Truck Camper PROS and CONS Truck Life vs. Van Life

[@screddot7074]

On Chevy and GM half ton tucks be sure to check the sticker in the glove box for truck camper use. A short bed will tell you the truck is not recommended for a slide in camper. Other models may have a weight limit for a truck camper that is well below the payload weight in the door. Basically, you need a 2500 truck for a camper. Some campgrounds will not allow you to take the camper off the truck. When it is on your truck, it is covered by your truck insurance. When it is off your truck, it is covered by your home owners insurance. I have a separate policy that covers my camper both on and off the truck.

[@arnenystrom4283]

My #1 biggest con with truck campers is safety, not being able to get from the camper to the cab without having to step outside. I can't tell you how many scary moments I've had camping in my van where I was so thankful that I could drive away anytime something didn't feel right.

[@warrenscorner]

Where are you camping that you’ve had scary moments. We’ve traveled all over the country in our truck camper and we’ve never felt threatened. We usually stay at designated campgrounds but on occasion will spend a night at Cracker Barrel, Rest areas, or truck stops.

[@warrenscorner]

We love our truck camper. It’s an older 2013 model on a 2013 Silverado 2500HD. I would say if you’re thinking about a truck camper and don’t have a truck yet go right to a 1 ton. There will be more options available for camper sizes.

[@nickaltvater5592]

What skeeres you?

[@howardkettner]

10 years later - never happened to me. I need to hear specifics about what caused you to have to drive away - multiple times apparently. I take mine into all sorts of back country and urban.

[@anthonylan2295]

Squirrels scare me!!

[@evank8459]

Same applies to a trailer vs an all-in-one RV, but one huge benefit to a camper of that style, is that if the truck needs work you can leave it behind. It's really rather inconvenient to get work done on it while you're living out of your vehicle.

[@DeerheartStudioArts]

I’m still in love with my 2008 Honda Element SC. She’s still my bug out buggy read to hit the road at the drop of a hat.🦌💌❤️🚙

[@ForeignerDanielmain]

Hey Nate, one other con for the truck camper (which you won’t experience with yours) is that non-pop top campers will struggle on that overlanding segment. Those campers are really tall and tree branches are an issue. Great vid, cheers.

[@source5729]

Most are same as vans; only a foot at the most taller with the really big ones

[@Enjoytheinbetween]

I bought 30 year old truck camper in great shape, remodeled it and added solar for all under $2k. I leave it in the driveway until I want to use it.

[@paulbailey5915]

Truck campers seem to offer best bang for the buck. I was looking at Class B custom build vans. Prices are ridiculous. What bothers me with vans is as you pile on mileage it depreciates the whole build. At least with a truck camper you can upgrade either, plus lower initial cost and often more space

[@jacknimble1]

One thing to keep in mind about truck campers, they don't usually last as long as any other type of rv. Probably because they are always being flexed and the seams always seem to be split apart and water damage is a result. Slide ins only have 4 points of being secured and are usually not well built from the start. They sit up high and all that weight leveraged will cause structural problems.

[@ogaddcb]

I’m 77 years old. Along with the ingress and egress situation I ended up selling my slide in. With the soft sided roof, I was concerned about bears. Yellowstone would not let me camp in bear area campgrounds. I was all ready to trade it for a hard sided until I saw the overall 12’ height.

[@trekfortruth2841]

Good video and list. I have been full timing in a 2012 Four Wheel Camper Hawk model since 2018 and it is certainly one of the exceptions in build quality and holding its value. I paid $12,500 when this camper was 5 years old and it is still in excellent condition and I boondock in rugged areas. Pretty sure I could sell it today for what I paid six years ago.

[@connormurphy6837]

Another thing to consider for the mid to large sized hard campers basically require dual rear wheels if you want to have a good experience driving on the road (staying in the GVWR of the vehicle).

