 x 4 trucks that are road legal and ready to go at any reasonable price older vans are actually far cheaper about half the cost if they do require build out.
yup truck are hit or miss for sure
Great video and info
..we have a 1 ton dodge ram dually diesel 6 speed 2003 truck and I would not trade it for any new truck out there
.our camper is 12 ft long plus the over the cab extension. Its built for year round camping with a bigger furnace and ducted heat to the holding tanks.the truck is also 4 wheel drive with a locker in the rear end. It's a beast and we love it😍😍😍
For urban camping I'd want a van. For offroad camping I'd want a pickup truck with camper. Thanks for this video. Subbed.
Yup good combo!
LP Smartside for exterior sheathing/siding is a pro choice
Timmy you forgot to mention that most states don’t require you to license a truck camper and my insurance company insured my home built camper for 45,000 for only 40.00 a year. They just added it to my truck policy. I’ve owned 3 Roadtrek vans and, although they rode and drove great I hated to camp in any of them. Even the wide body one was terrible to use the toilets and, the inside shower was a joke. I’m a retired RV repair facility owner for 40 plus years and, I’m building a non cab over 8 foot slide in with a big bathroom with black and grey holding tanks and an outdoor shower. I’ve owned 45 foot MH that I bought brand new to a pop up tent camper and I loved the MH and, I had it for 15 years and towed buy custom built trailer that was 32’ long with my Rubicon,Harley and my can am four wheeler. Traveled all over the US in it but, own a farm and shop in NW Arkansas and now want to be able to travel all of the back roads and really neat out of the way, hidden camping areas all over the country. With my background in RVs I’m trying to implement all of the things that were in my 45’ diesel pusher into an 8’ non cab over slide in camper. I’ve made my own set of jacks that allow me the advantage of lifting my camper up and, rolling it by myself on concrete floors on and off my 1 ton crew cab single rear wheel loaded Ford Lariat. Hey man I’m 75 years old but, like the shit out of your videos and, your doing it right kid. Keep on trucking and, don’t pick your nose while you’re traveling in your rig because everyone will be staring at your build. If I knew how to do it I would like to send you a picture of my homemade truck camper. Just getting started on the inside cabinets and trimming it out with solid oak and a metal stamped ceiling panels. Thanks Timmy
Another fun video! Thank you for the insight Timmy.
Awesome explanation video. Sprinter folks don't realize that as they travel cross country.
thanks!
I want to build my own truck camper out of 1" steel square tubing for the frame, and aluminum sheething, and these fiberglass, foam cabinets I saw online just as a little project. My dream build Right there.
It's cheaper than vans these days, people are selling by a mile.
Do it!
Michelada cents I'd rather have a camper than a motorhome or a van I really love your camper man and you got a beautiful set up man I love that what time the same way as you are I don't need a lot and you got the perfect setup
Thanks for the info. I have a truck camper. Nice to see all the opinions as to why people choose what they like.
You bet!
Hmm, Maybe a Truck Camper that could go back and forth between the Truck and a Trailer.... Thanks for the Good Ideas! Great Vid as Usual :)
I’m working on building my own camper for my truck thanks for the inspiration bud keep up the great videos 👍🏻
Nice man good luck! Send pics to truckhouselife@gmail.com would love to see it!
@@TruckHouseLife I definitely will man I want to do an Alaska trip it’s definitely on my goal list.
Facts ! I agree 100% TImmy.
Have I missed an episode? I would love to see an episode with you staying in the truck camper disconnected from the truck, especially to see how stable it is on the jacks going in and out. I am convinced…..truck camper is a great way to get into the van life on a budget.
It can be done, just not ideal, you'd want to lower it onto my portable saw horses like I did in Moab when I took the camper off to 4 wheel the truck on Hells Revenge.
How much insulation in the floor, walls, and celling do you recommend? I'm designing a camper very similar to yours in materials and size. It will be used it mainly during winter months and I could really use your input. You are one of the few with a lot of winter experience. Thanks for the videos, they are a great watch.
Very good overview and comparison. I agree that if I was wanting to do a lot of travel into the more remote back country,. I would want a truck camper. Trucks and jeeps will always be superior for traveling those rugged roads. I have a Ford transit cargo Van myself, on which I built my own relatively inexpensive but very cozy conversion. But I don't live in it full-time. And I tend To be happy staying on well maintained dirt roads that are easy for 2 wheel drive vehicles to travel on.
very helpfull video Timmy and it was entertaining to learn the camper truck stuff
Thanks man!
