My dad let me stay in his truck camper on the side of the house. i am grateful its rent free here. small though. but i got heater, fridge ps5 and 4k tv. even got a porta potty in the tiny bathroom closet too. it has saved me from being homeless in a tent as well.

@jimmyhvy2277

4 ай бұрын

Good on Dad ! Hope things workout for you !

I go all kinds of out of the way places with my van, it’s fully self-contained and equipped, including generator and full solar. I love northern light and Bigfoot truck campers, but there’s one thing a van has that a truck camper will almost never have and that is the ability to transit between the cockpit and the living space. I love that. My seat swivel and I’ve got a big cab over bunk. So I shopped both, van won!

@thefinalboss2403

4 ай бұрын

Are you sure never? Because I can. Build it yourself. Truck campers are not hard to build and you can make the quality better than any camper on the market for 1/10th the cost. I chose to build a flatbed camper for even more room and I can easily move from the camper to cab without stepping outside. The truck camper will always be the most versatile and cheapest way to live this life comfortably.

@kjf63

4 ай бұрын

@@thefinalboss2403 oh yes, of course, I’m not saying that it can’t be done, I’m just not saying it’s something that is usually available off the shelf so to speak. There are a few campers built for flatbed trucks. That sort of access is probably a possibility. In terms of building one yourself that’s just not something anyone can do you have to have space tools, knowledge… All that stuff I don’t have. 😊

Dude. I live in BC and I am quite certain that you cannot buy a decent HD truck for $10 grand, let alone a decent 4season camper like your nice Northern Lite for $5 grand. I spend a lot of time looking at the internet sales platforms, and prices are ridiculous for high milage units, like 20-25 g’s for an 07 gm/chev diesel or 6.0 3/4 ton. Maybe, maybe an F250/350 with 250,000 km for 10 g’s., if its an ex-oil patch truck. yuck. But… I’m with you that the portability and compact footprint of a truck/camper unit is advantageous. I love my ‘02 gm rc/long box and my 1979 Okanagan camper, though I cannot do cold weather use, as it is 3 season at best. Happy trails and safe adventures in 2024. 🍁🤙

@SquatchNomad

5 ай бұрын

I agree with you on that. I looked for months. Ended up getting a really clean 2002 F250 7.3 powerstoke for $16k. The 2001 Fleetwood camper cost $5k, which was in good shape. I'm down in northern CA.

@488ci

5 ай бұрын

I live in BC and yes you can find a heavy duty 4x4 truck for under 10 Grand. The problem is that this province is so big and the deals are usually far away from where you live. Truck deals come in waves. You can search for 6 months and find nothing and then one day the market is flooded. There are people out there who do nothing but search the internet and scoop up deals right away and sell them right away for profit.

With a van you go from sleep area to drivers seat without going outside. But thts just my opinion. You like your truck camper, thats great. Happy camping, to each their own.

@harrymills2770

5 ай бұрын

You also have quite a climb to get up into a truck camper.

@wayneukes2438

5 ай бұрын

they have foldout stairs@@harrymills2770

@anthonysears871

5 ай бұрын

Vans are tool boxes on wheels. And you are NOT going anywhere near off road in a van!😂 vans are proof you can sell ice to eskimos!

@JohnnyButtons

5 ай бұрын

I’ve always felt the same way. A camper van you never have to set foot outside in rain or snow 😉

@JohnnyButtons

5 ай бұрын

@@anthonysears871I have videos of my 4x4 van driving through 3-feet of snow after a blizzard on my other KZread channel #MuscleCarTimeMachine and it was an absolute beast off road as well lol.

I had a truck camper for 4 years but i love my van man lol thanks for sharing big hugs from MN

That truck heater it a sweet feature. As a southerner we dont get into too bad of winters but this was neat.

I'm all In on the TC , 4th yr. now livin my best life F/T ~peace~

Thank you sir. Affordability and versatility are what most of us need. I’ve been able to use my truck year round, pull a trailer, and use the overhead camper. I can’t afford to have a separate vehicle at the price of a van. It is cool that different folks are able to make a van work for them. Keep making videos, brother!

I was back and forth between getting a van and having it converted to 4x4, building out the van into a camper van, or trying to find a 4x4 motorhome. I finally decided on getting an older 4x4 truck and a truck camper for many of the same reasons you laid out. The biggest reason being price. 4x4 vans and motorhomes are outrageous in price. I recently got the truck, now I'm looking for the right camper for me.

