I guess I'm the only one here!

[docherb]

I just joined this happy group, having come across the Google advert. on another forum (RV.net), and on visiting the truck camper (TC) forum I found that I was the only one in the room. So I thought I'd start it off.

My wife and I have been full-timing in a TC since Sept. '06, after we closed a business and sold our home in Mass. We first headed down the east coast, to GA and FL, where we both have family members, and Wintered over in south, central GA. We left there on Feb. 19, and headed westward, more or less, meandering north and south of I-10. I write this from Wickenburg, about 40 miles northwest of Phoenix. We are on our way to Prescott, AZ, (later today!), which has been our stated goal, but in reality is only one of the communities we will be looking at in which to set up a home base. My wife seems to need a "real house", and I guess I do too. A truck camper is OK for traveling, but we both have gotten tired of the 'camper dancing'.

Our truck and camper were purchased new in the Spring and Summer of '06, with this particular venture in mind. No previous experience with RV's or camping. (We did take two shake-down trips, each for 4 nights, in northern New England, before hitting the road full-time.) This was a real 'let's wing it', but it has treated us both very well. Learned a lot on the fly, but fortunately, no real probelms or break-downs.

We prefer, and make every effort, to stay in state park campgrounds. We have found that they are commonly located in, along or nearby a natural wonder, they are commonly clean, the sites are commonly well situation and at a respectful distance from each other, the parks are locked at night, the lavatories are commonly cleaner than at private campgrounds, and they are almost always cheaper! All this has seemed to be more true west of Louisiana.

I'll let it go at that, and see if I get any bites.

Herb

[raywhite]

I'm also new to this site, looks like a cool site. I retired May 06, we hit the road and took a 15,000 mile trip out west in 5 months out west. We started out from FL. in our Fifth Wheel. Actually we l thought about a truck camper but decided on the Fifth Wheel, the 5th wheel was heavier to pull but, when we liked a spot and decided to stop for a week or so we liked the space it gave us.

We liked Colorado the best of all the states we traveled through, especially Golden,Co. what a nice little town.

We have been keeping a look out for a smaller Truck camper to maybe use for short trips, instead of taking the 5th wheel, not really many used truck campers out there.

Take care, happy travels

Ray

[jim01]

docherb, I envy you being able to full-time in a TC. We've been doing it in a 40' MH for 6 years, and it really limits where we can stay. We really like COE Parks, National Parks, and State Parks but have to pass on some of them because of our size.

Some times I wish we had that 17' Travel Trailer that we started with about 15 years ago.

[katzmam]

No you are not the only one but TC's and full timing are not use in the same sentence. We are full timers and also work campers. We started out 5 years ago with our 34' 5th wheel to see the USA. Our 5th wheel has served us well because we have been work camping and staying in one place 4-9 mos. But as we have experienced the "you to long" thing many times. Last year we made the decision to buy a used TC and use it when we are not work camping and are traveling to see the USA and relax! We have not made that trip yet, as we are on a job now but will be trying the TC out this fall. We are looking forward to the COE, State Parks, and National Parks stays, they are the BEST if you are really into "CAMPING". Happy Trails!

[carol43]

We're new in here too. But not to camping. Just picked up our new 5th wheel. Traded in our motorhome.

[k0129rwv]

That is an unusual direction to go...Most go the other way because of having to hook and unhook. What was the factor that caused you to give up the motor home???

[beachbonnie]

Hi! Can you please share with me why you went from a motorhome to a 5th wheel? We hear it's usually the other way around...and we are thinking about trading our 5th wheel in for a motorhome. Just curious. Thanks so much and have an INCREDIBLE day...happy camping!

[cjs192]

I just joined this happy group, having come across the Google advert. on another forum (RV.net), and on visiting the truck camper (TC) forum I found that I was the only one in the room. So I thought I'd start it off.

