Van Life VS. Truck Camper: Which Is Best? 

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I have a Ford F350 truck with the Cirrus 820 (met you both in Santos FL). One cost benefit of a truck camper, which may vary by state, is the absence of yearly taxes. In NC (and most states) a truck camper is considered "cargo". So you pay sales tax when you buy it, but nothing else afterwards. No yearly registration, license, property tax, etc.

I’ve been researching van life for a year, and now I want a truck camper. Thank you for making this video.

I've had just about all types of RV, but Circled back to the truck camper, and am happy with it. It is the most versatile.

What I don't like about the truck is the lack of stealth, in certain areas can make you a "target"... But that's our new world...

I couldn't decide between a trailer or camper. Chose a camper. Its great

Nicely done! Great discussion! Sitting here camped surrounded by a few truck campers, some trailers, a class c and a few class b’s. Choose what fits best for your camping style! Our biggest concern with a class b is largely the cold/hot issue. Do love the ease of driving most places and the fuel economy though. Always trade offs.

Great insight into the comparison of the two options. I agree that a truck camper is easier to regulate temps inside.

For your next commercial RV or self-build, I'd like to remind you of the history of the "black" and "gray" tanks. A long time ago, it was more common and more permitted to dump gray water on the ground in certain places. Therefore, "black" waste was separated from "gray" waste, so that just gray could go to the ground where permitted. Nowadays, dumping even gray water on the ground is almost entirely prohibited almost everywhere. However, the separate black and gray tanks have persisted. Probably no average house separates gray and black waste. It all ends up down the same pipes to the same sewer, and nobody gets grossed out about that in their house, and there are no problems caused by that. Some people, however, get grossed out (for some unknown reason) if their RV has black waste mixed with gray waste, even though their house doesn't separate these. It's just psychology without basis. We have a bus motorhome and a campervan, each with a combo gray+black tank. Both black and gray go into the same tank, and it's the best setup, because the black gets plenty of dilution with the gray, and there's little need to flush out the black, because, well, it's already diluted with the gray. The combo gray+black keeps the single waste tank nicely rinsed and loose and mixed. We've not only never had any problems, their are only benefits. Our RVs are many many years old (40 years and 17 years), and we've never had a problem with clogs, sludge, smell, and, least of all, running out of black or gray waste space. The bus has a 100 gal combo black+gray, and the campervan has a 20 gal combo black+gray. The bus benefits especially from black+gray combo, because we have a washing machine, and when the washing machine drains into the waste tank, it nicely dilutes the waste and rinses out the black tank, especially if we're directly hooked up to a sewer. Also, gray water usually has soap, dishwashing liquid, shampoo, and detergent in it! The whole black and gray separation is nonsensical now that dumping of gray onto the ground is largely prohibited. How did our bus dump just gray water onto the ground back in the day? It has electric switches to divert gray water to external ports under the bus instead of into the waste tank. Needless to say, we don't use those anymore and send everything to the black+gray combo tank nowadays. So, for your future RV, you should build or buy a combo black+gray tank, and you can be the exception to the nonsensical black and gray separation, which is, first, a carryover from days gone by and, second, a play on psychology for people who are grossed out by the idea of a combo tank, even though their house doesn't separate black from gray. The RV industry plays on this psychology at the expense of the customer. Having one larger black+gray tank instead of trying to size a black tank and a gray tank separately will increase your capacity and flexibility for boondocking with less worry. You'll also keep your "black" tank cleaner and nicely diluted without using extra water to flush it out. Dumping a black+gray combo is simpler, too! I don't know how anyone can think that a 5 gal "cassette" black tank for a toilet makes any sense at all, but it satisfies delicate people who are otherwise grossed out for no reason.

THANK YOU! I agree AND we evolve. I haven't even started yet. So far I'm planning on a truck with a bummer pull. I think I need the truck bed as a shed for my tools and STUFF!

Every time I think I've answered the class B vs truck camper question, I think of another factor that swings me back the other way. I want to do all kinds of travel... BLM/wilderness boondocking, urban/city camping, driveway surfing, etc and since no one type of rig can do everything, you have to give up something no matter which one you choose. I'm still leaning toward a truck camper, mainly due to lower cost and higher capability (as far as terrain), but there are so many trade-offs. It really is an impossibly difficult decision, but one thing is for sure, you have to go thru the process of figuring out what works for you and avoid copying what others are doing.

We had a huge camper with a slide on the back of a dodge dually deisel, and I miss it. Had a 5th wheel and a pull trailer also, don't miss them. A van would be too small. Thanks for confirming information. It boils down to what makes one happy, and I'm glad you 3 are,,,,thanx.

