If you do not have the budget for a full-on RV or even a camper van, but would like to upgrade from camping in a tent, then pop up truck campers will be an ideal choice. You won’t need to upgrade to or buy an additional hard-top camper or an RV but can utilize your existing pickup truck: all you need to get is the pop-up unit to secure on the bed of your vehicle.
Pop up truck campers have been gaining popularity among campers thanks to their many benefits. A pickup truck and a pop-top unit makes an optimal combination of size, power, fuel efficiency and handling on rough roads.
In addition, pickup truck pop up campers will transform your pickup truck into a tiny mobile home while offering great comfort on off-road trips and being more versatile plus lighter than hard-top campers.
While the market for pop up units offer many options cater for different camping needs and preferences, selecting the best pop up truck campers from different models with widely varying materials and features can be overwhelming.
To let you enjoy camping worry-free, we have handpicked the very best pop up slide in campers currently available based on important criteria and reviews from seasoned campers. There is certainly something for every wallet and every camper in this list, including pop up truck campers with bathrooms.
The list is divided into categories so that you can easily search based on your priority: budget friendly, lightweight and tried and true pop up truck campers.
Contents
Best Pop Up Truck Campers: Budget friendly
AT Overland Summit
Being lightweight and easy to use, this truly budget unit is offered at under 10,000 dollars.
Remember the old saying that you get what you pay for, and if you’re after the very best popup truck campers that will last you a good many years, feel free to skip this basic camping unit and jump to the later sections in this list.
However, having that said, budget campers cater for a certain group of buyers, plus among the cheaper options, there are still many models that offer good value for money. Therefore let’s take a step back and take a close look at this basic camping unit.
If you go camping alone and not too often, just to escape life and take a breather for the weekend, then this basic, easy to use camper could be all you need: sleeping on a comfy bed up high with a durable roof over your head, instead of sleeping on the ground. In a mid-size truck, the camper will fit a six-foot bed and in larger trucks like a Tacoma you can fit a 6.5-foot bed.
The benefits of this camper for truck stops at this point. Remember, you’re only spending less than USD 10,000 for some comfort on a weekend trip.
Base price
- $8,900
Specifications
- All aluminum & composite construction
- Wax impregnated and fire retardant cotton/poly canvas
Major standard features
- Adult Sleeping: 2
- Built in mattress on lift assisted, insulated sleeping platform
- Bedding can remain in place when closed
- Roof can be walked on (600 lbs max)
- All season tent with no-see-um mesh windows and privacy panels
Best Pop-Up Truck Campers: Lightweight
Outfitter Caribou Lite 8
This Outfitter Caribou model is among the most compact and budget-friendly pop up truck camper. Despite its relatively small price tag of only USD 16,720, this camper has plenty to offer the camping enthusiasts.
Although at this price range, it might not be the best in terms of quality, the Outfitter Caribou Lite 8 will be a solid and affordable entry-level pop up truck camper if you’re new to camping, or you’re upgrading from a tent.
Strength and durability are not a problem with this budget camper. Thanks to a strong composite housing, you can even safely walk on the roof. Despite such rigidity, this unit only weighs 850 pounds, making it one of the lightest campers in this price range.
Another highlight feature of the Caribou is excellent insulation in every corner of this lightweight pop up camper. In addition, you would be pleasantly surprised to find out that the over cab vault offers a pull-out queen size bed.
Affordable, lightweight, strong, well insulated with a comfortable sleeping quarter. What more can you ask for from a pop up truck camper, if you are quite new to the world of camping?
Base price
- $16,720
Specifications
- Dry weight: 895 lbs
- Adult Sleeping: 2-3
- Fully welded aluminum frame
- High gloss, UV protected, white exterior fiberglass walls
- 24 gallon fresh water tank
Major standard features
- Solar reflective windows
- Full size cabover bed, pulls out to queen
- Pressure fresh water fill
- Sliding cab through window
READ MORE:
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Swift Model Truck Bed Camper
If fuel efficiency and easy handling are your priorities, then this seriously light pop up slide in camper from Swift at a mere 935 lbs should be your top choice. Prices start at around $19,000, not too bad for its quality.
Such lightness is achieved with an aluminum framing. Given its small footprint and reduced dimensions, this compact and lightweight pop up truck camper will enable good fuel economy and handling no matter the terrain or conditions.
Despite being compact, this unit can still comfortably sleep up to three adults with the convertible couch/bed combo.
Base price
- $19,000
Specifications
- Dry Weight: 925 lbs.
