So you’re interested in buying a long-bed truck camper to haul on a one-ton SRW truck. If you’ve already bought the truck, you chose wisely. Today’s one-ton SRW long-bed truck is capable of hauling most non-slide truck campers being built today. Indeed, most of the gasoline-powered, Ram 3500, Chevy 3500, and Ford F-350 long-bed trucks rolling off today’s assembly lines have payload ratings in excess of 4,500 pounds. This is a very good thing because safety is the key when hauling a fully loaded truck camper weighing over 2 tons. Exceeding the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and the corresponding payload rating of your truck should be avoided. Doing so puts you and others who share the road with you at risk, may void your truck’s warranty, and may void any coverage you have with your insurance company. In this article, we rank the 8 best long-bed truck campers for one-ton F350-3500 trucks.
When researching truck campers, it’s important to understand that the dry weight is only half of the picture. The dry weight doesn’t take into account things like full tanks, batteries, gear, food, and options like air conditioners, awnings, and solar panels that were installed after the camper was built. All of this “stuff” probably weighs a good 1,000 pounds, so a camper with a dry weight of 3,200 pounds will actually weigh around 4,200 pounds fully loaded. This means you’ll need to have a truck with a payload rating large enough to handle not only the fully loaded weight of the camper, but also the weight of all passengers and anything you have stored in the truck. Unfortunately, some truck camper companies and dealers aren’t honest in divulging this information to customers shopping for a camper. Only the dry weight is often mentioned. Getting actual weights when shopping for a truck camper is paramount. Nothing is more important. This is also why a trip to the scales is mandatory.
In this article, we rank the best hard-side truck campers that can safely be hauled on a one-ton SRW long-bed truck. So who makes the best truck camper for long-bed trucks? That’s a great question. We looked at several factors to determine our rankings, including build quality, features, handling, and holding tank capacities. The requirements to be ranked were pretty simple—each camper needed to be a hard-side, non-slide model, fit on a long-bed truck, and weigh less than 4,500 pounds fully loaded. We chose this figure because it falls within the payload ratings of most gasoline-powered, one-ton SRW long-bed trucks being built today. Fortunately, finding campers that weigh less than this figure wasn’t too difficult. Most fall well below 4,500 pounds fully loaded.
Happily, the eight truck campers that made our final cut offer the consumer a wide range of choices. Some are big and heavy, while others are light and aerodynamic. Some are framed in aluminum or wood, while others are made of molded fiberglass. Significant differences between the campers are noted here in the individual write-ups. Again, this article DOES NOT include truck campers with slide-outs. If you’re interested in a truck camper with one or more slide-outs, we will be ranking these soon in future installments here at Truck Camper Adventure. Remember, you saw this comprehensive, well-researched list here first, well before Internet copycats with nearly identical lists publish theirs. So without further adieu, here are the 10 best long-bed truck campers for one-ton F350-3500 trucks.
[Updated: March 2024]
1. Kingstar Camino 88 (Adventure Series)
A real standout and the best of the best, the exterior lines and innovative interior of the Kingstar Camino 88 make it obvious that this innovative, four season camper isn’t just another cookie-cutter camper. Some of these innovations include underfloor storage, a wall-mounted air conditioner, a stainless steel roof, R12 spray foam insulation, and a spacious wet-bath. Kingstar offers five distinct interior layouts, all of which include either an east-west or a north-south cabover bed. Camino 88 floorplans offer a generous floor length of 9 feet 2 inches, a center of gravity between 34-36 inches, and can be hauled on either a long-bed truck. The dry weight of the Camino 88 is only 3,330 pounds for a standard Camino 88 build. Standard features for this well-equipped camper include a 32 gallon fresh water holding tank, a porta pottie, a 6-gallon water heater, two 20-pound propane tanks, three AGM batteries, a Suburban furnace, a Vitrifrigo 3.2 cubic foot DC compressor refrigerator, and pullout tables. The best options include two 15-gallon side saddle (three season) fresh water holding tanks, a 20 gallon grey water holding tank, a 600 watt solar power system, Battle Born lithium batteries, a 2,000 watt inverter with transfer relay, and an Airhead composting toilet. Starting at $39,960 for the Open Range model, the Kingstar Camino 88 is sold factory direct from Houghton, Michigan with about a four-month lead time.