My wife and I have been full-timing in a TC since Sept. '06, after we closed a business and sold our home in Mass. We first headed down the east coast, to GA and FL, where we both have family members, and Wintered over in south, central GA. We left there on Feb. 19, and headed westward, more or less, meandering north and south of I-10. I write this from Wickenburg, about 40 miles northwest of Phoenix. We are on our way to Prescott, AZ, (later today!), which has been our stated goal, but in reality is only one of the communities we will be looking at in which to set up a home base. My wife seems to need a "real house", and I guess I do too. A truck camper is OK for traveling, but we both have gotten tired of the 'camper dancing'.

Our truck and camper were purchased new in the Spring and Summer of '06, with this particular venture in mind. No previous experience with RV's or camping. (We did take two shake-down trips, each for 4 nights, in northern New England, before hitting the road full-time.) This was a real 'let's wing it', but it has treated us both very well. Learned a lot on the fly, but fortunately, no real probelms or break-downs.

We prefer, and make every effort, to stay in state park campgrounds. We have found that they are commonly located in, along or nearby a natural wonder, they are commonly clean, the sites are commonly well situation and at a respectful distance from each other, the parks are locked at night, the lavatories are commonly cleaner than at private campgrounds, and they are almost always cheaper! All this has seemed to be more true west of Louisiana.

I'll let it go at that, and see if I get any bites.

Herb

Hi Herb, I just found this site the same way you did, Hope to travel the same way you are some day:D I've been a TC owner since '95, mostly do weekend trips to state parks that are on lakes. Here in Illinios the prices are still very reasonable. My last trip was around Lake Michigan, kind of winged it except for having to make revservations at 2 different michigan SP's($$$):eek: Did have some beautiful views though.
Continue having a safe trip and good luck on your home base search, chris

[elainefaith]

Hi truck campers! Just returned from a 8,000 mi trip from the Fl Keys to Maine and back. I'm really happy I bought a truck camper. You can't imagine how many big rig owners came up to me and said they wish they had something smaller, they are really limited to where they can go. Next trip i'll get a gps. A little hard to navigate when it's just me and my dog, lol. Truck, F350 Diesel dually ran great......e

[dralltop]

They wife and I are just getting ready to retire to full time RV from the Military. We have had our truck camper a long time and that is what we will use to travel in. I had a 31 ft Airstream, but once the kids left the house there really wasn't a need for the room. Plus We like to stay pretty remote and the big riggs just can't get there. With my Camper on my Silverado I get around 16 MPG which is a whole lot better than I was getting pulling the trailer. I like being able to get up into the hills, park at the trout stream and still eat icecream. I don't have to buy insurance for the camper since it is covered on my truck policy as cargo and is actually listed on the policy for replacement cost. Its tight sometimes, but when the dog and I start growling at each other, we just take a walk. We enjoy the freedom to get off of the beaten path it allows. The biggest problem I have is dealing with RV Parks. They seem to not like to give Truck Campers good parking places. They act surprised when I request a full hook site after they give me a electric only slot out on the fringes. My Lance is fully decked out and has everything the big riggs have but it seems they don't want us to be seen with the big riggs, of course they don't have a problem charging the same. But you have to laugh about things and people.

See you on the road someplace.

DRALLTOP (GDI)

[justcrusin]

They wife and I are just getting ready to retire to full time RV from the Military. We have had our truck camper a long time and that is what we will use to travel in. I had a 31 ft Airstream, but once the kids left the house there really wasn't a need for the room. Plus We like to stay pretty remote and the big riggs just can't get there. With my Camper on my Silverado I get around 16 MPG which is a whole lot better than I was getting pulling the trailer. I like being able to get up into the hills, park at the trout stream and still eat icecream. I don't have to buy insurance for the camper since it is covered on my truck policy as cargo and is actually listed on the policy for replacement cost. Its tight sometimes, but when the dog and I start growling at each other, we just take a walk. We enjoy the freedom to get off of the beaten path it allows. The biggest problem I have is dealing with RV Parks. They seem to not like to give Truck Campers good parking places. They act surprised when I request a full hook site after they give me a electric only slot out on the fringes. My Lance is fully decked out and has everything the big riggs have but it seems they don't want us to be seen with the big riggs, of course they don't have a problem charging the same. But you have to laugh about things and people.

