Outpost announces TIG-welded and powder coated aluminum accessory upgrades including a new MOLLE-equipped heater box, multi-function ladder, and an adjustable roof rack. A new refrigerator and more are also on deck. Outpost 8 teaser ahead!
Where some truck camper manufacturers focus on building models to cover a wide range of trucks and customer segments, others concentrate on one or two models and steadily refine and obsessively improve those products year after year.
Outpost Campers definitely falls into the second camp. After launching its composite panel 6.5 in 2024, the company re-engineered the camper from the ground up in 2025. The result was a lighter and stronger design built with domestically-sourced composite panels and extrusions, a 150 percent larger lithium battery system, increased solar capacity, and a list of customer-driven refinements. That should have locked the 6.5 in for years, right? Not a chance!
Less than a year later, the Bayfield, Colorado team is back at it with new options and upgrades for 2026. First up are three in-house designed, TIG-welded aluminum and powder coated exterior options: a new multi-function heater box with MOLLE panel, a new multi-function ladder, and a new multi-function roof rack. See a pattern? This is what happens when a company is bursting at the seams with innovation and obsessive passion for their campers.
Outpost is also announcing a new refrigerator, new front windows, new upholstery, and other CNC cut enhancements.
To go deep into Outpost’s updates, we talked to Taylor Ripp, Co-Founder of Outpost Campers.
Click here for an Outpost Camper brochure
Above: The 2026 Outpost 6.5. All photos courtesy of Outpost Campers.
Tell us about the new heater box option, and why this is an important change for the Outpost 6.5.
It’s a laser-cut, TIG-welded, powder-coated aluminum box designed specifically for the Espar diesel heater system. It looks better and functions better than off-the-shelf solutions. We designed it in-house down to the millimeter and it’s made for us by the same US-based company that builds our aluminum cabinets. It’s solid, and it even has a smaller footprint on the rear compared to our previous heater box.
The new heater box also gives us more functionality with the MOLLE panel and built-in locking latches. You can now lock the heater box with a key. The MOLLE provides extra storage and it matches the aesthetics of the camper better.
We noted the integrated door latch and Outpost logo.
Yes, the door integrated door latch is a better solution than another bolt-on part.
We’ve brought on a new designer and are very excited about what we are going to be able to do with his design work. He’s an architect by training, and worked in product design for twenty years. We’re using his talent to refine many elements of the Outpost 6.5.
Does the heater box get hot enough to heat whatever is stowed on the MOLLE?
It doesn’t get too hot because the diesel heater itself doesn’t get too hot, and the MOLLE panel is offset from the box. Most of the heat generated by the diesel heater goes into the camper. We also added ventilation to the box to dissipate heat. The box can get warm, but not hot.
How much weight can the heater box MOLLE support?
You can have up to thirty pounds of accessories on the heater box MOLLE panel. The MOLLE panel is riveted to the aluminum heater box. It’s strong. We envision customers using the MOLLE on the heater box for shovels, axes or RotopaX with extra water or diesel.
What model Espar diesel heater are you using in the new diesel heater box?
We use the Espar Airtronic AS3 D2l, a 12-volt, 7500 BTU diesel heater. Espar is the pioneer of diesel heaters and the AS3 D2l is an absolute top-of-the-line diesel heater that’s been tested and proven for years.
“You can camp over 13,000 feet with it, which is a huge advantage over propane.”
You can camp over 13,000 feet with it, which is a huge advantage over propane. It’s also super reliable and efficient with fantastic heat output. It can keep up with insanely low temperatures. I’m talking -10 degrees Fahrenheit outside while keeping it 65 degrees inside the camper. The heat is also dry, which is another advantage over propane systems.
How long will the heater last in cold temperatures with the diesel tank housed in the heater box?
The Espar comes with a 2.8 gallon diesel tank built into the heater box. We have done extensive Espar testing during our Colorado winters. With daytime temperatures in the 30s, and night temperatures in the teens, the Espar kept an Outpost 6.5 above 65 degrees for twelve days. Keep in mind that’s with no one in the camper. Add warm human bodies in the camper and the Espar would have lasted considerably longer.
Can you just fill the diesel tank at an automotive fuel station?
