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Why We Left Van Life for Truck Camper Life | Overland Truck Camper Life
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- Опубликовано: 10 мар 2020
- Why we decided to switch from van life to truck camper life for full time RV living. Check out this video to see why we went back to camper van life: • Which is Better: Truck...
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Joe and Kait have been traveling in various adventure based campers since 2015. For travel destinations, camper guides, essential gear and tips from the road visit weretherussos.com and / weretherussos
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Pros: 1. A lower profile? Cons: 1. Loss of privacy (people can here you and you can hear them through the fabric), 2 Water resistant, not water proof, 3 Rig "must" be aired out after rain or fabric will get moldy 4. lower profile door to get into (no good), 5. loss of heat in the cold, 6. loss of cold in the heat, 7. no storage on top or must be removed before opening, 8. Difficult step to get up inside the smaller door. Just to name a few...... Again if your happy with it, then I wish you all the best with your travels . I think the truck part would make an excellent 5th wheel carrier.I don't think you've had one of those yet. Maybe next?
gregmoor1 5th wheels have the best living space, but this rig has better access capabilities. Like Joe says there is no perfect camper
@@alisonrichmond1385 Hi Alison. I agree with you that the rig has better access capabilities. I'm just not excited about the fabric or the low profile door. There are other similar rigs that will give you the same access without Fabric or low doors. Here's an example: 2016 Toyota Tacoma Motorhome Bend Oregon
ruclips.net/video/CShvD9A6XRg/видео.html
There's a lot more than 1 pro and most of the cons are your own and not ours. The door doesn't bother us at all...just duck your head before going in...no biggie. Nothing is water proof. This is as good as a hard sided camper, surprisingly. We've been in a couple thunderstorms and water doesn't get in the sides. Yes, it has to be aired out. That said, the hard sided campers are heavier, top heavy and act like a sail in the wind. There are just as many cons with the rig you linked to.
Aw, I love that you guys named your new rig Leo! And yes, I'm a solo lady doing vanlife and I love knowing how everything works too and how to do my own repairs.
One of the points in favor of this vehicle is certainly maneuverability on rough terrain. Another advantage is the rear seats which guarantee precious extra space in unexpected situations. So I think you made the right choice. 👍🤗
Thanks Paolo!
advantages are the wide and comfortable bed, the width of the camper that fits so well to 2 people, the easy access to the storage under the bed from the indside of the vehicle, the idea of having to separated spaces - important for a couple: one in the car and one in the camper.
yes I have had two older camper van & they cannot go off road at all! They are highway queens XD
You two are honestly a perfect couple to have kids tbh
I really liked what you said about compromise...so true. There is no perfect RV.
I think a non pop-up truck camper would be great for long trips where you want to move around frequently, especially an Alaska trip. However, for something we live in full time I think a truck camper, especially a pop up style, would be at the very bottom of our considerations.
Condensation. I have a EC GZL 300 on a Tacoma and have found that leaving the little top vents above the door open and using a fan to move air works the best on cold nights. The Catalytic propane heater puts out vapor also in my camper. I tried a 12v fan from one of the truck stop stores. The rotating action made a lot of noise and it drew a lot of power for a little unit. At Lowes I found a very quiet USB two speed fan with a clip on clamp. I clip it to a window screen up out of my way and point it to front of bed so air goes around into the cold spots. Helps a lot. I have a 90AmpH AGM so no power to spare.
Thanks...good to know.
I have a 4 Wheel Hawk model. I just light a candle and crack the vent. In such a small space it eats moisture, and even heats the camper. I know it is a fire hazard, but I am careful.
@@trimtabletalk2882 Sounds like it works well. Clarifying questions. What type of candles, votive in glass holder, 3 in round in can with lid? How long do you have it burning , 6 hours? What would the outside temperature be and what elevation are you camped at. I have found that the colder it is and the humidity also effect the condensation amount. 35 to 45 being the cold end for my camping. Lots of rainy days and nights but no frost in the morning. Last Sept in Glacier NP thru Upper Michigan felt drier than Oct in Florida where everything felt damp.
