If you find yourself trying to create more quality time with the family, you just might find yourself dreaming about and eventually in the market to purchase some type of new or used RV. Perhaps you have already reduced your decision making process to the point of deciding between a motorhome, travel trailer, or truck camper – here are some very practical, brass-tack considerations.

We recommend a late model pre-owned motorhome or travel trailer as your best long term investment. You will still have many of the luxuries from home, but let someone else take the big depreciation hit during the first one to three years of ownership.

If you are a value oriented shopper looking for the low acquisition cost and efficient operating costs, than we beleive you should give strong consideration to a truck camper or sometimes referred to as a truck camper shell.

During the last five years, truck camper manufacturers like Fleetwood, Keystone,  Weekender, Sunvalley, Coachmen etc have made significant progress in features and strategic use of space. The two primary needs that will be addressed with this decision are luxury and value.

1. Truck Campers have substanially less acquisition cost than a comparable motorhome or travel trailer. Truck campers range in price depending on the size, equipment and quality of construction. Because there’s no chassis or vehicle to purchase as with motorized RV’s and towable RV’s, the initial acquisition cost of truck campers and truck camper shells are far less than a motorhome.

Many truck campers have the same equipment you would find in a moderately priced motorhome. And unless you are grossly overweight, you should feel just as content with a far less expensive contained truck camper as a motorized RV because the only major difference is the amount of space.

2. Truck campers offer much lower cost of ownership. Insurance costs do vary widely from state to state. However, in every case, truck camper insurance is far less than a motorized product and somewhat less than a travel trailer. With the pickup truck already insured, in most cases a rider is all that’s needed to cover the value of the truck camper shell. Because the camper is considered cargo rather than a vehicle, most states don’t require an annual license for a slide-in camper. This can be a significant savings over the life of the camper.

And let’s not forget fuel cost savings. A truck camper gets better gas mileage than a larger, heavier motorhome, and newer trucks will get much better fuel economy when used for transportation without the camper.

3. Truck campers eliminate storage costs. Storage costs for motorhomes and travel trailers is costly, If you’re reside in a cold weather climate you may also consider indoor storage which can be very expensive as well. Whereas with a truck camper, you can possibly find space at home at home. Storage for a motorhome or travel trailer could be costly, if you don’t have a place to keep it at home.

The impact of this benefit will depend on wheter there are additional toys needing to be towed. If you own a boat, trailer with personal watercraft, horse trailer, snowmobiles – or anything else you wish to tow – there’s no RV better than a truck camper to tow with. Factor in the four-wheel drive capabilities of many pick up trucks and you can go and tow places you would never dream of reaching with a motorhome. This flexibility is priceless when considering that family vacation time is limited and anything that that takes time away from family time is considered a time stealer. Oh, by the way, did we mention that there are laws in most states that prohibit you from towing behind another trailer, so this may influence your decsion as well.

4. Flexibility is key to getting around. In the old days, leveling a truck camper was not just a task, it very well could be an adventure. Pop-up campers were the same way. Not only was it a challenge, it could be very time consuming as well. With today’s truck campers you might consider purchasing one with wireless remote control camper jacks. This is an awesome feature that allows you to set up camp in minutes rather than hours. This can be very adventageous if you’re like me and have storm clouds following you everywhere you go so the heavens can open the moment you get arrive at your camp.

Today’s new or used truck campers for sale can be set up in a couple of minutes so you’re free to take your truck to town, head out for sightseeing or to the boat launch for some fun on the water. These truck campers shells are the ultimate crossover vehicles. They are highly versatile SUV’s and very affordable RV’s.

5. What if you need service on the road? Your truck, depending on the make and model, has a comprehensive warranty that can be honored at new car dealerships across the nation. Not so with most motorhomes.

6. Where do you get service – and how much will it cost? You know the feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when you have to purchase motorhome or travel trailer service from an unfamiliar organization. You could be stuck for days waiting for expensive parts.

Regardless of whether you’re considering a truck camper, motorhome, or travel trailer, make sure to check the number of authorized service centers. If you ever need service on your truck camper when away from home, you want access to visit any one of more the listed factory truck camper authorized dealerships.

Or, if there isn’t an authorized service center close by, just stop in at any reputable RV service facility and have them contact the truck camper manufacturer for authorization to perform repairs under warranty, if applicable. It’s that easy.

7. You’ ll remember the comfort and confidence behind the wheel. When you drive a pick-up truck camper it’s not much different than driving just a truck. On the other hand, driving a motorhome or pulling a travel trailer can be extremely stressful and challenging. When considering a camper shell, if you already have invested in a truck, you are halfway to owning an RV! And when it’s time to sell the truck, you can do it without having to sell your camper, many of which are built to last the life of several trucks.