Good job, Timmie!
Makes sense for me being over 65 a Travel traveler is the ticket
Thanks
Love it thanks Timmy
Fantastic! Very informative!
Right?!
Awesome content - subbed!
Right on, welcome!
I love your camper, The wood is lovely,, and I feel healthier to live in then metal, especially with all the WiFi radiation these days. Thank you for May this video 👏🏽
Thanks!
Imagine someone steals your truck while you are sleeping in the camper lol!
Very informative Tim Thank you
Hey we’ve seen you at Hatcher. Doing a bud build but not to keep around for forever. Pretty cool truck.
Honestly I've been into the rv and cabin gig for most of my life at least the past ten years,tiny houses truck campers motorhomes etc and basically it's a truck camper or a travel trailer
I drive a 96 f350 cc lb with a zf5 and a trailer fitted with a woodstove suits me well on superior in northern Michigan the electric jacks are a life saver I actually lost my last slide in truck camper because the chincy Jack's gave way and it toppled over nearly into my neighbors house take time advice it's worth the couple thousand
nice!
Nicely done my dude 👌
Totally agree Truck campers are the best to get to remote places. Our Lance 1172 has an aluminum structure instead of wood. Also there are a few other company's that also build truck campers with aluminum like northwoods ,lance,and I believe Eagle cap as well. Most of these company build huge truck capers as well so your not feeling closed in. We have had ours for over 4 years and don't see switching anytime soon. We are full-time in under 100sqft with a big ass dog🤣 and love it. Hope to meet you down the road Timmy🤙👍🇺🇸
Nice!
Brother! Just saw the truck house in a Billy Strings video entitled Billy Strings - Renewal 2022 Recap Video. About 35 seconds in. Awesome man! (Video has been up 4 months)
nice haha!
@@TruckHouseLife It's a sign you'll get to play with him on stage someday 😁
Nicely said 👍
Excellent advice
Thanks for the information
Love your videos dude keep it up! I’ve got a 99 7.3 with a lance overhead camper and really digging it. Getting ready for another trip to colorado next month.
Right on! Cya out there!
I've owned both 22' new travel trailer and my now new truck camper and n F250 6.7 several trips Michigan -Alaska
Truck camper only way to go
Nice!
Definitely agree about the truck camper theme as my brother has done that for years for summer holidays/camping at a lake etc. Flat tows a Jeep TJ behind so that when the 6.0 diesel quits he still has transportation to get himself out of a bind !. Timmy, I was curious what your plan is for that cement pad or was that already on the property when you bought it ?
Building a cabin on it this summer with my Dad!
@@TruckHouseLife That's good to hear although I was hoping for your sake it was going to be a heated garage ! 😀
A truck camper might be ideal for a single, healthy, active person, but for a family with kids, or an older couple with pets, like us, an RV is ideal. We have been living this off-grid lifestyle FT for the last 4 years in a 1999 Class A motorhome pulling a little 30+mpg Chevy toad. We were going to go FT in a truck and trailer, but the diesel truck engine died right before we retired. They wanted $15k to fix it, so we sold it for scrap and used that $15k to buy our 36ft National Tropical MH instead. If our MH ever breaks down when we're deep in the wilderness, God forbid, we have our toad to go for help, so we're never stranded. It saves us a ton of money on gas too as we put a lot more miles on the toad than our MH each year. When you're living on social security this is important. You'd be surprised the places we can go with our MH - down rutted, muddy FS roads to camp overlooking the rim of the Grand Canyon, under some Hoodoos in UT, on top of a mountain in Colorado or on a beach in TX. Our gas MH is 1/2 the weight of a diesel pusher, and our tag axle helps us stay on top of the mud or sand. So far, we've never gotten stuck (though we came close a couple times.) I'm an ex-dirt racer, so being able to drive and read the terrain helps. No rock crawling for us though. As Clint Eastwood said, "A man has to know his limitations."