@@trimtabletalk2882 I have a 4WC Hawk too. I just blast the heater lol.
You're a very lucky man, Joe and Kait, you're a very resourceful woman.
Love your rig, happy camping.
To each their own. Life and marriage is compromising but when you both agree on the compromises it kinda isn’t a compromise anymore but evolves into blissful happiness. God bless and enjoy! Thanks for your honesty and insightfulness
I see we agree on the diesel thing (kate) I love diesel and I love the smell of it. My love for diesel trucks was breed from summer with my father in his semi truck. I just loved feeling the engine through the cab.
I enjoyed your testing other rigs out & this threw me off when you revealed your purchase. There’s so many things that are good for one couple vs what’s good for another. I’m glad you found your happiness. We are back and forth with what we want too! Can’t what for more adventures from you and Kait! Travel on! ❤️
Not my choice, but you made a Very Good point... it's YOUR rig! Your Choice 😉 ENJOY your Travels!! Have FUN!! ❤
So happy for you guys
You worked hard to come to this decision
Great job!
Thank you TS
Great looking Rig ,you have no limits to where you can camp now have fun and happy trails
Kate's hair has really grown out. Mine is like hers! Thanks for continuing to share your life with us.
It’s a great rig. (Until the zombies show up anyway) But what is right for you is definitely the right reason. I’ve gone from a 35’ motor home, down to a 26’ trailer, down to a 16’ step van build. Now I’m down to an E350 van. Starting to building it out. Next time? We’ll see.
Thanks for the update. Looking forward to seeing storage organization, when it settles in. Enjoy the road!
We are glad to see you all back on the road again!👍
Mali mish travels full time in a grandby model FWC in an F250....with his wife and 3 small kids. I dont know how they fit but they did it and he recorded all of their travels.
I love your rig. I'm torn between this and a small travel trailer since I have 3 small kids.
Do both. Get a pop-up for the truck and a trailer for the kids. You can drop the trailer and go explore with the truck and still have a place to sleep if needed.
Thank for the video folks! Safe journeys in the new machine!
Thank you!
It took us 10 years and 11 campers to finally find "home". About 4 years ago we discovered the logic of truck campers and we are now on our fifth (and hopefully last) :-) With well over 115,000 miles under our belt, we learned a few lessons along the way. We also figured out what the most important thing is about spending quality time in any camper .... seating comfort ! Conventional dinette seating design dates back 60 years and remains unchanged. 90 degree vertical seat backs simply are NOT comfortable over any real length of time, especially the ones with little to no upper back support. I realize that a lot of time is spent outside the truck camper which makes a big difference, but if you're ever forced to be inside due to massive weather events for any real length of time you'll greatly appreciate the difference normal reclining back rests provide. It doesn't have to be a lot, even 10 degrees makes a huge difference. Of our 11 campers, I built the interior in two of them and had 20 degree tall backrests and they were wonderful. We just celebrated our 10 year RUclips anniversary and published 2 videos documenting our experiences over that 10 years with a variety of rigs. Having had a variety of pull behinds I can attest to the superiority of the truck camper concept. I have a list of a dozen things that make them better :-) Enjoy your new "home", I'm sure you'll have lots of fun and adventures with it.
I installed one of those valves on our v10 class A motorhome and it made the oil changes so much easier.
I looked at designing and building my own truck camper, and one my priorities was opening windows between the truck and camper so I could slide into the truck cab if necessary.
I slept in mine in 40F temps last elk hunt. I had no condensation issues or cold temp issues. That thermal layer works well.
We've gotten below freezing in this a couple times and been in heavy rain. We've gotten a lot of condensation in both so far.
@@Weretherussos Did you have the vent cracked? I have heard that helps
We didn't...it was just too cold for us but we've heard that too.
@@Weretherussos vents cracked is mandatory to avoid mildew/mold. i only cook in mine as a last resort. vents open put a little stress on the heater but its a couple bucks well spent! try carrying a single burner gas stove esp for coffee. i start mine on the stove then transfer outside after i get dressed but before it starts to steam. you will notice a huge difference!
