9 Best Truck Campers for 1/2 Ton Pickups (2024)

If you love going on adventures but don’t want to spring for a full-fledged RV, truck campers for half-ton trucks are an excellent choice.

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Not only is this more affordable and versatile, but it’s also easy to set up on your short bed or standard pickup truck.

So if you’re on the lookout for the best short bed truck camper, you’re in the right place! Check out our guide to the 9 best half-ton truck campers for you!

9 Best Truck Campers for 1/2 Ton Pickups

2020 Alaskan 6.5: Best Overall

Key Specs

Dry weight: 1390 pounds
6 feet and 5 inches long
Fresh Water: 15 gallons [R]
Grey Water: N/A [R]
Black Water: 4.1 gallons (cassette)

Exterior

The Alaskan 6.5 is a hefty camper with plenty of room and unique utilities.

Unlike most pop-up truck campers, the Alaskan equipped theirs with a hydraulic mechanism.

How does it help you?

It makes this truck camper extra sturdy and durable in case of rough weather situations. And this patented design is one example of all the great features you can expect from this low-profile camper.

The white exteriors look like your standard, run-off-the-mill camper, but don’t be fooled!

Its curved corners look sleek and durable, making it compatible with the payload of most trucks.

The Hehr windows [R] transition to the Alaskan’s walls well, so you don’t have to worry about chilly nights out.

This smooth, no-leak design keeps you sleeping soundly at night.

Interior

While the exteriors aren’t anything to write home about, it’s the inside that matters.

The Alaskan went with homey, classy, and comfortable interiors when designing this camper.

Unlike others which can be utilitarian, the Alaskan’s design makes camping on your pickup a comfortable experience.

The Alaskan feels like home.

The leather dinette, maple cabinets, and wood ceiling panels gave this camper that extra boost of comfort. The insulated panels are plenty warm too, for frosty nights.

You don’t even have to worry about cooking outside in the cold because there’s plenty of cooking space in the kitchenette. It has two-burner stoves and a sink – PERFECT for simple, cooked meals.

The camper can fit one drop-down bed. It’s one of the most comfortable beds we’ve tried since it’s custom manufactured for Alaskan and they do have the best camper beds all around.

Is the Alaskan 6.5 the Truck Camper for You?

If you need a durable, rugged camper with a comfortable interior, Alaskan 6.5 is an excellent pick. The Alaskan is like taking a piece of home with you, with how comfortable and beautiful its interiors are.

Pros

Rugged construction
Unique interiors
Custom bed

Cons

Heavier than other campers
No gray water holding tank

2019 Cirrus 670: Best Value

Key Specs

Dry weight: 1700 pounds
7 feet and 7 inches floor length
Fresh Water: 22 gallons
Grey Water: 22 gallons
Black Water: N/A (cassette toilet)

Exterior

The 2019 Cirrus 670 half-ton truck camper is one of the more aesthetically pleasing exteriors. Just make sure to double-check the payload of your truck, though!

It has an aluminum and kisa board frame, making this one of the lightest truck campers you can find. The exterior walls are also made with fiberglass sidewalls and azdel backing.

Storage-wise, not a problem – thanks to the big storage compartment on one side of the exterior. The other side features all the connections and propane, so you can easily access your cassette toilet.

Interior

Who says half-ton trucks can’t be a house on wheels?

The Cirrus 670 comes equipped with a kitchen, dinette, bed, and a bathroom with a built-in cassette toilet.

Unlike many truck campers, this even has a bathtub and shower! This is enough to make you feel like you’re living in an RV!

The gas stove comes with two burners, perfect for cooking complete meals.

The exhaust fan above the gas stove will make sure your truck camper won’t start smelling too much, which is great since it occupies the same space as your bedroom.

If you need to go off-road for a while, the three-way fridge and 7 large cabinets can store enough groceries for days.

You also get LED lights, speakers, and a 110 outlet inside.

For charging right before bed, there is a 12-volt outlet on either side of the bed on this half-ton pickup truck camper.

