A Question About Riding in Truck Campers (2024)

FAQs

Is it safe to ride in a truck camper? ›

Can passengers ride in the back of a truck camper while traveling? According to state laws, the short answer is yes, but we don't recommend doing it. Why? Primarily because truck campers aren't equipped with safety belts.

Driving a truck camper is certainly going to be one of these easiest RV transport experiences you'll encounter, but that doesn't mean it isn't going to take some work. You'll need to practice behind the wheel, so to give you some starter tips, we here at The Outpost RV have covered some of the most basic concerns.

The most significant drawback of pick-up truck campers is their limited living space. While they offer all the basic amenities, such as a bed, kitchenette, and bathroom, the confined quarters can be challenging for extended trips or for those who prefer more spacious accommodations.

It can go anywhere

Truck campers are as mobile as it gets. They can go places that bigger campers and fifth wheels can't. From rugged terrain to dirt roads and off-road adventures, it can do it all. Because it sits on the truck bed, you're only limited by the clearance of your four-wheel drive truck.

Even if a jack fails, the camper falls down. It doesn't "tip over;" it doesn't pivot up on to the cabover like a see-saw. The cabover might touch the ground if it's long enough and/or the main box collapses, but the criteria for a "tip over" is that both rear jacks are up off the ground.

Can Passengers Drink in a Moving RV? Open container laws also prohibit the consumption of alcoholic beverages by those in moving vehicles — regardless of who is driving.

But do regular truck bed campers have bathrooms? The simple answer is yes. There are many truck bed campers that come with either a wet bath, dry bath, or outside shower. However, not all of them do.

If your truck is equipped with a truck bed camper or a full-sized camper that extends over your cab and beyond your bed, you have a top-heavy load. Top-heavy loads present some unique problems. They can make it more challenging to drive at high speeds, in windy conditions, or going around corners.

Make no mistake, all RVs depreciate a lot. The good news is that because truck campers are built better, they tend to hold their values better too.

Is it OK to leave camper hooked to truck? ›

But is it safe to leave it hitched? The simplest answer is that you do not have to unhitch your travel trailer from your tow vehicle.

A recreational vehicle is a motorhome, housecar, travel trailer, truck camper, or camp trailer; with or without motive power; designed for human habitation or other occupancy.

Expensive materials such as aluminum and fiberglass are used by RV manufacturers to ensure truck campers are lightweight but strong. Additionally, many include stainless steel features and are insulated using top-of-the-line insulations. These pricey materials add up quickly, forcing the retail price up as well.

The tips above showcase how easy it is to maintain truck campers over time. That said, just because the maintenance is easy doesn't mean it isn't critical. Keeping up with the maintenance above will help your camper last a long time, no matter how frequently you go on trips out in the wild.

If adequately prepared, camping in a pickup truck is as safe as other camping methods. Truck canopy camping is the cheapest route to RV camping, but slide-in campers can't be matched in comfort and convenience. A key part of a successful truck camping experience is having the right equipment and gear.

The RV life is pretty safe, assuming you don't tempt fate. It only takes a little extra time and a few extra brain cells to protect you and your valuables from harm, and I'm sure some of these things you're probably already used to doing anyway. Keep it up, and stay safe.

Since most 5^th wheels and travel trailers are not equipped with seat belts, the enforcement of seat belt laws effectively prevents traveling in these types of RVs. It is also not safe for pets to ride in a travel trailer or 5^th wheel.