A truck camper is an RV that sits inside the bed of your truck. A truck bed camper maximizes available space and can provide a bathroom, a small kitchen, and a bed. In this post, we are going to take a look at the Top 10 Best Truck Campers. Let’s get started.
- Lance Truck Campers
- NuCamp Cirrus
- Adventurer Truck Campers
- Livin’ Lite Camplite
- Northwood Manufacturing Arctic Fox
- Northstar
- Northern Lite
- Rugged Mountain Granite
- Palomino Backpack
- Host Campers Mammoth
Lance Truck Camper
Lance manufacturers 9 truck bed camper models for both short bed and long bed trucks. These are some of the best truck campers you will find. You find truck campers for any 6′ short bed, any 8′ long bed and specific camper models for the Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan, Ford F150/1500, F250/2500, F350/2500, and the F350/3500 Dually.
Let’s take a look at one of their models the 855S.
Lance 855S Specification
The Lance 855S is made for short-bed trucks. These are some of the more significant specifications.
- Floor Length: 8′ 11″
- Dry Weight: 2997 lbs
- Sleeping Capacity: 4-5
- Interior – Maple
The 855S is for those who need a little more room in a short bed camper. There is a slide out for the dinette which can accommodate 4 people. The dinette converts to a bed that sleeps 2. This model features, LED lighting, aerodynamic nose cap, a bathroom, carpeted bed base, deluxe innerspring mattress.
These truck camper construction features include aluminum-framed walls, floor, cab-over, and roof. You’ll also find laminated, insulated floors and a 1-piece roof.
To see all the models and features of the Lance Truck Campers click here.
nuCamp Cirrus
nuCamp has taken the truck camper concept to a whole new level with its innovative Cirrus. The Cirrus truck camper is available in two models. The 820 and the 920.
Cirrus 820 Specification
- Floor Length: 8-feet 6-inch
- Overall Length: 17-feet 4-inch
- Overall Height: 8-feet 7-inch
- Exterior Height: 7-feet 7-inch
- Interior Height: 6-feet 6-inch
- Cab over Height: 3-feet 6-inch
- Bed Area: 60-inch x 80-inch
Cirrus 920 Specifications
- Floor Length: 10-feet 1-inch
- Overall Length: 18-feet 10-inch
- Overall Height: 8-feet 7-inch
- Exterior Height: 7-feet 7-inch
- Interior Height: 6-feet 6-inch
- Cab over Height: 3-feet 6-inch
Each model has a 38-gallon freshwater tank, 32-gallon gray tank, 18-gallon black tank, 5 cubic feet refrigerator, and two 20-lb propane tanks. Radiant heat and A/C are standard on both models.
You also have the choice of several options:
- Torklift glow steps
- Roof rack
- 200-watt solar kits
- Rear awning
- Wireless rear camera to name a few
Visit the nuCamp website to view all details of the Cirrus truck campers.
Adventurer Truck Campers
Adventurer Campers has been around since 1969 and currently makes 6 camper models. When it comes to building what we consider the best truck campers, they are right there with the best of them.
The Adventurers truck campers are designed for maximum space and comfort. The interior includes fire-treated high-quality durable fabric that creates a functional and rugged yet nice looking interior decor. The interiors are also very easy to care for. Let’s take a look at the 80RB model specifications.
Adventurer 80RB Specifications
This is a partial list:
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
- Exterior Overall Length: 15’10”
- Exterior Width: 90″
- Exterior Height (Floor to top of AC): 92″
- Interior Height: 78″
- Floor Length: 8′
This self-contained camper features a bathroom with a shower and toilet as standard equipment. It is designed for the most popular light-duty full-size super short and long bed trucks, such as the Toyota Tundra and Nissan Titan. They even fit a queen bed in this model.
To see all models and specification of their pickup campers visit their website: https://www.adventurercampers.com/
Livin’ Lite Camplite
The CampLite truck campers were available in 4 different floor plans. One of the floor plans, the 8.4s is available with a slide out which adds additional space. One of the main features of these campers is that they do not contain wood. The entire structure is aluminum, and so are the kitchen cabinets.
Livin Lite Camplite Specifications
Here are just a few of the exterior features:
- 6-Sided Aluminum Superstructure
- Composite Material throughout (water & mold resistant)
- Laminated Floor – 1 7/8″ Thick w/Fiberglass, Block Foam & Composite Material (R9 insulation)
- Vacuum-Bonded Walls Laminated w/Composite Material 3-Tier Glue Process (stronger & more durable)
- Insulated Walls, Roof & Cap
- Alpha Superflex® Roof (more durable, less chalking & streaking)
- Wide-Track Dexter Leaf Spring Axles w/MORryde® Suspension
- Auto-Adjusting Brakes w/EasyLube® Axles
The living room and kitchen also come loaded with a host of standard features that make these outstanding campers:
- Dual-Pane Euro Windows w/Built-In Night Shades/Screens (double-acrylic tinted that open 90 degrees)
- 3 Interior Color Choices, including All-Aluminum Cabinet Door Option
- Residential Freeze/Crack proof Linoleum
- All-Aluminum Tube Cabinet Structures
- Solid-Surface Countertops
- Audio/Visual Package (incl. AM/FM/iPod stereo system w/speakers, digital TV antenna, TV swivel bracket, cable hookup & 12V/110V receptacles)
- (2) Flush-Mount Interior Speakers
- Charging Center w/USB Ports
Overall the Livin Lite series of truck campers offered lots of value for the money. Sadly as of the first half of 2018, Livin Lite ceased operation and no longer manufacturer campers.