Yes. It’s super convenient because you can fill your heater tank at the same time you fill your fuel tank. Our heater box has a fuel fill that sticks out of the box. You don’t even need to open the box to fill it. There’s no need to find a propane station, find the attendant, and remove and reinstall the propane tanks.
No more propane stations. That sounds dreamy. Naturally those of us with gas trucks would need to switch nozzles at the fuel station, but that’s a cinch. Let’s talk about your new ladder option.
A ladder has been a highly requested feature. Customers want access to their roof to store things or clean off their solar panels. There’s a grab point at the top, and then the roof rack provides another point to grab onto.
“Like our new heater box, the new ladder was designed in-house, is made from welded aluminum, has a premium powder coat finish, and is heavy-duty.”
We didn’t want an off-the-shelf ladder from the RV industry. What we saw wasn’t up to Outpost standards. Like our new heater box, the new ladder was designed in-house, is made from welded aluminum, has a premium powder coat finish, and is heavy-duty.
How much weight can the new ladder handle?
The ladder is riveted directly to the aluminum frame and structure of the camper. A 300 pound person can go up and down the ladder with no problem.
In addition to roof access, customers can use the ladder for gear. There are accessory mounting slots and holes in the ladder rungs to use as a gear rack. The rails are heavy-duty aluminum piped rails. It’s functional and stout.
We envision customers attaching Maxtrax, ski racks, and bike carriers. We have rated the ladder to carry up to 100 pounds of gear. We try to make everything multi-functional.
Is the Outpost 6.5 a full walk-on roof?
Yes, you can walk on the roof. The solar panels can take up a lot of space, but there’s still room to walk around.
While people are on the roof, is there anything they should inspect or maintain?
We recommend that you keep your solar panels clear of dust and dirt. We also recommend checking the solar panel mounts now and then. If you’re off-road and swipe a tree branch, climb the ladder and check everything.
That’s good advice for every truck camper. How about the roof seals?
The way we build our composite panel campers, the panels and joints are sealed with an extremely high-quality polyurethane adhesive. That’s our primary seal. On our roof, we add a redundant layer of Dicor self-leveling sealant, but that’s more for UV protection for the primary polyurethane seal.
Outpost owners should inspect the self-leveling sealant at least once a year. If the Dicor is damaged or dried out, it should be removed and replaced. I don’t expect that to happen but maybe once or twice a decade.
My personal Outpost camper is a prototype from several years ago. It uses only the primary polyurethane seal and stays outside year-round in Colorado. The seals are still good and show no signs of issues.
You’re also introducing a roof rack option for 2026. Is this another in-house designed feature?
Yes. It’s high quality powder coated aluminum, just like the heater box and ladder. You can put kayaks, canoes, surfboards, or a gear box on it. There’s nothing within reason you can’t store on it.
The roof rack features mounting slats and tie-down points in different locations to secure things easily. There are also slats to feed straps through, and bolt holes.
The cross bars are fully adjustable. Simply loosen a single bolt and slide the bars along the slats to position them where needed. With one hand, you can move the cross bars to the desired width of the track.
For those who need even more rooftop storage options, you can add a second roof rack to the front of the camper allowing you to have four crossbars. This works even if you have the air conditioner option.
It’s always good to have more storage options. Tell us about the new refrigerator.
We are now using the Vitrifrigo Slim 90 12-volt refrigerator. Compared to the Indel B CR86 (86 liters), the Vitrifrigo Slim 90 (90 liters) offers about fifteen percent more refrigerator and freezer storage space.
The Vitrifrigo utilizes a remote 12-volt compressor for improved ventilation. We also like how this model distributes air to create fewer cold spots inside the unit. The isolation of the freezer compartment is another important improvement.
The footprint of the Slim 90 is about one inch taller and one inch wider than the CR86. To accommodate the larger size, the kitchen area and upper cabinet shrunk by an inch. The trade-off is more food storage and a much larger freezer. The Vitrifrigo is also more elegant looking and should operate with more efficiency due to the improved ventilation.
Are the holes in the aluminum cabinetry part of the improved ventilation?
Yes. The previous model CR86 compressor is ventilated into the cabinet under the sink. The Vitrifrigo vents into the open area above the kitchen. During our testing, the Vitrifrigo uses less power and we think that’s because it’s venting into the open area. The holes are what’s recommended by the manufacturer for optimum performance.