I live in a van. I built it myself. I have a lot of power and amenities, even a small wood stove. However I wish I wouldn’t have bothered and gone with a 4 by 4 truck and camper. But I’ve put so much into this van I’m sticking with it for now anyway!

The most Beautiful campsite I believe I have ever seen. All campers have advantages and disadvantages, but your rig makes the best sense for Boondocking in my opinion.

🤩 WOW WHAT GORGEOUS VIEWS

I have both a van and a truck camper. The camper has way more room inside and more amenities. It is also 4x4 with a 6" lift on 35's so it can go places the van can't. But, it is also much bigger than the van so that can limit where you go. The van is much easier to park and fit in smaller places. The biggest advantage of the van is the ability to just pull over somewhere and get to the back without having to go outside, especially in inclement weather. I usually travel with two dogs and that is easier with the van. One other factor is the safety aspect if you ever want to leave an area in a hurry. Lastly, it is less conspicuous if you want to sleep in an area where camping is prohibited. I'm not an urban guy and never do stealth camping in a city but some rest areas say no overnight camping. With the van, I'm just a vehicle parked in a regular parking spot. With the camper, it looks like I'm camping if in the back with lights on. If a cop looks inside the cab and can't see anyone he is going to know you are in the back. I use the van for road trips and travel most of the time. I use the camper if I'm going to be camping for longer periods and will be in camp grounds or dispersed camping out in the boonies.

Been in a truck / camper rig now for over 20 years . On my 4th camper and 2nd truck . But yea I agree with you on your opinions . Last truck I bought was $12,000 , camper $6000 ....and other campers I have owned were $200 , $500, $3000 ....the cheaper they are the more repairs and rebuilding you have to do , but worth it if you have the skills . I travel and fly fish and snow ski out of mine . A few upgrades along the way and I'm a happy camper .....cheers and safe travels to all 🙋🏻‍♂️🐶

I have been looking at truck campers for over a year now and I have come to the conclusion that Northern Lite is one of the best with the features I need. Can’t wait to get mine.

I agree, Truck Camper was also my option for the same reason and a few others.

Had a 1st gen Sprinter, loved it but it was very small. Now have a 3/4 ton Duramax and smallish Bigfoot and really love it! Great layout and features and I can take it off my truck and do truck stuff. The Sprinter had an Espar engine heater, kinda like what you're showcasing in the beginning of the video. It had a timer programmer so you could set it for early mornings before departure and have a warm engine. Brilliant feature and my next diesel truck will have one.

Advantages to truck camper: you likely have a heavier-duty rig, you only have one rig (to purchase, maintain, insure, park, etc), and (if you have storage space) you can return your rig to truck configuration for the 90% of the time you're not camping. Advantages to an adventure van: everything else, including much greater comfort and convenience while actually traveling and camping.

@thomaswilliams2273

4 ай бұрын

I imagine an advantage to a van would be lower height, meaning you're more likely to be able to park in a garage, go through drive-throughs, and be less top heavy. Of course this also means less headroom. I would also wonder about drinking and driving laws in a van if you wanted to drink.

Very convincing… Subscribed and waiting for more videos while I “catch up” on the older ones.

Great information..thank you!

This makes so much sense.

I like my mini-van camper. I don't have to get out of my warm cab to get to the living space. It is great for stealth camping in the city, never a knock. I don't need 4x4 where i go. I understand you can go places i can't ,i say why take the risk of getting stuck. Even 4x4 get stuck.

@barryhansen3168

5 ай бұрын

I really like my Sprinter camper van for that reason - I can easily step into the back when I stop. Everything is right there and available. I do go offroad and use its 4x4 feature but it's mostly decent forest service roads and nowhere really wild. For truck campers, I hate the thought of going outside every time I want to fetch something from a truck's cab.

@heartsong1555

5 ай бұрын

I agree that if you want to get further off the beaten path, a truck camper is better because of the truck 4x4 advantage. But I am fine just going on well maintained dirt roads so I am happy with my van. I also like what others mentioned-- With the Van, you don't have to get out of the Van to get into your camper area. And it also makes the camper area bigger to have the Van cab included in the space.

You make some very good points!

