The truck camper market will grow significantly if gas prices remain high or rise even more. Truck campers on diesel trucks are getting 15 to 17 mpg. Besides, the popularity of pickup trucks has companies scrambling to address America?s big truck market.

?I think people want to get off--road more and truck campers allow them to enjoy that lifestyle, whether they need to take a back road or a mountain trail,? he explained. ?Truck campers go where a lot of RVs dare not tread.?

The other key advantage to truck campers is the ability to store them in the garage, which helps owners avoid legal restrictions or neighborhood covenants about parking RVs next to the house.

Willett said the average age of truck camper customers is near 50 and most of them are from affluent or upper middle class families. ?Experienced RVers are either downsizing or they are using truck campers for shorter trips,? he explained. ?We?re seeing people retiring in fifth wheels in Florida who aren?t going to pull their units home in the summer. They?ll use a truck camper for shorter trips or to visit the kids.?

Truck campers also make it possible for people to haul toys, like snowmobiles, and spend the night in a ski resort?s parking lot.

A passion for pop--ups

Although they?ve been battered by hybrid travel trailers, folding campers still enjoy a place in the market

They are the ultimate entry--level RV. They can be towed by almost anything. They combine the best of both worlds -? comfortable, off--ground sleeping with the opportunity to gaze at the stars and enjoy the sounds of nature without being bothered by bugs.