It isn’t uncommon these days to find couples and even large families hitting the road full-time. Often you’ll see full-timers in large fifth wheels, travel trailers or Class A motorhomes. Is a large rig your only option if you want to full-time, though? What about truck camper living? Let’s see how smaller options can still keep you on the road.
When it comes to RV living, the possibilities are endless. If you have a vision for your idea of adventure and freedom, it’s possible to make it a reality.
While there may not be as many amenities in a truck camper, there are many benefits to truck camper living. For one, the compact size opens up possibilities that a huge rig might not be able to handle.
Benefits of Living in a Truck Camper
Living in a truck camper can be a rewarding adventure. You can enjoy a minimalist, efficient lifestyle — and it doesn’t get much more minimalist than a truck camper. Let’s see why the truck camping life could be the best choice for you.
Fits in Most Parking Spots
Camping spots can be hard to come by these days. The ability to fit into a standard parking spot allows you to more easily stay the night at a rest stop or store that allows overnight parking.
Squeezing into a parking spot also comes in handy on travel days when you need to make a pit stop to eat lunch or maybe take a little rest.
Needless to say the possibilities it opens for pull offs and back road opportunities.
Going Off-Road Abilities
One of the best parts of full-timing is the ability to go on epic trips that you would have never thought were possible before. Truck campers, more often than not, can take your whole set up off-road to places other campers only wish they could go.
To get an RV with 4×4 capabilities you are usually looking at a very high price tag for a custom rig. However, all you need is to buy a 4×4 truck and you can take your whole home off-road with you.
Truck Camper Options
While a truck camping life can mean you spend a lot of time off-roading and boondocking in remote locations, that doesn’t always have to be the case. Truck campers are usually welcome at campgrounds, giving you the ability to have access to the same amenities as the big rigs. With a truck camper, you easily have the best of both worlds.
Can Stay On Truck All The Time, If Desired
While many truck campers can detach and still be usable, a benefit of truck campers is the ability to remain on the truck continuously. Having a truck camper means regardless of where you go, you always have your home with you.
You’ll never have to worry about leaving it behind. Because of their compact nature, it’s safe to assume that if your truck fits, so will your truck camper.
Some Models Have a Lot of Room
Just because some truck campers are tiny doesn’t mean they all are. Some models have multiple slides and will make you forget you’re even in a truck camper!
In some cases, you can have just as many features as the larger rigs. With some of the biggest units offering 100 square feet of floor space, you won’t feel cramped.
This is inside the massive 3 slide host truck camper! Source: hostcampers.com
Great option for Solos and Couples
Those taking to the road as solo travelers will find the truck camping life to be a great way to get out there. The truck camping life is simple and versatile. When you’re traveling alone, there isn’t much need for a large, cumbersome setup.
Couples can also benefit from the truck camping life. Those who prefer a more simple living space so they can focus on the adventure ahead will appreciate the easy setup. Often, couples want to go full-time to spend more time together and less time on home upkeep. The truck camping life allows you to spend less time messing with your rig and more time exploring.
Cons of Truck Camping Life
While there are many benefits to truck camper living, there can be some downsides. There are bound to be a few annoyances with any RV choice. Are the pitfalls to truck campers enough to make you cross it off your list?
Not Great for Families
Families will have a difficult time trying to go full-time in a truck camper. There aren’t many opportunities for privacy in these units.
Even in the largest truck campers, there aren’t separate bunkhouses or living areas for kids. The noise from the routine daily tasks of a family going about their day might be enough to drive anyone crazy.
Not a Lot of Storage
Storage is a hot topic when it comes to full-time RV life. And space is at a premium when traveling in a truck camper. There are only so many opportunities for storage space when other necessities already use every inch.
You aren’t going to find any large closets or drawers. Choosing a truck camper forces you into a genuinely minimalistic lifestyle.
Can Be Expensive
Just because something is small doesn’t mean it’s budget-friendly. Many truck campers can cost as much as standard travel trailers. It isn’t uncommon for truck campers to cost upwards of $70,000. There are budget-friendly options, but models with some residential comforts come with a heftier price tag than you might expect.
This is why we chose to buy used. I have less than $5 grand in my rig. But still have all the comforts i need. I would rather put that money into adventures.
Requires A Large Truck
Truck campers are heavy. Heavy loads require large trucks, and large trucks don’t come cheap. It’s common for those hauling a truck camper to need a one-ton dually to transport the camper safely.
If you don’t already have a truck up to the task, you’ll need to invest in both the camper itself and a well-equipped truck. This expense might be enough to break the bank.
You can make out with a 3/4 ton and find many truck campers that will work with it. But remember you are limited to what you can carry weight wise.
Has Living in a Truck Camper a Been a Good Idea?
For those who can live simply and have a thirst for adventure, the truck camping life might be the perfect way to travel full-time. However, if you really want to stretch your legs and need a lot of space, a truck camper may not be the best fit.
The truck camping life isn’t for everyone, but it’s hard to argue against some of the benefits. Would you consider living full-time in a truck camper? How would it change the way you travel?
For me personally, some of the best days of my life have been living the truck camping life.
