Let’s talk campers. In recent years, tons of innovation and a shift in market perspective have made campers one of the hottest modifications for pickup trucks.
As early as 5 years ago, campers (at least in my eyes) weren’t really a valid option for many consumers. The majority of them were big, bulky, and without a ton of aesthetically pleasing features. Were they functional? Sure. But we all know that when form and function are married together, that’s when we see the best results.
With a bunch of new companies exploding in popularity, these saw a huge spike in interest. I never saw myself as a camper guy, but as time went on and I became more experienced, I quickly realized these are the pinnacle of long-term and long-distance off-roading and overlanding.
This article will serve as a compilation of the best options that currently exist for the 2nd & 3rd Gen Tacoma. There is no ranking per se, as everyone’s needs are different and each one has a specific application. The list is in alphabetical order for the organization’s sake. Hopefully, this post will serve as a valuable resource for anyone interested in potentially adding one to their rig.
Let’s take a look at the options you have to choose from!
Interested in a more traditional camper shell/topper? More below.
Table Of Contents
1. GFC
- Fits 2005+ Short Bed & Long Bed Tacoma: Find It Online
Go Fast Campers might be the company, which at least for me, sparked my interest. Years before I even bought my Tacoma, GFC released their first-ever wedge camper. It was the first time I genuinely considered these might not just be for that retired couple that lives KOA to KOA… Not that this particular lifestyle is anything I might envision myself doing.
GFC was started with a mission to create a better option to see the world with and attempt something new and exciting. At the same time, you learn that the world really isn’t that scary – at least that’s the idea. Based in Montana, the team has been growing quickly and they seem to have plenty of happy customers.
The GFC is now on its second iteration, with the recent launch of the V2. I know these guys have plenty more in store and I’m always excited to see what they’re working on. It’s important to note that they also offer a V2 rooftop tent, for those not looking to jump straight into a camper.
We’ve covered the V1 on a 2nd Gen Tacoma in a previous post. If you’re interested, you can check out that post here.
Wondering what a road trip to pick up one is like?
Check out my recent post on a 3,000 mile road trip from Illinois to Montana to pick up my new V2 Go Fast Camper.
Notable Features
- Extremely hackable
- Operable hard side panels
- Multiple color options
- Vehicle specific installation kits
- Options for additional add-ons
2. AT Overland
- Fits 2005+ Short Bed & Long Bed Tacoma: Find It Online
Another especially impressive company on the list, AT Overland, knows its stuff. Starting over 15 years ago building trailers, AT has branched into offering multiple services for the community. They’re now a premier retailer, builder, and servicer of all things off-road and overland.
If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop offering a slew of toppers and campers, AT Overland might be the way to go. They have three different truck toppers (AT Habitat, AT Summit, and AT Atlas) and three different options (Aterra XL Flatbed, FiftyTen System, and OVE Camp-X)
Not only are there 6 options to choose from, but the extent of the ability to accessorize and modify yours is insane. The inventory and ability to customize your purchase seem to be unmatched.
Notable Features
- The scale of the AT Overland business is fairly large, relative to many of the other manufacturers on this list. Rather than outline way too many notable features, and there are quite a few for each of the models, I’ll direct you over to their site so you can read everything in a native setting and decide which choice is best for your needs.
3. Four Wheel Campers
- Fits 2005+ Short Bed & Long Bed Tacoma: Find It Online
One of the oldest and most established companies on this list, Four Wheel Campers has been around since 1972 and is one of the few manufacturers left standing after many years in operation. First launched in Colorado, the company has grown and gone through several infusions of fresh ownership to get to where they stand today.
Trusted by countless customers, you can be sure these guys know their stuff. This company offers three different kinds of models (Slide-In, Topper, Flatbed). Every offering is impressive and offers a ton of functional space and intuitive design.
If you’re looking to go with one of the oldest and most popular choices, you can’t go wrong with these. I’m especially impressed when a company can offer multiple models, with tons of options to customize, and of course, who doesn’t like to see a complete bed replacement with the flatbed option?
Notable Features
- Multiple models and designs to choose from
- Decades of experience
- Models to suit everyone’s wants and needs
- Seemingly endless choices to upgrade and customize
4. Hiatus Campers
- Fits 2005+ Short Bed & Long Bed Tacoma: Find It Online
Hiatus Campers was founded with the purpose to build the best outdoor recreation equipment for all your adventure needs. The team actively supports those who want to live on the go outdoors. They are designed to help travelers feel at home while spending extended time in new destinations.
