10 Best 3/4 Ton Truck Camper Brands

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Updated April 10, 2024

There seems to be quite a bit of confusion about what a 3/4 ton truck camper is. In the RV Industry, 3/4-ton truck campers are gaining a better definition.

Rather than defining them by what they’re not, the three-quarter-ton truck camper models we review in this article are now being built specifically for newer 3/4 ton pickup trucks, which have a higher payload capacity than their predecessors. 

We’ll take a look at the best ¾ ton truck campers that fit 250/2500 series pickup trucks. Then, you’ll learn about the various capabilities these ¾ ton truck campers offer to help you determine what kind of RV vacation is possible. 

Afterward, we’ll explore the 250/2500 series truck models and their capabilities so that you can find the ideal match for your ¾ ton truck camper.

The Best ¾ Ton Truck Campers For 2024

While these are the best 3/4-ton truck campers on the market, some will also work with a 1/2-ton, 1-ton, short bed, long bed, or both. One of the most important aspects of this process is exhaustively double-checking the truck camper you have in mind with your truck’s capabilities.

1. Bigfoot 2500 Series 9-6

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Gel-coated fiberglass and insulation allow for four-season camping down to -10°F

⛔ Bigfoots are a little top-heavy, which will take some getting used to on the road

• Category: 3/4-ton
• Length: 16′ 6″
• Center of Gravity: 43″
• Cargo Bed: Long Bed
• UVW: 2,930 lbs
• Sleeps: 3

Bigfoot truck campers are by far some of the best built in the industry. They may not consistently flash the four-season banner, but they are more than capable nonetheless. The 2500 Series 9-6 is one of Bigfoot’s 3/4-ton truck campers that positively oozes off-grid, roughing-it appeal.

The gel-coated fiberglass and high-density EPS insulation combine with thermal pane windows for four-season interior comfort. The interior is a dazzling display of modern conveniences, including innovatively hidden storage cubbies, narrow stacked drawers, hidden charging ports, convenient switch locations, and more.

2. Hallmark Cuchara

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Hallmark consistently uses some of the highest-quality build materials in the industry.

⛔ East-to-west bed means climbing over a sleeping partner

• Category: 3/4-ton
• Length: 15′
• Center of Gravity: 43″
• Cargo Bed: Long Bed
• UVW: 1,893 lbs
• Sleeps: 2

In the 3/4-ton truck campers category, the Hallmark Cuchara stands head and shoulders above most. The company is known for using the highest-quality materials available and tailoring them to its track camper designs in innovative ways.

For two, the fit and finish of everything from the plumbing to the woodwork is beyond exceptional. As such, the Cuchara has an impressive interior aesthetic before you dig into the nuts and bolts.

The interior’s lounging area is designed for maximum comfort and ease. The only knock is the east-to-west bed, which really only matters for couples.

3. Lance 850

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Large sink and range oven easily accommodate up to 5 people, potentially more

⛔ Limited storage space, especially in the kitchen

• Category: 3/4-ton
• Length: 17′ 7″
• Center of Gravity: 34″
• Cargo Bed: Long or Short Bed
• UVW: 2,427 lbs
• Sleeps: 5

Lance is one of the more consistent manufacturers in the truck camper category. They never do anything that will completely overturn the entire industry, but they always manufacture quality and dependability. Lance 850 3/4-ton truck campers are no exception. This floorplan offers a lot of variety in a small package, with an overtone of high-quality, interior aesthetics.

The u-shaped dinette is quaint and almost retro, though comfortable and stylish as well. The kitchen is split in half by the access point for the over-the-cab bed, with a sizeable fridge opposite the sink and stove. There’s even room for a little wardrobe adjacent to the small but serviceable wet bath. Overall, the 850 continues to represent Lance’s “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” theme.

