Truck Camper 101 / Beginners Guide to Truck Camping

[@iana36s]

The only thing missing is a section on avoiding bad advise about capacity. From dealership staff to online forums telling you that your truck will be just fine with that big old truck camper loaded. Just upgrade tires, buy stable loads, get airbags , get sway bars get high capacity tires…etc. How about match the trucks engineered payload to the camper. If in doubt take the truck and camper to a weigh station.

[@charlesb4267]

And interestingly enough some trucks really by rights can't carry their rated load as per the spring packs that come from the factory, as I term it the rear bumper is just about dragging when loaded to max capacity of the truck. So in reality in a best case scenario the truck used should have a max capacity over what will be ultimately loaded on it. An example is in fact these largest of side in campers that some have gone to 550 trucks with custom built decks and boxes on either side and tie downs incorporated for the camper. Unfortunately that becomes a even more pricey proposition and issues with commercial licensing/insurance for some states I understand ( not an issue up here in Alberta as far as I know ) . I think so often its under estimated as to all the weight that gets packed into the truck and the camper, fluids, people, and on and on. The weigh scale after the fact tells the scary story !

[@ottocarr3688]

Amen!

[@NorthRiver-zw9lb]

YES, and there are a product called "Happy Jackets for truck campers and then there is "Torklift" Happy jacket are junk. You likely know that.

[@NorthRiver-zw9lb]

OH! I see they know that! :-)

[@doughutchison6382]

Great job explaining the basics of truck camping. It’s a really fun way to travel and opens up a lot of possibilities for campsites, boondocking, etc. And unlike trailers, there’s no expense for registration, state inspection, brakes, tires, or wheel bearings. We’re gearing up for our trip to the west coast in a couple of months and can’t wait to get on the road! Safe travels and keep the videos coming!

[@randiruge1265]

Great video. I find that the weakest link on the truck are the tires. Both myself and my uncle have had recent blowouts with our campers. Mine was about $4500 in damage to the truck bed. Make sure your tirescan handle the weight.

[@matthewsmith9425]

YOU TWO are the reason I have my F350 DRW 2020 and 2021 Lance 975! Thank you. Still had to figure a few things out myself, but you guys absolutely helped me through this journey

[@Robert-ex2qp]

Great video very informative. Lance should update the graphic of the camper in the truck placement sticker in the cabinet. Looks like a late 60's Chevy and Camper. LOL

[@horsetrader1991]

Great video guys. I can't wait to see your" Truck Camper 101 part 2". In 2001 when I bought my first Lance. The NC dealer would NOT sell me my 915 unless I had a spray in liner. No talk of a rubber mat then. Really good detailed information. I'm sure part 2 will cover weight, dealers will tell you anything to sell their unit. TC, Bill

[@audisportcarrasco]

F150 palomino 1410lb took my rubber mat off sliding all over guess I'm put it back 🎉

[@scottg9208]

As a fellow truck camper owner, your information is very good. Also, I have spent my entire career in the trucking industry so I operate on the side of safety, always. The whole payload topic is a hot one as you know in the truck camper world. I tell anyone wanting to get a truck camper that the first thing they need to do is decide what camper they want, then match the truck to it. If they already have the truck then they are limited by what the truck can safely haul. Definitely a rabbit hole to go down! Good to see you are enjoying your Ford.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

What an AWESOME video for anyone thinking about buying a truck camper!! You guys covered a lot of useful information and I excepted this video to be watched for a lot of years to come.

[@RunawayRoses]

Thanks, hopefully it will help people for years to come for newbies looking at getting a truck camper. TC’s are so different from everything else. Thanks for watching!

[@scottmitcheltree4182]

Great video. I purchased a preowned package. 2002 Lance 1172 on a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado Dually. Absolutly knew nothing about this stuff. Loved it, miss out truck camper. We "outgrew" the Truck Camper but still have the Silverado. We purchased a 30 ft. Fifth wheel Jayco 27.5 which the first gen Duramax drags along just fine. But we miss the "coziness" and convenience of our Lance.

