© 2021 Truck Camper Super Store - Access RV. Dave explained that the LivinLite and CampLite teams from Crossroads had been brought over to K-Z, and that CampLite truck camper production had resumed. On that day, Scott Tuttle publicly announced a new partnership with Ford Motor Company to build Ford branded, all-aluminum truck campers. In an exclusive interview with Truck Camper Magazine, Scott discussed the 18-month process of working with Ford Motor Company including Gordon Platto, Chief Designer of the 2015 Ford F-150. We offer new and used 5th wheels, travel trailers, and pop-up and truck campers from Forest River, Lance, Northern Lite, Rockwood, Salem, and Travel Lite. $36,500. In July of 2010, Scott Tuttle, the Founder and President of LivinLite, debuted a line of all-aluminum and composite hard side truck campers in Truck Camper Magazine. 2003 Arctic Fox 990 Truck camper $15,000 pic hide this posting restore restore this posting. Fits A 8 & 1/2' Truck Bed!! Finally, Dave committed to Ford RV products, but wanted to redevelop the entire LivinLite, CampLite, and Ford lines to be lighter and more efficient for production. They nestle into the bed of a pickup truck, secured via the tie-down and corner slots, and act as a formidable camping amenity. Interior Floor Length: 8' 7" Width Between Wheel Wells: 47.5" Interior Height: 80" With feedback from dealers and consumers, Scott and his team made their wood-free interiors warmer and more comfortable with each iteration. The great thing about the floorplans is that there are some for up to six people and some made to suit couples who want extra space. Not a shred of wood in the construction. We can now confirm that Thor Industries and K-Z RV are terminating the LivinLite, CampLite, and Ford RV brands. If you are looking for the Best Small Travel Trailers With Slide Out, the KZ Sportsmen Classic, with a length of 20 feet, is undoubtedly on top of the list.It has some amazing features that will provide comfort to … That didn’t happen. Weights 1,800 Lbs Dry!! This unit will work in a 1/2 ton truck. Scott Tuttle, the Founder and President of LivinLite, Thor Industries announced their acquisition of LivinLite, Ford Campers were nearly identical to existing CampLite models, The Ultimate Truck Camper Payload Match Challenge. The first CampLite truck camper to roll off the LivinLite production line was the CampLite 5.7 (see above), an extremely basic, short bed, all-aluminum and composite, hard-side truck camper. Pick... Arn Chamberlain shares how he put together an easy emptying valve for an Atwood... TCM explains how to choose the right pickup truck for your rig. As one of two powerhouse mega-corporations in the RV space, Thor Industries is well known for buying smaller RV manufacturers. The exterior is painted aluminum skin, and the walls and roof are vacuum-bond laminated for superior strength. The custom brackets you made for my Northstar Loredo worked as intended, and the Stablecamper worked perfectly! Ask questions related to any Jeep Tent Camper products. Next, find a handy closet for your things. SpringLoad XL (For Frame-Mounted Tie Downs), Original FastGuns (Frame-Mounted or Bed-Mounted Tie Downs). KZ Sportsmen Classic 181BH. This is one of the best aluminum travel trailers that you can have to make your camping and … That scenario is unlikely given what Thor likely paid for LivinLite, and the efforts they put into moving the company multiple times. Dave discussed K-Z’s LivinLite/CampLite/Ford takeover and did his best to clear the air around these three brands. No press releases. These ultra-lightweight truck campers are specially designed for today’s more fuel-efficient trucks and are built to stand the test of time. Search for new and used Travel Trailer Trailers for sale. This image shows the aluminum framing and the Azdel exterior (wood-look) and interior (grey). The excitement surrounding LivinLite RV hit its absolute peak on November 25th, 2014. Dealers loved telling the “wood-free” sales story, and customers loved hearing it. No phone calls. Under Thor’s Keystone division, the K-Z RV brand took over the LivinLite and CampLite production from Crossroads RV in mid-2016. The good thing about this trailer is that it maintains a lightweight towability and small footprint. Travel Trailers for sale at Campers Inn. No emails. In fact, it took weeks to get someone to respond to us at all, and then the answer was extremely vague. Scott was still involved as part of a two-year acquisition agreement, but was no longer managing day-to-day operations. Livin’ Lite Camplite If there is any most modern and sleekest aluminum-framed travel trailer that is ever made in the RV market, then it is no other than Livin’ Lite Camplite . Without Scott and his passionate team, LivinLite, CampLite, and Ford truck campers were doomed. Opposite enjoy dining at the u … He currently rolls in a 2013 Ram 3500 with a 2021 Bundutec Roadrunner truck camper mounted on top. Nothing. A lot of seasoned travelers recommend Livin Lite Camplite for various good reasons. Above: Scott Tuttle, Founder of LivinLite, with the first CampLite aluminum truck camper frame. 