Are you someone who loves to travel but can’t seem to leave a lot of your things behind?
Or are you someone who enjoys road trips for several days but hates the need for many hotel rooms?
If your answer to either of these questions is “YES”, then you may want to consider buying an RV.
An RV or recreational vehicle is a trailer that has house-like amenities.
Some of them have built-in motors for moving on their own, while others are either carried or pulled by a truck.
There are various types of recreational vehicles. These include motorhomes, pop-up campers, and truck campers.
Fifth-wheel travel trailers and toy haulers are also considered recreational vehicles.
You can choose any of them based on your budget, preferences, and storage space.
In this article, we will be focusing on truck campers. Specifically, we’ll show you the 7 Best Lightweight truck campers for Short-bed trucks.
If you’re in a hurry, we’ve compiled the list for you here. But if you want to know why we recommend these, go ahead and read more!
Best Lightweight Truck Campers for Short Bed Trucks
These are the 7 Best Lightweight Truck Campers for Short-bed Trucks:
- Adventurer 80RB
- Lance 650
- Travel Lite Super Lite 770R
- Northstar Liberty (2022)
- Lance 825
- Four-Wheel Pop-up truck camper Hawk
- Bundutec Wild Pop-up truck camper
Three Best Truck Campers for Short-bed Truck that Weigh Over 2000 lbs.:
- Arctic Fox 811
- Northern Lite 8-11 EX WET
- Wolf-Creek 850
Terminology:
- Truck campers
- Short-bed trucks
- Lightweight truck campers
- Dry weight trucks
- Half-ton trucks
WHAT IS A TRUCK CAMPER?
Truck campers are recreational vehicles that do not have a built-in motor for moving.
If you want to use them, you will need a separate vehicle to move them.
Truck campers are attached to the back of vehicles like short-bed trucks.
They are the best option for people who only travel once in a while. This is especially true since truck campers are removable.
You can choose to remove them from your vehicle if you are not going to use them.
By removing them, you will be able to use your pickup for your daily schedule without any hassle.
WHAT IS A SHORT BED TRUCK?
Short-bed trucks are pickup trucks with beds or boxes measuring about 5 feet 8 inches in length. This measurement varies depending on the vehicle’s manufacturer.
There are those who consider pickup trucks with 6-foot beds and around 6 feet and 5 inches to still be short-bed trucks.
Anything more than that is either standard size or a long bed truck, depending on who you are talking to.
This is especially true since some people only recognize two types. For them, a pickup truck is either a short bed or a long-bed one.
Despite this, there are those who insist on a three-classification system. For them, a pickup truck can have a short-bed size, a standard size, or a long bed size.
Some of the popular short-bed trucks that can carry lightweight truck campers include:
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Colorado
- Ford F-150
- Nissan Titan and Frontier
- Toyota Tundra and Tacoma
- RAM 1500
WHAT IS A LIGHTWEIGHT TRUCK CAMPER?
Lightweight truck campers are those campers that have a dry weight of fewer than 2000 lbs.
You do not need heavy-duty pickup trucks to carry them. Usually, the light-duty ones or the half-ton trucks are already enough to do the job.
WHAT ARE HALF-TON TRUCKS?
Trucks are also classified based on their payload capacities.
The three payload capacities are:
- half-ton
- three-quarter-ton
- one-ton
You can use any of these to pull or carry your camper.
- Half-ton trucks: For lightweight truck campers, you can use a half-ton truck.
This is especially true since modern half-ton trucks can now carry payloads of more than 3000 lbs.
The Ford F-150, for example, has a payload capacity of more than 3,000 lbs. While Chevrolet’s Silverado 1500 has more than 2,000 lbs.
Early versions of half-ton trucks, however, had payload capacities of 1000 lbs.
Hence the name, “Half-ton” trucks or light-duty trucks.
- Three-quarter-ton trucks: Likewise, three-quarter-ton trucks have payload capacities of no more than 1,500 lbs.
