Truck campers come in a variety of sizes and weights, to accommodate the different size limits and payload capacities of trucks.
As there are many different types of trucks on the road today, including compact, mid-size, full-size, and heavy-duty as well as 1/2-ton, 3/4-ton, and 1-ton, all of which, have different size limits and payload capacities.
If you drive a compact or mid-size truck like the Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, or Chevrolet Colorado though, you need to be looking at the smallest and lightest truck camper options.
Due to the more limited size restrictions and payload capacities of compact and mid-size trucks.
But what are the lightest truck camper options and what is the lighter truck camper?
The lightest and smallest truck camper on the market today is the SCOUT TUKTUT, which has a dry weight of only 634 pounds and an overall length of just 9 feet 2 inches.
Making this lightweight truck camper ideal for compact and mid-size trucks.
If you want to know more about the lightest truck camper though, make sure to keep reading.
Because in this blog post, we provide a full breakdown of the lightest truck camper, as well as information on seven other lightweight runner-ups.
The Lightest Truck Camper: Scout TUKTUT
Quick Specs
- Starting Price: $16,500
- Type: Hard-Sided
- Dry Weight: 634 Pounds
- Overall Length: 9 Feet 2 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 2
- Bathroom: Optional Portable Dometic Toilet
SCOUT makes four different models of their lightweight hard-sided truck camper, including the TUKTUT, the YOHO, the OLYMPIC, and the KENAI.
If you’re looking for the smallest and lightest model though the TUKTUT is the only way to go, as it has a base dry weight of only 634 pounds, making it not only the lightest SCOUT but the lightest truck camper period.
In fact, the SCOUT TUKTUT is so light that no other truck camper weight even comes close.
SCOUT TUKTUT Floorplan
For example, the second lightest truck camper, the SCOUT YOHO has a base dry weight of 991 pounds, making it over 350 pounds heavier.
Just because the TUKTUT is the lightest truck camper though, doesn’t mean it’s light on features, as its lightweight minimalist design offers a range of comfort and convenience features to make your next camping trip more comfortable as well as enjoyable.
Including such features as:
- Full-Size Bed for Two with Bunk Extension System
- Multi-Function Storage Solutions
- Six Optional Goose Gear Modules
- Bench Seating
- Flex Work/Kitchen Space with Portable Jerry Can
The best thing about the SCOUT TUKTUT is not it’s features though but its lack of features, as this ultra-lightweight truck camper was designed to be a blank canvas.
Allowing you to build out the camper to fit your specific needs, by adding the things you need and nothing you don’t.
Which not only helps to save on weight but also creates a more minimalist simple style of camping.
Letting you get back to the basics and enjoy a more clutter-free camping experience.
To learn more about the SCOUT TUKTUT and to see how to order one, visit SCOUT’s website by clicking here.
2nd Lightest Truck Camper: SCOUT YOHO
Quick Specs
- Starting Price: $23,490
- Type: Hard-Sided
- Dry Weight: 991 Pounds
- Overall Length: 10 Feet 1 Inch
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
- Bathroom: Optional Portable Dometic Toilet
The second lightest truck camper is the SCOUT YOHO, which has a dry weight of only 991 pounds.
And is one of only two hard-sided truck campers in the industry, that weighs less than 1,000 pounds.
Making this small lightweight truck camper perfect for compact and mid-size trucks, like the Toyota Tacoma and the Ford Ranger.
Produced by Adventure Manufacturing in Yakima, Washington, SCOUT truck campers are designed to be the ultimate backcountry truck camper by offering the perfect blend of strength, lightweight minimalist design, off-grid features, and customization.
SCOUT YOHO Floorplan
As all SCOUT truck campers, including the YOHO, offer a unique lightweight composite wall construction, with all-aluminum framing that contains no wood.
Eliminating any potential for wood rot, which helps to ensure that the camper will last for decades to come.
All SCOUT campers, and especially the YOHO are also designed with a simplistic, and minimalist design that provides everything you need and nothing you don’t.
This not only keeps the weight of the truck camper down but also allows you to enjoy nature with fewer distractions.
But despite the YOHO’s simplistic and minimalist design, it still offers all the off-grid and boondocking features you’ll need for an extended stay in the backcountry, including:
- 175-watt Renogy Solar Panel
- Portable Goal Zero Yeti 3000X Lithium Power Station
- Portable 4.9-gallon Jerry Can with Charcoal Filter for on-the-go Water Collection
- 10 Pound Propane Tank.
In addition, the SCOUT YOHO is also completely customizable.
Allowing you to customize the truck camper to your particular camping style and needs, as SCOUT truck campers are built to order for each customer and ordered directly from Adventure Manufacturing.
For more information on the SCOUT YOHO and to find out how to order one, check out SCOUT’s website by clicking here.
3rd Lightest Truck Camper: SCOUT OLYMPIC
Quick Specs
- Starting Price: $24,990
- Type: Hard-Sided
- Dry Weight: 1,145 Pounds
- Overall Length: 10 Feet 6 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: Up To 6 with Optional Roof Top Tent
- Bathroom: Optional Portable Dometic Toilet
While the SCOUT YOHO from above is designed for compact and mid-size trucks, the SCOUT OLYMPIC is designed for full-size trucks, such as the Ford F-150, RAM 1500, and the Toyota Tundra.