[@bonniepwtf]

Great job pointing out the plus points & cons. You're definitely speaking from experience. Take care Nate✌️🏄‍♂️

[@dlg5485]

I've been evaluating this choice for years and I keep coming back to a class b van. The primary reasons are stealth capability, cab-camper pass thru, build quality, and fuel economy. I don't anticipate doing any serious overlanding, but a properly configured AWD Ford Transit, for example, can go anywhere I'm likely to want to go. That said, the one factor that keeps me looking at truck campers is the absurd cost of class b vans, especially custom builds, which is the way I'd go. Even with all the drawbacks, the huge cost advantage of a truck camper is impossible to ignore. I will most likely be buying all new so there'd at least a $50k premium for a well equipped class b, compared to a comparable 3/4 ton truck camper rig. Not sure it's worth it.

[@source5729]

So a “stealth” has no windows… if it has windows, you’re not stealth anyway; people know

[@dlg5485]

@@source5729 Well, that's obvious but you can certainly do some sort of skylight or roof vent if you want some natural light.

[@freedomdove]

Good comparison video, Nate. Thank you.

[@CamilaElla-c1b]

I am learning so much from watching your videos. Thank you so much for sharing this amazing source of information. This one is quite helpful.

[@grayeagleswolves]

Hi Nate What's going on man I've been an Rv'er and a 5th wheeler and a Truck camper And I've gotta tell you I think its like you said it depends on who you are and what you want I like a Bathroom and a kitchen and a full place to rest I've done the with out and Its Ok you can make due But I'm a person that likes complete comfort

[@ZEVONLIN]

I really like Brian's Box truck. I am searching for a good deal on the same rig as his. I wish GM would build one with new 2.7 turbo engine and transmission. I think that would be pretty sweet!

[@jet4415]

He’s done a good build with the box truck. I like it, it’s definitely more stealthy.

[@thexxit]

I think you summed it up at the end: it really depends on your requirements. If you need your vehicle for work, for moving stuff around, for day to day driving, something like this might be better. You can remove the camper as required and use yoru truck as a truck. But if you don't have that requirement, if you'd like the convenience of getting from the cab to the back and the stealth factor, you'd likely fare better with a van. I'm excited to see how far you can go with this camper!

[@howardkettner]

Solid info and perspectives. 10 years and now on my third camper (they were all great - but our needs changed) and I’d never consider another solution. Incidentally, the first two slide in campers were sole for more than I paid for them new, #3 is a dream. Arctic Fox 1140. Had 4 motorhomes previously. All the way to 37’. Never going back.

[@whuop-wadeshumbleopinion625]

Truck camper is the best! Get a 1-ton if you don’t have one. Regardless of what size camper you get, you want enough payload and overload springs. I have an AF 865. I use it every week and I boondock all the time. I’m not concerned about the egress issue. I don’t stay where there is a question of safety. Truth is, you just need to be vigilant. To add a layer of security, get cameras to mount on the outside. I absolutely love the versatility of the truck camper. On/off whenever and it’s easy 15 minutes for either one. The height is only an issue if you don’t pay attention. Truck camper is the best option for nearly anything. Off road has its limits but so does a 2 wheel drive (low clearance) van.

[@shelbyindianajones3226]

Thanks! I already have a truck and wanted to do a build but this looks so much easier, since I am not a carpenter! Agree with you on everything!

[@TheGoodTheBadTheRowdy]

At the beginning of the pandem, my son took a c30 crew cab, he built a custom frame, and in went a cummins, custom fabbed a utl bed from scratch, and added a smaller camper meant for a tacoma, so he could have more space for tools, equipment and so on. Custom rear bumper, so his TW200 bike or his Zuma scooter could go on there, under utl bed were custom made water tanks he made, with water keeps weight low. He had a partial over cab rack setup that mated to front bumper giving him more storage as he cycled from winter clothes to summer, that trucks now relegated to barely used as hes now building his 2023 Hijet jumbo cab a custom frame, and building the motor, trans, for a turbo kit hes adding to give it a bit more umph, and he also uses a 6.2L swapped LS3 powered 2018 Tacoma crew cab, he made a fold out platform for the utl bed, so he can setup a custom tent up top on it and be off the ground. His next adventure next year will be to go from W to E coast on a bike with my other sons haha. So now hes figuring out suspension design for the side cart hes going to make for his bike, so he can carry supplies, fuel, and his precious guitar hehe. Great video as always man!

