It’s time to take your camping adventures to the next level. Today we will go over the various camper types and how they are best paired with a truck based on one important factor—capacity. We’ll aim to help you match a truck with your camper or vice versa. Let’s get started.
The Pop-Up Camper (Ram 1500)
Also known as tent trailers, pop-up campers are a type of recreational vehicle that are designed to be lightweight and easy to tow. They typically include a collapsible frame covered by a canvas or vinyl tent-like material.
These types of campers are great for those who want to enjoy the outdoors without the hassle that comes with traditional tent setups. Plus, they allow for more space. Pop-up campers come in a variety of sizes and configurations, from small models for a few people to larger models that can accommodate larger groups. They’ll often feature amenities such as a small kitchen, a dinette and even a bathroom.
The good news is that the smaller and lighter the camper, the less strain it will place on your truck’s engine and brakes. As a result, a mid-size truck like the Ram 1500 is ideal for towing a pop-up camper1. Just make sure to find out which engine type is ideal for you— there are a variety of innovative powertrain options, with exciting new options coming in the future.
The Travel Trailer (Ram 1500)
Travel trailers are a type of camper that can be towed by a car or truck. These trailers are typically divided up among three different sizes—small, medium and large. Small travel trailers are lightweight and often fall between 13 and 20 feet in length. Medium travel trailers land at 21 to 25 feet, and large travel trailers range from 26 to 40 feet long.
A travel trailer’s weight can also vary greatly, with some models weighing less than 1,000 pounds and others weighing more than 10,000 pounds. Since many Ram 1500 truck models have over a 10,000-pound max tow capacity, the Ram 1500 is generally capable enough to most travel trailers.
The Truck Bed Camper (Ram Heavy-Duty)
Truck bed campers, also known as slide-in campers, are a type of recreational vehicle that is designed to fit in the bed of a pickup truck. They are self-contained units that offer many of the same amenities as larger RVs, but in a smaller and more compact package. Truck bed campers come in a variety of sizes and styles, from small models that can sleep two people to larger models that can accommodate larger families.
Versatility is one of the main advantages to truck bed campers. These campers can be taken off the truck and securely set up on a campsite, which makes it easier to travel and run errands during the trip. They are also typically easier to maneuver than larger RVs, making them a great option for off-road exploration and adventure.
This type of camper requires a stronger payload capacity, which is where heavy-duty (HD) trucks come in. Although these campers may look small, their weight is distributed differently than pull-behind campers like pop-ups and travel trailers. You’ll need a Ram 2500 or 3500 HD truck model to carry most truck bed campers1—a high payload takes precedence over tow capacity. The Fifth-Wheel Camper (Ram Heavy-Duty)
The Fifth-Wheel Camper (Ram Heavy-Duty)
Fifth-wheel campers are a type of recreational vehicle that are designed to be towed by a pickup truck equipped with a specialized hitch. They are similar to travel trailers since they are self-contained units but are instead mounted on a hitch that is located in the truck bed.
Fifth-wheel campers can vary greatly in size and weight, depending on the model and the manufacturer. Generally, they range in length from about 20 feet to 45 feet and in weight from 5,000 pounds to 20,000 pounds or more.
It’s important to note that the weight of a fifth-wheel camper can vary greatly depending on its amenities and features. Some models may be stripped down and lightweight, while others may be fully loaded with high-end finishes and heavy appliances.Fifth-wheel campers may vary in size, but overall, they’re the largest available pull-behind camper trailers available. Ram HD models like the 2500 and 3500 are best suited for towing fifth-wheel camper trailers1.
Van Life
Keep in mind that camping adventures aren’t limited to trailers. The Ram Truck brand offers options straight from the factory that make a “van life” build easier from the start. These options include the following:
- Driver and passenger swivel seats
- Leather seating
- Storage group
- Power group
- Upfitter prep package
- Sliding door w/ window
- Rear hinged doors with glass
- Digital rearview mirror
- All-season tires
- Premium heavy-duty suspension
- Black appearance package
Mopar also offers upfit accessories for Ram ProMaster vans, such as paint-protection films, side wall paneling and cargo-load floors—all available to help you create the ideal van for your next adventure.
Mopar Parts and Accessories for Camping Enthusiasts
Before you can truly start enjoying the great outdoors with your trailer of choice, you’ll need to properly hook it up. This process may include our trailer hitch ball and trailer hitch ball mount for pop-up campers and travel trailers. Our Gooseneck and Fifth-Wheel hitches are also available for larger camper towing. Refer to our Towing and Accessories blog to help guide you through the hookup process. You can also view our towing guide or contact your deal for additional towing information.
It’s also important to think about what parts and accessories you’ll need before you hit the road. If you plan on going off-road, the Off-Road 5-inch LED Light Kit for better visibility at night. A good, sturdy tonneau cover can also come in handy for extra cargo when you’re hauling a tow-behind camper (like a pop-up or travel trailer). And no matter where your destination lies, a good roadside safety kit is indispensable.
Visit the Mopar eStore for all parts and accessories: https://store.mopar.com/
Disclaimers
1When properly equipped.
