The 25 Best Lightweight Small Truck Campers
The lightweight truck camper market has exploded in popularity in recent years, and with new manufacturers popping up (pun intended) constantly it can be difficult to choose one that’s right for your pickup.
In this guide, we’ll cover all the factors to consider when selecting a small truck camper and highlight the 25 best models currently on the market, ordered by cost and weight, so you can choose a small truck camper that’s right for your budget and adventures.
What is a Lightweight Small Truck Camper
The average payload capacity of a mid-size truck in the United States is between 1050-1700 lbs. (you’ll learn more about this below), so we define a lightweight small truck camper as being any truck camper with a base weight under 1400 lbs - with a serious emphasis on lighter-is-better, as well as a focus on ones that have enough interior space for extended camping trips or overland travel.
While it’s possible to have incredible adventures with a standard small truck topper (we did it for years as a family of three), the small truck camper models we cover in this guide offer more interior space than a standard truck camper shell and enough features to adventure comfortably long term as a couple or small family.
How to Choose a Small Truck Camper for Your Pickup
With such a variety of great small truck campers on the market, it can be overwhelming to know where to start! Let’s look at 10 different factors to consider when searching for the perfect small truck camper, to help you narrow the scope of your search.
Cost
This will likely dictate your choice the most. While some manufacturers offer financing options, we generally don’t recommend this if it can be avoided. The campers we highlight below are sorted by cost from most budget-friendly to most expensive.
**Caveat emptor: We’ll do our best to keep this post updated regularly, but be sure to check the “More Info” link to the manufacturers’ sites in the descriptions of each camper for the most up-to-date pricing.**
Weight
The next most important factor to determine when selecting a small truck camper for your pickup is weight. You can find your truck’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) on its information plate (along with the VIN number, paint code, etc.), in its manual, or on the manufacturer’s website. The GVWR is the total weight including passengers, fuel, gear, etc. that your truck’s manufacturer determined it can safely handle. We recommend taking your truck, filled with fuel, to a certified CAT scale and getting the actual “curb” weight of your truck. The difference between these two numbers is your truck’s real-world payload capacity. While manufacturers will often provide a stated payload capacity, it’s a good idea to check it yourself.
Once you know your truck’s real-world payload ability, you can then select a lightweight truck camper that will fit within this rating - just remember to account for the weight of passengers, camping gear, etc. as well.
Capacity
Capacity refers to roughly how many people a particular small truck camper can sleep, including the sleeping platform dimensions and what size mattress is provided (if one is provided at all). Depending on the design, oftentimes you can build an additional sleeping platform in the bed of your truck to provide more sleeping capacity to your new small truck camper setup.
Warranty
Most small truck camper manufacturers will offer some form of warranty against manufacturing defects in structure or materials for a set period of time from the purchase date. Generally speaking - and in our personal experience - most will want to ensure you are happy with your new truck camper, and will work with you on issues that arise.
Installation, Shipping, and Lead Time
You’ll need to determine where, when, and how you can pick up your new small truck camper once you’ve made your decision. This can vary widely depending on the manufacturer - some offer shipping, some require installation at their facility, and still others have regional dealer networks that can facilitate installation. And while some manufacturers include installation in the price of the camper, others will charge a (sometimes significant) installation fee.
Although most small truck camper manufacturers will provide current estimated lead times - this is the time from purchase to your camper being ready for install - on their website, it’s best to reach out to them directly for the most up-to-date real-world timeline.
Design
Small truck campers come in two primary categories: topper campers and slide-in campers. Each has a wide variety of designs, and each comes with their own advantages and disadvantages. Below we’ll discuss the most common small truck camper categories and designs you’ll encounter.
Topper Camper vs Slide-in Campers
Topper style truck campers install, in a semi-permanent way, on top of your truck’s bed rails, much like a traditional camper shell, integrating the truck bed space into the camper’s interior space. This design typically makes them more lightweight and, because most do not encroach on your truck’s bed space, allows you to still utilize your truck as a truck when you’re not camping.
Slide-in truck campers are installed inside of the bed rails of your truck, are generally more self-contained, and often have the ability to be self-supported by integrating camper jacks, and are thus slightly more easily removed. However slide-in truck campers are generally heavier and do limit the day-to-day use of your truck bed when installed.
Pop-Up vs Fixed-Wall Campers
Within each small truck camper category, there are two primary designs, those with a pop-up roof or those with a fixed - or stationary - roof and walls.
Fixed-Wall Campers
This small camper design maintains static interior dimensions with hard-sided walls and a fixed roof. The benefit to this design is that there is no setup time, the camper is always ready to enter and use, and they are generally better insulated, more durable, and more efficient in 4-season use.
Pop-up Campers
Most pop-up small truck campers utilize a tent (or composite) material to create an expandable roof that can maximize interior space when deployed, while minimizing the overall profile of the camper when the top is closed. This typically makes them more lightweight than fixed-wall campers, and their shorter profile makes for less of an impact on your trucks fuel economy.
There are three ways most small truck camper manufacturers implement a pop-up into their campers; either a full pop-up in which the entire roof raises vertically, a wedge-style design in which the roof raises at an angle, or a cantilever design in which the roof opens and flips over a full 180 degrees to one side of the camper.
Full Pop-up Campers
More interior space than wedge-style pop-up camper designs (but less than caneliver)
Level roof tops allow for easier vent fan installation
Depending on the model, and tent window options, full pop-ups can offer better views and cross ventilation
Wedge-style Pop-up Campers
The overall height (on one side), above the mattress, is generally taller than full pop-up campers, so you can sit up in bed easily.
Typically easier and faster to pop up, especially with a load on the roof
Offer better wind resistance - you can point the roof into the wind, minimizing “tent flap” - unlike full pop-ups or cantilever pop-ups where the wind will hit the tent fabric from all sides
Cantilever Pop-up Campers
Maximum interior space - as the roof doubles as the sleeping platform when folded open, this design leaves the full truck bed space open. This comes at the cost of more exposed tent-material, more wind-flap than other designs, and typically less-efficient 4-season utility.