Great video, thanks for sharing. I've always liked truck campers. My family drove from California to Vermont and back in a full size Ford cabover camper back in 77. Would love to have the same type of setup, just having a hard time finding an economical option.

Great info dude, thanks.

they are making real nice 4 wheel drive cargo vans these days that make phenomenal riggs and yes they are spendy today, but if the bottom falls out of the car market as I suspect they will be trying to give those away, hale yes and they make them in diesel! a nice diesel 4x4 cargo van . . . but the part about being able to detach the camper is real nice...

The other problem with camper style vans is their very low tow capacity once they are outfitted as a class B or B+ van or small class C style motorhome. I recently have found that most class B style RVs, the manufacturer of the RV conversion won't even list a tow rating. I started doing research on that aspect after looking at a bunch of vans / class B and Class C RVs about 2 weeks ago at an RV show. The way I use my truck and camper, I tow a trailer all the time. I want the flexibility of towing up to 7,000 lbs, which my rig is totally capable of with the camper loaded on my truck.

That was an excellent video. I also appreciate a fellow Canadian's viewpoint.💖

Nice rig and content, brother.

Off road capabilities are a must. One thing to consider is trees wich can fall on you during storms. Most campers/rv do not offer any protection.

Thank you for sharing

Cool video and awesome location. Fellow KZreadr from the PNW. Nothing beats the outdoors.

@KevinWaldsAdventures

5 ай бұрын

Thank you!!!

I agree! We love our truck camper. My husband is 6’5”, and can’t stand up straight inside a van, but he can stand up in our Lance 650. Our footprint is no bigger than most vans, not even as big as some with the long wheel base, but we have lots more room inside.

Nice setup

Enjoy the videos keep it up man

Our first camper was a popup camper on a work truck - a F150 long bed. We weren't sure we would like camping so bought the cheapest one we could for it, and had a great time! You're one of the few who has a long bed and short cab, in my opinion the best way to go to keep your rig short and maximize camper space. And I agree, the cheapest way to get a small 'expedition vehicle'. But... due to grandkids we now have a Winnebago view on a MB chassis. Very spacious but no 4X4. The one nice thing about a van though, you can access the back while driving for snacks and even the bathroom if your the passenger.

I lived in a van for six years. I stopped to look at a friend's truck camper he had for sale. When we sat at the dinette for a visit, I knew I was buying it. It's been three years now and I don't regret having it. I love this thing. I still own the van, but haven't slept in it in three years. The truck camper is the way to go for mobil living. I gave up drive-ups but gained a much higher quality of life. It's alot funner than the van. After having the truck camper, I can't believe I lived in a van for six years.

@MinKim-cv9ee

5 ай бұрын

can you elaborate as to pros and cons of each? I am very curious

Nice setup my man! Have the same one roll up windows and all....Tree branches are its only kryptonite. Just keep it under 2k in dry weight. FYI...a set of later model Laramie seats are an easy game changer upgrade.

Subbed! I went full time 05/22, and the one big thing I learned when doing my research for a truck camper setup, was that, IMO, about 75% of the rigs you see are overweight. I was amazed at the low weight of your camper, that is like a 1200 lb difference over a new 9-6. A lot of guys told me, "oh yeah, you can do that on a 3/4 ton" and sure you probably could, but it damn sure wouldn't be safe. All kitted out, I'm probably approaching 4000lbs, so finding the right truck for me was the biggest headache, as many of the trucks I was looking at in '22 were instantly snapped up by US brokers and shipped south, and honestly I probably bought at the worst time, but you only live once right? I also went by the unofficial rule, "buy your last RV first" and this thing has not disappointed! Happy trails! '22 NL 9-6 QLE no scratches lol, '17 Silverado HD 3500 DRW

@KevinWaldsAdventures

5 ай бұрын

Right on man! I also paid too much for a 2005 ram 2500 lol! but yes we do only live once!

Good points

Totally waffling between the van and camper. So i appreciate this video.

@KevinWaldsAdventures

5 ай бұрын

I really think either or are awesome in each their own way!

@matthewhoopes4440

5 ай бұрын

I had a van. 11 yrs. Outfitted the inside myself. Lived in it over 4 yrs. Part of that time I was going to nursing school. Fast forward a couple yrs and I'm literally now in a truck camper on my way to another nursing contract in TN. I'm also pulling an enclosed trailer with my street and dirt bike in it. Loved the van but also love my TC set up. I should also make a video myself. Much h depends on budget. Hard to go wrong with either.