We mostly boondock on BLM, Forest Service and State Trust land. The way we live, we like to stay for the full legal camping limit, usually 14 days before we move our big 8mpg MH an average of 50-100 miles to our next camping spot, to stretch our gas. Therefore, we need enough resources to make it through, and we've found that fresh water, and disposing of it, is our limiting factor. We carry 110 gallons of fresh water with us and have 100 gallons of waste tank capacity, which is usually sufficient. There's no way we could carry that much weight in a van or truck camper. We have a 620-watt liftable solar array and 560ah of lithium batteries as well as a 5,500w generator which takes care of our electrical needs. We're 66yr old retirees who don't like to go where it snows but do like to go where it's warm enough to run our air conditioner at times. Our 25-gallon propane tank usually lasts us over a month - sometimes two if all we are using it for is our fridge and cooking. Plus, there's plenty of room onboard and in our tow vehicle to store everything we need.
Like you say, different folks have different needs. A truck camper would be unsuitable for us. To start with, my wife could never make it up and down those steps you have. Besides in that tight of a space, one of us would have killed the other by now. I'm just saying...😵 Even the most loving couple needs their own personal space for mental health reasons. A slide-out or two is a big help to remove any claustrophobic feelings one might have if shut in for any period of time. I'm sitting in our bedroom, typing this on my computer now, while my DW is streaming shows on Netflix or Roku on our 55" UHD TV from her recliner in the living room. Later she might surf the net, play a game on her tablet or call family and friends living all across the country. Life is good.
I just did this 3 weeks ago. Not so cheap because I'm a fan of diesel engines so I bought a 2002 RAM 2500 Cummings diesel and then went shopping for a used slide on camper like yours. Pickup truck 14,000 dollars cash. Camper 7500 dollars cash. The truck only has 133 thousand miles on it, So it's just broken in !!
Depending on financial status, "Cheap" is a matter of opinion. Some of these full timers has a large passive income . Then you get your working stiff like me earning 48k a year and living fugal eating rice and beans stashing away 2000 dollars a month for the "DREAM". So to me that was a ton of money, to the trust fund couple it would be "Cheap". You are right Timmy there are 5000 dollar deals on pickups and the camper? Forget it in Middle Tennessee I thing I bought the only one that was under 10,000 dollars. THEY ARE RARE and hard to find. Being 68 years old my building days are over, but if I was young I would have built something like your and save a ton of money. So my stile is that of a weekend warrior, I don't intend to give up my job or apartment. I wanted reliability and durability so I sprang the extra 10 grand on a cummings power plant. These diesels engines don't even know what a load is. Amazes me how it handles hills and speed. I hear that Turbo kick in and it puts a smile on my face. OH YA NO BANK PAYMENTS Thank you Dave Ramsey!!
There are TONS of different options, and its even more nuanced then you have here.
There are people who work the rodeo for example, they travel from city to city for up to 8 months a year, racing. For this they have a combination horse trailer and RV trailer, often 5th wheel set up. in the very back is the stables, often 3-5 hourses can stay there but they often just keep 1 or 2. Feed, tack and such. then there is a connecting door through the bathroom to the main camper part, where they have office, bed, kitchen etc, and they live out of this on the road.
The option to be able to decouple and drive off to go shopping is a big pro with this set up. since they are going to set "fair grounds" or tracks, facilities are there for them to tie in to shore power, pump out and hook in to city water for them.
Next, truck campers - vans- rvs.... got nothing on MOWAG for offroad. these 6 wheel drive vehicles are tough, durable, and are built for endurance. in some cases you can live out of these for weeks or even months straight without going back into town. between solar arrays of up to 3000 watts, revers osmosis water treatment systems allowing you to dump a hose into a lake and have water on demand... and their huge fuel tanks... they can often sit in one area without issue.
The options really are more, what each person wants and wants to use the vehicle for. "urban" camping, vans tend to work best. Mixed utility, truck, people who are "snow birding" traveling between camp grounds and such... full sized RV's. People who don't like to drive, 5th wheel towables.
Yes there are people that will have a huge 5th wheel tow-able, and will hire companies to move them from site to site as they travel... This is important because, in transit... the companies insurance covers any damage or accidents.
Interesting viewpoint seeing I do watch videos people doing the van life buddy 👍 you also have those small teardrop campers also as an option. What about security cameras?
The biggest downside is not being able to drive away in an emergency without getting outside of the camper.
What about building a home on a trailer? Gives you all options for towing it and leaving it somewhere.
Living the American Dream!
Good info . Had a couple of camper truck combos and definitely went further , with .ess cost and troubles , too o.d now have a 30 tow trailer, but I,m spoiled.ed and travel less, great videos
Thanks!
I enjoy this channel ❤
Thanks Ryan!
Great video very helpful
Excellent video! Very informative!
