It appears that this C-10 came into Merle’s life in 1987 and not much is said about the 10 years prior. Merle was friends with the owner of Lobo Camper Mfg. Co. in California, and he had this camper designed and built to his specifications. We’re told the singer sketched out what he wanted the final product to look like and Lobo went to work. When completed, Merle dubbed it “The Camper” and could be seen driving around in it for many years to come (Merle was a California native, born in 1937 and passed away in 2016).

The Cheyenne was a trim package on the popular Silverado pickup in the 1970s. It could be ordered with two or four-wheel drive, and with short or leg-length beds. This 1977 Cheyenne has the distinction of having once been owned by country singer Merle Haggard who had it converted into a camper.  The truck is said to have some special touches applied by Merle himself and sports a later vintage V8 engine.

NOTE: Yes, there is some irony here. Merle was doing Ford commercials at the time. Lobo Camper Mfg. Co. owner was Jim Collins. Merle bought the Chevy C10 show truck from Collins' son.  Merle was part owner of the Bridge Bay Resort north of Redding. He lived east of Redding. .