Truck top campers, also known as bed campers, pickup truck campers, or wheel campers, are a popular choice for those who love camping and traveling. These unique vehicles are designed to fit on the back of pickup trucks and provide a comfortable camping experience. Northstar Campers is one of the leading manufacturers of truck top campers in the market, offering different sizes and styles to choose from.
If you’re planning to go on a camping trip with your pickup truck, then investing in a truck top camper is an excellent idea. These campers come in various models such as pop top and hard side models that cater to different preferences. The pop-top model is perfect for those who want more headroom while the hard side model offers better insulation and protection against harsh weather conditions.
One of the essential features of any truck top camper is holding tanks. These tanks come in various capacities for fresh water, gray water, and black water. Freshwater tanks store clean water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning purposes while gray water tanks store wastewater from sinks and showers. Blackwater tanks hold waste from toilets until they can be emptied at designated dumping stations.
Truck top campers offer an excellent way to travel and camp without needing a separate vehicle or tent. They provide all the necessary amenities like sleeping quarters, and kitchenette areas with appliances like stoves or refrigerators depending on the model you choose.
Whether you’re going on a weekend getaway or an extended road trip across the country, having a truck top camper will make your adventure more comfortable and enjoyable. You won’t have to worry about setting up tents or finding accommodations along your route since your home away from home will always be with you.
Benefits of Owning a Truck Top Camper
Cost-Effective Travel and Camping
Truck top campers offer a cost-effective way to travel and camp. With a truck top camper, owners can avoid the need for expensive hotel stays or RV rentals. Instead of spending money on lodging, they can invest in a truck top camper that will provide them with all the necessary amenities to enjoy their camping trip.
Moreover, owning a truck top camper can also save owners money on food expenses. The kitchenette in the camper allows them to prepare meals themselves instead of eating out at restaurants. This not only saves money but also provides owners with healthier meal options.
Flexibility to Camp Anywhere
One of the biggest benefits of owning a truck top camper is the flexibility it offers truck top campers are more agile and easier to maneuver. This makes it possible for owners to camp in remote or off-the-beaten-path locations that may not be accessible by larger vehicles.
Furthermore, because truck top campers are smaller than traditional RVs, they can fit into tighter spaces. This means that owners can park their camper in places where larger vehicles cannot go, such as small campsites or parking lots.
Convenience and Comforts of Home
Owning a truck top camper provides owners with the convenience of being able to quickly set up camp and hit the road without having to pack and unpack a lot of gear. With everything they need already packed inside their camper, they can simply drive to their destination and start camping right away.
Owning a truck top camper allows owners to enjoy the comforts of home while on the road. The comfortable bed provides them with a good night’s sleep after an adventurous day outdoors. The kitchenette allows them to cook meals just like they would at home. And bathroom facilities provide them with privacy and comfort while camping.
Different Types of Truck Top Campers Available
Pop-Up Truck Top Campers: Lightweight and Easy to Tow
Pop-up truck top campers are a popular choice for those who want a lightweight and easy-to-tow option. These campers typically feature a soft-sided top that can be raised or lowered, providing additional headroom when needed. One of the benefits of pop-up truck top campers is their low profile, which makes them easier to maneuver on the road. They also tend to be more affordable than other types of truck campers.
However, there are some downsides to consider when choosing a pop-up camper. The soft-sided walls may not provide as much insulation as hard-side models, making them less suitable for colder climates. They may not offer as much storage space or sleeping capacity as larger models.
Hard-Side Truck Top Campers: Durable and Insulated
For those who prioritize durability and insulation, hard-side truck top campers are an excellent choice. These models feature solid walls made from materials like fiberglass or aluminum, providing better protection from the elements. They also tend to have more amenities like kitchens and bathrooms than pop-up models.
One potential downside of hard-side truck top campers is their weight – they can be significantly heavier than pop-up models, which may limit the size of the truck needed to tow them. They may also be more expensive than other types of truck campers due to their construction materials.
Hybrid Truck Top Campers: Combining the Best Features
Hybrid truck top campers offer a compromise between pop-up and hard-side models by combining the best features of both. These campers typically feature a solid base with a pop-up section on top for additional headroom. This design provides better insulation than traditional pop-ups while still offering a lower profile than hard-side models.
One advantage of hybrid truck top campers is their versatility – they can be used in a variety of climates and terrains thanks to their combination of features. However, they may be more expensive than pop-up models and may not offer as much storage space or sleeping capacity as larger hard-side models.
Choosing the Right Truck Top Camper for Your Needs
When choosing a truck top camper, there are several factors to consider beyond just the type of camper. The weight and size of the camper should be matched to the towing capacity of your truck, and you’ll want to ensure that the camper has enough sleeping capacity for your needs.
