Introducing the Alaskan Truck Campers
Founded in the early 1950s, Alaskan Camper manufactures the world’s only telescopic truck camper with a hard side on wheels. A low-profile design, which provides a safe and pleasant driving experience while also delivering higher gas mileage, was the original concept behind this vehicle. Campers would have the comforts of home while also being protected from the weather. With the use of a manual hydraulic hand pump, the first Alaskan Campers were raised.
The manual pump was replaced by an electric version with a pushbutton in the late 1980s. For more than 60 years, Alaskan Truck Camper has been setting the standard for quality in the industry. In order to save money, They never compromise on the quality of the materials or the workmanship used in our products. Truck camping is an excellent model of transportation, and the Alaskan Truck Camper allows you to get off the beaten path and visit rural locations.
However, despite the fact that there are numerous soft-sided pop-up truck campers in the industry, they believe that the advantages of the hard-side telescopic Alaskan Camper would make every camper happy to own the original.
The Alaskan Camper was and continues to be a straightforward yet striking departure from the boxy profile of the typical pickup truck camper RV in the market. Since the introduction of the first Alaskan Campers in 1953 for the purpose of camping along the Highway, campers have been on the lookout for a camper that would provide them with adequate shelter from the elements. A camper that would be able to travel through rugged terrain, be lightweight, and create the least amount of wind resistance when driving.
They made the decision to develop a camper that campers would actually want! With the construction of the first unit, it was possible to raise and lower the top through the use of an inventive hydraulic system. When in camp, this gave for plenty of standing room, and when on the road, the unit was squeezed in with only a tiny amount of camper roof height extending just above the truck cab to provide additional protection.
Consequently, wind resistance was minimized, while gas mileage was boosted! They call this feature “It raises – It lowers,” and it not only serves as a fantastic benefit for the Alaskan Pickup Truck Camper, but it also exemplifies our entire design and quality philosophy, which is “from the top to the bottom, we will construct the best.” It is not a pop-up camper, but it is far superior to a popup camper.
Truck Campers are designed to be mounted directly to the pickup bed as well as the chassis of a pickup truck, with a sleeping compartment that extends over the cab. They are easily removed from the campsite and are ready to be used wherever you choose to park. Truck Campers must be able to fit into the pickup truck layout, which was intended expressly for mounting to the bed/chassis of the full-size pickup truck. Truck Campers are designed to be ‘carried’ in the bed/chassis of the full-size pickup truck.
The length ranges from 6.5 feet to 10 feet, depending on the truck it is mounted to. The bed length of a truck camper is defined as the length of the component of the camper that is contained within or on the bed of the truck. Depending upon the truck camper, the sleeping arrangements can accommodate two to four people.
There is the option of self-contained convenience. It is possible to use truck campers as a first step into the “RV” lifestyle or as a final resort. When traveling in the backcountry, it is a low-cost choice that is convenient. Due to the truck camper combination’s capacity to provide greater flexibility while driving with less bother, driving becomes easier.
All Alaskan Truck Campers are equipped with a hydraulically operated roof that lifts and lowers for added safety, comfort, and better gas mileage. This allows for additional inside space while also reducing wind resistance while driving. People seeking the best truck camper have an excellent opportunity to realize their aim of finding the perfect truck camper thanks to a huge number of possibilities and the option of building your own floor plan.
In order to meet your specific requirements, Alaskan Campers, the world’s top manufacturer of solid wall pop-up truck campers, provides a variety of floor configurations. The Alaskan Truck Camper, with floor lengths ranging from 6.5′ to 10′, offers a selection of inventive and unusual floor layouts that improve living space while maintaining affordability.
Instant livability is provided by the Alaskan pop-up, which can also be easily and safely transported while providing greater gas mileage, maneuverability, and convenience of use. Alaskan campers are thinner and lighter than their counterparts, and they are built to travel practically anyplace. After taking a look at an Alaskan truck camper, you’ll quickly understand that there are no compromises when it comes to quality and convenience.