See you on the road someplace.

DRALLTOP (GDI)

We are in the same boat as you are, but ours is a class C 1973 MinnieWinne, we have had it for over 20 years it is also all decked out with all of the stuff that the big rigs have. we like to get back in to the wilderness and fish and injoy all of the wild life. and you can't do that in most of the riggs that are on the road to day. our Winnabago is 21ft.long with air ride in the rear that i put on it so i can raise the rear up if i have to to over and around stuff. It looks almost new,and runs perfect. we are full timers as well. Happy Trails&travels:D :D
Merry Christmas
justcrusin

[bigdaddy1]

We too traded a C motorhome for a 30' Fifth-wheel. I had to buy a truck big enough to pull comfortably. Now we are waiting on warmer weather to try out the new camper.

[elainefaith]

Too bad you don't live in fl. Last week i took my truck camper on a 925 mile trip visiting friends around fl. The most fun was driving on daytona beach, hadn't done that since i was a teenager.

[clognman]

I to am new to this site. We own and have traveled in our 36' 5ver for the last 5 years but this past summer we planned to go to Alaska. I wanted to take the 5ver but the DW decided we should take a truck camper, so she bought a Lance, in Ohio in January. Camped our way back to FL and I was reminiscent of Rving in the old days. Had my reservations on living in that TC for 4 months but we had no problems whatsoever. We had so much fun and versatility on where we could camp with our 2000W genny. Many people agreed this was the way to go, it was "fantastic". We both love dry camping in out in BFE, Nat. PArks & Forests, State Parks & forests, BLM, Wildlife refuges etc. I still like my space in the 5ver, but we use the Lance much more now, camp anywhere, better fuel economy. Next springs trip CA, WA & OR in the Lance.

[elainefaith]

Hi clognman, welcome, did you get the new lance with the slide outs? really nice and that basement storage, great. I'd trade mine in but local dealer wants about 30,000 think i'll wait a few years for a used one, but then they always come up with few features. Ask your wife to come over to the womens forum, we need new blood, lol

[bill63]

You are brave to go from Never camped to full time, I hope to make a few long trips after I retire, I have 10 more years if I am blessed with health and life to go before I get there, till then I have to settle for a weekend here and there and vacations. I have also just discovered this site and look forward to dropping in now and then. Bill From Illinois.

[dralltop]

Sounds like everyone has discovered why my wife and I like our TC. It gives us the freedom to go anywhere and not worrying about parking, narrow roads, etc. We are always outside hiking, fishing, or sightseeing so the room isn't an issue. Anymore the State Parks are better places to stay than the RV Parks. We have a Lance 820, with just the two of us it works great.
I'm 90 days from retirement from the Army with 30 years and we are hitting the road until I can't drive anymore. Hope to meet everyone on the road.

DAN(GDI)

[whodo]

dralltop
Just wanted to say congratulations on retiring in 90 days and hope you enjoy your retirement and traveling as much as we do.
Also have to agree that State Parks, National parks, COE parks, are far better than RV Parks and this is from a former owner of a RV park.

[elainefaith]

dralltop and wife, welcome to the tc thread. Yes i love my tc and state parks. so many people on recent 8,000 trip came up to me in commercial campgrounds and commented on how lucky i was to be able to go anywhere in tc. enjoy your retirement, well deserved.

[dralltop]

Thanks eveyone for the warm wishes. Got a question? We are going up to Alaska in 09 (I promised my better half that I would take her the first year we retired) and we are driving up through Canada. Does the Parks and RV parks use 220 Volt or 110 Volt in Canada? I've got a generator and solar panels, but every once in a while we want to go full hook ups and I don't want to blow out my electric. Any info on this would be much apreciated.

