How to Find a Camper That Fits Your Truck
Truck campers are a great RVing option, especially for couples or individuals who want to see more of the country. They offer more privacy and protection from the elements than a tent, they're very affordable, and they often fit with the truck you already have. Plus, driving with a truck camper is easier than towing a travel trailer.
If you want to use the truck you already have, you'll need to figure out which campers will actually fit it. This doesn't have to be a difficult process if you go to the dealership with the right information in hand. This short guide will teach you the basics of buying a truck camper that fits your existing rig. Stop by Carolina Coach & Marine when you're ready to shop.
Our team of experienced RV professionals will help you find what you need. We're located near Charlotte and Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in Claremont, and we proudly serve the areas of Hickory, Lake Norman, and Statesville.
Weight
Weight is a major consideration for anyone who wants to buy a truck camper. Weight makes a major difference in how your truck will ride when you drive it, and it can even play into how quickly your tires and suspension wear out. But most importantly, every truck has a gross combined weight rating (GCWR), a number which dictates how much weight a truck can haul including all its cargo and passengers, including the truck camper. If you exceed this number, you could put your family at risk or receive a fine.
Make sure you take your truck to a weigh station before shopping for a truck camper. Try to locate your truck's GCWR and subtract the real weight of your truck from this number. This will show you how much your camper can weigh. Make sure to think about the "wet weight" of the camper, too. Wet weight is the amount a truck weighs when fully loaded with equipment, water, and food.
Measure Bed Dimensions
You'll need to measure the dimensions of the bed and cab of your truck before you head to the dealership. Make sure to measure the inner height of the bed, as well as its length and width. Then measure the distance between the wheel wells as well as their height, length, and width. Finally, measure the height from the bottom of the bed to the top of your camper. You might also need to measure the opening of the tailgate if it's different than the width of the bed because this can vary from model to model.
Collect Camper Info
Once you have all the information on your truck, start looking at models and reviewing their dimensions and weight. Make sure the dimensions correlate to the dimensions of your truck and make sure the weight is well below your truck's GCWR. Many truck campers need some level of support equipment or equipment for keeping the camper secure when it's driving. Make sure to check what type of support equipment any given camper needs and check again to make sure that your truck is compatible with it. This equipment sometimes requires installation at the dealership, so make sure to ask about pricing.
When you're ready to find a camper that fits your truck, stop by Carolina Coach & Marine. We're located near Charlotte and Winston-Salem, North Carolina, as we proudly serve the areas of Claremont, Lake Norman, Hickory, and Statesville, North Carolina!