9 Great Flatbed Truck Campers
There are many types of campers in the market to choose from. So, why choose to invest in a flatbed truck camper for your RV? There are many reasons why many RV users are choosing to go for a compact trailer that can handle rugged terrain better than the big bulky motorhomes.
Truck campers have been increasing in popularity in recent years. This is because people are traveling more and are looking for a vehicle that can take them to the winter lands and still be able to cruise well in the rugged mountains and deserts with ease.
Truck trailers are fully equipped with all that you need for a long trip across the country. Depending on the size you choose, these truck campers can sleep from two to five people if you have the imagination to maximize the living space.
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You will find a bed space, a living space, a kitchen, and a bathroom. There are many floor plans to choose from, and if you can’t get one you like, you can get one custom made to suit your needs.
Unlike an RV, truck campers have the option to be dismounted from the truck. This way, you don’t have to invest in a new vehicle to carry it. You can use your workhorse to go vacationing with.
Truck campers have two types: flatbed and truck campers.
Truck campers are more popular that flatbed campers. You do not need to alter your pickup in any way to use this type of truck camper. The trailer is lowered onto the bed of a pickup truck then secured using screws ad ties. Pickup campers come in all sizes even for half-ton pickups that can carry a load of 1000 pounds max. The large campers require a more powerful vehicle, such as three-quarter-ton and one-ton pickups.
Just as the name suggests, flatbed truck campers are mounted on trucks with a flatbed. Flatbed trucks have no sides or roof. If you own a regular pick up with a body, you need to have it configured to carry a flatbed camper. Some people remove the truck bed from their pickup truck and replace it with a flatbed.
We have a ton of truck camper articles you can check out here or other useful articles on RVs here.
Unlike pickup truck campers that have to fit the size of the truck, flatbed campers can be larger, some as long as forty feet long, accommodating a bigger camper that is more spacious. The camper part can be lifted off, and you can use the pickup for other uses when not camping.
Why Choose a Flatbed Truck Camper?
Apart from the fact that this type of camper can be dismounted to allow you to use the truck for other duties, there are other benefits of owning a flatbed camper.
Livability and Convenience
A truck and camper can go just about anywhere. The truck retains its original functionality to tow and transport. There is a camper available for nearly any half-ton and above truck. Therefore, if you have a pickup, all you need is to purchase a camper that fits your budget, and off you go to find your next adventure.
Boondocking Becomes Easier
If you love to hit the mountainous terrain or want to check out the deserts or the national parks, then you need a truck camper. This is the right rig for people who love off-roading and boondocking. This camper will handle rough terrain beautifully, unlike the classic motorhomes that are best used on smooth surfaces because their weight and clearance won’t allow them to be used the same way a truck would.
The four-wheel-drive capabilities of most pickups let the truck tackle sand, rock, mud, and bumpy conditions with no much effort. Take by purchasing a four-wheel drive; you will be able to scale rough terrains compared to two-wheel drive vehicles that may have trouble in rugged hilly areas.
Drivability
A truck camper can go anywhere, park anywhere, and tow anything compact. Get on the road without the stress of towing a massive trailer behind you. Trucks are designed to maximize aerodynamics, giving you a lot of power on the way. Since they tend to be compact, they are more stealth on the road and can drive fast.
Truck campers are generally shorter and smaller compared to motorhomes. You will have an easier time backing out of a tight parking spot with a truck camper than the RV. Also, you can park anywhere since they usually fit in a regular parking space.
Mileage
You will be paying less for gas if you are using a truck than a full-sized RV. You already know how much gas you use daily. Therefore, when you load it up, you are able to estimate how much many miles you will be getting per gallon. It’s even better if you own a newer model truck that comes engineered to save on gas and costs.
You Can Tow with Your Camper
One thing we appreciate about this type of camper is the ability to tow with it. The truck has enough muscle to and the right hitch configuration to pull a couple of dirt bikes or even a boat behind without compromising on your safety or exceeding weight limits.
Insurance Savings
You will be saving a lot on insurance fees, licensing, and registration fees. Many states classify camper body as cargo, instead of a motorhome, which has to be registered as a separate vehicle. Owners have to maintain the license and registration on the truck itself. The same goes for insurance, although some companies will offer an individual rider for the truck camper, usually at a low cost.
More Space
Flatbed truck campers don’t have to fit snuggly into the truck; you can choose a wider camper, therefore offering additional space for storage for water batteries and propane. This frees up your living space to minimize clatter.