2. NuCamp Cirrus 920:
The nuCamp Cirrus 920 was a strong seller for the company for several years until it was pulled for a complete redesign in 2019. After much fanfare the revamped Cirrus 920 was re-released in 2023. The new and improved Cirrus 920 features an 810 amp hour lithium battery bank (three 270 amp hour batteries), a 3,000 watt inverter, a DC-to-DC charger, and three 310 watt solar panels for a total of 930 watts. This system generates enough power to run the camper’s 8 cubic-foot DC compressor refrigerator, the new Truma Aventa air conditioner, and the two-burner induction cooktop with ease. For cloudy days, the camper is also equipped with a generator and an LP tank, providing owners even more independence off-grid. Like all campers produced by nuCamp, the Cirrus 920 features unique aesthetics and European styling and a host of features found in the original like the Alde hydronic heating system, a whisper-quiet water heater furnace combination unit that saves on both weight and space, the Froli modular sleep system, and heated flooring. The 4,419-pound camper offers a 10-foot 6-inch floorplan (5 inches longer than the original) with a large dry-bath, a large cabover with a north-south queen-size bed and loads of storage, a face-to-face dinette, a massive wardrobe, and a large kitchenette. Other highlights of this cutting-edge camper include a custom diamond-plated rear bumper with hose storage, dual thermopane windows, a 43-gallon fresh water tank, a 35-gallon grey water holding tank, and an 25-gallon black water holding tank. The MSRP of the Cirrus 920 is $89,900. Available at top dealerships nationwide.
3. Rugged Mountain 11RL
Family-owned Rugged Mountain started out as a tiny house builder, branched out into travel trailers in 2014, and launched into truck campers in late 2016. This is a very good thing because the Idaho-based company builds an attractive, high-quality camper with real wood paneling, painted beadboard walls, hard wood cabinets, a one-piece molded fiberglass front cap, and a full walk-on TPO crowned roof. The camper’s spacious 9-foot 6-inch floorplan features a front dry-bath and dinette on the driver side, and a two-way 8-cubic foot refrigerator and a large kitchen on the passenger side. Holding tanks sizes are excellent too with 30 gallons fresh, 38 gallons grey, and 24 gallons black. The four-season camper offers lots of interior storage, a 84-inch slide-out fishing pole drawer, a dual battery compartment with a battery cut-off switch, two 20-pound LP tanks, and a 6-gallon DSI water heater. Standards include Reico Titan remote controlled jacks, a 17-inch Furion stainless oven with glass folding cover, a stainless microwave, a ceramic tile backsplash in the kitchen and bathroom, PVC crown molding, a 24-inch stainless steel apron sink with pull-down faucet, a keyless entry, a Furrion stainless range hood, and a stainless refrigerator insert. A terrific camper framed entirely of wood, the Granite 11RL weighs only 3,720 pounds dry, putting it well with the payload ratings of all long-bed, one-ton trucks. The MSRP for the base model of Rugged Mountain Granite 11RL is $54,000.
4. Northern Lite 10-2 EX WET
Based out of Kelowna, British Columbia, Northern Lite suffered a terrible fire in 2014, but has come back better than ever by building one of the best, most luxurious truck campers in the entire industry. One reason for this high quality is Northern Lite’s fiberglass, “clam-shell” exterior. The molded fiberglass design produces not only a superior, aerodynamic structure, but also one that is stronger and doesn’t leak like typical campers. The Northern Lite 10-2 EX WET is the company’s largest model. The 10-foot 9-inch floorplan features a north-south queen-size bed, a roomy wet-bath, a face-to-face dinette, loads of storage, and a large kitchenette. Standard features include all-wood cabinets with beautiful sapele veneer paneling; a mirrored, three-way 6.3-cubic foot refrigerator; a 6-gallon DSI water heater; a dual battery compartment, Seitz windows, and a three-burner propane cooktop. The 3,265-pound camper also features an 20,000 BTU furnace, two 20-pound propane tanks, a 9,200 btu air conditioner, two 185-watt solar panels, a 45-amp Progressive Dynamics converter/charger with three-stage Charge Wizard, LED lighting, and side and rear awnings. The tank sizes in the camper are excellent, too, with 36 gallons fresh, 40 gallons grey, and 18 gallons black. The camper can also be ordered with a dry-bath and a U-shape dinette. The Ozite “furry” headliner and the dated, turquoise color exterior graphics are the only negatives in what is otherwise an outstanding, four-season camper. The MSRP of the Northern Lite 10-2 EX WET is a bit on the steep side with a price of $43,201.