If you want to tow your favorite activity behind you, such as a boat, or if you just want to explore a distant location, the Alaskan Truck Camper’s adaptability is unsurpassed.
Are Alaskan Campers Worth all the Cost?
The Telescoping Pop-top
The slide-in truck camper made by Alaskan is one of a kind. Hard-sided and pop-up versions of the slide-in truck camper are two of the most common options for other manufacturers’ models. Both can be found in an Alaskan camper. It’s not clear how Alaskan does this. Construct an all-in-one truck camper that hydraulically raises and drops its telescoping hardtop as needed.
The owner of a cabover model just needs to deploy three flip-up panels in the cabover during setup. Alaskan’s telescopic design has obvious advantages. Additionally, the vehicle’s design reduces wind resistance and improves gas mileage while on the road, making it ideal for camping. Off-road capability is improved as well. Because of its innovative and unusual design, the Alaskan is one of the most recognizable truck campers in the world.
Renowned Construction
Buying an Alaskan Camper is a terrific investment. Today’s Alaskan campers are framed entirely out of wood and encased in the same 3-inch aluminum break skin design as Don Hall’s initial campers from the mid-1950s. Alaskan uses waterproofed ACX plywood in the building of its campers; no chipboard is used in any of its campers. As a result of the alder cabinets being bonded and bolted into the wood framing, together with the adequate placement of the studs needed to support the camper’s four lift jacks, strength and rigidity are increased.
Some may be put off by Alaskan’s preference for wood frames given the widespread use of aluminum framing in the RV market today, but that is not the case. Wood is easier to work with than metal, more insulated, stronger, and less difficult to repair than aluminum. Keeping your roof’s windows and other openings clean will help prevent the wood from rotting, which can happen if there is an ongoing water leak. In reality, water is the enemy of any camper, regardless of how it is built.
Unique Customization
Only choices that have been previously approved will be allowed in most truck camper manufacturers’ campers. The most common reaction to requesting a change is “no,” but not at Alaskan. Thetford cassette toilets are a great option if you want to replace the storage cabinet. There’s nothing I can’t handle. If you’re building a flatbed camper, consider installing a space-saving Truma Combi instead of a separate generator. That’s exactly what I meant.
Consider adding a larger battery container for longer off-grid periods of time. They do this all the time, of course. Despite Alaska’s limited, highly-skilled workforce, they excel at building only truck campers. Unlike some of its competitors, this business does not spend time and resources on the production of fifth wheels, travel trailers, and toy haulers. In addition, each Alaskan camper is made to order, so there’s no middleman to deal with. A happy camper is good for business, and Alaskan loves to place them in its truck campers. Of course, they have been doing it since 1955, longer than any other truck camper manufacturer.
Versatile Insulation
An Alaskan camper is a great investment for a variety of reasons. There are certain drawbacks to using a canvas-covered pop-up truck camper. A soft-top is exactly what it sounds like. A pop-up camper with such a design is lighter, but it isn’t as sturdy or well-insulated for usage in winter. In addition, the normal soft-top performs badly in strong gusts and must frequently be lowered to withstand the storm.
Alaskan’s rounded, hard-top design, reinforced with microlam 22-inch framing, is sturdier and more insulated than its competitors. Alaskan achieves this by using spray foam to cover the top voids and regular block foam to insulate the pop-sides. top’s In addition, the floor of the camper is insulated as well. Every Alaskan is now a real four-season camper, ready to handle any temperature or weather condition with the help of its 20,000-btu heater and the optional Coleman Mach 8 air conditioner.
Classic Interiors
No “foo-foo” or shabby design elements are found in an Alaskan camper, unlike many other truck campers made nowadays. A classic leather and wood interior makes this truck camper stand out from the crowd. When looking at images of ocean-going yachts from the ’50s, you’d be astonished at how similar they are to today’s vessels. The only thing lacking from the interior of an Alaskan camper compared to a boat is a few portholes. All Alaskan “land yachts” have maple cabinetry and Norwegian pine paneling on the ceiling and interior walls.
