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Last Updated on September 5, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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Top 10 Truck Camper Manufacturers
Truck camper manufacturers play a crucial role in the recreational vehicle industry, providing consumers with a versatile and mobile home-away-from-home. With their focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, truck camper manufacturers continually strive to improve their offerings and set new standards in the market.
- Lance Camper
- nuCamp
- Livin’ Lite
- Adventurer Truck Campers
- Northern Lite
- Northstar Campers
- Northwood
- Palomino
- BigFoot RV
- Host Campers
A truck camper can be an affordable way to experience RV living. You should also pay attention to the manufacturers for the best truck campers.
Most manufacturers are the same that produce regular campers, so you’d know some already if you’ve ever bought a camper or RV before.
The truck camper is small but usually has a bathroom, kitchen, and bed. It attaches to the truck’s bed so you can turn it into a mini camper anytime. This makes it a viable option for truck owners who like to travel in their trucks.
The Top 10 Truck Camper Manufacturers
Knowing who produces the best truck campers can help you find the best value product for your truck. Here are the top 10 manufacturers of truck campers:
1. Lance Camper
Lance Camper is the most popular company for truck campers and lightweight campers. Based in Lancaster, CA, the company produces long- and short-bed trucks.
Currently, Lance Camper offers nine different truck campers, varying in size and features. This manufacturer also offers vehicle-specific models. If you own a Ford F150/1500, F250/2500, or F350/2500, they have a truck camper for those Ford models.
Similarly, they also have campers for the Toyota Tundra and Nissan Titan. Lance offers a four-season truck camper certification option. That provides all the amenities and insulation for using the truck camper year-round.
Another thing that distinguishes Lance from other manufacturers is their Eco-Green RV construction. They are Green Certified by TRA Certification.
What is Green Certification? This means the camper has been produced, creating the least possible emissions. Also, the RVs’ materials are generally eco-friendly and follow the standards set by the California state government.
Lance also employs cutting-edge CAD when designing campers to keep their weight minimum. For a truck camper, the lighter the camper is, the better it gets on the road.
The Lance 650 truck camper is an excellent example of their quality engineering. This model is one of their best, as it looks small but packs in quite a space inside. That’s just the outcome of some sound design work, using every space efficiently.
Key Features
- Innovative designs
- Strict manufacturing standards
- Four seasons
- Lots of options
- Eco-friendly
2. nuCamp
nuCamp produces a variety of small campers, including their iconic Teardrop camper. In the truck camper category, they make the nuCamp Cirrus truck camper. This particular truck camper is quite different from what most truck campers are like.
There are two models of nuCamp Cirrus, the Cirrus 820 and the Cirrus 920. The main difference between the two models is size. The 920 is a bit bigger than the 820 model.
No matter which model you go for, each comes with a 38-gallon freshwater tank, a 32-gallon grey water tank, and an 18-gallon black water tank. They also contain a small refrigerator and two standard 20-pound propane tanks.
The Cirrus 820 would work with all ¾ ton trucks. These are four-season models, so they are also suitable for those frigid winters.
Initially, the solar kit was an additional expense, but now it’s standard in both models. Other options include rare awnings, wireless cameras, roof racks, and Torklift glow steps.
I think they’ve done an outstanding job packing as many amenities and features as possible into a camper as small as a truck camper.
nuCamp is relatively new but has made a name for itself through innovation. But what stands out to me is their impressive craftsmanship. All their campers are produced in their facility in Ohio, apparently under very stringent quality standards.
Almost all the models, including the Cirrus truck campers, have some form of warranty you can directly claim from nuCamp.
Key Features
- Great use of small space
- Quality craftsmanship
- Lots of amenities
- Four seasons
- Good value for money
3. Livin’ Lite
Livin’ Lite’s CampLite trailers are instantly recognizable if you know about the company and its flagship camper. However, they have stopped manufacturing, so you might only be able to buy used campers.
They produced a CampLite truck camper, one of the best-value and most lightweight truck campers in the market.
They did not use wood in this camper, so it’s aluminum. I like the 8.4s model the best, as it offers additional space with a slideout structure. Other than that, you have three more floor options.
The aluminum material is mold—and water-resistant, so the camper lasts longer. The walls, roof, and floor are also insulated. This is essentially a four-season truck camper.
The interior of these campers is quite lovely, and the color varies. The Euro double-pane windows with built-in nightshades are also high-quality, something you wouldn’t find on all campers, especially smaller ones.
It’s unclear why they stopped manufacturing and whether they will return to producing campers. However, their CampLite models remain favorites in the camper community.
Key Features
- All-aluminum construction (even the kitchen cabinets)
- Lightweight camper
- Insulated
- Affordable
4. Adventurer Truck Campers
You will know something about making a great camper when you’ve been in the industry for over five decades. Adventurer Campers have been around since 1969. They offer six different models of truck campers.
Adventure is one of my personal favorites because of its interior. I find the interior aesthetically pleasing and practical. It can be cleaned easily, keeping it functional for years to come.
Another great thing about Adventure Truck Campers is that they offer a decent space. You’re already pressed for space when using a truck camper, but their designs provide ample space for living in the camper for days.