Thanks!
Ovrlnd camper + Tacoma 3rd gen set up for mine. Only 400lbs. It never is taken off and still can be sued as a truck.
good rig!
So cool. Brother ❤ Hi from Indiana. I would love one.
Speaking as a lone female I love my truck but would rather camp in a van; if any dangerous situation arose where you had to take off I would rather be able to access driver seat from inside than have to go outside where the danger is in order to drive away.
Couple of questions for truck campers, firstly, yes it might be a benefit being able to detach it while your truck has to be towed however what if ur in a situation where you have no where to keep the camper while the truck is getting fixed? also will tow companies tow with camper attached? Atleast with a van yes you are having your home towed away but you could book a hotel or something and not have to worry about the camper
Next, it is tougher to break into a truck camper like you mentioned however what if they just break into your truck while your asleep and drive off with your truck, truck camper and most importantly You inside of it.
Other that those questions I do think overall truck campers have alot of rly positive points and are probably a better way to go for alot of ppl.
yup i have a video being towed out of a crazy offroad trail with my camper on it.
Thanks Timmy for all the recs and greatly enjoy your channel! Two questions please- First did you record when you built your truck camper so we can see the building process or do you have any recommendations of other videos that do the breakdown? Secondly, what are some good manufactured truck campers for colder weather if someone were to buy instead of build? Thanks and cheers :)
Oops I see in a comment below you recommend Bigfoot campers
I have a video called How I Built My Dream House on Wheels or something like that;) Bigfoot campers are good for the cold.
Great video was wondering what year is the truck and did you built your camper log
What year is your truck and what are the specs? I just found your channel, so don't know if you covered it on another video. Nice rig!
I've been seriously considering an alucab canopy camper to full time in, but truck camper is defo at the top of my list currently.
those are nice for sure!
On low you didn’t mention is space. Your space is going to be the smallest of all three options. If you’re married you’re essentially halving that space. And if you want a bathroom, that’s even more space.
Truck camper FTW!
yup!
You sold me on it Timmy! 👏😂
haha! yup you've been getting after it too!
That camper can also fall on you. Met a guy once who was quadriplegic from his camper falling on him when he was trying to do a repair. Not an unusual type of accident, either. I just don't like the water/shower situation. It would severely shorten the time I could be off grid.
I wish it were true that "you can find an in expensive truck", because I don't think they exist anymore. I have thought about getting a truck camper, but there seems to be so much involved in matching the truck to the camper, with payload, GVWR, and allll that stuff you have to calculate. And if you do it wrong, that can be bad. And then you have to get the right tie downs, maybe mod your truck's shocks or put airbags or whatever to make it work. It's all so confusing and daunting to me.
Good morning timmy, 🙂
😊
Very helpful!! Which camper should I get for all weather that will last the next 20 years?? Should I build one??
Great video, great advice - Thank you!! 🏆🏆🏆
Build if you can't find what you want, or just want to learn.
Bigfoot campers are great for cold weather. Building one is more fun;)
I'm about to be living in a fzj80 landcruiser with my dog . I'd never pick a motorhome unless it was a Toyota or a mid 70s chevy. as for the setup you have, I'd be running a dually setup for safety. I'd always choose a towable camper over any setup in case of a wreck or catastrophy. ( A scamp ) or other fiberglass equivalent camper. Diesel high top vans are also nice especially if 4wd . Me myself I'd never pick a truck camper.... I don't the weight over and behind the axel ... I am a mechanic and my landcruiser is Damned near bulletproof....I'm thinking about cutting the top off and building a custom ( fiberglass camper shell). The biggest pointer I'd tell people is stay away from the pretty new campers!! They are expensive and built crappy!! Waste of money. research fiberglass campers.. scamp/ happy camper and others....13-19 feet . Yes they are expensive even for old ones, but they are built like tanks compared to any others being made today. Be safe out there....just because you can get it in your rig doesn't mean it should go!! Learn about weight!!
A truck camper tells everyone you are camping if you are in a parking lot, you can stealth camp in a van. Most truck campers don’t have access the the cab of the truck, so if you need to leave in hurry, you would have to get out of your camper and run up to the truck. A van you can just hop up into the front and take off. A new truck camper is $ 50,000, you can find an old one, but it is probably a pos. Then you have to find a 1/2 ton truck, probably upgrade the suspension to handle the weight. You can find smaller and lighter campers, but they don’t have much to them. You can get a Chevy express and take it a get 4 wheel drive put on it and it will be more capable than a truck with a camper on the back. There is certainly pro and con to both van and truck camper, but I wouldn’t say one is better than the other, it really depends how you are going to use it. Me personally, I think a van is better, but I am not going to be living out of it nor would it be a daily driver. I would use it for camping or long road trips and going to the bar and getting to drunk and then stealth camping in the parking lot.