Alder face frames and 3/4-inch plywood are used to build the cabinets in every Alaskan truck camper, which are then covered with a stunning Wilsonart maple laminate. An additional layer of protection is provided by the camper’s frame being bonded and bolted into each cupboard. Bryan Wheat, CEO of the company, demonstrated the durability of these cabinets by repeatedly kicking one. After he was done, you wouldn’t have known he’d abused the door or cabinet at all.
A Full Height Door
Pop-up truck campers are notorious for the risk of bashing your head or twisting your back when getting in or out of the vehicle. While touring pop-up campsites made by other manufacturers, you’d accidentally hit your heads a few times. Pop-up campers often have a door that is only around 4 feet high. With an Alaskan truck camper, this isn’t the case.
Full-height doors may be found on every Alaskan Truck Camper. The two-piece, 22-inch wide door simply latches together utilizing a simple latching mechanism, making it even easier to open and close. In the beginning, it may not seem like much of an issue, but as you become older, you’ll appreciate the convenience of having this function in your pop-up truck camper. You’ll feel the benefits in your neck and back.
Comfy Seating
An Alaskan camper is a great investment for a variety of reasons. In today’s truck camper and RV business, bad seating is one of the most common defects that can be noticed. Most dinettes in truck campers are uncomfortably awful. The way you’re sitting is contributing to the problem. The majority of RV dinettes are built with 90-degree angles in mind. Seating on Alaskan Airlines is unique. A more natural, 80-degree back is used in the construction of these dinettes, which provides a more supportive lumbar support.
To top it all off, Alaskan uses traditional materials like sturdy steel frames and springs to construct their dinettes. This is a far cry from the cheap block foam wrapped in fabric that most RV dinettes use. Instead, each Alaskan camper’s seat cushions are made of two layers of thick, two-layer memory foam covered in a leather-like vinyl. The dinettes in Alaskan truck campers are among the best-looking and most comfortable around.
The practicality of the Alaskan campers
Every RV manufacturer claims to offer value, but Alaskan goes the extra mile. Many truck camper and RV manufacturers describe many of the features seen in Alaskan campers as upgrades or options. A 27-gallon freshwater tank is included in every Alaskan truck camper, although many companies offer smaller tanks as an option. Full-length overhead storage cabinets are a wonderful feature that provides a lot of storage space. It’s common for other companies to charge extra for extras like these, but not with Alaskan Truck Campers.
Thetford Cassette Toilet gives you more alternatives for where to dump black water, which is always a nice thing when you’re out enjoying your camper. Thetford’s cassette may be emptied almost anyplace, from a trailhead pit toilet to a restroom at a rest stop on the freeway. Worried about the 37-pound weight of the cassette? Then don’t.
Thet Thetford Cassette Toilet
There are two wheels on one end of each cassette and a pull-out handle on the other, making it easy to drag the cassette behind you. The Thetford C224CW model is used by Alaskan in its campers. As opposed to previous Thetford swivel cassette versions, this toilet has its own 2.37-gallon freshwater tank and is plumbed independently from the rest of the camper. In fact, the toilet is still one of the most popular choices in Alaska, with over 90% of customers opting for one.
The Alaskan Truck Camper’s excellent customer service is another major reason to acquire one. Since 1955, Alaskan has been a family-owned and operated business. Alaskan doesn’t believe in the passing of the torch when it comes to providing excellent customer service. A problem with your camper will be addressed by company CEO and founder, Bryan Wheat. Even if your camper was purchased secondhand.
When it comes to customer service, how many CEOs get involved? There aren’t that many. Do you have a question regarding making a modification to your camper? To receive the solution you need, a customer care rep will immediately connect you with the proper technical person. Even better, Alaskan will ship you a replacement part if you need it. In today’s RV sector, this is typically and practically unheard of.
