Why a Truck Camper? Honest Six Month Review Living in a Truck Camper

[@warrenscorner]

We just sold our truck camper. We loved that camper but we are 70 now and our mobility isn’t what it used to be. We had such fun over the years traveling around the US. We now have a Winnebago travel trailer. The journey continues!

[@dodgedemon840]

But I love how you explain everything about the camper and any issues you've had so far and had to fix ,even down to how long the truck/camper package is

[@chadwickworrell-sv5hn]

With your noise on the 12volt dc and the 120v ac outlets you clearly have a loose connection with the buzzing or humming like noise. It could be at the outlets or at the control panel but most likely at the outlets since you don’t have an issue else where. I’m sure one of y’all’s dads can fix this issue if Cody doesn’t feel comfortable. Hope this helps y’all out. Stay safe y’all

[@jimnunya1253]

Could have a poor connection physically hot, potentially unsafe condition. 🔥 Be safe.

[@kevinmulvey8759]

@@DavidWade-fm3pb practice

[@kevinmulvey8759]

50 gal so called grey water yummy

[@andreatruelove9693]

Beats the hell out of all that tent setup, tear down, and no regulation from the elements. Oh and critters.

[@vicki9929]

When doing dishes, I take a pan that will be washed, fill it with the “first water” (cold) and heat it on the stove. It heats quickly and by then the hot water is running into in the rinse dishpan. Then I add the heated water to the wash water. This routine actually saves on water use by not wasting the “first water”. Sorry if I don’t explain this as clearly as I should, but I hope you know what I mean.

[@lauravictorious4670]

I have a propane water heater but I only use it when I'm going to shower. For doing dishes I heat the water in an electric kettle. It works well and I'm not using the propane nor having to wait for it to heat up whenever I want to do dishes.

[@AaronT-TX]

If my wife and I can ever afford to get an RV I have decided that this might be the way to go. The home is always with you, you do not have to worry about someone stealing/vandalizing a trailer while you run into town, smaller total footprint, go anywhere, and such. Great video.

[@MaryKnight-yk5mh]

When I hit the lottery....

[@carolhewett3756]

I would have E-bikes along with such a rig so you can take short trips without disturbing your home or adding to the gasoline consumption.

[@garylalin9196]

Have you priced f350 trucks?

[@texasgirl6000]

However, if your truck needs work and has to go to the shop, there goes your home.

[@hunkydude322]

its a lot cheaper than repairing a hugh RV the kind Willie Nelson has.@@texasgirl6000

[@lisabyrn660]

One thing I do to wash dishes to try and conserve water is I use the collapsible rubber wash tubs that lock to keep water in and open to drain. Your sink might be big enough for both of them. I clean my dishes in one and rinse in the other. Then you can either let them drain or throw out the water depending on where you are.

[@lindaseiffert2737]

Make the table adjustable If it goes down it could be a foot rest...Xtra bed etc..just an idea

[@EyeExposeThem]

You both do such a nice job in your to the point, explanations of your camper and truck. Thank you so much. Keep up the good work!

[@kathlynterry8196]

You had me at the Big Bend National Park shirt. Texas girl here and I love that place!

[@nevysadventuresllc9074]

About your cabinet paint, I highly recommend you paint all your cabinets a lighter color. It adds so much brightness and makes it feel more roomy. It’s actually a highly trending thing people are doing when renovating

[@raylenetatum8185]

You two are so darn cute. Love the way you get along together. Great camper! Safe travels. :)

[@achristiansworld8446]

This is surprisingly so spacious. Like I’m in awe . I don’t own a truck, but this def makes me rethink the van life knowing you can get one of these . Super cool. You two seem super sweet ❤️

[@GrassRootsLiving]

We lived in our small truck camper for 15 months are really liked it for the same reasons you said. However, life happens so we had to trade it in. However, we can really relate to you.❤

[@wcarlhepker4806]

I have a Model year 2000 Jayco Travel Trailer that we bought in May of 2001. I pull it with the GMC version of your truck. My truck has a seven foot bed (intermediate length). Some friends have trouble climbing up into it, but other than that I have loved it. The big thing I really like about it is that I can lock the camper up on my camp site and go to the grocery store, or drive a vehicle trail, or go out to eat, etcetera, and it is still sitting there holding my camp site. I have a tonneau cover for the truck bed to keep my stuff dry and out of sight. It also has a locking tailgate which locks when I lock the cab doors. For me, it is the perfect combination!!

