Can You Ride In Truck Camper?

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Last Updated on September 5, 2024 by Paul Clayton

Can You Ride In Truck Camper?

Truck campers are a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts who want a camper’s convenience combined with a truck’s versatility. Safety regulations and laws vary by country and state.

• Laws vary by state and country.
• Some regions permit safety measures.
• Communication with the driver is often mandatory.
• Many areas deem it unsafe and illegal.
• Truck campers lack cab safety features.
• Always verify local laws before considering.

Taking the time out to vacation with the family using a truck camper is a ton of fun. You can go just about anywhere, camping wherever you desire.

All you need to do is put the truck camper into your truck’s bed, ensure that it is fastened down, and you can explore the world. However, a thought has crossed your mind since you got your truck camper.

You have always wondered if riding in a pickup truck camper is legal and possible. To answer that as concisely as possible, yes, you can, in most states. However, each state has its laws and statutes concerning the matter.

If your family is large, you must determine where everybody will sit. Everyone, particularly pets and kids, must ride securely.

A way to solve this problem would be to purchase a truck with a crew cab or an extended cab. Extended cabs tend to have smaller seats, while crew cabs have seats of the same size as the front of the cab.

They also have doors. The back seats are generally comfortable and can securely seat three people, thanks to the accompanying seat belts.

Nevertheless, if your truck is just a standard one, your front seats will only take two, so where would everybody else ride? The most logical answer would be for those individuals to ride in your truck camper.

But this brings up a question of not just legality but of safety.

The Legality Surrounding Riding in a Truck Camper

Generally, it is possible to ride in a truck camper legally. However, you have to be aware of a couple of exceptions. For example, you can ride in a truck camper while it is in motion in nearly every state in the nation except Maine, Mississippi, Arkansas, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire.

Additionally, some states require your truck camper to have safety glass or access to the pickup’s cab. Some other states require any passenger riding in a truck camper to be at least 13 or 14.

It seems more than strange, considering that most states that allow passengers to ride in a truck camper while in motion do not allow passengers to ride in a fifth-wheel or travel trailer.

This lapse might be due to poor classification. According to the RVIA, the laws of most states do not address truck campers.

Amongst those states that acknowledge the legal existence of pickup and truck campers in their laws, some strictly forbid passengers to ride in a moving truck camper, and a couple of others place certain conditions that must be met.

To help you clarify so you do not run into trouble, the list below contains the states that inherently forbid passengers from riding in a truck camper while it is in motion:

• Pennsylvania
• New Hampshire
• Mississippi
• Maine
• Arkansas

Other states tend to restrict how passengers should ride in the truck camper.

Most of these restrictions tend to address the passenger’s age. However, some states legally require the passengers riding in the truck camper to have access to the truck’s cabin.

This is not a feature that tends to come standard on pickup campers.

Below is a list of states that place limitations on how passengers can ride in a moving truck camper:

• The state of Kansas requires passengers to be older than 15 to ride in a moving truck camper.
• Georgia does not have an age limit; however, it does require passengers in the truck camper to have uninhibited access to the truck’s cab.
• California does not have an age requirement; what it does have, however, is a requirement that passengers in the truck camper be able to communicate with those in the truck camper easily.
• The truck camper’s exit must be accessible from both outside and inside. Seat belts and safety glass in the windows complete the list of requirements for this state.
• Hawaii passengers must be at least 13 before legally riding in a truck camper.

One thing to remember is that laws will constantly change, so looking up what your state says concerning passengers in a moving truck camper is a great idea.

You should also check the states you plan to pass through or visit before you get on the road.

Is Riding in a Truck Camper Safe To Do?

Legality aside, you cannot expect passengers to ride in your truck camper without taking several precautions. Here are a few safety tips and precautions you should consider before letting anyone ride in your truck camper.

• Double and triple-check the turnbuckles and tie-downs. Driving down the road can be horrible, only to have your camper fall off the truck. This can be disastrous for those inside and any vehicles behind your truck.
• Regardless of the regulations in your state, it would help if you never let children ride unsupervised in the truck camper.
• This should also go for any pets as they might panic being alone in the truck camper
• Your pets should always be riding in a secure carrier. They should not be left loose in the truck camper. And if you do decide to put your pet in the truck camper, someone from the family should stay with them so they do not panic.
• Consider installing seat belts if you intend to carry passengers in your truck camper.
• When you install the seat belts, insist that anyone looking to ride in the truck camper uses them. Seat belts can help prevent injuries that might happen during a sudden stop.
• Any loose objects should be secure before you get on the road. Something as simple as a game controller, a can, or even a bottle can cause much damage.
• Those states that communication must exist between the truck camper and the truck’s cab seem to be on the right track.
• If you cannot have a window that allows for communication, you could consider an intercom or walkie-talkies. You cannot rely on phones, as they might not work consistently.
• The truck camper’s door must be left unlocked. Should an emergency happen, it can act as an emergency exit, which your passengers can use to get out. It can also be helpful for emergency crews to get in the event of an accident.
• A carbon monoxide monitor should be installed in your truck camper to help ensure that exhaust does not enter the camper as you move on the road.
• You can get 12V and battery-operated models to ensure your passengers are safe while on the road.

Some Related Questions

Can you use a truck camper out of the truck?

Yes, you can. When the truck camper is not attached to the truck, it becomes a portable and versatile living space that can be used in various ways. Once off the truck, the camper provides easy access and mobility, making it easier for individuals to get in and out.

How can I make riding in a truck camper safer?

If you’re in a jurisdiction where riding in a truck camper is legal and choose to do so, ensure that the camper is securely fastened to the truck.

All passengers have a way to communicate with the driver. Everyone is seated and not moving around while the vehicle is in motion, and you’re traveling on smooth, less congested roads.

However, remember that these measures cannot fully mitigate the inherent risks.

Are there any alternatives to riding in a truck camper?

Yes, a safer alternative would be to travel in the truck’s cab if it’s large enough to accommodate all passengers with seatbelts. Another option is to follow the camper in a separate vehicle.

How do insurance companies view riding in a truck camper?

Many insurance policies may not cover injuries sustained while riding in a truck camper, especially if it’s against the law or the insurance company’s policies. Reviewing your policy and discussing it with your insurance provider before making any decisions is essential.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, whether you can ride in a truck camper depends on the laws of your specific state or country. It is important to note that laws regarding riding in a truck camper vary significantly.

Some regions have regulations that permit riding in a truck camper, but only if specific safety measures are taken. This may include mandatory communication with the driver to ensure constant awareness of the passenger’s presence.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge that many areas consider riding in a truck camper unsafe and illegal. This is mainly due to these vehicles’ lack of cab safety features.

Therefore, it is always advisable to verify the local laws and regulations before considering riding in a truck camper to ensure compliance and prioritize safety.

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