The cantilever roof naturally creates a covered awning below when folded open.
Materials
Gone are the days of wood-framed, vinyl-sided campers. The majority of modern small truck campers will utilize some combination of lightweight aluminum sheeting, custom aluminum extrusions, honeycomb composites, stainless steel, or even aerospace engineered manufacturing materials in an effort to provide the most lightweight and durable small truck campers possible.
Features
Another thing to consider when trying to select which small truck camper is right for you are the camper’s available features. Most lightweight small truck camper manufacturers include a set of standard features in a base model or price point, and then offer additional features that can be added to your purchase separately. These typically consist of things like:
Built-ins - such as cabinetry, with stove, sink and water storage, 12v fridge, etc.
Additional LED Lighting
12v outlets
T-track, L-track, or other roof track systems for mounting accessories
Load bars
Additional camper windows
Tent window accessories, such as vinyl inserts or insulated layers
Climate control (heater, propane mounting, roof-top vent fans)
Solar/power systems or pre-wiring for aftermarket solutions
A ladder (for upper tent or roof top access when applicable)
Awnings or awning brackets
Custom mounting solutions for surfboards, SUPs, bikes, etc.
We highly recommend looking at the up-charge of any additional features and accessories your considering adding to your camper build, and comparing them to prices of 3rd party upfitters or DIY installation - because there is often a good deal of “padding” in the price.
Load Ratings
Load rating will generally refer to the amount of weight that can be attached to the roof or load bars of a camper while either moving (dynamic load rating) or stationary (static load rating). This information is often not readily available for each camper, so be sure to speak with the camper manufacturer (better yet, someone in their engineering department) directly before making a purchasing decision - especially if you’ll need to travel with or haul gear up top regularly.
Also, be sure to verify your chosen camper’s sleeping platform load rating to ensure it meets your needs.
Accessibility & Storage
Accessibility of a small truck camper generally refers to how easy it is to get into or access the interior of the camper; things like side panel access vs rear-hatch access only, whether or not there are locking entry doors, if there are separate tent access doors, or how easy it is to get into the sleeping platform(s).
Storage space is premium in any small truck camper, so things like built-in interior storage compartments, drawers, counter space, hanging storage pockets or baskets, or exterior-accessible storage compartments are all things to consider. (We recently put together a guide on How to Build an Aluminum 8020 Truck Bed Sleeping Platform [with Drawer Storage] that can help you add some lightweight and convenient storage to some of the more spartan pop up or wedge style truck campers)
The Best Small Truck Campers
While new camper designs and manufacturers are coming out all the time, our family has personally gone through the process of selecting and purchasing a new small truck camper multiple times over the years. It’s a lot to wade through! So we’ve consolidated the top 25 best small truck campers from our most recent research and experience, in order of base price and weight, to make the process of selecting one that’s right for you that much easier.
1. Lone Peak Camper
Current Base Price: $5,995
Base Weight: Appx 375lbs.
Design: Pop-up Wedge Topper
Capacity:
2-3 people
80x50” bed
4” thick mattress included
Warranty: Lifetime, 2 year on tent
Install/Shipping: Free install at their Wenachie, Washington facility, or shipped to a certified installer or right to your door for self installation
Current Lead Time: 5-6 months
Additional Features Available:
LED lighting
Roof vent
Cab pass through window
Gear vault (storage)
Grab handles
Exterior wiring & solar ports
Description: The Lone Peak Camper is a wedge style pop up camper with locking side access doors and cab/tailgate windows standard.
It uses a combination of bolted extruded aluminum and aluminum composite panel construction, and has a 32” pass-through from the truck bed to the upper tent portion of the camper while the bed is down. The bed can also be raised up for more standing interior space.
The tent is made of a polyester canvas with a waterproof polyurethane coating and includes open air tent windows.
2. Topo Toppers Mesa
Current Base Price: $6,950
Base Weight: 250lbs
Design: Pop-up Wedge Topper
Capacity:
2-3 people
80x50” sleeping platform
2” thick mattress included
Warranty: 2 year
Install/Shipping: Flatpak shipping (5 components shipped ready to assemble) to lower 48 ($995) or free install at their facility in Ventura, CA
Current Lead Time: 12 weeks
Additional Features Available:
Interior lighting
Awning mounts
L-track
Description: Topo Toppers’ Mesa camper includes front and rear acrylic camper windows and two side access panel doors, 3 zippered tent windows (and a rear tent access door), as well as keyed tailgate door locks.
There’s a minimum of 18” (and depending on truck model as much as 30”) of passthrough space between the truck bed and tent space with the sleeping platform extended. And when closed up, the tent includes four inches of additional space in the sleeping platform for storing your bedding.
3. Go Fast Campers Platform Camper
Current Base Price: $8450 [as of Feb 2024]
Base Weight: 275 lbs
Design: Pop-up Wedge Topper
Capacity:
2-3 people
90x50” sleeping platform
2” thick mattress included
Warranty: 2 year
Install/Shipping: Shipping to and install at one of their retail locations ($600)
Current Lead Time: 10-12 weeks
Additional Features Available:
Tempered glass front and rear windows
Side entry tent doors/windows
Color choice
Ladder for exterior tent access
Load bars
Exterior bracketry for lighting & antennas
Description: Go Fast Campers include two ventilation tent windows and a large rear access tent door/window, full length (removable and lockable) “cabana mode” side access and rear camper door panels, an integrated third rear brake light, and tons of integrated t-track for adding accessories. The “transform-a-floor” sleeping platform consists of one stationary and three removable panels that can be oriented in a number of ways to suit your camping layout, and when they’re removed allow access to the truck bed space below. Go Fast Campers are also one of the few small truck campers manufactured 100% in the United States.
