10 Best Truck Bed Campers

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10 Best Truck Bed Campers

Key Takeaways

• • Truck bed campers vs. RVs: Truck bed campers are a versatile and convenient alternative to large RVs, offering a compact solution for outdoor adventures without the need for a separate, full-time vehicle.
  • Variety of options: There are many different truck bed campers on the market, each with unique features and designs, from basic models to luxurious, off-grid-ready units.
  • Importance of truck compatibility: Before purchasing a camper, it’s crucial to consider two key factors: the size of your truck bed (long or short) and its weight capacity. Failing to address these can lead to safety and performance issues.
  • Tips for buying and maintenance: The article provides essential tips for buyers, including:
    • Storage solutions: Planning for secure storage, either in a backyard, garage, or a covered RV facility, can prolong the camper’s life and reduce maintenance costs.
    • Engine type: The choice between a gas or diesel truck depends on your budget and performance needs.
    • Features and slide-outs: Adding more features and slide-outs increases weight and cost, necessitating a larger truck.
    • Regular upkeep: Routine cleaning and maintenance of key components, such as jacks and awnings, are necessary to keep the camper in good condition.

Truck Bed Campers are a versatile and convenient alternative to traditional RVs or tent camping. Designed to fit snugly onto the bed of a pickup truck, these campers offer a compact yet comfortable accommodation solution for outdoor enthusiasts.

Why invest in a million-dollar motorhome when you can manage with a truck bed camper? Just let your adventurous side decide for you.

Traveling in an RV or living full-time in one is becoming increasingly standard these days. However, not many people want to invest in a large motorhome or a mighty camper trailer, mainly because it is likely to stand idle in a storage area when they are not camping.

Instead, they choose a more compact yet adventurous way to get the gist of a home away from home, but only to accommodate the necessities. 

Truck bed campers are perfect for weekend warriors and camping enthusiasts. However, not everyone wants to invest in a new truck worth thousands of dollars when they already own one.

If you are one of such people and have a heavy-duty truck, all you need to invest in is a truck bed camper. 

I understand it gets overwhelming to choose among hundreds of options available in the market. Thus, I have formulated a list of the 10 best truck bed campers to make the selection easier. 

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10 Best Truck Bed Campers

Off-road trucks come in numerous styles and designs. There is no “one size fits all” truck or camper. Every design is unique and sports different features. Here is a list of ten of the best truck bed campers I like. In my opinion, the Storyteller is the overall best in class.

1. Storyteller GXV Hilt

The Storyteller GXV Hilt is a rugged, off-road capable Class C adventure truck built on a RAM 5500 4×4 chassis. It’s designed for long, off-grid expeditions while providing a luxurious and comfortable interior.

Features

Chassis and Performance

Chassis: RAM 5500 4×4 with a 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel Engine.

Suspension: Liquid Springs® Smart Suspension™ system that automatically adjusts to optimize ride quality, handling, and height. It can be adjusted for three different ride heights and performance modes on the fly.

Wheels and Tires: EVICTUS™ Expedition Forged Aluminum Wheels with 41-inch Multi-Purpose Tires designed for low-PSI use without de-beading. A full-size spare with an electric winch is included.

Off-Road Features: A “zero torsion” subframe allows the camper unit to move independently of the chassis, improving off-road traction and reducing stress on the vehicle. It also has dual ARB compressors, a 20,000-lb winch, and a rugged front bumper.

Exterior and Construction

Dimensions: Approximately 29 feet in length, 12 feet 7 inches in height, and 8 feet wide.

Construction: The camper shell is a vacuum-infused resin composite with carbon fiber and Kevlar reinforcements. It features closed-cell foam insulation for all-season comfort.

Storage: Three lockable cargo hatches, a large lockable pass-through storage area (24 cu. ft.), and nVader® rear storage racks.

Lighting: A “Extreme 360° lighting package” from KC HiLiTES, featuring numerous perimeter and front lights.

Awning: A 13-foot x 8-foot dual-pitch awning with dimmable LEDs.

Interior and Living Space

Layout: The interior is spacious with a standing height of 6’7″. It includes a front loft with a queen-size bed and a rear U-shaped dinette that converts into a second queen-size bed, sleeping up to four people.

Kitchen (Galley): Features a large stainless steel sink, a dual-burner induction cooktop, a stainless steel convection oven, microwave, and air fryer. The refrigerator/freezer is a spacious 6.9 cubic feet.

Bathroom: A full wet/dry bath with a spacious 6’5″ standing height shower, integrated sink, and a flushable cassette toilet.

Storage: Includes ample upper cabinets, a closet with a hanging rod and shelves, and storage compartments in the loft.

