Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions over many years
If you cannot find the information you need, we are pleased to respond to your email or give us a call.
What are the advantages of pop-up campers?
Pop-up truck campers have two main advantages when compared to hard-sided campers. Pop-up campers are often 1,000+Lbs lighter. Pop-up campers are also lower in height when driving, often four to six feet lower. Both of these advantages translate to less strain on the truck and driver, and reduced gas consumption.
With a low-profile pop-up camper the front and side-to-side wind impact is greatly reduced. Dare we say that less wind makes driving a pop-up camper a breeze. Additionally, we ensure your pop-up camper fits your truck properly.
Our pop-up camper is designed with a focus on weight reduction. Lower weight campers widen the range of trucks that can safely and appropriately carry a camper. The heavier the camper the larger the truck, and the more robust the suspension requirements.
What separates Four Wheel Campers from other pop-up camper producers?
Our customer community is awesome! They go anywhere and everywhere and they help one another on blogs, our customer rallies, and via impromptu meetups on their travels. They will embrace you and answer any questions you might have.
We are the leading pop-up camper company in the world. We have been making and refining pop-up campers since 1972. Our two production leaders have been with us since 2001 and 2010. Years of listening, learning, trialing, and modifying tend to pay off.
Our culture has been rooted in developing products for the off-road and overland community. This means we have focused on three pillars… weight, durability, and a low-profile. Though only a fraction of our customers require a pop-up camper that can manage the worst that Baja can dish out, everyone wants a robust camper they can depend on while enjoying their adventures.
Where is the closest truck camper showroom to me?
We have dealers throughout the United States, Canada, and other countries.
Please refer to our website “Dealer” category or click here to locate the closest dealer.
What is the delivery time after order is placed?
The time from placing your order, to camper installation, varies throughout the year, and a little from dealer to dealer. On this day (07-16-2024), our production times range from 3 – 4 months to get a new custom built camper ready for you. Occasionally dealers are selling their display campers or have new campers in stock, in which case they could install almost immediately. Other dealers order stock campers to arrive each month throughout the year, and a new camper can sometimes be customized with the options you want and will arrive before the normal 3 – 4 month time frame.
We encourage you to connect with your nearest dealer to provide you with their current turn time information. Please click on our Dealer Locator Map located here … DEALER LOCATOR LINK
Can I have a truck camper shipped to me?
The initial camper installation and your initial walk-through training should be done at an authorized Four Wheel Campers dealer facility. This process is typically completed within four hours. We ship campers to dealers from the factory in Woodland, CA. If there is a challenge to providing your truck to a dealership for installation, we can discuss your circumstances and work to find a possible solution. Please refer to our website “Find Dealer” category or click here to locate the closest dealer.
How do I match truck brands and models with camper models?
We build campers for most every truck on the market. From midsize to full size, and from short bed to long bed, we likely have a compatible model. Please click here to view camper models based on different trucks. Because Four Wheel Campers are built to fit specific truck models and are designed with a low-profile, they have excellent weight and balance characteristics.
Does Four Wheel Campers offer an empty base model?
With the exception of the Flatbed Models most of our Slide-In models are available as an “empty shell”. The Base Model (empty shell) camper is an effective option for those seeking lighter weight, lower cost, simplicity, and, or a desire to personally enhance the camper.
The Base Model design includes linoleum flooring, carpeted side ledges, small storage compartments, interior walls, lights, windows, and a queen cabover bed with mattress. Further components and accessories can be added to the interior and exterior. You will find more information and diagrams of base models in the “model” section of this website.
How high is the ceiling inside the camper?
Depending upon the model the ceiling height is either 6’4” or 6’6”.
How much weight will the roof hold?
To avoid and possible joint separations or leaks, we build each camper with a “one piece” aluminum roof skin.
To maximize the balance of strength and weight, the roof frame is constructed of welded aluminum.
The roof is designed to withstand up to 1,000 lbs. of an evenly distributed snow load.
When carrying luggage, coolers, kayaks, canoes, etc. on the roof, we recommend keeping the total gear weight around 100 lbs. or less. The less gear that is on the roof, the easier it will be for the customer to raise & lower the roof.
We offer several roof racking systems to meet most customer needs.
Does the truck tailgate remain on the truck when the camper is installed?
The campers are designed to be installed with the tailgate removed. If left on it will be in the down position, making it challenging to get in and out of the camper. Also, removing the tailgate enables easier access to the spare tire.
An exception to this is if a long bed camper is installed on a short bed truck. In this case the tailgate will remain on and in the down position. The camper will extend beyond the truck bed and over the lowered tailgate.
Can a long bed camper be installed on a short bed truck?
