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Last Updated on August 24, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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10 Best Small Truck Campers
The era of truck camping has given most truck owners a new purpose for their trucks and perhaps a new meaning in their lives. Gone are the days when trucks were mainly used to transport items across places.
Key Takeaways:
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- Versatility and Functionality: Small truck campers offer significant flexibility for truck owners, converting truck beds into portable shelters. These campers provide space for outdoor gear, offer sleeping arrangements, and are ideal for outdoor activities like fishing and camping.
- Compact and Lightweight: Modern small truck campers are designed to be lightweight, with some models weighing as little as 275 pounds. This makes them easy to mount and dismount, improving the truck’s fuel efficiency and maneuverability.
- Variety of Features: Small truck campers have various features, from simple, minimalist setups to fully-equipped units with kitchens, beds, and storage. Some campers are customizable, allowing users to adapt the camper to their needs.
- Durable Construction: These campers are built to endure harsh weather conditions, with materials like aluminum and fiberglass ensuring longevity and strength. Some models also have insulated roofs, waterproof materials, and weather-resistant tent walls.
- Cost-Effective Camping Solution: Small truck campers are generally cheaper than larger RVs, do not require registration, and can be stored in smaller spaces, making them a practical option for those with limited storage or budget.
- Outdoor Adventure Ready: Small truck campers are ideal for solo travelers or small groups and well-suited for outdoor activities. Their hard roofs allow for carrying outdoor gear like bikes or canoes, making them a great companion for adventure enthusiasts.
Many truck owners have realized that their truck’s bed can be more than a load carrier. Truck campers offer a new dimension for truck owners to use their trucks more effectively.
Apart from transporting items, truck campers can provide temporary accommodation for you, your family, your friends, and your loved ones when traveling. A road trip is an excellent way to bond with people dear to your heart. You could have an excellent time out with friends and family with a truck camper. All you need to do is choose a location and pack everything.
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If you are going fishing or doing any other fun outdoor activity, you can mount your toys on your truck camper or in a fully fitted camper. A truck camper can put your truck to many good uses.
The good thing about truck campers is that manufacturers have continually been looking for ways to make them lighter and smaller over the years to suit the needs of their clients. Truck campers have gone from weighing over a ton to as low as 300 pounds.
Small truck campers are great for people who do not need a mobile house but need shelter. They are also more versatile and can fit into most trucks. They can easily be mounted and dismounted in minutes, providing more space for campers. If you want to own a small truck camper, here is our list of the best small truck campers.
The Top 10 Small Truck Campers
Four-Wheel Pop-up Campers Hawk Model
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to Sir William Goes
This camper is flexible and can be used on different trucks. It is one of the best truck campers out there. When popped up, it is over 6 ft tall and has a lot of space. However, it can be popped down when traveling for easy mobility. It is built with materials that make it very compact. Another great thing about this camper is that it can fit into the bed of most trucks.
There are six latches, two in the front, two at the back, and two on each side, making it easy to pop up the camper at any time.
The Hawk has four windows around the camper, each with three layers of privacy glass. This truck camper also has ample storage. The countertop can be opened to reveal more storage. The countertop storage is deep, and a two-way cabinet is under it. This camper has more storage than most small truck campers.
This camper’s kitchen is well-equipped. It has a deep sink with a cover top, a two-burner gas stove with a cover, and enough countertop space for preparing meals.
A 12-volt, 4 USB plugs, and an AC outlet only work when connected to shore power. However, the volt outlets and USB plugs work at all times. There is also a furnace with a regulator to control the temperature. A water heater tank can hold up to 6 gallons of water. There is also a freshwater indicator, and this camper can hold up to 20 gallons of fresh water.
The four-wheel camper also has a dinette; if you lay the table on the tracks, you get an additional bed. The camper also has a king-size cabover bed and a three-inch mattress. The bed can accommodate two people.
Another thing that makes the camper stand out is that it is fully welded with aluminum. This makes the camper strong and durable and stabilizes when mounted on a pickup.
If you are looking for a strong, long-lasting small truck camper, the Four Wheel camper is the one for you.