[@kan-zee]

Very nice set up.. 11:33 ...I was thinking, instead of hunting down matching paint...you can turn that cupboard door in a chalk board, to write down ...Messages to each other, TO DO LISTs , Shopping lists, Task lists etc.

[@ediewall6360]

clever idea

[@cuz129]

As an engineer I find all that capability in such a compact space is really cool! After our last primative tent camping at Blakely Loop on Lake Ouachita we've maybe decided that is too much roughing it with no water, bathroom or power.

[@jameswbarry9576]

Cordy and Kelly does the back widow in the pickup truck open there was a an inflatitable bubble goes between the pickup and the camper so you can pass through drinks and snacks take care happy camping

[@TammyCondren]

Love the camper! Reminds me of our truck camper back in the 70’s! BRINGS BACK GOOD MEMORIES❤! Happy travels to y’all😊

[@cherylsalka4185]

I WILL SAY IT AGAIN!! I LOVE OUR CAMPER!! Having everything with you everywhere we go is FANTASTIC!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@kearnsey64]

Nice 6 month shakedown! Glad everything is working out! Thanks folks!

[@halocarita]

Fantastic video! Really helps to see all the nooks and crannies and hear how well things work. Also love seeing the modifications you made to make things work more efficiently.

[@n2cycles]

Paint the cabinet door with chalk board paint that way you can leave a message if you go off separately. Doing away with the rv toilet is a good idea for people who camp like you do. I miss my old capri truck camper. Replace your thermostat with a remote controlled one so you don’t have to get up.

[@carlgomm9699]

New subscriber here, am a retired over the road truck driver, am used to being on the road a lot, just bought a really nice RV, have been spending lots of time going through it, I'm getting lots of really good ideas from your show, please keep up the good work !!

[@JenniferGarton74]

It's funny, I live in a 5th wheel trailer and if I sit too long at the table area I start feeling the board under the cushion too and I am only 5'0 and 90 pounds lol I totally understand that.

[@HazzardBanner]

Y'all gonna have leaving my one bed room apartment n get truck with camper n travel n do KZbin at same time.less stress n free...❤❤❤❤thanks for.idea.smart move 👍

[@ediewall6360]

Happy travels. Sounds like a smart change. May you love your new adventures

[@kit3182]

So Happy for y’all and you’re new rig! No way it’s been 6mths! Love the fact y’all are able to live a little more comfortable. Such a plus you can still go off- road ❤️ The cabinet you have with the white chalk paint. You should paint another color over the top. Like turquoise or gray. Then find a decal to put over the center. Your options are limitless✨✨✨

[@dinabutler5797]

So glad y'all are diggin' the campet!

[@stevenondo2430]

Indoor kitchen with a real oven would have me sold… I just wish y’all would take my advice and turn that diy cabinet door y’all made into a chalk board with chalkboard paint 🥰 Cute messages for us to notice every episode like chandler and joeys apartment 😂

[@micheleulrich-hb2ok]

Love your vdeo! Our first camper was a slide-in back in the 80s. It had so much storage. Our kids were pre-teens, and they mostly rode in the camper back then since our truck had a standard cab. The camper had a window that lined up the truck rear window, and they would shine a flashlight on the floor of the pickup through the back window when they wanted our attention. We had a great time in it. After it wasn't road worthy anymore, we waited quite a while before we got our 2nd camper, which was an 18' tow behind. We are now in our 3rd camper, a 21' bumper hitch, and we love it. We took a 2 month trip to Alaska last summer and highly recommend that trip! We boondocked a lot on that trip. We put shelves in the wardrobes, too. Much better utilization of space. I do dishes in tubs, usually outside, and don't use running water. I, too, love the oven and have never used the microwave. I, too, am in the process of taking it out for the storage. Happy travels!

[@pigno56]

Sugestion: Replace the foam for you dinett with memory foam. It's not too stif or soft and once you get up, it goes back to it's natural state, thus the reason it's called memory come.

[@sprtplt]

Doesn't fix the problem! Think.

