Four Things to Consider When Purchasing a Truck Camper
So you’re interested in buying a truck camper? Great news! There are many different details to consider when deciding which model to buy. Whether looking for a lightweight pop up truck topper or built out slide in camper, we’ve put together a list of the most important aspects to consider before deciding on what truck camper to purchase.
1. Payload Capacity
One of the most critical and often overlooked aspects of purchasing a truck camper is payload capacity. Payload refers to the maximum amount of weight your truck can safely carry, including passengers, gear, and the camper itself.
Payload capacity varies widely—even between trucks in the same class, but the size of your truck does make a big difference as to what it can handle A 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road Double Cab 4WD has a payload capacity of roughly 1,155 lbs, while a 2023 Ford F-350 Super Duty Crew Cab 4WD DRW can handle closer to 5,877 lbs.
When considering a Four Wheel Camper, such as the Fleet or Hawk model, you’ll want to make sure the dry weight of the camper plus any gear and passengers falls comfortably within your truck’s payload rating. Overloading your truck can lead to performance issues, reduced fuel economy, and safety risks. It’s up to you to ensure that camper you buy is within your payload limits!
2. Use
Think about your camping style. Are you planning extended overland expeditions or quick weekend getaways? Will you be sticking to paved roads or exploring remote off-grid trails?
If you’re a backcountry enthusiast, a lighter, pop-up camper like the Project M or Swift might be the perfect low-profile, off-road-ready companion. For full-time travelers or those who need more comfort on long trips, a more equipped model like the Grandby or Hawk Flatbed might make more sense.
3. Space
Size matters—especially when living out of your camper for days or weeks at a time. Consider how many people will be traveling with you, what kind of gear you’ll bring, and how much interior space you’re comfortable with. Our truck campers have varying sizes that depend on truck make, model, and bed length. If you have yet to purchase your truck and want a large pop up camper, make sure it has a 8’ bed length.
Our models suit everything from solo adventures to small families. The Fleet is ideal for mid-size trucks and solo or duo travel, while the Grandby or flatbed models offer more interior room for sleeping, cooking, and relaxing. You can outfit and customize your camper for your specific truck using our camper build tool.
Don’t forget about storage space—both inside the camper and in your truck bed. What size is your truck cab? Do you plan to use it as extra storage or will everything need to fit into your truck camper? All important questions to ask yourself!
4. Add-ons
Finally, think about which add-ons or modifications will enhance your experience. Some of the most popular Four Wheel Camper upgrades include:
- Solar Panels & Lithium Batteries: A great addition to all of our pop up campers.
- Roof Racks: Ideal for kayaks, bikes, or extra cargo.
- Thermal Pack: Great for keeping heat in and out, no matter the season.
- Side Awnings & Rear Racks: Expand your living space and storage.
- Fridges, Stoves, and Heating Systems: For more home-like comfort on the road.
Add-ons allow you to tailor your camper to your specific needs, but they also add weight—so circle back to payload capacity before finalizing your build. If you are working on a budget, you can play with different add ons and pricing for each of our customizable pop up campers.
Building Your Perfect Truck Camper with Four Wheel Campers
Investing in a truck camper is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about compatibility, comfort, and capability. The last thing you want is to buy a truck camper on impulse and realize it wasn’t the right style, weight, or model for your truck. If you’re investing in a truck camper, make sure it’s exactly what you need & want!
Ready to start building your pop up camper? Start here!