Go Fast Campers Platform
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to mixflip
The Go Fast Campers Platform is an extremely convenient truck camper for small trucks. It is perfect for campers not looking for the comfort of a home but a space to camp. With fewer facilities than most truck campers, the Platform has enough space.
If you want an ample-space camper, the Platform camper is for you. This camper lets you control your space and decide what to put inside. Thus, you may only set up what you need for each trip on the truck’s bed and take it out on the next trip.
The Platform’s roof is stronger than most truck campers and can support up to 500 pounds. You can keep the camper free and put your load on the roof. The Platform is designed with aluminum panels that wrap the four sides of the frame. The front panel is fixed behind the cab, while gas struts support the other three hinges at the top and can be locked closed.
The roof and floor are made with strong, lightweight honeycomb composite material to ensure this camper is as lightweight as possible. The tent walls are made from heavy canvas for better stamina.
The Platform weighs about 275 pounds and has a sleeping surface of 50 inches by 90 inches. It is easier to set up and pack down this camper, which takes only a few minutes. Each side of the enclosed area opens for easy access to your gear and other outdoor toys, which you may put in the bed of your truck.
The platform camper combines the best of rooftop tents and full-size campers. Thus, it is ideal for campers who are always on the move. If you are going on a trip and would love to set up a tent occasionally, the Platform is your best option. It is durable and very versatile.
The Snap Outfitter Treehouse
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to Not Dead Yet
The Snap Outfitter Tree House is an Aluminum truck camper built to order. It can fit into any truck and has swing-open side hatches and a rear entry, making it incredibly easy to access gear in the truck bed while keeping the elements out. It has a dual purpose: it is an ideal tent and a great camper.
The Snap outfitter generally weighs 340 pounds and is built with durable weatherproof materials. Mounting this camper involves attaching it to the sidewall of your truck. It is perfect for trucks of different sizes and can be built to your taste.
One great feature of this truck camper is that the sleeping deck is raised above the truck cabin. A full-size mattress is in the overhead sleeping deck and two three-layered windows for privacy. This gives enough space on the floor to fit in as much as you can afford to. The open floor space is also great for keeping outdoor gear and equipment,
The Snap outfitter is waterproof, and the materials used in constructing it insulate the camper during summer. Thus, it is convenient in most weather conditions and a very versatile option.
Because of the hydraulic position, you can easily open and close the camper in seconds. Mounting this camper also takes a shorter time than most campers. It is a flexible option for campers who must set up a tent occasionally.
The treehouse camper has no fancy interior features other than the camp bed and LED light that brightens the camp. Thus, the owners will need to fit all appliances. This truck camper is ideal for temporary camping, not people regularly on the road. It is best used when traveling to places with all the facilities you need and want shelter along the way.
The AT Overland Summit
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to Savage Camper
The AT Overland Summit is a lightweight pop-up camper suitable for small trucks. Its rooftop is insulated with honeycomb composites, which keep the roof strong enough to support bikes and other outdoor equipment. This presents a good option for campers traveling with outdoor tools that cannot fit into the truck’s bed. You can mount your tools on the roof and be assured that the roof will hold them while you drive.
The Summit is a comfortable shelter for all weather. It protects campers from the heat during summer and keeps them warm during winter. The walls and roofs are made with insulative and fire-retardant specialty fabric, making the Summit weather-friendly and durable.
The Summit weighs approximately 300-340 pounds and comfortably fits into most trucks. Its lightweight makes it easy to drive around when attached to a truck. Unlike other motorhomes, you can drive and park anywhere easily with this Summit. You may not even remember that you have a mobile home attached to your truck.
The AT Overland Summit has an upper sleep platform and a mattress that raises up and out of the way when moving around in the truck’s bed. Once again, you get enough space with this truck camper. The bed is 48×80 inches, and the mattress is 2.5 inches thick.
The platform can comfortably support up to 500 pounds, but the Summit is essentially a topper. Most appliances and equipment are mounted on the truck’s bed, and the Summit holds them in. It has firm sides and a rugged rooftop. The Summit’s roof is strong and can accommodate more weight. It can carry up to 100 pounds of toys on the rack, and solar panels can be mounted to the roof.
Each rear corner of the Summit has a wiring raceway designed for 12-volt and USB sockets. Thus, if you need to charge your gadgets continually, you can do so with the AT Overland Summit truck camper.