Is the Cirrus 670 the Truck Camper for You?

If you’re looking for a lightweight truck camper that has tons of features, the Cirrus 670 is for you.

The space is just right for a couple, so you and your partner now have the reason to convert your short truck bed into a truck camper.

Pros

Plenty of storage space
Great for couples

Cons

None

Travel Lite 770R: Best Budget

Key Specs

Dry weight: 1,385 pounds
7 feet and 7 inches long
Fresh Water: 9 gallons
Grey Water: 5 gallons
Black Water: N/A (Porta-Potty) [R]

Exterior

The Travel Lite 770R is one of the smaller half-ton truck campers in the market, but if you’re only shooting for a weekend out alone, it’ll be comfortable for you.

Because the Travel Lite 770R is so… well, light, it’s compatible with the payload capacity of most half-ton trucks, like the Ram 1500.

That’s because this camper uses lightweight yet sturdy materials.

Interior

The interior is simple, but if you’re a solo traveler, you’ll be perfectly comfortable inside the Travel Lite.

You’ll be warm in the mountains with the double-plywood insulated flooring. And in case insulation isn’t enough for high-altitude chilly adventures, a propane-fired furnace can keep you TOASTY all night.

It has basic amenities, too, like:

20-pound propane tank
two-burner cooktop
3-cubic-foot refrigerator
6-gallon water heater
Cassette-style toilet
Single-group 26-battery

The other features are pretty lackluster in this department, but with really low weight, there’s nothing more you can ask for!

Is Travel Lite 770R The Truck Camper for You?

The Travel Lite 770R is a brilliant choice for solo or pair travelers.

It might get cramped for bigger groups, but the trade-off inconvenience of setting it all up is worth the hassle of space and size.

It’s also the best budget option if you want to get your feet wet with a camper. With an MSRP of just USD12,580, this model can get you started on your adventures. It’s certainly a better price than an RV!

Pros

Great amenities
One-year warranty
Perfect for solo travelers

Cons

Small water holding tank

2019 Hallmark Milner

Key Specs

Dry weight: 1212 pounds
6 feet and 8 inches floor length
Fresh Water: 30 gallons
Grey Water: N/A
Black Water: N/A (Dry Flush)

Exterior

Just like the other Hallmark truck campers, the Hallmark Milner is made with a very durable molded fiberglass composite exterior.

You don’t need to worry about too much work because the one-piece molded composite roof needs VERY little maintenance.

The freshwater holding tank can hold up to 30 gallons, which is relatively large compared to some other models here.

Once you’ve made camp in an area, you can pop up the big view double windows to give your camper the feeling of being one with nature.

Now, don’t worry. These windows have three layers to keep you protected.

Beginning from the outermost layer of the windows, there is a UV-rated automotive clear plastic, then a tight-pattern bug screen, and an insulated soft-wall panel that is stuck to heavy-duty Velcro.

Feel safer now?

Even better – you can enjoy yourself and WORRY LESS about sun damage, privacy, or bug bites in your pop-up truck camper, no matter what time of the year you’re out.

Interior

The Hallmark Milner pop-up truck camper has a 60 x 80-inch east-west bed that has under-bed storage for your clothes and other personal belongings.

If you love spending time in your pop-up truck camper, you’ll appreciate the one-piece molded countertops in the Hallmark Milner.

You can also store a lot in the three-way 3.8 cubic foot refrigerator.

The kitchenette uses a propane tank for the two-burner gas stove, including plenty of cooking space with fiberglass countertops, even if you leave the cooktop left open.

For your cooking pots and pans, you have an inlet sink right beside the gas stove. Convenient, right?!

Unlike other truck campers and if STORAGE for your half-ton trucks is what you’re after, the Hallmark Milner has got you covered with the overhead cabinets equipped with Tambour doors.

This truck camper comes with a Lagun table system in the dinette. You can choose to move the dinette to and from the driver’s or passenger’s side to give you even MORE space.