We switched from steps, to a PakMule rear porch setup. The PakMule provides us a small area to step on while getting in & out of the door. It’s great when bringing in groceries and such.

Thank you. We considered many of these things when we decided to get a truck camper. My brother and his wife have a Winnebago Travato and I’ve had an opportunity to travel but not stay in it. I did notice some of the pluses and minus to his setup. Your video covers these differences very well and provided lots of helpful information.

You can get a flatbed truck camper for just a little more money. Those have even more space and a side entrance.

It's very interesting to hear everybody's different comments about what they like

Thank you for a thoughtful discussion of this set of trade-offs between vehicles.

Tow the van with the truck camper . Like a guest house ! 😉👍✌

I'm a truck camper girl all the way! This is our 3rd setup and our best being an F450 & Arctic Fox 865. I have no problem taking it out solo and haven't felt fearful because I try hard to watch my surroundings. We're not full-timers and don't plan to be however, we do still take long trips down south (snowbird) and many outings around home base. There's so much positive with a truck camper. We'll be heading to Arizona after the holidays so maybe we'll run into you two. Cheers! ~M

I put 50,000 miles on my Sprinter chassis C in 2 years. I traded it in for my Sprinter chassis B. 80,000 miles in 4 years (slowed down travel during COVID-19 shutdown) I ordered the Winnebago Ekko and sold the B. I opted to pass on the Ekko and am new to a truck and truck camper setup now. I can relate to much of your list. My B had a much larger tank system and delightful dry bath setup. I had more storage at my fingertips with the van. I do enjoy being able to deconstruct my motorhome and have separate units. There are times I drive my truck without the camper.

Thank you so much. Really helpful in my journey of choosing a truck or a van❤

great video! thanks for the thorough explanation.

This is very timely as I am trying to decide if I should get a truck camper. I only have a half ton truck though, so will have to go with something light. Thank you!

Looks like one happy dog.

Biggest pro truck camper over van...I can stand up in a truck camper.

I’m so glad to hear you talk about driving the truck. Haha. I just switched from a small class A to a truck and trailer and thought it was just me having trouble seeing over the hood and not seeing the lines. But, yeah, getting accustomed. I also concur with how you want to travel affects your RV choice. I thought I wanted to just be a vagabond (😊) but found I like stopping for awhile and exploring. And I also like having my home away from the driving section.

I want a 4x4 promaster.... it's really hard to beat the Box...😎 I've had trucks and there're just a beast to live with.... Enjoy!

I have an older terrier, we got a folding dog ramp for our truck camper, Angus loves it and so does my back.

from mrs: great vid! enjoyed your pro and cons list. Looking forward to future sourdough bread videos and travels.

Height (not heighth ) is an issue not many RVers think about so it’s a good point. The smallest vehicle you can live in is best but type of vehicle? That’s so personal. I’m so happy with my custom all electric van I can’t imagine climbing stairs and not having a pass through and all that. And I don’t much enjoy driving dirt and I only do it when I have to. Odd but true. Keep on enjoying.

I appreciate the insights 😉👍

I am torn. I love the idea of an E350/3500 high top van with 4x4. Not the unibody vans being built today. But I also like the idea of a truck camper set up where I could drive out from under the camper to use the truck for other "truck" things. If (or when) I hit the road full time, I may go with the old school van w/high top and 4x4, mostly because they are far less bulky and quite a bit lighter. And as a bit older person, getting in and out of a van is much easier. The important thing is to just get out there and adventure. All hail the Green Bean Queen and please remember to... Carey On!

He reminds me of Hulk Hogan😊👍🏽

Wow….. this is one of the best videos I seen from y’all! Super informative! Y’all are awesome! And Pistol is …. Not spoiled but greatly loved! Thanks!

Its much easier to dump a truck camp vs getting down on the ground. The do have truck campers with side doors. I also thought about the just getting up and driving vs having to get out and get into the truck as a solo person. I like the bigger space taller head room for me the truck camper wins. 😊

Thank you for the great comparison!

We installed the mopeaka water tank sensor also. We love it.

Well presented !

Love Humble Road builds - just stumbled on your channel (probably due to YT algorithm)…

Good video. I was wondering why the switch after having the custom van built. I have been living in my Leisure Travel Van, coming up on five years. I can sure see the reasoning. I am alone and I think this is easier for me being alone. I do tow my Jeep Wrangler. Did a tour of Arches NP yesterday and that is easier in the Jeep. In another 1.5 years I can see me spending more time in one spot. Doing this alone is a lot of work. I will be 76 in July and in the next three or four years I can see myself in a tiny home. But, who knows 🤣🤣

We had our truck camper for ten years, and loved it. Unfortunately the doesn’t want to travel anymore.