Though uncommon, it can be done. The tailgate will remain on and in the down position. The camper will extend beyond the truck bed and over the tailgate. The lowered tailgate may impact the truck turning radius. If you are towing, a hitch extension may be required to avoid the tailgate.
The combination of total weight and weight shift behind the rear axle will require a more robust suspension for ½ ton trucks. We can help you select the right suspension for your camper and truck.
How do I prepare my truck for the camper weight?
The type and rating of your truck tires will affect the handling and safety of your vehicle. Adding your camper, water, propane, and accessories impact the type of tires recommended for your truck. Small trucks like the Tacoma, Ranger, Frontier, Dakota, Colorado, and Canyon, and full sized 1/2 ton trucks like the Ford F-150, Dodge Ram 1500, Chevy/GMC 1500, Toyota Tundra, and Nissan Titan are typically sold with either “P” (Passenger) or “C” (6-ply) type tires.
Please check with your local truck dealer or tire provider to get their professional recommendation based on your truck and camper configuration. However, the typical recommendation is to use “D” (8-ply) or “E” (10-ply) rated truck tires.
Upgrading (stiffening) the rear suspension is almost always recommended and/or required before your new camper is installed. In addition to your camper, the added weight of people, propane, water, and other accessories will further impact your truck. For small trucks like the Tacoma, Ranger, Frontier, Dakota, Colorado, & Canyon a rear suspension upgrade will be needed to better carry your new camper. The same applies to most all of the full sized 1/2 ton trucks like the F-150, Ram 1500, Chevy/GMC 1500, Tundra, & Titan.
Please contact our factory, a Four Wheel Campers dealer, or a vehicle build specialist so they can provide further guidance on how to best set up your truck for the additional weight. Suspension upgrade options include:
* Over-Load springs to upgrade & stiffen the existing rear leaf springs on your truck.
* Adding a set of Air Bags to your trucks’ rear suspension.
What sleeping bed sizes are available?
King or Queen bed sizes are available based on the camper model.
How long does it take to raise the roof?
From the moment you arrive at your destination it takes about two minutes to raise the roof. This is done manually. No electronics or automation is used in the standard roof design.
Our patented “Easy Lift” roof system is raised by one person from inside the camper. Each camper roof end is simply pushed up, one after the other. The folding lift panels on both ends lock the roof in the “up” position. The pop-up camper’s roof framing and one-piece top are both made of lightweight aluminum, purposefully keeping the roof raising from a less reliable automated process.
As of 2024, we now offer some electric roof lift assist systems on our campers. This can be a potential choice for customers that need a little help in raising their camper roof. Ask your sales representative for details & pricing for the new electric linear actuators we have available.
How is the camper attached to my truck?
For most trucks we install four small, forged, zinc coated eye bolts in your truck bed.
Two in front of and two in the back of the wheel well. They include backing plates underneath the truck bed for reinforcement.
The base of the camper is manufactured with stainless steel attachment brackets and interior access ports. This enables four aluminum turnbuckles to hold the camper firmly in place. In addition to a safely mounted camper, our system is stealth and not seen outside of the camper. It eliminates the awkward looking chains and gear seen on most campers, along with the possibility of getting snagged by bushes or trees in an off-road environment.
Note: Tacoma trucks require a slightly different mounting method. Refer to your representative for further clarification. Click Here to see a sample video of a Four Wheel camper being installed on a Toyota Tacoma truck.
How long does it take to remove the camper from the truck?
Plan on about 30 minutes. The process involves disconnecting the electrical pig tail and four internal camper tie-downs to the truck bed and then raising all four camper corners with exterior jacks. This is a simple process with a cordless drill. Once the camper is raised, the truck is driven from under the camper.
How long does it take to place camper back on my truck?
Plan on about 30 minutes. The process involves positioning the truck under the camper and the lowering the jacks positioned at all four camper corners. This is a simple process with a cordless drill. Once the camper is in position on the truck bed, the four internal camper tie-downs are connected to the truck bed and the electrical pig tail is reconnected.
What are the power options?
Slide-in & Flatbed campers come standard with (two) 2.5 gallon propane tanks and (one) 1 Lithium Battery. Optional equipment includes an additional Lithium Battery, up to 3 Lithium Batteries in selected models. and solar power. Solar power selections include roof mounted and roll-up portable products. In general, the highest power solar product will charge the batteries and power all standard electrical equipment. Traditional 12 volt camper batteries and solar panels cannot typically power a 120V electric air conditioning unit. To run items like a microwave or air conditioner you will need to plug your camper into 120V shore power (a campsite receptacle or a generator of the proper size). A connection for external (facility or “shore”) power sources is also included all on camper models (except the BASE “shell” models). The exception to this is that we now offer a 12V Roof Mounted Air Conditioner option for most of our campers. This new 12volt air conditioner will run off of the Dual or Triple Lithium batteries inside your camper, BUT … you will also need to have the camper plugged into 120V AC Shore Power if you want to run the Air Conditioner for more than an hour or two.