Thanks

DRALLTOP (GDI)

[tnhappycamper]

Hello All
Were new here too, been a member for a while but had never posted.
I have been looking at an older model "winnebego" truck camper, not even sure of the year. I am having trouble finding any info about these....we've never owned a truck camper so t will ALL be new to us....any sugestions or info...do's and or don't will be appreciated.....hope everybody has a great upcoming camping season.

God Bless
tnhappycamper:)

[whodo]

tnhappycamper
we've never owned a truck camper so t will ALL be new to us....any sugestions or info...do's and or don't will be appreciated
The things to look for in a truck camper are the same items as any other RV, they all have the same type of appliances, water leak problems etc.

Now you didn't mention how much RVing experience that you have had, so it makes it hard to determine exactly what information you are looking for.

Be sure to do a close inspection of every thing before buying, also make sure that your Truck will be able to handle the weight of the Camper, some of the older models were very heavy.

If you could be a little more specific with your questions, I am sure everyone will help answer them.

[adventurerv]

Hello,
I am actually a truck camper dealer. What kind do you have?

[amanda22]

Hello Everyone,
What type of truck campers do you all have?
I just got back from Cali and watched the Lance truck campers be made. Some interesting things I learned while I was up there.

[dralltop]

We have a LANCE 820 on a 2001 Silverado 2500HD short bed with the deramax engine. We a spend a lot of time in the hills and in all seasons. It is a pretty tough unit and insulated well. Never have been cold. LANCE tunes their units pretty good to the available trucks on the market so the weight, center of gravity, etc matches the truck very well. Which pays off on the road. We have had it since 2004 and it look like new now.

DRALLTOP

[bsgossmann]

We traveled the Alaska hiway four years ago. All campgrounds had 110 volt power. An awesome trip. Enjoy.

[bsgossmann]

Thanks eveyone for the warm wishes. Got a question? We are going up to Alaska in 09 (I promised my better half that I would take her the first year we retired) and we are driving up through Canada. Does the Parks and RV parks use 220 Volt or 110 Volt in Canada? I've got a generator and solar panels, but every once in a while we want to go full hook ups and I don't want to blow out my electric. Any info on this would be much apreciated.

Thanks

DRALLTOP (GDI) We traveled to alaska four years ago and all the parks had 110 volts. Enjoy

[stevesandidge]

i am the service tech for a truck camper dealer here in ne tn, and also do mobile service in the area as well. i am new to the truck campers, but like all campers/motorhomes etc i find they vary greatly in quality. i know that working on them means getting into small spaces! lol
steve sandidge
by an rver for the rver!

[dinah]

Hi, I (we) just joined myRVspace. We heard about it from a guy on rvpics.com. We have a long history of camping, including motorcycle touring and camping. Check out the IBMC (http://www.ibmc.org) First it was a series of tents, then we moved up to popup motorcycle campers!

Then we found and bought a used, Jayco popup, slide-in TC, put it on our old 1991 Chevy 2500 and headed out West! From then on, if the bike went, it was ON a trailer! LOL! What luxury! We were dry when it rained, warm when it was cold, cool when it was hot... and we could take that TC places where we wouldn't have gone on the MC!

Eventually, a gust of SD wind caught under the front of the lid and caused a lot of damage. :eek: Hubby fixed it up better than new and we sold it. Then we went looking for one with a bathroom! :) By that time we had a 1993 3500 dually, so when we found this used S & S, which we still keep around for those leisurely outings that we just can't take in the big 5er!

Oh, I forgot to mention that part. We're fulltimers now! :D With a big, quad slide 36'er and a home-made 'hauler' truck. But we still love the freedom of the TC! Even with 2 little dogs, we have been a lot of places! But, enough about us, for now! I still have a lot of reading to find out how some of ya'll manage to full time in your TCs! We've never tried it for more than a month at a time--and with DH's new line of work (pipeline construction) and the price of diesel fuel, we're seriously considering trying to survive in our S & S for months at a time! Tell me how you do it!