5. Bigfoot 25C10.4
The truck camper industry was shocked when Bigfoot RV went out of business in 2008, a victim of the Great Recession. Fortunately, the company reopened its doors in August 2010 after it was purchased by a former employee, Grant Bilodeau. A superb fiberglass, clam-shell design, the Bigfoot 25C10.4 weighs 3,220 pounds dry, and features 1.5-inch thick heavily insulated walls. The camper’s open floorplan features a mid-bath, a north-south queen-size bed; a large U-shape dinette; a well-equipped kitchenette with loads of storage; a massive, two-way 6-cubic foot refrigerator; and a floor length of 10 feet 6 inches. Highlights include a porcelain toilet, an 11,000 BTU air conditioner, a powerful 30,000 BTU propane-fired furnace, two 20-pound propane tanks with auto change over, a rear awning, and a three-burner propane cooktop. The camper also comes with a number of upgrades, including a battery disconnect switch, an integrated stereo system with interior and exterior speakers, a black tank rinse, accordion-style day-night shades, and tinted thermal pane windows. The tank sizes in the Bigfoot 25C10.4 are excellent as well with a 39-gallon fresh water holding tank, a 32-gallon grey water holding tank, and a 21-gallon black water holding tank. Popular options for this superb, four-season camper include the Onan 2500 generator, the wireless rear camera, and the 250 watt solar power system. Easily one the 10 best long-bed truck campers for one-ton F350-3500 trucks. The MSRP of the Bigfoot 25C10.4 is $43,260.
6. Lance 960
Lance Camper’s first new design in nearly six years, the Lance 960 was heavily influenced by truck camper owner feedback from across the country. It includes the latest advancements in seating with comfortable recliner seats and the latest tech, including the Truma Combi Eco Plus water heater-furnace, something we’ve been pushing with Lance for years. The ultra-quiet Truma Combi not only saves on weight but also space, resulting in more storage. Designed for single rear wheel (SRW) long-bed trucks, the Lance 960 weighs only 2,970 pounds dry, putting the camper at an acceptable 4,000 pounds fully loaded. The Lance 960’s 9-foot 11-inch floorplan features a gorgeous interior with medium gray wood-stained cabinets, a large wet bath with a bathroom sink, a small kitchen with a three-way 5-cubic foot refrigerator, and a north-south queen-size bed. Standards include Lance’s excellent one-piece TPO nose cap, which gives it a sleek and aerodynamic look, the Plastoform thermoplastic windows (first introduced in the excellent Lance 650), and the modern, radiused overhead cabinets in the interior. Popular options include a 100 watt solar power system, side and rear awnings, Battle Born lithium batteries, keyless entry with key FOB, and Lance’s excellent roof rack system. Tank capacities are excellent for this long-bed camper with 45 gallons fresh, 30 gallons grey, and 28 gallons black. The MSRP for the Lance 960 is a very affordable $44,460 for the base model and about $49,000 fully optioned-out. Available at top dealerships nationwide.
7. Arctic Fox 865
Oregon-based Northwood Manufacturing debuted the Arctic Fox 865 in 2008, but removed it from the company’s catalog in 2012 after declining sales. The company, however, decided to bring it back in 2017 after repeated requests for the camper. Being the only Arctic Fox truck camper without a slide-out, it was the right decision by the company. Unfortunately, even without any slide-outs, the Arctic Fox 865 is still a heavy camper. Including the company’s mandatory Fox Package, which weighs 595 pounds, the dry weight of the Arctic Fox 865 is 3,236 pounds, easily putting it at 4,200 pounds fully loaded and probably more. The Arctic Fox 865 is a big camper. Not only is the camper’s floor length generous, at 9 feet 4 inches long, but it also has some of the largest holding tanks in this weight class with 34 gallons fresh, 32 gallons grey, and 31 gallons black. Even the cabover height is large at nearly 4 feet. This well-built, four-season camper features a strong, cathedral arched ceiling, 2-inch thick heavily insulated walls, a 20,000 BTU propane fired furnace, two huge 30-pound propane tanks, a 6-gallon DSI water heater, a 45-amp Progressive Dynamics converter/charger with a three-stage Charge Wizard, and a huge, two-way 7 cubic foot refrigerator. The best options include Torklift’s excellent Fox Landing Step, thermal pane windows, and a 100 watt solar power system. Easily one of the 10 best long-bed truck campers for one-ton F350-3500 trucks. Fits on both short-bed and long-bed trucks. The MSRP of the Arctic Fox 865 is $40,646.
