Recommendation for Longbed T-100 and pop up truck camper

[dagankoffler]

I'm a newbie to the world of truck campers. I have a long bed 4x4 T-100 truck and am doing my research for the best pop up camper for my truck. I am planning on using this rig for a couple month long trip through mexico that will include a combo of beach, mountain camping and some city parking lots or RV park overnights. I have gone back and forth on some pop ups that have a toilet-shower combo. Not sure how much the extra weight will effect the driving stability. I have a 8ft bed so I could potentially get a pretty big camper. Any feed back to how much people use certain options on these campers? Also thought about installing an outdoor shower connection and have a porta pottie storage as oppose to internal shower-toilet. Anyone have experience with these two options. I have found a couple early 90's Skamper models that are really affordable and wanted to see if people know the quality of these camper?? Thanks, The Newbie

 

[chnlisle]

The good news is the Skamper is pretty cheap used. The bad news is there's a reason for it. If you're not going on a lot of rough roads it probably will hold up OK. It is quite a bit heavier than a FWC or ATC. The T-100 guys can help you with the weight issue.

 

[Tomas Tierra]

A nice rig....

Sounds like your looking for this rig.....

 

[Tomas Tierra]

I have no porta potty and no outdoor(or indoor) shower..
Don't really miss either( never had either).

I have an FWC Ranger. That is the "skinny" 8 foot camper..You could fit a FWC Grandby("fat") on your truck. i really like the norrow camper on the T-100 LB for visibility reasons..I HOPE YOU HAVE THE 3.4ltr ENGINE!!!!! I have the 3.0 and it aint enough, but I get by.

The skamper WILL fall apart if you go offroad..


on the beach in Mexico...

 

[dagankoffler]

Thomas

Yeap I have that exact truck. Bad news is I have the 3.0 as well. Installed airbags in back and gas shocks in front does that help in the matter??

 

[Dave Johnson]

As the newbie here( old guy, soft camper), I would like to offer am opinion.

Lightweight is #1 priority. Low air drag is included.

Number 2 is your style. If you are moving from tenting, then a shell with a heater is paradise. If you are a traveler, staying a night and moving on, then you are more like me. I want convenient storage, easy access. If you are a hunter, staying at base, and needing 6 chests to haul out the meat, that's another story.

As a recent buyer (4/08), FWC and ATC are the lightest in the market. I'm on a Toyota Tacoma, there was no other option. Not a bad thing, since they are near.

Refrig is a must for me, as is heater. If you could give a bit more about your way of camping, maybe we could give more info.

 

[Tomas Tierra]

Dagan,

I built the rear leaf pack up with two extra leafs. Not add a leaf, but full leafs. Rancho 9000's all around..It's a little bouncy without the camper, but bulletproof.

Replaced both cylinder heads not to long ago, cha ching. I hope it will keep running until the rust gets it..

I also had an older FWC on the T-100 for a while...

 

[Tomas Tierra]

pic of the oldie on the T-100...(forgot again!)

 

[dagankoffler]

Dagan,

I built the rear leaf pack up with two extra leafs. Not add a leaf, but full leafs. Rancho 9000's all around..It's a little bouncy without the camper, but bulletproof.

Replaced both cylinder heads not to long ago, cha ching. I hope it will keep running until the rust gets it..

I also had an older FWC on the T-100 for a while...[you don't happen to have the FWC still laying around and want to sell it.]