Truck Campers

[PV2EV]

Looking at truck campers for the Lightning to replace my camper van. What are some features specific to truck campers that are important?

What are things to steer clear of?

Are there electric only unit?

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[PV2EV]

Bump

 

[astricklin]

Weight is going to be the one thing that you need to watch. On top of the camper itself, you need to account for any water, food and other gear.
Obviously your range is going to take a hit.

 

[Easycamper]

I don’t know too much about truck campers but options are limited for trucks with 5.5-foot beds. Here’s an example.

https://www.lancecamper.com/truck-campers/650/

Pay attention to weight but don’t get obsessed with it. Sometimes the internet gets a bit silly. I’ve seen people advised to trade in their F-150 for a 3/4-ton because they were 50 pounds over GVWR.

 

[PV2EV]

Cool. I am more concerned with not being able to charge with a trailer attached than I am weight, but don't want to overload the truck. I only need a shower/toilet, bed, fridge and microwave. Hope to find something lightweight.

 

[astricklin]

I don’t know too much about truck campers but options are limited for trucks with 5.5-foot beds. Here’s an example.

https://www.lancecamper.com/truck-campers/650/

Pay attention to weight but don’t get obsessed with it. Sometimes the internet gets a bit silly. I’ve seen people advised to trade in their F-150 for a 3/4-ton because they were 50 pounds over GVWR.

The lightest lance in bed is just over 2000 lbs empty. That's not going to work even if you managed to have the base Pro with 2200 payload.

Something on this list might be a better option and they have the added bonus of being low profile so will help with aerodynamics.
https://www.truckcamperadventure.com/top-7-pop-up-campers-for-mid-size-trucks/

Or the lighter models on this list
https://www.truckcamperadventure.com/10-best-campers-for-the-ford-f-150-pickup-truck/

 

[PV2EV]

Very good info, thanks! Looks like I won't get a shower in the units light enough to work. Also, many of these seem to be back-ordered for a year or more. Maybe the lightning will spur new products.

 

[Easycamper]

The lightest lance in bed is just over 2000 lbs empty. That's not going to work even if you managed to have the base Pro with 2200 payload.

Something on this list might be a better option and they have the added bonus of being low profile so will help with aerodynamics.
https://www.truckcamperadventure.com/top-7-pop-up-campers-for-mid-size-trucks/

Or the lighter models on this list
https://www.truckcamperadventure.com/10-best-campers-for-the-ford-f-150-pickup-truck/

That is true. There do seem to be quite a few F-150 owners who have the 650, and Cruise America rents them.

https://www.cruiseamerica.com/rv-rentals/our-vehicles/truck-camper

If @PV2EV wants to strictly observe weight ratings, then you’re probably limited to a pop-up style camper. Of course that would help with range too

 

[Oneand0]

I just started shopping for a camper online and will go look at some of the pop ups in person soon. Here is one that caught my eye. It won’t be as efficient for mileage, but it’s light. I grew up camping in a camper and can’t wait to do it again, but now with the Lightning. Unless I find a used pop up, I will probably have to wait for new Scout to be built for next year.

https://scoutcampers.com/yoho/

 

[PV2EV]

Very cool. Now make it electric!

 

[Firestop]

Looking at truck campers for the Lightning to replace my camper van. What are some features specific to truck campers that are important?

What are things to steer clear of?

Are there electric only unit?

You may want to check out this event in July…..
https://expo.deschutes.org/events/2022/overland-expo-pnw-2022

 

[PV2EV]

You may want to check out this event in July…..
https://expo.deschutes.org/events/2022/overland-expo-pnw-2022

Awesome. Day trip with the Shelties!

 

[Firestop]

Awesome. Day trip with the Shelties!

Yep, I hope to make it in my new truck

 

[Oneand0]

For those of you who have experience loading up trucks with campers, how bad is it if you overload by about 100-150 maximum from the door sticker. Just curious if it’s a big deal if it happens on occasion? I am good and will never go over maximum payload with just my dog and I, but if a lady friend of mine, or a buddy come along, it would reach maximum and go over by no more than 150 lbs.

The difference in weight between two campers I’m deciding on is 1133 lbs for heavier model I want to 980 lbs for the smaller one that I can live with.

Thanks for any experience input in advanced.

 

[MostlySafeBear]

For those of you who have experience loading up trucks with campers, how bad is it if you overload by about 100-150 maximum from the door sticker. Just curious if it’s a big deal if it happens on occasion? I am good and will never go over maximum payload with just my dog and I, but if a lady friend of mine, or a buddy come along, it would reach maximum and go over by no more than 150 lbs.

The difference in weight between two campers I’m deciding on is 1133 lbs for heavier model I want to 980 lbs for the smaller one that I can live with.

Thanks for any experience input in advanced.

There are some who will tell you that it's no problem, but bear in mind that you could be legally liable - and maybe even criminally liable - if you drive an overweight vehicle. Further, being over the vehicle's weight limit in any aspect increases the chances of equipment failure and/or damage.

Considering the liability aspects and what these trucks cost, I wouldn't risk it, personally.

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