Nice arrangement that you folks have. I have thought about camper vans and they are very nice. But I can't haul firewood in the back,but I can with my truck.
Ground clearance is also another truck positive point. I have a canopy not a camper but that's what I wanted. It works great for me, to each there own.. Safe travels and great camping.
Amen on the compromise. On the compensation issue, We had a Lance 850 and to prevent compensation we would leave the bathroom fan up an inch and on 24/7 when we in the camper during cold weather. The heater ran a little more but no moisture problems. You get used to the white noise.
Enjoy your new home.
Good for you Kait for learning about your truck. As you might guess from my name, I am a retired mechanic.
My wife, daughter and both of my sons all have a decent idea of basic maintenance on a vehicle. When my kids got their license's I would not let them take the car until they showed me that they could change the tire and work a set of jumper cables.
I understand your reasoning for your purchase.
I had a truck camper years ago. I loved it, best camping we had as a family. But my unit was old and HUGE, it was 10.5 feet long, wet bath. We you get the idea. Big and heavy. Your unit looks nice and compact, I love the pop top idea.
I have a 22 foot trailer I tow right now.
Due to my wife's health we don't get out much anymore, so I have a full size truck and trailer just sitting around most of the time.
We are seriously contemplating selling truck, trailer and the car and getting either a camper van or a compact truck and a tent trailer to pull. Just do a few outings in the summer.
I like the truck and tent trailer idea
My wife likes the camper van idea, so she can sneak back to the bathroom while driving.
We have been going back and forth for a couple of year trying to decide.
One day...one day.
Enjoy the camper guys, they are fun, the places you can get to now.
Thank you and good policy to have with the kids.
Very important and very interesting video. The main message is that there is no perfect setting for vanlife and that everything comes with big compromises. I am a strong supporter of open spaces when it comes to a couple livng in a van/track camper - and this truck-camper is excellent!
There is a lot to take on from this video, also because the needs change over time and we cannot affod to change campers so often as we wish. Therefore it is important to have some degree of flexibility in the design in order to accommodate future changes in the camper.
Yes, it does seem to suit you two well. That extra space adds a lot to your life but doesn't cost so much extra fuel or become a hazard in wind. Seems to me that you took both your needs & wants into consideration and chose carefully. I was a little worried about the small door with your shoulder but it appeared to work well for you. Keep healing & let the adventures continue.
Yep, you are right. Everyone has a different idea of what a camper should look like. That is why I ended up building my own. Be warned, it is a huge amount of work if you want to do it yourself
Thanks for your explanation
Well, you probably picked the right diesel engine, they have a great reputation. I had the first generation 7.3 without the turbo, if you can imagine a diesel without a turbo. Made some great points in this video.
Oh that'd be interesting to drive.
I have had 2 7.3 with turbo..... one had a 5 speed the other had a auto..... I miss both verry much
We have a toy hauler that we find that to control the moisture wnen we heat the rv , we use a electric heater on auto so it turn on when it gets colder. We have an Inverter , 6 batteries and several solar panels and have added reflective barrier foil bubble insulation that we put around our bed, two windows and the door. This makes our rv warm even in alaska. When it got below zero we hang military wool blankets with heavy duty clips and we were toasty warm in our aluminum rv with also added rhino floor coating on bare aluminum floor for added warm, that was a major insulated plus. This is what has worked for rv and keeps us warm with snow outside and cold wind outside in alaska, Canada , Colorado, new Mexico, and northern Arizona.
We found an old truck campers that fits our old truck perfectly (with a toilet). We wanted something we could take anywhere. It's perfect for us and two small pups!!!! I'm happy you love yours!
GOD BLESSED YOU . SWEET WIFE THAT WORKS ON THE RIG .
Thank you!
Did the part where Kait was working on the truck get deleted? Or have I lost my marbles???
@@canyonoverland5003 IT WAS THERE .
Yep. I’ve always thought Kait was super. Love the way they work together. That has to be key.😊
Yep, we took it out because RUclips was telling us most people were stopping the video around the 1:30 mark rather than watching the whole thing.