A nifty feature is that the dinette can be converted into a 73.5 x 30-inch bed if you have a guest with you.

And if you need a porta-potty, you can opt for this optional add-on that can be placed under the dinette seat.

For charging, you can use the 110-volt, 12-volt, and two USB outlets in the dinette table. You can store two 6-volt golf cart batteries in the battery compartment to power your adventure.

Is the Hallmark Milner the Truck Camper for You?

As you can see, the Hallmark Milner is one of the most feature-rich pop-up truck campers you can find on the market today.

This is an excellent choice for most pickup trucks and has plenty to offer you as you enjoy your travel life.

Pros

Spacious
Plenty of storage
Storage for portable toilet and shower pan
Great views with the big windows

Cons

Propane tank capacity is only 5 gallons

2020 Four Wheel Camper Hawk Model

Key Specs

Dry weight:1, 075 pounds
6 feet and 5 inches long
Fresh Water: 20 gallons
Grey Water: External
Black Water: None

Exterior

If you need a more basic model for your truck camper, the Four Wheel camper hawk model is great for any half-ton truck.

It is pretty long at 6.5 feet and lightweight of 1, 075 pounds. This is what makes it one of the easiest truck campers to mount onto your truck.

You may opt to get 6-gallon water and outer shower package, which will help you stay clean, especially if you frequently stay outside RV parks and other campsites.

If you do get this, your freshwater capacity will jump to 26 GALLONS, which is pretty big in our opinion.

Outside, you’ll find the gray water tank. However, note that this does not come with a black water tank, unlike the other truck campers we have on this list.

On the roof, you’ll find a 160-watt roof-mounted solar power system and a dual battery setup that will help you have a longer adventure off-the-grid.

Interior

Like many of the truck campers in this guide, the Four Wheel Camper Hawk Model comes with a fully equipped kitchenette along with a three-way 5-filter DC compressor refrigerator.

This kitchen already comes with a two-burner gas stove (along with two 10-pound propane tanks), kitchen sink, and cabinets for living your perfect half-ton truck adventure.

You’ll find that it is easy to refill your propane tank because it’s easier to lift.

What if you need a bigger tank?

Is the Four Wheel Camper Hawk Model the Truck Camper for You?

If having a black water tank and other advanced features is essential to you, we recommend you look at the other campers on this list.

However, if you don’t need it and just want a basic truck camper for long off-road adventures, this Four Wheel Camper Hawk Model is a great and lightweight truck camper option for you.

Pros

Optional water and outer shower package
Choose the floor plan that you want
Great for long trips off-the-grid

Cons

No advanced features
No black water tank

Adventurer 80RB

Key Specs

Dry weight: 1,808 pounds
8 feet and 4 inches floor length
Fresh Water: 15 gallons
Grey Water: 6 gallons
Black Water: 6 gallons

Exterior

The Adventurer 80RB is probably the longest pop-up truck campers on this list, but it can fit BOTH types of half-ton trucks.

If you’re worried about the 1,808-pound weight, don’t be.

We checked and can confirm it fits the payload limit of most half-ton trucks, no problem.

That doesn’t mean it’s built poorly compared to other popup campers.

The Adventurer popup camper uses composite materials to keep the camper light yet durable, which is how it fits well even on a half-ton truck.

The Adventurer’s fiberglass is glossy, perfect for repelling rain while keeping this truck camper looking sleek. It looks compact and fits well with any half-ton.

The Adventurer camper’s compatibility for short and long beds has its drawbacks, though:

When you use this for short-bed trucks, there may be an overhang over the roof of your half-ton pickup truck.

Interior

The interiors of this pop-up camper are cozy, with cherry cabinets and brushed stainless steel appliances.

Just because this camper is small doesn’t mean you’ll get a shabby-looking dinette and kitchenette!

And speaking of size, the Adventurer short bed truck camper maximized its small interior space by combining furniture functions.

