One of the best things about the overlanding community is that it’s not a one-size-fits-all adventuring style. The vehicles are as unique as the people that use them. One company we think demonstrates this idea very well is Ovrlnd Camper.
These campers are for people looking for a lightweight truck camper that’s easy to modify. But does Ovrlnd really offer something more than cookie-cutter builds from major manufacturers?
Today, we’re looking at Ovrlnd Truck Campers to help you discover if they’re right for you. Let’s get started!
What’s Special About An Ovrlnd Camper?
An Ovrlnd camper is custom-made for you and your truck. Because they’re custom campers, they work with many brands and models. However, there are some models they don’t accommodate, so make sure to check their website first. Unlike slide-in truck campers, these models mount to the truck’s bed rails. This keeps the truck bed open and available for storage or living space. You can basically think of these as fancy living space truck bed shell toppers with extensions over the cab.
The process starts by getting the dimensions specific to your vehicle. They design a product that maximizes the usable space and fits onto the bed of your truck. Instead of being slightly angled, these campers come with vertical walls.
Vertical walls maximize the interior space and can increase stability. Depending on your truck bed, you’ll have room to bring gear and cargo on your adventures. When modifying the interior, it’s nice not worrying about curved walls or angles getting in the way.
These shells cater to campers but can be used as a topper as well as the bed of the truck is still available. While they don’t have any direct competitors, we think that skinny guy campers are probably a similar overland shell to consider.
Source: Ovrlnd Campers
Who Makes Ovrlnd Campers?
Unlike many camper brands, Ovrlnd Campers isn’t under any of the significant companies in the RV industry. Jay and Maggie Wellman own this independent brand. However, Jay is more than just the owner. Wellman takes a hands-on approach and serves as a designer and welder for the company.
He’s no stranger to traveling and spending time in a camper. As a young child, he traveled to all 48 contiguous states with his parents, two siblings, and their dog. He noted the things he wanted in a camper and tools for adventuring.
With his background in mechanical engineering, he launched Ovrlnd Campers at the 2018 Overland Expo. Since then, the brand has built several hundred campers. While they’re not perfect, they’ve earned a positive reputation.
Source: Ovrlnd Campers
Where Are Ovrlnd Campers Made?
The Ovrlnd Campers facilities are in Flagstaff, Arizona. This allows them to test their campers in harsh environments. From the Grand Canyon to the southern Utah landscapes, it doesn’t get much more rugged than this.
Once complete, customers can pick up their camper and test it. One advantage of picking it up in person is that they’ll install it at their shop for free. This can save you money and ensure they install the Ovrlnd camper correctly.
Pro Tip: We put together a comprehensive list of The Best Truck Camper Brands to help you find the perfect rig for you.
Source: Ovrlnd Campers
Ovrlnd Camper Lineup
The Ovrlnd camper lineup is a trio of options. Which one is compatible with your vehicle will depend on your truck. Unfortunately, there’s very little information available specific to each model. However, they all use an aluminum construction, come with a queen-size bed, and a waterproof PVC-coated polyester canvas.
No matter which option you choose, you’ll have a long list of add-on features to consider. The add-ons are what separate this truck camper from the rest. You have complete creative control in making your truck camper.
Midsize
The midsize is for trucks with smaller 5 and 6-foot beds. These overlanding setups often use vehicles like the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon, Jeep Gladiator, or Ford Ranger. The fine folks at Ovrlnd Campers will work with you to help you make the most of the available space.
Full-size
As you’d expect, the full-size model is slightly larger. It’s for trucks with 5.5 and 6.5-foot beds. While they’re custom-made for almost any truck, the usual trucks are the Toyota Tundra, the Ford F-Series, Nissan Titan, and the 1500, 2500, and 3500 models from Chevy, GMC, and RAM Trucks.
Long Bed and Flat Bed
They can cover you if you have a long bed or flatbed vehicle. Their largest unit will get you and your truck overlanding before you know it. With this option, you’ll have the maximum space to bring what you need during your travels. If you have the room, you might as well use it.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to pack these 9 Truck Camper Accessories You Can’t Travel Without in your Ovrlnd camper.
Source: Ovrlnd Campers
How Much Does An Ovrlnd Camper Cost?
While the three models vary slightly based on your truck’s size, the costs can vary significantly. The midsize starts at around $8,400, full-size at approximately $9,400, and the flatbed/long bed at approximately $9,700. However, some customers may overlook the price tag in favor of their extensive add-ons.
You’ll want to think long and hard about how and where you’ll use your camper. Items like rear barn doors, a Maxxfan with intake and exhaust, or an Arctic Pack canvas liner at additional costs are some of the possibilities. If a solar power system is in your future, their solar roof port is an option you’ll want to consider.
Are Ovrlnd Campers Worth It?
It’s no secret that overlanders enjoy customizing their setups. That’s one of the best features of Ovrlnd Campers; they’re easy to customize. Full use of your truck bed and not worrying about overhang are useful features.
On the other hand, you have to build what you want on the inside. The space won’t come finished. It will take time, energy, and money to finish it. It may not be the best option if you’re running low on resources for building the interior.
Overall, this is a no-frills truck camper without a flashy appearance. It can be helpful for novice and experienced overlanders wanting to build a quality setup for their travels. This could be worth it if you’re willing to do the work to finish your camper. If not, you’ll likely want to stick to a one-size-fits-all brand.
Would an Ovrlnd camper work for your truck? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments!
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Steve H
Tuesday 22nd of August 2023
Four Wheel Campers makes a very similar, no frills, bed-rail mount, pop-up camper with an over-cab bed and option packages called the Project M. So the buyer is free to completely outfit the camper with the options, choose a few options and DIY the rest, or DIY the entire interior. This makes the "overlander" completely flexible for those who want to design their own camper. Four Wheel began in Colorado in 1972 making campers to fit the first "overlanders"--Ford Broncos, I-H Scouts, and Chevy Blazers. Now based in California, they have decades of off-road camper construction experience and are the largest pop-up camper manufacturer in the U.S.