Since the camper is laid on the Flatbed without any cutouts around the wheel wells and the side, this offers a low center of gravity, making the truck more stable on the road.
Low Maintenance Costs
The only maintenance you will have to do is on the truck alone. The camper does not need servicing, and if you are handy, you can carry out some of these tasks yourself. Unlike an RV that has to be serviced regularly at a high cost, your only expense will be the truck that you use on a daily basis.
Easy to Store
This camper will fit perfectly in your garage until the next time when you need it for your next adventure. Low profile campers are easy to store because they will fit through your garage door. A small RV shelter will do a great job of protecting the camper and will not take up much space. If your HOA rules don’t allow you to store in your home or don’t have room for it, you can rent a small storage container that is affordable to maintain payments.
Quality Interiors
Manufactures of this camper are focusing more on giving customers quality interior campers that have state of the art appliances and fixtures. Because space is limited, the camper comes with fantastic floor plans to fit about anything that you would need when boondocking from bigger water tanks and enough power (solar energy and propane).
The right truck for a flatbed truck camper
Nearly any kind of flatbed truck can be fitted with a truck camper. Various brands of campers are designed to be compatible with specific flatbed lengths and sizes. However, a three-quarter-ton or one-ton truck is generally preferred to handle the various options popular on flatbed campers.
Another requirement for assembling a truck camper is the camper must fit correctly on the Flatbed and that the truck can handle the total payload.
There are companies specializing in making flatbed trucks for the bigger campers. A good example is Overland that does conversions on vehicles to handle certain campers.
Creative people are getting on the flatbed craze by making conversions of their own to make a camper that meets their needs; in most cases, they will also go ahead and construct their camper instead of purchasing what is in the market.
New truck campers are sold as a unit or a camper separately. This gives buyer options. If you have a truck, you can get the camper or get the whole unit. Those who have a camper top and want to install it on a truck can find an appropriate vehicle.
Continuous innovation, flexibility, and convenience make truck campers an excellent choice for anyone downsizing or entering just entering the RV world. Here are nine flatbed truck campers we feel are the best. Whether traveling as a family or as a couple or even alone, you will find one that will suit your needs in this list.
Alaskan Flatbed Side Entry Camper
The Alaskan Flatbed is a hard side pop-up truck camper that comes with a side entry. Overland, the manufacturer, is well known for its truck campers that are powerful on the road and offer more living space and storage solutions. Alaskan Campers come with upgraded hydraulic cylinders and Truman combination water heater and furnace units that are very energy sufficient
The Alaskan Flatbed Camper is a hard side pop-up truck camper made for long bed trucks. The interior floor length of the Alaskan Flatbed is eight feet five inches, and the interior height is 6’3. The overall width is seven feet and four inches. The overall length of the cab and camper is just over thirteen feet.
The Alaskan has a dry weight of 1,949 pounds with standard features. The Flatbed if fitted with a 27-gallon freshwater tank, a 4.75-gallon cassette toilet, and does not have a gray tank. Included in the camper are two Group 31 AGM batteries and one horizontal twenty-pound propane tank for lighting and cooking.
The truck is a powerful GMC 3500 4×4 powered by the 6.0L Vortex V8 engine and GMC’s 6-speed automatic with Method race wheel that are capable of handling rouged terrains like a champion. The truck is lifted with a Cognito Stage 21 leveling kit to give it more clearance.
The Flatbed is made of ProTech aluminum, which consists of two large storage boxes, a custom bolt-down system to keep the camper securely in place, mud flaps, and a rear light panel with six oval lights.
The spacious eight feet floor plan features a leather dinette that can be converted into a bed, a large kitchen with cabinetry, and an overhead storage solution. The kitchen comes with a two-burner stove, sink, and a 12-volt charging station. The sinks faucet is long enough and can be used as an outside shower hose as it stretches to the outside of the camper. Under the stove, you will find a Nova Kool compressor fridge, AGM batteries, and the propane gas.
The camper comes with a Thetford cassette toilet situated on the opposite side of the kitchen. The camper has an overhang towards the front of the truck where a queen-size bed is fitted. The camper comes with tinted windows on all sides to provide enough ventilation. The interior comes with LED lights for lighting, and there is a fan installed on the roof of the camper to make sure air circulation is top-notch all the time.
When packed, the top of the camper pops up to give you a standing room of more than six feet. The pop up drops down when you are on the move. The Alaskan can be customized to your liking. With Overland, you can choose a different floor plan, add a 54-gallon freshwater tank, and install a wet bath and grey tank if you want to. The standard version comes with dark colors, but there are other options to choose from.