[@jbraywc]

Thanks for all the good information you guys are an awesome couple. Hope to see you on the road.

[@dawndietz4654]

So glad y’all are still loving your new home❤❤

[@hopea4346]

Cool! Reminds me of the camper my Grandfather had growing up in the 70's.

[@jamesdoyle4985]

Six months already wow Glad your happy with it sounds so fun

[@neallittlebit1383]

Little Bit and I miss your tent. Glad to see you are still using some amenities that you used during tenting. We have a few items that you recommended and are still more than pleased.

[@terryshultz2344]

Great review. Enjoyed seeing your personal updates to the camper.

[@TranceDivine]

Hi Guys I know the video wont air till later but I am glad you did a video on this, because even though I dont know what you feel after 6 months, you mentioned you didnt want a conversion van because of the lack of room but after seeing this truck camper you still have about the same room ..you guys look squished moving around when you are cooking and the conversion van is less heavy to move around..unless later on when you stop traveling around you can still have the truck alone..but I been watching you guys for a long time, and I just think a conversion van would of been simpler ..just my opinion

[@beastmode1781]

So with your window that you have above your bed you can put reflective cover in in to reflect the sun out and the cold will be a game changer for hou

[@paulhudson8321]

Yes campers are so versatile and you can go just about anywhere and park anywhere. You’re better off with the diesel I heard the 7.3 gas engine has some cam delaminating issues. We traded our 2008 Lance 992 and ordered and bought a 2022 Lance 1172. We prefer the layout has it has a rear slide couch. Much more comfortable than sitting at dinette. We went the 2 solar panels plus we have a portable one and 2 lithium batteries and an on board propane generator. We haven’t tried the camper out yet we got it late last year. Waiting for spring.

[@josephdover198]

Best Ford motor was the 7.3 liter diesel but they discontinued it after 2003. It's bulletproof and good for half a million miles or more with proper maintenance.

[@jenniferfisher530]

Our trailer had a regular 8 gallon water heater and every time we turned the water off while showering and then back on to rinse, it was always cold. I believe it just gets cold in the line, especially during the winter. So I don't believe the tankless water heater is to blame entirely as we had the same problem. We almost bought a Lance camper but opted for a travel trailer as our truck wasn't big enough. I really like the Lance campers and trailers. They are well made.

[@theresabombei7897]

So happy for you! Love watching your life

[@EmanM45]

Install a one way check valve on the hot water side of your shower. I did it in my camper and it stopped the cold water blast. There are videos on KZbin on how to do this. It is pretty easy

[@CodyandKellie]

Thanks for sharing

[@sherryadess7507]

Cut a piece of reflective insulation to fit in two both windows and uses as needed easily stores away when not also can use a Velcro tape if needed use a stapler on the reflective pice

[@piniped]

Buy some reflectix material to attach with Velcro over the windows. Good for hot and cold! Can’t believe your rig is just 2’ shorter than our Navion! Happy trails, love your vids!

[@WoodchuckAR]

We did this in our bumper pull camper. It made a huge difference, especially in the heat of summer

[@rondye9398]

Concise evaluation! Some of my experience; Why a truck camper? I spent time in the construction industry and traveled to jobsites with first a 5th wheel, then Class A. then class C. If you want to live in a trailer park the 5th wheel and class A are too big to just boondock or even find a place to park; so trailer park to trailer park. The truck camper is looked at by most people as just a 'canopy' and not a living unit so you won't get grief over parking on a side street. Retired now we spend our winters in Az. After 15 years exp. I started with a single rear wheel truck but you must use heavy duty tires ( had custom 22.5 rims made), add rear air bags/overloads to get rid of sway. Now have DRW F450 with bags. Camper; biggest Arctic Fox with single slide, will be getting the very best next time a Host Mammoth with three slides! Don't go tankless on water heater, use the microwave, and the onboard generator runs the A/C. You can park anywhere and with our electric bikes, this is perfect!

