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Apr 26, 2023

The Best Truck Campers of 2023

Check out our best truck campers that can transform the bed into a cozy mini RV

Check out our best truck campers that can transform the bed into a cozy mini RV on a road trip adventure and some important info before buying.

The best truck camper can transform the bed of a truck into a cozy mini RV, offering an efficient way to bring comforts from home along on a road trip adventure without the need for purchasing a trailer or an additional vehicle.

For those who pursue overland exploration in rugged terrain, a truck camper can provide functional living space without sacrificing the off-road capabilities of a truck. Plus, towing a trailer or a boat is still possible.

Truck campers may not offer the mega-spacious floor plans of a large RV or travel trailer, but their compact utility is hard to beat. In recent years, more travelers have discovered the joys of truck campers. Typically, trucks fit into the categories of half-ton, three-quarter-ton, and one-ton, and the market is now full of excellent options for all truck sizes.

Along with the list, we’ve also included a comprehensive buyer's guide. We’ll explain the fantastic perks, the different types of campers, and some of the many upsides of truck camper adventuring. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need to decide if the truck camper life is right for you.

There are many sizes and styles of truck campers available, which makes it a challenge to identify the perfect option for your needs. From roomy to compact and pop-ups to slide-ins, we have compiled this list of the best truck bed campers for sale in 2023.

After years of speculation and excitement, this flatbed truck camper is finally on the market. The Overland Aterra XL is a fully self-contained home base that can handle tough terrain and year-round use.

Designed to accommodate two adults and a pet comfortably, this camper has lots of living space relative to its impressively light 1,100 pounds. The shell of this camper features the "world's first fiber-reinforced thermoplastic honeycomb composite shell." It's durable, lightweight, and well-insulated for all four seasons.

For shorter trips, this camper can easily house a small family or even three adults. In addition to the two interior sleeping spaces, this camper includes a refrigerator, freezer, waterless toilet, shower, and lots of storage space. A powerful fan and air heater ensure comfortable interior conditions in any weather.

The Aterra XL is powered by a roof-mounted solar array and a powerful lithium battery. All around the interior, several 120V and USB outlets are great for appliances or working from the road. Overall, this camper has everything you need to live on the go, drive on rugged terrain, and preserve comfort wherever life takes you.

Click the link to read our review of the Aterra XL to learn more about this camper's incredible features.

The Hawk by Four Wheel Campers is known for its durability. For those seeking a rugged option that will hold up to the demands of rough off-road travel, the Campers’ Hawk is certainly worth a look.

In addition to being extremely durable, the Hawk is simple and weighs very little. Four Wheel Campers specializes in lightweight campers, and the Hawk is among the company's best creations. This model is not the most luxurious or feature-packed, but it's a cozy and reliable shelter built to last. With this in mind, the exterior will keep the elements out — even in gnarly conditions.

For its overall size, the Hawk has impressive living space and headroom. The interior dinette is spacious enough to share a meal with a friend, and there is a lot of functional storage space built into clever pockets throughout the camper. Because there are so many tucked-away storage areas, it will likely take a few trips before users fully understand the layout and can dial in their camping systems.

Above all else, this is a practical truck camper built to prioritize function over luxury. All the essentials, including high-quality cabinets, reliable electrical, and robust plumbing, are integrated into the Hawk with careful attention to detail.

This camper has several different floor plan options, and various custom internal and external upgrades extend its uniqueness to suit your needs.

Click the link to see what we learned after taking the Hawk on a camping trip.

The 825 is one of the most popular truck campers made by Lance Camper. At 2,110 pounds, this hard-sided model is relatively light considering the impressive list of features packed inside.

In addition to the queen-size bed over the cab, the Lance 825 includes a galley, convertible dinette, and a wet bath. The kitchen space consists of a 3-cubic-foot fridge and solid-surface lightweight countertops. Designed to be comfortable in all four seasons, the 825 comes with air conditioning and heated shower vents. Overall, this camper is 16’3″ long and has a maximum interior height of 6’5″.

Like most campers on this list, the Lance 825 is highly customizable, with options for electric awnings, solar panels, stovetops, windows, and much more.

Lance considers this camper as its lightest four-season rated model. For such a compact and lightweight design, the TC 825 has a spacious and open interior design. Up to four adults and one child can comfortably sleep inside.

