Looking at camping gear - just curious what y' all think: family of 4: large truck camper or large tent trailer? Just looking for opinions - our F250 V10 could easily handle either!

 

I say go with the trailer and get a hard bed cover to store more gear in the bed for the camping trips.

 

Just because it can handle it, doesn't mean you should load the truck with a "large" camper. I suggest weighing the truck loaded with fuel and all your occupants... then determine how "large" of a camper you can haul without busting the 8800# GVWR of the truck. Probably not nearly as large as you would think. Especially for 4 people. Even a 5th-wheel is probably not a good idea.

With a tag-along trailer, you'll be able to "safely" get much more room. Plus, you can drop off the trailer and cruise around the park, town, attractions, etc. more easily. Bunk-beds for the kids and a queen bed for you and your significant other. 'Tis the only way to "camp".

 

I have had a tent trailer for 3 years now and bought a Screw in Feb of this year. The truck(a 4Runner) I had before really couldn't tow the trailer very well---hills were a problem for it--here in British Columbia we have few of them! I would recommend the trailer too. You will get a bit better gas mileage with the less wind resitance, but if you get a big trailer they can weigh a lot. The one we have, a Coleman with hot water and a storage bin on the front has lots of storage in the trailer itself plus what you would have in your truck.

 

Thanks guys. We are looking at the Coleman Westlake it is 2,700 lbs (load max to 3,300 lbs). It is rated to sleep 9! It has it all for under 10k. But I do like the convenienance of a truck camper - bigger fridge means no ice chests, etc but they are closer to 30k..decisions, decisions. Thanks for the input.

 

BD,

I've never had a truck camper, but I do have a Coleman tent trailer and I would recommend it to anyone.

It is and has been a terrific toy and it really makes camping with a family or group a pleasure. I'm taking it to the Sierra Nevada here in CA this weekend with my son and a bunch of his friends and their Dads and to Canada the following weekend for a fishing trip. I know it will handle both jobs with out any problems. I keep it stocked and ready to go all of the time. All I have to do is back-up to it, hitch-it up and go. It couldn't get any better.

 

F150BOB:

Thanks for the feedback. Does the incovienance of a tent trailer bother you? Set-up/take down, access to stuff when it is closed, etc? How about the rain - we are in Seattle (need I say more?!)

 

Hey BD, I have actually seen some really cheap used trailers from 16-24ft. My neighbor got his for right around 5,000 and its a nice set up. Also nomo didnt recomend a 5th wheel but I say different, the previous owner of my truck towed a 26ft camp trailer with no problems. I also just recently towed a 26ft enclosed car trailer to California from Montana with no problems, Just crappy gas mileage.

 

BD,

I have done both of the camper types you refer to, and if I had to choose one it would be the tent trailer. More versatile for sure. You mention the price of under $10k, you could get a pretty nice used travel trailer for the same money and have more space for people and storage for gear. I bought my 27' travel trailer last summer new for about $12k (forest river) and tow it with my '01 SCrew and have no problems. I would definitely check into a few travel trailers before taking the leap. Just my 2 cents.

GSCrew

 

GSCrew:
What do you think of the truck campers as an option?

 

I started with mini truck/camper combo. Way underpowered and overweight. Then a 18ft trailer with an 88 and 93 F-150, Both 5.8 4X4s. Trailers act like parachutes! Bought the current camper for the 93, power good but weight too heavy. Current truck was built for this camper. Plenty of power, even here in mountainess Washington state where I usually stay in OD. All loaded up without the hitchstep and bikes, it equals GVWR of 7,700lbs. I only need the airbags because of the hitchstep and bikes(weighed at 8065). If you want a fully loaded full size camper, the Fleetwood Angler and Lance Lite series are the only way to go. Mine with 2 showers etc. weighs about 2,000lbs loaded for camping. You're truck wouldn't even feel this on it's back. When we camp, we don't spend our time in our camper/trailer etc. We spend it outside, so it really doesn't matter what means we stay in, but for ease of travel a slide in can't be beat.
Check this site out for ideas. http://www.irv2.com/

 

Badd Andy: I assume you like the tuck camper route then? Enough room in those things for a family of 4 to camp comfortably?

 

BD,

The reason I got rid of mine was that it was just too small. I bought mine new in '95 to go on the back of my then new '95 SCab F250. At the time my two children were 3 and 5. We used it for two seasons before selling it and getting a tent trailer. I was very cramped inside when all 4 of us were in there. If your kids are any older than what I stated above, you won't be very happy with it once you get all your gear in there with you. Knowing what is available now in the RV world, I would never consider buying another truck camper. There are just too many nice tent trailers and travel trailers out there for similar money. Also, if you ever want to haul anything in your truck during the camping season, you have to take the camper off the truck. This is a lot bigger hassle than disconnecting a trailer. This is just my opinion of course, hope it helps.

GSCrew

 

Thanks GSCrew and everyone. We are comparing the tent trailer v. truck camper - mainly due to storage issues (and a home owners association covenance). I was just curious which one was the preferred; truck camper v. tent trailer; the pro's / cons of each. The kids are 5 & 8 so space is an issue - the tent trailers are real nice - but I do like the convienance of those truck campers tho!

Anyway thanks for everything guys! Keep the feedback coming.

 

Hi BD - another thought - how about the Hi-Lo type of trailer.
You may know the kind I mean. Low, like a tent trailer, but solid sides. A lotta features in these that dont come in regular tent trailers. I have a 5th wheel now (have had for 5-6 yrs) & like it, but I did have a tent trailer. I would realy consider one of those Hi-Lo's if I was buying again.

rr