If you are planning to invest in both a powerful four-wheel drive fitted with a camper, the Alaskan from Overland is an excellent choice though it will set you back with a hundred grand.
Specs
- Width- 7 feet 4 inches
- Travel height- 58 inches with the pop up -79 inches
- Interior height- 6feet 3 inches
- Floor-length – 8 feet 5 inches
- Freshwater tank-27 gallons
- Blackwater tank- 4.75 gallons
- Dry weight- 1949 pounds
You can read more about it here
Camper Logic Voyageurs Truck Camper
This Camper Logic flatbed camper is a premium model that is sold as a unit, both the decked-out truck and the camper.
The truck is a RAM 5500 4X4 wheel chassis fitted with a Backstop winch bumper. This truck offers a smooth ride, even on rough roads. The Flatbed comes with fitted storage for all your gears and holding tanks under the truck. The back of the camper is fitted with hauls that can hold a motorcycle or a couple of bikes
The camper is made of an all-aluminum frame coated with a ceramic barrier and complex insulation system that provides protection in an extreme range of temperatures, from sub-zero cold to blazing desert heat.
The camper is made angular with a side door near the passenger’s door and comes with retractable steel stairs.
The stunning interior comes standard with bamboo flooring, aluminum, loads of storage cabinets made of aluminum framing and birch wood, and a large kitchen fully fitted with a stove, oven and a fridge. The bathroom is a wet bath measuring nine inches. There are two sleeping areas in this camper; the booth dinette converts into a queen bed, and on the cabover, that’s where a king bed is located.
The camper is equipped with an 800-watt solar power system with 12-volt monocrystalline solar panels on the roof and a 3000-watt inverter. There is a diesel heater that keeps the cabin warm and draws energy from the truck engine. The truck comes with a 40-gallon freshwater tank, and a 30-gallon gray tank. This camper comes with a portable toilet and two MaxTank 155-amp hour batteries.
The camper has windows on the drivers and passenger sides of the camper and fan on the roof.
Specs
- Width -7 feet 1 inch
- Interior height- 6feet 3 inches
- Floor-length – 12 feet
- Freshwater tank-40 gallons
- Gray water tank- 30 gallons
- Dry weight- 1949 pounds
You can read more about it here
Patagonia Global Expedition Vehicles
The Patagonia Global expedition vehicle is the ultimate boondocking truck for you are your family. It is designed and manufactured for exploring the far reaches of the globe in complete comfort. They come in many sizes; the shortest Patagonia measures 17.5 feet, and the longest is 29 feet.
This massive rig will enable you to explore the artic and the deserts in the south thanks to enormous tires and a 240-gallon fuel tank. It comes with a large freshwater tank that will let you wander for weeks without the need to refill.
Global expedition uses a variety of commercial chassis in building these rigs from Kenworth, Mercedes, MAN, and BAE. This will allow you to carry all your favorite toys with you without worrying about weight limitations. Large Patagonia’s can easily tow a midsized car.
Depending on the vehicle chassis, you can have a cab-to-cabin entry, so there is no need to leave the rig to get into the back. The inside is stunning with all the amenities you would need on the go. The kitchen has state of the art appliances and an all-leather living area. If you don’t like the floor plan, you can have one custom made for you.
The 44-inch seats in the dining area convert into a second sleeping area. The kitchen has an induction stove, and oven, refrigerator, and a wet bathroom are located between the kitchen and the bedroom. The bedroom comes with a king mattress in the back of the truck. These appliances are powered by an extensive solar energy system that uses solar panels on the roof and lithium batteries to make sure you don’t run out of juice while off road.
The rig comes up with a rear camera and motion sensor safety lights to give you peace of mind when you are deep in the jungle. There are two folding steps on the door and another in the back to access the garage
Specs
- Width -7 feet 1 inch
- Interior height- 6feet 3 inches
- Floor-length – 12 feet
- Freshwater tank-40 gallons
- Gray water tank- 30 5 gallons
- Dry weight- 1949 pounds
You can read more about it here
Camper Flatbed Hawk
This Hawk flatbed camper is an affordable camper that is well built and for off road expeditions. The exterior of the flatbed Hawk possesses a sleek, aerodynamic look. The camper also features a side entrance and a longer cabover nose that houses a bigger bed and storage. The exterior is sided with durable and lightweight aluminum and fiberglass panels.
The flexible pop-up material is a tent-like skin made of sturdy, vinyl-coated synthetic material that is both durable and well insulated. All of the windows in the camper are made of tempered glass with aluminum frames.
