overshot camper brands

Truck campers are great RVs for more versatile travel, since you’re not towing a large vehicle behind you or rumbling down the road in a big, Class A motorhome. But most truck campers are quite small, and can only comfortably fit two adults.

In this article, I have done the legwork to find the best ones to feature. In addition to this list, I’ll also cover key information about whether truck camper slide-outs are worth it, and why your truck camper’s center of gravity is important.

I mentioned that weight might be an issue with slide-outs in your truck camper, and it’s kind of a big deal. At minimum, a single slide-out will weigh about 300 pounds. If you’re driving a short-bed, half-ton truck, your options may be more limited for hauling a truck camper with a heavy slide-out (or two).

Even with a standard three-quarter-ton or one-ton pickup truck, your payload is limited and every single pound counts. As you’ll find in our list of the best truck campers with slide-outs below, most of the campers weigh more than 3,000 pounds, fully-loaded.

Keep in mind as well, that the weight of the slide out can also cause stress on the frame of your camper, could lead to frame failure. Another negative to consider is that slide-outs can leak, so you’ll need to take extra care to maintain the weather seals, especially if you will be traveling in a humid or rainy climate.

If you’re buying a used truck camper, always be sure to check the roof and the floors for soft spots, which can indicate water damage. Slide-outs can also make year-round camping less comfortable, because they allow drafts, even if the rubber seals are in peak condition.

Something that’s relevant to consider is that your truck camper also won’t have a very large propane tank, so the drafts may tax your furnace system beyond its capabilities. At best, you may eat through your propane store more quickly. So, if you’re planning to camp in rugged, sub-zero locations, slide-outs might not be a good choice for your truck camper.

Drawbacks aside, there’s a good reason (or three!) why some people prefer a truck camper with slide-outs. Of course, the strongest perk is the additional living space provided in your camper.

Beyond the additional space to spread out, slide-outs allow more storage areas in the camper. When the dinette is located in the slide, the camper will have even more storage capacity in the dinette seats, the fold-down bunk area, and more.

Since storage is always a premium in tiny RVs like truck campers, one with a slide-out definitely has more to offer and this may be a strong factor and reason to choose a camper with slide-outs.

With a truck camper, the center of gravity is very important. Not only do you need to be conscious of your camper’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Cargo Carrying Capacity (Center of Gravity), you also need to be sure to distribute weight appropriately.

You don’t want your camper to cause the whole vehicle to tip over when you make a sharp turn! One thing to keep in mind is that the center of gravity may not always be in the center of the camper.

I included the manufacturer’s center of gravity for most of the campers on this list, and to find the center of gravity inside your camper, you just need to take this measurement and use it to measure the distance from the front wall of the camper.

I have done the research to find the top truck campers with slide-outs, and below, I’ll list them with important specifications about their weight restrictions, sleeping capacity, size restrictions (for short-bed trucks), and more.

Although the Adventurer 910DB truck camper is only compatible with long-bed trucks, its amenities make it worth it, with a California king-sized bed in the front of the camper, a full wall slide-out for the dinette, and tons of storage.

The Adventurer 910DB truck camper is made with two-inch aluminum framed and laminated sidewalls (three-year structural warranty) with R-13 closed cell block foam insulation and a laminated ceiling with simulated padded interior.

The roof is one-piece thermo polyolefin (TPO), with a 12 year walk-on warranty. The camper has thick framed radius four-season insulated compartment doors to keep it better insulated.

The Arctic Fox 1150 truck camper from Northwood comes with either a wet or dry bath. There’s a foot-pedal toilet, and shower pan with a shower curtain on a curved track to offer more space. The bath is at the rear of the trailer, with the dinette, a wardrobe, and a 2-way, 7 cu.ft fridge in the slide-out.

The camper’s bedroom has a comfortable NW TruRest queen bed, wardrobes and hampers on either side of the bed, and a shelf at the headboard for more storage. There’s plenty of exterior storage as well, below the slide-out.

One of the most versatile truck campers on the market, the Eagle Cap 811 from Eagle Campers is designed for both long- and short-bed trucks, with room for the optional on-board Cummins/Onan 2500 watt generator.

The camper has aircraft-quality welded aluminum frame superstructure, with two-inch TCC® laminated aluminum framed walls with R-13 Insulation (three year structural warranty).

Some of the construction features that make this truck camper special are the channeled side roofing seal system and the all-season, six-step exterior sealing process, which makes your camper comfortable no matter what climate you’re camping in.