[@corylalexander]

Solid video, dude.

[@GuntherSnaps]

I'm gonna get a truck camper just like this for my family. For me a pro is that i can put my son in the back seat in a safe car seat. What would I do with my son in a van? You would have to dedicate space in the camper for a seat that probably isn't safe. I have a home and spend most of my time at home, so getting a truck to use most of the time and then being able to add a camper when I want to travel makes a ton more sense for my situation.

[@rickstonewall2557]

Just a suggestion, since you have a family to think about...a minivan is the most versatile for daily family (tons of cargo capacity), safety, fuel economy, and can tow 1,000lbs as-is so could tow a teardrop trailer or other type of small trailer (and if equipped with brake controller and a trailer with electric brakes can tow 3500lbs).

[@vincenzopromedia]

I think it depends on your layout. I don't think seats in a van are any less safe than seats in a pickup truck. I mean a van like a high top luxury conversion van, not a camper van, or a class b motorhome. If you do simple mods to a high top luxury conversion van it could be an amazing rig for a small family and a great daily diver too. No open bed like a pickup truck but a full size van still has a truck engine and a truck frame so it will tow and haul most anything. Even more mods will get you better gas milage especially with a gas motor. Slide in campers just have RV quality and I don't think we have to put up with that if we want to go camping. You can mod one but to me it's no worth it. A lot of them are built on or using wood that will eventually rot. I wish RVs were built with the quality of cars but they would be too heavy or too expensive unless you had a van which would solve that problem.

[@vincenzopromedia]

@@rickstonewall2557 This is why I hate minivans. You're going to sacrifice all that size and space and functionality and daily ease of use just to get better mpg? It's not worth it and you don't have to choose. The only thing you're really deciding on is whether you want to keep your warrantee or not. All you have to do is mod your rig to get better mpg. Minivans are just horrible vehicles that don't let you do what you want and make you think you don't have a choice and that your doing the best you can by driving them which you're not. your sacrificing 4wd, locking differentials. It depends on your lifestyle but I don't think it's worth it.

[@mgkleym]

What's funny is that I've been shopping for a larger rv and come to the opposite conclusion. I started out wanting a truck and 5th wheel and have found I can buy an older high-end class A like a mid to late 90s holiday rambler endeavor for what a decent older 1 ton would cost. The way the market is a big class a is generally the cheapest used motorized rv you can buy.

[@JamesLAdventures]

Chevy guy for lyfe "like a rock"

[@michaelkloeckner6353]

We save our extra cash for 11 months and then take off in our SUV for one month hiking anywhere in the USA we want to go to. I have a lithium Ion Battery pack plugged in to change and that powers a small 12 volt fridge. Great to hear all of the pros and cons. We love hitting the road to.

[@ransombaggins9301]

How one will use it makes all the difference. There will always be compromises and those will always be subjective. One "pro" about the camper top is that, when you put 200k+ miles on the truck/camper combo, you can remove the camper and replace the truck if you want and you're only dealing with the depreciation of the truck. If you put 200k+ miles on the van, you have to deal with the depreciation of the whole thing. That may or may not concern someone, but it's worth noting.

[@seanoleary1979]

Nate! I did 6 years in a converted van... Then I went to a small travel trailer, then a bigger travel trailer and was never satisfied with any of them. There were always big trade offs. Once I got into a truck camper, I found bliss! I bought an older Lance camper which are truly very well built and it was in phenomenal shape! My truck is an F250HD with the Legendary 7.3 Power Stroke so I get 15-16 mpg (no faster than 65 mph on flat ground like Florida) with the camper chained on. It's 4WD so I get to regularly drive onto the beach on Montauk or South Hampton (I'm from Long Island) and stay there for up to a week fishing. Or, I get to explore lonely trails high up in the Catskills or Adirondacks and camp there. The only con is the funky handling - which you eventually get used to! One big thing I learned... never - EVER - buy a gas truck, unless you just don't travel much. With a class B or C camper, you MUST have either a toad or a pull a trailer with a motorcycle on it. Every time you want to leave camp in one of those you have to pack everything up/disconnect SWE and use the RV for transportation. Truck campers get to leave the camper behind like you mentioned! Truck campers ROCK!!!!!