Congratulations!
I'm glad you named it Leo. He was a faithful companion.♥️
Really like your setup. Only thing that gives me pause is no pass through, not just the convenience but security in dicey situations
realistically what dicey situations would you get in?
Not so uncommon for someone to try to break in or when you've pick the wrong sleeping site. Not to mention weather, tracking in water and mud.
It's very uncommon for someone to try and break in. We've not had that happen in being on the road for the last 5 years, nor has anyone we known. Does it happen, sure but it's far from the norm. In the case of tracking in dirt, that happens regardless of what you're in unless you never go outside.
Don't mean to be a naysayer cause I really like your rig but all my friends, me included , have had at least attempted break ins but most have been while traveling in other countries
@@brentoatfield3607 so how would having a pass thru change that ? if anything i would say just have a firearm at that point, that will get you out of those "dicey" situations
You bought a truck camper and I'm Glad you did ! Hope to see you at overland west 2020 ~peace~
Best "We're the Russos" episode ever!! Back on the road.
Thanks Mike!
You two truly are the best in the business...and I still don’t think you fathom, with all your heart, just how really awesome it is to see this symbiosis between you two 👏🏼👍🏼👍🏼😎
(Or perhaps you do see it ;)
Thank you Rob!
SO Glad You have one that Fits you... Life changes ... and our needs do also, But the ability to get out and go on your own version of adventures is AWESOME. ! ! !
Good points as usual. A couple of topics for future video(s) that you may already be intending but thought I'd suggest anyway.
1. How you are set up for grey water? 4-Wheels campers by default just vent from the sink outside the van but this isn't always desirable, either close to fresh water or in populated areas.
2. Are you tied into the vehicle alternator? Do you have or are you planning for a second alternator, since lithium batteries are ideal for fast charging, reducing dependence on solar or shore power.
we maybe getting our new fifth wheel this weekend its the next step congrats on your new rig safe travels
So much has changed since this upload.
Pray you are both safe and sound and hunkered down.
❤🙏🇺🇸
LEO Speedwagon
Shekhar Moona for the win!!!
Love that Shekhar! 🤣
🤣🤣😂🤣😂🤣 Lol!
I'm glad you got what you wanted and not what everyone else wanted you to get. Congrats and ready to go on more adventures with you two! btw book 2 is as good as book 1 👍
Your choice surprised me, BUT after addressing your criteria, IT MAKES PERFECT SENSE.
Very happy when you guys are happy. Love you both. Sorry that I dropped out of patreon.. you do a great job with it and the lens clips. It was hard to convince my wife that paying patreon was the right thing to do.. since we are looking for our 22 ft class b, I was able to get away with it... now that you have the pop up camper I lost my debate points. Still love ya and will enjoy your RUclips channel always. When /if you go back to a class b, I'll be on patreon asap.
Thank you David! Glad you were able to be a part of our WTR Family. We wish you and your wife the best in your camper search and do let us know what you end up with.
That's what it's all about, that's the true spirit!
As long as you guys are happy with Leo. I think the van is more my style.
I love it, guys! I'm happy that you guys love it!
I'm so excited for you! I'm looking forward to your new adventures! Hopefully, we will see those weekly! (Just putting my 2¢ worth opinion in there! ) Carry on, take care, and God bless you! 🤗
It is good to see you vloging again . I miss not seeing you two. I do not see ac. How are you going to stay cool,in the summer.
Love the Four Wheel Campers. The mold and condensation issues concern me. At least 2 other online folks reported them on their Four Wheel Truck truck camper. One was a couple traveling US/Canada and wiped down constantly. Would greatly appreciate it if at some point you report on this. Thanks so much for the great videos, your camper is lovely.
We will be in Baja for 4 more weeks. Come on down!
Thanks but we'll be out in the Alabama area for a conference...otherwise we'd love to come down!