4. Northern Lite Sportsman Plus

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Outstanding storage capacity over the bed

⛔ Could use a flip-up to extend counter space

• Category: 3/4-ton
• Length: 16′ 3″
• Center of Gravity: 39.5″
• Cargo Bed: Short Bed
• UVW: 2,400 lbs
• Sleeps: 4

Whether you’re looking at 3/4-ton truck campers or something smaller, Northern Lite is an exceptional choice for its fantastic exterior warranty. The company stands by its product with a 6-year exterior warranty coverage, one of the highest in the industry.

So, what gives? If you’ve ever considered a Scamp, Oliver, Casita, Bigfoot, or Happier Camper, you’re on the right track. The Northern Lite Sportsman Plus is built exactly the same, with two fiberglass shells fitted together into a nearly indestructible, leak-proof truck camper.

The interior is immaculate, shining glory, and the overall aesthetic matches the build quality in superior innovation and design. From excellent storage options to the sizeable wet bath and three-burner stovetop, the Sportsman Plus is above and beyond.

5. Scout Kenai

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Scout Kenai includes a built-in, Lifesaver jerrycan that can filter up to 20,000 liters of water

⛔ Currently a 12-month waiting period if you order a Scout Kenai

• Category: 3/4-ton
• Length: 12.1′
• Center of Gravity: 35″
• Cargo Bed: Short Bed
• UVW: 1,331 lbs
• Sleeps: Up to 6

One of the more unique and stylish offerings on our 3/4-ton truck campers list is the Scout Kenai. Featuring a triangular top-hatch tent, the Kenai is an off-grid, adventurous package with unique innovations. In terms of off-grid living, you get a Goal Zero Yeti 1500 Lithium power station, a 20,000-liter filtration system, solar lighting, dual-10-lb propane tanks, and a slide-out queen bed.

Everything is tailored towards outdoor living, with dual external water packs, a built-in inverter, dual-pane windows, and bilateral bedrail runners. Better yet, Scout offers prospective consumers a ton of optional add-ons. If only the waiting period to get your hands on one wasn’t so long.

6. Northwood Mfg. Arctic Fox 990

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Full-wall slide-out creates a very spacious interior

⛔ Wet bath is a little tight, especially compared to the size and scope of the interior

• Category: 3/4-ton
• Length: 17′ 6″
• Center of Gravity: 46.5″
• Cargo Bed: Long Bed
• UVW: 3,010 lbs
• Sleeps: 5

The name, “Arctic Fox” entails much, four seasons included. Arctic Fox 3/4-ton truck campers are built to withstand the elements for year-round camping anywhere in the country. The full-wall slide adds a feeling of spacious luxury, even if you’re stuck indoors under heavy snowfall.

It is a sturdy, heavy construct, with 2″ substrate walls, multi-layered, continuous fiberglass, and a thick aluminum frame. Aluminum isn’t known for being particularly insulative, but Northwood made it work to a high degree.

For the boondockers and off-grid aficionados out there, it comes with a 170-watt solar system, a 2,500-watt generator, and a solar power plug-in port.

7. Bundutec USA Bunduvry

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Wardrobe storage in the primary living space

⛔ Converting the dinette into a bed could definitely be simplified

• Category: 3/4-ton
• Length: 15′ 9″
• Center of Gravity: 33″
• Cargo Bed: Long Bed
• UVW: 1,900 lbs
• Sleeps: 3 to 4

Bundutech USA is a newcomer to the truck camper industry, and they’ve created one heck of a splash already. The Bunduvry, like all of Bundutech’s offerings, is a highly customizable option. As far as 3/4-ton truck campers go, it’s one of the industry’s most versatile, changeable options.

One of the standout aesthetics is the BunduAwn, which is like a 3/4-shaped pie awning that covers the area around three sides of the truck. The Bunduvry option features an 18-gallon gray tank, which is a higher capacity than some of the others.

There’s plenty of interior counter and table space, with unique drawers and cabinets that offer a slick, useful design and appearance.