As the OLYMPIC’s wider, longer, and slightly heavier design, requires a larger truck bed with additional payload capacity.
Despite its larger size and heavier weight though, the SCOUT OLYMPIC would still easily be considered an ultralight truck camper.
Considering that most truck campers from other manufacturers usually start at around 1,500 pounds and quickly go up from there.
And thanks to the larger size of the SCOUT OLYMPIC, which provides an extra eight inches of width, five inches of overall length, and four inches of floor length.
The SCOUT OLYMPIC provides a lot more breathing room inside the camper, giving everyone a little more room to spread out.
Which really comes in handy on those longer camping trips.
SCOUT OLYMPIC Floorplan
And just like YOHO, the OLYMPIC is very boondocking and backcountry camping friendly.
Thanks to all of its standard off-grid features, which include a large solar panel, portable power station, onboard water storage with built-in charcoal filter for on-the-go water collection, and 10-pound propane tank.
In addition, just like the YOHO, the OLYMPIC can be completely customized to your particular camping style and needs, as it also offers a very modular and minimalist design, which lets you customize the interior with a wide variety of features and amenities.
For more information on the SCOUT OLYMPIC and to learn how to order one, check out SCOUT’s website by clicking here.
4th Lightest Truck Camper: Palomino Backpack SS-500
Quick Specs
- AveragePrice: $20,000
- Type: Pop-Up
- Dry Weight: 1,197 Pounds
- Overall Length: 12 Feet 8 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
- Bathroom: None
Palomino, which is owned by Forest River is one of the largest manufacturers of truck campers.
They offer a wide selection of truck campers across 3 different lineups and 28 different models with varying floorplans, designs, and sizes, which is one of the reasons why Palomino truck campers are so popular.
Because no matter what type of truck camper you’re looking for, there’s a good chance that Palomino will make one that will fit your needs.
Palomino Backpack SS-500 Floorplan
And if you happen to be looking for an affordable small pop-up truck camper, great for compact and mid-size trucks, then you need to check out the Backpack SS-500
As the Palomino Backpack SS-500 is the lightest and smallest truck camper that Palomino makes, with a dry weight of just 1,197 pounds and an overall length of only 12 feet 8 inches.
Making the SS-500, not only one of the smallest pop-up truck campers on the market today but also one of the most affordable, thanks to the budget-friendly average price of $20,000.
But despite the more affordable price and compact size of the Palomino Backpack SS-500, this truck camper still manages to pack in tons of upgrades and premium features, not usually found on affordable truck campers.
Which you can see by checking out the long list of standard upgrades included on the base Palomino Backpack SS-500.
- Hi-Gloss Exterior Fiberglass
- Aluminum Frame
- Mortise and Tenon Hard Wood Cabinets
- Electric Roof Lift with Remote
- Black Rieco Titan Convertible Jacks
- 20,000 BTU Furnace
- 20-Pound Propane Tank
- 3-Way Refrigerator
And if you’re someone who likes to camp in the backcountry with your truck or boondock in remote areas, you can add the optional Badlands package, which includes a 100W solar panel with a charge controller as well as a second battery tray for plenty of off-grid power.
For more information on the Palomino Backpack SS-500, check out Palomino’s website by clicking here.
5th Lightest Truck Camper: Palomino Real-Lite SS-1600
Quick Specs
- Average Price: $20,000
- Type: Pop-Up
- Dry Weight: 1,197 Pounds
- Overall Length: 12 Feet 8 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
- Bathroom: None
The Palomino Real Lite SS-1600 is the 5th lightest truck camper on the market today, but in reality, it’s actually tied for 4th, with the Palomino Backpack SS-500 from above.
Due to the fact, that both the SS-1600 and SS-500 have the same 1,197-pound weight.
The fact that these two truck campers have the same weight though is no coincidence, as they’re actually sister RVs.
This is a fairly common practice in the RV industry, where an RV manufacturer will make the same RV, except for the badging and often the color scheme.
If you’re wondering why an RV manufacturer would do this, it allows two different RV dealers, especially ones close to one another to sell different RV models. Preventing different RV dealers from having to compete on the same RV.
From a consumer standpoint though, just know that they are the exact same RV.
Palomino Real-Lite SS-1600 Floorplan
This is the case with the Palomino Real-Lite SS-1600 and the Palomino Backpack SS-500.
Because except for the name and slightly different color schemes, they’re both the same RV, including their floorplan, features, and construction.
So whether you’re looking at the Palomino Real-Lite SS-1600 or the Palomino Backpack SS-500, just know you’re looking at the same truck camper.
For more information on the Palomino Real-Lite SS-1600 and to see a 3D walkthrough of the camper, visit Palomino’s website here.
6th Lightest Truck Camper: Hallmark Campers Milner Classic
Quick Specs
- Starting Price: $46,695
- Type: Pop-Up
- Dry Weight: 1,212 Pounds
- Exterior Length: 11 Feet 8 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
- Bathroom: Optional Porta Potti or Cassette Toilet
Another truck camper manufacturer with a long history of making top-notch truck campers is Hallmark Campers.