The nüCamp Cirrus 820 is a mid- to large-size hard-sided truck camper. With modern aesthetics inside and out, it impresses with astounding attention to detail. For those who cherish the comforts of home on the road, the Cirrus 820 is one of the best options in 2023.

While numerous upgrades and add-on features are available, the Cirrus comes with a standard package that is luxurious on its own. In this case, air conditioning is included, which is uncommon for truck bed campers.

The standard package includes a microwave oven, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 19-inch TV. A wireless backup camera eliminates blind spots and maximizes safety on the road and at the campsite.

The Cirrus 820 fits on a three-quarter-ton truck with a 6.5-foot bed, though trucks with other specs may work too. The maximum interior height of 6.5 feet creates an uncluttered feel. It's quite a large camper, but the total dry weight leaves room for packing plenty of gear without overloading your vehicle.

The spacious above-cab sleeping area includes a plush, queen-size mattress. Thanks to a 210W solar kit, you’ll be able to keep the camper's systems running even while off the grid.

Additional accessories and features are available as add-ons, but the nüCamp Cirrus 820 is a handsome trailer that feels like home, even with the standard package.

Check out the video below to see what nüCamp has updated for the 2023 model year.

Based out of Fort Lupton, Colorado, Hallmark is an RV and camper company that offers a diverse lineup of high-quality, pop-up truck bed campers. Next on our list of Best Truck Campers is the Hallmark Ute — one of the company's top-selling models. The 8.5-foot Ute fits onto long and short-bed trucks and has a 5-year structural warranty.

Notable highlights include a one-piece roof requiring no maintenance and no seams where water may leak in. The lift system that raises and lowers the roof can support up to 400 pounds of gear on top. Furthermore, the insulated soft wall is four-season rated and comes as standard equipment.

Above the truck's cab, an east-west oriented queen bed sleeps two adults comfortably. There is a spacious kitchen area complete with molded one-piece countertops on the driver's side of the camper. Across from the kitchen are a 55-inch U-shaped dinette and a wet bath with a toilet, shower, and sink. Large double-wide windows allow you to take in the view while cooking or lounging around.

Standard features include a four-gallon DSI water heater, a dual battery compartment, a swingaway table, and amber bamboo cabinetry. Additional options can be added upon purchase, including a 200W solar system, air conditioning, a side awning, and custom flooring.

With a dry weight of 1,643 pounds, this camper is just about average for a pop-up truck bed camper. When full, the 30-gallon fresh water tank, 12-gallon gray water tank, and 14-gallon blackwater tank will add about 450 pounds.

While driving, this camper has a low profile, keeping your total rig height to a minimum. For overlanding, the Hallmark Ute is an excellent choice.

Built by Northwood Manufacturing, the Arctic Fox 811 is a large truck camper fully stocked with high-quality features and plentiful living space. With a dry weight of 3,473 pounds, the Arctic Fox 811 is a hefty camper that you’ll need a heavy-duty truck to haul. This behemoth will probably weigh over 4,500 pounds when fully loaded with water and gear.

The 811's impressive heft comes from its robust construction and numerous features. A walk-on arched ceiling, 2-inch-thick insulated walls, a 20,000 BTU propane furnace, and two enormous 30-pound propane tanks are just a few of the features that give the Arctic Fox its burly charm.

At a full 9 feet, the floor length of this camper offers plenty of space to stretch out with the whole family. The cabover portion of the camper has an internal height of 4 feet, so you can even sit upright in bed if you want to.

To add to its already impressive list of oversized features, the Arctic Fox 811 also has some of the largest water tanks in its class. Fifty gallons of fresh water, 38 gallons of gray, and 23 gallons of black will keep you on the road longer and minimize maintenance stops.

Buyers can add custom options, including thermal pane windows, a 170W solar power system, and Torklift's Fox Landing Step.

The design of this sleek and lightweight truck camper ranks as one of the best small truck campers on the market. Unlike most campers designed for half-ton trucks, the pop-up truck camper includes a complete wet bath and a gray water holding tank. With the Bundutec Wild, you don't have to give up essential features just because you’re riding in a smaller vehicle.

