Lightweight Flatbed Truck Campers - From Pop-Up Truck Campers to Custom Fiberglass Truck Campers - WE'RE THE RUSSOS (2024)

Lightweight Flatbed Truck Campers - From Pop-Up Truck Campers to Custom Fiberglass Truck Campers - WE'RE THE RUSSOS (1)

by Kait Russo

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Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means we will earn a commission on the products or services you purchase using the links. There is no additional cost to you and the earnings help keep this website running. Read the Affiliate Disclaimer for more information.

In our RV journey we have lived out of several types of RVs from Class A motorhomes to flatbed truck campers and just about everything in between. Unlike the Class A, Class B and small Class C motorhomes we’ve experienced, a lightweight flatbed truck camper is a very different type of recreational vehicle.

For us, the benefits of flatbed truck campers are:

  • Small and nimble like a Class B RV
  • Go anywhere the truck can go (especially with 4wd)
  • Can be less expensive (buy a used truck and a used camper)
  • Replace just the camper or just the truck
  • Many options and modifications

We ended up buying a pop-up flatbed truck camper that we lived out of full time for two years, but as you’ll discover below, there are quite a few options to choose from and the list of flatbed truck campers continues to grow.

Flatbed Truck Campers (A-Z)

Alaskan Campers

Based in Winlock, Washington. Alaskan Campers designed its first truck camper in the 1950s to travel the Alcan Highway. Now the company manufacturers telescopic campers that slide into most truck beds. You can also work with them on a custom truck camper for a flatbed. This 8.5 foot side entry flatbed Alaskan Campers is on the GMC 3500 4×4.

Lightweight Flatbed Truck Campers - From Pop-Up Truck Campers to Custom Fiberglass Truck Campers - WE'RE THE RUSSOS (2)

Website: http://alaskancampers.com

All Terrain Campers

Based in Sacramento, California. All Terrain Campers builds pop-up truck campers with an aluminum frame. There are several models you can choose from depending on the size of your truck or work with them on a custom build.

Lightweight Flatbed Truck Campers - From Pop-Up Truck Campers to Custom Fiberglass Truck Campers - WE'RE THE RUSSOS (3)

Website: https://www.allterraincampers.com

AT Overland

Based in Prescott, Arizona. AT Overland’s Aterra XL flatbed truck camper uses a “reinforced thermoplastic honeycomb composite camper design” to keep it lightweight. We got a chance to check out this lightweight truck camper at an overland show a while back. Watch the video for a quick tour of the Aterra XL.

Lightweight Flatbed Truck Campers - From Pop-Up Truck Campers to Custom Fiberglass Truck Campers - WE'RE THE RUSSOS (4)

Website: https://atoverland.com/pages/aterra-xl-flatbed-camper

Bison Overland Campers

Based in Okalahoma. Bison Overland Campers makes all aluminum flatbed pop-up campers. According to their website, the 2020 introductory pricing for a shell camper is $20,000.

Lightweight Flatbed Truck Campers - From Pop-Up Truck Campers to Custom Fiberglass Truck Campers - WE'RE THE RUSSOS (5)

Website: https://www.bisonoverlandcampers.com/

Bimobil Husky Pick Up Campers

Based in Oberpframmern, Germany. Bimobil builds pick up truck campers and small Class C RVs on a few different chassis. There are three Husky pick up campers models with the Husky 230 built on the Ford Ranger double cab and Toyota Hilux double cab.

Lightweight Flatbed Truck Campers - From Pop-Up Truck Campers to Custom Fiberglass Truck Campers - WE'RE THE RUSSOS (6)

Website: https://www.bimobil.com

BunduTecUSA Truck Campers

Based in Iowa. Rory started the company in 2013 after retiring as president of Northstar Campers. BunduTecUSA makes a wide selection of pop top and hard wall truck campers including a custom Bunducamp flatbed truck camper.

Website: http://bundutecusa.com/

Cache Camper Manufacturing

Based in Palmer, Alaska. Cache Camper builds custom campers in addition to selling parts and providing repair services. Most of the photos on their website show custom slide in truck campers, but the company can and will work with customers on custom flatbed truck campers.