Inside the truck camper, the layout is similar to most on this list – after all, there’s only so many options in such a tiny space! The wet bath is in the rear of the camper on the passenger side, and the shower has a spray wand that extends outside for convenient clean-up.

The Mammoth 11’ 6” Truck Camper from Host Campers is one of the largest and most luxurious on this list. There are three slide-outs as well, significantly increasing your interior space when parked in your campsite.

One feature that’s particularly cool about this truck camper is the dual-entry bathroom, with a rolling door from the main living area and a pocket sliding door for accessing the bathroom from the bedroom.

The Mammoth Truck Camper’s kitchen is in the third slide-out on the passenger side of the vehicle, and has a double-bowl stainless steel sink, a large three-burner range with a folding stove top cover, a double-door 8 cu.ft. fridge, and lots of storage.

Host Campers builds the Mammoth Campers for durability and lightweight engineering, with ultralite 100% aluminum framing, a complete fiberglass exterior, a one-piece TPO roof, and vacuum bonded foam insulation throughout.

The sofa/dinette and two-way 8 cu.ft. fridge are located in the passenger side slide-out, with the spacious dry bath tucked into the rear of the camper.

You can also add a microwave or a combo microwave and convection oven to your camper if you choose. Host Camper also offers the option to have a fireplace and entertainment center in the center of the camper, sharing a wall with the bedroom.

As with the Mammoth series, Host Camper’s Tahoe model is made with an ultralite 100% aluminum structure, complete fiberglass exterior, one-piece TPO roof, and vacuum bonded foam insulation in the walls, floor and ceiling to make it a durable four-season camper.

At over 20 feet long, the Lance 1172 Truck Camper is probably the largest on this list. It also has two slide-outs, putting it on par with the more spacious RVs from Host Campers.

This camper also has Azdel interior walls and a laminated and insulated floor, roof (one piece), and cab-over bed. Lance offers the option for two 100-watt solar panels, in addition to a long list of extra features.

The HS-2902 hard-side truck camper from Palomino RV offers a classic floorplan with everything you need to travel and camp comfortably in any season. It has a white fiberglass or gray gel coat exterior, high-density block foam insulation, an Alpha SuperFlex membrane roof, and an aluminum-framed, fully-welded super structure.

You can haul it in a ¾-ton truck with either a 6’6” or 8’ bed, making this camper more versatile for even short-bed trucks. Inside, the HS-2902 has a 40 by 62-inch convertible dinette in the passenger side slide-out, and a wet bath in the rear driver’s side of the vehicle.

The Polar 860 truck camper from Rugged Mountain RV is the shortest camper on this list. At under 16 feet, this camper is creatively laid out to maximize space. It’s constructed with a TPO roof and a high-gloss exterior finish.

The fridge is a 5 cu.ft. refrigerator/freezer combo, across from the residential-style double-bowl sink. With Rugged Mountain RV’s Rugged package, you can get a 20-inch oven and microwave in your camper.

This camper is an excellent base for your rugged camping needs. It’s also pre-wired for extra comforts and features, including electric jacks, air conditioning, kitchen appliances, and DVD/TV/Cable/Satellite.

If you’re in the market for a truck camper with more space, I hope this article has helped you find some great options for 2023 truck campers with slide outs.

When you’re researching truck campers in general, be sure to check out our post on 12 Of The Best Small Truck Campers On The Market Right Now to browse some other great truck campers!

Northwood Manufacturing will not share your personal information with any third party. Photos and drawings are representative of Northwood Travel Trailers, 5th-Wheels and Campers and may differ slightly from actual production models. Interior colors may vary and may look and or print differently than the actual color depending on your computer monitor and or printer settings and capabilities. We continually upgrade & improve our products and reserve the right to change specifications without notice. Check with your authorized dealer for updated information.

In the RV Industry, the ¾ ton truck camper is gaining a better definition. Rather than defining them by what they’re not, the three-quarter-ton truck camper brands we review in this article are now being built specifically for this level.

We’ll take a look at the best ¾ ton truck camper brands that fit 250/2500 series pickup trucks. Then, you’ll learn about the various capabilities these ¾ ton truck campers offer to help you determine what kind of RV vacation is possible.

Afterward, we’ll explore the 250/2500 series trucks models and their capabilities so that you can find the ideal match for your ¾ ton truck camper. Finally, you’ll learn about your purchasing options, the configuration possibilities, and how to find the best brands of three-quarter-ton truck campers from RV manufacturers that don’t make campers specifically for this series of pickup trucks.

