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What’s the Difference Between a Flatbed and a Slide-in Camper?

If you’re in the market for an RV or camper, you’ve probably noticed that they come in two different types: slide-in and flatbed campers. While they may look similar, there are some important differences between the two that you should know about before deciding which type of camper is right for you. Read on to learn more about the difference between flatbed and slide-in campers, what kind of camper best suits your needs!

Advantages of Flatbeds

Flatbed Camper
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If you already own a pickup truck or plan to buy one soon, you’ll need to consider whether you want to convert your truck bed into a bed for your camper. The pros of doing so are that it’s an affordable, low-commitment way to start camping. You can use your existing truck, and you can also easily remove your camper when not in use. This is great if you’re only planning on using your camper occasionally. It’s also good if you’re on a budget because flatbeds tend to be less expensive than slide-ins. One downside is that flatbeds take up more space than slide-ins do, which may make parking difficult at times.

slide-in campers, trailers, and flatbeds

Advantages of Slide-Ins

The one major advantage of slide-ins is that they come with all of their windows, cabinets, plumbing fixtures, wiring, and other fittings already installed in them. This means that you can convert your truck to a camper much faster than if you built it out of flatbed materials. If time is an issue for you, or if you don’t want to build out your camper from scratch — then slide-ins may be your best bet.

Knowing Your Needs Before Purchasing

Before you buy a camper, you need to know what your needs are. Think about where you’ll be camping, if it will be with friends or just by yourself. Will it be off-road or on-road? Do you need A/C in your camper, or can’t go without hot water for more than 24 hours? These are all questions that should be asked before purchasing anything as important as a camper. Each type of camper is suited for different terrain, so make sure you understand what you want before anything else.