If you’ve been looking for a way to repurpose your truck to go on ANY ADVENTURE your heart desires, a flatbed camper is perfect for you. It’s as easy as sliding it onto your truck bed and you’re off to the races!
Check out our review of the best flatbed truck campers today!
6 Best Flatbed Campers of 2021
Phoenix Custom Truck Campers – Flatbed: Best Overall
Key Specs
- Width: Custom
- Height: Custom
- Interior height: Custom
- Floor-length: Custom
- Freshwater tank: Custom
- Blackwater tank: Custom
- Dry weight: Custom
Design
No more worrying about whether the truck campers you’re choosing from will fit your bed!
Whether you want a slide-in, pop-up, or any other design of flatbed truck campers, you’re sure Phoenix campers will FIT ALL flatbeds.
They will personally measure and fit the camper to your camper tray so you don’t have to do it yourself! And of course, truck camper installation is FREE!
Durability is also NOT A PROBLEM. How so?
All their flatbed campers come with a double-welded aluminum cage frame and fiberglass sidings to ensure its durability.
It also uses a molded aerodynamic cab over and insulated walls to keep you comfortable.
Choose the type of entry you want, depending on whether you want to free up the back for bikes or other equipment or not.
Features
By default, all Phoenix truck campers for flatbed trucks come with a front opening window and a side louver window that doubles as an ESCAPE WINDOW for emergencies.
There’s also a large radius-tinted Tork or slide-side window so you can enjoy beautiful sunsets while resting up for the day!
You choose the fabric for your truck camper’s privacy curtains, which are equipped with insulated blackout material!
It also comes with an LP system with a vented case and a 20-pound holding tank for ALL YOUR COOKING NEEDS!
Inside, you get…
- A comfortable queen-sized bed with a memory foam mattress
- Reversible 3-speed fantastic fan/vent for a comfortable night’s sleep.
- LED lights keep everything in your truck camper well-lit when it gets dark.
You can choose among their options for a freshwater system that will work for you, which includes customizing the size of your tank.
Hate showering in the cold?
Get an indoor shower system! Or if you prefer showering out in nature, you can get an external one, too!
There are plenty of features to add, such as a 270 Batwing awning, microwave, stereo system, skylight, additional batteries and power sources, floodlights, and more!
Is the Phoenix Custom Campers – Flatbed for You?
If you want TOTAL FREEDOM to choose every single detail on your truck camper, Phoenix is the brand of flatbed truck campers for you.
They will customize it to ensure that it will FIT THE TRAY of your truck beds. Whether you’re looking at four-wheel campers or more basic campers, they’ve got you covered.
Pros
- Fully customizable
- Camper will fit all flatbeds
- Free installation
- Tons of additions to choose from
Cons
- Can get very expensive
Alaskan 8.5 Flatbed Truck Campers: Best Value
Key Specs
- Width: 88″
- Height: 77″ raised
- Interior height: 6’3″
- Floor-length: 8’5″
- Freshwater tank: 27 gallons
- Blackwater tank: 4.75 gallons
- Dry weight: 1600 lbs.
Design
Before anything else, you need to know about one unique design feature that can MAKE OR BREAK your decision to get any Alaskan flatbed truck camper:
ALL Alaskan models use a solid wall design, unlike the usual truck campers that just have canvas sides.
This means the entire structure is made of solid material. Does that mean it’s boring?
NOT. AT. ALL.
This truck camper can withstand anything you or nature decide to throw at it. So you won’t have to say no to that trip just because you’re scared your camper won’t be able to withstand the weather!
Features
This camper is effortless to raise and lower the entire roof of the truck camper because a hydraulic mechanism will do the job for you.
Inside, you get a GORGEOUS INTERIOR to keep you warm due to its excellent insulation, including:
- A beautiful leather dinette
- Wood-paneled ceiling, and
- Maple cabinets that are more than enough to make you forget you’re in a motorhome!
Ready to bring your A+ chef cooking skills?
- You get TONS of overhead storage and countertop space in this camper so you can stock up on supplies and work or cook as much as you want.
- This popup camper even comes with a 2.5 cubic foot refrigerator for any food items that may spoil easily.
- You can even use the 5-gallon propane holding tank to cook your freshly caught fish or game!
- With the 27-gallon freshwater tank, you’ll have more than enough for washing up, cleaning the dishes, and cooking.
The optional water heater is also a great addition to your camper if you plan to travel in colder climates or are sensitive to the cold.