One of the biggest benefits of the GFC is the awesome community that surrounds these campers; their forum, public meet-ups, cottage industry of aftermarket products, and social platforms continue to add value to their campers long after the initial purchase. We liked these small truck campers so much that we installed them on both of our truck builds over the years (before our family inevitably outgrew them).
4. OVRLND Campers
Current Base Price: $8,400
Base Weight: 275lbs
Design: Pop-up Topper
Capacity:
2-3 people
80x61” sleeping platform
Mattress not included
Warranty: Not Stated
Install/Shipping: Free installation at their facility in Flagstaff, AZ. They’ll also deliver your camper to you for $2.75 per mile (one way) plus a $250 install fee.
Current Lead Time: 16 weeks
Additional Features Available:
2.5” foam mattress
Clear vinyl tent window inserts
Tent insulation layer
Fabric headliner
Camper side hatches
Rear barn door
Anodized exterior skins (Black/Silver)
Roof vent fan
Exterior wiring & solar passthrough ports
Description: OVRLND Campers are one of the most customizable small truck campers on the market, and they will even tackle custom-built small truck camper applications on a case-by-case basis.
The camper is all aluminum construction with vertical walls and a honeycomb composite sleeping platform. It comes in either mill (aluminum) or white finish, the 1” aluminum framing can be easily insulated and act as studs to custom build your interior. The camper’s tent material is a PVC coated polyester and comes with 4 tent windows offering plenty of ventilation.
5. Topo Toppers Badlander
Current Base Price: $8,950
Base Weight: 350lbs
Design: Pop-up Topper
Capacity:
2-3 people
80x51” sleeping platform
2” thick mattress included
Warranty: 2 years
Install/Shipping: Free installation at their facility in Ventura, CA (currently there is no flatpack shipping option available)
Current Lead Time: 12 weeks
Additional Features Available:
Sliding/hinged side windows
Roof vent fan
Interior lighting
Awning mounts
L-track
Description: Unlike their Mesa camper, the Badlander is Topo Toppers’ full pop-up small truck camper.
It includes front and rear acrylic camper windows and two large 20”x30” tent windows, and there’s a minimum of 18” (and depending on truck model as much as 30”) of passthrough space between the truck bed and tent space with the sleeping platform extended.
The Badlander shares the same durable tube aluminum frame construction wrapped in an architectural grade powder coated ⅛’’ aluminum finish as the Mesa.
6. Harker Outdoors EDC
Current Base Price: $8,999 7,999 [as of Feb 2024]
Base Weight: 300 lbs
Design: Pop-up Wedge Topper
Capacity:
2-3 people
90x58” sleeping platform
Mattress not included
Warranty: Not Stated
Install/Shipping: Free install at their facility in Bountiful, Utah
Current Lead Time: 4-6 weeks
Additional Features Available:
240 watt solar/100ah battery/LED lighting package
Overland equipment package (includes load bars, rotopax, and shovel/ax/fire extinguisher mounts
Roof vent
Rear visibility package (includes sliding cab window and rear hatch window (or you can get these a la carte)
Side hatch or sliding window
Harker bench/cabinet & fridge buildout
Side-mount bike rack
Description: The Harker Outdoors EDC uses a fully welded 2” steel tube frame construction skinned in 1/16” aluminum (with carpet backing in the interior), and an aluminum composite roof and side access hatch. The carpeted aluminum composite sleeping platform lifts up and out of the way for added interior space when not in use.
One unique feature for this small truck camper is that it includes a zip on/off tailgate annex with screen door to extend the usable interior space over the lowered tailgate of your truck. The tent includes two windows with bug screens, and they include L-track exterior accessory mounts too.
7. Four Wheel Camper Project M
Current Base Price: $10,995 (without mandatory installation fee)
Base Weight: 358 lbs
Design: Pop-up Topper
Capacity:
2-4 people
81x66” slide-out sleeping platform
Mattress not included
Warranty: 1 year general structural / 5 year material (more info)
Install/Shipping: Install at either of their Rancho Cucamonga, California or Woodland, California facilities or another authorized Four Wheel Camper dealer (there is a mandatory $795 Bolt Down Installation fee)
Current Lead Time: 2-5 months
Additional Features Available:
Thermal packs (tent insulation for cold weather)
Vent fans
Side windows
Side access doors
Exterior geartrac accessory mounts
Interior L-track
Exterior wiring & solar ports
Camper jacks
Load bars
12v fridge
Several power solutions (including AGM, Lithium, Solar, etc.)
A variety of mounting options for rotopax, maxtrax, and other overlanding gear
Description: Four Wheel Campers has been a staple manufacturer of small truck campers for decades, but the Project M is their first foray into the pop-up topper style camper design and their lightest small truck camper by a good margin.
It uses a welded aluminum frame wrapped in aluminum siding, with an aluminum roof as well, and includes LED interior lights with pre-wiring for vent fans, exterior flood lights, and roof-top solar. The main entry door on the camper is a lockable rear hatch-style door over the tailgate, and there is a secondary emergency exit window as well. The pop up tent comes with a vinyl liner and 4 windows.
While it has a fairly reasonable base price for a bare-bones version (compared to their other small truck campers - which we’ll discuss below) the cost of additional features will add up quickly. We do like that they include safety equipment (fire extinguisher, smoke detector, and carbon monoxide alarm) standard, and that the camper’s attachment design creates a 13” wide shelf on either side of the truck bed rails.
8. AluCab Canopy Camper
Current Base Price: $11,299 (at Tinyrigco)
Base Weight: 463 lbs
Design: Pop-up Wedge Topper
Capacity:
2-3 people
102x52” sleeping platform
4” thick foam mattress included
Warranty: 2 year structural, 1 year moving parts
Install/Shipping: Installation is performed at an authorized dealer
Current Lead Time: 12-16 weeks
Additional Features Available:
270 awning
Bug netting for hatches/rear entry door
Rear molle-style gear mounting panels
Rear exterior mounted propane storage (requires molle panel upgrade)
Rear door spare tire mount (accommodates up to 33” spare)
Solar
Load bars
Drop-down table
Description: The Alu-Cab Canopy Camper is a ruggedly built all-aluminum small truck camper that is manufactured in Cape Town, South Africa. While their campers are designed and tested in the rigors of the African outback, they have been used on overland expeditions throughout the world.