- Roof/Wall Framing: Aluminum
- Exterior Material: Aluminum (Fiberglass Siding Available)
- Adult Sleeping: 2 – 3
- Fresh Water Capacity: 20 Gallons
Major standard features
- Extended Cabover Bed with Mattress
- Finished Wood Interior
- Kitchen and dinette
- Screen Door
Raven Four Wheel Camper
The Raven Four Wheel Camper is lightweight at 1,040 lbs, which can be partially attributed to its low profile design. When down, the cab-over section of the camper comes in at a little over 10 inches in height, but once popped up, you’ll enjoy nearly 7 feet of headroom.
The Raven can comfortably sleep 2 to 3 adults, with two sharing the bed and one using the convertible couch bed.
With prices starting at $18,995 for the base model, coupled with its durable aluminum construction and basic amenities, it’s a great option for solo travelers, couples or small families looking to spend the weekend or short trips out in nature.
Base price
- $18,995
Specifications
- Dry Weight: 1,040 lbs.
- Adult Sleeping: 2 – 3
- Roof/Wall Framing: Aluminum
- Exterior Material: Aluminum
- Fresh Water Capacity: 20 Gallons
Major standard features
- Extended cabover bed with mattress
- Roll over couch
- Finished wood interior
- Kitchen and dinette
Grandby Truck Camper
With a base price of $19,500, the Grandby is not very cheap, however it is built to last you a long time on the road with proper use and maintenance. The Granby Truck Camper is a well loved lightweight pop up truck camper, weighing a good 1,200 lbs.
This weight is achieved by a small profile, with the overcab thickness measuring just a little over 10 inches in the down position, coupled with the weight-conserving aluminum construction.
This model will not stand out from its predecessor, however it offers a respectable balance between weight, durability, functional design, amenities and sleeping space. It can sleep 3 to 4 adults with relative comfort, featuring an approximately queen sized bed and a roll over couch.
Base price
- $19,500
Specifications
- Dry Weight: 1,200 lbs.
- Adult Sleeping: 3-4.
- Roof/Wall Framing: Aluminum.
- Fresh Water Capacity: 20 Gallons
Major standard features
- Extended cabover queen size bed with mattress
- Roll over couch
- Finished wood interior
- Kitchen and dinette
Best Pop-Up Truck Campers: Value for Money
Bundutec Wild
For a base price of 18,600 dollars, this Bundutec Wild unit truly offers amazing value for money. If you’re looking for a pop up truck camper with bathrooms, look no further, this might be the best choice for you.
The weight of the unit is 1,610 lbs thanks to a wholly aluminum construction, not the lightest but should make for agreeable levels of fuel economy and ease of handling. The unit is aero-dynamic, and it looks aesthetically pleasing overall, with a gray coloured exterior, a change from the standard white offered by every manufacturer.
A notable feature of the Bundutec Wild is a full bath with an enormous water holding tank. Why compromise this treat after a long day trekking?
The seven-foot floor plan is ample to provide a decent size bed and lots of storage space on both sides of the lift-up mattress, plus more than adequate kitchen and dinette, making this handy under storage capacity pop up truck camper a great choice for longer trips with the family.
If you travel with your family, this pop up camper will offer great value for money and comfort. In case you would like to go greener, opt for the optional solar panel units.
Base price
- $18,600
Specifications
- Dry Weight: 1,610 lbs.
- Adult Sleeping: 3-4.
- Roof/Wall Framing: Aluminum.
- Fresh Water Capacity: 21 Gallons
Major standard features
- Full wet bath
- Water heater
- Roll over couch
- Kitchen and dinette
Four Wheel Camper Hawk
Being affordable at 18,995 dollars for what it offers, this Hawk model is lightweight, ruggedly constructed, robust and well put together perfectly suited for modern half-ton pick-up trucks. The camper is made from durable aluminum and will last you many trips on the roads.
In broad strokes, it offers everything you would need for an enjoyable and comfortable camping experience.
The Hawk sports a cozy wooden interior, a queen size bed with a well equipped, high quality kitchen, plus adequate fresh water tank. There is ample storage ideal for longer vacations with the family. Another plus the fixing system that will reliably secure this pop up camper to your truck on rough off-roadings.
You can choose among a wide range of floor layouts, so there is a model for every need and requirement. You can even opt for an outside shower or toilet, and the sustainable solar panels.
Base price
- $18,995
Specifications
- Dry Weight: 1,075 lbs.
- Adult Sleeping: 3-4.
- Roof/Wall Framing: Aluminum (Fiberglass Siding Available)
- Fresh Water Capacity: 20 Gallons (26 Gallons with Hot Water Heater Option)
Major standard features
- Pre-wired for solar panels
- Queen size bed
- Finished wood interior
- Roll over couch
- Kitchen and dinette
Northstar 650
Designed for perfect fitting on any half ton truck, this super comfy and well equipped camper is priced at $18,999 and packs a real punch when it comes to comfortable camping. This price point is truly perfect for its functionality.