@brad9745

5 ай бұрын

@@matthewhoopes4440 thanks for the insight

I like my van, but this weekend I could not make it up a hill that had a bunch of ice on it and while that doesn’t seem like a big deal, my tundra would have eaten that hill up. So, it felt very limiting and I got a good ribbing from my buddy who’s to Ian had zero problems. Of course he didn’t have a camper, so he had to deal with roof top tent, climbing in and out of his truck etc…. It’s more like a electric Honda ridge line than a truck, but you know what I mean. Hard to say what the best rig is. It’s not something you tow, that’s limiting, but vans and campers are limiting too. Cool set up. And you are right, I’m in my van roughly a 100k for a 4x4 sprinter and did the conversion myself. Total pain in the butt. Seems like way too much now that it’s done.

You’re absolutely right, whatever floats your boat, the point is to get out there and enjoy. For instance my preferred method of camping is tent camping, I have a 4x4, off road and pitch my tent. Lately I’ve been contemplating between a truck (preferably) or a van. I’m a 66 year old woman and although still pitching my tent since I camp solo mostly I’m developing arthritis and having a vehicle to sleep in might come handy, still bringing my tent since I’m very stubborn lol. My dilemma is the height of the truck with bad knees could be an issue but not being able to stand up in a van could be another issue. In other words I’m extremely confused at this point, I’ll take my time to make a decision and meanwhile I’ll keep tent camping because you’ll never ever see me in an RV, that’s certainly not me but I’m not stopping, I have already a plan going to Yosemite in April and keep going to probably Sequoia consecutively. The advantage of retirement is you never have a schedule to follow, I’m like a kid with allowance but no homework, a very old kid lol. Thanks for the informative video.

Wish the pass through(s) on trucks and truck camper was bigger so you don’t have to get out

yep it is the ticket and you can drag your trailer with toys also that truck you got i got frount hub conversion too. all that dont need to spin all the time

Great vid. I like your rig , the truck looks sweet with the 37s, your obviously in the west in sweet terrain. Im down in Southern ont and have a stealth cruiser minivan fully blacked out. I was fortunate to buy my van new in 2019 before stuff went bananas. I can stay in any city on any block or at most beaches unnoticed but my off roading is very compromised. I'd love to have a spare $150G to experiment and see what I prefer 👍 cheers

@KevinWaldsAdventures

5 ай бұрын

That’s awesome man! Main thing is just getting out with what you can afford and justify spending! My rig is like a t-Rex in a jewelry shop! lol

I agree that if you want to get further off the beaten path, a truck camper is better because of the truck 4x4 advantage. But I am fine just going on well maintained dirt roads so I am happy with my van. I also like what others mentioned-- With the Van, you don't have to get out of the Van to get into your camper area. And it also makes the camper area bigger to have the Van cab included in the space.

I want to share a dual purpose idea with you. Get a diesel heater to heat your truck camper, then plumb the exahuast of said heater through a heat exchanger aka an old EGR cooler off of a diesel truck, and plumb the coolant side of the EGR cooler into your heater core lines and you now have effectively used the waste exhaust off the heater to keep the trucks antifreeze warm which will also keep the engine warm while heating your truck camper at the same time. You can mount that EGR cooler any where on the truck but depending on the location you choose you may need to add a circulation pump to move circulate the anti freeze.

@KevinWaldsAdventures

5 ай бұрын

That is a great idea and sounds like quite a bit of work! Thank you for sharing!

@A2J_Tim

5 ай бұрын

@@KevinWaldsAdventures Or since you have that wabasto set up already, you could take the the hot line coming off the unit, run it to a heat exchanger aka mini radiator and put it in the furnace area of your truck camper and let that unit supply hot water to it that would heat your living space in the camper. then take the cold line back to the engine, which will still be fairly warm. This would also give you a dual purpose for your engine heater. Although I think this would be more work than what I suggested already. What does your current furnace set up use for a fuel source?

@portnuefflyer

5 ай бұрын

As efficient as the diesel heaters are (I have one in my crane cab) I don't know if there is enough waste BTU's going out the stack to be worth it. There's also something perhaps to be said in not cooling the exhaust down too much, just like a warm home chimney draws better than a cooler one, though that's a poor analogy. I will try and remember while craning tomorrow to put my hand by the exhaust, never have.

