How to Make My Big Truck Into a Camper

The length, width, depth and payload of a truck determine what type of camper top you should buy.

Put a camper top on your truck bed to turn your truck into a camper. Measure the bed of your truck and then buy a camper top that fits. If the camper is too big it will weigh down your truck; if the camper is too small it won't fit or work properly. Before buying a camper, measure the payload, which means how much your truck can carry and/or haul. Measure payload with a CAT scale, which you can find at any highway truck weigh station. Take dimensions to a dealer so it can match a camper top to your truck.

Things You'll Need

• CAT scale
• measuring tape

Instructions

1. Measure length, width and depth of truck bed and roof with measuring tape.

2. Get truck weighed using a CAT scale. This will tell you how much payload your truck can handle. Again, payload is how much your truck can carry and/or haul in pounds. Go to your nearest weigh station on the highway to get this done.

3. Take dimensions and weight to a camper dealer so it can recommend a camper to you. The dealer will match, fit, and even place the camper on top of your truck.

Tips & Warnings

• Most campers are truck-model specific because of dimensions. A dealer will have a specific list of camper top models to go with your truck.

• Cost depends on the model of the camper, the dealership selling the camper, how luxurious the camper is, and how new the camper is. A new camper top can cost up to $20,000 while a used camper top can cost under $5,000, depending on if you are buying used from a dealer or from a private owner.

References

• Truck Camper Magazine: Matching a Truck and Camper
• Northstar Campers