Since 1969, the Epp Family has built a reputation for quality RVs in Canada. At almost 50 years old, Erdman Epp purchased Slumber Queen RV, renamed it Fraserway Camper Manufacturing Ltd., and grew the family-owned business into a thriving RV manufacturer.

At 29, Erdman’s son James took the reins in 1983 and developed the dealership and manufacturing divisions. Riding the rapids of the economy, the company rebranded itself as Adventurer Manufacturing and reestablished itself “south of the border” in Yakima, Washington. They now build truck camper brands:

Each brand is significant in its own way. The youngest is the Scout truck camper. It comes in three lightweight, energy-efficient models that use solar panels and batteries as power sources. The Kenai is a ¾ ton truck camper that sleeps up to six. It has four-season insulation, a cassette toilet, the biggest bed of the brand, and the most storage.

In 1953, Alaskan Camper designed ¾ ton truck campers and units for all sizes that could keep owners comfortable on the windy and cold conditions of the highway. Their patented hydraulic system raised and lowered the hardshell truck campers, making the RVs more aerodynamic when traveling. Today they still offer non-cab over models, but their cab-overs are just as impressive.

Alaskan Camper doesn’t publish a center of gravity specification because their truck campers don’t need them. According to the company, the units don’t balance the weight on the rear or front axles like other truck campers. Securing your three-quarter-ton truck camper is a must, but it won’t go through a teetering effect like others.

Alaskan’s 10-foot Non-Cabover is the perfect blend of conventional RV construction (see the related reading for more details on RV construction methods) and weight for a ¾ ton truck camper. Compared to the pop-top softshell truck campers, the solid wall telescoping lift has many advantages.

For example, the door is full length when fully raised, making it easier to get in and out. In the 1990s, Alaskan Camper made many improvements to the lift, like adding a power button and strengthening the pistons with steel for added strength.

Non-Cabovers have the advantage of less weight, simpler designs, and lower costs. Unlike pop-up truck campers, Alaskan Camper’s telescoping versions give you a complete hardwall. Many like this due to the better insulation and feeling more secure. The 10-foot Non-Cabover doesn’t make you compromise on bathroom or plumbing features like other cabover-less truck campers.

Double-hulled fiberglass RVs are often overlooked by those entering the RV world and veterans. Yet, they were the first genuinely lightweight travel trailers and campers in RV History. When Ray Olecko built his first fiberglass Boler travel trailer in the mid-1960s (his company opened in 1968), his 800 pound RVs would flourish during the 1973 OPEC fuel embargo.

Today’s all fiberglass RVs are either direct descendants or evolved from Olecko’s ideas. Bigfoot RV isn’t a direct descendent, but their travel trailers and truck campers use the latest innovations in their dye-molded fiberglass RVs. The company offers the 1500 and 2500 series truck campers with vivid decors and the latest features.

The 9-4 2500 is an excellent ¾ ton truck camper that comes in a long (LB) or short-bed (SB) model. Its EPS insulation makes it great for all weather conditions since it’s also paired with a 30,000 BTU furnace. Standard features include electric jacks, a rear door awning, a microwave, and a living room skylight.

Hallmark Campers has a complicated past. Hubert Ward learned his engineering skills building and testing PT Boats in Louisiana during WWII. He ended up in the RV Industry in 1959 with Tortuga Trailers in Corpus Christi, Texas. A year later, he moved to Colorado, designing RVs for Red Dale Manufacturing.

Over the next decade, Ward would join partners in starting new RV companies, do well, but ultimately have to leave for various reasons. Yet he continued to design quality RV campers and travel trailers no matter what the brand badge said.

In 1969, Ward and his two sons started Hallmark Luxury Campers. The family business grew to new heights as employees joined the family. Today they have a 30,000 square foot facility north of Denver and have over 7,000 Hallmarks on the road.

For those of you with a flatbed cargo bed, there are ¾ ton truck campers designed for your truck too. Hallmark’s Nevada Flatbed units are available for 7 or 8.5-foot bed lengths. Floor plans change based on whether you want a rear or side entry door. In addition, these flatbed truck campers have pop-up roofs, making them more fuel-efficient due to their aerodynamics. Better MPG and you don’t have to change your bed out; are you interested yet?

When Hubert Ward started Hallmark Campers in 1969, he had his two older sons with him. His son Robert took the helm in 1983 until he sold it to Hubert’s other son William in 2001. Robert spent his golden years helping his son Brian develop Outfitter Manufacturing.

Outfitter built a reputation for building lightweight, durable, and highly functional campers from the latest materials in the RV industry. In 2019, Monarch Crest Capital, Inc. acquired the company, allowing Brian’s dream to become fully realized with strong financial backing.

