The Pros & Cons of Slide-In Truck Campers

If you are looking for an RV but don’t know if you have the space or budget, you might want to consider a truck camper. While campers are traditionally divided between self-contained and towable models, truck campers (sometimes called slide-in campers) are technically neither. Slide-in campers are made to fit into the bed of a pickup truck, effectively turning it into a very small motorhome. This unique niche means that truck campers are perfect for a certain type of RV owner, but may not meet the needs of every prospective owner.

That is why the RV experts at Price Right Auto & RV have put together this list of the pros and cons of truck camper RVs. If you read one of the pros and think “That’s just what I need”, you should consider a slide-in, but if you read one of the cons and think “That won’t work for me”, perhaps you should consider another type. 

An informed decision is the best way to ensure your satisfaction, and your satisfaction is our top priority. For more information or to look at RV models, we encourage you to visit us at our dealerships in Dewitt and Sterling Heights, Michigan. We are proud to offer service to nearby communities like Lansing and Grand Rapids. 

Pro: Versatility

Unlike traditional towable RVs, truck campers leave the tow hitch open for whatever you want to bring on your trip. Without a separate trailer to worry about, you can bring along anything from a whole separate car to a utility trailer full of cargo, or even a boat or powersports trailer. If you are looking at toy haulers but think they might be a bit expensive, this could be a perfect solution! Best of all, you can use your truck for recreational outings without having to detach the truck camper. 

Con: Bad For People With Limited Mobility

Though this will not affect everyone, it is still an important point to know before you buy. Truck campers can be difficult to get in and out of for those who have mobility issues. If you or a loved one has leg pain, back issues, or requires a mobility aid, a more spacious RV would better fit your needs. Even if your case of limited mobility or chronic pain is less severe, other RV types will most likely be more comfortable for you. 

Pro: Fuel Economy

Truck campers are among the most fuel-efficient of all the RV types. Their lightweight and compact footprint mean that they won’t affect fuel consumption too much and should still net 10 to 20 miles per gallon. For those worried about precarious gas prices and environmental impact, a slide-in is a far better option than a big, gas-guzzling Class A. 

Pro: Low Maintenance

Because they lack components like a separate engine or brakes, truck campers are remarkably light on maintenance. For the most part, you only have to worry about keeping your truck serviced, something you will likely be doing anyway. Though the occasional tune-up will be necessary, your camper probably won’t spend much time in the shop. 

Pro: Small Footprint

If you don’t have much garage space or spare room on your property for a big RV, a truck camper offers an alternative that is much easier to store. Slide-ins have very small footprints, which has other advantages. For example, truck campers make running errands and taking day trips far less stressful because you will not have to worry about squeezing into a tight parking space. The footprint of your truck camper is the same as the footprint of your whole vehicle!

Con: Space Limits

While a truck camper’s small size gives it many advantages, it is also the source of a few drawbacks. A slight frame doesn’t leave much room for people or belongings. This makes slide-ins poorly suited to large families or long trips. While truck campers are a lovely option for couples, solo travelers, or very small families, who don’t need much room to move about or store items, others may require more space to enjoy their vacations. 

We hope that this list of pros and cons helps you make an informed decision about what kind of camper you need. For more information or to check out some new or pre-owned models, visit our dealerships in Dewitt and Sterling Heights, Michigan, where our friendly staff loves to answer questions. We are proud to serve Michigan’s lower peninsula and welcome locals and out-of-towners from places like Flint or Detroit alike.