@A2J_Tim

5 ай бұрын

@@portnuefflyer most diesel heaters have the exhaust flowing downward in order to eliminate condensation build up which can obstruct the exhaust flow if it freezes, so as long as you put the heat exchanger on in a manor that has the exhaust flowing down, it shouldn't be a problem to strip as much heat off the exhaust as possible.

@portnuefflyer

5 ай бұрын

@@A2J_Tim Yesterday I held my bare hand by my crane's Espar heater exhaust, 19 degrees, and it was running at full output. It was even cooler than I thought it'd be....., a long ways from anything described as hot, not even warm! I'd guesstimate it at 60 degrees or less. With the inevitable losses from any heat exchanger process (I use several, for a large solar hydronic radiant floor heat system) I still say it would not be even close to being worth the effort. If you're thinking it's hot, it's not! That's a good thing, and helps explain why I can run mine so long with such little fuel needed, they are amazingly efficient, with not enough waste heat to mention.

Because you can place the truck… and still have the camper. Or… use the truck as a truck… makes way more sense.

I can't wait to go winter camping in my SmartCar!

@KevinWaldsAdventures

5 ай бұрын

I can’t wait air to watch the videos!

@celestepalm6949

5 ай бұрын

@@KevinWaldsAdventures Yeah, watch my SmartCar freeze into a SmartCube. 🤣

I appreciate the tiny, fiberglass trailer n car combo and the truck n camper combo but as a single woman I chose a 1995 Pleasure Way van so, if something/someone was bothering me I could just step up front and drive away. Wouldn't want to step outside a trailer to drive off and not sure I could fit through those tiny windows that line up on the truck/camper combo - especially half asleep :D

Truck campers are awesome, ask me how I know! I've been a truck camper owner since November of 2009. I'm on my second Arctic Fox right now. A truck camper is still the best RV for my needs. New subscriber!

Nice 👏👏

I'm a construction worker who gets sent to jobsites all over the Seattle Metro Area and often have horrendous commutes, there are construction sites near my condo but I rarely get sent to them. The Van is a much better choice for me because its stealthier and you need to be really stealthy when you are camping in the city. I can park the Van almost anywhere so long as I don't come to the sleeping spot until dusk and black out my windows. I do alot of hiking and outdoor stuff to and while the Van isn't great on snow and dirt with chains and careful driving I can get to most trailheads. I do wish I had more space and more off road capability but being able to go back to my condo on weekends and live more normally makes it tolerable, it would be hard to live in the small Van 24/7.

If you stay on paved roads or light gravel roads, then a van is probably the best way to go if you have a lot of money. If you are 4 wheeling then a truck is your only choice. The only durable 4wd van is an econoline conversion. The sprinter is so fragile that it will break off road. Knew a guy who had to replace his sprinter van axle at 12,000 dollars better to convert a ford econoline.

in 2000 I bought a 1989 Ford F250 4x4 with one of those 70s campers on it with the brown and orange interior....cost me like 5,000 Canadian. The truck was a big Windsor 351 on Propane with two monster tanks... Loved it!! Big enough for me and my now Ex wife. Sold the truck in 2009 moved to Nelson and picked up a 97 F150 and was going to consider a new lightweight camper, but it never happened. I'm definitely considering another one.. maybe a Diesel F250 or something.

@BabyBlue.23

4 ай бұрын

The ford idi diesels are nice because you can run a diesel mix cut with WMO or WVO for increased efficiency on long drives.

@toxicslix

4 ай бұрын

@@BabyBlue.23 Yeah I thought about upgrading my 97 for the WVO system. But then divorce happened and I didn't have the cash, since i needed the lawyer more. LOL...maybe in the next year or so..

Convinced!

I agree

Cool

Few money items, truck campers don't need tabs like trailers. Just guessing insurance will be cheaper, especially on the $100-$250K vans. But new large truck prices are trying to catch up.

I want 100% agree with you, the truck camper is a way better choice than going with the van, great job buddy......

