Question Of The Week

$100 Million Lottery Responses – Part 1

Our question of the week last week was, “How would your truck camping lifestyle change if you won $100 million in the lottery today?”.  With over 100 responses (113 to be exact), we are splitting these multi-million dollar responses into two separate parts.

“My wife and I are planning on buying a truck camper and starting our travels this spring.  We take our ATVs in tow and go to off the beaten path to camp, ride, fish, etc.  A trailer limits access too much.  Truck campers rock!” – Darrell Giffin, 2006 Toyota Tundra, N/A

“I would get another pop-up, but with a shower.” – Robert Johnson, 93 Dodge W250, 89 Sunlite

“The only change would be freedom.  Right now we both still work.  Once we leave our jobs, we would then be able to truck camp so much more.  We love our set up and don’t see changing a thing other than much more travel.  And we would not have to worry about gas prices!” – Joe and Nina Mac Donald, 2013 Chevy Silverado, 2013 Northstar Igloo U

“I would keep the camper and trade the truck in on a 2014 GMC 3500, with all the new whistles and bells.  I would put a twenty-six foot seagoing fishing boat on a trailer behind the rig.” – Jim Goodrich, 2006 Chevy 3500, 2008 Lance 1191

“Yes, the money gives you the happiness and money changes everything as the Cindy Lauper song describes.  $100 million changes everything in your life and perhaps your family’s lives.  Here in Spain, the state keeps twenty percent in taxes for lottery awards and national taxes are twenty-one percent on everything you buy.  That leaves just sixty percent.

At this moment, I’m forty-three years old.  After crossing into my forties, I am starting to think about a life I like, which is being in the outdoors.  I want good health and family around.  I don’t need $1 million dollars.  There are no ATMs in the outdoors.” – Emilio Camarasa, 2003 Silverado 2500 HD, still no camper

“We would definitely upgrade our truck and camper.  We are already full-timers with hopes of traveling out west.  Plus we would buy a motorhome.” – Frank and Betty Downing, 2001 Dodge Ram 3500, 2009 Lance

“As a truck camper wannabe, I would be able to buy a one ton four-wheel drive pick-up truck with a fully-loaded Arctic Fox camper.  Then I would travel all over the United States, Canada, and Alaska.” – Lisa MacDonald, 2011 Ford F150, 2013 Escape 19′ travel trailer

“In light of the fact that we just traded our 2007 Snowriver 9.6 for a new Lance 1172 (on order), we might splurge and get a new Silverado 3500HD dually with more comfort features, as our current truck is a work model.

Since money would not be an issue for fuel, camp fees, etc., we likely would take a major trip each quarter of the year, as well as several shorter trips.  Because of family involvement and church activities, we likely would not go full-time.  Yes, we definitely would remain truck campers!” – Dewey Lackey, 2003 Silverado 3500HD, Lance 1172

“We would upgrade to a new Ford F-450 diesel, crew cab, long bed, dually and have a custom camper made to our specific requirements (two slides, dry bath, generator, solar, etc.).  We would take longer trips than the three to four trips we have taken with our existing rig.  With that kind of money, we wouldn’t worry about fuel cost or time away from home.” – Robert Johnson, 2008 Ford F350, 2007 Lance 851

“First, we would pay off any debts we have and fix minor repairs on our truck.  We would upgrade our camper to something four-season, or purchase a four-season camper and go full-time until I am not physically able to do so.

We would rent the home while on the road with provisions of being able to return to the house in later years.  The only state I have not been in is Alaska and have no real desire to go there.  That is about all in a nutshell.” – Bob Lawrence, 2004 Chevy 3500HD, 2002 Lance 1161

“We’ve talked about this!  A Northern Lite would definitely be hopping onto our truck.  We would buy multiple properties in Oregon (coast, eastern, central, and southern) for month(s) long camping trips full of fishing and hunting.  No more hoping our favorite site is available!” – Diane Larsen, 2012 Ford F-350, 2007 S & S Montana Ponderosa 8.5FBSC

“Yes, I would still have a truck and camper.  With that much money I would get a new 2014 truck; a 4500 dually, 4X4, crew cab.  I also would get a larger camper with slide-outs (how many slides will depend on what is available at the time).  Also, it must have a basement, preferably a side entrance, and solar-panels that, under normal conditions, will supply all my electrical needs.