What is the “Thermal Pack” option?
The Thermal Pack provides a higher level of insulation over the camper side liner. The liner is the soft, marine grade, material that raises with the roof. This added thermal barrier, simply attached via Velcro, is valuable for those traveling in particularly cold or hot environments. The Thermal Pack can remain attached permanently and does not impact the raising and lowering of the roof.
Do campers have air conditioning (AC)?
A basic rear wall Air Conditioner is available on some camper models and floor plans. As of 2024 we also offer a 12V Roof Mounted Air Conditioner option. This new 12 volt roof mounted air conditioner will run off of the Dual or Triple Lithium batteries inside your camper, BUT … you will also need to have the camper plugged into 120V AC Shore Power if you want to run the Air Conditioner for more than an hour or two. Please ask your sale representative for additional details to see if this might, or might not, be a good choice for your particular camping needs.
Does the camper work well in cold weather?
The Four Wheel Pop-Up Camper is designed to provide maximum comfort in most all climates. During our first 17 years we were located in Colorado and it was vital to create a living space for very cold winter conditions. It has worked as a number of our customers travel and camp in snowy environments, and some snow sports customers use their campers as their home away from home. You will be surprised if not delighted at how quickly the camper is heated.
Here is how we do it:
The combination of an optional 12,000 BTU forced air furnace and an optional “Thermal Pack” will provide a warm interior at most any temperature.
The Thermal Pack provides a higher level of insulation over the camper side liner. The liner is the soft, marine grade, material that raises with the roof. This added thermal barrier, simply attached via Velcro, is valuable for those traveling in particularly cold or hot environments. The Thermal Pack can remain attached permanently and does not impact the raising and lowering of the roof.
Note: It is important to keep the inside of the camper above freezing at all times so that the water doesn’t freeze and compromise the plumbing.
Does the camper leak?
We have very few reports of customers experiencing leaks on our “Slide-In” and “Flatbed” model style of campers. Since 1972 our pop-up campers have been designed and produced to be used in all climates and conditions.
The pop-up liner is made of marine-grade material and is highly resistant to moisture.
The lightweight aluminum roofs are now made from one piece, eliminating seems and water leak points.
With our newest product line, the Project M Toppers, the camper only attaches to the top of the bed rails on your truck, and does not have a floor or camper door. The Project M “Topper” may experience water & dust intrusion. By nature, truck toppers do not guaranty a complete seal from the outside elements, due to the fitment and also the trucks’ tail gate opening that is not completely sealed.
What is the water tank capacity?
The standard fresh water tank is 20 gallons. There is no grey water holding tank. All used water flows out via a drain(s), where a connecting hose can be applied to an external container if preferred. There are also valves to connect to external water sources.
What are the toilet options?
We offer a high-quality built-in cassette toilet as an option for Fleet, Hawk, and Grandby model campers with the front dinette seating floor plan. This toilet stores waste in an unseen cassette cartridge underneath the toilet. The cassette is easily accessed via a small door on the outside of the camper. Once the cartridge is removed, the contents are released by unscrewing a cap and dumping into a standard toilet or waste station.
We also offer additional portable toilet options.
Is there hot water?
Yes, an optional hot water heater is available.
How long does the side liner material last?
Though the side liner (the soft side material that raises with roof) is guaranteed for five years, campers are used for decades before the liner is replaced. It is made of marine grade material that resists degradation from sunlight and moisture.
Is the plastic truck bed liner removed prior to installation?
Removing one-piece plastic bed liners is required prior to installation. Plastic bed rails can be left on as the camper will not be in contact with them. Plastic bed liners make connecting the installation eye bolts problematic. Additionally, campers are more likely to move on slippery plastic bed liners. If you require a bed liner we suggest using either a thin rubber bed mat or a spray-on bed liner. We have a webpage dedication with the simple steps needed to get your truck ready to carry a small pop-up truck camper. CLICK HERE
Where do I store my bikes?
Please ask us about our current bike rack products.
Are prices negotiable?
One of the ways we maintain the integrity of the company and our brand is to minimize pricing fluctuations. Additionally, this keeps the resale market for Four Wheel Campers predictable and healthy. The only deviation we make from the published prices during the year is via our “Trade Show Specials”. By attending a trade show where Four Wheel Campers are being displayed, and ordering your camper at the show, you can save a few extra dollars. These offers are usually around a $500 savings, in the form of free or discounted camper installation to get your truck ready for the camper (tie downs & wiring). Our goal is to focus the sales process on education and on matching the optimum camper for your lifestyle and adventures.