From salmon fishing on the Columbia to tubing in hidden coves, these fellow truck campers turn every waterway into an adventure. Check out their ultimate truck, camper, and boat set-ups and learn from their amazing tips. Time to hit the water!

In this first installment of our two‑part series, you’ll meet the truck‑camper‑and‑boat owners who have perfected the art of rolling from highway to water. You’ll see their rigs, their favorite waters, and their hard‑earned tips to make your own camp‑and‑boat adventures smoother, safer, and a whole lot more fun.

One weekend, you might find them chasing salmon and walleye on the Columbia River from a Lund 2075 Fisherman; the next, they’re tubing, wakeboarding, and island‑hopping with their 13‑foot Sea‑Doo Switch. Some tow classic boats, like a 1963 StarCraft Jupiter that’s braved miles of gravel roads, while others explore off‑the‑grid rivers in drift boats or even sleep under the stars on their FireFish jet boat in the middle of nowhere.

Their summers are a blur of fishing, tubing, and lazy cove lunches, with the occasional wildlife sighting or beachside crab boil. But every mile and launch comes with lessons: why hitch extensions and tongue‑weight ratings can make or break your trip, how the wrong trailer tires can shred before you hit 55 mph. Hop in. We’re going boating!

Mark Schnackenberg
2024 Chevy Silverado 3500HD
2024 Cirrus 820
2022 Lund 2075 Fisherman

I go fishing all the time, mostly for salmon or walleye on the Columbia River.

The Lund 2075 Fisherman is a great all-around boat for big water fishing on the Columbia, but not too big for towing with a truck camper.

Above: Columbia River, Umatilla, Oregon

I think I got this one just right. I’ve had various boats, campers and trucks over the years and spent a lot of time researching for the perfect setup for my needs. I didn’t want a dually truck or a long bed. The Cirrus is a great camper for a short bed truck. I factory-ordered everything to my specifications to get it right.

Kevin, Laura, and Butter Eliseo
2021 Ford F-450
2017 Lance 1062
2012 Willie Drift Boat

Fly fishing on rivers and lakes is a passion of ours. We required a drift boat for running the river we love to fish.

Above: Heading out for a few weeks of fly fishing

Nothing was a surprise, given all the great information available on towing safely from Truck Camper Magazine and other sources. We recommend newbies do lots of research to determine what is the best and safest setup for them.

Robert Wallen
2013 Chevy 2500HD
2015 Northstar 850SC
2011 Tracker Targa V18

My wife and I love to fish together. It gives us a lot of quiet time without the pressures of the outside world. The lakes we’ve visited are some of the most beautiful places we’ve been to.

When I retired, I wanted to fish the one hundred largest lakes in the United States. We made it to some before Covid, and high fuel costs shut that dream down. We still have the camper and boat, but we don’t use them as often as we’d like.

Above: Boat Ramp in the Hazen Recreation Area, North Dakota

The Tracker Targa V18 was a good size for the waters we wanted to fish. It weighs in at roughly 1,600 pounds. If you’re planning to tow on the interstates, make sure you have tires rated for the speeds you are going to be running at. On our first trip out, the tires were not rated beyond 55 miles per hou,r and they were completely worn out by the end of the trip.

The Chevy 2500HD with the Alison transmission is the perfect tow vehicle. There’s enough power to pull this rig up any hill or mountain. You don’t know you have a fully loaded camper and boat behind you. I installed electric brakes on the boat trailer and would recommend this modification to anyone thinking about towing a boat.

The tires were the biggest surprise. Spend the extra money and get good tires. Make sure you understand the load and speed ratings for the tires you are purchasing and that they fit your expected travel requirements.

John Buell
2023 Ford F-250
Palomino SS-550
2022 SeaDoo Switch Compact Sport 13’ 170

I’ve always loved the water, and so does my family. Some of our best memories have been made camping near lakes and rivers, enjoying kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Naturally, adding a boat was the next step in our outdoor adventures.