The low-profile camper is only 4.9 high with the pop-up down and weighs 1,050 pounds dry and 1,800when pounds fully loaded. The interior is a spacious 6.6 feet long, 6.6 inches wide, and 6 feet 6 inches tall with the pop-up fully extended.
The camper comes with the living area that converts into a bed. There is a small indoor shower /toilet next to the kitchenette with a two-burner stove and a sink and a small fridge. The bed is located on the over-cab, which pops up to create more space. The camper comes with two 400-watt solar panels.
The Hawk is sold as a full-time rig with a 2015 Ram 3500 4×4 crew chassis truck with a fitted flatbed constructed from aluminum. The Flatbed Hawk makes an excellent expedition camper that is lightweight and steady on the roads
Specs
- Width -6.6 feet
- Interior height- 6.6 feet
- Floor-length – 6.6 feet
- Freshwater tank-20 gallons
- Blackwater tank- 15gallons
- Dry weight- 1050 pounds
You can read more about it here
EarthRoamer XV-HD Monster Rig
EarthRoamer is a leading manufacturer of luxury off road expedition vehicles. This camper is built on the capable four-wheel-drive Ford F-750 chassis. It will handle the roughest of terrains with ease thanks to a 6.7 L turbo diesel V8 engine.
The EarthRoamers off road capability is enhanced by rear air suspension with Fox shocks and hydraulic leveling that keeps the vehicle leveled on uneven places. A 30,000-pound front winch can pull heavy loads out of the way to ensure you will never be stranded on the road due to a fallen tree. The super bright LED lights powered by a 20,000-watt lithium battery bank will illuminate your path on the darkest night.
This truck s made for long haul excursions with a 15-gallon diesel capacity and a 250-gallon freshwater tank.
It’s designed to accommodate up to six people in total comfort. The interior is decked out in opulence, but that’s is expected for a rig in its price range. The interior has handcrafted finishes. The main bedroom is found on the cab overhand and can sleep, two people. At the back of the camper, a sitting area converts into a bed. The dinette next to the kitchen also converts into a bed, making sure you don’t leave anyone behind on your next adventure.
The camper has a full bathroom with a shower, washer, and dryer. The kitchen has premium appliances, the floor is heated, and it comes with the latest in the entertainment systems. Other amenities include an outside kitchen and a 16-foot awning.
If you can scrounge up the change, the EarthRoamer HD might be the nicest overland vehicle you can buy. For the rest of us, it’s camper eye candy.
Specs
- Width -8.5 feet
- Interior height- 13 feet
- Floor-length – 35 feet
- Freshwater tank-250 gallons
- Blackwater tank- 125gallons
- Dry weight- 1050 pounds
You can read more about it here
Bahn Camper Works
This truck camper company is relatively new, but already shining in the market because they make the lightest and highest quality campers in industry.
One thing that sets these campers apart is the seamless fiberglass shells that are light, making a quality expedition camper that can endure the harshest climates and terrain and will last for generations.
Bahn Camper offers two options to its clients. They offer a standard shell package with all the amenities you would find in a camper truck
The standard camper is built on a Dodge 3500 truck with Hutchinson Bead lock wheels. This 9-foot flatbed camper is heated by diesel has an electric induction stove, a full wet bath, and a 60-gallon freshwater tank. The bed is located on the overhand and can sleep two people and a spacious living area
The second option allows customers to work with the company to design a truck camper of their dreams. Custom builds start at six figures, but that is inclusive of the truck. If you want to design your truck camper, this company is well known for its work, and they only make 15 to 20 truck campers in a year, so you have to get in the line.
Specs
- Width -8.5 feet
- Interior height- 6 feet
- Floor-length – 9 feet
- Freshwater tank-60 gallons
- Blackwater tank- 35gallons
- Dry weight- 900 pounds
You can read more about it here
XP camper
The XP Camper is a fiberglass shell with a pop-up design that creates less drag when driving. With a push of a button, the roof raises to give you more headroom.
The seamless design is both light and extremely strong perfect for off road expeditions. The XPCamper is compact and easy to drive and is designed with quality parts for the rugged living. It is large and comfortable on the inside and small and maneuverable on the outside.
This camper utilizes marine technologies to produce a durable and lightweight product. It has an aerodynamic design for comfortable driving down rough roads
The truck tray is made of aluminum and is fitted with storage. The company makes a custom tray to fit the size of your truck. The camper features a spacious bedroom area on the pop-up area, a standard kitchen with stove, sink, and fridge. The whole cabin is lined with cabinets for all your storage needs. The camper doesn’t have a full bath; instead, there is a cassette toilet and outdoor shower hose.