[@Wayne5455]

Love to hear your stories! We started in the 80's tent camping just the two of us and later tent camping with kids. Next we went to pulling a trailer and the absolute unbeleivable JOY of having a roof, water, cooking ability, heater and toilet. Next we went to small older motorhome so we could tow our boat and the kids were along, that was what we needed because we love to go fishing. Next we went to 5th Wheel camping close to home, but I had to take two round trips, one to take the 5th wheel and the other to take the boat. Difficult but WOW that 5th wheel with slides was like home. Now the kids are gone, we have a camper, boat and jeep. We take the camper everyhwere we want to go and tow either the boat for coastal, lake trips, or the jeep for desert and mountain trips. What FUN we are having and it is the perfect setup for two and it works for a couple weeks or so. We love camper trips but are thinking about a 5th wheel for long term trips where we would be gone for moths at a time. Still pondering this but a Camper might work for months if we could get out and not be stuck inside for too long.. Anyway, we love your channel and learn a lot from you both! You are a great couple.

[@CodyandKellie]

Great story. I think a fifth wheel would be great for long term in one location.

[@gobfranklin6759]

Great video! Fyi, you can add a soft start to your AC unit to help with off grid Battery/inverter options. Switch out to a hot water tank. Mine has a motor aid option where the truck coolant is plumbed into the hw tank so you arrive somewhere with more than warm water.

[@kittybible7393]

If the cabinet door above the stove was chalkboard you could use it for list, etc. you can get it in a variety of colors

[@roadtriplover.]

Oh my. You might have actually sold me! I have a truck and travel trailer. I love my trailer, but there are some concerns re: mobility in towns, parking and such. That said, I really like having the truck to tour around in without the extra weight of towing/carrying my home. For now, my trailer works for me, but I get excited when I think about the possibilities for what my next rig might be. 😃

[@EasyLube]

Very helpful information for those of us who are researching, thank you!

[@LesterMoore]

Just love your setup and Cody, me being a truck guy, really love your 350 truck. It's a beauty. You should get much good use out of it and you both will make great memories together. All the best in your travel adventures.

[@youngblood2]

You made the right call, on keeping the air conditioner! I have been camping for over 50 years, and believe me when I tell you, keep the air conditioner! There will be many times in the future, when you are going to need the air conditioner.

[@JStreetHorns007]

Regarding your air conditioner and having to plug into short power. If you install a soft start on your AC unit you can run it with a small 2000 watt generator when you're boondocking. Generally, those generators will run 11 hours on the standard gas tank. Cheers

[@jasonrhouse]

Love it! I’m from Texarkana and researching this lifestyle. I’m happy to come across yall!

[@docalexander2853]

I had a 1998 Chinook RV on a Ford 350 4 Stroke diesel. It was a great choice with -40 degree fully enclosed insulation in a Fiberglass shell. A/C of the dash would keep the whole inside cool in Death Valley.

[@valerieann2751]

They now make 12 V AC units for campers. Something to think about in the future maybe. They can be used with your solar set up, don’t need shore power.

[@robviett1706]

Nice video. The interaction between the couple it's great . So we'll explain and entertain.

[@Jeffbob442]

Yeah, I forgot to warn you guys about that water heater coming on at night! Ours got to where it came on if it was , say, lower than 50f outside..I tried another sensor but it was about the same. I finally bought a ''Lizard Light'' for like an Aquarium, only about 25w, and mounted it in the waterheater . It keeps it so toasty, you have almost instant warm water , but it is 110v so you have to power it off the inverter or shore power. The lithiums will keep it on overnight ok , but if it's stupid cold we go to a rv park mostly. Also, remember to insulate around that front window and cap when you can, you will love the result's. Thanks for another great video ! jeff

[@melindadefore7109]

You mentioned the windows that didn't have shades and the heat that goes in. I'll give you a hint of what I did for the windows in our Toy Haul. I bought those truck Wind Shield Sun Shades, those silver ones. I then took paper put it on the window to trace a pattern, then cut it out of the sun shade. It was perfect and fit in the windows perfect. It cut down on the heat so much!

[@lauravictorious4670]

I did that with Reflectix for my car, the driver and passenger windows, because the CA sun on my leather seats was too much and it also really reduces the heat in the car. I have a windshield cover also. When I go on road trips and need to nap at a truck stop or rest area I also put those shades in the windows for privacy and to block the lamp post lights.

[@8621Charro]

I enjoyed your review!! I have a Lance cabover, 1996 model, LOL!! I pull my horse trailer with my F250 2009 model (been bullet proofed). LOVE the camper. My bathroom door swung open so I removed it, since no strangers camp with me, LOL!!!

