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Lightweight Pop-Up Truck Campers: Hub-and-Spoke RVing with Boundless Adventures

Published on March 7th, 2024 by Rene Agredano This post was updated on March 24th, 2024

While shopping for our first RV, one salesman told us, “Go big! Nobody ever comes back to buy a smaller one.” Upsizing into a motorhome or trailer is a common rite of passage for many former tent campers. Not many will downsize to a smaller rig later on, but for some like us, lightweight pop-up truck campers possess an irresistible appeal that takes us back to our camping roots. And when you can tow one behind your RV, you get the best of both worlds. Here’s why it pays to give “hub-and-spoke” RVing a go.

Less weight, smaller price, bigger adventures.

That’s why after sixteen years of full-timing in a fifth wheel, my husband and I switched to an all-new truck camper lifestyle. We’ve never been happier with our decision to join the Four Wheel Campers community of adventure travelers, like our friend Larry, whose rig is pictured below.

Many years ago, he coined his rig the ultimate “geezer backpacking” setup:

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He had a Ford F150 with a slide-in Hawk truck camper by Four Wheel Campers, towed behind the Class A motorcoach he called home. For years we drooled over our friend’s go-anywhere adventure tow vehicle. Larry explained how his motorhome basecamp worked with the camper. “It allowed us to go camping in the backcountry (aka ‘Geezer Backpacking’) after parking the motorhome somewhere.” The pop-up truck camper often takes him off-roading to faraway places, like Big Bend Ranch State Park in Texas , filled with backroads where no motorhome could ever go. Everything he needed for comfort was inside, and he didn’t even need to pop the top if he was just overnight parking.

RV-style amenities with freedom to roam

When viewed from the outside, the low key camper appeared to be a one-person, bare bones rig. But once he raised the roof, we couldn’t believe how much room the Hawk had inside. There was an interior height of 6’7”, a queen pull-out bed, two-burner stove, sink, and refrigerator, and outside accessories like an awning, outdoor shower, and rails on the aluminum siding to mount his fly fishing gear.

What a surprise to see that his overlanding camper had all the comforts of our full-size fifth wheel. But it had a much lighter dry weight (just over 1,000 lbs) – and a shockingly low MSRP of $26,665.

That introduction to “geezer backpacking” was an intriguing idea that fell to the bottom of our “someday” list. But several years later when we started planning a year-long trip to Alaska, the idea of “hub-and-spoke” RVing rose back to the top. That’s because we knew the best rig for our second Alaska journey would not be a fifth wheel like ours.

Hub-and-Spoke RVing with Four Wheel Campers

We have seen the damage the Alaska Highway can do to big RVs. That’s why for our second North Country trip. we decided that downsizing from a fifth wheel to a truck camper mounted to our four-wheel drive Dodge was the best way to go.

We started dreaming about full-timing in a “hub-and-spoke” RV setup like our friend Larry’s. Or the Hawk and toy hauler combo used the Two Happy Campers couple, Mark and Michelle. Only we pictured towing a feature-rich travel trailer once our our Alaska adventure ended.

For our Alaska adventure, we decided to only take the truck and a pop-up truck camper. It would be a more nimble combo that would allow us to explore more terrain. The setup would also be our year-round transportation vehicle (a much safer choice than driving a top-heavy fiberglass truck camper on icy winter roads). Without an RV in tow for this trip, we wouldn’t have to worry about winterizing the RV either.

The Project M fit perfectly into our RV downsizing plan.

Our ideal RV to kick off our new hub-and-spoke RV life turned out to be the Project M truck “topper” made by Four Wheel Campers . It features the same durable shell as the company’s other lightweight pop-up truck campers, but in a much more affordable and customizable package.

• The cost starts at just $11,495
• Inside is a blank slate for total customization. Other than the king-sized pull-out bed platform, the interior components are yours to design and build when you want, how you want.
• The 400-pound dry weight puts the Project M squarely within the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of nearly any mid to full-size pickup truck – or even a Jeep Gladiator!
• Since the topper is mounted to truck bed rails, the truck tailgate stays on. You’ll keep using your truck just as before, instead of watching your expensive RV sit in the driveway.