Other features to consider include kitchen amenities like stovetops and refrigerators, bathroom facilities like toilets and showers, and storage space for gear and supplies. It’s also important to consider your budget when choosing a truck top camper – while some models can be quite affordable, others can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Exterior Features of Truck Top Campers
Fiberglass Exterior for Durability and Easy Maintenance
Truck top campers are designed to be rugged and durable, able to withstand the rigors of travel on rough terrain. One of the key features that contribute to their durability is the fiberglass exterior. Fiberglass is a strong, lightweight material that can withstand impacts without denting or scratching. It also resists moisture, which makes it ideal for use in wet environments.
In addition to its strength and durability, fiberglass is also easy to maintain. Unlike other materials such as metal or wood, it does not rust or rot over time. This means that you won’t have to worry about repainting or replacing your camper’s exterior every few years. Instead, you can simply wash it down with soap and water to keep it looking like new.
Electric Roof Lift for Convenient Setup and Take Down
Setting up and taking down a truck top camper can be a hassle, especially if you’re doing it manually. That’s why many modern campers come equipped with an electric roof lift system. This system allows you to raise and lower the roof of your camper with just the touch of a button.
Not only does this make setup and take down faster and easier, but it also eliminates the need for heavy lifting. This is particularly helpful if you have mobility issues or if you’re traveling alone. With an electric roof lift system, you can set up camp quickly and easily without having to strain yourself.
Side Awning and Foot Side Awning for Outdoor Shade and Shelter
One of the great things about truck top campers is that they allow you to enjoy nature while still providing shelter from the elements. To enhance this experience even further, many campers come equipped with side awnings and foot side awnings.
These awnings provide shade during hot summer days while also protecting you from rain or snowfall during inclement weather conditions. They also create additional living space outside of your camper, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors while still having access to all of your amenities.
Roof Rack for Additional Storage Space and Equipment Transport
Truck top campers are designed to be compact and efficient, but sometimes you need a little extra storage space. That’s where a roof rack comes in handy. A roof rack allows you to transport additional equipment such as kayaks, bikes, or camping gear without taking up valuable interior space.
Roof racks can also be used to store larger items such as coolers or lawn chairs that wouldn’t fit inside your camper. This frees up more space inside your camper for other amenities such as cabinets, doors, and wood cabinets.
Best Brands for Truck Top Campers
Lance: A Top Truck Camper Brand
Lance is definitely a name that stands out. They offer a wide range of models with various features, including slide-outs and solar panels. Lance campers are known for their quality construction and attention to detail, making them a popular choice among truck camper enthusiasts.
One of the things that sets Lance apart from other truck camper brands is their commitment to innovation. They are constantly looking for ways to improve their products and incorporate new technologies into their designs. For example, many of their campers now come equipped with solar panels, which can help reduce your reliance on traditional power sources.
Another thing that makes Lance stand out is the variety of options they offer. Whether you’re looking for a compact camper or something more spacious, they have a model that will fit your needs. Many of their campers come with slide-outs, which can significantly increase your living space when parked.
Northstar: Lightweight and Durable
If you’re in the market for a lightweight and durable truck camper, Northstar is definitely worth considering. Their campers are designed to be both strong and lightweight, making them ideal for off-road adventures or long trips where weight is a concern.
One of the things that sets Northstar apart from other truck camper brands is their use of composite materials in their construction. This allows them to create campers that are both durable and lightweight without sacrificing strength or durability.
In addition to being lightweight and durable, Northstar campers also offer plenty of amenities to make your camping experience more comfortable. Many models come equipped with features like air conditioning, heating systems, and even built-in generators.
Four Wheel Campers: Designed for Off-Road Adventures
For those who love off-road adventures, Four Wheel Campers is an excellent choice for a truck camper brand. Their campers are designed specifically for rugged terrain and can handle just about anything you throw at them.
One of the things that sets Four Wheel Campers apart from other truck camper brands is their focus on customization. They offer a wide range of options and accessories, allowing you to create a personalized camping experience that fits your needs perfectly.
Another thing that makes Four Wheel Campers stand out is their attention to detail. Their campers are built with high-quality materials and feature thoughtful design elements like pop-up roofs for extra headroom and ventilation.
Considerations When Choosing a Large Truck Camper
Consider the size of your truck
Before choosing a large truck camper, it’s essential to consider the size of your truck. The largest truck camper requires the largest truck, while midsize trucks can accommodate a midsize truck camper. If you have a midsize pickup truck, you need to ensure that it can handle the weight and size of a large truck camper.
When considering the size of your truck, you should also think about its towing capacity. A larger camper will require more power to tow, so make sure that your vehicle is up to the task. It’s important to remember that a larger camper will also be heavier and harder to maneuver on narrow roads.
