Adventure-seeking truck owners who want nice off-grid overland setups without towing trailers or buying secondary RVs should check out slide-in truck campers. An advantage is that towing something like a boat or jet skis remains an option. There are a couple of different options when it comes to slide-in truck campers, each with its pros and cons. No matter what truck you have, there is likely a camper option to suit your needs, even if you have an older Toyota Tacoma.
The Different Types of Campers
Two general types of slide-in campers you’ll be deciding between are the hard-side and pop-up truck camper. A hard-side camper has hard sidewalls and a fixed roof that will sit high above the cab/roof of your truck. A pop-up camper has a pop-up roof that can be raised when parked (camping position) and then lowered (driving position) to allow for a more aerodynamic profile.
Pop-Up Camper
A pop-up slide-in camper is a great option for those who want to optimize fuel economy as much as possible, as the camper in driving position will have a lower center of gravity and much less drag compared to the hard-side camper. Handling will be better overall, too. If you tend to do a lot of off-road traveling, then the smaller footprint and reduced height of this camper allow access to low-clearance areas. These are also perfect for ½-ton pickups.
Hard-Side Camper
A hard-side slide-in camper will generally have better insulation and sound deadening/isolation. A hard-side will typically have a larger interior floor plan with slide-outs, larger sitting areas, and more. Its fabric-free construction could increase longevity.
Payload Capacity
Slide-in truck campers can be very heavy. Let’s talk about your truck’s payload capacity and the weight of the camper you’re investigating. You’ll need to find the capacity specifications of your specific truck, including all options and extras. Some manufacturers put information on the driver-side door jamb. The camper will also have a sticker showing the standard weight, plus the extra weight if you have a water system.
Average Capacity for Different-Sized Trucks
A modern ½-ton F-150, Silverado 1500, Sierra 1500, Tundra, or Ram 1500 will usually have a payload capacity of anywhere from 1,500 to 2,500 pounds, depending on the features and trim level. A ¾-ton pickup, which is going to be your 2500-series pickup, will have a payload capacity over 3,500 pounds. Your average 1-ton, or 3500-series, will handle well north of 4,000 pounds and in some cases get close to 8,000 pounds. Once you know how much payload your truck can handle, you’ll want to take a look at the gross vehicle weight rating, or GVWR, which will tell you how much your truck can weigh total.
Contact Us with Any Questions
If you have more questions or concerns, you can always reach out to one of our knowledgeable salespeople who will be able to assist you in understanding what’s best for you, especially when it comes to price, options, and what will work with your specific truck.
Why Choose Valley RV Supercenter
At Valley RV Supercenter, we offer the best prices and services to everyone. Whether you are looking for a new or used RV, we have what you are looking for. Our amazing staff will always work hard to provide you with the best experience imaginable, and our finance department can assist you in finding the best rates on all RVs. When it’s time, our service department is second to none and will take care of your vehicle as if it were their own, providing you with peace of mind. For those looking to rent an RV for a weekend or an extended period of time, we offer the perfect options for your traveling needs.
If you are looking for a vehicle to pull your trailer, we have a truck center where you can find the best vehicle for your needs. We look forward to helping you.