Nowadays, three-quarters can have a payload capacity of around 3000 to 4000 lbs.
- One-ton trucks: These are used to carry objects weighing no more than 2,000 lbs., or one ton.
Depending on the manufacturer, one-ton trucks can now carry up to 6,000 lbs.
To determine, whether your pickup truck is a half-ton, check its class based on the gross vehicle weight rating.
Gross vehicle weight rating:
- Half-ton trucks belong to Classes 1 and 2.
- Three-quarters are in classes 3 to 6.
- One-ton trucks are under 7 to 8.
The short-bed trucks listed above are all light-duty or half-ton trucks.
DRY WEIGHT VS. WET WEIGHT
- Dry weight: This refers to the weight of the vehicle or camper and its standard built-in elements.
Extra items, such as fuel, passengers, and baggage, will not be included in this estimate.
- Wet weight: If you want to include the fuel, the term that you’ll have to use is “Wet Weight”.
Wet weight is the sum of the combination of dry weight plus the weight of all the fluids that you use to run the camper.
It includes fuel and water. Some truck camper manufacturers use the term “curb weight” to mean wet weight.
FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN CHOOSING A TRUCK CAMPER
Choosing the best lightweight short-bed truck camper is not an easy task.
This is especially true since there are so many great models on the market.
When choosing the best truck camper, you should consider these four important factors:
- hard side/pop-up preference
- storage size
- bed length of your truck
- bathroom style
- Hard side/pop-up preference:
Hardside truck campers have non-movable parts and are already raised. It is fixed and you do not need to adjust it to use it.
This is not the case for popup campers. For this type, you will need to adjust the height of the roof and the cab for you to use it.
- Storage size:
The size of your storage space and bed length is also important.
Storage space refers to the place where you will place the truck camper when not in use.
Bigger truck campers will require more space. This means that if you have a small garage, you will not need additional space.
You should opt for shorter, smaller ones if you don’t have a lot of extra space.
- Bed length:
This refers to the length of the bed of your truck.
It is important to check the dimensions first and choose a truck camper that fits your vehicle.
- Bathroom style:
The bathroom style can either be wet or dry.
- Wet bath: You have a wet bath if the shower and the toilet share one space with no partition.
- Dry bath: A toilet with walls or dividers is called a “dry bath.”
Now that you know the factors you need to consider in choosing a truck camper, let’s move on to the best lightweight campers we recommend for short-bed trucks.
THE 7 BEST LIGHTWEIGHT CAMPERS FOR SHORT–BED TRUCK CAMPERS:
- ADVENTURER 80RB
The Adventure 80RB is one of those truck campers with the best value for money. It is also more affordable compared to the other brands that have the same features.
One of the things that makes this truck camper amazing is the fact that it is made from high-quality materials.
It also comes in three options, which you can choose based on your truck’s bed size.
The interior of Adventure 80RB looks classy and pleasing to the eye.
This is why if you’re particular about the look and feel of your camper, then this could be the best option for you.
Truck camp Manufacturer: Adventurer Campers
Dry Weight in lbs: 1,762 lbs. (short bed option)
1,757 lbs. (super short bed)
Wet Weight: 2,467 lbs (super short bed)
Sleeping Capacity: 4
Exterior Overall Length: 15 feet 10 inches
Exterior Width: 7 feet and 5 inches
Fresh Water Tank: 15 gallons
Grey Water Tank: 6 gallons
Fuel Economy: N/A
Standard Features include a bathroom with shower and toilet; north-south queen-size bed; Four cubic foot refrigerator; overhead cabinets; All Led Lights; small Kitchen area with stainless steel sink and 2 Burner; 42 inches x 68 inches Dinette; Privacy Night Shade; Adventurer exclusive 72 inches roll-over.
Optional Features: Microwave; Air-conditioning system; Scissor Step
For the floor plan and other information, see:
- LANCE 650
The Lance 650 is one of the lightest short truck campers that are available in the market. It has a dry weight of 1,700 lbs.
