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Truck bed camper thingies #251901
09/03/12 07:40 PM
09/03/12 07:40 PM
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,118
Northfield Mn
Karl_Brogger Offline OP
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Karl_Brogger  Offline OP
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Thoughts? I'm thinking about getting one for the hillbilly hotrod. $14k(ish) for the one I'm looking at. Makes more sense to me than buy a regular rv cost wise.
are they a pain in the butt to load?
Does the pickup still drive decently, or does the mileage just fall off the face of the earth?


I'm boatless.
-- Have You Seen This? --
Re: Truck bed camper thingies [Re: Karl_Brogger] #251902
09/03/12 07:51 PM
09/03/12 07:51 PM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,430
california
F-18 5150 Offline
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F-18 5150  Offline
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california
Easy to load you will lose about 4 to 5 mpg. Buy the quality frame mounts. What brand are you looking at?
[Linked Image]

Last edited by F-18 5150; 09/03/12 07:56 PM.

Richard Vilvens
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PSA Capricorn USA
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Fairfield, Ca
F-18 5150

http://www.capricornsailing.com/
Re: Truck bed camper thingies [Re: Karl_Brogger] #251903
09/03/12 08:17 PM
09/03/12 08:17 PM
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,118
Northfield Mn
Karl_Brogger Offline OP
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Livin Lite is the brand I've been looking at.

This model: http://www.livinlite.com/6_8-overview.php


I'm boatless.
Re: Truck bed camper thingies [Re: Karl_Brogger] #251905
09/03/12 09:05 PM
09/03/12 09:05 PM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,430
california
F-18 5150 Offline
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california
Nice looking unit would be good for one person. You will want to consider getting the upgrade for the jacks. Power jacks are the only way to go.


Richard Vilvens
Brand Ambassador
PSA Capricorn USA
R.Vilvens@yahoo.com
Fairfield, Ca
F-18 5150

http://www.capricornsailing.com/
Re: Truck bed camper thingies [Re: Karl_Brogger] #251908
09/04/12 05:08 AM
09/04/12 05:08 AM

M
Mac m
Unregistered
Mac m
Unregistered
M



I had one briefly, it was an ultra lite deal with a pop top that fit on the back of my Z71. I agree with Rich on the power jacks, I hated lading/unloading it, had to go round and round jacking it up one corner at a time. It wasn't bad for one person, had air/heat, and a fridge. After adding the camper, boat and all my mileage went down pretty good. I ended up getting an older C-Class camper in good shape. Mileage is pretty close and MUCH more comfortable.

Re: Truck bed camper thingies [Re: Karl_Brogger] #251909
09/04/12 05:29 AM
09/04/12 05:29 AM
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 774
Greenville SC
bacho Offline
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When I was younger my family took an older Amerigo 13' on several 3 week camping trips. That was 7 of us, that camper had a flip out on the back but we mostly slept in tents. I think they work great.

I have a wildernest top for my toyota now which is a tent that flips out. It works great if the temperature is reasonable. It only weighs 300 lbs or so and fit just like any camper top.

[Linked Image]

Re: Truck bed camper thingies [Re: Karl_Brogger] #251913
09/04/12 07:20 AM
09/04/12 07:20 AM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,049
Sebring, Florida.
Timbo Offline
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Karl, thanks for bringing this up, I've been thinking about adding one to my F150 for a while, but at $14,000? Ouch! I think I'll stick with the tent, or the Motel 6.

But I don't do the weeks long road trips you do, so for your millage and many trips to FL from MN, it makes sense.

What you also need is some way to 'home brew' diesel fuel! Then stop at every BK and MickyD's on the way down and pick up their used fry oil or something!


Blade F16
#777
Re: Truck bed camper thingies [Re: Karl_Brogger] #251914
09/04/12 07:33 AM
09/04/12 07:33 AM
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,969
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brucat Offline
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I know several cat sailors that have owned these. None have complained, so I think that speaks volumes.

