The Best Truck Bed Campers of 2022

Compared to the larger and flashier Class A and C motorhomes, truck bed campers are an often-overlooked option for RVers. Sure, those other models offer a lot of space to stretch out, but they are also less versatile, more ponderous to drive, and far more expensive. And thanks to modern design and updated materials and components, today’s truck bed campers aren’t lacking in features and functionality.

If you haven’t shopped for a truck bed camper in a while, you might be surprised at how spacious, and comfortable one can be. Many utilize facets of yacht design and tiny home construction to provide an outstanding experience at an affordable price. As with every segment of the RV market, manufacturers are locked in a fierce competition to deliver the best options available, and the results are incredibly impressive.

Photo Credit: Karel Stipek/Getty

Why Buy a Truck Bed Camper?

If you already own a pickup truck, there are many reasons why you should consider buying one of these campers over purchasing a travel trailer or motorhome. Adding a model that slides into the bed of a truck allows you to turn just about any pickup into an RV, with a few advantages over other models.

One of the best aspects of owning a truck bed camper is that it travels with your truck wherever it can go. That means parking it at a traditional campground, of course, or boondocking in a national forest. But these campers can also be taken off-road to some very remote places where more traditional models would fear to tread.

Because these types of campers aren’t as large or ponderous as other RVs, they are much easier to maneuver through traffic, down narrow streets, or in and out of parking lots. Many models can be easily detached from the pickup and left at the campsite, freeing the truck up for other uses. They also make towing a boat or UTV easier and don’t require much space for storage, either.

Now that we know the advantages of owning a truck bed camper, these are the best models currently available.

Photo Credit: Lance

Lance 650

Lance is well known for making some of the best truck bed campers on the market, and you only need to look at its 650 model to understand why. Built for use on short-bed trucks, the 650 comes with an array of outstanding features, including a u-shaped dinette, LED lighting inside and out, and a power awning with a wind sensor. The camper also has a tankless water heater, a three-way refrigerator, a two-burner stove, and a microwave oven.

Photo Credit: Lance

But what really makes the Lance 650 so special is how comfortable and roomy it feels. From the queen-size cabover bed to the surprisingly sizeable onboard bathroom to the well-appointed kitchen, this camper feels more expansive than it actually is. It also offers a lot of bang for your buck, with an outstanding balance of features and amenities at a great price.

Photo Credit: Bigfoot

Bigfoot 2500 Series

If you’re looking for a truck bed camper designed for use in all four seasons, the Bigfoot 2500 Series has you covered. Canada-based Bigfoot offers this model in both short and long-box options, ensuring compatibility with just about any make and model of pickup. And since every camper comes with high-density EPS insulation and a 30,000 BTU furnace, you can bet that you’ll stay warm on those chilly nights a the campsite.

Other features include heated and enclosed holding tanks, electric stabilizing jacks, dual propane tanks, and an outdoor shower. Inside, the camper comes with a dinette with bench seating and an overhead skylight, while the kitchen has a stove, microwave, and a single-basin sink. The onboard bathroom features a toilet and shower, while the sleeping area is outfitted with a queen-size bed.

Photo Credit: Northern Lite

Northern Lite 8-11EX Limited Edition Wet Bath

Northern Lite is another company with a reputation for manufacturing high-quality truck bed campers. While the company offers several outstanding models, its 8-11EX Limited Edition Wet Bath camper may be its standout option. That’s due in part to its luxurious features, which include a queen-size bed, all-wood cabinets, a three-burner stove, and a spacious dining area. The namesake wet bath is also a standout feature, particularly when paired with the six-gallon water heater.

As with all Northern Lite campers, the 8-11EX is a four-season camper that handles a variety of conditions well. Its cozy interior stays cool during summer camping trips, while an 18,000 BTU furnace keeps things toasty during the winter. This model is even backed with a six-year warranty, ensuring you’re buying a high-quality product that will keep you safe and comfortable on countless adventures.

Photo Credit: Four Wheel Campers

Four Wheel Camper Hawk Flatbed

If you’re converting your truck into a full-time camper and don’t worry about using its cargo box, the Four Wheel Camper Hawk Flatbed is a fantastic option. This pop-up model utilizes its interior space very well, delivering an exceptional camping experience in a compact, collapsible design. Its features include a queen-size bed, stove, sink, refrigerator, and 20-gallon fresh water tank that connects to an optional shower.