Love truck campers!!! On our 3rd year with a Northstar Arrow U...perfect choice for us. It’s going to be fun seeing you settle in with your new home. For condensation prevention...always crack one vent about 1/2 to 1 inch...no matter how cold 🥶. Open cabinet doors if you are in the teens (F*) or lower... blow out lines or depressurize depending on temps and use windshield wiper fluid or pink antifreeze in the cassette toilet.... or drive someplace warmer😁 if that’s an option. I camp and live in South Dakota. I went with a hardtop nonslide for that reason. We put the motorcycle on a front hitch mount. I love your rig but we are a bit older and wanted a little more comfort. Still nimble but not as nimble as you. Pros and cons. You’ve got the “cool” factor😁👍!
Thanks for the suggestions.
LOL you didn't need to explain why she filled your shoes so easily but.... you did. You go girl! Chicks wrenching is hot.
Enjoy the new rig
lol, thank David.
you guys have come along way since you were on the lazy days videos
i agree with what you said, but i saw a pickup camper blow over in se wa when i was around 18 or 19. those don't look too stable. i wouldn't want to drive one myself. glad if it works for you though.
You forgot to mentioned the most important issue. The cost, a used van can cost 5000 but a truck like yours is at least 20000 plus at least another 10000:for the camper it is not posible for many people to afford.
I'm planning on getting a FWC Fleet slide-in for my Tacoma and the condensation issue does concern me a bit because it can lead to mold formation if you don't stay on top of it. I wouldn't say it's a huge deal, but it is one more task you'll have to keep up with. I also would prefer to have a pass-thru to the cab, but that's not a deal breaker since this is going to be a transitional rig for me, as I plan to upgrade to a custom built van in the future when I retire. I think FWCs are a great option for people who want to do van life, but don't have the budget for a van or can't find a van that suits their needs.
Congratulations!!!
Thanks!
Yep and riding in a truck is just better and easier . the advantage of just raising the hood to work on the engine is a plus and the pocket book/bilfold likes it. And of course the 4x4 is great :) Good vid you guys and keep that guard dog happy !
You go girl👍😁that's a serious truck😁❤️
Thank you Brenda!
I doubt they are going to last very long in this truck camper, I think they are going to be out of it in less than a year.
I agree. Listed so many compromises and 2 pluses, although it being wide isn't a plus when you can only stand in one place. I get the impression they're trying to convince themselves it's what they wanted. I just don't like it at all.
Easy for me to say that sat at home though. They're living the dream so good luck to them.
With that diesel they could upgrade to a fifth wheel and live a life of luxury.
@@tysontyson1244 I think one of their requirements is to be able to park in a normal parking bay and be able to go into normal towns with out too much issues.
@@tysontyson1244 I think they also use to have a big motorhome and changes from it. Personally I think the hymer they had was nice
Keep in mind for planning: In remote regions of the world, Diesel might actually be harder to find, due to only being used by larger fleet trucks. You find this is the case in Central and South America. Not saying you can't get fuel- but some places might be harder than others. Also consider fuel quality as well. Sweet rig though!!
Thanks for the tips.
A woman who turns wrenches, you hit the jackpot there, dude.
I am literally making this decision at the moment between a 4x4 camper van and 4x4 truck popup camper, but living in France means less options on the truck camper side , but found a good company globe campers so be interested to see the price difference as 4x4 camper vans are pretty expensive in europe
My wife and I recently switched to a truck camper and we love it! We can pass through on ours by going through the back window.
Congrats! Which truck camper did you end up with?
@@Weretherussos we got a Lance on our F350 truck. There is a removable hatch in the camper that aligns perfectly with the back window.
Very nice!
1:24 _ Where the hell do you find a babe that likes to learn the ins and outs of a 7.3?
I want one of those! 😃
I have been watching your Videos, scanning You Tube for them and I must say that the Videos are VERY informative, well displayed and alot of Fun to watch. Thank you both so much. You folks are GREAT.
Personally, I prefer the Van you had. Just my preference.
You're very welcome Tom and thanks for watching!
Go Kate with that engine!! That’s inspiring to me to learn more about our camper engine - I know zilcho about doing my own maintenance!
i think this is a great option and looking forward to future adventures especially a few that the truck platform does a better job getting you too.......i like the remote stuff
As always great video and we love the message of finding what works best for you. Take care and safe travels
Thanks guys!