After confirming that our Dodge 2500 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating was more than adequate forthe pop-up and towing a small trailer at some point, we sold our beloved Arctic Fox. Then we drove west to launch a partnership with Four Wheel Campers and pick up our Project M.

Then we saw another RVer living the dream

While we were traveling to the company’s Woodland, California factory, a like-minded nomad pulled in next to us at an Interstate 5 boondocking spot. We chatted, and he raved about the ease of towing his Lance trailer behind the 1200 pound Hawk slide-in truck camper. We knew immediately that we were on the right track.

Lightweight Pop-up Truck Campers Take You Back to Your Roots in Comfort

Three months later with our new custom cabinetry and cargo area complete, we embarked on the Alaska Highway and into a whole new way of life with our pop-up truck camper. Gone were the crowded RV parks, full hookup hassles, and sky high fuel costs from our fifth wheel travels.

Now, we had the ability to drive all day on a single tank, and get into remote campsites without fear.

It felt like time-traveling back to the era when we carried all our camping gear on our backs. Only this time, we had RV-style amenities, and a Dodge RAM 2500 to carry it for us.

Models and amenities go up from there

The Project M isn’t the only model by Four Wheel Campers that breathes new life into camping. They make five different lightweight pop-up truck campers , available as slide-in or flatbed style.

Four Wheel Campers’ Fleet, Swift, Raven, Hawk, and Grandby models have a wide range of floor plans. Many of their high-end features come standard in typical bulky fiberglass truck campers. However, the options from Four Wheel Campers have a far lower MSRP and drastically lighter weight.

Features common to all Four Wheel Campers “all options” slide-in models:

• 6’4” – 6’7” interior height
• One piece welded aluminum frame and siding
• Light weight, one panel aluminum waterproof roof built for decades of use
• 120v Electrical Shore Power System w/ 30 amp Converter
• Single Lithium Battery — Standard (135Ah) with ability to add more.
• Pre-wired for solar
• 2.5 gallon propane capacity
• Compressor 65 Liter Refrigerator/Freezer (AC/DC)
• Interior LED lighting, exterior porch light
• Queen-size cabover bed with king-size mattress option in almost all models
• Flush mount sink and stove
• Aluminum jack brackets
• Screen door.

All five of the lightweight pop-up models are sold in a “base model” configuration, at a low starting price of just $17,995.

This stripped-down option gives the inside a much roomier feel because it omits the refrigerator, sink, shower, and freshwater storage. However, you can still enjoy comfortable amenities like roomy gear storage, rooftop A/C, and a propane furnace.

A more robust RV-like experience in Four Wheel Campers models starts at just $26,625 – nearly half the cost of the smallest fiberglass truck camper!

More customization for more comfort in a lightweight package

Whether you buy a base model or a fully-equipped Four Wheel Camper, almost all of them can accommodate up to 500 watts of rooftop solar. Buyers also have the option to:

• Line the interior with a quilted thermal pack for better insulation while camping in winter.
• Install brilliant low-power outdoor LED lighting
• Attach a 360-degree Bat Wing awning for protection from the elements
• Mount exterior tracks to carry off-road necessities, extra fuel, and sports gear.
• Or carry an outdoor shower and privacy curtain for backcountry luxury.
• Add a 12V interior roof lift actuator to help you lift your camper roof.

Lightweight pop-up truck campers aren’t for everyone. But for a certain subset of nomads, RVing in these cozy rigs puts a whole new spin on adventures.

After Alaska is done, we will haul a small travel trailer to enjoy more hub-and-spoke adventure travel. We also might upgrade to a fully-loaded Four Wheel Campers slide-in model . For now, we love keeping camping simple with our Project M.

Breaking out from behind the fiberglass walls of a heavy fifth wheel brought us closer to nature than anything else in our sixteen years of full-time RVing. We are more excited than ever to see what our Four Wheel Campers rig can do for us in the next sixteen, and beyond!

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About the author:.

In 2007 Rene Agredano embarked on full-time RVing with her husband and three-legged dog, and never looked back. Through her work as a small business owner, writer, metalsmith, and animal advocate, she loves sharing RV knowledge with other nomads here at Let’s RV, and on her website at LiveWorkDream.

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10 Best Truck Campers For Half-Ton Trucks For 2024

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Updated February 25, 2024

What are the best truck campers for half-ton pickup trucks in 2024? Let’s clear the road for a minute and find out what’s a truck camper.