One of their cutting-edge ¾ ton truck campers that are redefining what these RVs can do is the Juno 8.5 Slide-In Camper. The rear wall folds down into a patio or an extra room with insulated Weblon soft walls enclosing it. This means that when fully set up, the truck camper’s powered roof gives owners another 10.5 inches in height and a few extra feet of living space.

Since 1965, Lance Camper has been a leading brand of truck campers. Based out of California, they’ve stayed on top of the latest innovations even before they joined the REV Group family in 2018. Lance is also an eco-friendly company since they’ve eliminated mercury from their manufacturing process.

A great example is the 850 model. Lance’s Truck Camper Compatibility Guide indicates that this unit is an excellent ¾ ton truck camper for short and long cargo beds. It offers features you’ll find in the more prominent models without feeling claustrophobic. The U-shaped dinette converts to a twin bed, and you can opt for a fold-down bunk above it, replacing the overhead cabinets.

Palomino RV was the creation of Vern Landey in 1968. At first, he sold tent trailers (proto pop-up campers) but had an idea on how he could build them better. By 1972, his company, Vanguard Industries, had a facility in Colon, Michigan, to avoid the congestion of Elkhart, Indiana.

Both the Real Lite and Backpack come in hardshell and pop-up versions. The Backpack Hard Side Max HS-2902 is a three-quarter-ton truck camper for standard or long cargo beds. The passenger side slide-out comes with a 4-seater convertible dinette, but a theatre seat is an optional replacement. You’ll also enjoy the nightstand that wraps around the residential queen bed with plenty of storage options.

The Backpack Hard Side 2902 isn’t a 3/4 ton truck camper made for every 250/2500 truck. Due to its dry weight, the Ford and Ram will have an easier time hauling this one since they have stronger payload capacities. The payoff is a deluxe wet bath with a gorgeous one-piece countertop, a true black tank, and many upgraded features that put this truck camper in the luxury truck camper subcategory.

In 1972, Dave Rowe founded Four Wheel Campers. He developed the pop-up rooftechnology that soft-sided truck campers use today. The company was sold in the late 1980s, keeping the Rowe Family focused on their Tiger Motor Home brand.

In 1988, Dave and his son Rob launched Phoenix Pop Up Campers based on the original designs. Now Rob and his wife Cari run the factory direct custom truck camper brand.

Once the Purchase Order is signed, you’ll pay a non-refundable down payment equal to 25% of the total price. That’s when Phoenix Pop Up Campers starts ordering materials for your build.

90 days prior, the company will contact you again if there are any last-minute changes on their end or if you need to make any updates. Final payment will be due around 15-20 days before the completion date of your three-quarter-ton truck camper.

When you think of Iowa, most RVers will think of the Flying W. Truck campers will talk about the Willett Family that began manufacturing truck campers in 1955. Originally called Texson Campers, father and son duo Ralph (Tex) and Robert (Chuck) founded Northstar Campers.

Grandson Rex took the lead in the 1980s under the current company’s name, keeping Tex and Chuck’s dream alive and kicking. Since 1961, Northstar has supplied dealers and direct customers with quality hardwall and pop-up truck campers.

Northstar’s 850SC is their largest softside unit. This ¾ ton truck camper sports a residential queen-size bed in the cabover section and a convertible dinette that measures between a twin and twin XL. A unique feature for small families is the optional hybrid travel trailer-style fold-out bed space on the passenger side.

The optional Sub Zero Package now comes standard with the 850SC three-quarter-ton truck camper and adds $1,490 to the price. It adds insulation to the tent material and dual pane windows that are becoming popular in the RV industry. Even if your plans don’t include cold weather camping, the feature will keep youcool in hot weatherusing less energy.

Northstar Campers had other family members running the company. When Tex’s grandson Rory retired in 2013 as the President of Northstar (Rex was still CEO), he decided to branch off on his own. So instead of slowing down, Rory created BunduTecUSA.

Rory Willett’s new brand didn’t ruffle the family feathers too much because these truck campers focus on customization. Customers have 12 different campers to choose from, hardwall or pop-top, and can have it as empty or luxurious as they want. Half of the campers fit 150/1500 series trucks, while the other half fits ¾ ton truck campers. Rory left the family brand to cater to the 350/3500 series.

The BunduTec BunduVry is a ¾ ton truck camper that fits standard cargo beds without tailgates. You’ll find the latest innovations inside, like Truma’s Combi Eco water heater/furnace, a 3.1 cu. ft. 12-volt refrigerator, and other state-of-the-art innovations.

