10 Best 3/4 Ton Truck Camper Brands

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In the RV Industry, the ¾ ton truck camper is gaining a better definition. Rather than defining them by what they’re not, the three-quarter-ton truck camper brands we review in this article are now being built specifically for this level. 

We’ll take a look at the best ¾ ton truck camper brands 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 trucks models and their capabilities so that you can find the ideal match for your ¾ ton truck camper. Finally, you’ll learn about your purchasing options, the configuration possibilities, and how to find the best brands of three-quarter-ton truck campers from RV manufacturers that don’t make campers specifically for this series of pickup trucks.

1. Adventure Manufacturing: Scout Kenai
2. Alaskan Camper: 10-Foot Non-Cabover
3. Bigfoot RV: 9-4SB
4. Hallmark Campers: Nevada Flatbed
5. Outfitter Manufacturing: Juno 8.5
6. Lance Camper: 850
7. Palomino (Forest River): Backpack Hard Side Max 2902
8. Phoenix Pop Up Campers: Frame-Mounted Custom
9. Northstar Campers: 850SC
10. BunduTec USA: BunduVry

The Best ¾ Ton Truck Camper Brands

1. Adventure Manufacturing: Scout Kenai

Since 1969, the Epp Family has built a reputation for quality RVs in Canada. At almost 50 years old, Erdman Epp purchased Slumber Queen RV, renamed it Fraserway Camper Manufacturing Ltd., and grew the family-owned business into a thriving RV manufacturer.

At 29, Erdman’s son James took the reins in 1983 and developed the dealership and manufacturing divisions. Riding the rapids of the economy, the company rebranded itself as Adventurer Manufacturing and reestablished itself “south of the border” in Yakima, Washington. They now build truck camper brands:

1. Adventurer
2. Eagle Cap
3. Overlander
4. Scout

Each brand is significant in its own way. The youngest is the Scout truck camper. It comes in three lightweight, energy-efficient models that use solar panels and batteries as power sources. The Kenai is a ¾ ton truck camper that sleeps up to six. It has four-season insulation, a cassette toilet, the biggest bed of the brand, and the most storage. 

You’ll also like the heated rinse station and mudroom entrance. Part of enjoying outdoor activities can be how much of the outdoors you’re covered in when you get back. Having a warm rinse and designated mudroom to keep nature outside is one of those favorite features people don’t think about until you need it. This manufacturer did.

2. Alaskan Camper: 10-Foot Non-Cabover

On March 9, 1942, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began an eight-month project from Dawson Creek, British Columbia, to Delta Junction, Alaska. The Alaska-Canada Highway (AlCan) stretches 1,600 miles. The goal was to have a road the U.S. military could send equipment to Alaska if the Japanese decided to attack from the north.

In 1953, Alaskan Camper designed ¾ ton truck campers and units for all sizes that could keep owners comfortable on the windy and cold conditions of the highway. Their patented hydraulic system raised and lowered the hardshell truck campers, making the RVs more aerodynamic when traveling. Today they still offer non-cab over models, but their cab-overs are just as impressive.

Alaskan Camper doesn’t publish a center of gravity specification because their truck campers don’t need them. According to the company, the units don’t balance the weight on the rear or front axles like other truck campers. Securing your three-quarter-ton truck camper is a must, but it won’t go through a teetering effect like others.

Alaskan’s 10-foot Non-Cabover is the perfect blend of conventional RV construction (see the related reading for more details on RV construction methods) and weight for a ¾ ton truck camper. Compared to the pop-top softshell truck campers, the solid wall telescoping lift has many advantages.

For example, the door is full length when fully raised, making it easier to get in and out. In the 1990s, Alaskan Camper made many improvements to the lift, like adding a power button and strengthening the pistons with steel for added strength.

Non-Cabovers have the advantage of less weight, simpler designs, and lower costs. Unlike pop-up truck campers, Alaskan Camper’s telescoping versions give you a complete hardwall. Many like this due to the better insulation and feeling more secure. The 10-foot Non-Cabover doesn’t make you compromise on bathroom or plumbing features like other cabover-less truck campers.