Truck campers are just what they sound like. They sit in the back of your pickup truck. You will find them in various sizes that fit different-sized trucks.

They have a small but versatile living space that generally fits a solo traveler or a couple. Some have space for a rooftop tent that kids would absolutely love.

When it comes to a truck camper, you can’t beat it for convenience, ease of use, and a great option for getting off-road. You won’t need to concern yourself about towing or backing a camper.

On the flip side, because your camper is on your truck, you can tow a boat or trailer if you want and still have your living space.

Truck campers can come in hard-side, pop-up roof, flatbed , or chassis-mount (although chassis-mounted truck campers are now categorized as expedition vehicles).

You can have campers with slide-outs and tons of living space. Some are just big enough so you can sleep in and have basic features.

The truck campers we’ll dive into are on the smaller side and are the best truck campers for half-ton trucks. Join us as we check out these 10 best truck campers for half-ton pickup trucks:

Why Should I Choose a ½ Ton Truck Camper ?

Truck campers are becoming more popular because they are smaller, easier to maneuver, and have a great ability to access remote locations. Truck campers for half-ton trucks are ideal for solo campers or couples.

Many women striking out on their own choose truck campers in record numbers. Like vans, truck campers are great because they provide that all-in-one package. They are easy to park, and store, and cheaper than camper vans and many travel trailers.

When you think about stopping at a roadside attraction or trailhead, you can probably forget it if you pull a travel trailer due to length restrictions. Some Class C motorhomes may be too awkward for a small parking area. You can easily navigate those in your truck camper.

Your maintenance costs and fuel economy will be lower than a larger rig. You won’t have to learn new driving skills or worry about low bridges when you’re on a trip.

10 Best 2024 Truck Campers for 1/2 Ton Pickup Trucks

The list below includes some of the best truck campers for half-ton trucks in 2024. They include a solid mix of off-grid versatility, old-school appeal, spacious living areas, and creative modular options.

Whether you need a truck camper for fishing or for a sustainable, off-grid lifestyle, there is something here for everyone.

1. nuCamp 620

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Cabinetry is Amish manufactured, with a clean, modernized aesthetic

⛔ One of the priciest truck campers on the market (for this size)

• Truck Category : 1/2-ton +
• Bed Length : 6.5′
• Exterior Length : 12.7′
• UVW : 1,637 lbs
• Center of Gravity: 24.7″

The interior aesthetic of the nuCamp conveys a modern aesthetic, that makes the living space seem larger than it really is. The durable, Amish-made cabinetry is highly durable, and resembles the inside of some 25th-century spacecraft, without all the gadgets.

Everything on the interior is useful, even the entryway door, with its built-in garbage can and cubby holes. The thermal pane windows help keep out the cold in the winter, and there are hamper lids everywhere, offering a large degree of lightweight storage.

You’ll need a hefty half-ton to haul this puppy, which is one of the very few drawbacks.

2. Scout Olympic

✅ Comes with a rooftop tent and a high degree of sustainable living

⛔ Heating system is limited to 4.5 BTUs

• Exterior Length : 10.6′
• UVW : 1,091 lbs
• Center of Gravity: 27″

The Scout Olympic is tailor-made for sustainable, off-grid lifestyles. It comes standard with solar panels that pour juice into a GoalZero Yeti, Lithium 1500 battery. Since nothing is technically installed in the Scout Olympic, everything is upgradeable and easy to remove and replace at will.

To lighten the load, the Scout relies more on racks and hangers than built-in, heavy storage. The huge moon roof offers incredible nighttime views, especially if you can find an open place in the countryside. If you need the extra sleeping space, however, the moon roof pops up into a rooftop tent.

3. Soaring Eagle Adlar 5.0

✅ Completely aluminum, no-wood frame is highly durable, with a fiberglass exterior

⛔ It’s a small camper, with only the essentials for camping

• Bed Length : 5′
• Exterior Length : 8.5′
• UVW : 795 lbs
• Center of Gravity: 20″

The Soaring Eagle Adlar 5.0 is a tiny little thing, designed for the shortest of truck beds and weighing only 795 lbs dry. This is the ultimate in fishing or hunting campers, for those riding solo or even as a couple.