The Lance tc is very suitable for half-ton pickups like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500.
What makes this smaller truck bed camper a must-have is the fact that, despite its low weight, it still has many features.
It also has efficiently-designed interiors. For example, you can turn the dinette into a twin bed.
This model may be smaller and weigh less than average, but it has most of the amenities that you’ll need in a home.
It also has a roof system made of PVC-construct. This unique feature allows these truck campers to be attached and removed easily.
Truck Camp Manufacturer: Lance Campers
Dry Weight in lbs : 1,700 lbs
Wet Weight: 1,903 lbs.
Sleeping Capacity : 3
Exterior Over all Length: 15 feet 6 inches
Exterior Width: 7 feet and 2 inches
Fresh Water Tank: 22 gallons
Grey Water Tank: 15 gallons
Fuel Capacity: N/A
Standard Features include a bathroom with shower and toilet; queen-size bed; three cubic foot refrigerator; overhead cabinets; All Led Lights; small kitchen area with sink and 2 Burner; 12-volt outlet/ USB port for charging; Marine Toilet-Foot Pedal-Plastic; convertible dinette, Tankless hot water system; Furnace Forced Air 18,000 BTU; Lightweight Countertops,
Optional Features: Removable Clothes Rod, Solar Panel, Roof Vent, TV LED 19 inches, Docking Lights, Microwave, Sink Cover.
For the floor plan and other information, click here:
- TRAVEL LITE SUPER LITE 770R
Travel Lite Super Lite 770 R is one of the most popular brands on the market. It is one of those few quality models that is made of natural, solid wood.
If you’re fond of compact truck campers with just the necessities for your overnights, this model is right for you.
Truck Camp Manufacturer: Travel Lite R.V.
Dry Weight in lbs: 1,785 lbs
Wet Weight: Not stated on the website
Sleeping Capacity : 3
Exterior Overall Length: 12 feet 7 inches
Exterior Width: 7 feet and 3 inches
Fresh Water Tank: 13 gallons
Grey Water Tank: 5 gallons
Fuel Capacity: N/A
Standard Features Indoor Shower; Porta-potty room; Cab-over Bed; Face to Face Dinette, Cabinets and Three Cubic feet refrigerator. Fiberglass Front Cap, TPO Roof Membrane; White Oak Interior; Natural Wood Construction.
Optional Features: Monitor Panel, Microwave; HDMI Stereo with Indoor / Outdoor Speakers; Digital TV 22”; Wireless electric Jacks
For the floor plan and other information, see:
- NORTHSTAR LIBERTY (2022)
The North Star Liberty (2022) is one of the most popular slide truck campers or short-bed truck Northstar campers.
Liberty 2022 comes in two versions. The first version is for the super short beds (5’6” to 5’10”) and the standard size for short beds (6’4” to 6’10”).
The North Star Campers have been producing truck campers for many decades now. Hence, they are a trusted brand.
Truck camp Manufacturer: North Star Campers
Dry Weight in lbs: 1,775 lbs.
Wet Weight: 2,560 lbs.
Sleeping Capacity : 3
Exterior Over all Length: 14 feet 5 inches
Exterior Width: 7 feet
Fresh Water Tank: 20 gallons
Grey Water Tank: 13 gallons
Fuel Capacity: N/A
Standard Features 12V utility receptacle with double USB port; Interior shower with cassette toilet; two-burner stove; north/ south extended cab over with side hampers; sink Led Lighting and 3.7 Cubic feet refrigerator. Digital Thermostat; High-density Foam Mattress; screened entrance door; Swing-away table system; Accordion privacy door
Optional Features: Digital TV, Microwave; HDMI Stereo with Indoor / Outdoor Speakers; Digital TV 22”; Roof Air-conditioner; Insulation upgrade.