Laveta Pop-Top Truck Camper
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to mixflip
The Laveta Pop Top is one of the best small truck campers. This truck camper is a pop-top camper made by Hallmark in Colorado. It is a very tall camper with an extendable height of up to 6.5 feet. This allows for easy travel anywhere you go, as you can easily compress the camper for ease of movement.
This is the most attractive feature of this camper. The Laveta pop top is quite tall for a small truck camper and provides more room. When it is raised, you can easily stand in this camper.
This truck camper is exceptionally lightweight and flexible. It is built with a molded fiberglass composite exterior frame and a one-piece molded fiberglass composite roof, which provides the structure and superior durability of a Hallmark pop-up truck camper.
Some of the standard features of this truck camper include insulated soft walls, real oak cabinetry, manual crank roof lift mechanisms, DSI water heaters, three-way DSI absorption refrigerators, two-way 12-volt compressor refrigerators, forced air propane furnaces, LED interior lighting, dual battery systems, 45-amp power systems with built-in charging, and exclusive big-view double windows.
Also, the Laveta Pop Top has a 30-gallon tank and a 3-gallon water heater. Because of its size and weight, this has more water capacity than most campers. Depending on your water usage, the 30-gallon tank can hold enough water for days.
The Laveta Pop Top Truck camper has a kitchen for campers who love preparing meals. The kitchen is well equipped with a two-burner gas stove, cabinet, and inset sink. There are also some cabinets for storage.
The Laveta Pop Top also has a dinette and a king-size bed for more comfort. This truck camper is one of the best out there.
The Vagabond Drifter Truck Camper
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to mixflip
This lightweight camper fits perfectly into any truck, including small trucks. The Vagabond drifter is made with aluminum, which makes it very strong. It was made to be a lightweight camper without sacrificing durability. It is made of quality materials and is suitable for all weather conditions.
It features a one-piece insulated lid to help control the interior temperature while reducing condensation. The sides of the drifter cannot be opened and are sealed to protect the inside from the weather.
The sides also don’t fold up. Although this makes the cargo harder to access, it also protects the things in the cargo area from the elements of the weather. Most people store valuable equipment and systems inside these canopies; the last thing you need is dust or water on your stuff.
The Vagabond Drifter is also coated with polyester, which makes it waterproof. It has a 3-inch fitted mattress in the tent. Side windows can be covered for privacy, lower-level lighting, and interior roof lighting. The 18-ounce polyester-coated vinyl tent features three windows for an open and airy feel. These can be closed to block light and opened for visibility in bad weather.
The drifter leaves campers with enough space but very few features. The campers must bring everything else in.
The Palomino Truck Camper
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to The Outpost RV
The Palomino is a truck camper designed explicitly for smaller truck beds. There is a soft side and a hard side palomino truck camper. The soft side camper is best suited for small trucks.
The first major pro of this camper is that it is a pop-up truck camper with lower wind resistance, better fuel economy, better off-road performance, lower weight, lower center of gravity, and more overall versatility.
The Palomino can be fixed and controlled through a system. The manufacturers put in a lot to make this truck camper adapted to modern technology. There is a rear camera that you can connect wirelessly with a monitor. This can be used when driving to view other vehicles coming behind. Also, it has a fiberglass hood-looking exterior. The exterior is built to last with the best materials.
The Palomino also has an outside shower with hot and cold water options. One unique feature is its tankless water heater, which provides a constant hot water supply.
Also, Palomino has a durable roof. The roof is covered with textured fiberglass, making it strong enough to walk on. You can also carry extra weight on the roof.
The Palomino has a kitchenette with a two-gas burner stove, a nice European flush-mouth cooktop, and a single sink. There’s enough countertop space for meal preparation, and the gas stove can be closed to reveal more space.
This truck camper has a refrigerator. It also has a dinette that can be converted to a smaller bed after the cabover. You get more space and comfort with this camper than you would get with most truck campers. Even though it also comes in a hard side, the soft is more suitable for smaller trucks. The many great features of this camper discussed above make it one of the best small truck campers.
