Truck campers, camper vans and conversions

A slide-in truck camper can separate from the pickup; a camper van carries its living space inside the vehicle. A custom conversion changes the layout and equipment but still has to meet the base vehicle’s limits. Choose between them by bed fit, measured loaded weight, usable space and the service route for the installed systems.

A camper’s floor length is not its overall length

The Lance 650 sheet lists a 6 ft 10 in floor, 15 ft 6 in overall camper length and 2,016 lb wet weight. For a pickup with an assumed 2,500 lb available payload, that wet figure leaves 484 lb before occupants, options and other additions excluded from it. Confirm the camper’s weight basis and the actual truck label.

The 2026 Cirrus 620 sheet instead gives 1,565 lb dry weight and 20 gallons total fresh capacity. Do not compare its dry number directly with Lance’s wet number as if they described the same load. Bed dimensions, center of gravity, tie-downs and cab clearance require separate checks.

Match a slide-in to the pickupMatch a slide-in to the pickup; Confirm bed fit, center of gravity and tie-down requirements; Use the camper’s actual loaded weight and label basis; Check truck payload, axle and tire limitsMatch a slide-in to the pickupConfirm bed fit, center of gravity and tie-down requirementsUse the camper’s actual loaded weight and label basisCheck truck payload, axle and tire limits

A van keeps the vehicle and living area together

The 2026 Pleasure-Way Ontour 2.2 measures 21 ft 10 in long and ten feet high including A/C. A van does not automatically fit an ordinary parking space or garage. Measure the actual vehicle with its accessories and check the intended parking rules.

Factory and professional conversions still need inspection of charging, plumbing, ventilation and installed appliances. A custom builder’s layout promise does not establish remaining payload, designated travel seating or warranty coverage. Obtain build documents and component model numbers.

Find the maker for the format

Examples from the maker directories
FormatManufacturers to compareAsk for
Camper vansWinnebago, Thor Motor Coach, Roadtrek, Pleasure-Way, Storyteller OverlandChassis identity and house-service channel
Compact cutaway coachesLeisure Travel Vans and the relevant large-maker linesCompleted-coach label and exact model year
Slide-in and pop-up campersLance, nuCamp, Northern Lite, Northstar, Four Wheel Campers, BigfootLoaded weight, bed fit and tie-down requirements

The Northern Lite, Northstar, Four Wheel Campers and Storyteller sites identify their own current product ranges. Compare the exact configuration rather than assuming every camper from one maker suits the same truck.

A pop-up roof changes setup and clearance but does not remove the vehicle’s load limits. For a used camper or conversion, request service records and have structural, electrical or gas concerns assessed before purchase.