[@vincenzopromedia]

Now I'm curious. What kind of van did you have when you were vanning?

[@seanoleary1979]

@@vincenzopromedia I started out in a 1994 G20 I converted myself. Then a 2001 Chevy Roadtrek which, of course comes already nicely finished. Both were way too small for any serious living in. I went to an RV show and immediately knew the whole vanlife thing was completely ridiculous. The only plus there was to a van was its 'stealthiness.'

[@vincenzopromedia]

@@seanoleary1979W I'm a van person so why didn't the van work for you? Was it a high top? And what was your setup like as far as Electricity, heat, air conditioning, water, toilet, fridge, shower, dishwasher, cloths washer, and dryer. I honestly believe vans are the way and that the buildout matters, but I wanna know how they won't work for anyone based on their experience. It's funny you mention a 94' g20 that's my favorite van all time and it does make a great starter vehicle. I'm trying to buildout a 95' g20 myself.

[@selin8274]

I own a Colorado so a camper was never going to work, they can’t handle the weight. There are some nice shells for stealth camping in urban areas, that pop up for boon-docking. Less than $20K, closer to 10. You’ll give up creature comforts but it’s what I will go for.

[@bypinkerton892]

I really like your Pop - up.... There's pros & cons to most things.... Thanks....

[@alohatvn]

Very informative video 📹. Thanks for sharing and we will see you on the next one 😀.

[@TheKarelKramer]

I have to tow up to 7500 pounds whenever I camp. That and value made me choose truck camper. I have wet bath, micro, AC, fridge and freezer, truck with less than 100K miles plus 24 foot utility trailer. Whole rig is less the 22K. I miss the low profile you have but I often camp in high winds.

[@SuperStar-nz5xy]

Truck camping with a hard shell really solves a lot of the wind/weather issues. I disagree truck campers hold value very well. May not every make you money but they don’t have motors so they don’t wear out. Not having to pay taxes or plates (some states) and the best is having your truck to tow a boat or motorcycle. Truck camping is best of a simplistic approach with the ability to break it down and still be just a truck.

[@rydstallion75]

I agree with all your points. It has been a many year debate on the pros and cons of truck campers for me vs camper vans. You've covered the pros and cons nicely and I'll add that the biggest con for me on the truck camper has been weight and high center of gravity. Unless you get a pop top 4 wheel camper like the hawk or fleet, or eagle, I think you absolutely should have at least a 3/4 ton truck. I have an old Edson that weighs 1500 pounds and I've carried it around on my half ton which is rated to carry more, but it just felt like my tires, wheel bearings, and frame was stressed to the limit, and I could no longer subject my truck to that. I eventually ended up going with a camper build in my truck box with a cap, (topper), that way the truck doesn't even feel it, and your fuel economy remains just as good as the truck by itself. Ultimately my first choice would be class b, but I don't have 200k to buy one.

[@Ragnar707]

how do you like the cap? what sort of camping do you use it for?

[@rydstallion75]

@@Ragnar707 So far with the type of camping I have done are just overnighters. So it's not like it's been to uncomfortable having not had to much height inside. It's one of those caps that are just as high as the truck roof. Raider cap I think it's called. It says Vagabond on the window also. My plan was to take it on a long haul trip where I'd have to live in it for a week, but I haven't done that yet. I imagine it would take some getting used to for that kind of duration. Might want one of those high up extension caps if I'm going full time into that.

[@EddieFulinara-ko4hk]

I hope to meet one day. I been watching your channel. I still driving 2003 Honda element.

[@samanthadodd8112]

I have a 1996 leisure travel class b. I also own a pickup for my personal vehicle. It depends on what camping I want to do. I have a tent I set up in the back of my truck for quick easy camping. If I want it all when camping, then I take the class b.

