Used RV Truck Campers for Sale: A Complete Guide to Buying the Perfect Adventure Companion

If you’re looking for an affordable way to take your adventures on the road, a used RV truck camper might just be the perfect option. Combining the flexibility of a pickup truck with the comfort of an RV, truck campers offer the ultimate in convenience for road trips, weekend getaways, and off-grid living. They fit in your pickup truck bed and have a wonderful sleeping, eating, and living space – all without a trailer or huge RV.

In this guide, we will see where used rv truck campers for sale are available for sale, how to purchase one, and how to get the best deal.

Why Truck Campers?

Truck campers have become an increasingly popular form of vehicle for an outdoors enthusiast due to their compact packaging. Here’s just a few reasons why many would choose to go with a truck camper over a traditional RV or travel trailer:

• Easy to handle: Truck campers, just like another camper, have no special license requirements to drive and do not make the vehicle look that big, hence making easy maneuverability around congested roads and city streets.
• Off-road capability: Most truck campers are mounted on 4×4 trucks for off-road adventures and remote camping trips where traditional RVs cannot go.
• Cost-Effective: Used truck campers are often much more affordable than buying a full-size RV. You’re not just buying the camper but also utilizing your existing truck.
• Fuel Efficiency: Since the camper is integrated into your truck, it’s generally more fuel-efficient than towing a large travel trailer or driving a massive RV.

Whether you are a casual camper, you are traveling full-time, or just somebody who likes to get away on the weekends, a truck camper will help you experience the outdoors in comfort and style.

Where to Find Used RV Truck Campers for Sale

Fortunately, finding used truck campers is pretty easy, as there are many places that could serve as a good starting point. Here are the most popular places for finding a used RV truck camper:

1. Online Marketplaces

Online platforms are very good for browsing used RV truck campers from home. The top websites for a purchase of a used truck camper include:

• Craigslist: This is a wonderful source for used vehicles of any type, such as truck campers. You can filter your search by location and further by price, year, condition, etc. Listings aren’t always thorough or contain pictures, so it’s a good idea to be very careful with scams and making sure the camper has a clean title.
• RVTrader: RVTrader is a great online marketplace to buy and sell RVs and truck campers. The marketplace holds a wide range of new and used truck campers, which mostly are being sold by dealerships. You can easily search by model, price, and location, and usually, descriptions and photos along with financing options are also available.
• eBay Motors: eBay is a wonderful place to find both auctions and fixed-price listings for used truck campers. A good many include detailed descriptions, photographs, and even maintenance histories for the vehicle. If you’re willing to bid, sometimes you can find some bargains on truck campers here.
• Facebook Marketplace: While also a local buying and selling venue, Facebook Marketplace has become one of the major players and for truck campers, you can filter by your location and set price limits as well. The social angle allows you to communicate directly with the seller for questions, additional photos, and even test drives.
• OfferUp: It’s another marketplace-based app, and it is the best marketplace to buy and sell anything locally. Used truck campers should reasonably not be too hard to find here. You can also negotiate directly with the seller, as in Facebook Marketplace, and get a pretty good deal in your location.

2. RV Dealerships

Many RV dealerships carry new and used truck campers, and some are used dealers who only sell used campers and RVs. It can be a good idea to buy from them if you want to purchase a more reputable source.

Advantages of Dealerships: Buying through a dealer may include some guarantees, such as extended warranties, thorough inspections, and financing available. Many dealers will also take trades. That’s one way you could trade in your old camper or truck for a better deal.

What to Expect: A used truck camper at a dealership will be more expensive than one sold privately, but you might get some peace of mind knowing that a professional examined the camper. Dealerships have a range of brands and models; it is easy to compare different products in one dealership.

3. Specialized RV Auctions

If you’re comfortable with auctions, buying a used truck camper through a specialized RV auction is another option. Auctions can offer great deals, especially if the camper is part of a liquidation or repossession sale.