While this truck camper comes with the standard one group-24 battery, you can choose to add another one so you can spend a longer time off-grid.
Other optional features include a swivel cassette toilet, a Zamp 170-watt solar panel system, Suburban 20, 000 BTU furnace, LED lighting, and more.
Is the Alaskan 8.5 Truck Camper for You?
If you’re looking for a great value pop-up camper that can last you for the next 70 years (yes, it’s possible!), Alaskan flatbed truck campers are compelling options to consider.
Not only do they assure you of durability and reliability, but they’re CHOCK full of features for even the most extreme off-grid camper adventure!
Pros
- Great for any season
- Excellent insulation for cold climates
- It will last a long time
- Large freshwater capacity for multiple uses
- Convenient side entry
Cons
- No grey water tank
- Propane tank gauge unreliable
Four-Wheel Camper – Hawk: Best Budget
Key Specs
- Width: 6′ 7.5″
- Height: 4′ 11″
- Interior height: 6′ 6″
- Floor-length: 6′ 7″
- Freshwater tank: 20 gallons
- Blackwater tank: none
- Dry weight: 1325 lbs.
Design
Four-Wheel Campers are well-known for making some of the best, most long-lasting, and most durable pop-up campers in the market.
The Hawk truck camper has a narrow girth and angled rear kick-back PERFECT for your extreme off-roading adventurers [R], wherever they may be.
With the pop-up down, this truck camper’s height is ONLY 4 feet and 11 inches (59″). The best part?
It can fit in even the LOWEST of clearance!
Its dry weight is only 1325 pounds, so NEARLY EVERY flatbed truck can handle this payload. In fact, it’s lightweight even when it’s fully loaded, at just 2100 pounds!
The specifics of the exterior (ribbed or smooth aluminum) and interior colors of your truck camper will DEPEND on your preference.
Features
Inside this truck camper, you can expect:
- A 72 x 78-inch bed
- small kitchenette, and
- An isotherm 1.7 cubic foot three-way compressor refrigerator
For guests, you have a larger dinette in the rear.
You can choose the features you want to add depending on your need and budget. Some of the most popular camper features are:
- The Wrappon Green 12-volt portable toilet
- Dual battery box
- Indoor shower
- Isotherm 65, 85, or 120-liter DC Compressor refrigerator
They also offer a 320-watt solar power option that’s great if you plan to spend extra time off the grid.
Our only gripe with this model is the SMALLER CAPACITY for freshwater (just 20 gallons).
However, you can choose to install another freshwater tank in the flatbed, just like with other campers, to expand it.
Is the Four Wheel Camper – Hawk for You?
If you have a smaller pickup truck with a limited payload capacity or plan to mainly use a pop-up truck camper for extreme off-roading, the Hawk is an excellent truck camper option for you.
It’s LIGHTWEIGHT and COMPACT while still offering plenty of feature options so you can customize it to your needs.
Pros
- Customizable features
- Compact and lightweight
- Optional solar-powered battery
- Secure door entry locks
Cons
- No blackwater tank
- Limited freshwater tank unless expanded
Hallmark Nevada
Key Specs
- Width: 6′ 9″
- Height:6′ 9″
- Interior height: 6′ 5″
- Floor-length: 8′ 5″
- Freshwater tank: 27 gallons x 2
- Blackwater tank: 4.75 gallons
- Dry weight: 2400 lbs
Design
This 2018 flat bed truck camper is an example of an oldie but goodie. It’s one of Hallmark’s several options for flatbed campers.
We simply love the design: Beautifully accented with wood exterior combined with durable and rugged fiberglass composite materials for a durable-visually appealing camper.
Hallmark made this pop-up truck camper for LONG-TERM OFF ROAD use so you can stay off-the-grid for long periods.
With its 8.5-foot floor length, you will find tons of features and more space than other flatbed truck campers will give you. It will easily fit nearly any truck tray.
Features
Inside, you will find a 60 x 80-inch east-west queen-sized bed so you can get a comfortable night’s sleep after all that driving.
That also includes…
- A large wet bath with Thetford cassette toilet
- spacious dinette, and
- A massive kitchen with storage to last you weeks of supplies!
But wait! There’s more!
- 2 freshwater tanks that each have a capacity of 27 gallons. That’s certainly more than you’ll find in other pop-top truck campers!