No air conditioning since I think that is ridiculous in a camper where we go away to be outside and not sit inside a camper with vents and windows closed.  The camper must be completely winterized for camping in cold climates.  I have looked at some European RVs that have heated floors and would like a heated floor in my camper.

I am retired so can go when I want, but would not go full-time.  Besides, with so much money, I can afford to keep the house.

I have often thought about what I really would want in a camper and why it is that I prefer truck campers.  One of the advantage of a truck and camper combination is that you can trade in one or the other if you want a change.  Also, I like a four-wheel drive unit for getting into less accessible areas.

Most of all, I like the freedom that a truck and camper gives me.  It’s small enough to go anywhere, park almost anywhere, and still provide all the amenities.  At the same, truck campers let me feel that I am camping and not living in a luxury hotel like you can in a large motor home.  I like to be close to nature and not be tied to large RV parks. ” – Lars G Larsson, 2011 Dodge Ram 3500, 2007 Arctic Fox 805

“Yes, I would very definitely own and use a truck camper.  The truck camper supplies us with everything we need.  I like it better than a motorhome.  When it comes time to replace either the truck or camper, I would probably upgrade.  I would not go full-timing, but I definitely would take longer and more frequent trips.  I love my truck camper and the country we live in.  I would try to enjoy it more.” – Rag, 2003 Chevrolet Silverado, 1990 Sportsman 8ft

“No, I would not upgrade.  Yes, I would go full-timing.  I do not know, but am willing to find out how it would affect my truck camping lifestyle.” – Stuart Johnson, 1999 Dodge 3500

“We would still have a truck camper rig!  I would certainly upgrade to a newer model pop-up truck camper and even though our truck “Maxine” is in great shape with 300,000+ miles on her, we would probably purchase something new.

Then it would be travel, travel, travel on every backroad and town we could find!  My dear hubby and I have found, for the paved and dirt roads we like to travel, having a truck camper has been our best purchase.  We’ve had them all; tent, motorhome, travel trailer and fifth wheel (which is for sale now).  The rest were great when our kids were younger and traveling with us, but now, we are almost empty nesters and having the truck camper has given us more options for boondocking in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan and the surrounding states that border us.

We still have jobs (me a school bus driver and hubby is a mechanic) so usually three to five days out is all we get.  Winning $100 Million would end that problem and we would become full-time gypsies!” – Cindi Delo, 2002 Chevy K2500, 1990s Skamper 600

“Wow, isn’t that the sixty-four thousand dollar question?  Well maybe, considering inflation.  It’s almost more than I can conceive.  It would probably completely alter my lifestyle.

Camping is only part of who I am.  I’m really a traveler at heart; often vicariously through published works such as featured here on TCM.  But I’m also a hardware junkie.

Frankly, I’d probably move to Europe for a few years and explore all the historic back roads I could conjure up on a motorcycle, following the seasons for best weather conditions.  I’d venture around the world.  It would probably not be an around-the-world trek, but rather a transit to the locales that have an interest and explore.

Closer to truck camper content, Earthroamer-type vehicles really get my juices flowing, but I’m more likely to assemble my dream rig of an Alaskan on a four-wheel drive diesel-powered flatbed or utility body.  With that outfit, I’d full-time through North America for a spell.” – Mark Obert, 1999 Ford F250, 1999 Lance 920

“I’d probably buy a couple more trucks and campers so I could pick and choose and spend a whole lot more time on the road.  The campers would need a nice new heated storage building too so I wouldn’t have to winterize.  Keep on camping.” – Dave Miller, 2012 Ford F350, 2003 Bigfoot

“Oh boy!  I would buy a newer truck camping rig, possibly with four-wheel drive, and plan on taking an extended tour of the Pan American Highway as far south as possible.  I would definitely turn into a full-timer.  Such a great dream!” – Candy Krewer, 1999 Dodge 2500, 2004 Lance 1181

“I would buy one of those fancy Australian go-anywhere four-wheel drive diesel survival rigs!” – James Becker, 2006 Ford F150, 1990 Okanagan

“What camper?  LOL.  I would most likely buy a camper manufacturer, such as Arctic Fox (truck camper division) and build a camper based upon engineering and components available today in 2013.  We love our truck camper and would rather travel in it than on any airplane.  One of the best moves we ever made was buying a truck camper and getting rid of our forty-five foot motor coach.

