The Beginnings of Something Different - Car Hauler RTT Camper

[S4Cruiser]

I've waffled back and forth on what I want to do...anywhere from a goose-neck with a truck camper, putting a pop-up on a bumper pull to using a truck camper the way they're designed. Each option has it's pros and cons from $$$$ to just shear size.

I've recently landed on a bit of a one-off something I haven't seen done before option, building almost an expedition like trailer setup for the front of my car hauler. I've got the room and the weight would be less than going with a small pop-up. I'd also be able to purchase a new or newish RTT vs some old beat to s*** pop-up. The RTT could in theory be used on a separate rig if wanted so there is some utility built in to this approach.

I'd want to build some sort of a platform out of aluminum that mounts to the trailer decking. Have enough power to run coffee pot, fans, charge phones, etc. Some sort of a cook top and fridge that slides out of the platform. Running water and potentially some sort of shower. The RTT would mount on top of this platform.

Before I go down this road and spend tons of time planning it out...am I totally insane or does this plan make sense???

 

[Rice]

I've waffled back and forth on what I want to do...anywhere from a goose-neck with a truck camper, putting a pop-up on a bumper pull to using a truck camper the way they're designed. Each option has it's pros and cons from $$$$ to just shear size.

I've recently landed on a bit of a one-off something I haven't seen done before option, building almost an expedition like trailer setup for the front of my car hauler. I've got the room and the weight would be less than going with a small pop-up. I'd also be able to purchase a new or newish RTT vs some old beat to s*** pop-up. The RTT could in theory be used on a separate rig if wanted so there is some utility built in to this approach.

I'd want to build some sort of a platform out of aluminum that mounts to the trailer decking. Have enough power to run coffee pot, fans, charge phones, etc. Some sort of a cook top and fridge that slides out of the platform. Running water and potentially some sort of shower. The RTT would mount on top of this platform.

Before I go down this road and spend tons of time planning it out...am I totally insane or does this plan make sense???

You mean .......... ?

 

[S4Cruiser]

You mean .......... ?

View attachment 1587116

Yes, that approach but definitely laid out differently. I'd do it so the RTT could be used with a vehicle on the trailer and trailer hooked to truck.

 

[erymer]

You mean .......... ?

View attachment 1587116

so Jon asks if he is insane and Rice posts something from Nuthouse industries.....hmmm

actually it's a solid idea. I was looking at the same thing not too long ago.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Doing something like that would be just as expensive as buying a slide-in

 

[S4Cruiser]

Doing something like that would be just as expensive as buying a slide-in

Really??? I was thinking 5k all in with new stuff. Where can I get a 5k slide in that any normal women would sleep in?

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Really??? I was thinking 5k all in with new stuff. Where can I get a 5k slide in that any normal women would sleep in?

This is the first one that came up. Have been plenty recently that are decent for 3-5k, but it depends on what your specific requirements are.

Lance Truck Camper

$5k seems low to me for some reason, but maybe it's not if you make it all yourself.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

1994 Bigfoot Slide in truck camper.

 

[S4Cruiser]

1994 Bigfoot Slide in truck camper.

Jesus...that thing is fxxxing huge...and old...like almost 25 years.

 

[jamesurq]

Gotta love it when people solicit suggestions and then s*** all over them.

 

[S4Cruiser]

Gotta love it when people solicit suggestions and then s*** all over them.

Thin skin?

I wasn't s***ting on anyone. Apologies if you read it that way.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Jesus...that thing is ****ing huge...and old...like almost 25 years.

Says the guy who just spent 8 years restoring a truck that's older than he is

 

[S4Cruiser]

Says the guy who just spent 8 years restoring a truck that's older than he is

very very true!

Here is my thought process..which I'm sure is flawed...

My first choice would most definitely be a gooseneck with some sort of camper on the front. It's by far the most spacious route. I likely shot myself in the foot by recently purchasing a new trailer that is not a gooseneck. If I was to sell what I have now (which isn't out of the question as I'd likely be able to get what I paid for it), purchase a gooseneck (+4k bucs) and then a camper (+5k) I'd be 9k out of pocket.

I could also try to find a camper that would work with my current truck which would definitely need be on the smaller side for say 5k.

I could build something like above and spend 5k (2k RTT, 1k generator, 1k materials and 1k stove, water, misc.) The power supply could definitely be something other than a generator like dual batteries and solar but I have no clue what that cost would be.

If I go the goosneck route then I would 100% need to store it somewhere else than at home which does add a cost. That might be a wash if I decide to store my current truck elsewhere.

Having the camper in the truck does add some nice utility to use it without the trailer. A RTT could also be used without trailer on either the truck or possible the 40, but without any of the other amenities mounted on the trailer.

Also on the older campers, I've read that leaks, rotten wood, etc. are a big issue. I have no experience either way, but is one thing that scared be away from older setups. Is this accurate or more of an industry misnomer?

 

[GLTHFJ60]

I think it's accurate, and there seem to be a slew of products out nowadays to seal up RV roof leaks, like a skin that gets installed over the whole shebang (in addition to silkaflex caulking everywhere). Some of the builds on pirate make it seem not that hard to do, certainly easier than some of the truck projects we've done.

This front of trailer setup, how many feet of deck space are you willing to dedicate? I'd be concerned with restricting the open deck space of that trailer enough that you can't put a F550 on it, and that just won't work for me

Seriously though, if you have a longer truck you want to pick up (FJ45LV, FJ55, FZJ80) then will you be able to fit it, even stretching the ramps back out a bit more? Will this camping setup be removable or permanently attached to the trailer?

Definitely an interesting idea. Friend of mine in NJ did a rack on the front of his trailer high enough that a truck could pull underneath if needed, with a RTT on top of the rack. Was pretty slick and not very expensive or complicated.

 

[Rice]

Holy cow. I've never shopped slide in campers .... I had no idea they were that $$$.

2015 lance 1052 truck camper

Conclusion .... continue with your build.

 

[erymer]

Before building the military trailer I strongly considered a hybrid race trailer like this. Doing a simple bunk house set up inside.

 

[S4Cruiser]

Definitely an interesting idea. Friend of mine in NJ did a rack on the front of his trailer high enough that a truck could pull underneath if needed, with a RTT on top of the rack. Was pretty slick and not very expensive or complicated.

This is very similar to what I was thinking. Hard to describe with words.

It would not be permanently attached to the trailer.

 

[little_joe]

Now that your 40 is nearing completion and can actually be driven, I'd suggest designing and building something for your existing trailer - you have it, you can try different things w/o breaking the bank in case you decide to go bigger/better. Plus if you don't have a project, my 40 will get parked in Garage Mahal for your loving touch.

 

[jamesurq]

Winner Winner:

Gooseneck trailer with camper

 

[erymer]

Winner Winner:

Gooseneck trailer with camper

yeah I like these too. There are a few on the pirate 4x4 boards very similar to this. solid idea for sure.