When I first saw the Sea-Doo Switch, I was hooked. It’s truly the Swiss Army knife of boats—versatile, fun, and built for adventure. By pure luck, I managed to secure one of the first 13’ Compact Sport models delivered to Texas. Just like our camper, we use it to its fullest potential.

Above: Oologah Lake, Oklahoma

From wakeboarding and tubing to fishing and scuba diving, this boat does it all. While it’s not made for hauling a big group, it’s perfect for making quick trips to shore to pick up a fresh crew for the next round of fun.

The Sea-Doo Switch is a compact, easy-to-use boat that pairs perfectly with my truck camper. Towing, backing up, and parking this setup is a breeze. To make things even simpler, I added a wireless magnetic camera on the back of the boat for better visibility while towing. This makes the whole process effortless.

I originally had this whole setup on a 2012 Ford F-150 FX4 before moving everything over to an F-250 with the 7.3L gas engine. Wow, what a difference! The power, stability, and towing confidence of the F-250 are on another level. I only wish I had made the switch years earlier.

Roch Dallaire
2021 GMC Canyon
2022 Scout Yoho
2021 FireFish Convict Jet Boat

We mostly river boat, but also go on some lakes. We love to camp on our boat as it offers a lot of freedom and isolation. We often sleep on the boat a lot as well. There’s nothing like camping overnight on an island in the river.

The demountable truck camper is perfect for jet boating, as quite often the launches in the river are too steep and too rough to use a motorhome. Also, I love leaving the camper all set up for when we return from boating.

Above: High Prairie, Alberta

This is about my third setup with a variety of campers and jet boats. I found that bigger is often not better. The bigger campers are very heavy and harder to load. You also need a bigger truck, which is now also your daily driver. The GMC Canyon offers the power and payload for this setup, although I’m probably a little overweight. Also, there’s no bathroom in the Yoho, which can be inconvenient at times. Less is simpler, easier, and less costly.

Mike Herring
2024 Ford F-350
2017 Wolf Creek 850
2019 Crestliner Superhawk 1650

My wife and I both love to fish, and our daughter loves anything water sport,s including tubing, skiing, slalom, kneeboarding, and wakeboarding. At under 2,500 pounds, our Crestliner Superhawk 1650 is easy to tow but still offers plenty of room to fish from.

Above: Wolf Creek 850 and Crestliner Superhawk 1650

We just got the Ford F-350, our first truck with cameras. I just added a camera to the truck camper. It’s a game-changer! Of course, all the cameras on the truck help too when we don’t have the camper with us.

Larry Moonan
2017 Ford F-350 XLT
2008 Lance 1055
2005 Yamaha AR230 HO

We have only done one lake trip with our camper and boat thus far, but being on the lake is the most relaxing thing in the world. We do wakeboarding with the kids and sometimes pull the tube. Mostly we like to cruise around, spot wildlife, and find a quiet cove to anchor for a meal, some music, and swimming. Our 100 pound lab loves the boat, too.

Above: Monterey, California

We owned the boat prior to the camper. Once we added the camper, the thought of taking both the boat and our home-away-from-home with us was irresistible.

I got the truck set up with a hitch extension and added a weight distribution hitch to the boat trailer. This keeps the load balanced and within limits. Our first four-hour round trip to the lake went very smoothly.

Always launch first before dismounting the camper! We dropped our boat in the parking lot, then dismounted the camper at our site. Once I drove back, unloaded to hook up and launch the boat, I found my back end was too high for the boat jack to connect. I had a block and bottle jack aboard. I got it done, but lesson learned. Launch and retrieve with the camper aboard, as that impacts the height of your hitch and ball.

Keith Deal
2007 Chevy Silverado Classic 3500
2019 Capri Retreat 50th Anniversary (#5 of 50)
2012 Nitro Z9
2008 Bass Tracker Pro Team 170 TX

One of my two boats is behind my truck camper 99 percent of the time when heading out for an adventure! I love fishing, primarily for bass, and enjoy getting on the lakes for my favorite hobby. I primarily fun fish, but also fish some competitively in a local bass club and some local series events. Go fish!