The Livin’ Lite forum is still active, and you can find lots of information on it.
Northwood Manufacturing Arctic Fox
Northwood makes two models of truck campers. The Arctic Fox and the Wolf Creek. The Wolf Creek is available in two-floor plans, while the Fox is available in 8 different layouts.
The Fox is available for both short-bed and long-bed pickups. Let’s take a closer look at the 811-floor plan. This unit comes with a 58″ x 80″ bed and a wet bath. You will also find a dinette slide-out that adds some more interior space.
Arctic Fox Specifications
Here is a partial list of specifications:
- Dry Weight: 2873
- Interior Height: 6’7″
- Floor Length: 9’0″
Overall Length: 16’8″ - Exterior Height (approx.): 8’7″ (10′ w/A/C)
- Exterior Width (approx.): 8’1″
When it comes to standard features this camper does not disappoint. It is loaded with features that make it a true standout from the pack.
Here are just a few of the standard features you get on this model:
- Fully Welded, Thick-Wall Aluminum Frame Construction
- One-Piece, Corona Treated, Continuous Fiberglass
- Hot, Polyurethane Laminated, Multi-Layered Substrate Walls
- All-Conditions/Four Seasons Foam Block Insulation
- Cathedral Arched Ceiling
- Dinette Slide
- Heated Holding Tanks
- Deluxe Bumper w/Hose Carrier
- Residential Wear Floor Covering
- LED Exterior Lighting / 20 Watt Solar Panel/ Sidewall Solar Port
- LPG Quick Connect / Black Water Flush System
- Automatic Change-Over Regulator
- Exterior Shower / Entry Door Friction Hinge
As optional equipment, you can add an Onan 2.5LP Generator, 11K BTU air conditioner, convection oven, rearview camper, and a host of other optional equipment.
To see all models and specification visit: Northwood
Northstar
Northstar makes two types of pickup campers. A typical hard-sided model and a pop-up model. We’ll take a look at their pop-up models.
There are 5 pop-up models ranging in price from $17, 695 to about $21,840. The 600SS is their lowest-priced model and is made for a truck such as the Tacoma, Canyon, Colorado with a short or long bed.
600SS Specifications
This is a partial list of the specification of the Northstar 600SS included:
- Base Dry Weight: 1,258 lbs
- Closed Body Height: 5’1.5″ Plus 5″ for Vent Lid
- Interior Height: Open 6’11”
- Interior Height: Closed 4’10”
- Exterior Width: 6’5″
- Overall Length: 12′ 2″
- Floor Length: 6’3″
A partial list of standard equipment:
- Dometic 3.7 cubic foot 3-way fridge
- 12,000 BTU low amp draw furnace
- Extended cab-over bed
- Happijac 4-corner jacks
- Screen door
There is a selection of optional equipment, such as a 60-watt solar panel, roof air conditioner, that can be purchased.
To view, all the Northstar models, visit their site: Northstar Campers
Northern Lite
Like most other slide-in truck camper manufacturers, they make campers for both short bed and long bed trucks. Three models of campers are available. They include the Special Edition, Sportsman Edition, and the Limited Edition. What I like about these campers is that you have a choice of either a wet bath or a dry bath.
The Special Edition is available in 5 floorplans. 2 short-bed and 3 long-bed models. Each floor plan is available with either a wet bath or a dry bath.
The Sportsman Edition is available in 3 floorplans. 2 short-bed and 1 long-bed. The long-bed does not have the option of a dry bath.
The Limited Edition is available in 5 floorplans. 2 short-bed and 3 long-bed models. Each floorplan is available with either a wet bath or a dry bath.
Special Edition 8-11EX SE Specifications
This is a partial list of specifications for this specific model.
- Dry Weight: 2650lbs
- Overall Height: 94″
- Overall Width: 98″
- Overall Length: 195″
- Center of Gravity: 39.5″
This is a partial list of standard equipment:
- 100 Watt Solar Panel
- 2-12v/USB Charging Station
- 24″ LCD TV Screen 12v
- Electric Jacks
- 6-Year Structural Warranty
- No Leak Clam Shell Design
There some very good reasons to consider these truck campers. For example, they are constructed out of a 2-piece Fiberglass Clam Shell. Similar to the design of a boat, it only has one seam. This ensures a leakproof camper in any condition.
The campers are built in such a way that wood or aluminum framing is not required, reducing weight by almost 25%.
The interior cabinets are all built with solid plywood using hardwoods and paneling. Nine-ply Russian Birch is used for drawers. You also get 4-season insulation and a 6-Year Warranty Structural Warranty.