From the beginning, the focus was to find a great balance between function and design, all while not skimping on performance. The decision to start the company began with the company’s position that nothing on the market could accommodate all the needs the founders were looking for.
With a few unique features, this camper is looking like a great option. The only downfall? Lead times to begin building yours are over 2 years out from the time of order. But good things come to those who wait!
Notable Features
- Insulated composite folding walls
- Slide-out sleeping platform with cushions
- Prewired LED lighting
- Front and rear windows with screens
- Roof vent
- Locking rear double doors and side access doors
- Optional Yakima roof tracks
5. Alu-Cab
Photo credit: @seekoutbeauty
- Fits 2005+ Short Bed & Long Bed Tacoma: Find It Online
With over 20 years of experience and plenty of happy customers, the Alu-Cab name continues to live up to its self-appointed title of Ultimate Overland Products. Their journey started when their own African travels highlighted the need for attention to two important details: weight and space.
Many swear by the Alu-Cab name. This option is reported to be one of the lightest and most functional on the market. Having been tested in the safari rental market, you can be sure that the Alu-Cab will not disappoint. With tons of awesome features and a bunch of accessories and gear support, this choice is perfect for someone looking for next-level quality and attention to detail.
One of our favorite accessories? The propane heater. Yeah… you heard that right. This camper is ready for even the coldest nights as you explore the outdoors. The lead times are relatively low as well—that’s always a big bonus. Especially when some lead times are over a year for others!
Photo credit: @seekoutbeauty
Notable Features
- Easy access door with heavy-duty hinges
- Easily mount a spare, no need for rear bumper with tire carrier
- Mounting extrusions for accessories
- Dual-layer tent canvas for optimal insulation
- Split bed panels on gas struts
- Bedding can remain inside of tent when closed
- Roof rails for mounting of rooftop accessories
- Easy side access doors
- Lots of accessory support
6. Harker Outdoors
- Fits 2005+ Short Bed & Long Bed Tacoma: Find It Online
A smaller and newer company, Harker Outdoors began brainstorming the EDC about two years ago. They saw plenty of innovation potential left to be explored. The team focused on improving the entryway, bed size, and standing room.
Harker added a standing entry, a larger mattress, and an innovative tailgate annex which allows for 50-100% more room when compared to other wedge campers. All of this was accomplished while keeping the design lightweight and maintaining a fast setup and teardown time.
This camper setup currently touts some of the lowest lead time in the industry at 4-6 weeks. Several add-ons are being prototyped for things like kitchens, gear slides, and more.
Notable Features
- Standing entry
- Larger mattress
- Tailgate annex for increased interior room
- 300lb total weight
- Options for solar and lighting
- L-track accessory rails
7. Hower Built
- Fits 2005+ Short Bed & Long Bed Tacoma: Find It Online
Hower Built is a relatively new company to the camper game, but Colin (the owner) comes from a background rooted in adventure guiding for outdoor excursions. Colin wanted to create something that was ideal for the overlander.
After a couple of prototypes, Colin launched the current production model Hower Built offers. An industry first, Hower Built offers the only electric pop-top for the Tacoma. These are built from the lightest and most durable materials in order to bring the comforts of your home to the outdoors.
Hower Built also builds many other vehicles and offers conversion services. If you’re looking to get in on the ground level of a new company and have one of the more unique ones out there, this is the one for you!
Notable Features
- Electronically lifted pop-top
- High roof load capacity
- Perfect for mid-sized trucks
- Multiple configurations and customization options available
8. Kimbo
- Fits 2005+ Short Bed Tacoma: Find It Online
Kimbo campers were inspired by the interior of a nuclear submarine. You heard that right—a submarine! Mark, the owner of Kimbo, whose father is the Captain of the USS Alabama, knew he was onto something and didn’t want to settle for anything average.
Mark was looking to build a mobile home that would allow him to leave the traditional idea of home behind, all while staying comfortable while exploring and camping all over the Pacific Northwest. Mark was a natural inventor, as well as a fabricator. So when he saw a vacuum for something that would work perfectly for his own purpose, he built his own.
Fast forward a few years and the Kimbo went viral and slowly became quite the internet sensation. While not the best camper for heavier off-roading, it provides the most creature comforts while staying mobile.
