Introduction
The Overland Expo is a mecca for adventure travelers, a place where dreams of off-grid exploration become tangible. Held annually in various locations across the United States, the Overland Expo serves as a hub for manufacturers, enthusiasts, and anyone looking to embrace the overlanding lifestyle. Twenty Eighteen’s event was no exception, drawing massive crowds eager to witness the latest innovations in adventure travel gear. Among the most captivating exhibits were the incredible array of truck campers on display.
Truck campers hold a special appeal for overlanders. Their inherent versatility, combined with the robust off-road capabilities of pickup trucks, makes them ideal for traversing challenging terrain and reaching remote destinations. They offer a self-contained living space, allowing travelers to venture far from civilization without sacrificing comfort and convenience. The exhibit of truck campers of the Overland Expo has always been one of the most well attended.
This article will highlight ten of the most impressive truck campers that captivated attendees at the Twenty Eighteen Overland Expo. While many outstanding models were present, these ten stood out due to their innovative features, robust build quality, and overall suitability for serious overlanding adventures. This isn’t ranked in any particular order, but a survey of what the Overland Expo attendees thought made the best truck campers of the Overland Expo.
The Adventurer Eagle Cap One Thousand One Hundred Sixty Five
(Image: High-quality photo of the Adventurer Eagle Cap 1165 at the 2018 Overland Expo)
Adventurer Manufacturing is a well-respected name in the truck camper industry, and the Eagle Cap One Thousand One Hundred Sixty Five epitomized their commitment to quality and comfort. A true four-season camper, it boasted a spacious interior and a robust construction designed to withstand the rigors of overlanding.
Key features of the Eagle Cap included a large wet bath, a fully equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and ample storage space. The inclusion of a generator-ready compartment and pre-wiring for solar panels made it easy to customize for extended off-grid stays. Its durable frame and insulated walls ensured comfortable living in both hot and cold climates. What set this camper apart was its attention to detail and luxurious amenities, making it a top contender for those seeking a home away from home on their overlanding journeys. Many people saw the Adventure Eagle Cap as one of the best truck campers of the Overland Expo.
Northern Lite Ten Two EX Wet Bath
(Image: High-quality photo of the Northern Lite 10-2 EX Wet Bath at the 2018 Overland Expo)
Northern Lite is renowned for its fiberglass construction, which offers exceptional durability and weather resistance. The Ten Two EX Wet Bath model showcased this expertise, presenting a lightweight yet robust camper perfect for tackling challenging trails.
This camper’s standout features included a molded fiberglass shell that eliminated seams and reduced the risk of leaks, a spacious wet bath with a shower and toilet, and a comfortable sleeping area. Its compact design made it well-suited for smaller trucks, while still providing ample living space for two people. The Northern Lite was a popular choice for overlanders who prioritized lightweight construction and durability without compromising comfort, becoming a top pick for the truck campers of the Overland Expo.
Host Mammoth Eleven Six
(Image: High-quality photo of the Host Mammoth 11.6 at the 2018 Overland Expo)
Host Campers is known for pushing the boundaries of truck camper design, and the Mammoth Eleven Six was a testament to their innovative spirit. This triple-slide camper offered an exceptionally spacious interior, making it ideal for families or those who simply desired more room to roam.
The Mammoth’s key features included a full-wall slide-out that expanded the living area, a separate bedroom with a queen-size bed, and a fully equipped kitchen with a large refrigerator and oven. Its generous storage capacity and numerous windows created a comfortable and inviting living space. This camper represented the pinnacle of luxury and comfort in the truck camper world, attracting considerable attention as one of the most impressive truck campers of the Overland Expo.
Lance Eight Five Five S
(Image: High-quality photo of the Lance 855S at the 2018 Overland Expo)
Lance Campers is a long-standing leader in the industry, and the Eight Five Five S exemplified their reputation for quality and innovation. This short-bed truck camper was designed to maximize space and functionality, making it a popular choice for overlanders with limited truck bed space.
Notable features of the Lance included a spacious dinette that converted into a bed, a well-equipped kitchen with a three-burner stove, and a wet bath with a shower and toilet. Its lightweight construction and aerodynamic design helped to improve fuel efficiency. The Lance camper was a perfect blend of practicality and comfort, earning its place among the best truck campers of the Overland Expo.