You can option in either a 170 or 340-watt solar package, 3,000-watt inverter, electric jacks, and your choice of complete system install packages. However you decide to equip your BunduVry, don’t forget the Glow Scissor Steps. After all, once you have the perfect ¾ ton truck camper, you want easy access, right!?

If the unit you’re looking at doesn’t mention if it’s a ¾ ton truck camper, knowing how much a ¾ ton truck’s hauling (a.k.a. payload) capacity can help you. Based on the current specifications in the early Remote Period, the average payload capacity of a three-quarter-ton pickup truck is between 1,564-4,480 pounds, not including the upcoming Atlis Motors Atlis XT EV truck.

The 4×4 versions of each truck focus on different things. The 350/3500 have off-road models, but they are better for their towing power and work capabilities. RV owners prefer going off-grid with a three-quarter-ton truck camper and 250/2500 series truck since the vehicle’s suspension and other components are better suited to those kinds of conditions.

There are six ¾ ton choices on the road today in the American market. Each has its pros and cons. If your philosophy is to buy the truck first, it could limit the ¾ ton truck camper choices available to you. On the other hand, if you buy the camper first, you might not get the truck you want.

That’s why we always recommend researching both sides of the equation first. Remember, even if the truck can haul the dry weight of the ¾ ton truck camper, you still want plenty of extra power for your gear, passengers, and driving.

The 2010 partnership with Cummins created the Titan XD Diesel from 2015-2019. It’s now discontinued, but many of the reinforcement still exist on today’s XD. The diesel version out towed today’s gasser by 1,920 pounds. Today’s XD has 470 pounds more payload capacity than its diesel counterpart. When it comes to three-quarter-ton truck campers, we recommend choosing today’s gas-powered Titan XD.

The company reports that the truck will have a 20,000-pound payload capacity and a 35,000 fifth wheel towing maximum. The four independent motors on the 10-inch wheels make it an all-wheel-drive truck. The cargo bed will come in either standard, long, flatbed, or a service utility style. Theoretically, this truck could haul the heaviest truck camper and still have plenty of power to tow a 40-foot travel trailer for the rest of the family.

Truck campers are worth it for those that enjoy minimalist camping experiences. They’re an excellent alternative for the #VanLife and motorhome categories for those who are always on the move. These coaches are less expensive than actual drivable RVs and don’t require a lot of setup or teardown when you’re going from place to place.

Many boondockers, lotdockers, and moochdockers enjoy them because they can climb out the camper door, jump into the truck, and pull away. If you need to find a place to stop, many have cassette toilets or wet baths in them. Work from the road folks can pull into the office complex, transform into their city persona (with a shower too), and attend that meeting on time.

Some make it work, but this category, even the ¾ ton truck campers, aren’t usually the first choice for families. However, younger couples are starting to choose them over campervans because there’s more overall space, and they’re easier to maintain. Empty-nesters, couples, and singles of all genders enjoy truck campers. They also enjoy the easy upkeep and do not need to unhook them from the truck if they don’t want to.

Finding a ¾ ton truck camper can be tricky depending on the RV brand. Mainstream brands like Lance and Palomino have units for ½ ton or one-ton trucks. Some of their models are ideal ¾ ton truck campers; you just have to look at the essential specifications:

If you want some extra space in your ¾ ton truck camper, some do offer slide-outs. The dinette will extend out for truck campers, giving the interior, additional walkway space. These dinettes convert into a bed, allowing one or more people to sleep comfortably.

When people new to the category first look at soft side truck campers, they can become concerned about how the top portion of the sidewall leaks heat or A/C. The reality is pop-up truck camper’s fabric walls are nothing like pop-up campers. The waterproof vinyl soft walls are multi-layered and come with thick insulation.

Designer Dave Rowe created the pop-up truck camper technology in 1972 when he worked for Four Wheel Campers (later, he created Phoenix Pop-Up Campers). Since then, almost every truck camper manufacturer has at least one in their lineup.

Truck campers like Lance, Alaskan, and other brands have ratings as low as 0° Fahrenheit. Alaskan Campers started in the early 1950s specifically for those working on the AlCan Highway. During later construction, workers and travelers who lived on the road could escape the wind and cold in those insulated wonders.

Does your truck have a flatbed? Companies like Hallmark Campers and others make ¾ ton truck campers specifically for flatbed trucks. They have a broad base that fits perfectly. Truck camper manufacturers think about all the cargo bed variations.