If nothing else, I would have a top manufacturer build us one to our specifications, making it lighter, more efficient, more aerodynamic bringing it into the twenty-first century.” – Don Pryor, 2011 F 350, CC, LB, Dually, 2009 Arctic Fox 1150

“I would probably buy a new dually to slide under our camper, and then I would load up the skis and hit the road!” – Bill Tex, 2006 Chevy 2500HD, 2013 Eagle Cap 850

“I would buy a dually so I could haul a triple-slide truck camper.  I would have all the money I needed to go full-time.  I would pay off my 2014 Jeep Patriot and trade it in for that dually that I would pay cash for.  When you are debt free, it opens up a whole new world for you.  I am a disabled Veteran.  While I was in the US Army, I was able to see a lot of the world, but now I want to see America.  But, because of my limited income, well, must I say anymore?  Thank you for this website and all you do for truck campers across America.” – G.I. Joe Bane, not yet, not yet

“We do not own a home anymore, we just rent, so we would go full-time with the truck and camper that we already have.  I am a nurse and my husband is a mason by trade. We would go out west and up into the Alaskan wilderness, helping anyone along the way that needed it. ” – Kim and Tony Frohm, 2001 Ford F350, 2009 Lance 1181

“I would get a new truck; a one ton, two-wheel drive with a flatbed.  I’d have Northstar build me a flatbed unit to my specifications.  Then I would enjoy it.” – Marc Swanson, 2004 Dodge 2500, 2011 Northstar Igloo

“The wife and I like to play this game as we’re traveling in our truck camper.  At first, she always talked about investing and not going crazy and not spending money on useless things.  While I love that about her, it makes for a rather boring game of “What if we won the Lotto?”.

I’ve finally convinced her that this is a pretend game that it’s more fun when you indulge your “kid in a candy shop” desires.  With that in mind, who says you’d have to limit yourself to one RV?

My dream truck camper would be an Eagle Cap 1165 triple slide on a Ford F550 four-wheel drive truck with a custom Douglass Truck Body.  I’d have ALP remove the coat closet in the rear slide and put in a full length sofa sleeper like the one in the Chalet triple slide.  If we had $100 million, we could make all the modifications that we want.

For those times that I wanted to go more off the grid, a Ram Power Wagon with a Hallmark Milner pop-up camper would be fun to have.  I saw this combination at the Overland Expo and was very impressed.

For those times when you just need more space, a Jayco Seneca Super-C would be hard to beat.  My favorite model is the 36FK.  Once I had these three diesel haulers in the stable, it would be time to start collecting all the toys that you could tow behind them.  This game really is more fun when you let your imagination run wild.  Guess I’d better go out an get a lottery ticket.” – Rex Carroll, 2004 Ford F350, 2006 Alpenlite Cheyenne

“Long story short.  I’d trade for a Ford F450 crew cab, dually, and a Lance 1172 double slide.  I’d spend the remaining on trying to wear them out!  Happy camping!” – Denver and Linda Woods, 1997 Ford F350, 2001 Lance 1121

“Upgrade of course, but I would buy five sets of everything.  One set for us, three for my three boys, and one set for my parents.  We’d travel in a pack.” – Brown, 2007 Ford F350, 2007 Capri, Rodeo Deluxe

“With that kind of money, my only consideration would be size of camper.  We wouldn’t have to worry about wrecking an expensive toy.  I’d get a small Earthroamer or Earth Cruiser.  For me, truck campers are a bang for your buck compared to other options with limited resources.  The better question would be, how would your truck camping lifestyle change if you had an extra $100 million?” – Alfonse Pinkus, 2007 Ford F-350, 2007, 2013 Hallmark Cuchara

“I would purchase a new truck and new camper with multiple slides.  I would also purchase a motorhome.  This way I would have the best of both worlds.  My lifestyle would not change all that much as I don’t need a lot.  I would then spend at least the next year or two traveling all over the United States and Canada.  Once I got back from my trip, I would try to figure out where I want to live in retirement.” – Bob Chan, 1989 Ford F250, 1988 Lance 780

“We have a 2014 Palomino 2910 on order so I think we would stay with that.  The truck is a 2008 Dodge 3500 dually with only 33,000 miles so I think we would stay with that also.