Climate Control: Equipped with a 15,000 BTU ducted air conditioner and a 10,000 BTU hydronic heat system with two air handlers for climate control in various conditions.

Power and Systems

Electrical System: A powerful 16.8 kWh M-Power™ system powered by Lithionics® batteries, two 3000W high-capacity inverters, and a high-idle function on the RAM chassis.

Solar: A 1320W-rated solar panel array helps keep the batteries charged.

Water System: Features a massive 120-gallon freshwater tank, a 40-gallon gray water tank, and a 4.75-gallon cassette for the toilet. It also has a Guzzle H2O® water purification system.

Connectivity: Starlink®-ready for global internet access.

Control: A “Mission Control” touchscreen display allows for easy management of the vehicle’s systems.

2. Tischer Trail/Box 260S

Tischer Trail Box 260S comes from a German-based manufacturer. The truck bed camper can easily fit on either vehicle type, single or double cab.

Features

Tischer Trail/Box has an aluminum body that is 20 feet long and seven feet wide. The internal height is 6 ½ feet, allowing enough headroom for an average person.

Regarding the floor area, there is a centrally located U-shaped dinette, a refrigerator on one side, and a small kitchen on the other.

The cab-over has a room for a queen-sized bed. You can set it up in various ways as you deem fit, i.e., front to back or side to side. 

Opposite the side door entrance is an enclosed wet bath. It includes a fold-up sink and a swiveling toilet, thus providing more room to move around.

The high-quality plastic sliding doors are water-resistant and allow free access to the cabin. Many windows and skylights provide sufficient natural light, thus creating an impression of a much more spacious area.

Freshwater supply with a 96-liter tank and pressure pump is a luxury. Moreover, the camper sports a 45-liter wastewater storage as an underfloor tank.

3. Palomino Backpack HS-2902

Build quality RVs since 1968 that provide the best value in the marketplace. Please take your time exploring our website and let us show you why we are the premier full-line RV manufacturer in the industry today!

From Truck Campers to luxury Fifth Wheels and everything in between, Palomino RV has a model to fit your needs.

Features

Design and innovation are crucial to the success of Palomino RV. We know that a Palomino is differentiated from the competition by its attention to detail. They work hard to create an RV that performs flawlessly and has a touch of elegance.

They use highly engineered construction methods, from luxurious residential interior designs to well-designed floorplans that maximize storage.

They are confident that their model will meet or exceed your expectations because they have spent years listening to the customers.

Specifications

4. Lance 1062

Lance 1062 is a beast of a camper. It lies between an affordable and a high price range.

Features

Lance 1062 comes with a height of nine feet, a length of 20 feet, a width of eight feet, and a dry weight of 3600 pounds. I would recommend you haul it on a dual-rear-wheel truck.

As for the interior, the two slide-out sections on opposite sides increase the living space significantly. This area includes a dinette with bench seating and a small kitchenette with a three-burner cooking range, microwave oven, and a six cubic-foot refrigerator.

The cab-over area has a queen-sized bed, an entertainment system, and a closet with mirrored doors. While there’s sufficient sleeping space for two, you can convert the dinette into a bed or sleeper if there are four people.

The camper includes a dry bath, toilet, sink, and private stand-up shower. The floor is almost 11 feet long, while the overall length is 20 feet.

Lance 1062 sports a 20,000 BTU furnace. It weighs dry at 3613 pounds, while the wet weight can reach up to 4073 pounds. 

Other features include :

• 45-gallon fresh water tank
• 27-gallon grey tank
• Black tank with 22-gallon capacity
• You’ll get a propane tank with 2 to 5 gallons as well 

5. Host Everest 11′ 6″

This full-size triple slide-out camper can fit all the features of a home while still on wheels. 

With a width of eight feet and a length of over 19 feet, this camper weighs 3,890 pounds. This massive camper is made for dually. 

Now, what is a dually? It’s a heavy-duty truck with dual rear tires for added support, capacity, and endurance.

Features

First up is the inviting entrance, thanks to the highly luxurious interior with three large slide-outs. The side entry floor plan has a rear slide-out containing the couch and a wardrobe.

The other two slide-outs are on each side of the camper. One side houses a dinette that can seat up to four people, and the other has a kitchenette.

The camper includes a bathroom with a separate full-size standup shower. The cab-over provides the main sleeping area with four layout options for a queen or a king-sized bed.

Host Everest weighs dry at 3,890 pounds (1 slide). The floor is 136 inches long.

The freshwater tanks can hold up to 65 gallons, the gray water tank 51 gallons, and the black water can store up to 32 gallons.