You won’t find a ton of amenities or high-tech components in the Soaring Eagle, but that’s not the consumer this product is aiming at. This is life at its simplest, with the essentials readily available and the comfort of outdoor living on the fly.

4. Cube Series Camper

✅ Four-battery capacity for some serious boondocking

⛔ The interior aesthetic is quite sterile and could use some creativity post-purchase

• Bed Length : Ultra Short to Long
• Exterior Length : 7’4″
• UVW : 1,206 lbs
• Center of Gravity: N/A

Like the name suggests, the Cube is one of the best truck campers for half-tons for more than its unique shape and design. It rides flat in the truck bed, making it an aerodynamically superior truck camper, and pops up under power when you’re ready to camp.

The dual-pane polycarbonate windows are highly durable and insulating, and though the windows are small, more than enough natural daylight seeps through. There’s enough interior space and accommodations to sleep four, with a large dinette, with the option to expand your sleeping space with a non-standard berth that attaches over the dinette.

5. Northern Lite 610

✅ This thing has a basement, well, sort of

⛔ Weight is enough to eliminate a lot (but not all) of 1/2 tons

• Exterior Length : 11.3′
• UVW : 1,500 lbs

The brand new Northern Lite 6 10 is a rehash of a much older model. Northern Lite seemingly tore a page out of Oliver’s and Scamp’s book, going with an all-fiberglass, clamshell construction. All the amenities are available in this new edition, including your fresh and grey tanks, a cassette toilet, and a hot water heater.

The best part is the lithium battery that comes with it. Truck campers don’t need the kind of draw that larger travel trailers and 5th wheels do, so throwing a lithium battery in the mix is overkill in all the best ways.

Unfortunately, you’ll have to wait till a little later in 2024 to get your hands on one.

6. Four Wheel Campers Raven

✅ A wide range of 1/2 tons will have no problem handling this camper

⛔ As a very small camper, sleeping three people is really pushing it, in terms of just living space

• Exterior Length : 9.8′
• UVW : 850 lbs

Some of the best truck campers for half-ton trucks are also some of the smallest. The Four Wheel Campers Raven is no exception. Though it’s made for a 5′ bed, they packed a lot into this small space. The powered pop-up is quick and easy to operate and provides a better aerodynamic profile on the road.

As small as it is, you get a 22-gallon freshwater tank to go along with it, as well as twin 10-gallon propane tanks. Everything in the Raven is designed for low power consumption, so a single battery will take care of most of your power needs. However, if you want, you can order an optional two-battery setup as well.

7. Supertramp Flagship LT

✅ Foam-core fiberglass construction is surprisingly durable and lightweight

⛔ Limited availability

• Exterior Length : 12.3′
• UVW : 1,350 lbs

Another one of 2024’s announcements is bound to be one of the best truck campers for half-ton trucks this year. The Supertramp Flagship LT is introducing an aerodynamic design with a vacuum fiberglass exterior, a 24-gallon freshwater tank, a 100Ah lithium battery, and space enough for a queen bed.

The storage is incredible, with deep and spacious cubby holes under the queen and bench-style seating across from the kitchen counter. It also includes a 65L Isotherm fridge, and a portable cassette toilet that easily stows away, out of sight and out of mind.

8. Palomino Rogue

✅ Footlockers are just a small part of an extensive amount of storage options

⛔ Includes a tankless hot water heater but the shower is exterior, with only an 8-gallon tank

• Bed Length : Short
• Exterior Length : 12’5″
• UVW : 1,383 lbs
• Center of Gravity: 29″

The Palomino Rogue is a slick-looking truck camper that’s built for the great outdoors. The low aerodynamic profile will save you some gas money on long trips. It also includes a tankless hot water heater, which makes a lot of sense in a truck camper of this size.

However, the exterior shower is wide open, so you’ll have to purchase an exterior shower shell or take your showers out in the middle of nowhere. If you opt for the “Badlands” package, you’ll get some solar love, with enough juice to keep you out there for a little while longer. If not, the batteries charge off your truck while traveling.