Glad that you didn't feel pressured to go with another van just because you'd built a reputation for that style of travel. Try new things. Look forward to seeing what you love and not love about truck-life
My wife has arthritis and I don't think I could goose her hard enough to get her into your camper. That said, this rig looks like it will serve you well.
I like your setup, looks nice and comfy.
Happy Trails with your new adventure rig!
Why are there no current videos?
11 minutes! You uploaded this while I was watching Slim Potatohead showing his new trailer. He gave me a good laugh. Now to watch yours.
Ruth C. I have just the same with a bit of normadic fanatic
Slim potato head rocks!
Congratulations! Looks like a good unit for you. It will certainly expand your mission profile, so I expect to see some episodes on the Mojave Road and the Enchanted Rockies Trail.
You guys are great. You have accepted both pros and cons happily 👍
We like small(ish) too! Sure opens options on places to camp. Glad this one is working for you!
I think you made a great choice. Just curius, what was the chasis you were looking for on a van? Thanks! Great video!
Ford Transit, GMC Express or the Econoline
@@Weretherussos Thanks!!!
I'm leaning toward the camper over a van for many of the reasons you discussed, but for me, having a boot/crawl through from the truck to the camper is really important. It is what truck campers almost all used to have, I've had, many years ago and, for both convenience and safety, it is really important to me. What limits that option on your rig? Is it that the camper can't come with that option, or truck cab limitations, or the expense of converting, or what? Thanks so much for all the info and detail, its just wonderful!
Thanks team. Safe travels & God Bless!
You are both lucky to have each other.
She cut all that beautiful hair off I mean she’s pretty no matter which way but oh my goodness she had such beautiful hair I was just kind of shocked that’s about all I could write when I saw her I really love the van y’all were in
Thanks MUCH for another great video and share! Too cool that it works so well for you.... I would still like to get a Van myself, but may have to wait until next year, as market and crowds right now do not make it very good.... all the BEST to BOTH of you , and love that Kate likes to do fluid changes and learn about monster diesel you have... CHeers! :)
The Q I'm more curious about is why'd you get a collapsible one vs a regular truck bed camper. Seems the short door and short windows would get old after a while. Also bringing it up/down all the time. Fuel savings seem like they'll be negligible.
That's for sure. even my 2019 arctic fox 990 got cramped after a while and only I was in it.
Weight, size and side entry. Our camper fully outfitted is 1,600 lbs. Most of the smallest hard sided truck campers are into the 2000+ lb range and are top heavy in comparison. We also didn't want the typical rear overhang and prefer the side entry of this. Also, we didn't see any flatbed hard sided campers. The flatbed option provides much more interior floor space.
@@Weretherussos
Looks good. Whatever works for you. I am sure you will be making the best of it . Wouldn't be that much fun in my country seeing it is winter 9 months a year
So.. you began with a class A towing a Jeep, Then you went to a camper van, now you bought an older 7.3 diesel with a funky camper on the rear..
That's about the whole story.
Just wondering how much money you have lost.
I love that rest area in AZ
Welcome back to Arizona. Maybe ill run into u.
Im back in my truck..the new RV van was low clearance.. new but many recalls no fix and unreliable...Ram dealers couldnt even change the oil
There really is the perfect truck camper they just cost a arm and a leg. Diesel engine is a must. Air bag suspension is a must . I'm not to fond of pop ups. I have a forest river 1130 and a 01 ram w/ Cummins engine. If you ever upgrade look into a big foot or Lance. True 4 season tc.
Diesel heater should get rid of condensation, so many good Chinese ones out there now for cheap.
GOOD TO SEE YOU BACK
WTR, Hello, so far, it looks viable,,KAIT s fabric selection, I have a vest,the SAME PLAID , as your bed , so what oil are you using & probable 6 quarts ? Hope you carry a tyre pump, if you lower pressure for sand, or snow. Enjoy, SAFE travels, CHEERS FROM NJ🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