You bring about some great points. This whole "van-life" movement is going to pass. You clearly laid out why a truck camper is a much better way to go.

i just like the fact it has roll up windows

I'm your latest subscriber, btw

I will go the truck camper route. Also debated Van vs Truck Camper. Main pros for Truck Camper: Adding mileage does not depreciate the house part. She of those van builds cost $200k +. How much would someone realistically pay for that $200k van with 100k miles! Way more space in a truck camper. Also possibility to store inside and continue to use the truck as a kind of daily driver.

I'd prefer a truck camper because I like the fact that you can dismount the camper and have it parked at campsite while you go out day tripping or getting groceries. Plus I am not interested in towing, a truck camper let's you get away with that. They now have pull out sides for more room too these days. I like your set up it's nice.

You can also detach the camper and do all your exploring without all the extra weight and bulk. I went with an off-road mini-camper. It doesn't have the built-in conveniences, but I already have camping gear (and buying more is a hobby). If I could find a truly light-weight pop-up canopy for my truck, I would be interested, but the lightest ones are still too heavy for my taste. I bought a heater plug for my engine block in Gunnison, where it regularly dropped to -20 or -30 at night. I never heard of a diesel heater that warmed up the antifreeze and pumped it throughout the system. Did you have to do anything special to get the thermostat to open up, or is it just circulating the antifreeze in the radiator? Or did I just misunderstand you? In any case, having a diesel warmer-upper would be good for off-grid. You might be able to store enough juice to run a heater plug at night. They don't draw a whole lot. But it'd be better for off-grid if you had something that wasn't dependent on electricity. I was religious about plugging in at night, but if I was in the mountains, off-grid, I just had to do without.

@KevinWaldsAdventures

5 ай бұрын

I have a video in the plans to explain the diesel pre heater! I also have an electric block heater, I’ll use that when I have free electricity and it works really well too. The mini camper sounds sweet!

I am not sure about your price point on the truck and camper. A new truck and camper will cost about $180,000.00 , that said, your point on point about being able to separate them if the truck breaks down is 100 % on point . Our truck was in the shop for 2 weeks . If we had a van , we would have ended up with an $1800 to $2400 dollar motel bill if we had been in a van.

OK man I am in BC and those campers are way more than 5 grand and a 1 ton 4x4 with any life left in it will cost you more than 10 grand. I'd be skeptical of a deal like that. You have a nice rig.

You seem to be living in a different Canada, that I do. Those prices were available 4 years ago, but in 2024 you can expect to pay 4 times more.

Well if some one had a plan or idea of what they wanted and where on the fence of what side to go with meaning to go with a van or truck bed camper or even a caravan even. I would say and tell people to go with a van that has 4x4 buildnit out then you get a furniture moving trailer and you build that out as ur bathroom and toliet

most of today's new 4x4 sprinter vans are not really much of a 4x4 rig they're more like an All wheel drive with no lockers not to mention when the van senses its at funky angles and even tho you have it at full throttle it governs the motor to pretty much at idle and with no lockers that just can't offroad.. I do alot of offroad recoveries in Arizona and between the sandy dirt in the desert and the rocks in higher elevations they just don't have the clearance to offroad well at all which is why I always get called to go get them out..if u plan on staying on highways and the groomed dirt roads just off the highways then a sprinter style van would be just fine

your price estimates of buying a descent truck and camper for $15K combined is a farce. Its true that a camper offers a lot more space and storage, but the new AWD vans are very capable and can access a lot of terrain. by the way, i own a truck and a camper.

I have a 8ft Toyota Tundra 4x4. I have been looking for a camper for it for around 10-14k. If I found one it has so much rot or needing at least a total overhaul. I don’t know what it’s like in Canada but in the USA the sellers think they are selling a gold mine. I have been looking at everything from a hard shell to a pop-up. Not happening!!!!

@jimbrookfield9011

5 ай бұрын

Crazy prices on truck campers

Ground clearance and 4WD low are two great reasons for a truck camper if you plan to be in the back country. I’m starting off with a Toyota minivan. It will be stealth, but I sure won’t be able to get back into wilderness. It’s a trade-off.

@KevinWaldsAdventures

5 ай бұрын

Lots of people still make it work with a minivan even, just take it slow and you should be fine on most gravel roads in summer! just avoid the rutted bad roads and know its better to turn around than put yourself into a bad situation.

@Wanderers733

5 ай бұрын

We started in a Toyota minivan too! And drove it on many dirt roads. But now we have a truck camper, and it feels like a mansion in comparison.