8. Adventurer 901SB
Adventurer Manufacturing released the Adventurer 901SB as a 50th Anniversary Special Edition in 2018 and was received so well that the company decided to keep the camper in its extensive catalog. With its all-new 9-foot 1-inch floorplan, the Adventurer 901SB features a number of firsts for ALP, including frameless windows; a one-piece, oversize wetbath; Northern European-style cabinetry, an undermount stainless steel sink; an adult-size power bunk rated for 800 pounds; and a power tower in the kitchen featuring three 110 volt and two USB power outlets. Additional features for this 3,280-pound camper include Adventurer Manufacturing’s exclusive bumper with a non-slip powder coat, a leather dinette, a Master Command LCD touch screen control panel, a channeled LED ceiling light, a Furrion stainless steel range, a massive, two-way Dometic 7-cubic foot stainless steel refrigerator, and a 100 watt solar power system. Like all Adventurer campers, the 901SB’s construction features what the company calls a “Tru-Composite Contruction” using a hybrid wood-aluminum frame, then backs up that construction with a better-than-average three-year structural warranty. The camper also features a big basem*nt with larger than average holding tanks of 42 gallons fresh, 28 gallons grey, and 28 gallons black, a dual battery compartment, and two 20-pound LP propane tanks. Can be ordered in either grey or white and fits on both short-bed and long-bed trucks. The MSRP for the Adventurer 901SB is competitively priced at $41,986.
9. BundutecUSA Roadrunner
Truck camper guru, Rory Willett, the owner of the BundutecUSA, likes his campers to stand out in a crowd and the Roadrunner does in a major way. Like all BundutecUSA campers, the Roadrunner is constructed of wood overlayed with either a smooth grey aluminum or a grey fiberglass exterior siding. The Roadrunner’s 8-foot 7-inch floorplan features a north-south 80×60-inch bed with a large kitchen and a wardrobe on the driver’s side and a huge 30×36-inch wetbath and a 66-inch long U-shaped dinette on the passenger side. Standard features include a 35-gallon fresh water tank, a 20-gallon grey water holding tank, a Thetford cassette toilet, the revolutionary Truma Combi water heater furnace, an exterior shower, Seitz windows, a Dometic CR1110 3.7 cubic foot compressor refrigerator, and window and door screens fine enough to keep out annoying “no-see-ums.” BundutecUSA offers a plethora of options too, including a Zamp 340 watt solar power system, lithium ion batteries, a True Induction Cooktop, and a 3,000 watt Xantrex inverter with a built-in transfer relay. Unlike many other truck campers in this weight class, the Roadrunner is loaded with storage due to not only the space-saving Truma Combi, but also by using every available nook and cranny. With a dry weight of 2,450 pounds, the Roadrunner should only be hauled on a one-ton truck. Fits on both short-bed and long-bed trucks. A great-looking camper inside and out with the latest tech, the list price for the BundutecUSA Roadrunner only $33,706.
10. Travel Lite Up Country 900U
Travel Lite RV recently revamped its entire lineup by offering two new truck camper brands: the Up Country for full-size trucks and the Atom for mid-size trucks. Travel Lite also upped the game by eliminating wood and staples and going with a composite structure and aluminum trussed roof. The Travel Lite Up Country 900U is one of the largest and best-equipped models with a floor length of 7 feet 5 inches and a dry weight of only 2,304 pounds. The 900U floor plan features a kitchen and wet-bath on the driver side and a U-shaped dinette on the passenger side. Standard features include a 21 gallon fresh water holding tank, one group-27 battery, a 200 watt solar power system, one 20 pound propane tanks, a stainless steel sink, a free standing table, a Shur-Flo water pump, a 40 amp converter, and a DC compressor refrigerator. Additional standards include a two-burner stainless steel stove, a stainless steel microwave, a 20,000 BTU furnace, an outdoor spray port, and detachable electric jacks. Only one option is offered, a 13.5k BTU air conditioner, but, hey, for a lightweight camper as well equipped as this one, you don’t need much more. Fits on both short-bed and long-bed trucks with a weight that is compatible with any one-ton pickup truck and many 3/4-ton pickups. The MSRP for the Travel Lite Up Country 900U is $36,993. Available at top dealerships nationwide.