In today’s Remote Period of the Modern Era (2020-Present), frame-mounted truck campers are separating themselves into the Expedition Vehicle RV category with a few exceptions. Truck camper manufacturers that used to build this type of unit put their designs in storage because those who want to vacation and full-timers prefer to disconnect the RV from the truck.

Truckhouse frame-mounts a truck camper on a Toyota Tundra, but most Expedition Vehicle RVs use 350/3500 series trucks or bigger. You may find one or two companies that can custom design their frame-mounted truck camper units on your 250/2500 series truck. Make sure to use one with the highest payload capacity.

Many RVers face one issue in the traditional categories: trying to make their coach uniquely theirs. RV manufacturers do their best to keep their products neutral, allowing owners to finish the interior with throw pillows and other pieces. However, some truck camper companies go a step further.

Generally, it’s a long process and more expensive. Yet, once the owners have their ¾ ton truck camper, it’s as unique as they are. Custom truck campers are kept longer and become second homes. Then, when it’s time to transition to a new one, these RVers usually go through the same process again.

The majority of states don’t require truck campers to be registered or titled. Instead, truck campers fall under the category of “cargo” within their laws. In these situations, the Certificate of Ownership or a proper Bill of Sale has all the information required to prove that you own the RV.

Most states don’t require separate RV insurance (the camper falls under your truck’s policy as cargo), but you may want to carry it anyway since your truck’s policy may not fully cover the camper. Speak to your insurance agent for details.

The first truck campers were nothing more than pickup truck toppers with benches on each side. During those post-WWII years, they marketed them as a way to give the whole family a place to sit in the cargo bed while you drove your truck. It’s not a good idea to do that today.

Fast forward to today’s EV trucks. Tesla’s Cybertruck has an expandable non-cabover truck camper called the Cyberlandr. So when the RV company released its computer rendering, within a day, they had hundreds of reservations for the EV truck camper.

Canoo, Lordstown, and others have their versions or are working with third parties too. In the Remote Period of the Modern Era (2020- Present) we’re seeing a concentration on multifunctionality, self-containment, better ways to RV outside campgrounds, and benefiting directly from the electric vehicle technology. As these technologies progress, many truck camper brands will continue to grow in popularity as the affordable RV option of the future.

After living in a truck camper full-time, we’ve come to appreciate the finer things in life like elbow room and storage space. In many truck campers being built today, these basics are lacking. Our camper is no different. As a result, we’ve had to be creative to find places to store things in our rig like in the truck bed and in the cab of our truck, but finding living space in our camper remains elusive. There simply isn’t a lot of room inside for basic things like lounging around and watching TV.

That’s why we were intrigued when we recently had the opportunity to take a closer look at a Host Mammoth 11.6 truck camper at a dealership in town, Tom’s Camperland. This long-bed truck camper not only impressed us with its luxury, size, and quality, but also had us seriously thinking about an upgrade. If a $65,000 camper has that kind of allure after a brief, 30 minute tour, you know it has to be good.

First things, first. The Host Mammoth 11.6 is big. The name fits because this camper is massive, even for a long-bed truck camper. Indeed, with a typical dry weight of 4,700 pounds, an overall length of 19 feet 3 inches, and a floor length of 11 feet 6 inches, it’s one of the largest slide-in truck campers in the industry. Part of what makes the Mammoth so big is that it features three slide-outs. Yep, you heard us right—three. These slide-outs create an enormous amount of living space—180 square feet to be exact—the equivalent of what you’ll find in an average size motorhome.

Of course, you’ll need a big truck to haul this camper. Depending on options and how much “stuff” you put in it, the Mammoth will probably weigh between 5,500 and 6,000 pounds, which means you’ll need a minimum of a 3500/F-350 dual rear wheel truck with a 5,500 pound payload to safely haul it. Some Mammoth owners have resorted to getting a 4500/F-450 or 5500/F-550 truck with an even larger payload to haul this elephant-size beast around.

Luxury is the word that comes to mind when you walk inside a Host Mammoth 11.6 truck camper. Inside, you’ll find a “host” of amenities and high-end touches not found in your typical truck camper like a leather sofa, an electric fireplace, a mantel with a 32-inch flat-screen TV, a large dry bath with a porcelain toilet and a large shower, a two-door 8 cubic foot refrigerator, molded counter tops, and a massive, four-door pantry in the kitchen. If that isn’t luxurious enough, options are also available for a king size bed, a 6 foot sofa with an adjustable high-low table, an outdoor entertainment center with a 24-inch flat screen TV, and a washer/dryer combo.