For instance, the 80RB camper model has a sleeping capacity for four individuals, which is similar to that of RVs. The floor length, roof height, and exterior width are slightly bigger than those of campers this size.
The 80RB comes with a bathroom equipped with a shower as standard. That alone has convinced me it’s one of the best truck campers. It’s basically for long-bed trucks like Toyota Tundra.
Based in Washington, the manufacturer is still going strong, gradually introducing new designs. They have taken their time to perfect their craft, as in so many years, they have only released six models for truck campers. That said, each model has become a kind of brand in its own right.
Key Features
- Spacious interior
- Fully-equipped bathroom
- High-quality make
- Compatible with an extensive range of trucks
5. Northern Lite
Northern Lite is another famous name in the truck camper world. The highlight of their campers is the choice of wet or dry bath. I’m a big fan of the Northern Lite 8-11 EX Dry Bath truck camper.
You have both short-bed and long-bed truck campers, so there’s something for everyone. Three models are available: the Special Edition, Sportsman Edition, and Limited Edition.
The manufacturer uses two-piece fiberglass, which makes the campers very lightweight. This is something Northern Lite is known for. They also offer some of the best after-sale services and warranties.
They have been around for over 30 years, perfecting their craft. The resale value of their truck campers is good, too, because they are pretty in demand.
Even though there are three models, they offer multiple floorplans for each. Both Special Edition and Limited Edition models come in five floorplans. On the other hand, Sportsman Edition comes in three floorplans.
It’s important to note that all campers are four-season truck campers. The interior is high-quality and aesthetically pleasing. For instance, the kitchen cabinets are made of solid plywood, while the drawers are nine-ply Russian Birch.
The frame can be wood or aluminum, but it’s lightweight. It weighs 25% less than the usual camper weights made of aluminum or wood frames. Also, the campers are fully leak-proof.
Key Features
- Four seasons
- Lightweight
- Dry or wet bathroom options
- Lots of floorplan choices
- Great customer service
6. Northstar Campers
Northstar Campers has been producing truck campers since 1961. It’s based in Iowa and credits itself as ‘the Truck Camper People.’ They have been in this business for quite some time, after all.
Northstar produces two kinds of truck campers: hard wall and pop-up. The former is typical of most manufacturers, while the latter is suitable for virtually all truck sizes.
I like Northstar campers because of their value and price range. They offer several models with varying prices, but the campers are of great value. In other words, you get the bang for your buck.
The 600SS is also a great model and one of their lowest-priced items. It can be used for short—and long-bed trucks of most makes. It features an extended cab-over bed and a screen door.
Their latest Liberty Camper is for ultra-short beds and typical short beds. There are quite a lot of options for both short-bed and long-bed trucks.
Northstar campers are the best for conditions below freezing point. They have the necessary features to insulate and protect you from rough conditions. You can always add more features to make it even better.
Key Features
- Four seasons
- Hard-wall and pop-up truck campers
- Both short and long-bed campers
- Table systems
- Great value for money
7. Northwood
Northwood produces one of my favorite truck campers, the Arctic Fox. It’s one of those campers that are super feature-rich. The number of amenities and features in Arctic Fox gives even the most luxurious campers a run for their money, at least in my opinion.
The other model Northwood makes is Wolf Creek. While Wolf Creek has only two-floor plans, the Arctic Fox offers eight different floor plans. The bed is also quite large, and the bathroom is wet.
Northwood is an instantly recognizable name because it produces many travel trailers. There are many choices for travel trailers and fifth wheels, including insulated fifth wheels. However, you only have two options when it comes to truck campers.
The company, based in Oregon, was started in 1993. Since then, it has made quite a name for itself. People prize its Northwood campers because they are genuinely of high quality.
The Arctic Fox has an aluminum frame and is made of single-piece fiberglass. The walls are polyurethane laminated and multi-layered. You also have residential wear floor covering.
The truck camper features external LED lighting and a 20-watt solar panel. The shower is on the exterior. All in all, it has everything you could ask for in a truck camper.
Key Features
- All four seasons, campers
- Quality construction
- Lots of features
- Great design
- Generous storage
8. Palomino
Palomino was a division of Forest River and has now been acquired by Berkshire Hathaway. The company produces a single model of a truck camper, the Palomino Backpacker.
The Palomino Backpacker is a spacious truck camper that fits on many trucks. There are two variants of this model. Both come with multiple floorplans, so even though there isn’t a lot of variety in the models, there are certainly some options within the model.
The HS-750 is a hard-side version with six floorplans, whereas the soft-side version has six. Made of a Hi-gloss Gel coat and complete with high-density foam insulation, the camper is suitable for all seasons.
The camper’s frame is aluminum, with a battery charging station outside. The side version also has a Rieco Titan Electric Roof Lift. On the other hand, the hard side has a walkable roof.
It comes down to personal preference, as you can customize both versions exactly how you want them. You can add more stuff like an awning, solar panels, and air conditioning.
