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A truck camper can be an incredible way to get out and explore the great outdoors, as big things come in small packages. You don’t need the biggest and heaviest camper to explore. Sometimes, choosing a smaller and more agile structure is the best option.
Today, we’re sharing 10 of the best small but mighty truck campers on the market. Let’s dive in!
What Is a Small Truck Camper?
A small truck camper is a compact, self-contained recreational vehicle that fits in the bed of a pickup truck. It’s a versatile and efficient way to enjoy the outdoors and go camping without needing a large motorhome or trailer.
These campers come in various sizes and configurations. They typically provide essential amenities such as sleeping quarters, a small kitchen, and sometimes a bathroom.
Small truck campers are ideal for those wanting to explore incredible destinations while maintaining the convenience and mobility of a truck.
A small truck camper makes maneuvering narrow roads and navigating remote areas easy. It offers a comfortable place to sleep, cook, and relax while keeping you close to nature. A small truck camper can make for a cozy and efficient home on wheels for your adventures.
Reasons to Consider a Small Truck Camper
Compact size is a crucial feature of small truck campers. Because they’re small, they’re typically easier to drive and maneuver. This makes navigating narrow roads easier. In addition, you may be able to access remote camping spots that larger vehicles cannot.
An additional benefit of their size is your ability to find a place to park. Most units can fit in a standard-sized parking space. You won’t have to worry about taking up multiple spots and aggravating others.
Another reason to consider a small truck camper is its versatility. You can find a variety of floor plans and amenities catering to different camping preferences. Whether a basic setup or one with all the comforts of home, there’s a small truck camper for you. This adaptability allows you to customize your camping experience.
10 Best Small (But Mighty) Truck Campers
So, what are the best small truck campers? Here are several outstanding possibilities you should consider.
Lance 650
The Lance 650 is a highly regarded truck camper model known for its compact yet functional design. It’s a perfect fit for short-bed trucks, measuring 6 feet and 10 inches long, making it incredibly versatile for various camping adventures.
Despite its compact size, the Lance 650 offers a comfortable interior layout, including a queen-size bed, a fully equipped kitchenette, and a wet bath with a toilet and shower.
You can also convert the dinette area into a bed, allowing this camper to accommodate up to four people. Its quality construction, attention to detail, and optional features enhance the overall camping experience.
Northstar TC650
The Northstar TC650 is a compact and lightweight truck camper designed for half-ton trucks with short or long beds. This camper is known for its efficient use of space, making it a popular choice among truck camper enthusiasts who seek versatility and mobility.
The TC650 offers a comfortable sleeping area, a small kitchenette with a sink, a two-burner stove, and a compact refrigerator. It also features a dinette that converts into an additional sleeping space. Despite its compact size, the TC650 provides decent storage space for camping gear and supplies.
Adventurer 80RB
The Adventurer 80RB is a truck camper model known for its durable construction and practical design. It fits on a standard full-size truck bed. It provides a comfortable and convenient living space for adventurers exploring the outdoors.
The camper includes a spacious queen-sized bed over the cab, a compact kitchen area with a sink, stove, refrigerator, and a wet bath with a toilet and shower. This well-insulated camper ensures comfort in various weather conditions and offers ample storage space for camping gear and supplies.
The Adventurer 80RB is known for its durability and quality construction. It can handle off-road travel and adventures. It provides a self-contained camping experience. It’s a popular choice for those who want to explore remote destinations while enjoying the comforts of home.
Travel Lite Up Country 775U
The Travel Lite Up Country 775U tips the scales at 1,722 pounds. It comes with everything you need to enjoy your adventures. When you enter through the rear-entry door, the bathroom greets you on your right, and a large closet sits on your left. While it may feel tight at first, after a few steps, the area opens up.
The refrigerator is directly across from the cooking area, making it easy to access food and supplies while preparing meals. The dinette converts into an additional sleeping space so you can bring friends and family along for the ride.
At the front of this truck camper is a large 6-by-74-inch bed. Multiple storage spaces surround the bed, giving you plenty of room for clothes and gear. You’ll find yourself relaxing and enjoying yourself easily inside this small truck camper.
Lance 825
The Lance 825 is a well-regarded truck camper model known for its compact size and thoughtful design. It fits on short-bed trucks and provides a comfortable and functional living space for camping and outdoor adventures.
Some key features of the Lance 825 include a queen-size bed over the cab, a kitchenette with a sink, stove, and refrigerator, a dinette that can convert into an additional sleeping area, and a wet bath with a toilet and shower. Despite its compact size, the Lance 825 offers ample storage space for camping gear and supplies.
