If you’ve recently been looking to buy a truck camper, you might be surprised at how expensive they are.
So, why are truck campers so expensive?
Truck campers are expensive because they are extremely heavy and expensive to manufacture. Additionally, there is far less supply than traditional RVs which has caused truck campers to rise in prices as camping has grown in popularity.
Read on for the full list of reasons why truck campers are so expensive, and if they are worth the money.
3 Reasons Why Truck Campers Are So Expensive
Let’s take a look at the 4 main reasons why truck campers are so expensive:
1. Production Volume
Compared to trailers or camper vans, there are far fewer truck Campers manufactured.
They are simply not as popular.
This low production volume means manufacturing costs are much higher.
2. Complex Construction
Truck campers are more complicated to build and fit than travel trailers.
The compact design and awkward placement require a greater degree of engineering and specialized components.
Due to the compact space, much of the production cannot be automated, and instead must be done by manual labor, which costs more.
3. They Require A Heavy Duty Truck
The unit that sits on the back of the truck is extremely heavy.
Therefore, the truck that holds the unit will naturally be pretty expensive, as it needs to be powerful, strong, and reliable.
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What Are the Most Expensive Truck Campers?
Truck campers are constantly undergoing technological advancements and feature updates as a means of enhancing comfort.
Generally, the more features a truck camper has, the more expensive it gets. Some of the most expensive options in the market include:
Global Expedition Vehicles UXV-Max
The U XV-Max truck camper’s cost starts at around $650,000, and the good part is that it is custom-built to the exact specifications that the buyer makes.
It is self-contained and completely customizable, with options spanning power supplies, dry bathrooms, and kitchen spaces.
Other amenities available include heated floors and a laundry cabinet.
EarthRoamer XV-LTS
This truck camper is based around the chassis of a Ford F-550. With a solid turbo-diesel engine and four-wheel drive, the EarthRoamer XV-LTS can easily traverse all terrain.
It has 1,200 watts of solar power and a battery bank with 12,000 watts.
As if these features were not sweet enough, it also comes with a full luxury interior that can accommodate up to four people.
With a price tag ranging from $280,000, it makes the list of some of the most expensive truck campers in the market.
Mercedes-Benz Zetros
Designed with military and disaster relief scenarios in mind, the Mercedes-Benz Zetros has gained traction as the camper to end all campers.
This camper is powered by a robust 7.1-liter engine that can put out 320hp, making navigation through even the most challenging terrain look easy.
It has a top-shelf luxury interior with rare woods and leather, complete with a Boss surround system, satellite communication system, and internet access.
The Mercedes-Benz Zetros is a dream come through for any camping enthusiast, although you would have to break your bank account by up to or even more than $1 million.
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What Are the Least Expensive Truck Campers?
Even if you go for a simple and affordable truck camper, the fact that you need a vehicle that you can count on and one that can still give you the comfort of home can not be overlooked. Here are some of the options that are the least expensive in the market:
Capri Retreat Long Bed
This is one of the least expensive truck campers in the market. Its most unique feature is a one-piece fiberglass shower stall with a porta-potty.
Unlike many small truck campers, it has three large adjustable shelves for your storage purposes.
It provides additional storage space around its bed, and the sleeping position is from the passenger to the driver’s side.
Scout Olympic 6.5
The Scout Olympic 6.5 is a non-slide, hard side, short bed truck camper with detachable equipment for camping which you can easily travel with.
It has an exterior pull-out tray that you can use as an outdoor tabletop to cook on.
Features like the Batwing awning that extends 270 degrees along the back wall come in handy to protect you from weather elements when needed.
Adventurer 80RB
The Adventurer 80RB is a hard side, long or short bed truck camper.
Albeit with strict weight guidelines, this truck camper offers a list of standard features, including a Lamilux 4000 fiberglass exterior with a high gloss, a wet bath with a flush toilet, and a shower.
Other features include a north-south queen-size bed in addition to a roll-out sofa bed. All its lighting is LED.
A four-cubic foot refrigerator is just enough size to keep your food and drinks fresh for a day or two.
Despite its low price and lightweight aspects, this truck camper comes with high-quality materials and offers a comfortable feel.
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Are Truck Campers Worth The Money?
The short answer is yes.
Truck campers are heavy-duty vehicles that can withstand rough terrains. However, they have much less space compared to other camping vehicles such as RVs and trailers.
If you own a truck and like the flexibility to be able to travel through rough terrain without the need for the space that a traditional RV provides, a truck camper can be an excellent choice.
Sources:
- https://www.globalxvehicles.com/uxv-max.html
- https://earthroamer.com/lts-2/
- https://www.mercedes-benz-trucks.com/en_NZ/models/zetros/technical-data.html
- https://capricamper.com/models/retreat/
- https://www.scoutcampers.com/scoutolympic
- https://www.adventurercampers.com/adventurer-80rb