They really are only good for one person, maybe a couple. Add a dog, kid, etc. and you'll be looking for more room quickly.

A separate RV is great, but that's another whole drive train to maintain; and no matter what you do with it, you're only getting 7 mpg.

A separate RV does have other advantages, mainly the larger water and waste tanks (the larger, the better, allows more showers, etc.). You also tend to get more storage with an RV.

As for the pickup models, buy used and save tons of money, even if you have to add the power jacks separately. One guy I know used a power drill to speed up the manual jacks (still have to do one at a time, of course).

The pop-up models promise less impact on gas mileage (drag), but then you add the complication (maintenance) of the tent portion. Usually not a big deal, but if you fold it up wet, you'll want to open it when you get home to let it dry out (avoids mold/mildew). If you buy used, you'll need to be sure the canvas doesn't leak.

Be aware of the normal things to watch for when buying any used camper: water damage, leaking roof, functionality of appliances.

Hope this helps.

Mike

Re: Truck bed camper thingies [Re: Karl_Brogger] #251919
09/04/12 07:48 AM
09/04/12 07:48 AM

M
Mac m
Unregistered
Mac m
Unregistered
M



The ultra light pop up model I bought was like a 2002 and was super clean. Paid $2000 for it, had the fridge that ran off of 12v, 110v, or propane, propane furnace, 5 gal fresh water tank, and an A/C. Great for one person, two at most. At $14K I'd go for an RV.

Re: Truck bed camper thingies [Re: Karl_Brogger] #251920
09/04/12 07:50 AM
09/04/12 07:50 AM

M
Mac m
Unregistered
Mac m
Unregistered
M



This is what mine looked like...made by a company called Sun Valley

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

Re: Truck bed camper thingies [Re: Karl_Brogger] #251921
09/04/12 07:53 AM
09/04/12 07:53 AM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,049
Sebring, Florida.
Timbo Offline
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How water tight were those pop-up panels? I mean, in a driving rain, would they let water in? It's hard to tell from the picture but are they canvas 'windows' that roll up with netting over, or are they solid plastic panels, that would keep the water out?


Blade F16
#777
Re: Truck bed camper thingies [Re: Karl_Brogger] #251925
09/04/12 08:20 AM
09/04/12 08:20 AM

M
Mac m
Unregistered
Mac m
Unregistered
M



Mine seemed to be pretty water tight, didn't have it long though. Sold it to my cousin and he uses the snot out of it and hasn't mentioned any leaks. The windows were a tinted plastic that zipped up with netting on the outside if you wanted natural climate control. Seems like there was a canvas flap that would roll down to cove rthe windows for privacy. The canvas can be replaced if its worn.

I also had to set my mast on the trailer just right so it didn't hit the camper, basically it couldn't extend past the trailer tongue. Have to do the same with my RV.

Re: Truck bed camper thingies [Re: Karl_Brogger] #251926
09/04/12 08:22 AM
09/04/12 08:22 AM
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,969
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brucat Offline
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The ones I've seen are identical to those in pop-up tent trailers. Admittedly, I haven't looked at either in many years, but they used to be roll up canvas with the built in screens.

They usually do a pretty good job of keeping out the rain. I don't think you'd really want solid panels, as you'd have poor ventilation, and it would get really hot inside when parked in the sun.

Good point about the mast. I know of at least two people that have broken their rear RV windows with masts...

Mike

Re: Truck bed camper thingies [Re: Karl_Brogger] #251927
09/04/12 08:26 AM
09/04/12 08:26 AM
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,118
Northfield Mn
Karl_Brogger Offline OP
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Karl_Brogger  Offline OP
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Having a place to store an rv is a big issue.

A hotel does seem a whole lot smarter than anything else. I'm at the point I'm just sick of tenting it.

Lots of good pros/cons Mike.