Lance is known for its high-quality construction and attention to detail, which is evident in the Lance 825. It provides a cozy and well-insulated interior, making it suitable for camping in various weather conditions.
This camper is popular among those who prefer the flexibility and mobility of a truck camper while still enjoying the comforts of home during their outdoor adventures.
GoFastCampers The GFC XL Platform Camper
The GoFastCampers (GFC) XL Platform Camper is a versatile rooftop camper designed to sit in the bed of a pickup truck. It’s a larger variant of the original GFC Platform Camper. It offers more space and features for extended camping trips and overland adventures.
Key features of the GFC XL Platform Camper include a durable composite construction that is both lightweight and weather-resistant. The camper features a pop-up roof that provides extra headroom when you’re inside, and it comes with large screened windows and a roof vent for ventilation.
Inside, you’ll find a comfortable sleeping platform that can accommodate two people and multiple storage compartments for gear and equipment.
One of the standout features of the GFC XL Platform Camper is its modular design. It allows you to customize the camper to your specific needs, whether you want to add an awning, solar panels, or other accessories. The camper is easy to install and remove from your truck, so you can use your vehicle for other purposes when not camping.
Palomino Backpack HS-750
The Palomino Backpack HS-750 is a truck camper model produced by Palomino RV. Many like this camper because of its compact and lightweight design.
The HS-750 typically features a sleeping area over the cab, a small kitchenette with a sink, stove, refrigerator, and a dinette that can convert into additional sleeping space.
Depending on the specific model and configuration, it may include a wet bath with a toilet and shower. Despite its compact size, the camper provides a comfortable and functional living space for camping enthusiasts.
One of the advantages of the Palomino Backpack HS-750 is its lightweight construction. It’s well-suited for individuals or couples looking for a cozy and mobile camping experience for weekend getaways or extended trips into the great outdoors.
Read More: Still not sure if a truck camper is right for you? Learn more about the pros and cons!
Northstar 600SS
The Northstar 600SS truck camper features a compact and lightweight design. These campers can fit on the bed of a standard short-bed truck, making them versatile and easy to maneuver for various camping adventures.
The Northstar 600SS typically features a queen-size bed over the cab, a small kitchenette equipped with a sink, a two-burner stove, a compact refrigerator, and a dinette that can convert into an additional sleeping area.
Some models may include a wet bath with a toilet and shower, providing added convenience for campers. Despite its compact size, this camper offers plenty of storage space for camping gear and supplies.
One of the key advantages of the Northstar 600SS is its lightweight construction, making it compatible with a wide range of trucks, including half-ton models. This makes it more fuel-efficient and provides the flexibility to detach the camper and use your vehicle for other purposes when needed.
Bundutec TOPI
The Bundutec TOPI weighs 1,330 pounds and is perfect for smaller trucks like the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier. It can fit in a 5- or 6-foot truck bed but requires removing the tailgate on your vehicle.
It comes standard with a 4-post electric lift, a two-burner stove, and a portable solar port to attach panels to help keep your battery bank charged.
In addition, you can choose from various upgrades to enhance your experience. These include an exterior shower, a rear-wall air conditioner, and AGM batteries. Bundutec also allows functional upgrades like a porta potty, cell phone booster, and upgrades to the steps.
One of the first things you’ll notice about this tiny space is that it maximizes its usability. Cabinets and drawers sit just about everywhere. You’ll have plenty of room to store any camping gear and equipment you bring.
Outfitter Apex 8
The Outfitter Apex 8 is a truck camper model known for its rugged construction and well-designed features. These campers fit on the bed of a pickup truck, offering a comfortable and convenient living space for camping and outdoor adventures.
The Apex 8 typically features a spacious interior layout, including a large cab over a queen-size bed, a dinette that converts into extra sleeping space, and a fully equipped kitchenette with a sink, stove, and refrigerator.
It may also include a wet bath with a toilet and shower, providing added convenience for campers. This camper’s well-insulated interior ensures comfort in various weather conditions. It also offers ample storage space for camping gear and supplies.
Keep in Mind: Can a Truck Camper Break Your Truck in Half? Before you purchase one, you need to read this!
Is a Small Truck Camper Worth It?
Investing in a small truck camper can be worth it for many outdoor enthusiasts. These campers offer a range of benefits, including affordability compared to larger RVs, fuel efficiency due to their compact size, and the ability to access remote and off-road camping spots that may be inaccessible to larger vehicles.
Additionally, they provide a comfortable and cozy camping experience, complete with sleeping quarters, a kitchenette, and sometimes a bathroom, all within the confines of a pickup truck bed.
This makes them an excellent choice for those who want the freedom to explore various outdoor destinations while maintaining comfort and convenience.
Would you consider buying a truck camper over a standard RV?