@matthewhoopes4440

5 ай бұрын

Had an econoline that I built the inside plus a Tacoma. Sold both and bought a new F350 with a used S and S camper and also bought an 09 Kia Sedona minivan to outfit for economical road trips. Minivans are fantastic. But so is my TC!

@rebeccagoodfellow6905

2 ай бұрын

​@@KevinWaldsAdventureswhat kind of truck do you have? I'm thinking of buying a truck but I don't want the camper to split the truck in half

@KevinWaldsAdventures

2 ай бұрын

@@rebeccagoodfellow6905 mine is a ram 2500, I would recommend a 3500, just so you have a suspension with overload springs, the payload for every truck is on a sticker inside the drivers door of the truck. I would recommend finding the camper you want first then try to find a truck that will have a payload big enough to haul the camper and an additional 800-1000 lbs

Wow, what? on that truck heater!? I need to run into u someday cause that was a cool heat idea. And yeah, agree camper vans r ridiculously expensive for what u get, n they all have dinky reserve tanks!😂🍻

@KevinWaldsAdventures

5 ай бұрын

Webasto makes the engine pre heaters but you can also find a cheaper Chinese version and that’s what I went with, so far it’s been very reliable for me!

I like your set-up. I'm new to your channel, would be nice to see you cook in your camper or cook over a fire.

@KevinWaldsAdventures

6 ай бұрын

Thanks! I’ll try to incorporate more of my cooking, maybe do a master chef truck camper edition lol

You want to go anywhere after You get there..,,..you gotta pack it all up n take it with you. Take a wee trailer

The first reason is that you can drop off the camper and have a truck for work and to carry big things like dirt bikes.

Truck campers are ok, but out in the bush the camper is not very good with low hanging trees and tight areas. I went from camper to holiday trailer and I prefer the trailer. My 2007 ram 1500 has pulled that trailer every where and I only paid $2500 for that truck. I put air bags on and heavy duty shock and it works great. And if I gear real serious about camping I have a 97 2500 Ram and I only paid $1000, plus $2800 for a transmission I use a canopy because I haul my boat in the back and in 5 minutes the back is a warm and dry sleeping area. Anything is possible.

Can you do a separate video on the diesel heater ? What is the brand please?

@KevinWaldsAdventures

5 ай бұрын

I just put one out! Check my channel!

I think I saw your truck and camper last week. Are you in the southeast? I was driving from Asheville to Tampa and I’m a fan of Northern Lite so I remember.

@KevinWaldsAdventures

5 ай бұрын

Nope I am in northwest Alberta

Truck camper all the way. Only issue is height at times.

Dude where in Canada can you buy a pick up truck for only $10,000 ?

Final reason: Truck Campers come with a "coolness factor" that you just can't find in a van. They are just cool and look awesome!

Do you have a video how you mounted your tool box ?

@KevinWaldsAdventures

5 ай бұрын

It’s on a hitch receiver cargo mount and then I just used ratchet straps to stabilize it, I’ll have a video out at some point lol

I've been back and forth on truck camper vs van both have their pros and cons but I'm leaning towards the van. For me I think the ability to jump in the driver's seat and bolt if I need to if a security issue were to arise plus I want to be able to park on the street and blend in somewhat with other vehicles to be stealthy. Also, with the truck camper I would feel it be very top heavy with all that weight in the back especially concerning driving down the highway. Anyway, nice rig thanks for the video 👍

@KevinWaldsAdventures

5 ай бұрын

They both definitely have their pros and cons! both are a solid choice to get out and see the world!

@PalpitoMcCray

5 ай бұрын

Something to take into consideration is the reliablity of a truck vs a sprinter van. I can tell you right now working for a logisitics trucking company. We run all kinds of sprinter vans, step vans, box trucks, and semi's. Simply put, Sprinter Vans are not even remotely as reliable as a truck, both engine, transmission, and chassis. Both our Ford Transit and Dodge Sprinters are constantly in and out of the shop with suspension and steering issues. On the flip side, our Step Vans, which are built on a dual wheel truck chassis and run either a V8 or Diesel, have over 200,000 miles on them and have never had anything besides an oil change and brake. If you're looking for a middle ground, do NOT sleep on a step van. They are affordable, larger, and far more reliable. You can also still get into the front seat from back of the cabin.