Other features include: 

• 25,000 BTU Furnace 
• LPG capacity of 15 gallons

6. Northstar Laredo SC

Northstar Laredo SC is a perfect choice for couples and families alike. It costs $37,250.

Features

Northstar Laredo SC includes a kitchenette with a triple-burner cooktop, a microwave, and a three-way fridge.

On the other side, there is a convertible dinette with bench seating. You can convert it into an extra bed whenever you need it.

On the backside, near the entrance, is a fully enclosed wet bath. The extended cab-over area features a queen-sized bed, a TV, and additional storage space on both sides.

Other features include a freshwater tank capacity of 41 gallons, a grey tank volume of 13 gallons, and a black tank capacity of 5 gallons.

7. Travel Lite RV Truck Campers

The Travel Lite RV truck campers are a series of lightweight, hard-sided campers designed for convenience and affordability. The article highlights several models, including the Up Country 550U-XS, Up Country 775U, and Rove Lite 12RK.

Here is a breakdown of their detailed features, with specifics drawn from the available information:

Features

Construction: Travel Lite RV emphasizes a “wood-free” construction, utilizing materials like Hydro-Lite exterior, an aluminum trussed roof, and laminated floors for durability, strength, and ease of repair. This construction philosophy aims to provide a lightweight and affordable build.

Appliances and Amenities

The campers are equipped with modern amenities for a comfortable camping experience, typically including:

A kitchenette with a sink and a two-burner stovetop.

A 12V refrigerator to keep food and drinks cold.

A microwave.

A dinette and a couch that often convert into additional sleeping areas.

A queen-sized bed in the cab-over area.

Systems and Utilities

Electrical: They are equipped with a 40 Amp converter and a detachable 30 Amp power cord.

Climate Control: A 20,000 BTU furnace is standard for cooler weather. An optional 15,000 BTU roof-mount air conditioner is available for hot weather.

Water: A freshwater tank is included, though capacity can vary by model.

Connectivity & Entertainment: A stereo system with both indoor and outdoor speakers is a standard feature. They are also prepped for a backup camera.

Exterior

The exterior has a simple, clean design, often painted in solid colors like black, white, or grey.

An outdoor spray port or shower is a common feature.

Adjustable D-Ring mounting system for secure attachment to a truck.

Model-Specific Features (as per available information):

Travel Lite Up Country 550U-XS:

Dimensions

Approximately 10 7″ in length, 7 4″ in width, and 6 6″ in exterior height.

Weight: Very lightweight with a dry weight of 1,150 lbs.

Water: 13-gallon fresh tank and a 5-gallon grey tank.

Layout: Features a front 48″ x 75″ bed, two bench seats, and a shower.

Travel Lite Up Country 775U:

Fit: Designed for half-ton trucks and up.

Approximately 15′ 1″ in length.

Weight: Dry weight of 1,722 lbs.

Water: 13-gallon fresh tank, 5-gallon grey tank, and 5-gallon black tank.

Layout

Features a front bed, a bathroom with a shower, a dinette, and storage with USB ports.

Travel Lite Rove Lite 12RK (Note: This is a travel trailer, but is mentioned in a truck camper context):

Fit: Ultra-lightweight and designed to be towed by even small vehicles.

Weight: Very light with a dry weight of 1,598 lbs.

Features: Includes a sofa bed, power awning, on-demand tankless water heater, and an outdoor shower.

8. Lance 650 Truck Camper

The Lance 650 is a compact, lightweight truck camper of high quality and full of features, designed for those with an active lifestyle.

Features

The Lance 650 Truck Camper is an exemplar of modern, compact camping technology, meticulously engineered for the adventurers who yearn for freedom without sacrificing the comforts of home.

With a floor length of 6’10” and an overall length of 15’6″, it snugly fits on the bed of most full-sized pickup trucks, making it ideal for spontaneous getaways and extended journeys.

Measuring 86″ in width and reaching an exterior height of 8’1″ with the Truma Aventa 13.5M air conditioning unit installed, the Lance 650 offers a spacious interior with an impressive 81″ headroom, ensuring a comfortable and airy environment.

The camper’s calculated center of gravity—22″ to the front and 56″ to the rear—enhances stability and driving comfort.

The Lance 650’s dry weight with standard equipment is 1813 lbs., while its wet weight, which includes full tanks and standard gear, is approximately 2016 lbs. This lightweight design contributes to better fuel efficiency and ease of maneuverability.

The camper’s capacity includes a 22-gallon fresh water tank, a 15-gallon grey water tank, and a 16-gallon black water tank, ensuring ample resources for extended trips. It also has a 5-gallon propane tank to fuel your cooking and heating needs.