2013 Livin Lite Camplite TC 8.6, ALL ALUMINUM TRUCK CAMPER THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME!! Truck Camper 101: Basics for Newbies, Tips and Tricks, Beginners, Slide-In, Basics, Gear, Equipment, Mods, Picking the Perfect, Best Truck. Crossroads RV had backtracked on this point with wood-faced cabinetry and other wood interior accents. They also launched all-new interiors incorporating wood and drawers into the units for the first time. One way to kill a competitor is to buy them. Lifetime Super Lite Weight Truck Camper That Is Built Like A Tank!! Dealers and consumers were excited about the idea of Ford Motor Company getting involved with the truck camper marketplace, but were not sold on paying more for a Ford-branded product. Truck Camper Manufacturers Review Truck Campers Prices . The disruption from the factory move and team changes to LivinLite’s production was immediate. From what we can find, it is the best built truck camper built today. The RV media story reported comments from LivinLite dealers, but had no direct LivinLite RV (or Thor) source. Thor moved LivinLite under their Crossroads division, and then moved the entire production plant to Crossroads facility in Topeka, Indiana. The Topeka location was just far enough from the original Wakarusa factory to discourage many members of the original LivinLite management and production teams to follow. Scott’s 100-percent wood-free construction concept was both simple and radical. LivinLite dealers started to report not being able to get LivinLite, CampLite and Ford product and voiced frustrations with the changes to their points of contact. What a waste. On August 30th, 2016, we published a detailed interview with Dave Boggs, General Manager for K-Z RV. It is available in nine different models. Share CampLite Truck Camper and Travel Trailer upgrade and modification ideas with other forum members. Sadly, this concludes the story of one of the most dynamic and exciting truck camper manufacturers of the past decade. For information on choosing and matching a truck and camper rig, check out the Newbie Corner. CampLite was LivinLite’s truck camper brand. 207 Posts 46 Topics Last post by Bfranck7 in Changing the Table on February 18, 2021, 12:41:23 PM Jeep General Q & A. More than a simple re-badging, the Ford campers incorporated the Ford nose cap, Ford exterior graphics, and Ford interior materials. He's been RV'ing since 2002, is a certified RVIA Level 1 RV Technician, and has restored several Airstream travel trailers. 550 South Redwood Road North Salt Lake, UT 84054 801-936-1200, 800-327-6910 Toll-Free 801-936-1200 Salt Lake, UT 801-415-2701 Fax, Mon-Fri 9:00am-6pm Sat 9:00am-4:00pm CLOSED Sundays. Activate an email alert. In 2010, 2011, and 2012, new and improved CampLite interiors debuted two and even three times a year. Above: Ford truck camper interiors featured stitched Ford logos and Ford fabrics. Worse, it was rare that we would get a return call or email from the company. First, perhaps Thor acquired LivinLite to take it out of the marketplace. No longer easily mistaken for medical transports, LivinLite and CampLite products performed and sold well. Above: One of the final produced CampLite truck campers; a 2017 CampLite 8.4S. Copyright © 2007-2021. Camplite Truck Camper Brochure. Our 10-acre lot is packed with affordable travel trailers, fifth wheels, pop-up campers, and Class A and Class C motorhomes. The all-new CAMPLITE truck campers from LIVIN LITE Recreational Vehicles. Above: Ryan Spencer of Crossroads RV presents the new CampLite interiors for 2016. Manufactures brochures and info for Travel Trailer RVs from 2008 to present. Above: Rick Barna and Scott Tuttle of LivinLite RV present CampLite truck campers to Bill Penney of Truck Camper Warehouse at the 2010 National RV Tradeshow in Louisville. Just as Scott had envisioned, the 5.7 was completely wood-free. What a waste. We heard time and time again from dealers, “We love the product, but we can’t get it.”, Ford truck campers are another story. K-Z RV fits under Keystone in the Thor Industries organization. Sadly, that confirmation arrived earlier this week. So what really happened with LivinLite, CampLite, and Ford RV? CampLite was LivinLite’s truck camper brand. According to Dave, wood had been a non-starter