Its wedge-style tent is made of dual layer canvas with side access doors and windows, with one rear window that has a covered awning so you can still keep ventilation going in inclement weather. The huge flip-away bed gives full use of the truck bed’s interior space when not in use, and the large heavy-duty rear entry door (replaces tailgate) and large side access hatches provide easy access from the exterior.
It comes standard with roof rails for adding load bars and gear storage, LED lighting, 12v/USB outlets, and solar pre-wiring. The biggest down-side to the Alu-cab Canopy camper is its slightly heftier weight (compared to other wedge-style small truck campers) and its lack of window options in the camper itself.
9. Snap! Outfitters Treehouse
Current Base Price: $12,299
Base Weight: 340 lbs
Design: Pop-up Wedge Topper
Capacity:
2-3 people
75” x 53” sleeping platform
3” thick memory foam mattress included
Warranty: Not Stated
Install/Shipping: Free installation at their Glenville, PA facility
Current Lead Time: Call or email for current estimate
Additional Features Available:
Front sliding & rear camper windows
Arctic Tern or static side hatch windows
Winter tent liner
Third rear-facing tent window
French-style or full single (replaces tailgate) rear entry door
Solar panel and awning mounts
Extra interior and exterior T-track
Description: Snap! Outfitters Treehouse is a tig-welded & riveted fully aluminum small truck camper that is custom built to your truck.
While they offer a variety of customizable features and changes you can make, the camper comes standard with a single rear hatch door and two side-access hatch doors (option to change to single side hatch doors) on each side.
The wedge-style tent comes with two windows and a ladder to access the carpeted sleeping platform from the bed of the truck. The sleeping platform flips up against the insulated roof to maximize use of the truck bed’s interior space when not in use.
It’s wired with USB and 12v outlets, and includes two t-tracks on the roof for mounting load bars and other accessories.
10. Trailfort Camper
Current Base Price: $12,500
Base Weight: 420 lbs
Design: Pop-up Wedge Topper
Capacity:
2-3 people
78x50” sleeping platform
3” thick mattress included
Warranty: Not Stated
Install/Shipping: Free install at their Loomis, CA facility or an authorized install partner
Current Lead Time: 8 weeks
Additional Features Available:
Camper windows
Awning brackets
Description: The Trailfort is an expedition-ready wedge-style small truck camper constructed of ⅛” thick aerospace grade aluminum. It has an integrated storage tunnel with locking exterior access doors that provide additional secure “trunk” space.
The camper comes standard with a total of 5 lockable utility access “falcon-wing” doors (one rear, two side camper, and two storage tunnel), side L-track rails, a double ripstop waterproof tent, with four triple-layer zippered tent windows (mesh, black-out, clear vinyl).
The Trailfort’s stand-out feature is its unique windowed front roof dormer that adds interior headroom in the tent space.
11. Tune Outdoor M1 Camper
Current Base Price: $12,999
Base Weight: 360lbs
Design: Pop-up Topper
Capacity:
3+ people
72x60” (east-west), or 72x80” (with optional king slide-out) sleeping platform
4” thick mattress included
Warranty: 3 year
Install/Shipping: Free install at their Denver, Colorado facility
Current Lead Time: 8-10 weeks
Additional Features Available:
Removable vinyl tent window inserts
Quarter-inch tempered architectural smoked glass hatch doors
Roof vent fan
Cab pass through window
Goal Zero Yeti solar generator integration kits
Coming soon
Camper jack adapters
Tent insulation kit
Heater kit
Description: The Tune Outdoor M1 Camper is a full pop-up small truck camper with a game changing space-to-weight ratio.
Using a combination of aluminum extruded framing, heavy-duty composite components, extremely robust FRP composite panels, and and ingenious design, the Tune Outdoor M1 manages to integrate a queen-size cab-over east-west sleeping platform that leaves your truck bed entirely open to use or build out as you see fit. Or you can opt for the king-size slide out platform addition that still leaves a 34”+ (depending on your particular truck) passthrough to the truck bed - all in an incredibly lightweight small truck camper.
The camper comes standard with three aluminum hatch access doors, but you can upgrade to full-length tempered ¼” architectural smoked glass for a small increase in weight. The tent includes a total of 6 mesh windows with fabric covers, there is an insane 440ft of integrated t-track throughout the interior and exterior of the camper for mounting accessories and customizing it to your needs, and they include dimmable LED halo lighting standard.
After seeing one in person, we liked the Tune Outdoor M1 so much we decided to buy one for our own family overland adventures and you can check out our more detailed Tune M1 Pop Up Truck Camper Review.
12. AT Overland Summit
Current Base Price: $13,200
Base Weight: 340lbs
Design: Pop-up Wedge Topper
Capacity:
2 people
80x48” sleeping platform (lift assisted)
2” thick mattress included
Warranty: Not Stated
Install/Shipping: Installation at their Prescott, AZ facility or one of their authorized dealers
Current Lead Time: Typically 12 months or less
Additional Features Available:
Side windows (choice of Tern acrylic sliding, euro, or hatch door)
Fixed rear hatch window
Cab pass through window
Solar pre-wiring
Solar panel and multiple power storage options
Tern roof window with built-in LED lighting
Two vent fan options
Roof track and multiple roof rack options
Thermal liner kit
Truma vario heater
Propane tank mounts
Full interior truck bed build-out options (base-plate with cabinets, stove, fridge, etc.)