Notable Features
- Frameless, aluminum construction
- Maximal interior space
- Built for extended off-grid travel
- Modular interior choices
- R-5 insulated interior
- Double-paned windows with screens
- Several power options
9. Super Pacific
Photo credit: @pnwx.taco
- Fits 2005+ Short Bed & Long Bed Tacoma: Find It Online
The Super Pacific brand is one of the newest on the list. Like many companies, the idea for Super Pacific came about over a few beers and conversations with friends. Everyone involved wanted to get their families outside more, but was struggling with how to incorporate an outdoor lifestyle with the hustle of modern-day life.
After deciding that camper vans were beyond the budget, and the available space, and after deciding that the rooftop tent market was lacking, the team decided to break into a custom design.
Fast forward to now, Super Pacific has quickly been gaining traction and the orders keep rolling in. The team has members with backgrounds varying from building, design, manufacturing, and product innovation—the collective experience ultimately culminated in a camper that has caught the eye of several consumers, and the interest shows no sign of stopping.
Photo credit: @pnwx.taco
Notable Features
- 4-season tent
- Commercial grade canopy
- Built for customizing
- Wide side access
- Countless custom parts
10. TrailFort
- Fits 2005+ Short Bed & Long Bed Tacoma: Find It Online
Another newer company to market, TrailFort is certainly shaking things up. The inspiration for the product came from building forts as children. Fast forward to today, and the TrailFort aims to bring that same experience to adult life.
Raised in the foothills of Northern California, the team used to rough it (like all of us at some point). The Trailfort team values preparation and safety—which culminate in this new overland camper design.
This camper is certainly visually appealing and has some features that you don’t see on others on this list. This particular one caught our eye early last year and has made a big impact on the community.
 Notable Features
- 5 lockable utility access doors
- Falcon-wing side doors
- Integrated tunnel storage and roof rails
- Aerospace aluminum construction
- Tripple zipper windows
- 3″ sleeping pad
11. Special Mention – TruckHouse BCT
Find It Online
- Truckhouse the BCT: Check Price
So I absolutely had to say something about this camper. Yes, you need deep pockets or you need to be really committed. But TruckHouse is the definition of dialed.
*** This is now discontinued, as the company has moved into full sized trucks.
This is certainly not your average camper. The TruckHouse is the complete package. The purchase price includes the truck and the edgy design and next-level manufacturing are setting the benchmark standards for the high-end market.
Whether you’re looking to take a weekend trip or a global expedition, this build will have you traveling in style. The base truck is completely and heavily revamped to be able to handle the added weight and luxurious add-ons.
With several available stages, performance packages, colors, off-road options, entertainment setups, remote power systems, and severe weather upgrades, the team at TruckHouse has literally not left a single stone, or more appropriately bolt, unturned. If you’re looking for the best, look no further!
Final Thoughts
Now that is quite the list! Hopefully finding all the options for the Tacoma in one place was helpful. There may be other companies on the rise, but this list consists of the most popular and the latest additions to the market.
I know my future holds a camper… the only (and really the hardest) decision is which one?! All of these companies offer something a little bit different and they’re all suited for a variety of outdoor explorers. Only time will tell which one I’ll end up with. The decision isn’t easy, but I’m sure I will settle for something awesome.
Surprised OVRLND Camper didn’t make the list. Light, full pop-up not wedge, cool half barn door options.
I also just came across a company called Lone Peak camper that makes an affordable camper to fit Tacomas.
good list!
Hi, Are there any T. Tacomas without 4×4? Just low and sleek and not off road with a camper.Thanks
Interesting that you’d ask this question here instead of simply going to the Toyota website.
I have a NorthStar 600 SS camper on my rig and love it! This is a pop-up style camper with a lot of built in features and incredible use of space. Includes a 3 way refrigerator, all LED alighting, furnace, 2 burner stove, water tank and gray water tank. Has space for a port-a-potty as well. Weighs in at about 1400 lbs wet, including the 20lb propane bottle and battery.
A great unit and well worth a look if comfort is part of the equation.
Hello, I have an AT summit. It has been great. I do wish they would update the design a little though, to fix the known drip line issues and perfect the design.
One feature that I wanted is the bed platform is on shocks and all your bedding can stay in place. I think they are the ONLY one that does that. Am I correct, are there any other companies out there that also have that feature?
Thank you,
Kevin, I think a couple others now have a shock system that allows you to push the bed up and away while inside. AluCab and a couple other, I believe. Maybe Harker as well.
great article
Thank you, Sarah!