8. Cirrus 820

Our Pros and Cons

✅ All of the cabinets include motion-activated LED lighting

⛔ Generally sterile interior aesthetic

• Category: 3/4-ton
• Length: 17′ 6″
• Center of Gravity: 37″
• Cargo Bed: Short Bed
• UVW: 2,847 lbs
• Sleeps: 4

Though the interior of the Cirrus 820 is a little sterile to look at, there are a number of unique and interesting innovations hiding just beneath the surface. For instance, when you need a snack in the middle of the night, the cabinets are packed with motion-activated LED lighting. The overhead window in the bedroom is especially captivating on cloudless nights.

The 820 also includes a Frolli modular sleep system, a folding sink system, Torklift tie-downs, a Lagun table, LED strips, dual-pane Lexan windows, and mechanical latches. The addition of the Lagun table really helps with interior arrangements, according to what you want to do on any given day.

9. Northstar Night Hawk

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Extensive counter space

⛔ Bed entrance and exit are a little tight and may require climbing over one another for couples

• Category: 3/4-ton
• Length: 16′ 2″
• Center of Gravity: 32″
• Cargo Bed: Long or Short Bed
• UVW: 2,370 lbs
• Sleeps: 4

The Northstar Night Hawk is a brand new floorplan from Northstar, beginning in 2024. Out of the 3/4-ton truck campers on this list, the Night Hawk comes with the most solar power at 350 watts and two Group 31 batteries. It also includes a 41-gallon freshwater tank, which is pretty good for a truck camper.

The Northstar Night Hawk also comes in three configurations, making it an option for short or long-bed trucks. Based on the Arrow U floorplan, the Night Hawk maintains the same floor lengths while completely altering the interior design and functionality.

North Star is making moves toward full, off-grid electric designs without propane, and the Night Hawk is a step in that direction.

10. Capri Camper Lone Star

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Highly modular design, with just about everything inside removable, rearrangeable, or replaceable

⛔ Using the Wave 3 heating system requires cracking a window for safety purposes

• Category: 3/4-ton
• Length: 11′ 6″
• Center of Gravity: 27″
• Cargo Bed: Short or Long Bed
• UVW: 1,335 lbs
• Sleeps: 4

The Capri Camper Lone Star is the most unique of the ten 3/4-ton truck campers on this list, thanks to its interior modular design. If it can’t fit through the open door, it doesn’t go inside. Everything is removable and there is no limit to your own customization preferences.

This modular focus really drives down the weight, with one of the lightest truck campers on the list. Even the electric system is designed and installed with a mind toward modification in the future. You can build this into the ultimate campfire camper or an off-grid machine. It’s entirely up to you.

How Much Can a ¾ Ton Truck Haul?

If the unit you’re looking at doesn’t mention if it’s a ¾ ton truck camper, knowing how much a ¾ ton truck’s hauling (a.k.a. payload) capacity can help you. Based on the current specifications in the early Remote Period, the average payload capacity of a three-quarter-ton pickup truck is between 1,564 and 4,480 pounds, not including the upcoming Atlis Motors Atlis XT EV truck.

 The concept of categorizing pickup trucks by half, three-quarters, and one-ton dates back to a French engineer in 1828. As motor vehicles started competing against horse-drawn carriages, early trucks needed to show the transport industry why they had the better horsepower. The engineer wanted to patent a “4-ton truck,” referring to how much the vehicle could haul.

Here in the United States, trucks were first seen as supply chain assets in the Mexican-American War in 1846-1848 (“Remember the Alamo!”)

Today’s trucks have so much more muscle that the ton classification is more colloquial than fact. For example, the 1948 Ford F-100 could carry 1,000 pounds in its cargo bed, but today’s F-150 can easily double that.