[@whitetail229]

Excellent info. The wife and I are looking to buy a truck camper. Thank you for the helpful information

[@rodgarcia6563]

Palomino 750 HS is a good option for most half tons. I think it was 1900 lb dry

[@Michael-gi3dk]

F-450 LARIET duelly with a Northern Lite 10-2 EXLE works great for me.

[@tracimoney-honey8545]

thank you for the advice ...easy to follow ... we are preparing to go to a truck camper vs hotels ... our business we travel with a 16 ft cargo teailer

[@xmavrick]

One of our previous neighbors had a half ton, and loaded a used camper he purchased which was obviously over loaded and went to Florida and back without tieing it down! To bad this video wasn’t out when he did this! He often mentioned his white knuckle experiences going to Florida?

[@RunawayRoses]

On my gosh that sounds scary! Hopefully this video will help from other people doing something like that in the future. Thanks for sharing that story and watching!

[@michaelwas8549]

Is it better to have an 8ft box for truck campers?

[@teresaworden7930]

It would be great for “101 series info” to have video showing everything about how the various systems work (generator, flushing potable water tank, ac, fridge options etc) which could then add Maintenance on these systems as next video after that!

[@horsetrader1991]

Hard to cover everything. I think this gives you a little history and shows an excellent introduction for fist time truck campers. I believe Part two will cover weight, hight and many things first time truck campers don't think about. We went truck camping for 10 years, LOVED IT. Hooked, during that time we did own a 5th wheel but our fondest memories was of us owning a truck camper. The 5th wheel didn't last long. Because of those memories we stepped off and bought a very expensive Northern Lite only to realize my health has gone down and I'm probably not up to camping in any form. No, I think they done an excellent job. Can't wait for part 2.

[@leewaite789]

Nice video guys. Hey Ford guy, I see the tee, serious truck envy here, she a beauty

[@ronoutwest]

One of the most informative truck camper videos I’ve seen! Thank you!

[@keithluethje2590]

Love your guy's vids! Keep up the good work and looking forward to more!

[@larsthorwald3338]

Great video for non-RV owners like me, who have never owned a truck camper but are doing the initial research. I like the concept, but of course every time I think about the fuel cost, I get palpitations and dizziness. heh. Thanks!

[@erinpuryear9478]

Thanks! Good video and feel like we did it all these things in 101 right based on your recommendations. 😊. Getting ready to start season 2 of truck camping, would be great for y’all to do a video on loading. Sometimes we can get it right with just a couple (or 3) attempts and sometimes takes a little more. Is this just something where “practice makes perfect” or is there a tried and true method that works every time? Love watching y’all!

[@JHA6100]

Wonderful tutorial to help beginner truck campers. I currently have a fifth wheel but am thinking of rig changes, so this is very helpful to look & understand the basics of contemplating a truck camper. Great job Runaway Roses! 👏👏👏

[@horsetrader1991]

Had a 5th wheel, once, the extra room is nice but I LOVE the veracity of the truck camper.

[@truckn]

You are correct I've watched a ton of camping videos, this is the first one that educated me on everything I needed to know if I was to go this route. Thanks for the info, be safe out there.

[@michaelwas8549]

Some trucks have a sticker in the glove box specifically for truck camper loading

[@AndTodaysProjectIs]

You guys! This is a GREAT video of tips on the truck bed prep as well as everything else of course as always! I am about to buy a Ford F350 DRW out of state with a brand new spray-in bed liner and head right from the used dealership to another location to pick up a used 2018 Lance 1172 and thought I was ready for the 1300 miles home with the package. Great info. I'll be arranging for a truck-bed mat for sure before dropping it in!

[@kepsteradv1422]

I really enjoy all of your videos. Keep making them and I will keep watching.

[@FrankParis-wp4ic]

Thank you so much for doing this! I am thinking about a truck camper and had so many questions. Thank you!

[@JohnAnderson-km1fb]

Excellent video! Very helpful.

[@theartsunnyshow2748]

I remember before we got ours you all were very helpful and even answered a few questions. Thank you for making this video. I think for me and maybe other people who get a truck camper is how to load it. I know I was super nervous loading that thing straight on, and making sure it wasn’t to much on me me side or the other. Great video looking forward to another..

