I've never seen 34 mpg with my truck and I don't even have a camper... damnI just put the 245 tires on this week and need to do more driving before I have any good data. But the camper with the stock 225 tires, I saw normal gas mileage around 25 mpg with city/hwy. Sure, in a direct excessive head wind, the fuel economy would drop from normal. But I didnāt see much of a difference from driving with a camper to no camper. This was a normal highway drive from downtown to my house doing 70-75 mph with the camper:
I think the hybrid fuel economy with the camper could be unreal!!!
I think women would feel much safer up higher off the ground. Not as easy a target for a bear or an intruder. And you're all set wherever you go without having to pack your tent ahead of time. You have a place to sleep whenever and wherever you want. Zero planning, zero packing. Allows for spontaneity in life.
My camper out the door was $8225. The camper is more than a tent. Itās a fully enclosed area to store my gear and use it for everyday stuff that fits my lifestyle. I can put 500 lbs on the roof when closed. I can strap kayaks, snowboards, skis, fly rod boxes, and even hang an awning from the side of the extrusion. I can store my fridge, bike, and range gear all inside the bed and trust that it is locked. I selected the factory Ford tonneau cover on my order, and you just canāt beat the room that a topper gives you over a tonneau cover. For instance, I recently moved into a new home and the amount of crap that I threw in the bed and could easily access it from all sides of the vehicle was a game changer. Yes, when I want to go camp, the tent pops open in 2 secs and closes in 15-30 secs. But the tent does not inhibit how I use my Maverick. In short, it keeps my truck a truck and is there when I need it, but not in the way when I donāt.
The step from the tailgate is not bad at allāmuch better than any other mid or full size truck on the market. I like climbing up into the tent from inside the bed, but as you noted, you can also use a ladder to access the tent.
For starters, not all of us are old and have to pee in the middle of the night lol. In all seriousness, I believe you are getting caught up on the tent like others. The purpose of the camper is to keep your truck a truck and give you access to a tent when you need it while not changing the driving dynamics of the vehicle. This set up is not for everyone, but for those whose lifestyle aligns with using your bed for lots of things and you want to maximize bed storage and security, but also want to camp, you wonāt find a better integrated set up. I donāt think I mentioned this anywhere else, but the entire camper weighs 250 lbs.
The truck camper set-up gives the occupants a little more security than a tent on the ground. Also, less to worry about insects, reptiles, and the weather. An overnight rain pour could make a ground tent very uncomfortable and even dangerous. Boils down to lifestyle and preferences when camping out. I did my share of tent camping in my 20's and 30's. Never a problem. Moved on to an RV. Something us older folks do for comfort and convenience.
Your argument is not really compelling. Just get a top box or tonneau (sp?) cover for $3000 or less that will secure your bed items. Guess what, my 3 person tent (probably bigger than this top box tent), sleeping bag and pad fit under the rear seat of my Mav where, you guessed it, it doesn't effect the driving dynamics of my truck AND its always there when i need it.For starters, not all of us are old and have to pee in the middle of the night lol. In all seriousness, I believe you are getting caught up on the tent like others. The purpose of the camper is to keep your truck a truck and give you access to a tent when you need it while not changing the driving dynamics of the vehicle. This set up is not for everyone, but for those whose lifestyle aligns with using your bed for lots of things and you want to maximize bed storage and security, but also want to camp, you wonāt find a better integrated set up. I donāt think I mentioned this anywhere else, but the entire camper weighs 250 lbs.
Also, you have gold rims on your Maverick. So donāt lecture me on trying to look #Overland or #Instagrammableā¦
Agreed. At those prices, I'd opt for a small trailer that gives one many more 'home' comforts - potty, stove, sink, water, heat and perhaps A/C.
Itās not compelling because you donāt live a lifestyle where it makes sense. Again, itās not for everybody.Your argument is not really compelling. Just get a top box or tonneau (sp?) cover for $3000 or less that will secure your bed items. Guess what, my 3 person tent (probably bigger than this top box tent), sleeping bag and pad fit under the rear seat of my Mav where, you guessed it, it doesn't effect the driving dynamics of my truck AND its always there when i need it.
AND FINALLY - MY RIMS ARE BRONZE not gold....shame on you.
Maybe because I'm an old codger, this tent camper doesn't work for me! Still when I analyze it's function and utility, it checks every box (except old codgers)!
I donāt think itās an age thing. A lot of GFC owners tend to be older. I just think for those that donāt see the value of this set up, it doesnāt fit their lifestyle, which there is nothing wrong with. Very few products are made for everyone. So yes, it still checks the box for old codgers. You just might need to crawl out of the tent at night to pee