For a better definition, The U.S. Federal Highway Association (FHWA) created a better system based on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of the vehicle. Here’s how today’s pickup trucks line up:

Classification	GVWR Range	Truck Payload Category	Pickup Truck Examples
1	0-6,000 lbs.	Quarter Ton	Honda Ridgeline
2a	6,001-8,500 lbs.	Half-Ton	150/1500 Series
2b	8,501-10,000 lbs.	Three-Quarter Ton	250/2500 Series
3	10,001-14,000 lbs.	One Ton	350/3500 Series

After looking at the chart above, one perspective essentially breaks pickup trucks into mini, small, medium, and large definitions, but it’s not so clear-cut. For example, the differences between a ¾ ton truck and a one-ton truck in today’s market are subtle.

To the untrained eye, without their badging, you could say you’re looking at the same two pickup trucks side-by-side (except when you’re looking at a 350/3500 dually).

Generally speaking, 250/2500 series pickup trucks have a more comfortable driving experience than their bigger siblings in the 350/3500 level. Yet, when you average their pricing, the ¾ ton truck comes out around $3,000 cheaper.

The 4×4 versions of each truck focus on different things. The 350/3500 have off-road models, but they are better for their towing power and work capabilities.

RV owners prefer going off-grid with a three-quarter-ton truck camper and 250/2500 series truck since the vehicle’s suspension and other components are better suited to those kinds of conditions. 

The American market has six ¾ ton choices on the road today. Each has its pros and cons. If your philosophy is to buy the truck first, it could limit the ¾ ton truck camper choices available to you. On the other hand, if you buy the camper first, you might not get the truck you want. 

That’s why we always recommend researching both sides of the equation first. Remember, even if the truck can haul the dry weight of the ¾ ton truck camper, you still want plenty of extra power for your gear, passengers, and driving.

Nissan Titan XD

Engine	Tire Size	Drivetrain	Cab	Cargo Bed	Towing Max	Payload Max
5.6L V8 Gas	20 inch	AWD	Crew	Standard 6.5 ft.	10,990 lbs.	2,390 lbs.
5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel	20 inch	AWD	Crew	Standard	12,710 lbs.	1,920 lbs.

Car and Driver characterizes the Nissan Titan XD best when they say it has more muscle than a 150/1500 series, but it’s not quite a 250/2500 series. It sits somewhere “in-between.” You could call it a 200/2000 series truck, for perspective purposes.

It comes in different interior trim levels. For the most towing or payload power, the lower SV trim will focus more attention on your RV and less on the collective weight of the fancy gadgets and gizmos.

People enjoy the Titan XD because it’s less bulky than the standard size ¾ ton trucks. You won’t have to confuse yourself with various engines, cargo bed sizes, drivetrain, and other options. It’s simply a 400 hp @ 413 lb. ft. A 4-door pickup truck with a standard bed and four-wheel drive; that’s it.

The 2010 partnership with Cummins created the Titan XD Diesel from 2015-2019. It’s now discontinued, but many of the reinforcements still exist on today’s XD. The diesel version towed 1,920 lbs more than today’s gasser.

Today’s XD has a payload capacity of 470 pounds more than its diesel counterpart. When it comes to three-quarter-ton truck campers, we recommend choosing today’s gas-powered Titan XD.

Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD/GMC Sierra 2500HD

Biggest Engine	Tire Size	Drivetrain	Cab	Cargo Bed	Payload Min	Payload Max
Duramax 6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel	17 inch/ 18 inch/ 20 inch	2WD/ AWD	Crew/ Double/ Regular	Short 5.10 ft./ Standard 6.5 ft./ Long 8 ft.	3,614 lbs.	3,979 lbs.

The Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra are identical vehicles. They’re made at the same manufacturing plant and use matching components. However, as of 1999, the GMC Sierra became the more luxury model, while the Chevy became the more utility-oriented version. 

Whether you choose the 6.6L V8 Gas or the Duramax 6.6L V8 Turbo-Diesel, your payload will be within the 400-pound range. Towing capacities range from 14,500 to 18,500. 

