Introduction
The allure of the open road, the freedom to explore uncharted territories, and the self-sufficiency to live off-grid have fueled the exponential growth of the overland and adventure travel community. At the heart of this movement lies a diverse array of vehicles, each meticulously designed to tackle challenging terrains and provide a comfortable home away from home. Among these, the truck camper has emerged as a favorite, offering a compelling blend of rugged capability and self-contained living. Essentially, a truck camper is a self-contained living unit that slides into the bed of a pickup truck, transforming it into a go-anywhere basecamp.
The Overland Expo, a premier event for overlanding enthusiasts, serves as a showcase for the latest innovations and trends in the industry. Held annually in various locations, the expo brings together manufacturers, vendors, and adventurers alike. The event offers a platform to witness firsthand the cutting-edge gear, attend informative workshops, and connect with like-minded individuals. The Two Thousand Nineteen Overland Expo, in particular, witnessed a surge in the popularity of truck campers, with manufacturers unveiling impressive new designs and seasoned travelers sharing their customized rigs.
Truck campers were a dominant force at the Two Thousand Nineteen Overland Expo. Their presence underscored their rising prominence in the overlanding world. The versatility, relative affordability, and ease of use make them attractive to both newcomers and seasoned adventurers. Navigating through the vast array of trucks and campers on display, it became clear that some setups stood out above the rest. This article highlights eleven of the top truck camper rigs seen at the Two Thousand Nineteen Overland Expo, chosen for their innovative features, exceptional build quality, and overall suitability for tackling demanding overland expeditions. While judging is inherently subjective, the rigs highlighted prioritize off-road capabilities, space optimization, energy efficiency, and robust construction.
The First Standout: A Perfect Pairing of Ford and Alaskan
Behold the Alaskan Camper mounted on a robust Ford F-Three Fifty! This rig represents a harmonious blend of classic design and modern engineering.
Truck Specs:
Ford F-Three Fifty, Diesel Engine
Camper Specs:
Alaskan Camper, Pop-Up Design, Wood Interior, Basic Amenities.
This camper exemplifies tried-and-true overlanding. The Alaskan Camper boasts a unique pop-up design that lowers the profile for travel and raises to provide ample headroom at the campsite. The F-Three Fifty offers serious towing and payload capacity. The pairing exudes a sense of reliability and capability. The Alaskan Camper features a well-appointed interior with essential amenities, like a stove, sink, and sleeping area. The pairing strikes a balance between simplicity and functionality. It is a perfect choice for those seeking a capable and dependable overland platform. Estimated Price: One Hundred Thousand Dollars.
Second Contender: The Adventurer on a Ram Platform
Next up we have the Adventurer Camper installed onto a Ram Three Thousand Five Hundred pickup. A modern overlanding solution!
Truck Specs:
Ram Three Thousand Five Hundred, Diesel Engine
Camper Specs:
Adventurer Camper, Hard-Side Design, Solar Panels, and Spacious Interior.
The Adventurer Camper offers a more luxurious overlanding experience compared to the Alaskan. Its hard-side construction provides enhanced insulation and weather protection. The generous use of windows creates a bright and airy interior. This unit also features a full wet bath, a well-equipped kitchen, and ample storage. The Ram Three Thousand Five Hundred provides a stable and comfortable ride. Solar panels provide energy independence. A luxurious and adventure-ready combination. Estimated Price: One Hundred and Twenty Thousand Dollars.
Third Marvel: A Lance Camper and Chevrolet Synergy
Moving on, we examine the synergy of the Lance Camper atop a Chevrolet Silverado Two Thousand Five Hundred HD. A symbol of family adventure.
Truck Specs:
Chevrolet Silverado Two Thousand Five Hundred HD, Gas Engine
Camper Specs:
Lance Camper, Slide-Out Design, Family-Friendly Layout
The Lance Camper provides ample space and amenities for families. The slide-out design expands the living area, creating a comfortable environment for extended trips. The interior features a well-equipped kitchen, a dinette, and a separate sleeping area. The Chevrolet Silverado Two Thousand Five Hundred HD offers a balance of capability and comfort. It’s a practical choice for those seeking a family-friendly overlanding setup. Estimated Price: Ninety-Five Thousand Dollars.
Fourth Worthy: The Hallmark and Toyota Tundra Combination
Another rig that captured attention was the Hallmark Camper meticulously mounted on a Toyota Tundra. Perfect for nimble exploration.
Truck Specs:
Toyota Tundra, Gas Engine
Camper Specs:
Hallmark Camper, Composite Construction, Lightweight Design.
This setup excels in off-road agility and fuel efficiency. The Hallmark Camper’s composite construction makes it lightweight and durable. This minimizes the impact on the Tundra’s fuel economy and handling. The camper offers a comfortable sleeping area, a compact kitchen, and ample storage. It’s an excellent choice for those who prioritize exploring remote and challenging terrain. Estimated Price: Eighty Thousand Dollars.
Fifth Powerhouse: A Host Mammoth on a Ford Dually
At the other end of the spectrum lies the Host Mammoth atop a Ford F-Four Hundred and Fifty dually. A true behemoth of overlanding.
Truck Specs:
Ford F-Four Hundred and Fifty Dually, Diesel Engine
Camper Specs:
Host Mammoth, Triple-Slide Design, Luxurious Amenities.
