Best Pop-up Truck Camper

[skuehl]

Trucks with 5.5ft beds generally are not recommended for "in the bed campers". Ensure both your truck and camper specifically say the are compatible. The center of gravity of the camper needs to be forward of the rear axle and with the 5.5ft bed that rarely happens. Just so you know...

I agree with this caution. I have a F150 Fx4 with all the bells and whistles. And I can't remember which gearing it has but its one of the higher tow capacities (there are more than three options). I would be really cautious and do the research myself. I had a LOT of issues with the dealer saying YEA you have the highest tow capacity, and then when I said ok show me where it indicates this, then they wavered quite a bit. The F150 with the short bed (5.5) will be difficult to find a camper for. Most inventory is for 6 or 6.5 and bigger. Especially if you want a camper with a sink/stove/fridge and potty. if your willing to get scaled back no potty/fridge stove etc.. then you will find more. I have the specs on mine and found it quite difficult to find a trailer that met the limits.

Also be aware that many RV (trailer/camper or whatever) manufacturers list the base weight and not the true weight. My trailer I owned was 15% more than the weight listed in the legal Manufacturers sticker in the trailer. I weighed it at a scale.

If your pushing the weight you better get a pop up to keep the center of gravity down.

Like another user said you might be better served with a trailer. there is a great off road trailer, a calguns member is selling on here. I am looking at going that route once I replace my truck next year.

If you are interested in a Fully loaded 3 year old FX4 crew cab with Navi, A/C seats etc... give me a PM. I am turning mine back in next year at the end of the lease. it been used for mostly vacations and shooting trips. and will have the lease limited 36k miles on it. in GREAT shape. I took over another Calguns members lease.

Great truck I just want to move to the diesel platform and get away from the 5.5ft bed.

[skuehl]

Good idea. I'am really liking this one....



Everything in one portable package.

AWESOME set up. A little on the expensive side but absolutely awesome. I was looking at the Little Guy Rough Rider. I like the one Oceanbob listed here better but don't want to allocate that much money as I won't use it justifiably.

[Charlie50]

Good idea. I'am really liking this one....



Everything in one portable package.

Serious drawback to "teardrop"... this is modern version of is that, it is a PITA to change clothes, dress etc inside. This gets problematic during heavy rains and when you are a bit on the mature side

Just sold a sweet FourWheel Camper, highly recommend camper, sold mine due to no time to use it. Will buy another when retired.

[Oceanbob]

Like another user said you might be better served with a trailer

Great truck I just want to move to the diesel platform and get away from the 5.5ft bed.

Exactly my feelings.

Several pick up trucks, gas guzzlers, a couple of campers (Lance), shells, the weight is always more than they publish...

I am fed up with the gas powered Truck/Camper idea. Those days are over..

Which is why I am considering the Sprinter Blue-tech diesel and either modifying it or towing a trailer.

[magnum8898]

I looked at most of those options. I have an older dodge with the Cummins diesel. Put a shell on it and my family tent camps. Makes you appreciate walls when you get back from a trip. Costs a lot less money and more adventurous. Couldn't justify spending that much for a camper when I am going out 3 to 4 times a year. It is a good tent and has held up in winds/rains. Always lusted after the 4Wheel pop up model. Maybe when I retire. Some good ideas out there but out of my price range.

[DeanW66]

Alaskan Camper

Wow. The Alaskan averages 25 to 30 grand. Truck is 50.

My Ram 3500 4x4 Diesel was 62K new. My Alaskan was 23K used.

Primary benefits, IMO, of the Alaskan over other popups:
- hard walls (no tent-flappy noise in wind)
- better insulation due to hard walls

Primary detraction: weight. Alaskan are HEAVY and really require at least a 3/4 ton suspension.

[high desert]

Think about if you are going to need AIR CONDITIONING. Many pop ups just don't have ac. Another option is Capri. They are light and have basic ammenities.

[Efishnsea]

yea, I'm realizing A/c is overkill for this.

[Iskra]

Used Sportsmobile? http://www.sportsmobile.com/preowned...bile-west-inc/

A buddy of mine bought his E350 4x4 diesel about 12 years ago. Daily driver (a motorcycle is his other vehicle). He's semi-retired, an IT consultant/work from home type. That thing is on a surf trip, camping trip, ski trip, or shooting trip probably once a week. He got a 15 year loan on it because it has fridge, porta-potty, and stove which together make it qualified as a second home. Makes it insanely affordable.

[FJ40 CRUZR]

Used Sportsmobile? http://www.sportsmobile.com/preowned...bile-west-inc/

A buddy of mine bought his E350 4x4 diesel about 12 years ago. Daily driver (a motorcycle is his other vehicle). He's semi-retired, an IT consultant/work from home type. That thing is on a surf trip, camping trip, ski trip, or shooting trip probably once a week. He got a 15 year loan on it because it has fridge, porta-potty, and stove which together make it qualified as a second home. Makes it insanely affordable.

x2, one of these came by my work one day. It was loaded with offroad equipment and looked really nice, I spoke with the owner who flew out here to pick it up and drive it back home to Florida i think it was. I asked if it would be OK to check it out and of course he was more than proud to show it off, i tell ya that thing was really nice, expedition capable and a great looking rig.

I didn't dare ask him what it cost.