Arctic Fox Nine Ninety Two
(Image: High-quality photo of the Arctic Fox 992 at the 2018 Overland Expo)
Northwood Manufacturing’s Arctic Fox line is known for its rugged construction and four-season capabilities. The Nine Ninety Two model was no exception, designed to withstand extreme temperatures and harsh weather conditions.
The Arctic Fox’s key features included a robust frame, heavily insulated walls, and a heated and enclosed underbelly. It also featured a spacious wet bath, a fully equipped kitchen, and a comfortable sleeping area. This camper was built for serious overlanders who planned to explore remote and challenging environments, establishing itself among the top truck campers of the Overland Expo.
Outfitter Apex Eight
(Image: High-quality photo of the Outfitter Apex 8 at the 2018 Overland Expo)
Outfitter Manufacturing specializes in lightweight and durable truck campers, and the Apex Eight was a prime example of their expertise. This pop-up camper offered a low profile for improved aerodynamics and off-road maneuverability.
The Apex Eight’s standout features included a lightweight aluminum frame, durable canvas sides, and a spacious interior that could comfortably sleep up to four people. Its pop-up design made it easy to set up and take down, while its compact size allowed it to fit on a variety of truck models. It was a popular choice for overlanders who valued lightweight construction and ease of use, highlighting some of the most important qualities in truck campers of the Overland Expo.
Four Wheel Campers Fleet Model
(Image: High-quality photo of the Four Wheel Campers Fleet Model at the 2018 Overland Expo)
Four Wheel Campers are synonymous with adventure and off-grid exploration. The Fleet Model, a pop-up camper designed for mid-size trucks, embodies this spirit, offering a blend of simplicity, durability, and functionality.
Key features included a lightweight aluminum frame, durable canvas sides, and a customizable interior layout. The pop-up design provided ample headroom when deployed, while maintaining a low profile for improved fuel efficiency and off-road performance. Its focus on simplicity and reliability made it a favorite among serious overlanders, cementing its position in the discussion of the best truck campers of the Overland Expo.
Kimbo Six Series
(Image: High-quality photo of the Kimbo 6 Series at the 2018 Overland Expo)
Kimbo campers aimed to bring affordability and style to the truck camper market. The Six Series model boasted a unique design and a focus on sustainable materials, appealing to a younger generation of overlanders.
This camper featured a distinctive exterior design, a comfortable interior with a minimalist aesthetic, and a variety of eco-friendly features. Its compact size made it well-suited for smaller trucks, while its stylish design set it apart from the competition. The Kimbo camper demonstrated that affordability and sustainability could coexist, becoming a noteworthy addition to the truck campers of the Overland Expo.
Hallmark Milner Six Five
(Image: High-quality photo of the Hallmark Milner 6.5 at the 2018 Overland Expo)
Hallmark RV creates campers known for their durability and customization options. The Milner Six Five model showed the commitment to quality craftsmanship and tailored solutions.
The Hallmark truck camper offered a fiberglass composite shell, offering incredible insulation and structural integrity. The composite shell makes it one of the more durable truck campers of the Overland Expo.
Palomino Backpack SS One Five Hundred
(Image: High-quality photo of the Palomino Backpack SS 1500 at the 2018 Overland Expo)
The Palomino Backpack camper offers a lightweight design that is affordable. This entry-level unit helps bring more people into truck camping. It is also incredibly easy to set up and is compatible with most truck styles.
The Palomino shows that price is not the only factor that determines the utility of the truck campers of the Overland Expo.
Conclusion
The Twenty Eighteen Overland Expo showcased a remarkable diversity of truck campers, each designed to cater to the unique needs and preferences of overlanding enthusiasts. From luxurious models with spacious interiors to lightweight pop-up campers built for rugged terrain, there was a truck camper to suit every adventure.
One notable trend observed at the Expo was the increased focus on lightweight materials and sustainable design. Many manufacturers were utilizing aluminum frames, fiberglass shells, and solar power systems to reduce the environmental impact of overlanding. The truck campers of the Overland Expo showed a great deal of innovation.
As you consider your own overlanding journey, remember that the perfect truck camper is a personal choice. Research your options, weigh the pros and cons of each model, and choose the camper that best aligns with your travel style and budget. Plan a trip to the next Overland Expo and see these campers up close!
May your future adventures be filled with unforgettable experiences and boundless exploration, guided by the spirit of discovery that permeates the overlanding community. Remember, the right truck camper can transform your dreams of off-grid travel into a reality.