You can convert the dinette’s sofa to a bed, so you can sleep comfortably inside this truck camper.

And in case you’re hungry, well…

You can always reach into your 4 cubic foot refrigerator for a midnight snack or two. You can even keep some milk in here to reach for, just in case you want to make a cup of hot cocoa.

When you wake up the next day, you can freshen up with the wet bath inside this truck camper. Considering its small floor space, the Adventurer fits a lot of features!

Is the Adventurer 80RB the Truck Camper for You?

We’ll be honest: the Adventurer 80 RB is tiny, so you’ll have to sacrifice some storage space.

But if you like smaller campers and find them easier to maneuver, the Adventurer 80RB is your best bet for a feature-rich camper. You won’t miss home on your next adventure!

Pros

Compatible with both short and long-bed trucks
Compact camper

Cons

Lacks storage

2019 Lance 650

Key Specs

Dry weight:1700 lbs
Floor Length: 6 feet and 10 inches
Fresh Water: 22 gallons
Grey Water:15 gallons
Black Water: 16 gallons

Exterior

The Lance 650 is a non-slide wet bath truck camper that has an incredible array of features and promises to give you the best possible half-ton truck camper.

Let’s justify that:

Lighter than other campers, the Lance 650 is great for half-ton trucks with a standard payload limit.

It uses more premium materials like Azdel composite and LitePly plywood to GET RID OF excessive weight that has plagued other campers for short-bed pickup trucks

The size of this Lance camper is spacious enough at 6 feet and 10 inches long and 6 feet and 9 inches high, making it great for your truck camper adventure.

Unlike other campers for half-ton trucks, you’ll have an ample amount of water in the Lance 650 short-bed camper, as it can store 22 gallons of freshwater, 15 gallons grey, and 16 gallons black.

With Lance 650 ‘s Easy Charge exterior charging center, you will find it easy to stop for a quick charge. And if it happens to be hot when you do, the pop-up smart awning has got you covered!

Interior

The Lance 650 popup camper comes with a north-south queen bed and a full-size wet bath that also has a sink.

Moreover, cooking your food or entertaining new friends you make along the way is now WORRY-FREE: Because it comes with a large kitchen equipped with a microwave and refrigerator as well as a dinette.

You can even have a 3rd person with you on your trip because the dinette is long enough for an adult to sleep on!

And when it comes to all your bathroom needs, the on-demand tankless water heater has got you covered.

After a whole day of driving in your truck camper adventure, you can relax, pop a cold one, and unwind in front of your multimedia center.

Is the Lance 650 the Truck Camper for You?

If you’re looking for the best of the best for your half-ton pickup, the Lance 650 will give you the luxury and comfort you need.

The Lance 650 truck camper can fit on either a 6.5-foot or 5.5-foot pickup truck, making it very versatile.

If you plan to haul this around on roads that are inclined or steep, we recommend having a 5.0L V8 engine.

Pros

Lightweight for its size and features
Can fit up to 3 people
Full kitchen
Smart awning
Solar panel for charging the battery
Durable and comfortable

Cons

Not the lightest on the list

2020 Northstar Northstar Hardside Liberty

Key Specs

Dry weight: 1,775 pounds
7 feet long
Fresh Water: 20 gallons
Grey Water: 13 gallons
Black Water: 5 gallons

Exterior

The Northstar Hardside Liberty is another small camper with plenty of characteristics that make for a great camping experience.

It has a lighter dry weight than other campers at 1,775 pounds, so you don’t need to worry about compatibility with the payload limit of most half-ton pickup trucks.

You couldn’t tell that the Northstar Liberty is a pretty light camper considering its hefty size.

That’s a good thing though because it means you don’t have to strain your neck trying to walk around the camper.

The gas-filled thermal insulated windows seal well and keep you warm at night.

What’s more, the windows have a great screen and shade for privacy, so you won’t have any curious eyes stalking you at night.

Interior

The interior may not be eye candy like other campers are, but it’s still plenty comfortable. That’s all you need in a camper like this one.