Accommodating up to three people for sleeping, the camper features a 3 cubic foot refrigerator to keep your provisions fresh. Unique to the Lance 650 are the combo blackout shades and screens, alongside an entry door pull shade, providing privacy and comfort in various lighting conditions.

The interior features Euro-Ply non-toxic cabinet construction, promoting a healthy living space, and is entirely framed in aluminum for durability and strength.

Every aspect of the Lance 650 Truck Camper is crafted with attention to detail and a deep understanding of the needs of the modern explorer, making it a remarkable choice for those who refuse to compromise on quality and functionality while adventuring off the beaten path.

9. NuCamp Cirrus 820

The Cirrus 820 is a hard-side, short-bed cab-over by Ohio-based NuCamp.

Features

With a dry weight of 2,847 pounds and a length of 17 feet, the Cirrus 820 features an all-aluminum framework and an aluminum and fiberglass shell.

The interior is spacious, with a lengthy kitchenette and a 4.6 cu ft fridge along one side, while the opposite houses a booth-style dinette.

The entrance somehow conceals a wholly enclosed wet bath with a fold-up sink and a wall-mounted showerhead. With a space for a queen-sized mattress. Several large windows all around, including a skylight above the bed.

The body is eight feet, two inches long, and the bed area is 60 X 78 inches. The camper bed includes an air conditioner. 

Other features include a freshwater tank with a capacity of 33 gallons, a graywater tank with a capacity of 32 gallons, and a blackwater tank that can hold up to 28 gallons.

10. Northstar Wind Bandit

Making it at number ten on my list of best truck bed campers is the Northstar Wind Bandit.

Features

The Northstar Wind Bandit is an exceptional blend of comfort and practicality in compact travel trailers designed for those seeking adventure without sacrificing home amenities. With a base dry weight of 2,050 lbs, it’s a lightweight option that doesn’t skimp on features.

The 6’5.5″ interior height ensures ample headroom, while the exterior height stands at 8’2″ when equipped with the optional AC unit, making it a cozy fit for most environments.

The Wind Bandit’s exterior width is a manageable 7 feet, and it stretches to an overall length of 16′ 2″, with a floor length of 8′ 9″, providing a compact yet spacious interior.

The cabover bed size is a generous 60″ x 80″, offering the comfort of a queen-size bed, while the dinette converts into a 38″ x 72″ bed, accommodating additional guests.

Entry into the Wind Bandit is made easy with a 22″ wide door, and once inside, you’ll find a freshwater capacity of 27 gallons and a gray water holding tank of 13 gallons, ensuring you have ample water for your journeys.

For those off-grid adventures, the cassette system features a 4-gallon freshwater tank and a 5-gallon black water tank, providing convenience and autonomy.

The approximate center of gravity is 32 inches from the lower front wall going rearward, making it stable and easy to tow.

Whether exploring new horizons or revisiting your favorite spots, the Northstar Wind Bandit is designed to make every trip memorable with its practicality, comfort, and convenience.

Our Tips for Buying and Maintenance

Truck campers are often known as slide-in campers as well. These are the camper beds that are designed to fit on the bed of the truck. Even if some of it sticks out from the side, it is completely secured on the bed, so towing it individually is unnecessary.

The camper bed acts as a part of the truck. You don’t have to haul or tow a trailer behind your truck, but it’s still a lot of weight on its bed.

Many campers consider camper beds an economical and easy-to-use option. However, certain factors must be considered when deciding to invest in one. 

I have developed a few tips on buying and maintaining camper beds for your convenience.

Truck Size

Your truck size is the most important thing to consider when buying a camper bed. Now, there are two main factors you must keep in mind.

• Your truck bed

Usually, camper beds are manufactured for either long-bed or short-bed trucks. However, some companies offer few models that can fit on long-bed trucks and short-bed trucks.

• Your truck’s weight capacity

The second important factor to consider is your truck’s weight capacity. Please do not confuse it with the towing capacity. Both are entirely different. You can find your truck’s weight limit in the truck’s manual or on the sticker on the driver’s door.

Trucks come in various weight categories, such as one ton, ½ ton, or ¾ ton. You can choose a light-duty truck if you are going for a light camper. However, it would help if you opted for a heavy-duty, one-ton truck for hard-wall campers. 

Storage

In the US, many cities don’t allow you to park a camper bed in front of your house. 

However, you may park in your driveway. With no space or restrictions, you are left with two options. Store your camper bed in your backyard or arrange a proper storage area.

Since you invested thousands of dollars in a camper bed, you want it safely stored when not used. I recommend you keep a storage plan in mind before picking one.

