I have been looking at getting a campershell for my truck but man for like another $1K I could get a 6x10 enclosed trailer. Not really sure what way to go. I like the convience of the shell but I am getting way more storage and space with the trailer. What do you guys who do more raod trip hunting than me like? And which way do you prefer?
camper shell or small trailer?
- Thread starter sigpros
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I have a topper and a 18’ camper. 99% of the time I prefer the topper.
I built a single size (26” width) elevated bed with storage underneath so I still have access to full height storage for 1/2 my truck bed. Plenty of room for coolers and kitchen/camp gear. I have a crew cab so too little storage has never been an issue.
I set up a cook area outside. I’ll use a pop up canopy if needed for weather.
I like the mobility, better access options and gas savings of the truck only. And not to mention not pulling something in snow and high winds.
Sometimes, early season antelope hunting I’ll pull the camper. But overall I prefer camping in the truck.
I built a single size (26” width) elevated bed with storage underneath so I still have access to full height storage for 1/2 my truck bed. Plenty of room for coolers and kitchen/camp gear. I have a crew cab so too little storage has never been an issue.
I set up a cook area outside. I’ll use a pop up canopy if needed for weather.
I like the mobility, better access options and gas savings of the truck only. And not to mention not pulling something in snow and high winds.
Sometimes, early season antelope hunting I’ll pull the camper. But overall I prefer camping in the truck.
RealMuddyboots
Well-known member
The best of all worlds for me has been slide in pop up truck camper. Low profile for driving, no toilet for more space, have stove, furnace for basic needs. Fridge is used as pantry. Can sleep 2 easily. Weather? Drop top and roll. I brought 8x10 small wall tent to use for whatever. Easy setup, great spot to change crappy clothes.
LCH
Well-known member
You can get a used topper for almost nothing. I got mine, practically new condition, for $150 through a government auction. Makes a great mobile camp for solo hunts.
Rogerdoger
Active member
I would do a topper between your two options. Trailers are a pane and limit where you can go. I am with realmuddyboots on the slide in pop up, that’s what I run and have a roll up tonneau cover for everyday. If you need more storage get a hitch rack.
Greybeard
Well-known member
I have a small A-frame popup camper that I have set up for boondocking. Propane furnace, fridge, water heater, sink, and stove. It tows pretty easy up dirt roads and is more comfortable in crappy weather than a truck cap. 
grizzly63
Well-known member
Truck camping gives you mobility. No hassles with a trailer. If hunting solo and you can hang in there, its the way to go. My tall topper cost $400 from a middleman peddling utility vehicle toppers.
Those look pretty slick. The low profile for towing seems nice. Though in snow you’re still pulling something.
sclancy27
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- Nov 23, 2022
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Topper hands down
I use an enclosed cargo trailer set up for hunting and transporting my atv. Set up to sleep and cook in never had any issues but also don’t drag it 5 miles down trails with deep ruts either. Truck is used to haul fuel,propane and other smelly stuff to avoid smelling like gas in the woods. I have slept in back of truck but trailer is real comfortable.
mxracer317
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- Nov 20, 2020
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I custom built this trailer.
Swapped the axles and put BF Goodrich KO2 to prevent flats.
Sliding windows on both sides and door on left side to get out of easier pulling in a side-by-side.
3 Drop down bunks inside.
Sink with 5 gallon clean and 5 gallon empty and overhead shelves.
Solar panel on roof, Dometic penguin II air conditioner.
Shoreline power for generator and diesel heater.
Allows me to pull the side-by-side in and sleep in a comfortable warm bed.
When people talk about truck camping with a topper for mobility, this thing goes wherever a truck can go.
But, having the topper is a much less expensive way to go. Just depends on financial circumstances and comfort level I guess. I didn’t want to purchase a massive toy hauler and be limited for mobility, so this was my trade off. Love every bit of it!
Swapped the axles and put BF Goodrich KO2 to prevent flats.
Sliding windows on both sides and door on left side to get out of easier pulling in a side-by-side.
3 Drop down bunks inside.
Sink with 5 gallon clean and 5 gallon empty and overhead shelves.
Solar panel on roof, Dometic penguin II air conditioner.
Shoreline power for generator and diesel heater.
Allows me to pull the side-by-side in and sleep in a comfortable warm bed.
When people talk about truck camping with a topper for mobility, this thing goes wherever a truck can go.
But, having the topper is a much less expensive way to go. Just depends on financial circumstances and comfort level I guess. I didn’t want to purchase a massive toy hauler and be limited for mobility, so this was my trade off. Love every bit of it!
buck137
Active member
Depends on the hunt location for me, I have a topper on the truck which I will sleep in, but depends on the hunt. I also have a 30' travel trailer which I use for the later season hunts and love it, I also have a wall tent, which I use for when I can't get the truck and or trailer into where I want to camp and use my Jeep. Each one has it's pluses and minuses.
bayoublaster7527
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- Aug 2, 2017
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- 811
On my second topper, won’t not have one on any truck going forward. So convenient with added security and protection from the elements. Gives you a good mobile camp option, not great for long hunts though. Gets old climbing in and out with dust and all. Also have a utility trailer that gets a ton of use, hauling stuff, ATV, etc.
longtail55
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- Jun 6, 2019
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- 223
Topper. With the trailer you have a lot of extras to deal with. Extra taxes, licenses, wheels, bearings, lights, wiring etc.
cgasner1
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- Apr 24, 2016
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- 5,565
I really need to finish mine this year I got it use able and quit working on it
mxracer317
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Gritty had a video on an Australian company that keeps dust out of his enclosed. I might add that.
buck137
Active member
My suburban was the best vehicle I've owned and spent many nights in it camping, bought a 5'x10' trailer and hauled my Honda foreman and my coolers. Did a lot of out of state hunts with that set up.
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