Awnings and universal awning brackets
Description: AT Overland has been in the small truck camper game for two decades, making a variety of robustly designed campers that use a mix of one-inch lightweight honeycomb composite panels skinned with FRP bonded to 5052 aluminum.
The AT Overland Summit is their first wedge-style pop-up camper and shares the same high-end build quality of their other small truck campers. It uses a combination of an aluminum and composite construction with an insulated sleeping platform that lifts up to maximize truck bed interior space when not in use, and a carpet-lined interior for a cozy finish.
The all-season tent comes with three triple-layer windows (no-see-um mesh, clear vinyl, and privacy panel layers) and when closed the roof can handle a static load of 600lbs. It comes standard with interior LED lighting and 12v outlets.
The comparatively small sleeping platform and lack of included side hatches on their base model are the only quibbles we had with the AT Overland Summit.
13. Super Pacific Switchback X1
Current Base Price: $13,495
Base Weight: 370lbs
Design: Pop-up Wedge Topper
Capacity:
2-3 people
80x52” bed (total platform 100x52”)
Exped Megamat Duo LW+ mattress included
Warranty: 2 year
Install/Shipping: Free install at their Portland, Oregon facility, satellite shipping ($800) & install ($500) at one of their satellite locations, or they offer an LTL freight option.
Additional Features Available:
Tent closure locks
Universal awning brackets
Interior molle panels
Description: The Super Pacific Switchback X1 is another wedge-style small truck camper with an aluminum extrusion, skin, and composite construction. The removable sleeping platform panels are used to maximize interior space when not in use (similar to a GFC’s design).
The Switchback X1 camper includes cab-facing and tailgate acrylic fixed windows standard, 3 hatch doors (two side and one rear) for easy access to the truck bed, integrated exterior T-track on the roof and sides, dual 12v outlets, and a third brake light.
The wedge-style tent is constructed of 4-season marine grade fabric with 3 zippered and screened tent doors/windows, and uses their adjustable Free Flow™ vent system to help mitigate condensation build-up.
14. AT Overland Habitat
Current Base Price: $13,900
Base Weight: 340 lbs
Design: Pop-up / Foldover Topper
Capacity:
2-4 people
80x48” sleeping platform
2” thick mattress included
Warranty: Not Stated
Install/Shipping: Install at their Prescott, AZ facility or one of their authorized dealers
Current Lead Time: Typically 12 months or less
Additional Features Available:
Additional flip out sleeping platform (that covers the upper truck bed opening to add room for 2 additional people)
An awning room enclosure for the space below the flip out platform
Side windows (choice of Tern acrylic sliding, euro, or hatch door)
Fixed rear hatch window
Cab pass through window
Solar pre-wiring
Solar panel and multiple power storage options
Roof track and multiple roof rack options
Truma vario heater
Propane tank mounts
Full interior truck bed build-out options (base-plate with cabinets, stove, fridge, etc.)
Awnings and universal awning brackets
Description: The AT Overland Habitat is another overland-sentric small truck camper that utilizes a cantilever top that folds out over the rear of your truck - creating a built-in awning and a sleeping platform that doesn’t infringe on the truck bed’s interior space when deployed. This design is very reminiscent of the old Flippac and Wildernest campers (which sadly are no longer being made).
The AT Overland Habitat uses the same primary camper construction materials of one-inch lightweight honeycomb composite panels skinned with FRP bonded to 5052 aluminum as the primary camper construction materials, just as in their other small truck campers. However, the Habitat’s massive wax-impregnated (and fire retardant) cotton/poly canvas tent is only rated as a 3-season, likely due to its inability to handle snow-load.
It comes standard with a carpet lined interior, LED lighting, and 12v outlets. Worth noting - due to the cantilever roof design, there is no roof vent fan or roof window options on this camper.
15. AT Overland Atlas
Current Base Price: $14,300
Base Weight: 360 lbs
Design: Pop-up Topper
Capacity:
2 people
80x48” sleeping platform
2.5” thick mattress included
Warranty: Not Stated
Install/Shipping: Install at their Prescott, AZ facility or one of their authorized dealers
Current Lead Time: Typically 12 months or less
Additional Features Available:
Side windows (choice of Tern acrylic sliding, euro, or hatch door)
Fixed rear hatch window
Cab pass through window
Solar pre-wiring
Solar panel and multiple power storage options
Tern roof window with built-in LED lighting
Two vent fan options
Roof track and multiple roof rack options
Thermal liner kit
Truma vario heater
Propane tank mounts
Full interior truck bed build-out options (base-plate with cabinets, stove, fridge, etc.)
Awnings and universal awning brackets
Description: The AT Overland Atlas is the company’s full pop-up small truck camper, and uses the same combination of one-inch lightweight honeycomb composite panels skinned with FRP bonded to 5052 aluminum.
The insulated two-piece sleeping platform is able to be moved out of the way for maximizing truck bed interior space when not in use, but leaves a 48x38” pass-through to the bed when deployed.
The all-season tent comes with three triple-layer windows (no-see-um mesh, clear vinyl, and privacy panel layers) and when closed the roof can handle a static load of 600lbs. It comes standard with a carpet lined interior, LED lighting, and 12v outlets, and they also offer a wide array of upgrade options to customize your small truck camper build.
16. Hiatus Camper
Current Base Price: $15,500
Base Weight: 480 lbs
Design: Pop-up (Hard-sided) Topper
Capacity:
2 people
74x50” sleeping platform (with pass through to bed) - can be customized for taller people)
2.5” thick mattress included
Warranty: 2 year
Install/Shipping: Install is done at their Bellingham, Washington facility
Current Lead Time: 1 year
Additional Features Available:
Vertical frame design (increased interior space)
Double back doors (replaces tailgate)
Side screened slider windows
Additional side hatch door
Load bars
Awnings
Vent fan
LED lighting and wiring
Solar generator integration
Exterior wiring & solar ports
Propane/heat system
Camper jack adapters
You can request other customizations, such as an interior build out as well
Description: Hiatus Campers is a small truck camper manufacturer with a unique approach to the traditional pop-up style camper. They use a combination of insulated aluminum skinned aluminum framing with an insulated folding composite (FRP) wall system that eliminates the need for fabric tent walls.