Truth be told, the lavish interior and attention to detail of the Host Mammoth camper resembles a high-end apartment more than a truck camper. The slide-outs, of course, are a large part of what makes the Mammoth so special. We were amazed at all of the elbow room, storage space, and amenities inside the camper. Full-timing in this thing would be a joy compared to the truck camper that we’re living in now.

“We’re the guys that build a camper with a comfortable living space that has more of a living room type of feel,” explained Randall Pozzi, General Manager of Host Campers based out of Bend, Oregon. “You walk in one of our campers you’ve got the two couches in there, its got the fireplace, the mantel with the TV above it, you’ve got the high-low table that goes up and down, side-to-side, and in and out, you can set it up like a coffee table, you can set it up like a dining table. Our campers make you feel like you’re in a living room set-up rather than your typical camper where the only place you have to sit is at the dinette. That’s what sets us apart from everybody else, our comfortable living space,” he added.

The Mammoth 11.6, like all Host Campers, is loaded with an impressive number of standard features. These include a Dometic two-way 8-cubic foot refrigerator, a Suburban 6 gallon DSI water heater, a Suburban 25,000 BTU propane fired furnace, a 1,000 watt inverter, and a Suburban thre-burner propane cook top with a folding cook top cover. The camper also comes standard with a U-shaped dinette, a loveseat, and a queen size bed. All of the cabinets in the Mammoth are high-end with shaker style doors and drawers with pocket screwed face frames.

If you’re into boondocking or dry camping, you’ll really like what the Mammoth has to offer. The camper has the largest holding tanks in the industry—65 gallons fresh, 51 gallons grey, and 31 gallons black. We couldn’t find a larger fresh water or grey water holding tank in a slide-in truck camper being made today, even in the larger Eagle Cap models being made by ALP (Chalet RV used to produce a camper with a 66 gallon fresh water tank capacity, but that camper is no longer being made).

The Mammoth excels in other ways, too, with the camper capable of carrying 15 gallons of propane, a vented battery compartment large enough to house two group-31 batteries, and a 1,000 watt inverter with two dedicated AC outlets. The camper comes solar ready, but if you want Host offers three excellent Zamp solar power options that can be installed at the factory: a 160 watt, a 320 watt, and a 480 watt system. Many Mammoth owners also opt for the Onan 2500 generator to power the convection microwave, the electric fireplace, and the 11,000 BTU air conditioner while off-grid.

When you first lay eyes on the exterior of a Host Mammoth camper, “wow!” is the first word that usually comes to mind. The smooth, fiberglass exterior of the camper, tastefully accented with Host’s traditional graphics package, presents a muscular yet elegant appearance. One feature not readily apparent when you first look at the camper is the Mammoth’s crowned TPO roof. The benefit of having this feature is that it prevents water from pooling on the roof and creating leaks. We also liked the rear folding ladder, the recessed LED automotive style tail lights, and the toppers fitted above each slide-out, which keep moisture and leaves out of the camper when the slide-outs are retracted. But the one feature that really brought a smile to our faces was the basement storage tray. This easy, pull-out tray provides an enormous amount of storage that would be the envy of any RV owner, let alone a truck camper owner.

Like most of the truck camper’s being built today, the Mammoth’s frame is constructed entirely of aluminum. While many manufacturers build their truck camper frames out of aluminum, few do it right. “What really sets us apart in our framing is our walls,” Pozzi says, “we use studs throughout our walls, and every window, every door, every hatch is an actual framed-in opening, so if you took the window out of one of our campers you’d see aluminum there. Where most of the manufacturers if you take a window out of the wall, you’d see nothing there but foam. So over time the foam starts to compress and now you’ve got a compression ring window that’s squeezing nothing so you have a much higher potential for leakers.”

Frame issues have plagued some truck camper makes with multiple slide-outs, but not at Host. Most manufacturers are building campers with 4- and 5-foot wide floors below the bed rails of the truck. This approach employs the standard stair-step pattern or Z-pattern that is difficult to make strong enough to carry big slides because of the wings and the narrower floor. Host uses a better, completely different approach and backs it up with a three-year structural warranty.

The Host Mammoth is a true, four-season camper. Even though the exterior walls are only 1-inch thick, Pozzi explains that the walls are insulated with a 2-pound high density foam with a high R-rating. This higher density foam insulates just as well as the 2-inch thick walls found in other high-end truck campers. In order to keep the camper toasty warm, the Mammoth is heated with a Suburban high-efficiency 25,000 BTU furnace with full ducting throughout the camper. Most campers have only one vent for the furnace, which is a common complaint we hear hear at Truck Camper Adventure. Moreover, the basement, which houses the battery compartment, all of the camper’s holding tanks, the storage tray, and a good portion of the camper’s plumbing, is also heated. Even the exterior doors and hatches are insulated to ensure that the camper stays warm in winter.