9. Lance 650

✅ The dinette is very large and spacious, with plenty of room for 3 to 4 to eat comfortably

⛔ Pushing the very upper limit of what only a small number of 1/2-tons can handle

• Exterior Length : 15’6″
• UVW : 2,061 lbs
• Center of Gravity: 22″

Of course, there are no best truck campers for half-ton trucks without Lance showing up every now and then. The Lance 650 is on the absolute upper limit of what a small number of 1/2 tons will handle, so it may be too much for your truck.

The weight conveys more size, and there is plenty of it on the inside. This includes a wet bath that takes up one corner of the camper, while the dinette takes up the other, as well as half of one side. The bed is a sizeable full, with a wardrobe for hanging your clothes up on the side.

Overall, it’s a large, spacious offering that barely falls in the 1/2-ton window.

✅ The entire interior is padded and water-resistant, allowing for the addition of insulation panels

⛔ You’ll have to bring your own toilet and no grey water tank either

• Exterior Length : 10.9″
• UVW : 1,020 lbs
• Center of Gravity: 24.3″

Kimbo truck camper are arguably the wildest and most unique-looking truck campers for half-ton trucks. The angular exterior practically screams “spaceship”, while the interior echoes the same aesthetic.

Riveted aluminum sheets keep things lightweight and interesting-looking while offering a ton of amenities.

The surprisingly spacious interior offers a full bed, a fold-away shower (optional add-on), a gravity-fed water system, and double-pane, flip-up windows. The only thing this camper is lacking is a toilet, which you’ll have to bring yourself.

How Do I Know My Truck Camper’s Center of Gravity?

The center of gravity on a truck camper is the point where most of the camper’s weight sits. There’s a point on the truck bed where this point of your camper should sit. When positioned correctly, you’ll have a good, stable driving experience.

The center of gravity is an important piece of information to know. Damage to your truck and camper can occur if this point is off. Most of the camper’s weight should rest on or in front of the truck’s rear axle, meaning the weight should sit in the front and center part of the truck bed.

If the center of gravity is too far back towards the tailgate, this can cause damage to your truck. This can cause the suspension geometry of the truck to change by lifting the weight off of the front axle and making the rear axle a pivot point. Along with poor handling, this can cause suspension oscillation, resulting in a crash.

As listed above, truck campers should have the center of gravity information included in the camper’s specifications. It may even be marked on the camper. A truck camper’s center of gravity is measured from the front to the back wall. If the center of gravity is 27 inches, that measurement is from the front wall of the camper (where the cargo bed meets the passenger cabin).

Measure your truck bed from the front wall of the bed to the center of the rear axle. This number is the truck bed’s center of gravity point. Your truck camper’s center of gravity can sit anywhere in this area but not behind.

Do I Need to Register My Half-Ton Truck Camper?

The majority of states don’t require truck campers to be registered or titled. In general, they fall under the category of “cargo.” A Certificate of Ownership or a Bill of Sale is all the information you should need to prove that you own the camper.

These states require truck camper owners to register or title their RVs ( Yes = + ).

Do I Need RV Insurance for My Truck Camper?

Most states don’t require separate RV insurance. It should be under your truck’s policy as cargo. Check with your insurance agent to find out what your insurance covers.

When you speak with your insurance agent, ask detailed questions. What’s covered exactly? How do repair or replacement procedures work? What about your personal items and camping gear? You may want to learn more about RV insurance to see if it’s advantageous to you.

Final Words On 2024 Truck Campers For Half-Ton Pickup Trucks

Purchasing a truck camper for your half-ton pickup truck is a great option to get out in the fresh air, enjoy the sunshine, have a place to sleep off the ground, and get away from any inclement weather. Like any RV purchase, there are several details that you’ll need to keep in mind before making your purchase.

Always be aware of your payload capacity, bed length, and center of gravity. If you don’t currently have a ½ ton pickup truck, I recommend getting that first. You want the best truck camper for a half-ton truck that matches well with your pickup. Many campers will meet your needs and wants.

If you already have a half-ton pickup truck, make sure your purchased truck camper is compatible with that truck. Your pickup’s payload rating is the most important aspect of pairing your truck with a camper.

Remember, the dry weight is how much the truck camper weighs when it’s empty. Leave some extra weight for you, your gear, and some horsepower to climb through the trails.

Payload rating can be found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or on the driver’s side door jam. You’ll need to ensure that your truck’s tires and suspension are also up to the task.