- A 12-gallon and a 14-gallon grey water tank
- 2 propane tanks that are each 20 pounds, and
- A battery compartment BIG ENOUGH to hold 2 or 3 group-28 batteries.
If you’re particular about interiors, you’ll love the high-quality cabinets, molded fiberglass countertops, and storage area under the bed. A classy dessert tan military-style soft wall fabric round everything out.
You can choose between oak or amber bamboo cabinetry in the base model:
- For an additional $1, 000, you can opt for cherry, blond bamboo, maple, or hickory cabinets.
- For $2, 000 you can opt for the Coosa composite cabinetry.
Is the Hallmark Nevada for You?
If you have the budget for it, this flatbed truck camper will give you one of the BEST STRUCTURES that are jam-packed with features for extended and extreme off-roading.
There’s a reason this has remained on top of every list for the best flatbed models for the last 3 years.
Pros
- 5-year structural warranty
- Big bed for a comfortable sleep
- Great for extended trips off-the-grid
- Durable fiberglass construction
- Spacious interior
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- Pricey
- Not the latest model
- Rear entry takes up storage space
Hallmark RV – EXC
Key Specs
- Width: 6’ 11”
- Height: 7’ 0”
- Interior height: 6’ 8”
- Floor-length: 6’ 8”
- Freshwater tank: 24 gallons (optional)
- Blackwater tank: 5.3 gallons (optional)
- Dry weight: up to 995 lbs
Design
Similar to Nevada, the Hallmark EXC is designed with a molded composite exterior frame and a one-piece molded fiberglass composite roof.
What does this mean for you?
This translates to the reliability, SUPERIOR durability, and confidence to take your flat bed truck camper to ANY ADVENTURE you choose to embark on!
You also get big double windows to enjoy the sceneries you encounter outdoors!
Just like other models, you get to customize your interior, which includes GENUINE WOOD cabinets for that homey feel and high-quality interior.
You can spend extra to choose the material you want for the interior cabinets if you’re particular about that sort of thing.
By default, you will also choose the fabric for all the upholstery and interior fabrics, so you can customize the design to your heart’s content and make this your home away from home.
Features
For storage, you get a hanging closet that makes smart use of the vertical space.
Worried about what you’ll find in the DARK?
Don’t be!
The batteries with LED interior lighting are COST-SAVING and BRIGHT for those nights off-the-grid!
The roof lifts using a manual crank roof lift mechanism, which some prefer since automatic systems tend to have more moving parts that can break more easily.
Oh, and did we mention that their composite roofs are maintenance-free?
Planning to travel somewhere cold?
They’ve got you covered with the interior insulated soft wall that will keep you warm through ANY TEMPERATURE! You can even opt to get the water heater that has a capacity of up to 3 gallons!
There are also plenty of additional features, like solar panels, awnings, televisions, and more.
Finally, you can choose between a more basic or full-featured flat bed truck camper. Either way, you get their superior design and craftsmanship that promises a flatbed camper that will last for years!
Is the Hallmark RV – EXC for You?
If you have the budget to spend on a high-quality flatbed truck camper, THIS is the pop-up flat bed truck camper to get.
It’s NOT JUST superior quality and service. It’s also a slew of customization options so you can pick and choose the features you want to spend on depending on your needs.
Pros
- 5-year structural warranty
- Excellent customer service
- Lots of customization options
- Superior durability and reliability
- Efficient LED lighting
Cons
- Expensive
Overland Explorer Camp – Hudson Bay Edition (HBE)
Key Specs
- Width: 6′ 8″
- Height: 6′ 8″ (open)
- Interior height: 6′ 4″ (open)
- Floor-length: 12′ 7″
- Freshwater tank: 35 gallons
- Blackwater tank: gallons
- Dry weight: 1550 lbs.
Design
Fresh off production, this 2021 Overland Explorer Camp flatbed model promises to give you NOTHING BUT THE BEST of today’s offerings.
This is the longest of the truck campers on this list, so you’re sure to get more space.
The floor, walls, and roof are made of composite material give you stability and reliability.
Put simply, the exterior uses 1.5-inch panels with steel edging ENSURESit can withstand ANY BAD WEATHER!
The soft walls are also well-insulated and fire-rated, so you can stay safe, cozy, and warm inside, regardless of the season.
The cabinetry is also made of durable, powder-coated aluminum made to last you a long time.
Features
Overland Explorer vehicles are well-known for their quality and the HBE doesn’t disappoint.
A feature YOU WON’T FIND in most flatbed truck campers is the grey water tank found in the HBE that can hold up to 15 GALLONS!