Website: https://www.cachecamper.com

EarthCruiser Overland Vehicles

Based in Bend, Oregon. EarthCruiser makes expedition vehicles for avid outdoor enthusiasts. The Terranova is their current pop-top flatbed truck camper offering.

Lightweight Flatbed Truck Campers - From Pop-Up Truck Campers to Custom Fiberglass Truck Campers - WE'RE THE RUSSOS (7)

The EXD model was built for a one-ton American truck that can be integrated into the chassis or mounted to a flatbed. We had a chance to tour the EarthCruiser EXD on the Ford chassis and you can watch the video tour below.

The EarthCruiser GZL is a light-weight truck camper made to go in the bed of a truck. While it was not built for a flatbed, customers have the option to build boxes around it for additional storage.

Website: https://earthcruiser.com

Four Wheel Campers

Based in Woodland, California. Four Wheel Campers manufactures lightweight pop-up truck campers that are very popular with the overland community. The Granby, Hawk and Fleet models are available as a flatbed truck camper option. Read about our Four Wheel Camper Hawk Flatbed.

Website: https://fourwheelcampers.com

Hallmark RV

Based in Fort Lupton, Colorado. Hallmark RV manufactures pop-up truck campers constructed of pre-formed composite fiberglass. The flatbed models are available in two lengths: 6.5′ and 8.5′. As of the last update, the company’s website is no longer working and this is the latest news we found on Hallmark RV’s bankruptcy.

Website: http://www.hallmarkrv.com/

Nimbl Vehicles

Based in Colfax, California. Be Change LLC purchased XP Camper in 2019 and launched Nimbl Vehicles in 2020. According to their website “the Nimbl Evolution is the world’s most agile expedition vehicle.”

Lightweight Flatbed Truck Campers - From Pop-Up Truck Campers to Custom Fiberglass Truck Campers - WE'RE THE RUSSOS (8)

Website: https://nimblvehicles.com/

Overland Explorer Vehicles

Based in Red Deer, AB, Canada. Overland Explorer Vehicles or OEV is a division of LITE Industries. The companies makes composite cabins that can be mounted on a truck chassis. Customers can also choose between fixed or removable campers.

Lightweight Flatbed Truck Campers - From Pop-Up Truck Campers to Custom Fiberglass Truck Campers - WE'RE THE RUSSOS (9)

Website: https://overlandex.com

Phoenix Pop-Up Campers

Based in Commerce City, Colorado. Phoenix Pop-Up Campers launched in the 1980s after the family sold the name Four Wheel Campers. Now they manufacturer custom pop-up truck campers with a welded aluminum cage frame. Their flatbed truck campers can be custom fitted for the truck that it’s being mounted on.

Lightweight Flatbed Truck Campers - From Pop-Up Truck Campers to Custom Fiberglass Truck Campers - WE'RE THE RUSSOS (10)

Website: http://phoenixpopup.com

Rossmonster Overland

Based in Longmont, Colorado. Rossmonster Overland manufacturers The Baja flatbed truck camper. This camper is meant to be a lighter and more compact expedition truck camper that is “luxuriously comfortable and four-season capable when camping.”

Website: https://www.rossmonsteroverland.com

Slide-In or Flatbed Truck Camper?

Many people have asked us about the pros and cons of a lightweight flatbed truck camper vs a slide-in truck camper. In this video, we share our thoughts and compare the two types of lightweight truck campers.

Did we miss any flatbed truck campers on this list? If so, leave a comment below and we’ll add it to the list during the next update.

Lightweight Flatbed Truck Campers - From Pop-Up Truck Campers to Custom Fiberglass Truck Campers - WE'RE THE RUSSOS (2024)

FAQs

Who makes pop up truck bed campers? ›

Alaskan, Four Wheel, Northstar, Palomino, Phoenix, and Hallmark manufacture pop-up truck campers for mid-size and full-size, long and short bed trucks.

How much does a pop up truck bed camper weigh? ›

Pop up campers weigh between 1,400 and 4,000 pounds. When empty and unloaded the average weight for pop up campers is about 2,300 pounds. However, they can also carry an average cargo load of 1,100 pounds. For maximum vehicle weight, a pop up camper can range from 2,700 to 4,000 pounds (GVWR).