I’m already retired and just waiting for a few more years before my wife can retire from her second career.  If we had an extra $100,000,000 in the bank, she would retire early and we would pack the camper and boat and go fishing for the rest of our lives.” – Don Davis, 2008 Dodge 3500, 2014 Palomino 2910

“I would have another nice dually truck, long bed, gas or diesel, with a full camper.” – John Barber, 2007 Dodge Ram 3500, none, but someday, if I win the lottery

“How would it change?  I would be out even more exploring our country.  Would I upgrade the truck and camper?  Most likely I would.  Other than that, we love what we do and wouldn’t change it.  We are living out some of our dreams already.” – Rich Bain, 1999 Chevy 3500, 2010 Adventurer 810WS

“I would go truck camping full-time.  I would not change my truck or camper.  I love them both!  Maybe I would ship my rig to Australia, and try some truck camping overseas.  I would buy my kids the same rig, so we could all go together.” – Pat Pilat, 2013 Chevy, Hallmark K2

“I think I would have my existing truck totally restored and same for my camper.  They are such a good combination I really wouldn’t want anything else.  I think I would spend some money buying my friends good camping rigs.  Spending winters in a warmer climate would be near the top of my list.” – Gary Pavone, 1995 Ford F350, 2001 Lance 810

“I would change my truck to a new one ton diesel dually to accommodate the new Chalet TS-116FB Camper that I would buy!” – Normand Matte, 2003 Dodge Ram 2500, 2003 Lance 1130

“As of now, I really don’t have much of a recreational life.  I have worked seven days a week for twenty-five plus years.  My life dream come true is to get out and see the USA with my two boys.  I have never left the Northeast. ” – George Tsatsaronis, 2013 Ford F350, N/A

“Well, first off, I think I’d actually buy a camper!  I’d buy a new Ram 3500 diesel truck and get it out to XP Camper for mods and installation of one of their pop-ups.  While they’re putting that rig together, I’d have a few months to contemplate where to go from there, but that would be a good start!” – Bob Moroney, 2011 Toyoto Tunda, None yet

“I would buy a bigger truck, a bigger camper, and a Jeep to pull behind it.  I would buy a house in a small town in Arizona and use it as a base in the winter for exploring the southwestern part of the country.  Back in Kansas, I would buy a place that had room for a barn with all the hook-ups to house my truck and camper.” – John Bull, 2004 Dodge 3500, 2004 Lance 920

“I will always have a truck camper!  After taking care of family and friends, I would upgrade and begin singing as I drove off into the sunset for a go anywhere adventure.  I just bought my Megamillion ticket today!” – Sue Surateaux, 2002 Chevy 2500HD, 2008 Arctic Fox 811

“We’d be able to leave our jobs and go camping!  No changes to our camper set up, but we could have a huge supply of gas cards to give to friends to meet up with us.” – Bonnie Pascucci, 2011 Chevy 3500, Adventurer 86FB

“I would go full-time with a new truck and would upgrade to a bigger truck camper with a dry bath.  We have had two Class A rigs and pull-behinds, but I really enjoy my truck camper.  I’m able to pull my boat or bike with me.  I love the idea of being able to take my camper anywhere my truck will go with ease.  I travel the fishing circuit and this outfit is the way to go.