[@mikecaseymotors]

Well done guys. You two make a nice couple. Happy trails.

[@chelseab5467]

Thank you for that in depth review of having a camper and those interesting mods.

[@karenhollister4708]

Wow cool to see a couple from my home town of Texarkana out there having fun. My husband and I have to stay close to town because of our elderly parents but e day we plan on being on the road too.

[@CollinsL]

We enjoy your videos. Thank you for sharing. You know I had an idea, where you made a cabinet in place of the microwave, you could place a picture on the door or pictures so it would blend in with the other doors. Just a thought. So happy for you guys, I like your set up!

[@whitleyrobertson7070]

So glad you are happy with the rig, it seems to be perfect for you two….

[@bbjd9328]

Hey! Great idea for the toilet! I like the double shower curtain!

[@jackielight6908]

I still use the vinyl shower curtain so the cloth curtain stays dry you can hang them together also help keep floor dry

[@nathanurick8320]

I pull a 40’ solitude 5th wheel but would love to have a truck camper. With one of these you can go anyplace, stop anytime and still enjoy camping. The only thing I would change is I would have a dully, more payload and more stable.

[@CodyandKellie]

We have been in it over a year now and no issues with the srw

[@peterpayne2219]

Great video! I'm currently researching what kind of truck camper would meet my needs. I really like your set up.

[@CodyandKellie]

Glad it was helpful!

[@eric42073]

Thank you for buying a super duty. I'm currently watching this video from the Kentucky truck plant.

[@jameswbarry9576]

Cordy if Kelly is cold dude you're not doing you're job you know what I mean LOL I think it's the first video no food prepared or cooking when is the next cook off that was fun take care happy camping

[@charlest7027]

I had the same issue with batteries. In your case swap the panel with a 200watt they make them now the same size as the 100watt. Also for lithium not sure if you got the the standard size. I purchase 100ah PowerQueen Premium 2 mini batteries and was able to fit 4 of them in a slot where only 2 deep lead acid batteries went. Total of 400ah batteries.

[@BrazilNil]

I would leave it that bright color and make it a picture hanging place, art... or draw your own... Something unique in your camper.

[@pegasusgirl1]

Hope y'all get up into Oregon and Washington, amazing camping up here! Hot springs as well. Enjoy!

[@DazewithKaze]

I can’t believe it’s been 6 months already. I love your camper !! Great video tonight ❤

[@lauriebanta8990]

Loved this. I loved that it was fast moving. Good job!

[@jimbattista1120]

5 months ago you were in Rochester, burnt out and looking at RV's. Today you're living in one. How awesome is that. Believe me when I tell you that I was bumming hard when you had to leave NY. I hope you guys make it back here some time again. Thanks for sharing and stay safe(~);}!!!

[@CodyandKellie]

Hopefully this fall we can be there

[@lindaseiffert2737]

Also slight angle down towards back wall on couch cushions ... so so much more comfortable

[@shannonlawson2219]

If u haven't already, get an Oxygenics showerhead. It saves water and helps keep ur water warm between pushing on and off. A water aerator on the kitchen faucet saves water. We love our Predator generator, especially to run the AC in hot temps. Maybe u could add a carrier rack on the front of ur truck to carry it. Love ur camper! Happy travels!

[@pauldonathan5316]

Hey, you can put a reflective sheet over the bed window and it will help with heat and cold, and shield rocks and debris

[@craigbrowning9448]

If you have a big enough power station, you don't need Shore Power for a Microwave (you have to match the appliance's Wattage with the Inverter. A 1200W Microwave will work in a 1500W Jackery or a 3000W Bluetti AC300. I also have an 1600 Induction Cooktop (only runs AC300 or Shore Power), an Electric Kettle. Recently also acquired a Waffle Iron, Small Crockpot and a 12VDC Electric Lunch Box and a small Butane Stove.

[@CodyandKellie]

Correct but we have no room for the inverter and more batteries. We would also need it to run the AC and that’s it. But no worries we just stay at a campground when we need AC. Plenty of those to go around

[@rebeccacotto2753]

Just came back from Key West! I totally understand the need for AC!