It comes standard with a slide out sleeping platform with a sectional mattress and pass through to the truck bed space, front and rear windows in the upper pop up walls, a cab pass through window, a roof vent (without fan), locking rear door hatch and side access hatch, plus integrated exterior L-track and Yakima tracks for accessory mounting.
Because Hiatus Campers offer a wide array of options and custom build their truck campers to each customers’ specific vehicle, specs, and needs, their lead-times are on the longer end of the spectrum.
17. Skinny Guy Campers
Current Base Price: $15,500
Base Weight: 500lbs
Design: Pop-up / Foldover Topper
Capacity:
2 people
80x40” bed
3” thick mattress included
Warranty: 1 year
Install/Shipping: Install is performed at one of their authorized dealers
Current Lead Time: 2-3 months
Additional Features Available (some included at various “trim levels”):
Fresh and black water tanks
Heated tank pads
DC-to-DC charger & inverter options
Solar panels
Dinette table
Molle rack
Propane heater & water heater
Hot & cold Bullfinch shower port
Flush toilet with heated black water tank
Exterior wiring & solar ports
Portable UV & carbon black water purification system
Awning brackets & roof rack options
Description: Skinny Guy Campers is another uniquely designed small truck camper that fits a ton of utility in a compact form factor. Similar to the old Flippac or the AT Habitat, these campers use a fold-over cantilever pop-up tent made of Aqualon Edge marine fabric atop an ⅛” aluminum camper body construction that maximizes interior space, while maintaining the collapsed form-factor of a traditional truck topper. Plus, the camper’s design keeps everything on top of your truck’s bed rails, so you’ll still have use of the space below the camper for storage.
They offer three different trim levels (Skin ‘N Bones, Skinny Fat, or Kit ‘N Kaboodle), each with progressively more features included. But the base camper comes standard with a PortaPotti beneath an L-shaped dinette, floor drain, USB & 12v ports, interior LED lighting, a side entry ladder, proprietary removable camper jack system, a rainwater catchment system, powder coated cabinetry, fire extinguisher and CO detector, and pre-wiring for non-vented 12v battery charging.
At the upper end of the trim levels you’ll get all the amenities of a larger truck camper; complete with fresh and black water tanks, flush toilet, cooktop, fridge, and kitchen sink!
18. Four Wheel Camper Swift and Fleet
Current Base Price: $16,695 (without mandatory installation fee)
Base Weight: 950lbs
Design: Pop-up Slide-in
Capacity:
2-3 people
72x76” cab-over sleeping platform
3” thick mattress included
Warranty: 1 year general structural / 5 year material (more info)
Install/Shipping: Install at either of their Rancho Cucamonga, California or Woodland, California facilities or an authorized dealer (note there are mandatory installation fees for install that range from $795-$1895 depending on the type of mounting system required for your truck)
Current Lead Time: 2 to 4 months
Additional Features Available:
Roll-over couch | side-dinette or front dinette (fleet only) (all double as additional sleeping platforms)
Awning options
Mechanical camper jacks
Ax/shovel mounts
Surfboard/SUP mounts
LED rear flood lights
Roof track and load bar options
2nd roof vent fan
Roof mounted or portable solar panel options
Lithium battery options (135ah or 270ah Dakota Lithium)
Propane furnace system
Sink
Additional small sliding driver’s side window
Propane stove options (requires furnace option too)
Tent wall thermal packs (single or triple layer)
Removable carpet kit
Backup camera kit
Portable toilet options
Description: Four Wheel Campers are the gold standard of slide-in small truck campers and their Swift (for 5ft short bed trucks) and Fleet (for 6ft bed trucks) are no exception.
They use a welded aluminum frame wrapped in black diamond plate aluminum siding with a one-piece aluminum roof and a standard wood grain interior. Base features include a 20 gallon fresh water storage tank, 2.5 gal propane tank, 225ah dual 6v AGM batteries, camper jack brackets, LED interior lighting and an exterior porch light, 12v and USB outlets, one passenger side window, and a roof vent fan.
While they’re not the lightest small truck campers out there, they do offer a ton of space and features in a relatively compact form factor.
19. Bear Adventure Vehicles Black Bear Camper (Total Composites Lynx)
Current Base Price: $17,200 [“blank slate” shell only]
Base Weight: 540lbs [empty shell - fully built out models range from appx 850-1,450lbs]
Design: Fixed Slide-in Camper
Capacity:
2+ people
Sleeping platform varies based on build
Warranty: 1 year
Install/Shipping: Install is performed at Bear Adventure Vehicles’ facility in Santa Paula, California
Current Lead Time: Varies depending on the extent of customization
Additional Features Available:
King-size two-piece cab-over sleeping platform
Secondary two-piece queen lower sleeping platform
Interior LED lighting
Diesel heater
Portable A/C
Mudroom entry with wet-well/shower
Roof vent fans
Exterior propane mounting
Gas stove
Cabinetry and dinette
Sink & fresh water system
Portable toilet options
Solar/power systems
Exterior wiring & solar ports
12v fridge
Description: Bear Adventure Vehicles is an authorized vendor and upfitter of Total Composites light-weight small truck campers. Their Black Bear model is the smallest slide-in truck camper made by Total Composites (known as the Lynx under their branding).
The shell is made of a 2” thick fiberglass foam core composite and offers some of the best 4-season weather protection of any small truck camper on the market with an insulating value of R12. This is a great option if you’re looking to create a DIY built interior or want to pick and choose aspects of your camper build a la carte from Bear Adventure Vehicles (for an additional cost). Their 5.0 model fits inside the tailgate of the common Jeep Gladiator or Tacoma, or the 7.0 model offers more space but extends over the tailgate.