I’m sure I will always have a truck camper and a $100 million would allow us to travel the United States and see it all.  After thirty years in law enforcement, that would be a lifetime dream.” – Trent Pardue, 2009 Dodge 3500, 2012 Lance 855S

“I would get a new truck camper and truck and go full-time.  I would probably get a fifth wheel to use as a home base.  I would have more room to recoop.” – Larry M. Preston, 2012 Chevy Silverado 3500HD, 2002 Apache 8.65

“I would buy a high end truck camper like a Lance or Chalet, and a heavy duty truck like a four wheel drive Ford F550, and travel the world.” – Ronnie Willford, 1997 Ford F350, 1995 Shadow Cruiser Model 950

“The truck would have a body off frame restoration and the camper would be completely restored to better than original condition.  The camper needs a lot of work right now.  And then I would go on a USA and Canada road trip! ” – Thomas Coffin, 1991 Ford F350, 1973 American Road

“I would upgrade my truck camper rig and travel as much as I could.” – Allan Chaffee, 1995 Dodge Ram, 2000 Lance 1130

“I know that my husband would keep the truck camper and we would take our time traveling the United States and Canada.  If I had that kind of money, we would ship the camper overseas and travel England, Scotland, Ireland, etc.  When we got back, my husband would probably take $100,000 and build a garage for it as a resting place.

I can never see my husband ever letting go of that rig.  It looks brand new inside and out – just like the day he brought it home from Northstar dealership on Long Island, New York.  I am sure nothing would change with $100 million except he would baby that rig even more and that’s the truth. ” – Judi Flett, 2007 Dodge Ram 3500, 2007 Northstar Igloo

“After everything from tenting across the United States in 1963, several RVs, and a new diesel pusher, I think I might improve and keep what we have.  I would consider an overland camper of some kind or a truck replacement for the camper.” – Frank Turner, 2013 Ford F350, 2013 Arctic Fox 996

“I would immediately head to New Hampshire to purchase a truck and camper and stop being a truck camper wannabee.  The next five years would be spent constantly on the road exploring every corner of our wonderful country and Canada.” – Allen Williams, no truck, no camper

“Winning $100 million would affect my lifestyle in that I would be able purchase the truck and camper of my desire.  I would live full-time traveling the Pacific coastline for the rest of my days.  The only worry being, do I spend the day relaxing at one location or do I go and drive to another and relax there?” – Brian Mayden

“I would pay off my truck and buy a new Lance truck camper.” – Joe DaSilva Jr., 2013 Ford F-350, 2002 Lance 1030

“We would custom order an Earth Roamer!  Technically it’s not a truck camper, but it does everything and more.  And we would spend a lot more time on the road exploring!” – Orian Hartviksen, 2011 Ford F350, 2010 Northern Lite 8’11″Q

“I don’t know what I would do.  At seventy-nine years old I would have to hurry to spend it before the reaper comes.” – James H Tomczak, 2006 Chevy 3500, 2007 Arctic Fox 9.5

“Very little.  I’d probably upgrade to new Arctic Fox 990 and make sure it had all the bells and whistles.” – Dave, 2011 Ford F350, 2006 Arctic Fox 990

“Not having to worry about expense would mean lots more trips for sure.  Newfoundland again and Alaska as well.  Then we would cross Canada coast-to-coast.

We would dump the GMC and get a Tundra or possibly a Dodge.  It would be hard to decide or find another camper that serves us as well as this Shadow Crusier layout does.  I would install electric jacks.  No too full-timing.  We love it here in Maine.” – Jim and Genie Dailey, 2002 GMC 2500HD, 1993 Shadow Crusier pop-up

“I would get a F350 with long bed and a Lance camper and stay the whole fishing season at the North Carolina Outer Banks!” – Jason Cain, 2011 Ford F250, 2011 Palomino Maverick

“I am planning to retire In April 2014.  I would be forced to retire earlier and hit the road tomorrow.  My truck is fine.  The old camper still is quite comfortable.  The only upgrade I would consider making to the camper is air conditioning.

Lottery win or not, I’m hitting the road as soon as I can.  My wife asked when I would be coming back home and I told her if I ran out of clean clothes or needed gas money.  I suspect I’d be gone a month at a time, to start.” – George Randall, 2012 Ford F-350, 2000 Lance 915

“Hello, retirement!  We would certainly stay with a truck camper.  We’d just be in it more and not have to wait another few years.  Our plan is to volunteer in the National Park system when we retire and we’d be happy to move up the time frame.

We might upgrade but we love what we have.  I can’t see our lifestyle changing much other than having the opportunity to help our kids and grandkids out financially.  In reality, other than my darling wife, I don’t need much, and she tells me we only need each other!  Something else we agree on!” – Ed Amato, 2000 Ford F350, Lance 1050S

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