The rear four-person dinette converts into a full-size bed with plenty of storage under the benches. The swivel cassette commode keeps everything contained, so you can enjoy the scents coming from what’s cooking on the 3-burner stove/oven.  

3. Bigfoot RV: 9-4SB

Double-hulled fiberglass RVs are often overlooked by those entering the RV world and veterans. Yet, they were the first genuinely lightweight travel trailers and campers in RV History. When Ray Olecko built his first fiberglass Boler travel trailer in the mid-1960s (his company opened in 1968), his 800 pound RVs would flourish during the 1973 OPEC fuel embargo.

Today’s all fiberglass RVs are either direct descendants or evolved from Olecko’s ideas. Bigfoot RV isn’t a direct descendent, but their travel trailers and truck campers use the latest innovations in their dye-molded fiberglass RVs. The company offers the 1500 and 2500 series truck campers with vivid decors and the latest features.

The 9-4 2500 is an excellent ¾ ton truck camper that comes in a long (LB) or short-bed (SB) model. Its EPS insulation makes it great for all weather conditions since it’s also paired with a 30,000 BTU furnace. Standard features include electric jacks, a rear door awning, a microwave, and a living room skylight.

Some fiberglass companies mold the interior cabinetry and other features too. Bigfoot went another way. They use wood cabinetry, a convertible dinette, a one-piece countertop, and other features you’d find in the traditional RV industry. 

Another feature that’s different is the mid-coach wet bath. This position gives the rear living room section more space in a sectioned travel trailer-like floor plan.

4.Hallmark Campers: Nevada Flatbed 

Hallmark Campers has a complicated past. Hubert Ward learned his engineering skills building and testing PT Boats in Louisiana during WWII. He ended up in the RV Industry in 1959 with Tortuga Trailers in Corpus Christi, Texas. A year later, he moved to Colorado, designing RVs for Red Dale Manufacturing. 

Over the next decade, Ward would join partners in starting new RV companies, do well, but ultimately have to leave for various reasons. Yet he continued to design quality RV campers and travel trailers no matter what the brand badge said.

In 1969, Ward and his two sons started Hallmark Luxury Campers. The family business grew to new heights as employees joined the family. Today they have a 30,000 square foot facility north of Denver and have over 7,000 Hallmarks on the road.

For those of you with a flatbed cargo bed, there are ¾ ton truck campers designed for your truck too. Hallmark’s Nevada Flatbed units are available for 7 or 8.5-foot bed lengths. Floor plans change based on whether you want a rear or side entry door. In addition, these flatbed truck campers have pop-up roofs, making them more fuel-efficient due to their aerodynamics. Better MPG and you don’t have to change your bed out; are you interested yet?

5. Outfitter Manufacturing: Juno 8.5

When Hubert Ward started Hallmark Campers in 1969, he had his two older sons with him. His son Robert took the helm in 1983 until he sold it to Hubert’s other son William in 2001. Robert spent his golden years helping his son Brian develop Outfitter Manufacturing. 

Outfitter built a reputation for building lightweight, durable, and highly functional campers from the latest materials in the RV industry. In 2019, Monarch Crest Capital, Inc. acquired the company, allowing Brian’s dream to become fully realized with strong financial backing. 

One of their cutting-edge ¾ ton truck campers that are redefining what these RVs can do is the Juno 8.5 Slide-In Camper. The rear wall folds down into a patio or an extra room with insulated Weblon soft walls enclosing it. This means that when fully set up, the truck camper’s powered roof gives owners another 10.5 inches in height and a few extra feet of living space.

6. Lance Campers: 850

Since 1965, Lance Camper has been a leading brand of truck campers. Based out of California, they’ve stayed on top of the latest innovations even before they joined the REV Group family in 2018. Lance is also an eco-friendly company since they’ve eliminated mercury from their manufacturing process.

You’ll find their headquarters ’ cabinets are stocked full of awards due to the best floor plans, newest technology, Dealer Satisfaction, Best Owner Satisfaction, and other worthy achievements. 