The Liberty has everything you need in a camper, like a kitchenette with a two-burner gas stove and a sink with a faucet. This can help you freshen up after a good night’s sleep!

But the most exciting feature of the Northstar Liberty is the two-deck dinette. With the double-deck feature, you can comfortably fit four people inside the camper.

INCREDIBLE!

So even if this camper is one of the lighter and smaller ones on the list, there’s plenty of space to spare.

Is the Northstar Northstar Hardside Liberty the Truck Camper for You?

The Northstar Hardside Liberty is a great camper for a group camping adventure with your friends and family.

While it won’t be the roomiest when filled up, it can sleep you comfortably with plenty of storage space to spare.

Pros

Plenty of storage space
Fits around 4 people inside
Lightweight

Cons

Boring interiors

2019 Adventurer 80 GS

Key Specs

Dry weight: 1752 pounds
8-foot floor length
Fresh Water: 11 gallons
Grey Water: 6 gallons
Black Water: 6 gallons

Exterior

The Adventurer 80 GS is the narrowest truck camper that Adventurer has ever made.

Its weight makes it compatible with the payload capacity of lighter-duty half-ton pickup trucks. This pop-up truck camper has an automatic electric slide.

The light base colors, slide-out, and large windows make this pop-up camper feel more spacious than it may seem, so it’s perfect for any half-ton pick-up truck.

Interior

We love the spacious kitchen with deep kitchen storage and upper cabinets.

The countertops are thermally formed and are lighter than regular ones on other half-ton pick-up truck campers.

A bowl sink with a tall faucet and two-burner gas stove will be your companions as you cook your way through your truck camper adventure.

It has a spacious 4 cubic-foot refrigerator that can hold up to more or less 5 days’ worth of food.

Imagine that! 5. FULL. DAYS.

Eat away on the large u-shaped dinette with a round table that can be ADJUSTED to fit your space standards.

This dinette can fit up to 4 people comfortably.

You can also convert it into a 60 inch by 30-inch bed, so truck owners can choose to use this as an extra bed or lounge.

You’ll find the wet bath, with a shower and toilet across the kitchen. And when you’re bored, you can take advantage of the audio-video system and speakers above the dinette.

Is the Adventurer 80 GS the Truck Camper for You?

If you’re looking for travel trailers for short trips, look no further than this half-ton pick-up truck camper. This is great for all half-ton trucks, like the Ram 1500.

Pros

Tons of features
Narrow, so it is easier to drive

Cons

Small water capacity
Not great for long trips

Top Picks

2020 Alaskan 6.5: Best Overall

We chose the Alaskan 6.5 as our best overall pick because this low-profile camper hides so many secrets!

The unique design that raises the entire roof is incredible on its own.

From the spacious kitchen and dinette to the custom-made, drop-down bed, they thought of everything.

Unlike lower-end travel trailers, it’s one of the most beautiful campers for 1/2 ton trucks you can find out there.

The use of maple cabinets, wooden ceilings, and even leather seats will make you feel right at home in your truck camper adventure without having to spend as much as you would for RVs!

2019 Cirrus 670: Best Value

At this price, the Cirrus 670 can’t be beaten.

This is the only camper in this guide that comes with a bathtub – something that you won’t even find in other RV models!

Now THAT’s what it means when they say it comes with all the works.

It also has a massive holding tank water capacity, though there’s none for black water. But with everything else you’re getting, it’s worth it for your truck camper adventure.

Travel Lite 770R: Best Budget

At 1/3 the MSRP of most other campers, you can’t certainly expect all the most modern features.

But if you’re a solo traveler who enjoys weekend trips without worrying about adjusting the payload of your truck, this is perfect for you.

Conclusion

If you want the best option without spending for an RV’s enormous MSRP, all of these campers are excellent options.

You can get a camper with all the works like a wet bath, multiple propane tanks, and even multimedia systems like what you’ll find in many RVs, without spending too much!