Yup less stealth than a van, but so many people have hi-top vans now that it's finally obvious too lol;)
I have a 1992 pop-up aluminum truck camper that's in great condition. I keep it popped down in cities and stealth camp in residential areas on my couch/bed vs the cabover, it also has a small pass through which I've only used a few times. (I use my cab for storage). And whenever the truck becomes too much to fix, I can move my home to the next rig.
Pop-up, low center of gravity, and I am writing this from a beach in Baja.✌️
It all depends on what kind of camping you want to do. Yes a van can be stealthy so if you plan on camping in big city's that's a great set up. But most camper vans you can tell they are campers. We love having a home base and our Truck to explore out further. No matter what there is always a compromise between comfort and mobility. Big 5th wheels are comfortable but not very mobile. Truck campers especially if on a 4x4 are VERY mobile but not as roomy. There is no such thing as a perfect camper, but you can get close.👍
It all depends on what kind of camping you want to do. Yes a van can be stealthy so if you plan on camping in big city's that's a great set up. But most camper vans you can tell they are campers. We love having a home base and our Truck to explore out further. No matter what there is always a compromise between comfort and mobility. Big 5th wheels are comfortable but not very mobile. Truck campers especially if on a 4x4 are VERY mobile but not as roomy. There is no such thing as a perfect camper, but you can get close
@Ragtag Dirtbag Only a hick would make living outta of a vehicle a musculinity thing.
We had fun having our Lance Truck Camper. Yes it was quick. Yes it was scary every time I had to load it or unload it.
I'm a big fan of the Scout Truck campers. Love the simplicity. Now we're having fun sporting a GFC Go Fast Camper. Talk about micro Truck Camper. LOL
Mark (& Teresa) Maryland
Yup lance is the classic iconic of them all:) Scout looks sweet too!
@@TruckHouseLife ❤️
What do you think about a utility trailer camper? instead of the back of a pick up truck? I have both but just looks like i can make a camper bigger on the utility trailer. Just curious Thanks
RV shmarve....Tim Id take your truck camper any day! Is it on VRBO by any chance? I'm just messing with ya but if I ever I mean ever see your rig parked somewhere I'll be chilling on your porch until you show up if you aren't in it. Be safe out there and keep sharing your awesome adventures!!!
hahaha! knock on the door if you ever see me around
Seeing a lot of people go with those Ford Transits. Do you think that's because it's trendy, or more convenient for them?
They're cheaper than Sprinter vans.
Excellent video. So… when you remove a camper from a truck, do you set it completely down on the ground? Those jacks don’t look terribly sturdy. I have no idea. Never seen one in action. Thx!
nope I lower it down to the saw horses
Thanks for the video, i have a project with f150 no bed , then build something from the frame , do you have video building your own camper , the way i could see it ,that’s varnish plywood wall outside?
I have a video called "How I Built My Dream Home on Wheels" with pics of the build. Captains varnish 1015 on the outside plywood.
Yay!!
Hey. Do you have the step by step from start to finish? Thx
Hello dear I like your videos very much❤
Thanks!
@@TruckHouseLife you welcome 😘
After a few times in and out with the camper all the sudden you’re loaded 👨🏻🚒
You should fix the word CHOSE to CHOOSE in your title LOL
fixed it alllll ;)
Do youhavea video of how tou built your camper, id like to see it
How much MPG hit you take with the camper on vs off?
What about a truck with an off-road tiny house ? I know a guy 🤣
lol, man hope your camper turns up dude, so crazy it got stolen. The day after you told me it was stolen, someone broke into my 1989 Toyota station wagon and stole $1,500 of gear and tools out of it:(
Truck camper all the way!
here here!
10k on a used 2012 chevy and 3k for a camper. If i had 150k for a sprinter i wouldn't be bumming around the west
Longtime subscriber. I get notified when you post. Thanks.... ah... title (choose). Sorry, I was a teacher for about 174 years. I can't help it. You can remove this after reading it btw... I don't mind.
Fixed it;)