Can I put a cabover camper on my truck?

Hello,
I have a 1999 Tacoma prerunner and am looking to get a camper to travel/live in for a couple months, but I am worried about the weight on my truck. Has anyone else put a camper on their truck without problems? Or does anyone with first hand experience not recommend? Any advice is appreciated, thanks.

 

I guess if it fits...but how much does it weigh?

 

The aluminum ones would be the way to go buy they will still make it sway especially on stock suspension. Stiffen it up but if its a regular cab height camper you will be fine. Over the cab I think its too much for the trucks

 

I'd consider renting and tow something instead of carry it. If you can. It leaves your bed open and the truck will be far more pleasurable to drive. A few months isn't long. Rental toe camper is what I'd be looking at.

 

Like this

 

What camper is that?

 

I have no idea. But who ever that guy or gal is. Wins it all. They can have it all.

 

Can’t argue with that

 

Looks like a Scamp. I've been looking for a used one of those for a while.

https://www.scamptrailers.com/

 

Casita Independence. Cool rigs. I see them all over Colorado. Used ones do not stay on the market long if they are priced right.

 

Thanks for the replies. It looks like the biggest I would be able to do would be something like this, unless I get a trailer.

 

Thats pretty big for a tacoma, drivability will suffer especially if its in the mountains.

 

Plenty of Vagabond and Go Fast Campers on 1st gens.

 

I used a cab over a bit on the Tacoma, but for about a decade on my Mazda b2300 ( 4 cylinder 2wd reg cab Ford Ranger). Note that in my case, the cab over portion was used for storage, and the bed was the kitchen area that went east west. It absolutely can be done if you get a LIGHT WEIGHT set up, get your truck set up properly, and drive accordingly. I put about 20,000 kms on with my camper, but you have to be set up properly to not endanger yourself or others. The key is getting solid frame mounted tie downs ( I custom fabricated mine and mounted them to the frame rails with grade 8 1/2" bolts. )
The next step is air bag suspension or Add A Leaf leaf spring helper. I always went with the former. This is non negotiable, as you will have a dangerously light front end without the rear being helped out.
For everyone saying get a trailer, that just doesn't work in some scenarios; certain terrain, or trying to park your rig in a city are not possible. Maybe you want to tow a boat...
It's a lot of work, and it is not cheaper than a trailer, so ask yourself if this is what you really want.
I foolishly sold my 6'6" 700lb camper after completely redoing the interior and rebuilding any leaks shortly after getting my Tacoma. Ice box, heater and stove worked great. I have been using a camper shell with a platform for my ikea mattress ever since (shown in the last pic).
Will this be your only home?
I was able to live in my super small camper for multiple weeks on end, but you are going to have to deal with not having a toilet. Any unit with a shower or toilet will be way overweight.
Here's some pics of my camper in my B2300:

 

This is so helpful, the camper you used to have is exactly what I'm looking for. It's nice to know it's possible, of course after getting my truck up to speed. Thanks, and wish you hadn't sold it!

 

Can you? Sure







(This one was running a trailer and hammer down on whoops, so, kinda did it to himself for sure)
















For sure, some of these are stupidly overloaded. But remember your truck is rated for payload - that includes EVERYTHING that's not from the factory, including passengers.

As an example, my truck is a 2020 Off Road DCSB. Payload is (about) 1400 lbs (I've seen some other number, but, hey whatever). I can fit 4 people, let's say average Americans, 200 lbs a piece. My payload for crap in the bed is now 600lbs. Roof rack, side steps, I'm down to 500lbs USABLE payload with 4 people. That's not a lot

Looks like a 99 prerunner is a 2k ish payload, with less passenger capability for sure. But even still, just be aware of what your payload is - not because at 1lb over it'll snap, but that's what Toyota said the frame can handle, and if you go way over that...well, see above series of pictures of others who thought "Eh, it'll be fine"

 

I'm curious to see the failure points on these (under the trucks)

 

*cough* Yoho *cough*



I know of at least one or two folks on the Scout Campers Owners facebook page running a 1st gen Taco.

 

This is what I like to see!

 

Please note though, you can't just slap a camper like this on your truck without some modification to your suspension. You will be at, or beyond payload for your truck. Adding suspension mods will help make the load more controllable, but no mods will increase your actual payload. And i would NOT suggest this at all without making sure your frame is in great shape beforehand. A truck as old as yours may already have a swiss cheese frame from rust depending on where it spent most of its life.