20. Hower Built BaseCamp V2
Current Base Price: $19,000
Base Weight: 400lbs
Design: Electric Pop-up Topper
Capacity:
2-3 people
78x50” sleeping platform
3” thick mattress included
Warranty: 5 year
Install/Shipping: Install is performed at their Durango, Colorado facility
Current Lead Time: Inquire via email for current lead times - info@howerbuilt.com
Additional Features Available:
Larger capacity lithium battery
Load bars
Solar panels
Insulated tent liner
Tern Overland windows or AM auto-sliding windows
Cab-side sliding window
Larger rear hatch door (replaces tailgate)
Double barn door with window options
Keypad locking entry
Propane tank and mounting
Molle panels
Awning options and mounting brackets
Dometic Go water system
Drop-down table
Description: The Hower Built Basecamp V2 is a premium pop-up style small truck camper that uses aluminum framing combined with R5 insulated composite panels to create a robust 4-season camping space.
The hallmark of this camper is its unique electric driven scissor-lift system for raising and lowering the pop-up (which takes appx 45 seconds). This lifting system also makes this camper a segment leader with a lifting capacity of 300lbs - meaning you can keep your gear up top and still use the camper without unloading it!
The Basecamp V2 has a waterproof, UV and mold resistant tent fabric, and a queen-size sleeping platform with 6” of space remaining when the top is closed, leaving plenty of room for bedding storage. The camper also comes standard with Rigid LED interior lighting, 4 USB outlets, a 50ah lithium battery (that operates the lift mechanism and is prewired for solar), plus a MaxxAir Vent fan.
21. AT Overland Aterra Topper
Current Base Price: $20,500
Base Weight: 510lbs
Design: Fixed Topper
Capacity:
2-4 people
74” king-size two-piece sleeping platform
3” foam mattress
Warranty: 2 year
Install/Shipping: Install at their Prescott, AZ facility or one of their authorized dealers
Current Lead Time: Typically 12 months or less
Additional Features Available:
Secondary lower sleeping platform/bunk bed
Awning brackets & multiple awning options
Front cab slider window
Truma Vario heater
Additional solar & charge controller options
Exterior wiring & solar ports
Interior cabinetry build-out
Fridge/freezer options
Partner Steel stove
Dometic Go water system
Description: AT Overland’s Aterra small truck camper is a unique fixed-wall honeycomb composite topper that offers a massive amount of space in a relatively light-weight form-factor with a design aesthetic that’s similar to a Total Composites camper.
The Aterra comes standard with a 185 watt solar panel, built-in dimmable LED strip lighting, four 12VDC power ports, four double USB power ports, four Arctic Tern double-pane acrylic windows with shades and screens, two wall mounted folding tables, molle panels in interior rear corners, mechanical camper jack brackets, and a massive rear hatch door.
Currently the Aterra is only available for full-size trucks, but they will be coming out with mid-size truck options as well soon.
22. Kimbo Camper 6 Series
Current Base Price: $22,999
Base Weight: 900-1188lbs (depending on extent of options selected/omitted)
Design: Fixed Slide-in
Capacity:
2-3 people
74x55” cab-over sleeping platform
3” thick mattress included
Warranty: Not Stated
Install/Shipping: They do offer shipping, or you can pick up your camper at their Bellingham, Washington facility
Current Lead Time: 3 months
Additional Features Available:
Multiple power/solar options
Wood storage/table unit
Wet-well/shower
Hanging wall basket storage
Kitchen
Fridge
Propane fireplace
Window-style A/C unit
Secondary fold-up bed module
Thule awning
Mounting/storage options for skis/surfboards/SUPs
Roof track system
Rotopax mounts
Description: The Kimbo Camper Series 6 is a fixed-side slide-in small truck camper. It installs over the tailgate in short bed trucks or inside the tailgate of 6ft bed trucks. The Kimbo camper uses frameless aluminum construction for the outer shell of the camper, with an R5 insulated interior, covered in a brushed fabric liner.
The standard three double pane Arctic Tern windows allow for plenty of natural light, the bamboo mud-room entryway provides an easy way to shed outer layers as you enter the camper, the two cushioned benches provide relaxed seating, and a Maxxair vent fan keeps the air circulating.
The base model also includes external propane storage, a 120V shore power connection, solar exterior perimeter lighting, removable camper jacks and mounts, dimmable interior LED strip lighting, and a roof access ladder.
While it’s not the lightest small truck camper out there, the Kimbo Series 6 offers a near-full-size-RV camping experience in a relatively compact form factor.
23. Scout Olympic (with GFC RTT)
Current Base Price: $23,990 ($29,985 with optional GFC Roof Top Tent)
Base Weight: 1,091lbs (built for full size trucks)
Design: Fixed Slide-in, plus wedge RTT
Capacity:
4-6 people
80x52” cabover sleeping platform + (90x50 in the passthrough GFC RTT)
4” thick mattress included
Warranty: 2 year
Install/Shipping: Install can be performed at their Yakima, Washington facility or the camper can be shipped to a partner dealership (reach out to Scout directly for assistance in locating a dealer near you)
Current Lead Time: 3.5 months
Additional Features Available:
Passthrough Go Fast Campers RTT
Kammok Crosswing awning and/or universal awning brackets
Diesel heater
Removable camper jacks
Bunk windows
Portable indoor/outdoor gas cooktop
12v fridge/freezer
Hanging bunk extensions (for additional 24x24” north-south sleeping space each)
Portable toilet
Description: The Scout Olympic is a lightweight fixed-side slide-in small truck camper built with a rugged fully composite substrate construction and aluminum exo-skeleton framing.
Scout has a unique partnership with Go Fast Campers as well, that allows for the optional addition of one of their roof top tents with a pass-through access from inside the camper; this effectively doubles the camper’s sleeping capacity.
