One of the smallest segments of the recreational vehicle industry is having a steady year.

Mark Hovanec at Lance Camper Manufacturing Corporation, believes the popularity of pickup campers is destined to climb over the next few years.  "I think the trend people are seeing is a lot of baby boomers are downsizing their motorhomes and fifth-wheels and going into truck campers for drive-ability and ease of parking", according to Hovanec.

Truck campers, which slide onto the bed of  a pickup truck, are just ahead of van campers in annual shipments from manufacturers as reported by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association. Actual sales numbers are difficult to get because most  states don’t require truck campers to be registered like a towable. But voluntary reporting to RVIA by some of the 17 truck camper manufacturers show 2,200 such units were shipped to dealers in 2010.

Why buy a truck camper?  Pickups are plentiful in the United States, and especially here in New Mexico.  One big reason for the popularity may be due to the rich hunting grounds and fishing spots in the state.

One of the main advantages of pickup campers for sportsmen is they can also pull their boat trailer or another type of trailer while their pickup is loaded with the camper.

 These days, truck campers feature all the amenities of larger travel trailers, just in a more compact package. Some truck camper models have slide-out kitchens and dinettes, queen size beds, furnaces, insulated windows and bathrooms, some with combined showers.

 Consumers also like the quick loading and offload times made possible by electronic jacks and quick-release tie downs.

  
Lance Truck Camper in Poppy Field

Many truck camper owners believe the campers offer a better camping experience, one where participants feel closer to nature than when they are housed in a luxury fifth-wheel or trailer.

You can see several of the 2012 Lance truck campers at the RV and Boat show this weekend.  Come see if one of them fits your camping style.  While you’re at the show, be sure to register to win the iPad2.  You may not be able to use it in the camper when you’re up in the Gila Wilderness but it’s a lot of fun to have!