10 Best Truck Bed Campers

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Last Updated on September 4, 2024 by Paul Clayton

10 Best Truck Bed Campers

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.

• Types: Hard-side and pop-up camper variations.
• Features: Basic amenities with optional luxuries.
• Benefits: Mobility, cost-effectiveness, convenience, versatility.
• Drawbacks: Limited space, insulation, and vehicle requirements.
• Installation: Verify the truck’s capacity and secure camper installation.

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 full-time RV living is pretty 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 one 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 10 best truck bed campers to make the selection easier. 

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.

1. Adventure XT Truck

This camper bed truck is ideal for almost everything you may need, whether you want to go on a long route or a fantastic destination.

Features

The Adventure XT Truck’s camper bed is 26 feet long, 7 ½ feet wide, and 11 feet tall. Its body is made of molded fiberglass composite.

This particular camper bed sports a spacious interior while providing all the amenities.

You get a small kitchen area with an induction cooktop, refrigerator, sink, and microwave oven.

Across from that is a small dining area, called a dinette, that converts into an extra sleeping area.

The leading sleeping area houses in the cab-over and fits a queen-sized bed. There is an enclosed wet bath with a sink, toilet, and shower area.

Moreover, an optional mini washing machine and a small entry are in the rear. It allows campers to access the vehicle directly from the cab.

The camper bed has a 20-kilowatt-hour battery bank, which gets power from a 1,200-watt solar array mounted on the roof. The freshwater tank has a capacity of 90 gallons, while the diesel fuel tank can hold up to 100 gallons. 

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 includes a queen-sized bed, a TV, and extra storage on both sides.

Other features include the fresh water tank capacity of 41 gallons, the grey tank volume of 13 gallons, and the black tank’s capacity of 5 gallons.

7. Travel Lite RV Truck Campers

The all-black painted exterior of the Travel Lite RV is as simple as it gets. The interior, on the other hand, is a pleasant surprise with all the modern amenities.

Features

State-of-the-art kitchenette includes a stovetop cooker with two-burner knob, sink, 12V fridge, air conditioning, and microwave. It includes a dinette and couch that converts to extra sleepers. The cab-over consists of a queen-sized bed. 

Regarding the frame, Travel Lite RV opts for robust wooden construction instead of sturdy and robust metal.

According to them, the wood offers the best solution for durability, strength, and ease of repair while providing the customer with a lightweight build at an affordable price. 

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 boasts Euro-Ply non-toxic cabinet construction, promoting a healthy living space, and is framed entirely 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 17 feet in length, Cirrus 820 supports an all-aluminum framework with an aluminum and fiberglass shell.

The interior is spacious, with a lengthy kitchenette and 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’s 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 includes a freshwater tank of 4 gallons and a black water tank of 5, 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.

Few Tips for Buying and Maintenance

Truck campers are often known as slide-in campers as well. These are the camper beds that mostly 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 camper beds in front of your house. 

However, you may park on 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 explore an RV storage facility for your camper bed as well. 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 must know the merits and demerits of both engines.

A diesel engine, although expensive, offers 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 that in mind, 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 each, 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.

Wrapping Up

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.

On the other hand, pop-up campers are lighter and easier to handle, offering convenient mobility for adventurers. Both variations provide basic amenities such as a bed, kitchenette, and storage space, with the option of additional luxuries like extended living areas or upgraded appliances.

The benefits of Truck-Bed Campers are numerous. Most notable is their mobility, which allows travelers to take their accommodations with them wherever they go.

They are also cost-effective, eliminating the need for hotel bookings during trips. In terms of convenience and versatility, these campers can be installed or detached with relative ease, enabling the truck to be used separately when the camper is not needed.

However, like any other product, Truck Bed Campers have their drawbacks. The space inside these campers is limited which might not be suitable for large families or groups.

Insulation can be challenging in cheaper models or pop-up variations, making them less comfortable in harsh weather conditions. Moreover, they require a robust vehicle with a suitable payload capacity to handle the camper’s weight.

The installation process of these campers involves verifying the truck’s capacity to ensure it can safely support the weight. This is crucial to avoid damaging the vehicle or compromising safety.

Once verified, secure camper installation is carried out to ensure it is firmly attached to the truck bed and ready for use.

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