@matthewhoopes4440

5 ай бұрын

After having a van for 11 yrs and now a TC, I can say it was nice being able to go right to the driver seat. But having a TC now I can also say it's something I don't even think about. Personally that criteria would fall way down on the list. Hardly worth considering. Again, coming from someone who has done both.

👍✌️

Yeah but what if you plan to live in the vehicle and cant always stay in campsites? Idk how i would be able to stay in a truck camper in parking lots, as cool as they are.

@blueman5924

5 ай бұрын

Lately, it doesn’t matter whether it be a van, truck, or RV, they are clamping down on parking lot dwellers. Too many bad apples pissed them off. If you watch Chrome from VanCity Vanlife, he demonstrates how easy it is to find urban spots that don’t irritate the locals, and he doesn’t stick around too long in one spot. No trash, no tarps, no dogs barking etc. safe travels. 🍁🤙

Ok, but why keep the truck bed

Can you recommend good turnbuckles for offroad use

@KevinWaldsAdventures

3 ай бұрын

Honestly I should use ones that are spring loaded but I just use regular ones for this old camper, the best will be fast guns if you want simplicity but any spring loaded will work great on rough roads

😂 I’ve crossed half of Europe in a Smart Car Cabriolet. At some point I’ve got the worst sunburn in my life. Thanks for reminding me. I disagree on the off road ability. There are amazing and capable vans out there that match a truck easily! But I believe not so much in North America. For example I am driving a Mercedes Vario 4x4 with 38” MPT tires on Unimog rims. With two Air-Lockers from factory. (Also it has a payload of 4 tons) There is also the mighty Iveco Daily 4x4. 3 lockers and 37“ tires stock. It even has a wading mode that stops the cooling fan, so it doesn’t bend in the water. Or the Mercedes Sprinter with an Iglhaut 4x4 conversion… or the UAZ Buhanka (especially with Tibus portal axles), or even the VW T3 16“ Syncro or the VW T5/T6 Rockton Expedition with Seikel gearing or even Seikel portal axles… Non of those are cheap except for the UAZ, but they are very good off road. Ultimately I like vans more because of the huge sliding doors on the side. I love to sit there half inside, half outside. Still a bit protected, but also approachable and open to share an ice cream with a stranger. I’ve considered a truck camper (a Bimobil Husky on a Toyota Hilux) but ultimately the payload was not sufficient for the kind of travel I like. Maybe it’s a cultural thing. Pick-ups are not very popular here. 😊

With a van you can hop behind the wheel and get the hell out of Dodge without going outside. Might be something evil ouside

What's the name of the engine block heater?

@KevinWaldsAdventures

5 ай бұрын

It’s a Chinese version of a webasto engine pre heater

Hey @Kevin any advice if I should go with a long or short bed truck? Northern Lite 8-11 and 9-6 do not look that different in size, and I seem to find more 8-11 on the used market

@KevinWaldsAdventures

23 күн бұрын

Both are really similar, if your going to tow a trailer the 9-6 is perfect due to less over hang, the 8-11 has the option to get the larger dry bath and a built in generator. I wouldn’t think twice about going with a 8-11 personally

@chikosneff

22 күн бұрын

Thank you for chiming in ! Interesting I was almost exclusively looking at 8ft bed trucks but now you’re making me reconsider .. I thought there would be more differences and downsides to the 8-11 … the overhang does “look wrong” to me though 😅

😂 Here's the Mexican way. Buy a Salvaged RV/Truck at the insurance auctions. I bought a 2016 Mercedes-Benz 4x4 Class B RV with only 27,000 miles, when Covid hit, take it to a good Auto body shop and add new tires, and check the fuids, now i have a $250,000 RV that only cost me less $30,000 with repairs.

Sure, if you buy a $10K truck you WILL need to plan to take the camper off while the truck gets repaired. 200k in 4 years and still haven’t been stranded sleeping in a shop. Room?…I don’t see how I’d be able to fit my dirt bike or my powered paraglider in that camper like I do in my van while only using up half of the living floor area. And I never have to trudge through the snow to get to the cab. 😜

Not sure where you're going to find a reliable 4x4 full sized truck for 10k.

3 months only 17k 16hours every day

Yeah I would have to disagree with your pricing... Truck's are plentiful and can be cheap but a good camper to go on it isn't