I'm considering the GFC camper because it serves as a secure cap for hauling things when not camping, and allows you to stand up to change clothes or stretch. Also room for a porta potty in the bed so you don't have to leave the camper to find a place in the middle of the night. GFC even though pricey, is very well made and offers some things you can't have, even in a $25,000 tear drop. The extreme lightweight 250# of the GFC means your fuel economy will barely change, compared to pulling a 1,000#-1,500# tear drop. Parking with a GFC will never be an issue, and truck and tent camper can be backed in a standard garage.
Well, I am in fact, actually outdoorsy. I'm 62 and just about to retire. I'm just a dumb old carpet layer. Worked hard all my life, only taken one actual vacation in my life. That was 41 years ago. I payed my bills, I've raised 3 awesome kids that actually have jobs and contribute to this great country. I'm widowed, I've saved, scrimped and sacrificed to get where I am today. I'm an avid fisherman, I have 2 racing jet skis that I use almost weekly, I have an adventure bike, a bass boat and a very cool houseboat on Lake Powell. I'm on Lake Powell at least one week a month fishing during the spring, summer and fall and I am planning a very extended tour of the Grand Circle early next year in the Maverick with the camper. (Google "The Grand Circle". Very cool)
Well, that's great. You seem to be someone for whom one of these makes sense, that makes you an outlier. The cost/utility ratio, plus the fact that they negatively impact handling and truck efficiency at all times makes them not a great value proposition for most people. I know a few people with $5k roof tents that have literally never used them - good to hear that won't be you.
I'd probably cut to 53 myself, make sure I could lock everything up nice and tight without having to construct additional wall to bridge the gap between the camper rear and tailgate.