The Vitrifrigo refrigerator is also more widely available than the other model. Both the Indel B and the Vitrifrigo are made in Italy, but the Vitrifrigo is more widely used in the United States. Both for our customers and us, it will be easier to source parts for the Vitrifrigo.
That’s become a more critical topic by the day. Tell us about your new upholstery.
I spent three weeks with my family in an Outpost 6.5 this summer. After that experience, one thing I wanted to improve was the upholstery. Our original upholstery was good for durability, but the rougher texture grabbed dirt faster. Keep in mind that I was testing our camper with our five year old and our dog. I saw how easily the original upholstery attracted dirt. I also thought we needed something a bit plusher and softer.
The new fabric is more stain-resistant, but also plusher and softer. The color profile is very similar to what we were using. We like the color and how it matches the camper decor. It’s a good balance between comfort and stain resistance.
Along with that change, we redesigned how the whole dinette bench system is built. Previously, the cushions were built into the bench structure. Now they can be removed and washed. If you need a cushion replacement, we can ship one to you.
The dinette structure is also CNC cut, so it’s stronger and more elegant. The Lagun table now locks into place when you make the dinette into a bed. It won’t move.
The toilet bench has also been improved to be stronger, easier to use, and more elegant in its design. The entire dinette has benefited from being CNC cut and keyed together. It’s a more intentional design now.
Have you changed the cushion pattern to accommodate the dimensional changes with the refrigerator cabinet and the CNC cut updates?
We were using two cushions on the front wall. Now we’re using one long cushion. It’s now a bit easier to move that cushion to access the water tank, EcoFlow battery system, or a port hole for the tie-down point.
Has the Lagun table always had a mount on the wall?
Yes. The table leg and table store on the back wall when not in use. When you want it, you remove it from the mount and install it in the dinette.
The front window option is also changing for 2026. Why are you going from one long window to two smaller windows?
We feel the two smaller windows will be more durable long-term. We are changing from one window measuring 300 mm tall by 1,100 mm wide (11.8 × 43.3 inches) to two windows, each measuring 300 mm tall by 500 mm wide (11.8 × 19.7 inches).
Going to two windows doubles the structure, doubles the struts, and doubles the amount of support for the windows. There’s also more engagement in the closed position, so the windows seal better.
About half of our customers order the front window option. The front windows give you 270 degree views in the cabover, but you are adding more holes in the composite structure.
Have you been able to hold your pricing for 2026?
We did our best to keep our prices the same, but we needed a slight increase. The 2026 Outpost 6.5 base price is $41,995. That mostly covers our increases in material and component costs this past year. Virtually every component going into the camper has increased in cost.
Even with this price increase, our goal is to build the most capable off-grid truck camper at an incredible value. We are holding our prices as best we can by working with our suppliers and improving production efficiency. We have also improved the product and are offering a lot of new components and options for 2026.
The 6.5 is my baby. It’s the model we started with and the one I would buy. We are always going to keep refining it.
Can you tell us anything yet about the upcoming Outpost 8?
We have the prototype on the production floor. We’re getting custom fiberglass for the bathroom done now. We’ve been listening to what people want and are doing it right the first time. A lot of people have been patiently waiting and they will be pleased with what we’ve come up with. It’s not ready to announce yet, but you’ll see it debut here in Truck Camper Magazine soon.
Is there anything more about Outpost you want to cover?
A big part of 2025 has been getting our new building built. We officially moved in October, but the customer lobby and offices are still actively under construction.
Seeing our camper production all in one big area is awesome. The new building has refined our production line and improved our efficiency. This means we can better keep up with demand and introduce new models. We are scaling up.
I have to pinch myself when I see all the campers being built and moving down the line. I’m really impressed with how good our guys are getting. They are building campers better and more efficiently every day.
Our team has also increased quite a bit. We have a new designer and more production staff. We also have a new customer support leader who answers the phone and personally inspects every camper that leaves the building. With over one hundred Outpost campers in the field, we want to support our customers the best we can. We want to take care of the people who have invested in us.
For more information about Outpost Campers, visit their website at outpost-campers.com. Click here for an Outpost Camper brochure.