Another couple of companies operating online auto auctions which have RVs and truck campers are Copart and IAA. Campers in this auction type usually resemble repossessed, damaged, or liquidated ones. It is indeed frightening to buy through an auction; however, it could be the cheapest means to buy a camper if you know what you are doing.

• Local RV Auctions: Many local RV dealers and event planners hold regular RV auctions. Look for local classifieds or call local RV dealerships to inquire about when other area auctions are scheduled.

4. Local Listings and Classified Ads

You can look for used truck campers through old-fashioned classifieds in local newspapers or RV magazines. Some even post signs at the campgrounds, truck stops, and other outdoor locations. These will of course not always have the newest pricing or the best photos but sometimes do have gems hidden deep within local deals.

5. Camping and RV Forums

Online forums for campers, RVers, and overlanders are great places to connect with individuals who might be selling their truck campers. Websites like RV.net, Expedition Portal, and Truck Camper Magazine often have classified sections where sellers post ads for used campers. Additionally, if you’re part of an RV or outdoor community, word of mouth can often lead to great deals.

What to Look for When Buying a Used RV Truck Camper

If you are intending to buy a used truck camper, inspection is a must to ensure that you are getting a good deal. Here are some key things to look for,

1. Compatibility with Your Truck

Before starting your search, ensure the camper you are looking at fits your truck’s requirements as far as make, model, and bed size. Truck campers are built to suit specific truck models, so measure the length of your truck’s bed to confirm that camper will fit onto it. Truck campers vary in length (6-foot and 8-foot are the common lengths) and configuration, so making sure you know your truck’s bed size is a must.

2. Condition of the Camper

Assess the truck camper thoroughly to ensure it’s in good condition. Here’s a list of things to check on:

• Exterior: Look around for any damage, rust, and cracks. Ensure that seals around windows and doors are intact to prevent leakages.
• Roof: The roof is especially important on a truck camper, as leaks can lead to water damage. Check for any signs of leaking or soft spots on the roof.
• Interior: Inspect the living space for signs of wear and tear. Check the upholstery, appliances, and any cabinetry for damage. Make sure everything is functional, including the lights, refrigerator, stove, and water systems.
• Frame and Suspension: Check for any damage to the frame or signs of worn suspension. If the frame is weak or the suspension has been used a great deal, it could create problems later on, especially if you want to use the camper frequently or on rocky terrains.

3. Water and Electrical Systems

Test the water system, including any pumps, faucets, and shower, and test electrical systems, including battery, lights, and appliances. Ask the seller how old the camper’s battery is. Determine if it holds a charge: a weak or old battery may have to be replaced soon.

4. Tires and Axles

Even if the camper is mounted on your truck, it still pays to check tires and axles. In case the camper comes with its own set of tires (especially for larger campers), make sure they are in good condition and have plenty of tread left.

5. Title and Ownership

Always check that the camper’s title is clean and that the seller has the right to sell. If the camper was involved in an accident or has undergone major repair work, you can be required to disclose such information for resale purposes, which could downgrade its resale value. Ensure you do not get a camper with an unknown title or whose owner is hostile about the camper’s history.

How Much Does a Used Truck Camper Cost?

The price of a used truck camper varies greatly depending upon the age, the quality of the overall condition, features, and brand. Here is a rough idea of what to expect:

• Older Models (10+ years old): $2,000-$7,000 depending upon the condition and brand.
• 5-10 years old: $7,000-$15,000, depending upon how well they are maintained and the amount of features they come with.
• Nearly New Campers (under 5 years): Cost between $15,000 and $30,000 or more for something that is almost new.

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Used RV Truck Camper

If you desire the ease and versatility of life in an RV, but do not want the commitment and expense of a full-size RV, then a used RV truck camper is just the ticket. From epic road trips and off-the-beaten-path explorations to simple weekend getaways needing a cozy place to rest, truck campers offer the perfect balance of comfort, mobility, and affordability.