Prices and Total Weight of Alaskan Truck Camper
Alaskan 10’FD
There is an MSRP of $35,099. The Alaskan 10’FD is a pop-up, long-bed truck camper
In total, the dry weight of the Alaskan Camper 10′ Extended Cabover is 2,795 pounds, which includes 27 gallons freshwater, 225 pounds of propane, 20 pounds of batteries, 65 pounds of things, and the rest of the dry weight.
Alaskan 10’SD
Pop-up, long-bed truck camper, The 2022 Alaskan 10’SD does have an MSRP of $35,099.
Alaskan Camper 10’SD: dry weight, 1,985 pounds + 27 gallons fresh, 225 pounds + 20-pound propane tank full, 20 pounds + battery, 65 pounds + stuff, 500 pounds = 2,795 pounds; which gives it a total weight of 2,795 pounds.
The Alaskan 8’FD
For $32,399, the Alaskan 8’FD truck camper is a pop-up, long or short-bed truck camper.
Weighing in at 2,490 pounds, the Alaskan Camper 8’FD is 1,680 pounds dry with 27,5 gallons of fresh water, 225 pounds plus a 20-pound propane tank filled to capacity, 20 pounds of battery weight, and 65 pounds of additional cargo.
The Alaskan 8′ SD
The MSRP for the 2022 Alaskan 8’SD truck camper is $32,399, and it comes in both long and short bed varieties.
An Alaskan Camper 8’SD weighs 2,290 pounds when empty, including the vehicle, all of its gear, and the propane tank it’s powered by, all of which add up to an additional 1,680 pounds of dry weight.
The Alaskan 8.5 FD
Pop-up, long or short-bed truck camper with an MSRP of $33,149 is the 2022 Alaskan 8.5 FD.
Weight: dry weight, 1,805 pounds + 27 gal fresh water + 225 gal propane tank + 20 lb full propane tank + 20 lbs battery + 65 lb goods = 2,615 Lbs.
The Alaskan 8’36FD
Pop-up, long or short bed truck camper, the 2022 Alaskan 8’36FD has an MSRP of $30,739.
2240 pounds: dry weight, 1,430 pounds + 27 liters freshwater tank, 225 pounds + 20-pound full propane gas tank, 20 pounds battery, and 65 lbs of things = 500 lbs of dry weight.
The 7FD Alaskan
There is an MSRP of $31,399 for the Alaskan 7FD, a pop-up, short bed truck camper.
Dry weight of the Alaskan 7FD: 1,560 lbs + 27 gallons of fresh water, 225.2 lbs + 20 lbs of propane tank fill-up, 20 lbs + battery, 65 lbs + gear, 500 lbs = 2,370.2 lbs.
The Alaskan 6.5
With an MSRP of $30,499, the Alaskan 6.5 short bed pop up truck camper is available for purchase.
Alaskan 6.5: dry weight 1,390 lbs + 15 gallons fresh, 125.1 lbs + 20-pound propane tank full, 20 lbs + battery, 65 lbs + stuff, 500 lbs = 2,010.1 lbs.
The Alaskan Sportsman
With a price tag of $25,500, the 2022 Alaskan Sportsman is a pop-up, short-bed, caboverless truck camper.
For the Alaskan Sportsman, the dry weight is 1,332 pounds, plus 15 gallons of freshwater, or 125.1 pounds, plus a 20-pound propane tank filled to capacity, plus a 20-pound battery, or 65 pounds of gear and 500 pounds of gear.
FAQs
Q. Are Alaskan Campers any good?
A. Although the Alaskan Camper’s width is larger than other soft-wall pop-ups, its width and pop-down capabilities maintain the main advantages of pop-up truck campers: greater aerodynamics, overhead clearances, and lower center of gravity. Alaskans are 8.5 ft tall and have internal walls that are 6’3 inches long.
Q. What are Alaskan Campers made of?
A. The Alaskan camper was built 60 years ago with a wooden frame, wood cabinetry, pop-up wall, and front cab cover panels.