[@celestepalm6949]

Hey can my F-150 carry an 1165 Eagle Cap? 🤣 Thank you for one of the most comprehensive practical truck/truck camper vids I've seen.

[@cyndysooch]

Very informative, especially the rubber mat, I never thought about that.

[@johnvsf]

Awesome video! Thank you for sharing.

[@dylanbacon8223]

My truck has a capacity sticker just for truck campers

[@rapcreeperproductions3269]

I have a 69 camper special and a 69s era camper popped up for sale near me so I think it's a no brainer for me.

[@billparrish4439]

Anyone looking into camper tie down systems, 5 years ago I installed the happy jack tie down system in the front of my Ram 3500 and the Torque lift system mounts to the rear. Best of both systems, my big lance never budges.

[@michaelkurz9067]

I have a pop up camper and happy I didn't buy a full size,they are to heavy,not good in high winds and uses to much fuel(the truck)only thing I don't like is winterizing in winter,can't use your fresh water.

[@mattwaters6987]

Such a great video. Thanks for sharing this information. 😊

[@RunawayRoses]

Glad it was helpful! 😊

[@WhiskeyHunterVAT69]

Excellent information. 👍👍 Very glad I found your VOD before I bought the truck. At least in my area, can't speak to the rest of the country, the dealership sales ppl are lying, no good, evil (radio edit).

[@ClarkyMalarky]

Keep in mind capacity of the payload “does not include fuel ,oil, washer fluid , exhaust fluid” 30 gallons for eg,is 250lbs

[@oldsalt8011]

If your going with a Lance 1172 or similar, don't mess around. Go with a 550 or 5500 truck.

[@skoffco]

Have you used a DC to DC smart charger 30 amp charger tying your trucks alternator to your truck camper batteries?

[@RunawayRoses]

No we have never used one but maybe one day. Thanks for watching!

[@screddot7074]

Payload is not the only factor for Chevrolet and GMC. They also put a sticker in the pocket (at least for half tons). If you have a short bed, it will most likely say this truck is not recommended for a slide in camper. I recently looked at a GMC 1500 with a standard bed where the payload was about 1800 lbs., seems pretty good. The sticker in the pocket that states the allowable weight for a truck camper was 987. Time for a HD, which one?

[@horsetrader1991]

I have a 2022 Dodge Limited for sale, Aisin transmission, payload is 5240 pounds, I think, Long horn package, 1841 miles. Still smells new. Hard to find one of these like this.

[@jimbluebaugh6090]

Wish I'd seen this before buying a camper. Fortunately my truck is quite capable of hauling my camper.

[@martylovejoy]

Very helpful! Thank you.

[@paveltkachenko3231]

Thank you.

[@Natedoc808]

GVWR: weight of the truck plus the payload.

[@downstream5887]

Awesome video. Thanks for going into such detail.

[@rustyhathaway3426]

Great video. How do you like the 7.3 Godzilla compared to a diesel?

[@skoffco]

Do you have to remove your fast gun tie down to aces your fuel door while fueling? They look fairly close to where the door opens.

[@RunawayRoses]

Each camper and truck setup may be different but yes with our Lance I do have to remove one Fastgun to open the fuel door. Thanks for watching!

[@mrgatorzx]

The bumper view is amazing 😂

[@snake10566]

Do you recommend a dually? I have a tough time finding a lot of vehicles for sale with the dual rears.

[@leecoleman822]

Thank you ,and Happy 4th of July 2023 .amen 🇺🇸

[@willk7184]

Very helpful for a newbie like me, thanks guys!

[@cindyboskofsky8571]

This was great...I learned what I've been wondering about!

[@billrichcreek7272]

You think that you might go back to a flat bed again?

[@RunawayRoses]

Hi Bill, we’re not planning on going back to a flat bed anytime too soon but you never know with us. Right now we are very happy with our F350. Thanks for watching!

[@rodney6602]

My new truck came with a spray in liner. I use a rubber mate also. Is this safe?

[@RunawayRoses]

Yes, using a rubber mat over the spray in bedliner is good for a truck camper. The spray in bedliners by themselves can be a little slick. Plus the rubber mat adds a little cushion for the camper to sit on. Thanks for watching!