Last edited by Karl_Brogger; 09/04/12 08:36 AM.

I'm boatless.
Re: Truck bed camper thingies [Re: Karl_Brogger] #251929
09/04/12 08:38 AM
09/04/12 08:38 AM
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,118
Northfield Mn
Karl_Brogger Offline OP
Carpal Tunnel
Karl_Brogger  Offline OP
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Northfield Mn
My trailer the masts end up being about two feet behind the ball anyways. One of the many plus's of having a trailer that is almost 26 feet long on its own.


I'm boatless.
Re: Truck bed camper thingies [Re: Karl_Brogger] #251930
09/04/12 08:56 AM
09/04/12 08:56 AM
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,224
Roanoke Island ,N.C.
Team_Cat_Fever Offline
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Karl,
You're on the right track with the long trailer, with whatever you get. My 28' A class RV(Krantz's old one) was way less than 14k and gets 10 miles per gallon. Whatever you get make sure you can sleep in it on the road with a min. of hassle(Rest areas,etc.).


"I said, now, I said ,pay attention boy!"

The cure for anything is salt water - sweat, tears, or the sea
Isak Dinesen
If a man is to be obsessed by something.... I suppose a boat is as good as anything... perhaps a bit better than most.
E. B. White
Re: Truck bed camper thingies [Re: Karl_Brogger] #251934
09/04/12 09:45 AM
09/04/12 09:45 AM
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,969
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brucat Offline
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There's no shortage of pros/cons to consider. We use our RV all the time.

The less you use it, the more it costs per trip (if you divide the depreciation by time spent using it), which some people see as a reason to get hotels.

For week-long events, hotels are hard to beat (someone else cleans up after you, unlimited water for better showers, etc.).

For cross-country trips, the gas in an RV will kill you. Here, multi-stacking and sharing costs is the only good solution.

10 mpg in a 28-foot Class A??? Wow, what year, engine, make and model is that?

Mike

Re: Truck bed camper thingies [Re: Karl_Brogger] #251936
09/04/12 10:05 AM
09/04/12 10:05 AM
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,224
Roanoke Island ,N.C.
Team_Cat_Fever Offline
Carpal Tunnel
Team_Cat_Fever  Offline
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Roanoke Island ,N.C.
1993 Fleetwood Flair w/ Chev. 454.(Mike Krantz's old steed) Towing or not doesn't seem to make much difference unless you've got a strong headwind (which always seems to happen on the long trips).

The multi stacking is definitely the way to fly, but Karl may be in the same boat as I am without alot of other sailors in the area.


"I said, now, I said ,pay attention boy!"

The cure for anything is salt water - sweat, tears, or the sea
Isak Dinesen
If a man is to be obsessed by something.... I suppose a boat is as good as anything... perhaps a bit better than most.
E. B. White
Re: Truck bed camper thingies [Re: Karl_Brogger] #251939
09/04/12 10:33 AM
09/04/12 10:33 AM

M
Mac m
Unregistered
Mac m
Unregistered
M



That a lot better than mine. I have a 92 fleetwood Jamboree C Class with a Ford 460, I get 7-7.5 no matter how I drive the thing. I love the thing though, nice to be able to bring your own crapper with you hahaha!

Re: Truck bed camper thingies [Re: Karl_Brogger] #251940
09/04/12 10:36 AM
09/04/12 10:36 AM
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,224
Roanoke Island ,N.C.
Team_Cat_Fever Offline
Carpal Tunnel
Team_Cat_Fever  Offline
Carpal Tunnel

Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,224
Roanoke Island ,N.C.
Diligence w/ staying out of the secondaries of the 4 barrel and not letting the cruise control downshift, help alot.


"I said, now, I said ,pay attention boy!"

The cure for anything is salt water - sweat, tears, or the sea
Isak Dinesen
If a man is to be obsessed by something.... I suppose a boat is as good as anything... perhaps a bit better than most.
E. B. White
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