for LivinLite, CampLite and Ford. We took the camper off of the truck several times, and stayed in the camper while off the truck for many days. From the 6.8 model, designed for smaller trucks to our largest model, the TC11, designed for 3/4 ton trucks, LIVIN LITE has a model and a price point that will fit your family’s budget. Internally we had many discussions about reporting this information, but publishing the demise of a domestic manufacturer without confirmation from the company is not a responsible act. Mello Mike is an Arizona native, author, and the founder of Truck Camper Adventure. By 2013, LivinLite RV was ranked #963 on the Inc. 5000 list with a 2012 revenue of $16.4 million. These ultra-lightweight truck campers are specially designed for today’s more fuel-efficient trucks and are built to stand the test of time. Find complete specs. The real irony in all of this is that the dealers wanted LivinLite and CampLite products. Apr 8, 2016 - Check out these great RVs listed for sale on www.RVTrader.com!. Your health and safety are of utmost importance to us. To the best of our knowledge, no Ford branded RVs were ever featured in a Ford print ad or television spot. Choose from any of our innovative light weight design. Ford Motor Company was directly involved with the design, but Ford Campers were nearly identical to existing CampLite models. Without a doubt, LivinLite and their product line inspired the truck camper marketplace to step up its material science and push harder into the possibilities of wood-free construction. Livin Lite Camplite. Due to their size and economical pricing, truck campers are one of the most popular and widely used of all RVs. Northwood Manufacturing has released the all-new graphics for the 2022 Wolf Creek 890, 850,... Bicycles can be a big part of enjoying the outdoors and exploring a new... It’s time to vote for your favorite Medium Mod from February's mod contest. Each time they added more warmth and comfort. After that interview, we heard nothing from K-Z RV. Very few Ford-branded units ever saw the light of day. 2015 Livin Lite CampLite CLTC8.4S, The CampLite 8.4S truck camper is designed for 3/4 ton and up trucks with a 6-1/2 foot truck bed. Unlike others, the CAMPLITE truck camper will stand the test of time and be passed down from one generation to the next. Above: LivinLite warmed their interiors by utilizing Azdel composite panels with a wood-look. Founded in 2007, TCM is the RV community's number one source for news, reviews, guides, newbie advice, destination ideas, maintenance recommendations, modifications, and more. When the RV industry media reported the demise if the LivinLite brand this past February, we could not get anyone at K-Z RV to confirm or deny the story. The Ford partnership news sent shock waves throughout the entire RV industry. To go public with the story, we wanted confirmation. If you have a pick up truck and have been looking for an affordable truck camper that does not exceed your vehicles payload capacity – LIVIN LITE has a model for you! Shop 15 Campers Inn locations in the Northeast and Southeast. Scott Tuttle was the visionary who believed in his company and made it successful. Veteran Car Donations is currently accepting vehicle donations. Just as Scott had envisioned, the 5.7 was completely wood-free. Adding to the woes for the Ford RV line, it debuted during Thor’s musical management and factory chairs. As you enter the rear door notice the wet bath in the left corner. You need a large truck to tow this heavy trailer; Best for Couples Livin Lite Camplite. Scott Tuttle’s wood-free, all-aluminum and composite vision remains one of the most important RV industry innovations of the past decade. At the annual industry-only Elkhart RV Open House that September, LivinLite showcased CampLite and Ford truck campers in the Thor display. Initially, the Thor acquisition seemed to make no difference to the company. The first truck camper construction method is the classic 1940’s solid-wood frame covered by aluminum sheets. This is the story of how CampLite and Ford truck campers blazed a trail of innovation through the truck camper marketplace, and then went out in a fog of mismanagement, non-communication and confusion. favorite this post Feb 18 2015 Thor Majestic Class A 28A ** With Drivetrain& Carriage Warrant ** $36,500 (Lake Forest Park) pic hide this posting restore restore this posting. The all-new CAMPLITE truck campers from LIVIN LITE Recreational Vehicles. 