Nice videos and reviews Please put pictures in between (if possible) of the objects or details you talk about, like promaster (with logo, camper brand name and outside photo 🙏🎉 God bless you ❤

Great video Thanks !!! I was wondering what is the compatibility for solar in the Truck Camper...as opposed to a camper Van...Thanks !

It was nice to see you guys and the new truck camper. Quite the set-up.

The best of voth world would be the production of the Tacozilla or TundZilla. A truck camper pass-through.

Do you stay in campgrounds very often and if so, do all campgrounds except truck campers. Thinking of purchasing one and I was just wondering.

Your RV needs to reflect your travel style and vice versa. We are currently in a truck and small trailer. Definitely quieter and we enjoy exploring without all our stuff. We average 3 day stays. Boondocking out west in good weather is great. Back east, you are fighting heat, humidity and living in fear of "the knock". This year's heat has made me appreciate campgrounds with hookups. Thanks for sharing your experience!

Grammar police :). Should be "which is better" when comparing two things. Very good comparison, thanks for doing it.

I've lived in just about everything but a pop-up, including a van, and returned several times to a truckcamper. But the steps SUCK!

In today’s environment I would think that theft would always be a concern when unloaded in a park should one want to disconnect for whatever reason. My husband and I both owned and traveled with all types throughout the years until he passed away. I do like that nice large dinette window!

There is a truck camper with the door on the side. It's made by Lance. I can't recall the model number.

Thanks again. “This might not be an easy time There's rivers to cross and hills to climb Some days we might fall apart And some nights might feel cold and dark When nobody wins afraid of losing And the hard roads are the ones worth choosing Some day we'll look back and smile And know it was worth every mile” - Chris Stapleton - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-4dqkueAcWQE.html

Like your table!

Do you see a difference between a van and truck camper with ability to keep out dust and pests such as mice and spiders, etc?

Good video

curious what kind of toilet you would suggest for sheath van camper? Need to live in the city for a few years longer.

Great topic I've been curious how you were liking the truck and camper My first purchase was truck and camper mostly so I could tow my Jeep or ski boat had two then fifth wheel now class B van pulling 7x16 solar/utility trailer hauls my bikes and extra gear I like have everything with me too. I'm staying here in Waldport area vacation house you've been here the weather is perfect here on the Oregon coast back in Salt Lake where I'm from over 100 today too hot!!!

If you use it mostly in urban areas and cities, than van is justifiable. Otherwise it's mainly a trendy thing to do. Truck campers beats van on every item hands down. For one thing, outfitted vans will never have decent insulation. Period. On the other hand, a truck camper has a simple straight shape and is much easier to insulate very well. All of the outfitting will be more expensive in a van, due to the small size and the specialized shape. So for your buck, you'll get much more bang with a truck camper. In Europe, van is the way to go because you can't access many places with larger vehicles. In the US, truck camper is the smart choice. The only advantage with a van is to not have to deal with loading/unloading, tie downs and all that.

Did you make a Video about traveling with your Dog?

Carey On !

I have 2 bad shoulders and a dog that will need air conditioning. What's my best option. I'll need to do remote work too.

Great info.

How about mileage and cost of fuel? Cost of travel is never cheap. I always wanted to see a passage in a truck camper to the back. That would be cool but you guys have the back seat garage full.

One question... what about insurance? I've looked into getting insurance for a van conversion, and the companies (if they will insure a self-built van) are quoting RV insurance. But for the trucks, the camper trailers are attached, and automatically insured. Have you done a video on solar, and energy consumption? You mentioned a battery upgrade.

Hi, I'm m new to the TC. I have a plastic bed linner do i need to remove it or just lay the rubber mat over the plastic tia

Couldn’t you build a pass thru under your bed to the front of the truck?

Pretty wife lucky 🍀 dog. Why look so solem. At ease soldier. Smile

Who people offerd thr money when they consistently moving

Curious which Cirrus model you chose.

I swear this is Anthony Bourdain......is it just me?

This is probably the best van vs camper thoughts ever well expressed through personal experiences. Regarding vehicle height awareness: Does any company make a roof camera that can display, possibly alert, to overhead interference? Like a back up camera shows a grid, alarms when getting closer. Maybe, a sweeping laser, similar to what a contractor remodeling can set on a tripod that indicates level on all of the walls. Maybe i have a product idea here?

I am convinced Bostons love to lick because of salt on skin from sweat. Lol they are super affectionate but very food motivated. Love Love Love Bostons but just my guess. I have a grand dog that is a Boston and we are real tight. I enjoyed your subject matter nice to understand the benefits of truck camping but your pup is just so cute. I agree induction annoys me too