Stealthy-Mini Phoenix Pop-up Camper
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to coyotervcampers
Phoenix is a brand that makes truck campers that can fit into any truck. They have a variety of campers, and depending on your vehicle, you can go with anyone you find suitable. The Stealthy-Mini Phoenix Pop-up camper is a small truck camper and one of the best small truck campers out there.
This camper has valuable features that ensure the best camping experience. It has a 5-inch bed, which is quite a good size for its size and weight. It has an under-bed storage and a dinette that can be converted into a second bed. Thus, the camper can accommodate three people.
The Stealthy-Mini Pop-up camper can fit into different small trucks. It is lightweight, weighing about 850 pounds. This pop-up camper is fully insulated and suitable for various weather types. The inside is fully equipped, and it has a full kitchenette style with a cooktop and sink. There are shelves for storage, and it also has a refrigerator.
The Phoenix Stealthy—Mini camper is built with extremely durable materials, such as fiberglass and an aluminum frame. The compass unit is exceptionally accommodating and spacious. The Phoenix pop-up camper is fully equipped with LED lighting on the ceiling and 12 V outlets. It also has solar charging capabilities with an LED screen solar controller.
This truck camper has an 11-gallon freshwater tank, which is enough water for about two days. The sleeping compartment is directly in the front area of the truck camper. It is an excellent small truck camper for short trips.
EarthCruiser Adventure Mod 400
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to Adventure Truck
The Earth Cruiser is a dynamic truck camper with a unique design. Its pop-up top raises only in the rear of the truck. The Earth Cruiser Adventure Mode 400 is made from molded fiberglass and other lightweight materials, making it a very light truck camper. Its dry weight is merely 800 pounds, and it has many features for that size.
The Earth Cruiser has an 80 by 60-inch cabover bed and a dinette. The dinette can be converted into an extra bed. Its floor length is only 5.3 inches, so it has little floor space, but that is expected for a truck camper of this weight.
While there are fewer features in the Adventure camper, customers have the option of pimping their campers to suit their needs. You can make this truck camper much more comfortable by merely adding personal accessory kits. The personal accessory kit options include a portable toilet shower sink, 1.5 cubic compressor refrigerator, and 2.6 water heater tank.
This camper is one of the best small truck campers available, and it is customizable to suit your needs.
ATC Panther Pop-Up Camper
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to USACamping
This is another great small truck camper. It has exterior panels over the windows to protect the pop-up area when not in use, and it has manual jacks for mounting it on trucks.
The camper’s roof has an aluminum luggage rack so that you can pack your luggage there. The panther has a long couch that can easily be converted to a second bed.
The windows have thermal layers for insulation in the colder season. They are also arranged opposite each other for cross-ventilation. Thus, you get an airy camper during summer and a warm camper during winter.
The kitchenette is opposite the long couch. It has a single sink, a two-burner gas stove, and a two-way refrigerator.
The camper weighs 850 pounds, which is exceptionally lightweight. It has a 15-gallon freshwater tank. It has an aluminum frame, and it is solidly constructed to resist harsh environmental factors.
There’s one big slider window on the side of the camper’s main body. The overhang is about half the truck’s size, making it a small truck camper when not raised.
Wrapping Up
If you’re considering the RV lifestyle but can’t stand anything grandiose, you would probably love small truck campers. They allow more flexibility than Class A, B, or C motorhomes, making maneuvering bumpy roads and boondocking much easier. They are also easy to set up and have fewer interior appliances.
Small truck campers are excellent options for people who already own a good truck and need a camper that will fit into it. They are also much easier to maintain and store. With minimal storage options available for big motorhomes, a truck camper is an excellent option if you want something to fit into your garage easily.
Owning a Truck camper is also a cheaper option. You are not required to pay registration or licensing fees, and a truck camper is mostly considered cargo, not a vehicle.
Because truck campers are built to fit into the rear of your truck, you can still tow other vehicles with your truck. This is why smaller truck campers are great. If you tow other vehicles or camp trailers, you should get a small truck camper to reduce the weight.
A small truck camper is also great for solo trips and outdoor activities. Most have a hard roof that you can easily keep your toys on. If you are a biker, diver, or owner of a portable canoe, you will enjoy owning a small truck camper.
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