2015 Livin' Lite CampLite 8.5 Truck Camper, The 8.5 Truck camper is designed for 6.5 foot beds. Dave bluntly stated that he was excited about truck campers as a, “strong niche” and believed the K-Z culture and team were exactly what the floundering LivinLite and CampLite brands needed to return to glory. All Aluminum, No Wood!! 2/22/2021: Compare 892 prices of used `Pop up truck campers` on Craigslist, Amazon, Ebay, Shoppok and more. Livin' Lite Truck Camper : Livin' Lite's team of designers, engineers and builders in Wakarusa, Indiana produce the highest quality and most value-packed campers available today that can be towed by your current car, minivan or light-duty pickup. To once again get to the bottom of what was happening with LivinLite, CampLite, and Ford, we contacted the decision makers at K-Z RV for information and an on-the-record interview. It didn’t take long before LivinLite and CampLite dealers started calling us asking if we had any luck communicating with the manufacturer. The interiors of the first CampLite truck campers were extremely sterile. Even today, very few RV manufacturers attempt to manufacture 100-percent wood-free products. Their focused determination and winning culture resulted in a nearly unprecedented multi-year growth story. ... though I chose the TC before the truck. New and Used Travel Trailers from Coachmen, Cruiser, Dutchmen, EverGreen, Forest River, Grand Design, Gulf Stream, Keystone, KZ, Lance, Palomino and more. At the following Elkhart Open House, we did our best to talk to the K-Z RV decision makers, but they made themselves largely unavailable, or didn’t have the authority to comment. If they wanted LivinLite gone, they could have turned off the lights on day one. Thor Industries announced their acquisition of LivinLite August of 2013. Truck camper inventory can change everyday as campers are delivered from the manufacturers and sold to customers. $17,200. They shared CampLite floor plans and core construction, but everything else was Ford-specific. We’ve only seen about a dozen, and that includes industry events and factory visits. So, of course, a 3/4 or 1 ton would work as well. Can Never Rot or Rust!! At the event, the new Crossroads-LivinLite team showed us two additional Ford truck camper floor plans; the Ford 9.2 and 8.4S. Before you buy a wood truck camper, to prevent water damage issues be sure to ask the dealer all the details how it was sealed and constructed. The Camplite models bring lightweight design and quality to smaller four-season trailers. Scott also revealed the very first Ford truck camper design sketch (see graphic above) including a Ford-designed fiberglass front nose cap and windshield. The question we often heard from readers was, “Why would I buy the Ford when I can buy the nearly identical CampLite for less?”. Each CAMPLITE hard-sided truck campers offer *All Aluminum and Composite structure from the aluminum floor to the cabinet framing. Benchmark the best market price All of this sounded fantastic. The Camplite has lots of floorplans. See more ideas about rvs for sale, rvs, rv trader. The first CampLite truck camper to roll off the LivinLite production line was the CampLite 5.7 (see above), an extremely basic, short bed, all-aluminum and composite, hard-side truck camper. Dave added that he was dedicated to the wood-free 100-percent aluminum and composite construction trail Scott Tuttle had blazed. All Rights Reserved. Early CampLite models drew comparisons to ambulances and other industrial vehicles; a far-cry from the refined interiors of the competition. Home » Truck Camper News » The Rise and Fall of CampLite and Ford Truck Campers. ... CampLite Truck Campers; We also offer service and parts, and are located within easy distance of Manhattan, Four Corners, Chestnut and Belgrade. The camper was solid as a a rock with the Stablecamper attached." Water is the killer with all campers. Above: Ford branded truck campers at the Crossroads RV plant in July of 2015. In our conversations with Scott during that time, we learned that Ford Motor Company had promised to use the Ford branded campers (and towables) in Ford print and broadcast advertising and marketing. His original management and production teams believed in him and his vision. We’ll probably never know the whole story, but there are several theories heard around the industry. For detailed information on specific truck camper and gear brands and models, check out the Buyers Guide and Gear Guide. To donate, call (877) 594-5822 or fill out the form below. Then Ford happened. Scott remained at his post, the company remained in Wakarusa, Indiana, and dealers reported inventory arrivals and sales. And our award-winning RV matchmakers are always available to guide you through a no-pressure sale experience to help find the right camper … RV Center Montana is a RV dealership in Bozeman, Montana. It’s more likely that LivinLite RV and CampLite and Ford truck campers died of neglect.