But the Scout Olympic on its own offers a TON of standard amenities, like a built-in gear storage locker, Lifesaver 4.9gal water storage system with charcoal filtration, a Goal Zero Yeti 1500x solar generator with 12v and 110 outlets, a 175w Solar Panel, a 4-person dinette that converts to additional 70”x34” sleeping space, Thermal pane windows, a moon roof, 10lb propane tank and vented storage compartment, removable marine flooring, LED strip lighting, smoke, gas, and CO detectors, a 12v vent fan, stainless steel sink, and even a motion sensing solar porch light.
While the Olympic is our top pick out of their line-up due to the GFC partnership, it’s only available for full-size trucks. Their Yoho model for mid-size trucks offers a lot of the same small truck camper utility, in a marginally lighter (934lbs) slide-in camper, but lacks the additional sleeping space that sets the Olympic apart.
24. OEV Back Country 5.85 and Back Country 6.85 [Formerly OEV CAMP-M and CAMP-X]
Current Base Price: $45,595 / $48,595
Base Weight: 975lbs / 1,345lbs
Design: Pop-up Slide-In
Capacity:
3 people
75x60” cab-over sleeping platform
4” thick foam mattress included
Warranty: 1 year general structural / 5 year material (more info)
Install/Shipping: Installation is performed at one of their authorized dealers
Current Lead Time: 3-4 months
Additional Features Available:
77x27 gurney-style bunk bed
200w solar panel
Continuous hot water, with Sigiva outside shower connection and hose extension
Additional roof vent fan
1500 watt Go Power Pure Sine Wave inverter
Passenger and/or driver side molle rack
Awning adapters for 180 & 270 degree awnings
King sleeping platform extension
Roof racks
Front light bar (lights not included)
Soft storage bags
Description: Overland Explorer Vehicles’s Backcountry Campers (either the 5.85 model for mid-size trucks, or the 6.85 for full size trucks) are some of the most feature-rich rugged small truck campers on the market. They use an extruded aluminum frame combined with R8 insulated composite panel construction to maximize strength and durability while minimizing weight.
And, as the name implies, they come standard with nearly everything you’d need to take your small truck camper on an overland expedition the day it’s installed.
This includes a Truma Vario heater w/thermostat, roof vent fan with shade and LED lighting, a 20 gal fresh water tank w/12v pump, stainless steel sink w/flush mount glass cover, 12v aux and dual USB plugs, a battery monitor, LED interior and exterior lighting, Victron DC /DC charger, Reico manual camper jacks, awning mounting brackets, outside shower brackets & adapters, chest style fridge tray (though a 12v fridge is not included), dual pane acrylic window with blinds and screen, aluminum propane cabinet w/10 lb bottle, front east/west dinette that folds down with under seat storage and an adjustable table leg, large locking exterior storage access, a powder coated aluminum interior with vinyl flooring, plus a ton of safety features including a fire rated thermal break kit, fire extinguisher, and LP/smoke/CO detectors.
25. Supertramp Campers Flagship LT
Current Base Price: $59,975
Base Weight: 1,250 lbs [full-size trucks only]
Design: Pop-up Slide-in
Capacity:
3-5 people
80x60” cab-over sleeping platform
4” thick queen mattress included
Warranty: Not Stated/TBD
Install/Shipping: Installation at their Golden, Colorado facility
Current Lead Time: Currently available for preorder, estimated production TBD
Additional Features Available:
Air conditioning
Up to 400 Ah of lithium batteries
Truma Combi Eco Plus heater/furnace (has ability to run off propane or shore power)
Lagun table
1500W AC inverter
42” Arctic Tern camper window with integrated screen and shade
Inside shower (curtain, drain, 5 gallon gray water tank)
23 Zero 180-degree awning
Outside shower enclosure
Backup camera
Additional L tracks
Molle panels
3M wrap
Bunk bed sleeping platform
Description: SuperTramp Camper’s Flagship LT is a brand new small truck camper for full size trucks that is the near-perfect confluence of high-tech manufacturing, leight-weight materials, and modern features.
This camper is constructed of vacuum infused composites (used in aerospace industry) with recycled PET foam core insulation. It uses an electric linear actuator system to lift (in only 10 seconds) the pop-up top exposing the insulated triple layer marine grade tent with 360-degree windows and zippered shades.
This small truck camper includes a complete bamboo countertop-equipped kitchenette with flush stove, marine sink, and 65L Isotherm fridge. The camper also comes with a portable Cassette toilet, a heated storage basement to keep the 24 gallon fresh water tank and 5 gallon gray water tank protected in sub-freezing temps, a Truma Combi on-demand water heater and furnace, an ample L-shaped seating area with adjustable table and tons of built-in storage, a 330watt solar panel array, 100ah lithium battery with Victron DC-to-DC charger, solar charger, and battery monitor, a AC/DC shore power hookup, several 12v USB outlets, dual remote-controlled MaxxAir roof vent fans, removable camper jacks, dual 11lb propane tanks, keyless locking rear entry door, rear molle panel and L-track, and a massive 48” pullout basement storage drawer that’s accessible from the exterior.
This camper has it all, and while it’s on the upper end of the price and weight spectrum (as far as lightweight truck campers go) it offers all the features and amenities of a standard RV in a small truck camper form factor. We only hope they eventually offer a mid-size truck model too!
It’s a golden era for small truck campers! With the confluence of technological advances in composite materials, refined manufacturing processes, an ever-growing number of small truck camper manufacturers, and a veritable renaissance in the outdoor equipment and camping industry in general there has never been a better time to outfit your truck or pickup with a small truck camper and explore this incredible world!
And we hope this guide has helped you find a small truck camper that meets your needs, budget, and adventures.
For more helpful truck camping, overlanding, and family travel tips and guides be sure to SUBSCRIBE for our bi-monthly blog updates.
Related Posts:
Pin This Post for Later!
We’d Appreciate a Share!