Small Truck Campers

[boomer]

I have been looking for a small truck camper. The type I am looking for does not extend over the cab. They were some what popular back in the 70's and I rarely see them any more. I am not even sure what they are called. I stopped at a couple of dealers in Colorado last fall and they knew what I was talking about but they have not seen any for awhile. One guy told me they were called Cowboy Campers. Does anyone here know where I might find one ? I have looked on CL and Ebay but have not had any luck.
Stay warm, Ed.

[bobhenry]

I have been looking for a small truck camper. The type I am looking for does not extend over the cab. They were some what popular back in the 70's and I rarely see them any more. I am not even sure what they are called. I stopped at a couple of dealers in Colorado last fall and they knew what I was talking about but they have not seen any for awhile. One guy told me they were called Cowboy Campers. Does anyone here know where I might find one ? I have looked on CL and Ebay but have not had any luck.
Stay warm, Ed.

Here is what I think you are talking about.......



Why not build what you want this is a great example.....
http://www.curbsideclassic.com/blog/cc-capsule-1972-chevrolet-c30-longhorn-custom-camper-very-aptly-named-indeed/

NEED SOME IDEAS ! http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=DIY+SMALL+TRUCK+CAMPER&FORM=HDRSC2

[bobhenry]

These really caught my eye......

http://casualturtlecampers.com/

[JuneBug]

Here ya go:
http://capricamper.com/models/cowboy/

I also googled "cowboy campers" and came up with a page of photos.

[wtcreaux]

These are the "cowboy campers" I was used to......

https://s.yimg.com/fz/api/res/1.2/pE7vj ... CN2167.JPG

[bobhenry]

This is about as sweet and simple as it gets........(scroll way down)

http://www.doityourselfrv.com/handyman-made-custom-wooden-truck-camper-hell-make-one/

[Irmo Atomics]

Maybe an Alaskan?

[daveesl77]

Our last camper was a 2004 Sunlite pop-up truck camper. I carried it on my F150. It was okay, but in reality it was more of a PITA than anything else, mainly because I'm older and climbing up and around stuff was just painful. Also, our dog took up the entire floor.

I could do a full unload in about 30 minutes. Onload in about the same. It did work very well in super severe conditions last March with heavy winds in both Texas and NM and ice storms in NM. It carried well due to the fact that the top dropped. I would never own another unless it was to sell it, like that one, and I sold it for a really nice profit. HOWEVER, if I was under 40 with 1 or fewer kids, then it would work fine. Mine weighed 980# dry and with all the stuff we carry, about 1,600# fully loaded. I was 500# under the max weight for my truck. Truck gas mileage fully loaded was about 14 mpg, vs 18 empty at 55mph on highway.

dave

[DrCrash]

Here is one that was on ebay a few months back. I think it is what you were describing and there are lots of inside pictures. Neet set up I thought.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1974-RANCHO-EL- ... 7675.l2557

[boomer]

Thank you everyone for replying. I have already looked at the Capri campers but they are hard to find used around here. I look the looks of the Alaskan one and I will have to research that a little more. What really catches my eye is the Casual turtle camper. I almost think I could build something like that ( with a lot of help and advice ) I appreciate all of the replies, Ed.

[PaulS]

I been looking for one for a few years now. I been thinking of building one. Or maybe make it so I could also slide it out and put it on a trailer. I use to have one years ago it had a turkey sticker on one side and a fish on the other. My friends at the time talked me in to getting rid of it. I wish I could remember who made it. Glen L has plans that are very close to what I had

[boomer]

Thank you Paul. I will see what Glen S has for plans. The one I used to have was built by a co named Shylo. I think that is how it was spelled. Ed

[Tucguy]

I am surprised that you are having any trouble finding these. They are called camper shells. A typical one these days is in the matching color of your truck and also matches the design curves asthetically and aerodynamically. They are popular and numerous. Goggle and see.

[Irmo Atomics]

I am surprised that you are having any trouble finding these. They are called camper shells. A typical one these days is in the matching color of your truck and also matches the design curves asthetically and aerodynamically. They are popular and numerous. Goggle and see.

I can stand up in my camper shell (Alaskan) - and I'm 6'3"

[boomer]

I am surprised that you are having any trouble finding these. They are called camper shells. A typical one these days is in the matching color of your truck and also matches the design curves asthetically and aerodynamically. They are popular and numerous. Goggle and see.

I already own a fiberglass truck cap that matches my truck. I am looking for a unit that slides in like a truck camper but is only a lot smaller. Some had a table unit that would lower down and become the bed. They were made out of aluminum and maybe 12 inches taller than the cab of the truck. You would remove the tailgate on the truck and the back had a small RV style door. They were quite popular back in the 70's but I no longer see them. They look very similar to the Alaskan that Irmo Atomic posted, but they do not raise up to stand in. I have googled them but have not had any luck. Ed.