A big concern for many consumers shopping for a truck camper with multiple slide-outs is the slide-out reliability. While some truck camper companies have been having problems with these mechanisms, Host hasn’t had any issues at all. The reason is Host uses Power Gear heavy-duty steel mounting hardware underneath their slide-outs rather than the less reliable Schwintek aluminum hardware, which is mounted on the side. Host’s Power Gear slide-out mechanisms have robust rolling assemblies that simply don’t fail. Yes, these assemblies are heavier than those found in other makes of truck campers, but they hold up better over time. When you consider where most of us like to take our truck campers—off-road excursions on rough forest roads and rutted desert trails are the norm—it makes a lot of sense to have a stronger, more robust slide-out assembly. Who wants to have a breakdown on an outing? We sure as heck wouldn’t.

Another concern that many have with such a large camper is how it will handle on and off pavement. With three slide-outs and the floor mounted above the bed rails of the truck, you’d think that there would be issues, but that hasn’t been the case. The Mammoth actually handles exceptionally well on a one-ton dually with the requisite payload.

“If you look at the design, where the axles hit and you look at what’s forward of the axle, our fresh water tank, our grey water tank, our black water tank, our pantry, our refrigerator, everything that’s really heavy that you’re going to load into this camper, your food, your water and all of these kind of things is all forward of the axle where so many campers are designed where you’re loading the back-end and that’s why the Mammoth drives so well for a big camper because it’s designed to be loaded front-end,” Pozzi explained.

The Host Mammoth 11.6 appears to have everything that one would want in a truck camper. Pozzi tells us that the Mammoth is by far the best-selling camper at Host. That’s no surprise, but because of its size the Host Mammoth isn’t for everybody. If you’re looking for an extreme 4×4 truck camper to take off-road, this elephant-size beast isn’t it. But if you’re looking for a camper to travel in or to use as a base camp to use your other toys, then the Mammoth will fill that need rather nicely. At $65,000 for the base model, there are certainly cheaper options, but they aren’t necessarily better. The high quality frame and slide-out mechanisms, not to mention the lavish, high end features of the interior provide ample evidence of that fact. There’s no doubt about it, the Host Mammoth 11.5 is the undisputed king of the mountain when it comes to the multiple slide-out truck camper market. It doesn’t appear likely that the Mammoth will be pushed off its lofty perch anytime soon.

Bish’s RV is your destination RV dealer for sales, service, and parts - we are here to be your one-stop-shop for all of your RVing needs. Our stores are located in Idaho, Iowa, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, Texas, Wyoming, Virginia, and Utah. Bish’s stocks a wide variety of travel trailers, motorhomes, fifth wheels, camper vans, and toy haulers for sale.

Ready to find a Truck Camper for sale? The truck camper is not a vehicle in itself, but an add-on living quarters designed to slide into the bed of a full size pickup truck. The Truck camper is fastened to the truck frame during transport and slides out onto its own legs at the camp site. The main benefit of truck campers are their ability to store easily, use less fuel and easily maneuver. Find your own new or used Truck Camper for sale here at RVT.

Happy Camper RV is an RV Dealership with locations in Boise and Caldwell Idaho, proudly serving the RV needs of recreationalists from near and far since 2003. Happy Camper RV offers a large selection of new tent trailers, A-frames, travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers and motorized RV’s from Forest River, Flagstaff, Primetime Manufacturing, Aliner, Heartland, Dutchmen, Gulfstream, Riverside RV, Braxton Creek, Opus, Crux and others. Happy Camper RV also offers a wide variety of pre-owned RV’s at all three locations. A wide variety of pre-owned RV’s. From lightweight towable to full time residential, Happy Camper RV has an RV that’s right for you and your family. Happy Camper RV has full parts, sales and service department in both Boise and Caldwell, Idaho. Our friendly, knowledgeable and experienced staff is available to help with all your RV needs. Come see us Monday through Saturday throughout the fall RV season or call us at (208)658-8300 in Boise or (208) 466-6250 in Caldwell. Our goal is to do our best to have you leave our business a Happy Camper!

Say a guest slips in your RV and sues. Or an overshot throw while tossing the pigskin smashes into a nearby camper’s window (yikes!). Personal liability can, respectively, cover medical and legal costs if you’re held liable for said guest’s injuries, and pay for that cracked window.