mr22445
long island
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My wife and I want to purchase a TC so we can do some traveling. We have been looking at campers and recently attended a RV show. We were surprised to find that a nice 5th wheel cost no more than a much smaller Truck Camper. It seem that the 5th wheel's construction is similar to a truck camper with the addition of a suspension system so I would think that the 5th wheel would cost more than a truck camper. I dont like the idea of pulling a trailer through heavy traffic and the idea of snaking around tight areas. It would just be her and I and we don't see ourselves spending a lot of time in the camper so we don't need the extra space that most 5th wheels have but but it looks like you get much more for your money with a trailer. Am I missing something?
This is a great forum. I'm new here and appreciate all I've learned a from the you guys. Thanks for any responses.
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fordsooperdooty
Southern California
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Joined: 08/13/2004
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Manufacturing Truck Campers is a specialty business...more labor intensive and built most often one at a time by a very small work force. Not a busy and long assembly line swarming with workers.
Lower volume usually means it costs more to produce them per unit. It also commonly means that the TC manufacturer pays more for the materials needed to build the Campers vs a bigger RV trailer manufacturers ability to negotiate lower material costs by buying bigger volume.
My posts shouldn't be taken for factual data. They are purely fictional, for entertainment purposes and should not be constituted as actually related to scientific, technical, engineering, legal, spiritual or practical advice. Amen. 
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BlkCaribou
Snohomish WA
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I have asked that question of folks that I figured would know. Never got a good answer. Less glass, insulation, siding, roofing, hvac, framing ETC. in fact I am not aware of one component that there is more of in a TC. and as you stated no suspension or braking. The one thing I was told was that the TC needs to take more stress as it's in the bed of the truck... I do not agree with that.
I am very interested in your post and am hoping some one will have the good answer.
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xnorp
Spokane Washington
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I think that Fordsooperdooty said it all. My first thought was more labor intensive man hours add up.
xnorp
2000 F-250 SD PS 04 Snowriver 9'6" Rancho 9000X Super Springs Vision 19.5 w/Toyo M608Z
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old guy
Oregon (pronounced Or e gun)
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one thing I've learned is if a salesman says supply and demand to you, leave. I don't think the manufacture of TC's pay any more to buy the furnace etc than the TT or 5'er's do.
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rjf7g
Virginia
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Another consideration is the quality of the construction. You can't compare an entry-level 5th wheel with a Lance or Host truck camper, for example. What brands and models were you looking at? I went to an RV show last week and saw a wide range of prices on bunk houses with an additional queen and no slide. You will see a range on all types of campers, that's where quality and branding come in.
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NorthernLimits
Michigan
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How could it possibly be more labor intensive? you telling me that it's harder to put an 11 foot rubber roof on than a 40 foot rubber roof? Harder to wire up one AC unit than it is to wire up 2 units? It's smaller, has less electronics, less wiring, less everything.
I believe the main reason is it's a low volume specialty business and people that want a well appointed truck camper will pay the price.
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Camper_Jeff_&_Kelli
Seattle
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Swiss Watch -vs- Timex.
Camper Jeff and Kelli's Blog!
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MAV 8801
MONT CLARE PA
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I agree with FORDSOOPERDUTY..Low volume, small demand means higher price..and I think they are made better than the average TT which again raises the price...
2011 Palomino Maverick 8801, 2005 Chevy 2500HD Crew Duramax/Allison, Timbrens, Bilsteins, Michelin LTX M/S2, Hypertech programer & Honda Eu2000
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Tech Dude
Torrance
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Same with class B over a class C
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