[@skoffco]

I have added a pressure treated 4 x 8 sheet of plywood three-quarter inch thick then put the Ford bed mat over top of that on my 2022 F450. I needed just a little extra height between the overhang of the bed and the cab for my Artic Fox 1140.

[@iana36s]

@@RunawayRosesI have the Northern Lite with a F350. To get cab clearance I have to raise the bed height. On my new dually I had put the platform on the painted truck bed and then a rubber mat on top of the platform. I found the wooden platform would shift front to back even with the camper installed. Ended up using a rubber mat under the platform and one on top. Problem solved.

[@SuperDuty23XL]

good job with the video; great info!

[@DreamingOutloudRVing]

Great information, thanks!

[@victorhugocardenas6345]

THANK-YOU-

[@karennathan4069]

Todd, I love your videos, they are a wonderful resource for this new slide in camper owner. Im a widow with a vintage rig I love. I have a 2000 F250 Superduty crewcab and finally found the Lance camper I was lookin for. When you changed the proprietary Lance plug out did you find it necessary to install any upgrades in the truck trailer wiring to match the Lance 8awg used by the refrigerator and ac unit? I was also advised to put a 40 amp circuit breaker in to protect my truck battery from being drained. Are these things necessary?

[@RunawayRoses]

I’ve done it both ways with the wiring and didn’t really find it necessary to have the 8 gw wire. I’m sure is better to be wired properly but the three-way fridge is best not ran on 12volts for very long. When we travel I put our fridge on propane. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching!

[@MrLoadedweapon]

I'm a previous owner of a class A 36ft Winnebago Voyage RV which I no longer have...I have a 2021 1-ton F350 6.7 diesel super duty SRW and would like to have a camper for myself now that my kids are grown, and my wife has passed. I'm really undecided and have narrowed my decision to 4 manufactures - models. Arctic Fox, /Northern Lite / Lance and kingstar . In your opinion and in your experience, are these choices good manufactures with good customer service and quality units? Thank you for all of your videos which have been very helpful! I really appreciate the detail in all of your videos. I am in MD and like to Winter camp in the Northern region of the U.S. ..Thank you for your opinion.

[@boostedlss6450]

Great vid, I've been watching for a couple years now. A lot of your content was extremely helpful to me during my decision making process to setup a TC rig, like these exact frame mounts but also the many great tours of campers not by a salesman, but by somebody with an eye for function/quality etc. I only run the Stabiload uppers and lowers on a Chev 3500HD, and it handles a NL 9-6 LE like its not even there. I figure about 75% of the rigs I generally see are overweight, and honestly so many people will say stuff like "O yeah you can do that on a 3/4" and by the numbers, I'm close, because of the high trim level of the truck, but I'm not going to mess around, do it right I say.

[@annecrane8764]

Friend just got totally scammed on truck camper .. will NOT fit her truck and SO much misinformation given her !! 😢

[@fosternix5283]

This dudes forearms 🤤

[@rojo9954]

Hi Todd , great information . We just purchased a Ford F350 SRW 2023, our payload is 4026, I am looking at some truck campers one we like is the lance 625 with a total capacity up to 2600-2800 , your thoughts on what we should stay under in a camper weight capacity for our truck ? Also if we purchase the lance we did get the on board 2KW outlet in bed , however it appears the lance requires a special 6 pin , any suggestions where I can have that done ? Last items did I make error with spray in bed liner , I did purchase a ford super duty rubber mat that they placed over the spray in bed , do we need to do anything further to ensure the truck camper does not move ? We appreciate your input , we know you have a wealth of knowledge and we have watch your videos for many years. Thank you for the great content on truck campers. Rose from Michigan

[@georgecharokee4570]

Awesome Info Folks, Looking at Truck Campers, Thank You 👏🏾👍🏾👊🏾💯💯💯

[@MikeNutley-m5m]

Todd, I am very curious as to exactly why you got rid of your 4500? I watched the video and you stated some of the reasons, but that was a big jump. I have a Ram 5500 on order and just today I looked into insurance, yup it's definitely more expensive.

