Lightweight, affordable, unique truck camper
Ah, the open road. The call of the wild. The allure of the unknown. There's something about the freedom of the journey that's always been irresistible. And what better way to experience it than with the Ultralight TC Truck Camper? This isn't just a camper; it's a statement. A testament to the spirit of adventure.
This eye-catching exhibit from the Overland Expo West is more than just a curiosity. It's a marvel of engineering and design, a lightweight, hard-sided truck camper that's as affordable as it is innovative. It's not just a teardrop trailer hoisted onto a pickup bed; it's a whole new way of experiencing the world.
The folks at Wisconsin-based TC Teardrops have been crafting these beauties since 2008, each one a unique blend of off-road readiness and distinctive design. The Kamm tail-like combination of sharply angled tailgate and vertical rear wall gives it a unique spin on the iconic teardrop shape. It's a sight to behold, and it's clear that this isn't just a repurposed teardrop body. This is a new breed of camper, built from the ground up for the task at hand.
The alu-skinned composite design is a testament to the ingenuity of the team at TC. It's a solid structure that saves weight and eliminates the corrosion-prone wood often found in teardrops and truck campers. Weighing in at a base of 600 lb (272 kg), it's lighter than any full-height, full-floored hard-sided truck camper I've come across.
The design is striking, standing straight up inside the truck bed rather than extending out over the box walls. It's meant to stand atop a bed deck, with TC recommending the Decked drawer system, a standard for truck drawers in America. These drawers not only add to the overall cost but also enhance the functionality of the camping system, keeping cooking gear and other essentials within easy reach.
The interior is cozy, with just enough space for a double bed and some storage. It's a solo camper at heart, but for those who prefer company, there's an optional split double bed with slide-out. The slide-out becomes a secondary platform for the dual-mattress double bed at night, then slides away to clear storage and entry space during the day.
The exterior is a showstopper, with a topographic design in your choice of white or black. It's not just for show; this design comes as standard. The Truck Camper starts at $10,800 for the solo model and $12,000 for the double-bed model, carving a niche between low-priced camping toppers and larger, more well-equipped lightweight truck campers.
Optional extras include a drop-down outdoor shower room, hot water heater, 19-L water canister with mounting bracket, and heating port. It's a camper that's ready to go, ready for adventure, and ready for you.
In my opinion, the Ultralight TC Truck Camper is a game-changer. It's a testament to the spirit of adventure, a nod to the call of the wild, and a salute to the open road. It's a camper that's not just about the destination, but the journey. And what a journey it promises to be.
Pros:
- Lightweight: Weighing in at a base of 600 lb (272 kg), this camper is lighter than any full-height, full-floored hard-sided truck camper out there. This makes it easier to handle and less of a burden on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.
- Affordable: With a starting price of $10,800 for the solo model and $12,000 for the double-bed model, it's one of the least expensive hard-sided truck campers available. This makes it accessible to a wider range of adventurers.
- Unique Design: The distinctive teardrop shape and topographic exterior design make it a real head-turner. It's not just a camper; it's a conversation starter.
- Durable Construction: The alu-skinned composite design eliminates the corrosion-prone wood often used in teardrops and truck campers, ensuring longevity and durability.
- Versatile Sleeping Options: The camper comes standard as a solo camper with a single mattress, but there's an optional split double bed with slide-out for those who prefer company or need extra space.
Cons:
- Limited Space: Like a traditional teardrop trailer, the Truck Camper has little space for more than a double bed and some storage inside. This could be a downside for those who prefer more spacious accommodations or plan to spend a lot of time inside the camper.
- Additional Costs: While the camper itself is affordable, the recommended Decked drawer system and other optional extras like the drop-down outdoor shower room, hot water heater, and heating port can add to the total cost.
- Requires a Deck System: The camper is designed to stand atop a bed deck, which is not included in the purchase. This means you'll need to invest in a deck system if you don't already have one.
- No Sleeper Alcove: Unlike other small truck campers, this one doesn't have a sleeper alcove. This contributes to its unique upright shape but might be a downside for those who prefer the traditional alcove design.
- Limited Cooking Facilities: The camper doesn't seem to have built-in cooking facilities, which might be a downside for those who enjoy preparing meals while on the road.
In the end, the Ultralight TC Truck Camper is a unique, affordable, and lightweight option for those who value the journey as much as the destination. It's not without its drawbacks, but for the right kind of adventurer, it could be the perfect companion on the open road.
