7 Things To Consider When Purchasing A Used Truck Camper

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One of the first things to consider when buying a used truck camper (or a new one, for that matter) is whether the camper you have your eye on is compatible with your pickup truck.

Truck campers are incredibly versatile. Because they attach to a truck bed, they can reach remoter locations than a motorhome or an extended, heavy travel trailer. They also often allow you to tow a trailer for hauling supplies, off-road vehicles, boats, and more. These compact campers can go virtually anywhere and are easy to maneuver, park, and boondock without the extra weight of a larger RV.

If you are in the market for a truck camper and decide to buy used, you’ll likely save a considerable amount of money, but it’s a good idea to verify a few key details before you pull the trigger.

1. What Is Your Budget & What Features Are You Looking For?

Determining your budget is a good idea as you're getting started, as this will play a key role in your RV search. For example, truck campers for sale on RVUniverse.com begin at $5,000 to $7,000 and range in price to $100,000 plus. To narrow your search and ensure that you will avoid overspending on a camper, keep the initial purchase price, insurance, and maintenance in mind when you set a budget.

One benefit to buying a used truck camper is that they are often less expensive than newer models and cost less to insure. Ask yourself what floor plan you want, the number of people that will usually sleep in the camper, and what features would be nice additions vs. must-have items; the answers will help determine what price range your ideal RV will likely fall into.

2. Is The Camper Compatible With Your Truck?

If you already own a truck you want to use, it’s essential to ensure it’s compatible with any camper you consider purchasing. Truck campers are designed to work with specific truck models for the least wear and tear on the pickup’s tires, brakes, and suspension. They are also spec’d to fit pickups that were available at their date of manufacture, so they may not fit a newer truck if its dimensions have changed.

Bed width and length, rail and cab heights, and the tailgate opening are important exterior dimensions to measure to match a truck and camper. For hard-sided truck campers, it’s best to use a three-quarter-ton or a one-ton pickup to ensure the truck can carry the camper's weight. Lightweight pop-up model campers are most suitable for half-ton trucks. Knowing your truck and truck camper compatibility will help you search for a used camper.

3. Additional Adventure Equipment

The off-road characteristics of truck campers make them a good fit for outdoor adventurers. Before buying a used camper, note any additional gear you might take along on your trip. If you are taking a boat or a separate trailer, it’s important to consider the truck’s towing capacity. To ensure that you don’t exceed your truck's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), you should also consider approximate passenger weight and the weight of fuel and supplies you’ll need to haul.

4. Search For Water Damage

Water damage is an RV owner’s worst nightmare. Inspection of the RV before purchase is necessary to ensure that no hidden problems arise down the road. One visible sign of potential leaks is old and cracked caulking on the roof. Check any place where the roof has been cut to make an opening for windows, doors, slide-outs, and air conditioning. Tap around any openings for soft and spongy sections to check for water damage on the roof. Also, look closely for stains and peeling wallpaper, as they are another visible indicator of leaking water somewhere. Black mold is not only dangerous for travelers to inhale, but the musty smell is also highly unpleasant.

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Truck campers offer extreme versatility, letting you camp anywhere you can drive a pickup.

Whomever you buy from, it’s a good idea to ask about the maintenance history with sealants, how often the previous owner had the roof sealed, and any penetrations. Regular inspection and maintenance are green flags when buying a used RV.

5. Check For Hidden Problems

Pictures are worth a thousand words—except when buying a used truck camper. Inspecting the camper in person before purchase will give you an accurate view of the camper’s features and if there are any problems that a picture wouldn’t be able to catch. You should test all appliances and electrical systems, make sure the tie-downs are solid, check for insects and other pests, and test the outside brake lights and other exterior lights. Photos often cannot be captured under the unit, so in-person checks for damage and rust underneath can be helpful. If you cannot go in person, have the seller send videos of the working features.

6. History

The more you know about the RV’s history, the less likely you are to encounter unexpected problems. Here are a few key questions to ask before purchasing a used RV:

• Where was the RV stored? Models stored in a garage or on a concrete pad are often the best prospects.
• How much and how often was the camper used?
• What types of outings was the camper primarily used for?
• Why is the camper up for sale?
• How often has the RV been inspected?
• How often was maintenance performed?