Truck Campers

[Mike (MN)]

Long time no talk to!

I have been lurking and not posting, not because I didn't want to, just because I have been so busy that I was afraid I would not be able to follow the threads I posted on.

I was just wondering how many others have a slide in camper they use. I just picked up a two year old Lance. Let me know how you like it and what places you like to camp and fish if you would be so kind.

[Ray]

Mike,
Congradulations on your purchase of a Lance camper. I'm a happy truck camper camper for 25 years now. I just purchased a brand new Lance 11 ft. last fall and love it. This is my third camper. I feel you can get away with murder if you know what you're doing. People that have tag alongs and motor homes, they seem to watch them. I am a New York State resident and we have a no-restriction on overnight parking. If you plan on traveling, know their state laws, or you will be ticketed. Most states will not allow over-night parking, you'll have to put it in a campground. My camper sits on a F350 duel wheel truck and I haul a 18 ft. boat behind it. The only states so far that I've traveled to fish are New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. New York State try the New York Finger Lakes, Alleghany Mts., or the Adirondacks. I've traveled up to Wisconsin and fished Lake Winebago, and Lake Michigan. That is a very pretty state, along with New York State. One of these years I'll get up to Minesotta and fish. I hope this helps. If you have any more questions, e:mail me, and I'll try and help out.
Enjoy your camper!
-Ray

[geezer55435]

I've owned two Lance campers. My latest is an 1130. I also tow a 1775 Lund. Being single I've found this to be a great setup. Traveled to Alaska and Florida and most spots inbetween. I've also camped in every State Park in MN. My favorite is Father Hennepin at the south end of Mille Lacs. Two ramps, no waiting. Too many other camp sites to mention. Enjoy.

[JIM]

MIKE.
I'm looking to buy a slide in camper for my GMC 1500. My wife and I saw a Lance at the lake and were very impressed. I checked the web site for Lance but they don't list prices or couldn't find a dealer. If you have a dealer I could talk to or know of any near Massachusetts I'd appreciate it. You can e-mail me P209@shaysnet.com Thanks and Happy Camping / fishing !!

[Kevin A]

I've been taking the truck camper/19-20 foot boat route for around 5 years. Great way to get around. I've camped in Feb through 11 degrees in November (froze the boat in LBDN!, went 'ice fishing' in a boat). Two trips to S. Bass Island/Lake Erie....great trip. Drive to Port Clinton & take the ferry over to S. Bass State Park. Round trip it'll run you around $100, but well worth it. S. Bass State Park is a nice place, good protected (free) launch, good cleaning station, great sunset. Been to MN with it too.

I currently have an 11 footer I run on a F250SD/460. Camper is in great shape/loaded with oven to toilet & shower & hot water heater...looking to sell it or trade for a 9-9.5 footer.

[Phil T.]

My favorite campground in MN is the Forest Service campground at Stoney Point, south of Walker, MN on Leech Lake. Since it's commercially netted, the walleye fishing's not worth writing home about, but the lake is lovely when the wind is calm, and there is the dream of musky.

[Gunga Din]

Why the downsize? I've been considering this setup for a while--just not sure what direction to go. Would like to get a new Ford 4-door truck, would rather have the short bed, but think the long bed would give me more options for a camper. How are the pop-up styles?

[Mike (MN)]

Thanks for all of the info!

My camper is an 11.3. Total length, from the tip of the cab-over, to the back is 19.6. I have felt for a long time that truck campers are a great solution for those of us who like to camp and need to pull a boat.

The cost on these things can be a bit shocking. You can pay from 4,000 to 40,000.

After a lot of research, I felt that a Lance was one of my top three choices and I found one that was two years old and in great shape.

For a family of four, my feelings are you need to go with a long bed in your truck to take full advantage of possible space.

If you can get away with it and you want a bigger truck camper, look at dual rear wheels. I went with a 1 Ton Chevy and thankfull I did.

[Kevin A]

Hey Din!

I was looking for a slide-in unit for a year or so when I ran across the one I have. It was too good to pass up, though it was larger than I wanted. I really don't need (and didn't want) a toilet, shower, oven, frig/freezer, double SS sink, hot water heater.....but the price was rather eye-popping so I went for it. 4-5 years later I've used it a fair amount (and enjoyed all the perks) and still wish I had something a bit smaller so now's as good a time as any. Are you interested in an eye-popping price? :-) It's an older unit, but dry as a bone and in great shape. I might be willing to meet you half-way to CO.

I've considered the pop-up type. You can shave something like 300-600 pounds, but the trade-off is less cabinet space (the pop-up height is usually all/mostly storage) and not as warm in cold weather. I haven't decided if the trade-offs really matter that much.

I put together a portable A-frame (1 inch galvanized pipe & a large tarp) and am tenting it lately. I put the tent under one end of the A-frame and the rest keeps the wood, gear, & me dry. Works great! Sort of a covered porch to sit & watch the rain drops do what they do. I think I have digital picture of it...I'll post it tonight.

[Gunga Din]

I have a friend with a monster camper on his Ford 4-door F350 long bed. He has to use a hitch extension that's probably over 3' just to hook up his boat. And it's still tight quarters inside.

I currently tent camp with my wife and four kids (usually just me and the older 3 kids). But I figure if it's going to be cramped, might as well be a smaller camper. The camper seems great for convenience, but I want something small, low center of gravity, and light. And I want to be able to back the boat with it solo. I don't have the truck yet, but think I might move in that direction for next year.

[Kevin A]

You kinda sound like me. Backing up isn't a problem. It's alot like backing up a semi...just use your mirrors. Usually you can pick up a wheel or something off the boat. Just keep it in your driver's mirror and let the other side take care of itself. My older boat completely disappeared behind the camper except for around 3 inches of the port trailer tire. As long as I could see the tire (in the mirror) I was backing up straight..never had a problem.

Here's the "a-frame". It's bigger than it looks...stake it out farther on the sides and it gets even bigger. Dry as a bone, even in a torrential downpour. Takes about 10-15 minutes to set up. This was in Door County, WI land of the BIG kings (and walleyes, smallies....).

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[Phil T.]

There are a very few campers built to fit into a 6' box. Look around in www.rv.net, and you may find one advertised.