If you’re purchasing a truck, make sure it has a payload package ideal for truck campers. If not, you may need to make some modifications.

Once you decide on the best truck camper for your half-ton truck, it’ll be no time before you’re enjoying the great outdoors.

Related Reading:

– 25 Essential Truck Camper Accessories – 13 Best Flatbed Truck Campers – 4 Season Truck Campers for Year-Round Camping! – Is it Legal to Ride In a Truck Camper or 5th Whe

Terri Nighswonger – Author and Full Time RVer

Terri Nighswonger and her husband Todd have been RVing and work camping for six years with their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Newton, and their Minnie Australian Shepherd, Remi.

In Addition to the RVBlogger team, Terri has written for RV Life and RV Camping Magazine and is always excited to talk about her passion for RVing and her knowledge and experience in work camping.

Writing is Terri’s passion, but she also loves hiking, kayaking, walking her dogs, and anything she can do outdoors.

They originate from the Midwest but plan to enjoy the West for a few years, wintering in Arizona and summering wherever the road may lead.

3 thoughts on “10 Best Truck Campers For Half-Ton Trucks For 2024”

I love this list of the best truck campers for half-ton pickup trucks! I have a half-ton pickup and I’m always looking for ways to make my camping experience more comfortable and convenient. These campers seem like they would

Hi Harvey, Glad you like our list of Truck Campers! Mike

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Sun Lite Truck Camper

Sun Lite is a well known manufacturer of slide-in, pop-up truck campers. Although the company went out of business in 2009, their truck campers still enjoy support of RV-ers....

        Unfortunately, now Sun-Lite is only a part of colorful history. Fortunately, this history is still vibrating in the hearts of many RV-ers. The Sun-Lite (Bristol, IN) started operations in 1982, initially offering four pop-up travel trailers and three pop-up truck campers. By 1991, the product line included 14 models of pop-up trailers and six models of truck campers. Of these, the most popular were ultralight, slide-in pop-up truck campers Eagle and Skyhawk. The upper (popping-up) section of these campers had a solid roof, but soft (canvas-based) walls. By 1994, the production of travel trailers was discontinued, and the company concentrated its full efforts on the most successful product – Truck Campers.

2002 Sun-Lite Truck Camper (here in a folded configuration)

Source: OakLakeRVSales (YT)

Sun-Lite Truck Camper (here in an unfolded configuration)

Source: Hilltop Camper and RV (2006 Sun Valley/Sun Lite Eagle WS)

          The pop-up structure had several merits of which the most important (especially in the off-road environment) was the low center of gravity of the combo Camper & Truck as well as its low profile. The solid-walled part of Sun-Lite’s truck camper shell was built using a fir frame, plywood, and popular fiberglass blanket insulation. The latter was offering some sort of thermal insulation barrier, although due to partially canvas-made walls, by no means you could call it an all-season camper. The high-gloss painted, 024-gauge aluminum skin covered the exterior body, while vinyl, correspondingly the single-piece roof. Note that the solid roof provided robustness and better weather protection compared to a fully canvas-based canopy.

What a beauty: Sun-Lite truck Camper 

Source: recreationalvehiclemarket.com (2005 Used Sun Lite Truck Camper)

Sun-Lite truck camper (custom-painted to match the color of the truck) 

Source: recreationalvehiclemarket.com (2005 Used Sun Lite Truck Camper)

           Sun-lite truck campers were generously equipped to provide living conditions for a family of 2+2 (fixed dual bed in an overhanging cab section, place for 2 on a convertible sofa, large removable table). Standard amenities included 2 (3)-burner propane stove, sink, fridge, water on demand (21 -to-27 gallons tanks w/pump), water heater, 20 kBTU furnace, sliding access window, insect screens, storage, lights (including the porch one), and a roof rack with access ladder (to make the list short). Note that special attention was dedicated to safety. The LPG tank was housed in a dedicated exterior compartment, while propane lines to the possible extent were installed outside to keep the potential “danger” out of the cabin. For extra security, the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors w/alarms were located inside the cabin.         The major parameters and standard features were similar across the family of models, although some specs like sizes and weight varied to accommodate different beds and weight limitations of pick-up trucks.

