A truck camper is different from a pop-up or a trailer because it is specifically designed to be towed by trucks rather than cars or vans. To this end, a truck camper will have an overhead area that extends over the bed of the truck, thus utilizing a truck's unique shape. This means that the Summerwind Truck Camper must be towed by a pickup truck--the geometry simply does not work with any other kind of vehicle.
Summerwinds come in a number of sizes. The smallest length is eight feet, while the largest is twelve feet. This is important to consider when you are buying a Summerwind. Ask yourself how many people you plan to have use it at one time, and how much space they will need. Two toddlers, for example, will take up substantially less space than will two teenagers.
Summerwind Truck Campers are made of aluminum, which is both sturdy and lightweight. The different pieces are screwed together rather than welded, which makes it not only stronger, but also substantially easier to repair in case of an accident or general wear and tear.
There are a number of different models of the Summerwind truck camper, but there are some features that all of them hold in common. These are a double door, a refrigerator, a water heater and an outside shower. Most of the models, with the exception of the M-805, also come with electric jacks, a rear awning, and fiberglass coating on the body.
There are also a number of features that may or may not be included in a model. If you are buying new, you can ask for these to be included for a price, and if you are buying used, you will need to shop around for one that has the features you want. These features include (but are not limited to) entertainment centers, toilets, screen rooms and satellite dishes.
As of 2010, an eight-and-a-half foot Summerwind without any extra features is worth about $4,000 used. A twelve foot truck camper with all the best features, on the other hand, costs around $12,000. This same camper, however, without the features, costs around $8,000.
These products listed at around $10,000 and $20,000, respectively when they were new. However, no Summerwinds have been made since 2003, so this is a moot point.