Even with a base model, this Northstar pop up truck camper boasts a queen size bed, with more under storage than you would need for a whole family.
Being one of the best pop up truck campers for long trips, it holds a 5-gallon propane tank for ample gas supply, a larger than standard 30-gallon freshwater tank, and also a larger than standard 3.6-cubic feet refrigerator. These features are hard to find in this class of pop up campers for trucks.
The Northstar has a full range of satisfying optional accessories, including a six-inch deep memory foam mattress, a 160-watt solar panel that will meet all of your power requirements, a “subzero package” for insulated canvas and windows for camping in harsh winter conditions.
Base price
- $18,999
Specifications
- Dry Weight: 1,405 lbs.
- Adult Sleeping: 3-4.
- Roof/Wall Framing: Aluminum (Fiberglass Siding Available)
- Fresh Water Capacity: 30 Gallons
Major standard features
- Water heater: 4 gallons auto ignition
- 3.6-cubic feet refrigerator
- 5-gallon propane tank
Check out related reviews:
Best Pop-Up Truck Campers: Tried and True
Hallmark Milner 6.5
A classic camper by all standards, the Hallmark Milner 6.5 has been around since 1969 and has been consistently rated as having top-notch workmanship for the past 50 years. With a price tag of just under 27,000 dollars, the Milner 6.5 is not the cheapest pop up truck camper on the market but is well worth this price.
When a model has stood the test of time, or 50 years to be exact, you know it would be your best bet if quality is your priority.
Its robust and durable molded fiberglass frame provides a resilient exterior to weather any kind of outdoor conditions. The one-piece unit requires little to no maintenance other than cleaning. Thanks to the special construction method at Hallmark, the Milner 6.5 weighs 1,212 pounds, making it one of the lightest models in its class.
The highlight features include a generous 60×80 east-west facing bed, a 30-gallon freshwater tank, fully molded integrated work surfaces, a three-way refrigerator, a 5-gallon gas tank, suitable for longer vacations.
Not only being well equipped and constructed, this unit is also pleasing to look at, with attractive and homely interior, plus two large windows offering ample natural light and unrivaled views.
The list of optional features for this Hallmark pop up truck camper is extensive, from adding storage space to customizing the interior woodwork.
All in all, this camper is a true classic and you can expect that it will continue to be loved for a long time.
Base price
- $27,000
Specifications
- Dry Weight: 1,212 lbs
- Sleeping adult: 3-4
- Molded fiberglass composite exterior frame
- One-piece molded fiberglass composite roof
- Fresh Water Capacity: 30 Gallons
Major standard features
- Oak or bamboo cabinetry
- Exclusive big-view double windows
- Choose your own interior fabrics
- DSI water heaters
- 3 way refrigerators
- Kitchen and dinette
Alaskan 6.5 Cabover
If you are looking for a tried and tested pop up truck camper for long vacations then look no further, grab this Alaskan 6.5 Cabover for an incredible price of $29,039. Since its introduction in 2015, it has enjoyed excellent reviews from the owners.
It’s the only model in this pop up truck campers review with canvas sides, but don’t make the silly mistake of underestimating this tremendously engineered camper.
The Alaskan 6.5 features a robust, unique and user friendly patented pop up design that is operated by hydraulics. The hydraulic support system raises and lowers the entire roof section making the operation simple for the owner, leaving no pinches or snags of the canvas.
Stepping inside the Alaskan 6.5 Cabover, you will be greeted with cozy and classy maple cabinets, wood-lined ceiling and a sumptuous leather dinette that will satisfy even the most demanding campers.
If you like to cook on your trips, then the extensive countertops and ample storage space will be notably convenient features for you. Suitable for family camping, the unit boasts a 15-gallon fresh water tank, a 5-gallon propane tank, big Hehr windows and a full-size door.
A big reassurance when buying this modern classic Alaskan camper when you know nothing about pop up truck campers is the fact that the manufacturer has been around since 1953. In this case, you can rely on the amazing reviews that other Alaskan models and this particular Alaskan 6.5 Cabover are worthy investments.
Base price
- $29,039
Specifications
- Dry weight: 1,390 lbs
- Sleeping adult: 3-4
- Roof/Wall Framing: Aluminum
- Hydraulic pop up system
- 15-gallon fresh water tank
Major standard features
- Ample cabinets and storage space
- 5-gallon propane tank
- Large Hehr windows
- Full-size door
- Maple cabinets
- Wood-lined ceiling
- Leather dinette
“It’s the only model in this pop up truck campers review with canvas sides…”
The Alaskan is a hard side camper, right?
Did you mean without canvas sides?