The 4 Reasons Why You Need a Truck Camper
There’s a lot of options out there for anyone looking to upgrade their tent camping setup: Sprinter vans and other vehicle build outs, RVs and motorhomes, teardrop and other tow-behind campers, and in-bed truck campers. It can feel overwhelming to even know where to start.
Keep scrolling to learn more about why we chose our Scout Camper and the 4 reasons you need a truck camper for your next campsite upgrade too.
1. Shelter from the elements
We’ve done our fair share of nights spent in the backcountry, in a tent, and in a rooftop tent. And will probably have a few more to come (we’re not selling our tent just yet!). But we felt we were ready for something a little more comfortable, especially when thinking about spending long weekends, or even multiple weeks, on the road.
Our truck camper (we went with the Scout Olympic) is weatherproof, so no more worrying about whether it’s going to rain on us in the middle of the night. And with the diesel heater we opted for, it will also keep us warm on chilly nights or early mornings at camp. No more sleepless nights listening to the tent flapping in the wind (you know the sound) or waking up cold and damp from the morning dew, or packing up a soggy tent only to have to set it up again at home to dry out.
2. The freedom to go pretty much anywhere
One big thing to think about when deciding which type of camper is right for you is thinking about where you want to take it. With RVs, motorhomes, tow-behind trailers, and even most Sprinter vans you’re pretty limited to well-maintained roads. But with an in-bed truck camper like our Scout, the camper goes wherever your truck can go. So with a little extra suspension and some upgraded tires, there’s (almost) no forest service road you couldn’t reach.
No to mention, we have the ability to leave our camper at camp once we get there, unlike a van. We simply have to lower our camper off of our truck and then drive away. Our home away from home goes wherever we go, but it doesn’t always have to.
3. Setting up camp has never been easier
With a truck camper (or a van), gone are the days of setting up a tent or a rooftop tent in the dark, the rain, the wind – any element that makes you question why you’re out there in the first place. Since everything you need for your camp is already inside the camper and ready to go, all you need to do is park the truck, maybe level it out a little, and you’re good to go!
A plus? If you’re like us and have a bit of a homebody side, you can make your camper as homey and cozy as you’d like without worrying about having to take everything down at the end of the trip. A few extra throw pillows doesn’t make you any less outdoorsy.
4. Truck campers are often cheaper than RVs or Sprinter Vans
Now, the keyword here is “often”. Truck campers are often cheaper, but not always. If you’re looking to drop money on an in-bed truck camper, you definitely can. But even then, you’re spending money on a truck camper with a bathroom, kitchen, dining nook, and more – and it can still go wherever your truck goes. You don’t need to spend $100k+ on a 4×4 van buildout, or trade the nights on forest service roads for nights at the KOA.
Typically, it’s much easier to find what you’re looking for without spending thousands of dollars, especially if you already own a truck.