Before purchasing my first truck camper years ago—a Northstar 850SC—I was considering a camper van or small motorhome. But, with one of the boats always part of the adventure, there was one primary reason for going with a truck camper, and never looking back. The ability to “transport” my home-away-from-home, have the option to unload the camper at the campsite, and enjoy the freedom to pull the boat to the ramp, go into town for gas, etc.

Depending on the situation, sometimes the camper stays in the truck bed for the trip, and sometimes it comes off. There is no better RV for this option than a truck camper!

I can’t think of anything I’d change with the rig and set up. It works great for my comfort, convenience, and lifestyle. Maybe I could just share a tip that worked out great with this camper/trailer set-up.

The entry door on the Capri camper is offset on the driver’s side. I was able to install scissor steps a bit more offset from the door. This allows the steps to be deployed with the boat trailer still hitched up, as long as the trailer is parked straight or is towards the passenger side. This also allows leaving the trailer hooked up and ready to go for an early “get-up and go!”

I can actually step on the trailer tongue (which has a step plate), when entering and exiting the camper, and enter/exit between the camper and boat when still hitched up. It just works great when I choose the option of leaving the trailer hooked up and the camper on the truck.

Kelly Widner
2015 Ford F-350
2021 Host Yukon
2021 Ranger 2080MS

My husband has had a dream since he was 13 years old. It came from an 1980s Ranger boat commercial showing a boat in a lake with a hole cut in the middle of it to show how it was unsinkable. Since then, a Ranger boat was the only way to go for him.

Above: Townsend, Montana

However, it didn’t come to fruition until after he turned 50. It took two other boat types before finding “the one.” Since getting our 2021 Ranger 2080MS, we find ourselves using it virtually every weekend in the summer.

In a world that’s become overrun with cell phones, computer screens, and every other electronic device out there, getting out on the water is the perfect way to decompress and reconnect with the quiet world beyond.

Our boat is the right size for the two of us, plus our fishing manager—the dog. We wanted to have enough flexibility to tow a side-by-side, boat, or flat tow another vehicle. This particular setup makes that possible.

We went through other campers before arriving at the one we currently have. I wish dealerships would allow try-outs with campers, but it’s not to be.

There are a few things to keep in mind. A lot of the truck campers out there are big and heavy. That means you can have luxury. With our Host, we don’t blink an eye if we have to go somewhere and stay weeks or months on end because we know we have everything we need. There is a flip side to it, too. Your driving style will have to change to accommodate that big and heavy rig. Make sure you have enough truck!

On the other side of the coin, pop-ups are a great idea for speed and agility. However, you might be missing a few things, like an air-conditioner in Arizona in the middle of summer. There are pros and cons to both types. Whatever you choose, have fun!

Jon Lafferty
2025 Chevy Silverado 3500
2019 Cirrus 820
2015 Carolina Skiff center console 18.5FT

My wife and I have a campground membership in Delaware. The truck, camper, and boat all fit on our campsite. We can put the boat in the creek at the boat ramp located in the campground. The creek that goes into Rehoboth Bay. We flounder fish and crab. If we don’t fish, we just pull up on sandbars and beaches and relax.

If we aren’t fishing, I can take the truck camper off the truck at the campground. Then we can drive the truck around town, or go to Ocean City, Maryland—about an hour away.

Our Carolina Skiff is just the right size for my wife. It’s 18.5 feet long. I estimate the weight of the boat, trailer, and gear to be around 2,000 pounds. When I weigh everything on a CAT scale, I’m way under my truck’s GCWR. It’s always best to check your weight at a CAT scale.

Also, you really need to know what the weight rating is on the extensions and tow implements you use. I got lucky because my boat wasn’t heavy. I use the Curtis 34-inch extension that’s rated for a 450-pound tongue weight. I tow 4,500 pounds.

Carey Grzadzinski
2017 Ford F-350
2016 Arctic Fox 990
2016 Hewes Craft 16′

We mostly go fishing, but being able to use waterways greatly extends our truck camping experiences and journey.

Above: Lake Abique, New Mexico

Our boat is good in all types of waters and weather. We’ve had it on the ocean, the Gulf of America, rivers of the northwest, and the Great Lakes. It’s light for its size and has the thickest aluminum hull on the market.