If you can store it inside a garage or any other enclosed space, there is a strong chance your camper bed will be safe. You are thus preventing any additional maintenance charges in the future.

I would recommend that you keep your camper bed off the ground. It would increase the camper’s life and reduce insect or rodent issues.

You can also place it on a concrete pad or driveway to ensure it’s in better condition, saving you money and time from any extra maintenance or repair.

Outdoor Camper Storage

You can also explore an RV storage facility for your camper bed. I have just a few tips to help you decide there as well.

Try to look for one with concrete parking pads. The concrete pad works like a dehumidifier, thus capturing all the moisture in the air and ultimately prolonging your camper bed’s life.

There are some facilities with glass or dirt parking pads as well. These pads are not very practical against the humidity and may retain moisture in the air. You are thus exposing your camper’s undercarriage to speed up the rusting process.

In addition, look for a covered facility or unit. This will ensure your camper bed is safe from the hardships of extreme weather, such as rain, extreme heat, cold, snow, gales, and much more.

Lastly, if you neither have a proper storage facility nor want to spend money on an RV storage facility, I recommend you at least securely cover your camper with a tarp. It may help protect your camper bed from direct elements to some extent.

Gas or Diesel

Another critical factor to consider is choosing between a diesel or gas-fueled truck. If you already own or plan to invest in a truck, you should be aware of the merits and demerits of both engine types.

A diesel engine, although initially more expensive, offers greater economy in the long run. The torque output is high; thus, the performance of your truck’s engine will be exemplary. There will be no to very little strain on the vehicle’s engine.

Gasoline, on the other hand, is an affordable option. The fuel and the engine both cost less. Gasoline engines are also highly capable of carrying and pulling massive weights. So the choice entirely depends on your preference.

Just keep the much-needed compatibility of your truck and the camper bed in mind while you pick one.

Storage Space or Living Area

You know you can’t expect the luxuries of a motorhome in your camper bed. However, with modern furnishing and numerous techniques, manufacturers are offering state-of-the-art facilities there as well, though the area is small.

Now, designers are developing numerous designs offering more storage options. However, bear in mind that with more storage options, there may be less living space.

Some people prefer living space over storage options, considering it’s not for full-time living. Every camper bed is different from its counterparts. Some are designed for more storage options, others for living areas, and some for both.

So, consider your requirements before you pick one.

Features

Truck camper beds come with various features. However, just like any other vehicle or apartment, these amenities differ from brand to brand.

Some have comparatively better features than others. Keep in mind that the more features, the bigger the price tag.

Similarly, with more features, the size and weight of the camper bed increase. Thus, it requires a larger truck and more fuel to take it from one place to another.

Season

Like RVs, camper beds can be used throughout the year. Some are specially made for the winter season or desert camping.

You can extend your awnings on a bright summer day or stay in the camper on frigid winter days.

But bear in mind, with extreme weather, there are some restrictions, and you must study your requirements before purchasing.

Slide-outs

Camper beds with slide-outs are a revolutionary addition to the old way these campers worked. You get a lot of additional space for living: storage and various amenities.

A truck camper with slide-outs adds to the pocket, but it’s worth it if you can afford one. It significantly increases the comfort level and living space.

Some manufacturers offer as many as three slide-outs, such as the Host Everest from my list above.

Although slide-outs increase the space considerably, they also add to your truck’s total weight. Every slide-out may weigh up to 300 pounds, requiring a larger truck. Not to mention the limitations of reaching several destinations, too.

Maintenance

However, you can ensure minimal maintenance costs with proper, secure storage. However, there is always some work you need to do on a unit that moves on the road.

Regular cleaning keeps your truck camper safe from rusting, tarnishing, or wearing off. It also helps prevent any infestation if a camper stays in storage longer.

Several items, like the corner jacks, slide-outs, and awnings, need regular, routine maintenance to keep them in perfect working condition.

These are some important factors for buyers to consider when deciding which camper will be right for them.

Final Thoughts

Truck Bed Campers, a popular choice for outdoors enthusiasts, come in two main types: hard-side and pop-up camper variations. Hard-side truck bed campers are typically more durable and provide better insulation, making them suitable for all-weather camping.

Truck bed campers provide a flexible and often more affordable option for traveling and camping compared to traditional RVs.

The market offers a wide range of campers to suit different lifestyles, from rugged, off-road-capable models to luxurious units with multiple slide-outs.

Making an informed decision requires careful consideration of your truck’s specifications, your storage options, and your personal preferences for living space and features.

With proper planning and regular maintenance, a truck bed camper can be a durable and reliable companion for countless adventures.

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