Truck campers come in various shapes and sizes, from standard hard-sided to pop-up soft-sided and even non-cabover campers. However, today we are taking a look at something totally different: a hard-sided pop-up made by Alaskan Camper.
If you’re interested in truck campers, you’ll find these models fascinating. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know.
What Is an Alaskan Camper, and What Are They Known For?
An Alaskan Camper is a type of hard-sided pop-up truck camper with a roof that raises and lowers via hydraulics. They are well known for their durability and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions.
Alaskan Campers have strong, thick walls that provide excellent insulation. They come with windows and doors that seal tightly to keep out the cold. In addition, Alaskan Campers typically have a stove, fridge, heater, and the option of adding a cassette toilet. This makes them self-contained and ideal for camping in remote locations.
While Alaskan Campers are not the lightest or most compact options on the market, their rugged construction and features make them a popular choice for campers who plan to explore challenging terrain.
Where Are Alaskan Campers Made?
The Alaskan Camper is made in Winlock, WA, by a company of the same name. The company has been in business for over 60 years and specializes in making high-quality, durable campers that can withstand even the harshest conditions.
Don Hall originally founded the company and served in the Seabees 30th Battalion (or Navy Construction Battalion) during World War II. He used his skills to design and build a truck camper for a three-month road trip to Alaska for him and his wife.
The camper had a hard-sided roof that was raised and lowered via hydraulics. It was the prototype for what would become Alaskan Campers.
Source: alaskancampers.com
Are Alaskan Campers Heavy?
Alaskan Campers are durable and rugged, so they can withstand the harsh conditions of the Alaskan wilderness. The company has stuck to using wood framing, so they may be a little heavier than some of their aluminum-framed counterparts. That said, they are not particularly heavy.
The company offers various models, and the weight of each one varies depending on the size and features. Some Alaskan Campers have a dry weight of as little as about 1,400 lbs, while others weigh nearly 2,000 lbs.
As with any truck camper, you just want to be sure you know how much weight your truck can safely manage. Don’t forget to factor in all the gear you’ll be loading it with.
➡ Not sure if your truck is up for the challenge? Find out: What Is the Best Truck for a Truck Camper?
Source: alaskancampers.com
About the Alaskan Camper
Alaskan Campers offers a wide range of hard-sided pop-up models to suit every need. Whether you’re looking for a simple camper for weekend getaways or a fully loaded model for extended trips, this brand has you covered.
Models
Alaskan Campers offers many different sizes. However, they break down their offerings into two distinct categories: cabover models and non-cabover models. They are all hard-sided with a hydraulic pop-up roof.
The cab-over models range in length from 6.5 ft to 10 ft, meeting the needs of everything from short-bed to long-bed trucks. They all have similar layouts, with a dinette that converts into a bed immediately behind the truck’s cab. Most have optional beds over the cab, as well.
One standout in the cabover models is a 10-foot side dinette camper similar to all the others. Still, it has a slightly different layout with the dinette/bed along the side instead of at the head of the camper behind the truck cab.
Source: alaskancampers.com
Alaskan Campers also offers two non-cabover models. One is 8 ft in length, while the other is 10 feet. They follow the same basic layout as the cabover models, without the space extending over the truck’s cab.
Features
Alaskan Camper truck campers come with a full slate of standard equipment. That makes them comfortable, even in more extreme weather conditions.
Unlike many modern truck campers, Alaskan Camper continues to use wood frame construction instead of aluminum. The company says that wood is easier to work with, insulates better, is just as strong, and is easier to repair than aluminum.
Source: alaskancampers.com
They have full insulation. The roof consists of a one-piece curved design and includes a furnace, stove, venting fans, comfortable seating, a dual-purpose AGM battery, and hand-crafted cabinetry.
Of course, what truly defines all Alaskan Camper truck campers is their solid wall design with a roof that hydraulically raises and lowers. This is a crucial difference between many truck campers in comfort and efficiency. The hard-sided pop-up is much more weather resistant than its soft-sided counterparts, and it’s more fuel-efficient while driving than a standard truck camper thanks to the low-profile roof.
Price
Despite all the fantastic features and ingenuity of the Alaskan Camper, they are affordable. The base models range in price from about $37,000 to $42,000 with a generous slate of standard equipment. Of course, the price can go up significantly depending upon how much optional equipment you add into the mix.
Are Alaskan Campers 4-Season?
Alaskan Campers can withstand four seasons with the standard equipment package. They keep you warm in winter and cool in summer. The company uses construction techniques to ensure their campers can withstand the extreme conditions found in Alaska, including spray insulation.
Their campers also come standard with a 20,000 BTU furnace and two reversible MaxxAir vent fans. You can also modify them with a wide range of optional equipment, but they are ready for four seasons.
➡ Want to learn more about what qualifies as a “4-season” camper? Check out this guide: What Is a 4-Season Camper and When Do You Need One?
Do Alaskan Campers Leak?
Alaskan Campers are well-known for their high quality and durability. However, like any camper, they can sometimes leak.
The most common cause of leaks in Alaskan Campers is poor maintenance. If the seals around the windows and doors aren’t clean and in good condition, they can allow water to enter the camper.
Source: alaskancampers.com
In addition, it’s important to make sure the roof is in good condition, as damage to the caulk or sealant can lead to leaks around the roof vent or skylight. However, with proper care and maintenance, Alaskan Campers can provide years of leak-free camping.
Is an Alaskan Camper Worth It?
If you’re looking for a lightweight truck camper for weekend adventures in the summer months, an Alaskan Camper might be overkill. But if you’re looking for a true 4-season truck camper, these hard-sided pop-up truck campers are hard to beat.
Alaskan Campers are solidly built, well insulated, and come with all the standard equipment you need to be comfortable year-round. Not only that, but they are rugged and durable. And with the hard-sided roof that slides down via hydraulics, they are more aerodynamic and fuel-efficient than a typical truck camper.
Looking for more 4-season truck camper options? This list won’t disappoint: 8 Best 4 Season Truck Campers for Cozy Camping Year-Round
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