I did a lot of research and inquiry before my purchase. I was quite certain of my path and its outcome. I have no regrets. Getting the right extension hitch is critical. And having a rear/backup camera is nice.

Tom Warren
2013 Ram 3500
2003 Adventurer 104DSS
1993 Alumacraft Lunker V16 LTD

I love fishing and going to remote lakes in Alaska to spend time on the water.

My boat is sturdy, lightweight, and perfectly set up for the fishing I like to do. With the 40hp Yamaha and bow mount trolling motor, it’s perfect for fly fishing and trolling.

Above: Denali Highway, Alaska

Boat wise, I sometimes wish I had gone with a flat-bottom tunnel hull with a jet in order to get up some of the low-water rivers.

Tracy Simpson
2025 Ford F-350
2023 Northern Lite 8-11EX
2024 Cobia 240 Center Console

I love fishing from Key West, Florida, to Venice, Louisiana.

I can stay most anywhere in my boat. I love my truck, camper, and boat set-up the way it is.

Matt Baehr
2020 Ford F-350
2020 Adventurer 86FB
2004 Crestliner 1850 SuperHawk

My wife and I enjoy taking our truck camper and boat on an annual week-long vacation to fish for walleye and crappie in central Washington.

We grew up in Wisconsin, fishing for these species, which are some of our favorite fish to eat. We also take the boat to catch salmon and crab on the Puget Sound, where we live.

Above: Dry Falls Visitor Center, Washington

The Crestliner 1850 Superhawk is a very comfortable fishing boat. It’s relatively short at 18.5’ and lightweight, making it easy to tow behind our 6.2L gas Ford F-350. Even with our Adventurer 86FB slide-in loaded, we handle mountain passes just fine. The primary reason we purchased this rig was for its ability to tow our boats.

I spent significant time deciding the best hitch for towing behind the rig. It turns out I can use the F-350’s factory hitch with a Curt 2-1/2” receiver tube extension cut to the desired length with a hack saw. At 24 inches, the towing capacity of the extension is 6,000 pounds and 600 pounds tongue weight. That’s more than I need.

I added safety chains and connected two ratchet straps between the distal end of the extension tube and the hitch at opposing 45-degree angles. This provides additional extension rigidity. There is zero play in the hitch extension when tightened.

Jay Strainer
2021 Ford F-350
2022 Northern Lite 10-2EX
2014 Crestliner Fish Hawk 1650

My passion since I was six years old has been fishing. Boating is a means for me to pursue my fishing passion. There is nothing like getting on the boat at sunrise and motoring out to a fishing location. It’s my time.

My boat is small compared to what a lot of fishermen have on Lake Erie. The size just fits in my garage and is easy to load and unload by oneself.

It weighs less than 3,000 pounds. This makes the tongue weight less than 300 pounds—my hitch extension limit. I don’t even know it’s behind the camper when towing.

Above: Ohio Pymatuning State Campground

The one problem I had was with the bottom end of my hitch/ball dragging on an inclined driveway. I have to use a 48-inch extension to clear the back of the camper. I solved it mostly by installing Torklift Upper Stable Loads on my truck to keep it from sagging. I also had to raise the ball 4 inches for more clearance.

I’m still not happy with the raised ball because the trailer tongue is not level. I may have to install airbags to give me a few more inches of rear-end height.

Pierre Poirier
2021 GMC Sierra 3500HD
2021 Bigfoot Series 1500
2021 Lund Tyee 1875

I spend sixty days on the water every summer fishing for Walleyes and landlocked salmon in Quebec.

Above: Shawinigan, Quebec

The GMC Sierra 3500HD, Bigfoot Series 1500, and Lund Tyee 1875 setup allows me to go fishing practically anywhere in complete comfort.

Jim Lenz
2023 Chevrolet 2500
2023 Palomino HS-8801
2008 Lund 1625 SS

I go fishing with my sons, brother-in-law, and nephew.

The boat I have is the right size and weight for easy towing, but large enough to handle rough water on any inland lake.