A great example is the 850 model. Lance’s Truck Camper Compatibility Guide indicates that this unit is an excellent ¾ ton truck camper for short and long cargo beds. It offers features you’ll find in the more prominent models without feeling claustrophobic. The U-shaped dinette converts to a twin bed, and you can opt for a fold-down bunk above it, replacing the overhead cabinets. 

If you’re looking for a truck camper for a family, this one may be the best and most affordable choice.

7. Palomino (Forest River): Backpack Hard Side Max 2902

Palomino RV was the creation of Vern Landey in 1968. At first, he sold tent trailers (proto pop-up campers) but had an idea on how he could build them better. By 1972, his company, Vanguard Industries, had a facility in Colon, Michigan, to avoid the congestion of Elkhart, Indiana. 

The May 27, 1992 fire that destroyed the primary plant and offices didn’t stop Landey from rebuilding a moving on. When Forest River bought the company in 2002, Palomino owned names like Puma and Sabre. 

Palomino offers three different lines of truck campers:

• Rogue
• Real Lite
• Backpack

Both the Real Lite and Backpack come in hardshell and pop-up versions. The Backpack Hard Side Max HS-2902 is a three-quarter-ton truck camper for standard or long cargo beds. The passenger side slide-out comes with a 4-seater convertible dinette, but a theatre seat is an optional replacement. You’ll also enjoy the nightstand that wraps around the residential queen bed with plenty of storage options.

The Backpack Hard Side 2902 isn’t a 3/4 ton truck camper made for every 250/2500 truck. Due to its dry weight, the Ford and Ram will have an easier time hauling this one since they have stronger payload capacities. The payoff is a deluxe wet bath with a gorgeous one-piece countertop, a true black tank, and many upgraded features that put this truck camper in the luxury truck camper subcategory.

8. Phoenix Pop Up Campers: Choose Your Own Adventure

In 1972, Dave Rowe founded Four Wheel Campers. He developed the pop-up roof technology that soft-sided truck campers use today. The company was sold in the late 1980s, keeping the Rowe Family focused on their Tiger Motor Home brand. 

In 1988, Dave and his son Rob launched Phoenix Pop Up Campers based on the original designs. Now Rob and his wife Cari run the factory direct custom truck camper brand. 

Phoenix Pop Up Campers allows you to build your ¾ ton truck camper from the ground up. Here’s how the process works:

1. First, choose between a slide-in, flatbed, or frame-mounted version.

2. On their website, you’ll decide on the floorplan package, cabinetry wood, fabric, tent vinyl, and all of the other options available. Then, when complete, you’ll see the final quote.

3. A representative will contact you once they’ve received your quote. They’ll review it, answer all your questions, and proceed with your order with your consent.

4. The company will generate a Purchase Order for your to sign and send back.

5. Once the Purchase Order is signed, you’ll pay a non-refundable down payment equal to 25% of the total price. That’s when Phoenix Pop Up Campers starts ordering materials for your build.

6. Six months before the build date, you’ll pay another 25% after you sign off after you agree to the final floor plan.

7. 90 days prior, the company will contact you again if there are any last-minute changes on their end or if you need to make any updates. Final payment will be due around 15-20 days before the completion date of your three-quarter-ton truck camper.

9. Northstar Campers: 850SC

When you think of Iowa, most RVers will think of the Flying W. Truck campers will talk about the Willett Family that began manufacturing truck campers in 1955. Originally called Texson Campers, father and son duo Ralph (Tex) and Robert (Chuck) founded Northstar Campers. 

Grandson Rex took the lead in the 1980s under the current company’s name, keeping Tex and Chuck’s dream alive and kicking. Since 1961, Northstar has supplied dealers and direct customers with quality hardwall and pop-up truck campers. 

Northstar’s 850SC is their largest softside unit. This ¾ ton truck camper sports a residential queen-size bed in the cabover section and a convertible dinette that measures between a twin and twin XL. A unique feature for small families is the optional hybrid travel trailer-style fold-out bed space on the passenger side.

The optional Sub Zero Package now comes standard with the 850SC three-quarter-ton truck camper and adds $1,490 to the price. It adds insulation to the tent material and dual pane windows that are becoming popular in the RV industry. Even if your plans don’t include cold weather camping, the feature will keep you cool in hot weather using less energy.