Like all Bundutec campers, the Wild has a sturdy wooden frame, handsome aluminum siding, and an aluminum roof. The kitchen and the wet bath are both on the driver's side, and a refrigerator and full-size dinette line the passenger's side.

This camper is quite compact with a 7-foot floor plan, but thanks to its thoughtful design, it makes a great home away from home for a couple or a small family.

Some other noteworthy features of the standard package are the Thetford cassette toilet and stainless steel basin sink. Bundutec offers lots of custom add-ons, including a 160W solar system, a wrap-around awning, and a Truma Combi water heater furnace.

At 1,630 pounds dry, this trailer is light enough to keep your rig nimble even on rough roads and carries a very reasonable price tag compared to its competitors.

This cabover camper from young Oklahoma-based company Bison Overland has a rugged military-like aesthetic. From top to bottom, this rough and road-ready camper features sturdy welded aluminum construction. Its burly aluminum siding is more than capable of rubbing up against bushes and branches while you roll along on off-road adventures.

The roof of the Space Wrangler is strong enough to stand on. Mounting and removing the camper is simplified by jack mounts built directly into the base of the camper's frame. With its robust features, this hardcore camper frame prioritizes durability in rough conditions.

The Space Wrangler fulfills its potential with Bison Overland's optional power management package, which includes a 200W solar panel, a 2,000W inverter, and a DC-DC alternator charging circuit. Additional options include awnings, Dakota lithium batteries, and a unique "garage" slide-out tray that slides underneath the cabover and is large enough to hold two mountain bikes.

With a floor length of 8.5 feet, the Space Wrangler is a spacious, durable camper shell that will really shine once it has been fleshed out with custom interior features. Upon ordering this shell, buyers work with Bison Overland to create the perfect hardcore truck camper.

The Phoenix Level 2 is a miniature-size slide-in camper that boasts an elegant design and is loaded with features. With a compact size and a super aerodynamic cabover, the L2 may be the stealthiest pop-up truck camper on the market.

No one expects a camper of this size to have a built-in wet bath, but somehow Phoenix has pulled it off. Thanks to a gray water tank located under the subfloor and a compact cassette toilet, the bathroom in the L2 is just as comfortable as that of a much larger camper.

The total floor length of this camper is 71 inches, so it can easily fit into a long bed truck with the tailgate up or slide into a short bed truck with just a little overhang in the back. With a total dry weight of 1,180 pounds, the L2 is fully compatible with small- to mid-size trucks. With the roof popped up, the maximum interior height is 76 inches. The floor length is 5′ 8″, and the entire camper is 7 feet wide.

The Level 2 is one of the best small campers on the market. It has been designed thoughtfully for maximum efficiency and is constructed from high-quality components. In particular, the L2 is fully insulated and built for use throughout the year. The standard package includes a 100W solar panel and a good-size deep cycle battery.

Phoenix is a small camper company that builds all of its campers to order. If you want to buy one, contact them ahead of time and expect a lead time of at least several months.

Canada-based Overland Explorer Vehicles specializes in truck campers that can handle the demands of overlanding. This particular model is a pop-up camper — a rarity in the overlanding world. Because of the exposed fabric walls, many people think pop-up campers are too cold or too fragile to work well in rough conditions. The OEV Ba c k Country thoroughly dispels that myth.

Thanks to three layers of burly fabric, the Back Country is fully insulated and three-season rated even when it is popped up. This camper has been tested in sub-zero temperatures, and the combination of the fabric insulation and propane heater kept the interior toasty and comfortable all through the night.

The interior of this camper is relatively straightforward and can sleep up to four people. One downside is it does not have a restroom. However, the camper is designed to be compatible with an exterior showerhead and shower tent. Under the dinette, there is a storage space built to house a portable toilet. A tankless water heater is also included.

The camper's simple kitchen is equipped with a sink and a two-burner propane stove. The Back Country comes with a 100Ah AGM battery system, though it is easily upgradable with a bigger battery and a 200W rooftop solar array.

Ultimately, this is a simple, high-quality, and highly customizable truck camper. Though the lack of an enclosed bathroom may detract some people, the Back Country is all about simple reliability.

The video shows a walk-around of the CAMP X, which was subsequently renamed Back Country.