What are the best trucks to convert to campers? ›

What is the best truck for a truck camper? Well, if you're buying your first truck and you're looking seriously at getting a truck camper, we suggest skipping the half-ton and 3/4-ton and buy a one-ton truck instead like a Ford F-350, a Ram 3500, or a Chevy Silverado 3500HD at a minimum.

What are the campers called that go in the bed of a truck? ›

In the United States and Canada, truck campers are also known as truck bed campers, slide-in campers, pickup campers, and cabover campers. Europeans call them demountable campers. In Australia, they are commonly known as tray campers.

Do pop-up truck campers have bathrooms? ›

For those who love the idea of truck camping but don't want to compromise on comfort, pop-up truck campers with bathrooms are the perfect solution. These versatile campers offer the convenience of a private bathroom, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing modern amenities.

How much weight can you put on a pop-up camper? ›

It weighs only 840 pounds, yet it can carry nearly 1,000 pounds of cargo—800 pounds on the deck and another 160 pounds on the upper racks. That's enough to carry all of your outdoor gear including kayaks, canoes, bikes, surfboards, camping gear, a mid-sized motorcycle, or full-sized ATV.

What size bed is in a pop-up camper? ›

Pop-up camper mattresses come in a variety of sizes, typically designed to fit the unique dimensions of these compact living spaces. Common Sizes: These include twin, full, and sometimes queen sizes. The exact dimensions can vary based on the camper model.

How heavy is a pop-up camper roof? ›

Built with 2 x 3 lumber, foam insulation and two ceiling fans. Total weight was 128 pounds.

How much is a Lance 650 truck camper? ›

Values
Suggested List PriceAverage Retail
Base Price$34,947$27,100
Options (Add)
Total Price$34,947$27,100
2 more rows

What type of van is best to convert to camper? ›

The Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, and Ram ProMaster are popular choices for camper van conversion. Take into account your budget and personal preferences when making a decision. Research the conversion process to ensure a smooth and efficient project.

What type of camper is easiest to tow? ›

Ultra-light or ultralite travel trailers weigh less than other options. Their light weight makes them great for towing with a vehicle you already own, like an SUV. Designed specifically to be light and aerodynamic, ultra-lite travel trailers are a wonderful option for easy towing and conserving gas.

What is a Dutchman camper? ›

The Dutchmen line of travel trailers and fifth wheels are among the most recognizable and innovative on the market and come with one of the industry's best structural warranties. Dutchmen offers a turnkey recreational vehicle experience that is attractive to many young buyers.

What is a Lark camper? ›

Jayco Lark Camper Trailer

With a massive 6 person sleeping capacity, 2-burner cooker, fridge, an ultra-light tow ball weight, plus flexible seating and bedding options, the Lark really is the ultimate family Camper Trailer.

What is a Boondock camper? ›

Some avid RV owners refer to boondocking as dry camping or free camping. Others may refer to it as independent or wild camping. Boondocking in the RV world means that you are not connected to water, sewer, or electricity.

Why are truck bed campers so expensive? ›

Expensive materials such as aluminum and fiberglass are used by RV manufacturers to ensure truck campers are lightweight but strong. Additionally, many include stainless steel features and are insulated using top-of-the-line insulations. These pricey materials add up quickly, forcing the retail price up as well.

Who makes Jayco pop-up campers? ›

Jayco Inc., a subsidiary of Thor Industries, is an American manufacturer of recreation vehicles. The company manufactures fold-down, also called "Pop-up" Camping Trailers, Conventional Travel Trailers, Toy Haulers, Fifth-Wheel Travel Trailers, and Motorhomes (Class A, B, and C).

Are truck campers worth it? ›

Investing in a truck bed camper can save you money in the long run. Here are some of the reasons: Low maintenance: Aside from periodic oil changes, engine tune-ups, and tire changes for your truck, you won't have to spend a fortune to keep your camper well-maintained.

Who makes Eagle Cap truck campers? ›

At Adventurer Manufacturing, we understand the sentimental value that the Eagle Cap Camper line holds. Over the past 10 years, Eagle Cap has evolved to become a highly sought-after product, leading the way in the high-end camper market.

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