For the floor plan and other information, see
- LANCE 825
The Lance 825 is another great slide-in truck camper from Lance Campers.
It is bigger and heavier compared to the Lance 625 and it has a wider wet toilet.
Truck Camp Manufacturer: Lance Campers
Dry Weight in lbs: 1,837 lbs.
Wet Weight: 2,155 lbs.
Sleeping Capacity: 4-5
Exterior Overall Length: 16 feet 3 inches
Exterior Width: 7 feet and 2 inches
Fresh Water Tank: 30 gallons
Grey Water Tank: 13 gallons
Fuel Capacity: N/A
Standard Features include a bathroom with shower and toilet; queen-size comfortable bed; three cubic foot refrigerator; overhead cabinets; All Led Lights; small Kitchen area with sink and 2 Burner; 12V/ USB port for charging; Marine Toilet-Foot Pedal-Plastic; convertible dinette, enclosed, insulated and heated holding tanks; water heater; mini blinds in cab-over; spacious wet toilet.
Optional Features: Removable Clothes Rod, Solar Panel; Roof Vent; Child Restraint with Bunk Pad; TV LED 19 inches, Docking Lights, 12V/USB Outlet in Dinette.
- FOUR WHEEL POP-UP TRUCK CAMPERS HAWK
If you only like day trips or overnight camping, then this might be the best option for you.
Since you only travel for a short period of time, you may find some of the amenities of other truck campers unnecessary.
This truck camper is one of the most cost-efficient models on the market. Despite having a lot to offer, this camper is in the cheaper price range.
Lightweight and spacious, it has a unique pop-up roof feature that makes it more comfortable to stay in.
The only concern that you may find here is that there is no toilet or shower. It has a porta-potty storage area and the installation of a cassette toilet is optional.
If you are okay with buying your own porta-potty and will only go on day trip adventures, then this hawk model is for you.
Truck Camp Manufacturer: Four Wheel Campers
Dry Weight in lbs: 1,100 lbs
Wet Weight: 1,827 lbs.
Sleeping Capacity : 3-4
Exterior Overall Length: 10 feet 7 inches
Exterior Width: 6 feet and 7 inches
Fresh Water Tank: 20 gallons
Grey Water Tank: Not stated on the website
Fuel Capacity: N/A
Standard Features include queen-size bed; 1.7 cubic foot refrigerator; storage cabinets; All Led Lights; small Kitchen area with sink and 2 Burner; 12V outlet and electrical system Face to Face convertible Dinette; Smoke detector; Storage for Porta Potty
Optional Features: Cassette toilet and Shower; Porta Potty, Extra roof vent, King bed slide for the Cabover bed; Thermal Pack and Solar Panel
For the floor plan and other information, see
- BUNDUTEC WILD POP-UP TRUCK CAMPER
Similar to the Four Wheel Campers Hawk model, this truck camper has a pop-up system. The Bundutec Wild is one of the most popular truck campers.
Pop-up truck campers are often more affordable and lighter than their hard-side counterparts.
The pop-up mechanism also creates an environment that enables more aerodynamics.
Most pop-up truck campers are also more convenient and cost-effective to use.
Using and storing them in your garage is also easier than if you have a hard-side one.
People who are new to recreational vehicles will find this to be one of their best options.
Bundutec Wild has all the amenities that you’ll need for an adventure.
Unlike the Four Wheel Campers’ Hawk model, this one has an interior wet bath and toilet.
Truck Camp Manufacturer: BunduTech USA
Dry Weight in lbs: 1,630 lbs
Wet Weight: 1,850 LBS
Sleeping Capacity : 3-4
Exterior Overall Length: 12 feet 7 inches
Exterior Width: 7 feet
Fresh Water Tank: 20 gallons
Grey Water Tank: 11 gallons
Fuel Capacity: N/A
Standard Features include a north-south queen bed; 2.5 cu. refrigerator; storage cabinets; GFCI outlet; small kitchen area with stainless steel sink and two-burner stove; Dinette; pressurized water system; Accordion Privacy Window Shades; 12v outlet; Exterior Shower and Interior Wet bath with toilet
Optional Features: Insulated Windows and skylight Overhead cabinets; Solar Package; Rear wall air conditioning; Full system install with Tie-down package.