Photo Credit: Four Wheel Campers

What truly sets the Hawk Flatbed camper apart from the competition is its versatile and rugged design. Because it is attached to the truck itself and doesn’t just slide into its bed, it is a much better option for off-roading and overlanding. Its pop-up design allows it to be more compact and stable while traveling over rough terrain but expand in size at the campsite. If you’re a boondocker who likes to get off the beaten path, this is the model for you.

Photo Credit: Arctic Fox

Arctic Fox 865

A stalwart in the truck bed camper market, the Arctic Fox 865 exemplifies excellent build quality and design. This compact and lightweight model has proven quite popular over the years, earning itself a loyal following among owners. That’s partly because it does an excellent job of occupants warm and cozy even when camping in the winter. The 865’s trademark arched cathedral ceiling also gives it an airy, open feel that most of its competitors lack.

Photo Credit: Arctic Fox

Other notable features include heated holding tanks, LED lighting, a 45-watt solar panel, two 30-pound propane tanks, and a 20,000 BTU furnace. The 865 has stainless steel appliances—including a stove, refrigerator, and residential microwave— a porcelain toilet and a queen-size bed. Built-in USB charging ports keep small devices powered up while camping off the grid, and a Bluetooth sound system and HDTV provide entertainment. It even comes with copious amounts of onboard storage, which isn’t always the case with other truck bed models.

Photo Credit: nüCamp

nüCamp Cirrus 820

The nüCamp Cirrus 820 is one of the boldest, most luxurious truck bed campers on the market. This four-season model is like a plush home on wheels, with enough upscale amenities to keep even the most camping-adverse people happy. Those include a modern interior with large windows and a skylight allowing plenty of natural light to reach the interior. This model also comes with both an air conditioner and furnace for climate control and one of the most comfortable mattresses in the entire industry.

Photo Credit: nüCamp

Inside, the Cirrus 820 features a dinette that converts into a lounge, an induction stove, microwave, refrigerator, and a sizeable single-basin sink. The camper comes with a wet bath, a large cabover sleeping area, and a dual battery compartment that provides power to its built-in inverter and AC outlets. A roof-mounted solar package, motorized 8-foot side awning, wireless rear camera system, and HDTV dish are just some of the many features that nüCamp offers.

Photo Credit: Kimbo

Kimbo Camper 6 Series

The futuristic-looking Kimbo Camper 6 Series brings a lot to the table in terms of features and design. This model—built for midsize pickups—uses a frameless aluminum shell to keep its weight to a minimum, making it an excellent option for electric trucks like the Rivian R1T or Ford Lightning. But don’t let its light weight fool you; this rugged camper does well off-road and while boondocking.

Photo Credit: Kimbo

Inside, the Camper 6 features a modular space that provides plenty of opportunity for customization. It includes a comfortable lounge and spacious sleeping areas with a large picture window that opens for improved ventilation. An onboard shower and designated cooking space allow owners to get as fancy or minimalist as they’d like, essentially providing a blank canvas to create their own perfect truck bed camper.

Photo Credit: Go Fast Campers

Go Fast Campers Platform Camper

The Platform Camper from Go Fast Campers (GFC) is a minimalist option that adventurous boondockers and overlanders will love. This model combines a truck bed topper and a rooftop tent to create a lightweight yet highly-functional alternative to more traditional truck bed campers. How lightweight, you ask? The standard version weighs just 270 pounds, while the larger 8-foot model tips the scales at a mere 320 pounds. That means the Platform Camper has a minimal impact on the performance of a vehicle, even when used on a daily basis.

Photo Credit: Go Fast Campers

The GFC Platform Camper doesn’t come with a lot of built-in amenities, which keeps the price well below any other model on this list. It also saves owners a lot of money, which goes a long way toward customizing the interior to meet their specific needs. A little creativity will be required to make this model as functional as other truck bed campers, but the options are nearly endless, particularly for those who have a DIY slant, to begin with.

Whether you’re looking for a luxury camping experience or want to rough it a little, the truck bed campers on this list can accommodate your needs. While they don’t provide the same amount of space and amenities as their larger counterparts, they more than make up for it with their outstanding versatility. All you need to do is provide the truck, and these campers will take you on plenty of adventures.

The post The Best Truck Bed Campers of 2022 appeared first on RV.com.

Source: https://www.rv.com/rv/trending-rvs/the-best-truck-bed-campers-of-2022/