10. BunduTec USA: BunduVry

Northstar Campers had other family members running the company. When Tex’s grandson Rory retired in 2013 as the President of Northstar (Rex was still CEO), he decided to branch off on his own. So instead of slowing down, Rory created BunduTecUSA.  

Rory Willett’s new brand didn’t ruffle the family feathers too much because these truck campers focus on customization. Customers have 12 different campers to choose from, hardwall or pop-top, and can have it as empty or luxurious as they want. Half of the campers fit 150/1500 series trucks, while the other half fits ¾ ton truck campers. Rory left the family brand to cater to the 350/3500 series.

The BunduTec BunduVry is a ¾ ton truck camper that fits standard cargo beds without tailgates. You’ll find the latest innovations inside, like Truma’s Combi Eco water heater/furnace, a 3.1 cu. ft. 12-volt refrigerator, and other state-of-the-art innovations.

You can option in either a 170 or 340-watt solar package, 3,000-watt inverter, electric jacks, and your choice of complete system install packages. However you decide to equip your BunduVry, don’t forget the Glow Scissor Steps. After all, once you have the perfect ¾ ton truck camper, you want easy access, right!?

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 1,564-4,480 pounds, not including the upcoming Atlis Motors Atlis XT EV truck.

 The concept of categorizing pickup trucks by half, three-quarters, and one-ton date 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. 

There are six ¾ ton choices on the road today in the American market. 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- Discontinued	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. 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 reinforcement still exist on today’s XD. The diesel version out towed today’s gasser by 1,920 pounds. Today’s XD has 470 pounds more payload capacity 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 range have a 400-pound range. Towing capacities stretch 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 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.

Atlis Motors Atlis XT- EV Truck

Engine	Tire Size	Drivetrain	Cab	Cargo Bed	Payload Max
Quad	10 inch	AWD	4 Door	Standard 6.5 ft./ Long 8 ft.	20,000 lbs.

Atlis Motors will release its Atlis XT EV truck in late 2022. What makes this EV pickup truck so unique is that this one will look like a ¾ ton truck but act like a one-ton. It’ll have a driving range between 300-500 miles on a single charge. In the cargo bed, there’ll be outlets for:

• 120v AC
• 240 AC
• 48v DC
• 12v DC
• 5v DC
• USB outlets

The company reports that the truck will have a 20,000-pound payload capacity and a 35,000 fifth wheel towing maximum. The four independent motors on the 10-inch wheels make it an all-wheel-drive truck. The cargo bed will come in either standard, long, flatbed, or a service utility style. Theoretically, this truck could haul the heaviest truck camper and still have plenty of power to tow a 40-foot travel trailer for the rest of the family.

Are Truck Campers Worth It?

Truck campers are worth it for those that 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.

If you need to tow an adventure toy like an ATV/UTV trailer, boat, or something else, truck campers allow you to do so. 

How to Find ¾ Ton Truck Campers

Finding a ¾ ton truck camper can be tricky depending on the RV brand. 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 some extra space in your ¾ ton truck camper, some do 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 pop-up truck camper’s fabric walls are nothing like 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 on 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)	+	+

EV Trucks Reimagine the 3/4 Ton Truck Camper

The first truck campers were nothing more than pickup truck toppers with benches on each side. During those post-WWII years, they marketed them as a way to give the whole family a place to sit in the cargo bed while you drove your truck. It’s not a good idea to do that today.

Fast forward to today’s EV trucks. Tesla’s Cybertruck has an expandable non-cabover truck camper called the Cyberlandr. So when the RV company released its computer rendering, within a day, they had hundreds of reservations for the EV truck camper.

Canoo, Lordstown, and others have their versions or are working with third parties too. In the Remote Period of the Modern Era (2020- Present) we’re seeing a concentration on multifunctionality, self-containment, better ways to RV outside campgrounds, and benefiting directly from the electric vehicle technology. As these technologies progress, many truck camper brands will continue to grow in popularity as the affordable RV option of the future.

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Related Reading:

RV Construction Methods: Which Is Best?

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!

13 Best Flatbed Truck Campers 

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