Photo by ArtistGNDphotography via iStock
One of the most important questions you must ask yourself before heading out on a camping adventure is: how do you want to camp? Today, there are endless ways to explore and sleep in the backcountry, but two of the best are using a removable truck camper and a towable camping trailer.
In this article, we’ll compare and contrast these two popular camping methods to see which is best for you. We’ll look at their ease of setup, features/amenities, amount of interior space, and price. Additionally, we’ll recommend our favorite truck camper and towable trailer for camping currently on the market.
Now, join us as we dive and break down everything there is to know about removable truck campers and towable trailers!
Table of Contents
- What is a Removable Truck Camper?
- What is a Towable Camping Trailer?
- Camping With a Removable Truck Camper vs a Towable Trailer: Setup
- Camping With a Removable Truck Camper vs a Towable Trailer: Features
- Camping With a Removable Truck Camper vs a Towable Trailer: Space
- Camping With a Removable Truck Camper vs a Towable Trailer: Price
- Final Thoughts
What is a Removable Truck Camper?
A removable truck camper (aka slide-in truck camper) is a unique system that fits into the bed of a pickup truck. It transforms a pickup truck into a campervan, allowing you to sleep wherever you want. One important thing to note is that removable truck campers are only compatible with pickups. You can’t use them as rooftop tents on other cars.
One removable truck camper we love is the Skinny Guy Kit N’ Kaboodle. It’s a heavy-duty camper built for hard-core adventurers. It comes equipped with a bed, a rechargeable battery, a solar panel, a fridge, water tanks, and more.
Here’s a list of some advantages of camping with the Skinny Guy Kit N’ Kaboodle:
- Size
- Functional
- Durable
- Convenient
- Off-Roading Performance
Check out the video above on our 4wdTALK YouTube Channel to learn more about the Skinny Guy Kit N’ Kaboodle.
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What is a Towable Camping Trailer?
Towable camping trailers are specifically designed for camping and hitch to the back of your vehicle. Their size and weight can vary tremendously, but the most popular ones in 2023 are small teardrop trailers. Because of their size and weight, nearly any car can tow a teardrop trailer, and they are ideal for everyone from solo travelers to families.
We recently had the pleasure of traveling with the Escapod TOPO 2 Voyager, which blew us away! It’s an innovative teardrop trailer that can handle any adventure while simultaneously making you feel like you are staying in a 5-star hotel.
Here’s a list of some advantages of camping with the Escapod TOPO 2 Voyager:
- Comfortable
- Spacious
- Versatile
- Easily Detachable
- Off-Roading Performance
Check out the video above on our 4wdTALK YouTube Channel to learn more about the Escapod TOPO 2 Voyager.
Camping With a Removable Truck Camper vs a Towable Trailer: Setup
Skinny Guy Kit N’ Kaboodle
Installing a removable truck camper for the first time is a task that will require multiple people and a little bit of time. However, once it’s correctly set up, you can hit the road at a moment’s notice whenever you want!
On the other hand, you must hitch and unhitch a towable trailer every time you want to use it. The first few times, it will take you longer since you are learning to do it safely and securely, but once you’ve got the hang of it, you should be able to do it in a few minutes.
Winner: Up to personal preference
Learn More:
- Cold Weather Camping Gear That Will Make Your Fall Trips More Comfortable
- Campervan vs. Camping Trailer: Which is Best for You?
Camping With a Removable Truck Camper vs a Towable Trailer: Features
Removable truck campers are functional and convenient, but there’s only so much you can squeeze into them. All of them will come with a cozy sleeping area, but unfortunately, not much more. Remarkably, the Skinny Guy Kit N’ Kaboodle features a stove, sink, table, and an optional toilet.
Alternatively, towable trailers are usually jam-packed with features and accessories. The bigger the trailer, the more luxury features you will find inside and out. The Escapod TOPO 2 Voyager boasts a Stargazer window, a memory foam mattress, a kitchen, an outdoor shower, and tons of storage space.
Winner: Towable trailer
Camping With a Removable Truck Camper vs a Towable Trailer: Space
Escapod TOPO 2 Voyager
Whether a removable truck camper or a towable trailer has more interior space depends entirely on the size of the trailer. Truck campers and teardrop trailers are generally comparable in size, but unlike campers, which are limited to the size of a truckbed, trailers can be huge.
We recommend going with a trailer if you plan to camp for extended periods or if comfort is your top priority.
Winner: Towable trailer
Camping With a Removable Truck Camper vs a Towable Trailer: Price
Skinny Guy Kit N’ Kaboodle
As much as we hate to admit it, price always influences our decisions. That said, removable truck campers are usually less expensive than camping trailers. For example, the Skinny Guy Kit N’ Kaboodle has a starting price of $31,300, while the Escapod TOPO 2 Voyager costs $50,780.
Winner: Truck camper
Final Thoughts
Both removable truck campers and towable camping trailers are excellent options for people considering investing in a mobile camping system. With that in mind, since both offer unique advantages, choosing the perfect one for you comes down to personal preference, camping style, and your vehicle.
To browse more options, check out the list below of other brands selling high-quality camping equipment at BTR Outfitters:
Disclaimer: Just so you know, some of the cool stuff we mention comes with affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission if you buy (no extra charge to you!). Plus, we occasionally feature sponsored content, but rest assured, we only shout out products we genuinely stand behind.
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