This rig represents the pinnacle of luxury and space in the truck camper world. The Host Mammoth features three slide-outs. It creates a massive living area with all the comforts of home. The interior includes a full kitchen, a spacious living room, a private bedroom, and a separate bathroom. The Ford F-Four Hundred and Fifty dually provides the necessary payload capacity and stability. This pairing is for those who demand the ultimate in comfort and convenience. Estimated Price: One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars.
Sixth Standout: The BundutecUSA on a Jeep Gladiator
Embracing the spirit of compact adventures is the BundutecUSA camper perched on a Jeep Gladiator. A blend of ruggedness and innovation.
Truck Specs:
Jeep Gladiator, Gas Engine
Camper Specs:
BundutecUSA, Aluminum Construction, Pop-Top Design.
This rig offers a unique combination of off-road prowess and livability. The BundutecUSA camper is lightweight and durable, thanks to its aluminum construction. The pop-top design provides ample headroom when parked. The Jeep Gladiator’s impressive off-road capabilities allow access to remote campsites. This pairing is ideal for adventurers who prioritize maneuverability. Estimated Price: Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars.
Seventh Entry: A Four Wheel Campers Project M and Mid-Size Truck
The Four Wheel Campers Project M is an innovative design and here it sits on a unnamed mid-size truck.
Truck Specs:
Mid-Size Truck, specific make and model unknown.
Camper Specs:
Four Wheel Campers Project M, Minimalist Design
The Project M is a minimalist wedge camper. It’s designed to provide basic shelter and storage. Its lightweight construction and low profile improve the truck’s fuel efficiency and handling. While stripped down, it makes for an appealing solution for those who want to easily camp out of their truck. Estimated Price: Forty Thousand Dollars.
Eighth Display: Arctic Fox Campers on a Heavy-Duty Ram
Next up, we’ve got an Arctic Fox Campers edition sitting on Ram Heavy-Duty platform. For extended stays, look no further.
Truck Specs:
Ram Heavy-Duty, details unkown
Camper Specs:
Arctic Fox Campers, slide-out room
If one’s looking for a camper where they can spend a considerable amount of time and still feel like they have a place to call home, Arctic Fox delivers. With plenty of room to entertain and cook, and an array of storage options, this unit has everything one may need. Estimated Price: Ninety Thousand Dollars.
Ninth Iteration: The Capri Camper on a Chevrolet
The Capri Camper is a classic design, here mated on a Chevrolet Silverado.
Truck Specs:
Chevrolet Silverado, Gas Engine
Camper Specs:
Capri Camper, Short Bed
Capri Campers are simple, durable, and budget-friendly. This rig allows you to hit the road with ease. Made from a single piece of steel, these units were built to last. The best part? They are all built to order. Estimated Price: Sixty Thousand Dollars.
Tenth Contender: The Cirrus on a GMC Truck
Check out the Cirrus camper unit and GMC heavy duty truck pairing!
Truck Specs:
GMC Truck
Camper Specs:
Cirrus Camper
If one’s looking for a reliable option, the Cirrus has a lot to offer. With great tank capacity, one could boondock for weeks at a time. This has a lot to offer and will make anyone happy. Estimated Price: Eighty Thousand Dollars.
Eleventh Competitor: The Northwood Manufacturing Fox Mountain
The final entry to our list is the Northwood Manufacturing Fox Mountain on a Ford F-Three Fifty.
Truck Specs:
Ford F-Three Fifty, Diesel Engine
Camper Specs:
Northwood Manufacturing Fox Mountain
Northwood Manufacturing is one of the premiere camper manufacturers. They build quality options that withstand time and the elements. This is truly a rig to write home about! Estimated Price: One Hundred and Fifteen Thousand Dollars.
Conclusion
The Two Thousand Nineteen Overland Expo offered a captivating glimpse into the world of truck camper rigs, showcasing the incredible diversity of designs and the innovative solutions that manufacturers are developing to meet the needs of adventure travelers. From minimalist pop-ups to luxurious triple-slide models, there was a truck camper to suit every taste and budget. The trends highlighted at the expo underscore the rising popularity of lightweight materials, energy-efficient systems, and versatile layouts that maximize space and functionality.
One of the key takeaways from the show was the importance of matching the right truck to the right camper. The payload capacity, suspension, and drivetrain of the truck play a crucial role in ensuring a safe and comfortable ride, especially when venturing off-road. Another notable trend was the increasing demand for self-sufficiency, with many rigs featuring solar panels, large water tanks, and advanced power management systems. Truck campers allow adventurers to explore remote destinations without sacrificing the comforts of home.
Ultimately, the appeal of truck campers lies in their ability to unlock a world of possibilities, enabling travelers to venture beyond the beaten path and experience the freedom of overlanding. These versatile rigs offer a compelling blend of rugged capability, self-contained living, and boundless adventure, making them an ideal choice for those seeking to explore the world on their own terms. The truck camper community continues to grow and evolve, and the Two Thousand Nineteen Overland Expo served as a testament to its enduring appeal. If you’re curious to learn more about truck campers, research manufacturers, read reviews, and talk to experienced travelers. Start your overlanding journey today!