[@larrywiddis470]

Other than having to move your "home" whenever you wish to go somewhere, I'd be back in a TC from my TT. At 5:23 you show some messy wiring! Messy wiring gets caught on something and stops working IMO. Very good report.

[@garyvickers9474]

I put anti-sway bars on the back of my truck, mama axles, and it made a big difference

[@samshepperrd]

A pickup is a natural base for a camper. There was a legendary built in camper by Toyota - the Dolphin. Owners cherish them after 30 years. In Europe there's a VW diesel camper based on VWs pickup. Also 30 years old. Toyota is coming out with a camper based on the dependable Tacoma platform. And there's an increasing number of custom pickup based camper installations. Too many RVs are of poor construction and rattle apart after ten years. That happens with a pickup camper and you just replace the camper and still have your vehicle to start over with. Parts and service for a pickup have to be cheaper and more widely available than for any RV. And everything is easy to get to, just like a pickup.

[@Enjoywatchingyoutube8227]

ever think of a 12 volt TV . I have one the runs off a few different power sources which 12 volt is 1 way which is less draw on any power supply I think. Also you can pick up a cheap antenna and pick up a few stations in most places.

[@CodyandKellie]

We do have a 12 volt tv. It still runs the batteries down quick. So we use a small power bank while boondocking. We use a Amazon fire stick and stream Hulu and Netflix with our starlink

[@garyvickers9474]

Yes, I put a sway bar under my truck too And it helped it 100% which I got airbags too but before I got to sway bar at Rockwood airbags now it does not

[@WanderingCarl]

You need a shower miser for the water. And boil water for dishes, wash all at once, and then drain the dirty soapy water, refill with clean water and rinse. It will use less water.

[@rayeccles9922]

Glad you guys got this. You have been fun to watch the change in your life’s with this rig. See you out there!

[@MX-CO]

I have the same a/c and I bought a champion 4500 generator from Amazon for $699

[@cowdogconnoisseur2809]

Great video! Love your camper.☺️ THANK YOU for giving us the CONS of a tankless hot water heater. I have not heard ANYONE tell about cons of having one. Only the pros. We have been considering one for our horse trailer’s living quarters. Our living quarter’s set up and water capacity is pretty much the same amount of space as your truck camper so your comments definitely give me food for thought about whether we should do that or not. When you are plugged in at a camp ground, you then CAN have endless hot water showers (without needing to turn water on and off for conservation reasons) though correct?🤔

[@CodyandKellie]

You are correct

[@carolbrucecollett]

Love all the storage! And the oven.

[@alaska-bornfloridaman]

I have the same camper and I use my microwave while boondocking all the time. But you do need a 3000 W inverter and a good battery bank to do that.

[@greysfreak1992]

I die everytime when we go under bridges 😂😂😂 we aren’t sure of our height but still. I agree with Kelly it’s scary in the wind. I was shocked with how much storage ours has. Our bathroom door broke off so we just have the curtains. I’m jealous of y’all’s table. But we have the patio so trade off I guess 😂😂. The A/C sucks that it needs shore power BUT it works great 😂😂😂. Omg why did I never think of blocking the light when it kicks on I’m always like why did it just get bright 😂😂😂. We blocked our windows with some silver stuff makes it dark. The usb things for us kinda work. I also agree with the plugs right after we got the camper I hurt my ankle and slept on our couch and had no way to charge my phone. I do wish we got the northern lite we wanted BUT the Palomino was what was available at the time.

[@howardbisco5896]

If you push the power switch on your radio and hold it, it will turn off the display.

[@CodyandKellie]

Holy cow! Thank you. And I can still charge my phone!

[@dustup2249]

Happy campers are the best campers. Thanks for sharing.

[@RonaldBuchtel]

Good luck with that 6.7.. I had a 2016 & it was a $ pit.. always in the shop for emissions issues

[@Stuffed007]

What a amazing setup you guys got we don’t have anything like this in the uk these truck campers are brilliant

[@jerrodgroce2555]

Nice to see some Sth AR/East Texas folks:). I grew up in SW Arkansas. Y’all have a new follower!!

[@CodyandKellie]

Thanks for the sub!

[@amyralls6218]

I've never seen the inside of a camper top for a truck. It's really amazing how much room you have in there!

[@trvlnlight22]

Great review ! 🎉