Which has been producing some of the best campers money can buy since 1958.
Now located in a 30,000-square-foot facility just north of Denver Colorado, Hallmark Campers is one of the leading manufacturers of 4-season truck campers.
And one of their most popular truck campers models by far is their Hallmark Campers Milner Classic, which has a base weight of just 1,212 pounds.
Hallmark Campers Milner Classic
Despite its lighter weight and compact dimensions, however, the Hallmark Milner Classic doesn’t skimp on features or amenities.
As this truck camper is equipped with a queen-sized bed, a dinette booth that converts into an additional sleeping space, and a well-appointed kitchenette.
Offering ample counter space, a propane stove, a sink, and a mini-fridge, packing a lot of functionality into a small space.
The Milner Classic from Hallmark also allows for a high degree of personalization.
As it gives you the freedom to choose your interior finishes, from the cabinetry’s wood type to the color schemes and even the material textures.
To learn more about the Hallmark Milner Classic and how you can order yours, visit the Hallmark website.
7th Lightest Truck Camper: Palomino Rogue EA-2/EB-2
Quick Specs
- Average Price: $16,000
- Type: Pop-Up
- Dry Weight: 1,224 Pounds
- Overall Length: 12 Feet 2 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 3
- Bathroom: None
The Palomino Rouge EA-2 and EB-2 offer a very unique low-profile single hinge design that sets them apart from other pop-up truck campers.
Because instead of the entire roof-raising, only the rear of the truck camper raises, pivoting from the cabover area of the truck camper.
Which makes for a much simpler design, helping to reduce setup complications and perhaps more importantly weight.
As the Palomino Rogue EA-2 and EB-2 are built and designed for compact and mid-size trucks and are some of the lightest pop-up truck campers you can buy.
It’s not just the lighter weight of the Rogue EA-2/EB-2 that makes these compact truck campers so great though, because they’re also one of the cheapest truck campers you can buy, with an average price of just $16,000.
Making these truck campers perfect for those shopping on a budget.
Palomino Rogue EA-2/EB-2 Floorplan
And if you’re wondering why we included both the Rogue EA-2 and Rogue EB-2 together, it’s because again they’re sister RVs, just like the Backpack SS-500 and Real Lite SS-1600 from above.
The only real differences between the EA-2 and EB-2 are their badging and exterior accent color, as the Rogue EA-2 features a blue exterior accent color, while the Rogue EB-2 features an orange exterior accent color.
They’re both great little truck campers for smaller trucks though, thanks to their small lightweight design.
As they both have a dry weight of 1,243 pounds, an overall length of 12 feet 2 inches, and an exterior width of 80 inches.
Despite their smaller size though the EA-2 and EB-2 both pack a ton of comfort features and amenities into the camper.
As they both offer a 62-inch by 72-inch cabover bed, a convertible dinette booth, a small kitchenette with a mini-fridge, propane stove, and kitchen sink, and a surprising amount of storage space considering how small the truck camper is.
In addition, these two truck campers also offer several upgrades not commonly found on more affordable campers, including an electric roof lift, a large skylight over the bed for stargazing, a 20,000 BTU furnace with a 20-pound propane tank, Black Rieco Titan convertible jacks, and solar prep.
To learn more about the Palomino Rogue EA-2 or the EB-2, check out Palomino’s website here.
8th Lightest Truck Camper: Northstar 600SS
Quick Specs
- Starting Price: $27,175
- Type: Pop-Up
- Dry Weight: 1,258 Pounds
- Overall Length: 12 Feet 2 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
- Bathroom: None
Northstar has been making quality truck campers since 1955, out of their factory in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
Originally called Texson Campers up until the 1980s, Northstar produces some of the most well-constructed truck campers in the industry.
As they not only glue every joint together but then reinforce those joints with hardened steel screws, which pretty much makes the truck camper indestructible.
This helps to ensure that you’ll be able to enjoy your Northstar truck camper for decades to come, no matter which model you choose.
Northstar 600SS Floorplan
Northstar makes a wide variety of both pop-up and hard-sided truck campers to fit a variety of needs.
But the smallest and lightest option is the Northstar 600SS, which has an overall length of 12 feet 2 inches and a base weight of 1,258 pounds.
Making the 600SS a great fit for just about any compact or mid-size truck.
Despite its small lightweight size though the Northstar 600SS still has everything you’ll need for an extended camping trip into the backcountry.
As the 600SS offers a small kitchenette with a Dometic three-way fridge, a Dometic propane stove, and a kitchen sink, as well as a U-shaped convertible dinette booth, and a large north-to-south over-cab bed with storage on either side.
In addition, the 600SS also features plenty of upgrades throughout the camper, including Happijac corner jacks, an electric roof lift, a 20-pound propane tank, an auto-ignition furnace with a digital thermostat, and an oversized 17-gallon freshwater tank for extended stays in the backcountry.
For more info on the Northstar 600SS, check out Northstar’s website by clicking here.
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