You also get a Bullfinch outside shower with a choice of water heater to keep you clean after an entire day’s enjoyment outdoors without freezing your butt off.
Inside, THERE’S MORE TREATS coming your way:
- You’ll find a glass top stainless steel sink
- 65L DC compressor refrigerator perfect for storing a week’s worth of food or more!
- Safety features like a fire extinguisher, smoke/CO and LP detector, and more
- Everything is powered by a Victron 12-volt AGM battery, Redarc 30 power management system, and a 170-watt solar panel TO EXTEND your time outdoors. (You can choose to get it with their aluminum tray, too).
Is the Overland Explorer Camp – HBE for You?
If you want one of the most spacious flatbed truck campers available on the market today that offers excellent durability and tons of safety features, the Overland Explorer – HBE is for you.
This is well-suited for ANYONE WHO HAS 3/4 to 1-ton flatbeds and is a great value if you get it as a package with their tray.
Pros
- Greywater tank included
- Tons of floor space
- Plenty of safety features
- Optional truck bed tray
Cons
- Pricey
What Is a Flatbed Truck Camper?
Pickup trucks AREN’T JUST MEANT for hauling boxes or other supplies.
Did you know you can repurpose the flatbed of your truck to create a living space on the go? Well, you can with a flatbed truck camper!
These are small living units mounted on pickup trucks by either sliding it in (slide-in) or lowering it onto the bed (cab-over) then securing it in place with tie-downs and turnbuckles.
You can replace the bed with a flatbed or tray if you don’t already have one.
You can mount a truck camper on trucks that are as small as a half-ton truck (for small slide-ins) or 3/4 or 1-ton pickup for larger campers.
Benefits of a Flatbed Camper
Off-Road Adventure
Whether you’re getting a pickup or flatbed-based camper, you can take your rig off-road through sand, mud, and steep or bumpy conditions that ORDINARY MOTORHOMES cannot traverse.
So if you want the flexibility of going wherever your adventurous spirit wants to take you, flatbed truck campers are the ideal motorhome for you.
We recommend PRIORITIZING an increase in the capacity of your truck camper’s holding tanks so you can spend a long time off the grid!
Towing Capabilities
A more powerful engine lets you tow boats or horse trailers EASILY.
You can even bring your motorcycles, jet skis, snowmobiles, or ATVs with you with the use of utility trailers so you can go off-terrain and live out your adrenaline junkie dreams without worries!
Yes. Yes. Yes! This is EXACTLY the power of a truck camper!
Ease of Driving
Despite all the utility of pop-up campers, they are easy to drive because they are smaller than other motorhomes or fifth-wheel combinations.
So you get the BEST OF BOTH WORLDS:
- A mobile home that’s capable of withstanding any trip, and
- A camper that has a tighter turning radius.
If that’s not enough, you’ll also experience EASIER parking, BETTER gas mileage, and EXCELLENT performance.
Savings
When we talk about the savings truck campers will give you, we’re referring to 4 things:
- Insurance
- Registration
- Licensing
- Taxes
First, many states consider the body of the flatbed truck camper to be cargo, unlike an RV that needs to be registered as a completely separate vehicle. This means you ONLY need to pay for the registration, licensing, and insurance of your truck and not the camper.
Fast Fact: Some insurance companies offer a special rider clause for truck campers, but these usually cost very little.
Second, let’s talk about taxes.
The IRS waives $25, 000 limits on expensing any vehicle if it is equipped with a cargo area of AT LEAST 6 feet in interior length that isn’t readily accessible from the passenger compartment, whether that cargo area is an open or closed cap.
Talk about a tax break!
Maximize Space
Remember that your camper doesn’t have to fit into the truck bed of your pickup truck so you can maximize your space.
Truck campers generally give you ADDED STORAGE SPACE on top of the additional living space you get inside.
Some truck camper models will even give you storage boxes mounted at the back of the camper, so you can bring your gear with you.
If you plan to travel with more people, you can even opt for flatbed trucks that have a crew cab so a few friends can ride along with you.
Versatility
The beauty of flatbed truck campers is that you can remove the slide-in from your truck anytime you need to use it for work or other tasks.
You can easily detach the slide-in camper and store it so your truck can be used as an everyday vehicle again.
Conclusion
Every camper we’ve featured here has been handpicked to be the best in their class. So what are you waiting for? Your next adventure awaits!