Look for the best options
When choosing a large truck camper, there are some best options to consider. A large kitchen and cubic foot refrigerator are two features that can make life on the road much more comfortable. Having ample counter space and storage for food and cooking utensils is crucial when traveling for extended periods.
Another option to consider is having an onboard generator or solar panels installed in your camper. This feature allows you to power appliances without relying on external sources like campsites or hookups.
Check the size of the bed
The size of the bed in your large truck camper is another critical consideration. Make sure that it fits your needs and preferences. If you’re tall or prefer extra space while sleeping, look for models with longer beds or slide-outs.
It’s also worth considering whether you’ll be sharing the bed with someone else or if you’ll need additional sleeping space for guests.
Evaluate storage space
One of the most significant advantages of owning a large truck camper is having ample storage space for all necessary items. When evaluating storage space in potential models, consider how much gear you plan on bringing with you.
If you’re planning on extended trips where you’ll need outdoor gear like bikes or kayaks, make sure there’s enough room in your rig to store them. It’s also worth considering whether you’ll need additional storage space for food, clothing, and other essentials.
Check payload capacity
Payload capacity is the maximum weight that your truck can carry in addition to its own weight. When choosing a large truck camper, it’s essential to ensure that your truck has enough payload capacity to carry the weight of the camper.
The weight of a large truck camper can range from 1,000 to 5,000 lbs., so make sure that your vehicle is up to the task. Exceeding your truck’s payload capacity can lead to unsafe driving conditions and potential damage to your vehicle.
Consider LPG capacity
If you plan on using propane appliances like stoves or heaters in your large truck camper, check the LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) capacity of the rig. The size of the LPG tank will determine how long you can go between refills.
It’s important to remember that propane tanks add significant weight to your rig. If you plan on extended trips where you’ll be relying heavily on propane appliances, consider installing an extra tank or investing in larger tanks with higher capacities.
Pros and Cons of Pop-Up Truck Campers
Lightweight and Convenient: The Pros of Pop-Up Truck Campers
Pop-up truck campers are a popular option for those who want to travel light. These campers are typically lightweight, making them easy to tow with most trucks. They often come with a portable toilet, which can be convenient for those who prefer not to use public restrooms. This feature is especially useful when camping in remote areas where there may not be any facilities nearby.
Another advantage of pop-up truck campers is that they typically use propane for cooking and heating. Propane is an efficient fuel source that can be cost-effective compared to other options like gasoline or diesel. Propane tanks are relatively small and easy to transport, making them ideal for use in pop-up truck campers.
However, one potential downside of using propane in a pop-up camper is that the small size of the camper may limit the amount of time you can spend off-grid. Pop-up truck campers may not have enough space for multiple pound propane tanks, which means you may need to refill your tank more frequently if you plan on spending extended periods camping without access to electricity or other amenities.
Durability Concerns: The Cons of Pop-Up Truck Campers
While pop-up truck campers offer many advantages, they also have some drawbacks. One major concern with these types of campers is their durability in extreme weather conditions. Since pop-up truck campers are designed with collapsible walls and roofs, they may not be as sturdy as hard-sided truck campers during high winds or heavy rain.
The small size of pop-up truck campers means that they may not provide enough space for larger groups or families. While some models do offer additional sleeping space through fold-out beds or other features, these options may still feel cramped compared to larger RVs or trailers.
Why Buy a Truck Bed Camper?
Truck Bed Campers: The Ultimate Camping Companion
Comfort and convenience are two of the most important factors to consider when planning a camping trip. Luckily, truck bed campers offer both in spades. With a built-in bed and living space, you can travel with ease knowing that you have everything you need right at your fingertips.
Cabover Bed Design: Maximizing Space
One of the biggest advantages of a truck bed camper is its cabover bed design. This feature extends over the truck cab, providing additional headroom and storage. This means that you can move around more freely inside the camper without feeling cramped or confined. This design allows for more storage space than other types of campers.
Versatility: Fits on Different Truck Beds
Truck bed campers are also incredibly versatile as they can fit on a variety of truck bed sizes. This makes them an excellent option for those who already own a truck but want to upgrade their camping experience. You don’t need to purchase an entirely new vehicle just to enjoy the benefits of a comfortable and convenient camping setup.
Larger Mattress Size: More Sleeping Space
The mattress in a truck bed camper is typically larger than what you would find in a traditional tent or RV mattress. This provides more sleeping space and comfort, allowing you to get a good night’s rest after a long day of exploring nature.
Foot Beds: Additional Sleeping Arrangements or Storage Space
Many truck bed campers also come equipped with foot beds or second beds, which provide additional sleeping arrangements or storage space. This feature is especially useful if you’re traveling with family or friends and need extra room for everyone to sleep comfortably.