Floorplan of the Sun Lite Folding Eagle WS. It's the longest and heaviest model from the family of Eagles (14'9", 1,495 lbs) equipped with toilet/shower cubicle.

Sun-Lite truck Camper: Interior

Source: expeditionportal.com (2004 Sun Lite 6.5 foot truck camper)

Sun-Lite truck Camper: Interior  (visible lifting mechanism)

Source: K-Bid Online Auctions

Sun-Lite truck Camper : Dinette

Sun-Lite truck Camper: Kitchen

         To give you an idea, below are the specs of a typical Sun-Lite truck camper:

• Overall length: 13’10”
• Exterior height (folded): 5’7”
• Exterior width: 7’
• Interior headroom: 6’6”
• Floor length: 8’6”
• Dry weight: 1,340 lbs

Note that the family of Sun-Lite’s Eagle included Eagle RK, Eagle SB, Eagle Wardrobe, Eagle Window, Eagle WS, Eagle WT Sport, Eagle WT/WTSB, while Skyhawk included models Skyhawk and Skyhawk SB).

Sun-Lite truck Camper: Sleeping area 

Sun-Lite truck Camper: Sofa converted to the bed 

Sun-Lite truck camper: Another look at the galley and fridge

Source: Adventure Rider (advrider.com)

Sun-Lite truck camper - rear view

         In 2000, during the period of the consolidation of the RV industry, Sun-Lite became part of Sun Valley Inc (Howe, IN). Throughout the first decade of 2000s Sun Valley on top of its own line of 5th-wheels and travel trailers continued production of upgraded Sun-Lite’s slide-in, pop-up truck campers. Well, then by the end of the decade, the financial crisis knocked on the factory doors. In 2008 Sun Valley went bankrupt, and (to the regret of numerous Sine-Lite fans), all assets including equipment and existing spare parts were sold at an auction in January 2009. As a result, these days it’s very difficult to find any replacement parts for “surviving” the time models.

          On the positive side, despite so many years since the production of Sun-Lite truck campers abruptly ended, they still enjoy popularity and warm sentiments among the community or RV-ers. Numerous pictures throughout the text show not only the beauty of well-maintained models of Sun Lite truck campers but also the merits of their interior design. And (as you can see in the attached below video), the ingenuity of “post”-Sun-Lite aficionados makes miracles, keeping the fame of Sun-Lite truck campers alive….

Custom-modified Sun-Lite truck camper 

Chris Tarzan Clemens: "Living In A Toyota Tacoma Truck Camper...." (YT)

Below: The video by Chris

All models:

1. External height (folded) = 5'7"

2. Sleep: 4 

3. Dry weight in lbs

Sun-Lite truck Camper: Convertible sofa 

Both models:

1. External height (folded): 5'1"

2. Sleep: 4

Sun-Lite truck Camper: Certificate of Compliance w/safety standards

Visitor's story.....

Believe it or not, the Sun Lite truck camper is still around and when you travel, you see these campers at many different campsites, but also at auctions... Truck camper manufacturing is still a popular business offering choice of the different style trucks. They target the growing number of pick-up truck owners. And the trends like  "Small is Beautiful", or "Simple is Eco-Friendlier" etc... are gaining support and with them many old designs in this or other form are "resurfacing" on the market.  

Note that the popular Sun Lite campers also allow for attaching behind the rack for motorcycle or bikes....

Sun-Lite truck Camper: Original, old-time propane heater

Sun-Lite truck Camper: Traditional wooden shell's frame with a layer of fiberglass insulation 

One of the last units: 2008 Sun-Lite truck camper.

Source: SmartRvGuide.com

I guess, you will be leaving this page with a bit of nostalgic feelings. And it's for a reason, because the past, few decades later usually looks much "warmer".... :-) 

Go to: --> Understanding & Review of Truck Campers

Note:  Check with the manufacturer and / or authorized RV Dealer for the up-to-date list of features, options as well as latest specifications. These written above may not be accurate and certainly are subject to change by the factory. We are not responsible for any inaccuracy, the above text is provided only for the general information.

This review was written based on publicly available information for the benefits of the community of RV-ers. We do not receive any gratification or financial benefits from RV manufacturers, dealers, and any other promoters of RVs. 

We are NOT involved in sale and/or retail of RVs!

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