[@harryknutts8428]

I guess I fucked up. I got the spray in bedliner I just wasted $80,000 on the truck. I’ll just sleep in the backseat I’ll spend the money on something else.

[@tedhunt4092]

This is a question When you get to a campground can you remove the camper from the truck and still stay in the camper?

[@RunawayRoses]

Yes that is correct. Thanks for watching!

[@jameswbarry9576]

H I I have a 2022 Colorado with the v6 and 8 speed trans it has the tow package and the trailer package is it the same thing or different it has the 5,2 bed it's a 4 doors can I tell all the information by the VIN numbers for weight and load or call Chevy I am new at this thanks

[@ottocarr3688]

The focus of a tutorial is to come to the point asap. You do have tendency to ramble and repeat yourself. I respectively suggest a well edited and practiced script. This could put you in the top tier of camping and boon docking educators and get you more viewers.

[@gman454dixie]

How much clearance do you have with your dually between the camper jack legs. My tires on my dually stick out a few inches on each side past the fender.

[@highball7347]

Your slide in camper payload is far less than the payload listed on the door. F350s duallys are around 4,700 lbs.

[@HERRERACARRIERSINC]

Nice 👍

[@patmerrill4512]

My truck has a drop in plastic liner. I know you said I need a bed mat. Can the mat be put over the liner or do I need to remove the liner first?

[@RunawayRoses]

I would recommend removing the plastic bed liner and putting down a rubber bed mat. The plastic liners are slippery which could be dangerous with a truck camper on it. Thanks for watching!

[@realistic.optimist]

Confused. Yes or No to the mat on top of the spray in liner? I would say yes. The mat will not protect the bed from the camper and the spray on liner quiets the bed.

[@louisesblues]

Todd..did the running boards on your truck extend to the area where the brace area? If so how did you overcome it!

[@RunawayRoses]

The side steps weren’t in the way of the frame mounts for the camper. Thanks for watching.

[@Jarrod2323]

How quickly does that drain your battery? And can it plug into shore power?

[@Carlos14082010]

Thank you so much guys for all the advices ❤👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🙏🏻

[@fredanderson7952]

Thanks.

[@lobbyrobby]

Thank you

[@James-tt7vg]

Thanks so much you answered many questions I had...Great informative tutorial Thanks !

[@SmokingDabs]

U can use the spray on liners just leave the liner flat don't give it the popcorn ceiling effect and would work just as good as the rubber mat

[@kenfox22]

Pretty wife lucky 🍀 dog. Super wise advice. Thank You

[@toddramsay977]

So what’s up with the RV AK Alaska plates on the back of the truck? Sumpin ya want to tell us! LOL!

[@RunawayRoses]

Lol, that tag came with our first truck camper and we just use it to cover our tag. I think it’s a generic tag you can buy in Alaska.

[@catherinehalley4723]

dang....I was hoping you were up here!@@RunawayRoses

[@nancyw761]

What make was the truck bed mat you talked about in the video? Is there a certain thickness?

[@kevinmartin5448]

Thanks

[@allenmccarriston5834]

Good job guys!

[@jamesbonkavich1693]

Great video thank you very much...🎉🎉🎉

[@bryanstaten5585]

So you no longer have the flatbed? Why did you go back to the pickup bed?

[@nia6849]

What do you need to haul a truck camper and tow a 5th wheel at the same time?

[@achap6376]

Are you serious?

[@jessicaolive8005]

Can a dually carry a camper and tow a pro guide boat?

[@afj3rd]

From a truck camper soon to be thank you for the video!!

[@nunurbusiness162]

👍

[@flyingmulerider7166]

Good Video - Thanks

[@Ve88Ga]

Did you get rid of the flatbed truck and why?

[@bustersmith5569]

This Was Very Useful ,,,,,,, !!! TY,,,👍👍👍

[@Mala-Ipsa-Nova]

Thank you for this.

[@Frankwrite]

Great introduction to getting a truck camper. Let me add that, as a newby in 2020, I learned in buying a new truck that there's significant payload tradeoff involved in deciding between diesel and gas engines and between 4WD and 2WD. Diesel engine and 4WD add weight and thus reduce payload capacity.