Cubic Foot Capacity: Ample Storage Space
Finally, it’s worth noting that the cubic foot capacity of truck bed campers varies depending on the model but generally offers ample storage space for camping gear and supplies. You won’t have to worry about leaving anything behind or cramming everything into a small space.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Truck Camper
Price: Finding the Right Balance
Price is undoubtedly one of the most important factors to consider. While it can be tempting to opt for the cheapest option available, it’s important to keep in mind that quality and durability often come at a higher cost. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to break the bank in order to find a reliable and comfortable truck camper.
One approach is to set a budget before beginning your search. This will help you narrow down your options and ensure that you don’t overspend. It’s worth considering whether or not financing is an option for you. Many dealerships offer financing plans with reasonable interest rates, which can make purchasing a more expensive model more feasible.
Ultimately, finding the right balance between price and quality is key when choosing a truck camper. Investing in a well-built model may cost more upfront but can save you money in the long run by lasting for many years without requiring costly repairs or replacements.
Quality: Ensuring Comfort and Durability
As mentioned above, quality should be a top priority when selecting a truck camper. A high-quality model will provide both comfort and durability on the road, ensuring that your investment lasts for many years.
When evaluating different models, there are several indicators of quality to look out for. For example, check the materials used in construction – are they sturdy and built to last? Examine how well-designed the interior is – does it feel spacious and functional? Finally, read reviews from other buyers who have owned similar models – their experiences can provide valuable insight into any potential issues or drawbacks.
Fresh Water Tank Capacity: Planning Your Water Supply
Another important factor to consider when purchasing a truck camper is fresh water tank capacity. This determines how long you can go without refilling your water supply while on the road.
Before making a purchase decision, think about how much time you plan on spending off the grid. If you’re planning on extended trips without access to water hookups, a larger fresh water tank capacity may be necessary. On the other hand, if you’ll primarily be camping in areas with water hookups, a smaller capacity may suffice.
Weighs and Weight: Maximizing Fuel Efficiency
The weight of your truck camper is another crucial factor to consider. This affects both the fuel efficiency of your truck and how much weight it can safely carry.
When evaluating different models, pay attention to both the dry weight of the camper itself and its overall weight when loaded with gear and supplies. Consider how well-matched the camper is to your truck – an improperly matched camper can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and even safety hazards on the road.
The Ultimate Guide to Truck Top Campers
Different Types of Truck Top Campers
Truck top campers come in various types, each with its unique features and benefits. Toppers are the simplest type of truck top camper, consisting of a shell that sits on top of the truck bed. They offer basic shelter from the elements and can be customized to include windows, ventilation, and other features.
Platform campers are more advanced than toppers and provide a full living space on top of the truck bed. They typically include a sleeping platform, storage space, and sometimes even a kitchenette or bathroom. Platform campers are ideal for extended camping trips or overlanding adventures.
Rooftop tents are another popular option for truck top camping. These tents attach to the roof of the truck and provide an elevated sleeping area. Rooftop tents are easy to set up and take down and offer excellent views from their elevated position.
Popular Brands of Truck Top Campers
There are several options available in the market today. NüCamp is one such brand that offers compact yet comfortable campers designed specifically for trucks. Their Swift model is an affordable entry-level option that provides all the basic features you need for a comfortable camping experience.
AT Overland is another popular brand known for its lightweight designs that make them ideal for overlanding adventures. The Summit model from AT Overland is particularly popular among outdoor enthusiasts due to its easy setup process and versatile design.
Northern Lite is another well-known brand that specializes in high-quality fiberglass campers designed specifically for trucks. Their models feature spacious interiors with queen-sized beds, heaters, air conditioning units, and much more.
Features of Truck Top Campers
Truck top campers come with various features depending on their type and brand. Some common features found in most truck top campers include a sleeping platform or bed, storage space for gear and supplies, ventilation systems to keep the interior cool, and insulation to keep you warm during colder months.
Heaters are also a popular feature in many truck top campers, especially those designed for use in colder climates. Some models even come with air conditioning units to keep you cool during hot summer days.
Another essential feature of truck top campers is their water storage capacity. Many models come equipped with Super Pacific gallon tanks that can hold enough water for several days of camping.
FAQS: Truck Top Campers
Owning a truck top camper can provide an incredible outdoor experience for those who love camping and exploring nature. With so many options available on the market, it’s important to do your research and choose a model that fits your needs and budget. Whether you’re looking for a pop-up or hard-sided camper, with or without a bathroom or kitchenette, there is sure to be a truck top camper out there that meets your requirements. With proper installation and maintenance, you can enjoy your camper year-round and create unforgettable memories on the road.