Truck bed campers are not necessarily known for their plentiful storage space and elbow room. In fact, many people prefer the extra space of fifth-wheel trailers or large RVs over the compact profile of truck bed campers. However, some contemporary extra-large truckbed campers are breaking the mold. The Host Campers Mammoth 11’6″ is luxurious, well-made, and incredibly spacious.

Truck bed campers don't come much bigger than this. Mammoth is a fitting name for this model, as its 180 square feet of living space and overall length of 19’3″ offer tons of living space. Three large slide-outs turn the interior of this camper into a roomy and comfortable home away from home.

The interior of the Mammoth is packed with high-end amenities and luxurious features. A spacious dry bath includes a porcelain toilet and a large shower. In the gally, a two-door refrigerator/freezer sits next to molded countertops and a four-door pantry. Other noteworthy features include an electric fireplace and a mantel with a 32-inch flat-screen TV. One can also add various options and features upon purchase. The interior of the Mammoth feels more like a fancy suite than a camper.

You’ll need a heavy-duty truck to haul the Mammoth. With a dry weight of 4,700 pounds, this camper will likely weigh over 5,500 pounds when fully loaded. However, if you’ve got what it takes to haul it, the Mammoth will certainly live up to your dreams of on-the-road luxury.

Alaskan has been making truck campers since the 1950s. While the contemporary truck camper market is filled with feature-packed models and cutting-edge designs, this tried-and-true camper from Alaskan has remained popular and reliable.

Compared to the many oversized behemoth campers on the road today, the Alaskan 8.5 Cabover is compact and low-profile. Alaskan Campers are handmade by a small team in Winlock, Washington, and a few iconic characteristics define the personality of these campers. First, Alaskan's patented hard-sided pop-up helps reduce wind drag during travel and prevents a major reduction in gas mileage. Another classic Alaskan trait is its gorgeous and vintage-looking interior. Two leather sofas sit opposite each other, and a dinette table comes down from a ceiling mount to provide a comfortable eating space.

Tall individuals will find that there is not much space to sit up in the cabover sleeping area. There is also no storage space near the bed for clothes, and users will probably need to bring their own luggage for longer trips. We like that a large fan vent sits just above the bed for easy temperature regulation.

Other features of the Alaskan 8.5 Cabover camper include a Nova-Cool 12V compressor refrigerator, a tucked-away cassette toilet, 12V and USB outlets, hand-crafted cabinetry, and a three-burner propane cooktop.

Alaskan campers have been in production for decades, and their exceptional quality standards have never wavered. Though these campers are not the best choice for everyone, they are perfect for travelers seeking a classic look and hand-made build quality.

Truck campers allow you to camp in style without giving up the nimble off-road qualities of your truck. Unlike trailers, fifth wheels, and oversized coaches, truck campers won't compromise your off-road capabilities or compact footprint. Plus, they’re straightforward to maintain and super comfortable.

Once you’ve decided the truck camper life is for you, it can be tricky to figure out how to pick the perfect model. As you browse new and used truck campers for sale, it's wise to be equipped with some understanding of what you’re searching for. In this "how to choose" guide, we’ve provided all of the information you’ll need to make an informed truck camper purchase.

The dry weight of a truck camper is the total weight before any of the onboard tank systems are filled with water. Many truck campers include integrated fresh water, gray water, and black water systems. The total dry weight is the weight of the trailer when all of these tanks are empty.

When these tanks are full, the trailer's weight is referred to as wet weight. To calculate wet weight, you should know a single gallon of water weighs about 8.34 pounds. For example, if your truck camper has a total tank capacity of 10 gallons, the wet weight will equal the dry weight plus 83.4 pounds.

In a truck bed camper, the term "wet bath" refers to an enclosed room in the trailer that houses the shower, toilet, and possibly a sink. In most cases, the toilet is located in the shower area. A dry bath includes a toilet that is separate from the shower. Because most truck campers are compact and must use space efficiently, they do not typically include dry baths.

A good truck camper will come with enough storage space for you to keep essentials, cookware, and some adventure gear. However, many truck camper users find storing everything and staying organized are the biggest challenges of truck camper life. When shopping for a camper, look for options that have external storage compartments.