Ford F-250 Super-Duty

Biggest Engine	Tire Size	Drivetrain	Cab	Cargo Bed	Payload Min	Payload Max
6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel	17 inch/ 18 inch/ 20 inch	2WD/ AWD	Standard/ Super/ SuperCrew	Short 5.5 ft./ Standard 6.5 ft./ Long 8 ft.	2,462 lbs.	4,323 lbs.
7.3L V8 Gas Triton/Godzilla	17 inch/ 18 inch/ 20 inch	2WD/ AWD	Standard/ Super/ SuperCrew	Short 5.5 ft./ Standard 6.5 ft./ Long 8 ft.	2,462 lbs.	4,323 lbs.

Blue oval fans can’t go wrong with the Ford F-250 Super-Duty. When you look at Ford’s towing guide, they list the towing and payload capacity for every combination you could think of for every truck they make. So with the right combination, your ¾ ton truck can haul over 4,300 pounds with the 6.7L V8 diesel or the 7.3L V8 Godzilla/Triton gasser. 

Dodge Ram 2500

Biggest Engine	Tire Size	Drivetrain	Cab	Cargo Bed	Payload Min	Payload Max
6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel	17 inch/ 18 inch/ 20 inch	2WD/ AWD	Regular/ Crew/ Mega	Standard 6.4 ft./ Long 8 ft.	1,564 lbs.	4,480 lbs.
6.4L V8	17 inch/ 18 inch/ 20 inch	2WD/ AWD	Regular/ Crew/ Mega	Standard 6.4 ft./ Long 8 ft.	1,564 lbs.	4,012 lbs.

In 2021, Dodge gave the Ram 2500 70 more pounds of payload capacity, making it the most robust hauler in its class. You could go with the 6.4L V8 gasser that gives you just over 4,000 pounds of payload weight. 

Yet, if you’re going to be an RVer, why not use the engine that Class A diesel motorhomes use? Go with the 6.7L inline 6 Cummins. Yes, you will find that same engine in many of today’s motor coaches.

How to Find ¾ Ton Truck Campers

Depending on the RV brand, finding a ¾ ton truck camper can be tricky. Mainstream brands like Lance and Palomino have units for ½ ton or one-ton trucks. Some of their models are ideal ¾ ton truck campers; you just have to look at the essential specifications:

1. Dry Weight/Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW)
2. Center of Gravity
3. Cargo Bed Length Requirement
4. Your Truck’s Payload Capacity

If the numbers match up, you can use it in your truck. If you’re not sure, always ask the sales representative. They may need a sale, but they’re not going to sell you something you can’t use. There are regulatory issues involved, and if you can’t take it home, what’s the point?

Here are some other features to look for in ¾ ton truck campers that may interest you.

Slide Out 3/4 Ton Truck Campers

If you want extra space in your ¾ ton truck camper, some offer slide-outs. The dinette will extend out for truck campers, giving the interior additional walkway space. These dinettes convert into a bed, allowing one or more people to sleep comfortably.

Soft Side 3/4 Ton Truck Campers

When people new to the category first look at soft-side truck campers, they can become concerned about how the top portion of the sidewall leaks heat or A/C. The reality is that pop-up truck campers’ fabric walls are nothing like those of pop-up campers. The waterproof vinyl soft walls are multi-layered and come with thick insulation. 

Designer Dave Rowe created the pop-up truck camper technology in 1972 when he worked for Four Wheel Campers (later, he created Phoenix Pop-Up Campers). Since then, almost every truck camper manufacturer has at least one in their lineup. 

Decreasing the roof’s height while traveling reduces the air resistance, giving the truck a slight advantage in fuel efficiency. They also reduce overall weight and add inches inside. 

4 Season 3/4 Ton Truck Campers

Truck campers like Lance, Alaskan, and other brands have ratings as low as 0° Fahrenheit. Alaskan Campers started in the early 1950s specifically for those working on the AlCan Highway. During later construction, workers and travelers who lived on the road could escape the wind and cold in those insulated wonders.

