The Pro's and Con's of Traveling With a Camper

Whether you’re a beginning camper or an old pro, the options for vehicles and camping equipment can be overwhelming. Decked-out motor homes and RVs may be great choices for large groups who want to camp in style. On the other end of the spectrum are minimalists who are happy camping under a tent or sleeping under the stars. In between these two extremes is the truck camper, which is a popular option for people who want to be outdoors while having access to a sturdy, portable living space.

RV-Dreams.com describes a camper as a "living quarters that sits in the back of a pick-up truck." When deciding the best camping equipment for your unique situation, consider all the pros and cons of choosing a camper.

Outdoorsy Feel

When it comes to being outside and going camping, it's important to feel like you're outdoors. Sometimes camping in a luxurious motor home or trailer can feel more like a hotel stay than an outdoor adventure. Most campers have soft sides, which allow travelers to experience nature more closely.

If you're looking for a flexible camping option and space isn’t a big consideration, a camper may be the perfect choice for you. Make sure to consider the unit’s price, design and size, as well as how the weight of the camper will work with your truck. When researching insurance options, remember camper and vehicle insurance can be bundled to lower the monthly payments.

Affordability

Buying a camper is a much more affordable option than purchasing a large motor home or travel trailer. While the cost of a larger RV can easily reach hundreds of thousands of dollars, a new camper will likely fall in the $8,000 to $50,000 range, which is a much more reasonable price range for many families.

Limited Space

Because of their small size, campers can only fit a few people. Big families who want to stretch out and have plenty of space may want to consider a more expansive RV instead. Many travelers decide to use campers for shorter weekend trips, rather than for long-term living. However, as Jane Engle of the Los Angeles Times notes, vacationers often overestimate the space they actually need. Rent a camper to see if the space it provides is right for you.

Versatility

A big advantage of having a camper the versatility. While many motor homes and trailers are too large to fit on small trails, campers are compact enough to squeeze into tight places. They can go anywhere a pickup truck can go, whether it’s across a beach or up a winding mountain path. Campers also allow for flexibility away from the road. It’s easy to remove a camper from a truck and store it in the backyard or the garage while you take your vehicle out for everyday use.

Driving away from the city and into nature can be one of the most rejuvenating and rewarding pastimes. A camper can offer an easy and flexible travel option for nature aficionados looking to enjoy this experience to the fullest.