Visit their website to learn more.
Rugged Mountain Granite
Rugged Mountain Custom RV is one of the new kids on the block when it comes to truck campers. They started manufacturing their line of campers in November o 2016. They make 4 models that include the Granite 11RL, Granite 9RL, Polar 990, and the Polar 860. We like the 11RL because it has a dry bath, so we’ll take a closer look at it.
11RL Specifications
- Floor Length: 9’7″
- Overall Length: 18’10”
- Exterior Height: 8’4″
- Interior Height: 77 1/2″
- Fresh Tank: 36 Gallons
- Grey Tank: 38 Gallons
- Black Tank: 24 Gallons
- Dry Weight: 3720 lbs
The floor plan for the 11RL is very well-designed. You’ll find a 60×80 bed flanked by cabinets for storage, a hamper on either side and a clothing wardrobe. As a matter of fact, this truck camper has two wardrobes, which are a very nice feature.
As I mentioned, we like this camper because it has a try bath, meaning there is a separate shower. You’ll also find a 7 cubic foot refrigerator, and a 3-burner stove.
This is a partial list of standard equipment:
- Real wood paneling
- High-gloss exterior finish
- TPO roof
- Single panel sliding windows
- Smoke detectors
- Interior and exterior LED lights
- Dual 20-lbs propane tanks
Rugged Mountain RV gets a lot of positive reviews around the web. Though we have not been inside one of their truck campers, we tend to agree with the owners that these are quality campers that offer excellent value.
To see all models visit their website at Rugged Mountain Custom RV.
Palomino Backpack
Palomino is an RV manufacturer that was acquired by Forest River and then by Berkshire Hathaway. Palomino RV operates as a separate division of Forest River. The truck camper they make is the Palomino Backpack.
The campers are designed to fit a wide range of trucks on the road today. The living area is spacious and has most of the features found on larger travel trailers.
The Backpack is available in two versions, with each version having multiple floorplans.
The hard-side version has 6 different floor plans available, and the Soft-Side version 6 plans as well. Let’s take a look at the HS-750.
HS-750 Specifications
Here is a partial list of the HS-750 specification:
- Ship Weight: 1860 lbs.
- Exterior Height: 8′ 2″
- Floor Length: 8′ 2″
- Exterior Length: 16′
- Exterior Width: 86″
The construction consists of Hi-Gloss Gel Coat, High-Density foam insulation, an Alpha Super Flex Membrane roof, and aluminum framing among others.
Standard Equipment includes some of the following:
- LED Interior Lighting
- Vented Battery Box (2 Std. on Max Series)
- Battery Quick Disconnect
- Exterior Battery Charging Station
- Rieco Titan® Electric Roof Lift (Soft Sides Only)
- Aluminum Frame
- Ball Bearing Drawer Glides
- “Landing Pad” Integrated Bumper (Hard Side Max Only)
- Laminated Walkable Roof (Hard Side Only)
- Congoleum® Flooring
- Mortise and Tenon Walnut Hard Wood Cabinets
There are lots of options you can order to customize your camper including, but not limited to, air conditioning, entry step, microwave, rear awning, and solar panel.
Overall, the Palomino Backpack is a relatively nice truck camper, however, its lack of a dry bath is a no-go for us. Truth be told, there are nicer, better-equipped models by other manufacturers.
Check our Palomino here.
Host Campers Mammoth
Host Campers manufacturers 5 models of truck campers. They include the Mammoth, Everest, Cascade, Rainier, and Tahoe. Here we’ll take a look at the Mammoth.
The Mammoth has a one-floor plan that offers multiple layout options. For example, you can have just one-wardrobe in your bedroom, or you can have two or even one long one. In the living room, you can add a laundry center or and optional 6-foot couch with Hi/Low table.
Mammoth Specification
Here is a partial list of specifications:
- Type: Triple Slide-Out, Side Entry
- Base Weight: 3955 lbs.
- Width: 96″
- Exterior Height: 113″ – 118″ w/air
- Interior Height: 78″
- Floor Lenght: 136″
- Overall Length: 19′ 3″
When it comes to standard features Host Campers is right up there with the best of them. This is a partial list:
- Ultralite 100% Aluminum Structure
- Complete Fiberglass Exterior w/Exterior Graphics
- Vacuum Bonded Foam Insulated walls, Floor & Ceiling
- One-Piece TPO Roof
- Cabinets w/ Raised Panel Doors
- Large 3 Burner Range
- Double Door 2-Way 8 CU FT Refrigerator
- Extended Cab w/60 x 80 Queen Bed & Bed Spread
- 12 Volt LED Interior Lighting System
- Adjustable Reading Lights in Bedroom
To view, all Host Campers specifications and features visit their website.
Best Truck Campers Summary
Like the purchase of any other travel trailer, do your research first. Determine what you need and your budget. Visit dealers, ask owners of truck camper models you might like, and ask questions. I have found most owners are very happy to help.
If you are interested in a camper that fits atop a truck bed but doesn’t look like a truck camper, check out this review I wrote about the Base Camp by Hower Built.