Three-Quarter-Ton Flatbed Truck Campers

Does your truck have a flatbed? Companies like Hallmark Campers and others make ¾ ton truck campers specifically for flatbed trucks. They have a broad base that fits perfectly. Truck camper manufacturers think about all the cargo bed variations.

Frame Mounted 3/4 Ton Truck Campers or Expedition Vehicles

In today’s Remote Period of the Modern Era (2020-Present), frame-mounted truck campers are separating themselves into the Expedition Vehicle RV category with a few exceptions. Truck camper manufacturers that used to build this type of unit put their designs in storage because those who want to vacation and full-timers prefer to disconnect the RV from the truck.

Truckhouse frame-mounts a truck camper on a Toyota Tundra, but most Expedition Vehicle RVs use 350/3500 series trucks or bigger. You may find one or two companies that can custom design their frame-mounted truck camper units on your 250/2500 series truck. Make sure to use one with the highest payload capacity. 

Custom Truck Camper Interiors

Many RVers face one issue in the traditional categories: trying to make their coach uniquely theirs. RV manufacturers do their best to keep their products neutral, allowing owners to finish the interior with throw pillows and other pieces. However, some truck camper companies go a step further. 

As we pointed out with Phoenix Pop-Up Campers, customers design the RV from the ground up. They choose:

• Type of truck camper: Slide-in, flatbed, or chassis-mounted
• The floorplan
• Fabrics from a third-party vendor with hundreds of options
• Type of wood tones for cabinetry
• Flooring from a full menu of choices
• All of the features and amenities, both inside and out

Generally, it’s a long process and more expensive. Yet, once the owners have their ¾ ton truck camper, it’s as unique as they are. Custom truck campers are kept longer and become second homes. Then, when it’s time to transition to a new one, these RVers usually go through the same process again.

Do Truck Campers Need to be Registered?

The majority of states don’t require truck campers to be registered or titled. Instead, truck campers fall under the category of “cargo” within their laws. In these situations, the Certificate of Ownership or a proper Bill of Sale has all the information required to prove that you own the RV.

Most states don’t require separate RV insurance (the camper falls under your truck’s policy as cargo), but you may want to carry it anyway since your truck’s policy may not fully cover the camper. Speak to your insurance agent for details.

Here are the states that require truck camper owners to register and/or title their RVs (Yes = +)

State	Register	Title
Idaho	+	+
Indiana	+	+
Kentucky		+
Michigan		+
Mississippi	+	+
Montana		+
Nebraska	+
Ohio		+
Oregon	+	+
Rhode Island	+
Tennessee	+	+
Utah	+
Washington (State)	+	+

FinalWords About 3/4 Ton Truck Campers

Truck campers are worth it for those who enjoy minimalist camping experiences. They’re an excellent alternative for the #VanLife and motorhome categories for those who are always on the move. These coaches are less expensive than actual drivable RVs and don’t require a lot of setup or teardown when you’re going from place to place. 

Many boondockers, lotdockers, and moochdockers enjoy them because they can climb out the camper door, jump into the truck, and pull away. If you need to find a place to stop, many have cassette toilets or wet baths in them.

Work-from-the-road folks can pull into the office complex, transform into their city persona (with a shower too), and attend that meeting on time.

Some make it work, but this category, even the ¾ ton truck campers, aren’t usually the first choice for families. However, younger couples are starting to choose them over campervans because there’s more overall space, and they’re easier to maintain.

Empty-nesters, couples, and singles of all genders enjoy truck campers. They also enjoy the easy upkeep and do not need to unhook them from the truck if they don’t want to.

Truck campers allow you to tow an adventure toy, such as an ATV/UTV trailer, boat, or other vehicle. 

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Related Reading:

– 8 Best Pop-Up Truck Campers With Bathrooms for 2024
– Is it Legal to Ride In a Truck Camper or 5th Wheel?
– 25 Essential Truck Camper Accessories
– 4 Season Truck Campers for Year-Round Camping! 

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