Some truck campers have built-in ports that allow you to access the unused space in your truck bed and use it for storage. On the inside, common truck camper storage includes cabinets, the space under the bed, and the area above the dinette. When purchasing your truck camper, you may be able to select custom storage options like roof racks, bike racks, and rear-mounted containers.

Pop-up truck campers have two modes. While driving, the pop-up portion is fully compressed and locked in place with a series of latches that gives the entire camper a lower profile. When it's time to camp, opening the pop-up achieves maximum interior space.

Some pop-up campers open manually, while others include electric motors that open and compress the pop-up with the click of a button. Though some pop-ups are rated for four-season camping and include insulation in the non-rigid walls, it is generally more difficult to control the temperature inside a pop-up truck camper.

A hard-sided truck camper is fully walled in by rigid walls. Though these campers have a higher profile and are usually less aerodynamic on the road, they are easier to heat and cool and possibly a better choice for cold-weather winter camping.

Most truck campers include a full- or queen-size bed that sits over the cab on the truck. If the bed is oriented so the sleeper lies parallel to the long axis of the truck, the bed is considered "north-south." If the sleepers lie perpendicular, the bed is "east-west." East-west is the more common configuration, but some campers allow the sleeper to sleep either way using a bed extension.

When determining which size of truck camper you need, there are two important factors to consider. First, ask yourself how much space you need. If you plan on traveling with a group, you’ll want to have enough space to accommodate everyone comfortably.

Truck campers are usually built to fit into a truck bed with specific dimensions. In many cases, a bit of overhang beyond the tailgate is not an issue as long as the camper does not exceed your truck's payload. Before you buy a camper, make sure it will be compatible with the truck bed dimensions.

The second factor to consider is the size and maximum payload of your truck. All trucks have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which is the maximum allowable weight of your truck, including all cargo, gas, and passengers.

The curb weight of a truck is the weight of the truck without any cargo or passengers. The truck's payload is the GVWR minus the curb weight. You can usually find payload ratings on the inside of the driver's side door or in the glove box on a payload certification form.

Most truck bed campers require a full-size, heavy-duty truck. These burly vehicles, also known as "one-ton" trucks, have the largest payload ratings and are often equipped with the suspension and brakes that you’ll need to haul your camper.

Typically, trucks fall into the categories of half-ton, three-quarter-ton, and one-ton. However, these terms only give a rough estimate of the truck's potential payload. Once you have calculated your truck's actual payload, you will need to make sure the camper you buy fits within these limits.

Though campers are often marketed with their dry weights, they will weigh much more once loaded down with water, gear, and other cargo — factor all of this in before purchasing a camper to ensure that your truck can safely haul it. For example, if your truck's maximum payload is 2,000 pounds and your camper's dry weight is 1,200 pounds, you will only be able to add 800 more pounds to the rig in the form of cargo. Eight hundred pounds really isn't much once you start adding up the weight of passengers, water, and gear.

While many campers will physically fit onto mid-sized trucks, they usually exceed the truck's capacity. It is advised to always stay well below the GVWR of your truck. In general, use full-sized trucks to haul truck campers.

Truck campers vary in price from less than $10,000 for a good used model to well over $50,000 for a new, high-end model. Because the price spectrum is wide, it's helpful to determine your budget before you begin shopping. Still, remember a well-made truck camper can last a long time, so that the initial investment may be worth it in the long term.

If you are starting out without a truck or a camper, it's best to buy the camper first. This way, it will be easy to ensure that you purchase a truck with the proper payload.

Locate the payload rating on a plate found on the driver's side door pillar or in the glovebox on a payload certification form. You can also determine the payload by subtracting the curb weight of the truck from the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.

In some cases, half-ton trucks can carry truck campers. Many half-ton trucks have a payload of around 1,600 pounds. This limited payload will probably limit you to lighter-weight pop-up campers, but there are many good options in this category. Most trucks can also be fitted with custom improvements to help them carry heavier loads.

Every camper has a center of gravity where its total weight is centered. On most campers, this center of gravity is marked with a visible sticker. It is important to make sure the center of gravity is in front of your truck's rear axle. Otherwise, watch for the decreased performance of your truck's steering and handling.

Yes, many truck campers include a toilet. While many models on this list include built-in wet or dry bathrooms, other truck campers have stow-away toilets instead of a bathroom.

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