For the floor plan and other information, see
OTHER TRUCK CAMPERS YOU MIGHT LIKE
These truck campers rank among the best that are available on the market.
Not only are they produced by famous brands, but many people also recommend them.
They are made from high-quality materials and have many standard amenities.
The only reason why they are not included in our list above is the fact that they have dry weights of over 2000 lbs.
- Arctic Fox 811
Produced by Northwood Manufacturing, the Arctic Fox 811 is definitely one of the crowd favorites for short bed camper trucks.
Built using high-quality materials, this model is one of the sturdiest models on the market.
It weighs around 2,873 lbs. and that is excluding the Fox package.
Overall, its’ dry weight is around 3,468 lbs. while its wet weight is around 4,500 lbs. This makes this model quite heavy for half-ton trucks.
Modern three-quarter-ton trucks may be able to carry it. Modern one-ton trucks are the most suitable.
Its features include:
- heavily insulated walls
- a 7 cubic refrigerator
- a cathedral arched ceiling
- a freshwater tank with a capacity of 50 gallons
- a grey water tank is 38 gallons
- can sleep 4 people
- stainless steel appliances
- a queen-size bed
- a complete wet bath
For more information, check it here:
- Northern Lite 8-11 EX WET
This model is one of the most expensive campers that are available on the market.
Despite the price, many people have chosen to buy and recommend this because of its strong exterior casing, impressive aerodynamic structure, and complete standard features.
It was even featured as one of the best truck campers of 2021 by many websites.
Produced by Northern Lite, this model has a dry weight of 2,800 lbs. It is considerably lighter than the Arctic Fox 811.
While modern half-ton trucks like the Ford F-150 can carry it, using three-quarter-ton pickups might be even better.
This model’s features include:
- water heater system
- 95-watt solar power system
- all led lighting
- 33-gallon tank for freshwater
- 24-gallon tank for grey
- north-south queen size bed
- a spacious wet bath width that can be converted into a dry bath; 6.3 cu.
- refrigerator and face-to-face dinette.
For more information, see:
- Wolf Creek 850
The Wolf Creek 850 is another great truck camper from Northwood Manufacturing.
This model is cheaper than its brother, the Arctic Fox 811. It also weighs less and has a dry weight of around 2008 lbs.
This model has versions for both the short bed truck and the long one. It can also be carried by modern half-ton pickups.
Its amenities include:
- insulated walls
- U-shaped dinette
- stainless steel sink
- 3 burner stove
- microwave oven
- skylight
- USB charging ports
- water heater system
- queen size beds
- spacious wet toilet
Lightweight Truck Campers for Short Bed Trucks Summary
There are many truck campers on the market, so choosing one is not as simple as it sounds. There are many factors that you need to consider before you buy one.
First, you need to consider the capacity of your pickup. You also need to make sure that it suits your needs, style, and preferences.
Having enough storage space is also important. You cannot buy a large one if you don’t have enough space, and they are not cheap.
Even the most affordable models can still cost you thousands of dollars. This is why you need to make sure that you can take care of it and that it suits your needs.
Overall, choosing and buying a truck camper is like purchasing your new home. You have to choose one that you will be comfortable with.
Choose the one that best suits your needs and current situation.
- Crash Proof Retirement®: Thrive in any market 2022
- BEST RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES IN ARIZONA: SEE THE 8 CITIES THAT MADE THE CUT 2022!
- Things You Should Know About the Lincoln Benefit Life Annuity
- How Long Does it Take to Remodel a Kitchen? Get the facts first!
- Put Out a Grease Fire on a Grill – Without Burning Your House In 2022