[@EvanPrytherch]

Nate really amazing video quality, not sure if you did anything different but looking great!

[@garyi8608]

It's nice if you have someone to split the expense's with when on the road.

[@livableincome]

All great points. Right on. I like my truck camper because I appreciate the space. But if I were to go on a long trip, I would take a van or SUV for gas economy. One extra point I should make, is that as a viewer, it is a bit boring watching truck camper videos. It is great the people are more comfortable, but truck campers, even renovated ones, are not aesthetically pleasing. I prefer watching tenting vids. Or how to camp and keep a van tidy at the same time. Seeing beauty and a challenge is more fun to watch.

[@screamingchickenshoppingne2390]

Hello folks,,, pleasure to meet you at Planet Fit in Denham Springs. Have a nice time passing thru I 10 West,,, try out St Francisville, New Roads,,,Hotel Bentley in Alexandria,,,and West,,,get off the interstate and drive from Scott LA,,,,thru Rayne,,,,,they both have cool railroad " depots" to hang out and watch the trains,,,thry actually pass by more than you think. All the best!

[@adventurebythemile]

The cheapest Rogue I could find like what you have is $15,000 and where I live 3/4 truck is $15,000+ on the low end.

[@TUNDRALU]

Good video Nate! Funny I looked into both the Palamino and the Rogue camper top for my Tundra but decided on the Alu Cab instead! Kind of best of both worlds as I also intended to build out a van. This way I can customize the interior and make it my own! Happy trails maybe see you down the road!

[@SewingBoxDesigns]

We started out with a custom built cargo camper, which is basically a box on a truck. 2k for a very nice slide in look. This was on an 80s Ford ranger. A basic weekend camper build, good for starters but not for two people and a cat. It's a compromise most people could afford at the time, not sure about now. One person could be very comfortable in such a rig. 16 mpg in an OLD Ford fully loaded. We did start with extra cargo springs because it was a work truck before we got it. But our box truck is now boss! We just have to watch out for trees. And keep a supply of extra top running lights. 🙄 I would say the major advantage of a self build is you know your system inside out, what fails, what can be repaired in situ, and then be able to learn your vehicle and it's dirty tricks and repairs. If you already have a pick up, look around for the custom basic shell camper builders. You can add hydrologic lifters on one. Good vid, and looking forward to more on the desert house!

[@SewingBoxDesigns]

Our current box truck, that is. I wish KZbin would allow edits!

[@donfrancway4171]

If you bought you a northern lite camper you would be a really amazed at how well built and they don't lose their value I have a 1994 Northern lights 610 camphor only weighs 1000 lb dry I loaded with all my gear I got a big cab 150 Ford F-150 house it just fine don't have any problems no leaks no are sounds outside factors a tremendously well insulated and and well-built and I would not have any other camper other than a northern lite camper

[@jeffhayden2737]

Great video, on the build quality issue how big a con is it with your Rogue ? i really like that design but don't want something that's going to fall apart.

[@ElementLife]

Build quality seems OK so far. We have a few minor items that I'm taking note of, but overall it's holding up well.

[@jeffhayden2737]

@@ElementLife Good to hear, thanks for reply

[@animusadvertere3371]

Consider getting a truck bed-topper (pop-up) rather than a slide-in. Cheaper, lower depreciation, lighter, smaller (when collapsed), lower center of gravity, and you don’t have to get “RV quality” cabinets. They also look way cooler. 😂

[@Julian-do7bv]

I would say shop around and see what suits you best I bought my glass B campervan for $6300 and I had no clue how good of a deal I was getting until I started looking online and found out it was worth 30k in fair condition but the one I bought was in fantastic condition I am very very happy with my rig

[@tykuhn22]

I like the idea of a truck camper because you can take the camper off and still use it as a truck to haul an atv or something in the bed. I hauled plywood in my van, but wouldn't put an ATV in back. I did use a trailer to haul our ATV though so next best thing... Also, if you only need a camper sometimes, you only have to get one license plate having a truck bed camper (vs having a camper and truck). Campervan rules if you're living in it full time and traveling though. If you stay in one place for awhile a camper could work though!