Although it lacks a dry bath, it’s still a great truck camper, mainly because of the manufacturer. It’s an established name in the Midwest and has been making RVs since 1968. They manufacture many famous brands, including Columbus, Puma, and Solaire.
Key Features
- Six floorplan options
- Foam insulated
- Solid frame
- Modern design
9. BigFoot RV
BigFoot RV makes premium travel trailers and truck campers. Based in British Columbia, the company produces two series of truck campers: the 1500 Series and the 2500 Series.
For the 1500 Series, you have three floorplan options. However, the 2500 Series offers six different floorplans. The standard features of both these models are similar.
The prices are higher than you would typically pay for a truck camper this size. However, that’s mainly because of their premium components and materials. For instance, their fiberglass material is of exceptional quality.
If you’re looking for something durable and long-lasting, BigFoot may be the answer. Although they are not as famous as some American manufacturers on this list, their product qualifies them to be featured as one of the top 10 camper manufacturers.
I like the 1500 and 2500 series because of the storage capacity. You’ll find the space to offer decent storage for those longer journeys. If you carry a lot of equipment, this camper will give you ample storage to stow it away.
As is typical with truck campers, you can add more amenities for a price. You can add a TV, microwave, air conditioning, awning, exterior shower, rear camera, and other cool stuff.
Key Features
- Premium quality materials
- Lots of customization options
- Durable construction
- Wet bath
10. Host Campers
Host Campers is another luxury camper manufacturer, so their campers have a hefty price tag. Unlike many other manufacturers, Host Campers produces a large variety of truck campers, offering seven camper models.
Host Campers was founded by Hogue and Storch, who also created the Beaver Coaches line. The company is based in Oregon, in the Cascade Mountains region.
What I like about Host Campers is that they offer quite grand standard features. Some models have standard features that often come at an additional price for typical truck campers.
The campers are constructed of UltraLite aluminum, which makes them lightweight and easily maneuverable. As for the extras, there are just so many options.
You can create a luxury experience with their truck camper models if a budget does not constrain you. The Host Campers Mammoth remains their most popular, with multiple layout options under a single floor plan.
Key Features
- Luxury campers
- Lightweight aluminum frame
- A lot of standard features and amenities
- Variety in terms of design and size
- Three-year structural warranty
Things to Consider When Looking for the Best Truck Campers
Size and Weight:
The size and weight of the truck camper must be compatible with your truck’s payload capacity. Overlooking this factor may damage the truck and create unsafe driving conditions.
For example, if your truck’s payload capacity is 2,000 lbs, your selected camper should fall within this limit when fully loaded.
Construction Quality:
The build quality of the camper is a crucial factor. Look for units with solid, durable construction and high-quality materials. They should withstand different weather conditions, rough terrains, and frequent use.
For instance, a camper with an aluminum frame might be more durable than a wood frame.
Layout and Space Efficiency:
Look for a layout that efficiently uses space. Essential features include a comfortable bed, cooking area, bathroom, and storage compartments. The best camper meets your comfort needs within a compact space.
Amenities and Features:
Check for the availability and quality of amenities such as heating, cooking, bathroom, and storage space. For example, some campers might come with solar panels for energy efficiency or outdoor showers for convenience during wilderness trips.
Price:
Consider your budget while making a purchase. The price range of truck campers varies greatly, and it’s essential to find a balance between cost and features. Remember, the most expensive camper is not always the best for your needs.
Manufacturer’s Reputation:
Consider buying from a reputable and well-established manufacturer. Check for customer reviews and ratings online to ensure the brand’s reliability. For instance, brands like Lance, Arctic Fox, and Northern Lite have a reputation for quality campers.
Insulation:
Sound insulation is crucial for temperature regulation, especially when camping in cold weather. Check for well-insulated roofs, walls, and floors.
Maintenance and Warranty:
Understand the camper’s maintenance requirements. Also, check for warranty coverage. A good warranty can save you future repair costs.
Final Thoughts
Truck camper manufacturers have seen significant growth and innovation in outdoor adventure and road travel.
The top contenders are Lance Camper, nuCamp, Livin’ Lite, Adventurer Truck Campers, Northern Lite, Northstar Campers, Northwood, Palomino, BigFoot RV, and Host Campers.
Each manufacturer brings a unique blend of comfort, convenience, and durability.
Lance Camper and nuCamp are renowned for their luxurious designs and advanced features, making them a top choice for those seeking a high-end camping experience.
Livin’ Lite and Adventurer Truck Campers offer lightweight yet sturdy models perfect for adventurous souls exploring challenging terrains.
Northern Lite and Northstar Campers are known for their durability and weather-resistant features, making them ideal for camping in harsh weather conditions.
Northwood and Palomino have a reputation for producing robust and spacious campers focusing on consumer comfort. BigFoot RV stands out with its commitment to sustainability, offering eco-friendly camper options.
Last but not least, Host Campers is renowned for its high-quality custom campers, which cater to each customer’s specific needs.
In conclusion, these truck camper manufacturers cater to different types of customers with various needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize luxury, durability, lightness, or customization, these manufacturers have you covered.
So, when choosing a truck camper for your next outdoor adventure, these manufacturers should be at the top of your list.
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