This compact camper is perfect for a person who travels over the weekend. It has all the amenities you would need for a short trip into the mountains. Its easily towed by a half-ton truck
Specs
- Width -6 feet
- Interior height- 68 feet
- Floor-length – 12.8 feet
- Freshwater tank-20 gallons
- gray water tank- 3gallons
- Dry weight- 700 pounds
You can read about it here
The Bengal Truck Camper
The Bengal is a class from Provan Campers. The Bengal is an adventure vehicle offering comfortable and convenient motorhome t RV users who want a bit of challenge in their excursions.
The Bengal comes with a choice of Ford, Chevrolet, or Ram one-ton 4×4 truck chassis, with the option of standard, extended/double, or crew cabs, and gasoline or diesel engines. The truck is enhanced for off-roading by giving it a lift to increase clearance. It comes with skid plates, all-terrain tires, and an upgraded suspension system.
From there, they build a lightweight aluminum frame surrounded by fiberglass and insulation. The result is a sturdy, all-season cabin fix-mounted directly to the truck chassis.
The interior has a clean layout with sleeping area, kitchen, bathroom, and a living area. All the cabinetry is done with maple wood.
The kitchen has a two-burner stove, a large sink with a single lever faucet. A two-way compressor refrigerator and a convection microwave come standard.
The Bengal features a wet bath, which contains the shower, porcelain toilet, and sinks all in one room. There is a main bed in the cover, and the seating area can be converted into an extra sleeping area.
This is a self-contained camper great for dry camping. The Bengal has maintenance-free 220-amp AGM batteries with 100w of solar on the roof. Additionally, it comes with a Cummins Onan generator to power the air conditioner and the microwave.
Specs
- Width – 6.8 feet
- Interior height-6.5 feet
- Floor-length – 9.7 feet
- Freshwater tank -33 gallons
- Blackwater tank- 14 gallons
- Dry weight- 1000 pounds
You can read more about it here
Four Wheel Fleet Flatbed Camper
The robust yet lightweight aluminum frame of this flatbed camper, coupled with its streamlined low-profile design, offers a dual advantage. First, it alleviates strain on both the vehicle and driver, ensuring a smoother, more comfortable driving experience. Secondly, this optimized design promotes superior fuel efficiency, a key consideration for any long-term travel.
The material choice and high-quality craftsmanship that define both the hard and soft interiors of this camper are a testament to its longevity. With these attributes, the vehicle is prepared to offer reliable service for decades, even under diverse and challenging circumstances.
One of the standout features of this flatbed camper is its one-piece, lightweight aluminum roof. It is not just resistant to water, but also exceptionally durable, poised to endure decades of wear and tear from diverse weather conditions and countless travel adventures.
Specs
- Width – 6.4 feet
- Interior height-6.4 feet
- Floor-length – 80 inches
- Freshwater tank -20 gallons
- Roof length- 150 inches
- Dry weight- 1300 pounds
You can read about it here
Conclusion
To ensure you buy the right flatbed camper, there are some considerations to take into account to make sure your purchase is the right one.
Where are you going to use the truck camper? Are you looking for a camper to take off-roading or a camper for weekend excursions? An off-road truck must be powerful to scale uneven terrain and have the right tires.
Weight – suppose you own a truck and want to invest in the camper, you need to know how much weight your vehicle can handle. A safe bet is either three quarter or one-ton trucks. The bigger the camper, the bigger the truck has to be.
Size of the camper- how many people are going to be using it? If it’s just you, the camper can have one bed. Is there enough counter space, sleeping areas, and storage? How comfortable do you want to be? If you are traveling as a family, you need to consider going bigger.
Costs- campers are expensive, the one that we all want with the best interiors and power. Get a camper within your means. There are affordable options and the then luxury brands.
There are other costs associated with campers. For instance, fuel costs, maintenance cost insurance, and registration. These costs can add up quickly if you hit the road for a long time. Look for a truck that has good mileage and always service your vehicle to avoid breakdowns, which can be costly and inconveniencing. Check if your manufacturer offers warranties. Some manufacturers provide five or even ten-year warranty on parts. This could save you money.
A flatbed camper is an excellent option for recreational vehicles. You will travel around the country without incurring the added cost of buying another vehicle; they are convenient and can park in the regular parking spaces.
Before purchasing one, conduct your research and make an informed purchase. We hope this review will be an excellent starting point to guide on what to look for a truck camper and the various options in the market.