Truck Camper and Using Multi-Pro Tailgate?

SoCal Angler · March 31

I am considering a used truck camper. Being as most of my travels will be in the Southwest, I am looking at both hard side and soft sided pop ups.

On occasion, I may take my aluminum fishing in tow when camping. Traveling mainly alone, with passenger or two at times, but not enough to need a large camper.

I would like to use the tailgate as an entry step, as I think it makes for a very nice and secure way of entering/exiting camper when on truck. That means a shorter camper is needed that will allow for tailgate to be closed when camper is installed. Truck bed interior length is 6'-9" if I recall.

Do any of you use a camper and tailgate in the way I describe? If so, what camper model?

Any of you research what campers will allow for tailgate to be closed?

I found one that will work....it is the Cirrus 620 hard side designed for short bed trucks that will fit....but they are pricey even used!

Thanks!

Terry OBrien · April 1

SoCal Angler... I have a 2021 Silverado 2500HD CC, duramax. Love the truck and we put a Cirrus 620 onto our rig. We love it. I don't have the multigate so we use a little giant step ladder to access. Works fantastic. On our rig it is all stock, no mods. The height of the tailgate dropped when the bed is empty is 40". With the camper in the bed that changes to 36". The tailgate closes fine with the camper in it and has just enough room to allow the step ladder to nest between the camper rear wall and the tailgate closed with a large flat rubber pad between the camper and step ladder. We specifically did not want a camper that required the tailgate to be removed. For us the 620 fit the bill. Shoot me a PM and happy to give you Cirrus lowdown if you are interested.

Another thought to think through is hitch needs. We don't tow but but we do carry mtn bikes and sometimes a hitch mount cargo box. It was important for us to make sure those two items work as swing away items so the tailgate can drop without dealing with hitch shenanigans. All that's been great and going well.

There are loads of camper choices out there and very cool ideas that just keep getting better. Be patient and willing to search a wide footprint. We live in the PNW but bought the truck and camper separately in Idaho as we could not find the right unit and price here. Loads of awesome popups are out there...

Hope this helps... FYI... if you do go a camper route... I purchased quick release brackets for camper jacks and travel with the jacks securely on the floor in the back of the truck cab. So nice to not have then protrude out, catch something or have someone smack them and twist the camper. Have fun hunting and good luck... let me know what you end up doing...

SoCal Angler · April 24

Terry, thanks for the PM discussion. Still have not decided. For now, I'll be towing my 25' TT to the Sierras for some trout fishing/camping. It's a big rig for solo traveling, but I already have it and it is comfy! The advantages for fishing and a TT is you can drop the TT and set up as a base camp and use truck for getting to fishing locations. Pros/Cons for camper vs TT when it comes to fishing. Ex. If I had a camper I would need to break down camper in the early AM as i drive to fishing locations....each day. Decisions, decisions....

I, too, do not like the idea of removing my MP tailgate when I use a camper. One manufacturer suggested leaving tailgate in down position.....not sure I like that idea. Sounds like the MP tailgate and the Cirrus 620 would make a great package!