6 Months with my Super Pacific and enjoying every minute. Works with my MTB in the back and has been used for 30+ nights so far.
I went with Alucab two piece Explorer topper and then their 3.1 tent. The Explorer topper has been a dream. Wanted the flexibility to utilize the truck in as many ways as possible. The weight of each component makes it easy to remove from the truck as needed. I have found that having three sided entry to the truck bed is not just convenient but an essential element for an outstanding unit. The quality of the aluminum and components is simply top notch. Its challenging for others to match 20 plus years of experience that Alucab brings. I am certain… Read more »
Over 34 months ago I ordered a Drifter camper from Vagabond Outdoors. I paid over $11,000 for this campler and still have not received it. To make things worse, Vagabond Outdoors will not respond to emails or answer their phone. Those that have one of these campers love them and say the quality is unmatched for this type of camper. However, Vagabond Outdoors appears to have stopped production and stopped all communication with their customers.
Yikes, man. That’s not good – sorry to hear that. I do have some connections with some friends of the owner. I relayed this situation to them and was told that there should be some outreach very soon. Please let me know if you get an answer. Feel free to shoot me an email too – konrad@trailtacoma.com
Great article, I like how you pulled together a great list of companies to start looking at that fit the Taco! There are so many options on models, hard to know where to begin and the articles accomplished that well!
Thanks, Lance! Glad you found it useful.
Thanks for the compiled list! Is there a reason you only mention 2005+ Tacomas? I know at least a few of these fit Gen 1 and I’ve heard the vagabond is transferable across generations as long as the bed length is the same. This is crucial info, especially for us first genners!
You are most welcome! So we primarily focus on the newer models, the 2nd & 3rd Gen Tacoma. Hence why we have next to no 1st Gen options here. It’s a great truck, no doubt – but just outside of our scope on the site. Many, if not all of these companies, have a camper that fits several makes and models, even outside of Toyota!
Are there any Tacoma campers out there that don’t look like campers? I’m looking for something that resembles more of a work truck/utility bed enclosure rather than a camper. I’m hoping to do some cross country traveling in the future any may find myself needing to do some ‘stealth’ camping. I’d rather blend in as a work truck than standout as a camper in such cases.
Check out skinny guy campers. They have a fold out that looks exactly like a topper.
I’ll have to take a look!
Ted, they all generally look the same. If you don’t like the standard lower profile design, like the GFC, your only other option would be a bed topper with a sleeping platform in the bed. I will say, a properly outfitted camper doesn’t necessarily draw a ton of attention. All depends on your needs though.
Not helpful at all! The two most important pieces of information are missing; weight and price.
Hey Jeffrey! The intention here was to quickly compile some of the options we are most familiar with and give a bit of background. We will have a more detailed and updated version of this post eventually. Info like approximate weight will be included. Price is tough to nail down since material and labor costs are always changing. Thanks for the feedback! I’ll be sure to take it into consideration moving forward.
Super helpful thank you! The guys at GFC are no joke! All super knowledgeable and their product is top notch!
No problem! Happy to help. I have a GFC myself, so I know exactly what you’re talking about. I absolutely love mine. Highly recommended!
Is there any companies on northern east coast th a year specializing in off road campers
Richard, that’s a good question. As far as I understand, pretty much everyone is out west. But if you’re into off-roading and traveling, picking one up and making a trip out of it is a great idea. I just did that with my GFC. I drove from Illinois to Montana. Lots of fun.
Eco Rover out of Carlisle, PA
I’ll have to check that out!
I have probably owned 25-30 different pickup campers, trailers and RVs since my parents started with the only trailer they ever owned…a 1955 14’ Mobile Scout. None are perfect for everything. Most of these are designed for younger hard core overlander/boondockers as opposed to campgrounds. They have an advantage that you can tow your toys behind or carry them on top. An excellent innovation for a whole new game!
Hey this is De na do you remember me & Brian? Just wondering if you still have the pop up?
Yeah, I think that’s an important thing to note. No one camper, or really product, is good for everyone and everything. There are always pros and cons. Individual needs are certainly a good thing to consider. But I completely agree, the innovation brought into the space has been really exciting. We’re always hearing about new ideas, designs and updates. Personally, I love the sleeker designs, which still allow you to wheel your truck a little harder, without worrying about huge changes to weight or center of gravity.