[@bethcollier3789]

very helpful, thank you. Happy travels - peace.

[@n2cycles]

Keep in mind that if your truck dies you don’t have to replace everything to upgrade to a better vehicle

[@verygerry3719]

Excellent information. Thanks! I hope to buy an RV soon.

[@MrDAVIDRACE]

Very good points thanks for this helpful video.

[@dustytrailhead4633]

The number one problem with popup campers is wind.

[@shauna5466]

I followed you when you were single & living in your element. lol. I’m a senior and I’m thinking of getting a truck top camper for the reasons you mentioned I could use the truck for every day and add the camper when I want to travel. my biggest fear is I’m not mechanically savvy so i need help fitting the camper to the truck right now I have neither. So this certainly helped with some pros and cons, i’d like to know how hard it is to put the camper on the truck. thank you very much

[@TXMEDRGR]

I hope the truck camper serves your needs for a long time to come.

[@brianellman]

This was very well done. and thanks for the information. my parents had one when I was growing up. my dad modified as we grew up. :-)

[@4yellowwolf]

I considered purchasing one before I settled on a van . But after spending so much time inside my van this winter due to bad weather, I’d make a different decision. Hide sight is 20/20 👍🏼

[@lesleyhughes3174]

Hindsight certainly is

[@Ragnar707]

do you say that because you'd rather be driving the truck in bad weather or why do you wish you had the truck? just curious!

[@cfconant]

I'll take the van.

[@boo-zp4lh]

For me I think a van would fit my needs better

[@sharpsbattle]

I think if money is not an issue, you could get a nice set up either way. Truck and camper seems more practical.

[@goldinthegreen8593]

Great vid

[@momnahmed4175]

thank you

[@renemedina8026]

Dude you Rock

[@alvinmousseau1100]

Awesome video

[@mysticjedi6730]

Trucks are better. Only buy truck campers with space for large front window. Enlarge if needed. Remove rear window on truck and install large sliding window. Install gasket between truck and camper. Yeah you have to climb over seat and through window, but you will only do that if you really need to. That is the benofit of the van, buy i get around that.. for all benifits of truck its worth it.

[@peterpascone6942]

There are better options than the rogue?

[@ifell3]

I would say a van would be more insulated, but with all the modern materials now days I may be wrong aha

[@mgkleym]

A non popup laminated truck camper is probably better insulated than most b vans. Even a well insulated van has a ton of issues with thermal bridging and areas with little or no insulation just because you are adding insulation to an already assembled vehicle. Where as a laminated rv has block foam all around except for where the aluminum structural members are.

[@ifell3]

@@mgkleym honest I've always liked how you can be almost like a hermit crab in one of those. Not as common in the UK.

[@nosnerd1967]

Used single wheel u haul cube van

[@ag1382]

Pro 7 - you don’t have to make the bed every day or tear it down to convert to van living space.

[@patrickpps]

In my opinion...............Vans are way better even though they cost more.

[@caroltaxman1343]

Why not a trailer?

[@dareil2000]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@BottleJackBuddy]

🙂

[@snake10566]

Stealth camping in a truck camper is billboard camping.

[@DBeck-kz5hx]

You can build a truck camper and make it stealth. I am.

[@brandonb5818]

Where do you keep getting all the money to buy all these expensive vehicles every time I come on your channel?

[@lesleyhughes3174]

It's called working. Nate is a videographer and photographer and a KZbinr. So you haven't visited often if you needed to ask!

[@adventurebythemile]

Trucks are expensive + camper your still looking st $20,000+

[@bayside6207]

That face of yours is like the Great Wall of China, it never ends.

[@lesleyhughes3174]

🤔🙄

[@baztheman]

What about security of a truck camper? People come to steal things all the time?

[@howardkettner]

Where do you camp? How do you secure your stuff? 43 years into RV’ing. Never close. Rv parks and back country. Full spectrum. Tell us specifics. Locations and dates - so we can all avoid.

[@alvinmousseau1100]

Awesome video