Gary Riggs
2003 GMC Sierra 3500HD
2008 Lance 861
2000 Ranger 520 DVX

I go fishing and camping on all the Colorado River lakes. I take the camper off the truck and am able to use the truck for all kinds of great adventures. Bass fishing is what I love to do. It’s the chase of finding the fish.

My truck is a 6.6 LB7 Duramax that had the injectors replaced. I’ve driven thousands of miles and never had a problem with my truck. I have Hellwig 3500 helper springs with Firestone Red Label air bags that can hold 150 psi. I also have Firestone onboard air to keep the airbags exactly where I want them. I take good care of my vehicles, and they look like new.

Doug Sy
2022 GMC Sierra 3500HD
2016 Eagle Cap 910
2007 Lund Fisherman

I like to go relaxation-fishing. I have a fairly lightweight aluminum boat, and it’s big enough to comfortably fish from.

I wish I’d known about the wiring connections for the tailgate, which has to be removed for loading a slide-in camper. Removing the tailgate and tailgate camera takes the 360 camera system offline. A tailgate replacement camera and wiring harness is very expensive and difficult to find compatible connectors. The current connectors wear out after two seasons. The entire process of removing and reattaching the tailgate is cumbersome and not user-friendly.

Chris Sensel
2013 GMC 2500
2018 Arctic Fox 811
2009 NW Lightning 228

I enjoy fishing, family time, and exploring. My NW Lighting 228 boat is the right size for various bodies of water.

Above: Chicos Pizza, Moses Lake, Washington: A nice stop on any trip.

There were lots of decisions for all the purchases. There isn’t a one size that works for everything, and it isn’t very good for everything. There are always trade-offs.

Frank Ross
2022 Ram 5500
2019 Rugged Mountain 11RL
2026 Solara 250-C

My dad was the Spokane Yacht Club Commodore, and our family was enmeshed in boating. We cruise, tow sports, fish, camp, and socialize. We do it all. It’s only better with our truck camper.

My Solara 250-C is designed to do many things exceptionally, and it’s easily towed with the Ram 5500 chassis cab with Liquid Springs suspension, Cummins diesel, Stablecamper chassis boxes, and Torklift tow bar.

I did my research online and in person before the assembly. I found the used truck camper on Truck Camper Magazine.

Benny King
2017 Ford F-350
Northern Lite 10-2 EXCD
Àrima 19 foot Sea Ranger Hard Top

Boating is fun, relaxing, and inexpensive (LOL).

My boat is the right size and design for easy towing, and it’s very seaworthy. I wouldn’t change a thing.

Andrew Brink
2024 Silverado 3500
2010 Arctic Fox 811
1963 StarCraft Jupiter

We love to fish and go tubing. Having a boat is good family time.

The 1963 StarCraft Jupiter was in our budget and can handle being towed down hundreds of miles of gravel road to our camping locations.

John Earls
2017 Ford F-150
2012 Northstar TC650

Todd Kidder
2011 Chevy 3500HD
2015 Lance 1172
1990 Malubu Eurof3

Growing up, my family always camped on a lake for a two to four week period during the summer with our boat to water ski. When I grew up, I purchased a boat and continued that activity with my family.

I now have grandchildren who come up during our two week stay on a lake. I learned to water ski at four years old, taught my children when they were young, and now take my grandchildren (mostly now on tubes…ha).

Above: Lake Almanor, California

I towed my boat with a few other trucks before my current setup. I purchased my 2011 Chevy 3500HD and Lance 1172 knowing I would use it to tow my boat. I was amazed at how well my current setup tows my boat. I’ve had no issues. I love being able to unload my camper and use my truck for trips around the lake or to hiking areas.

I took several years to research what I would need to assemble my rig. I really have no regrets. I installed the Torklift Superhitch with their Supertruss extension and upper/lower Stableloads. I also installed remote control rear airbags.

My only wisdom is to look into what others have done (as I did) and learn what works. It’s great to find someone at a campsite with a rig you would like and talk to them. Most of us usually love sharing information.

Next Up: Truck Campers Go Boating: Part 2.  Stay tuned!