nuCamp has taken its popular hard-side, non-slide, half-ton-capable Cirrus 620, streamlined its feature set, and developed the lighter and more affordable Cirrus 620 Lite. We’re talking 185 pounds lighter and 38 percent less expensive. Here’s how they did it.
There’s a growing argument that pickup trucks have become bloated with features and technology that many buyers neither need nor want, especially in today’s economy. Larger touchscreens, more cameras, additional sensors, and increasingly complex electronic systems all add cost, weight, and long-term maintenance concerns. I’m sure we’re not the only ones who have been there, and done that with a bad truck sensor, or two.
Over the past decade, truck campers have followed a similar path. More features have brought more capability, but they’ve also added weight, complexity, and higher price tags. Combined with years of inflation, that trend has pushed truck campers beyond the reach of some buyers. At the same time, many truck campers simply prefer a lighter, more straightforward camper that focuses on the essentials without compromising quality or durability. Sometimes, simpler really is better.
nuCamp has recognized that demand. Last year, the company transformed its premium Cirrus 920 by removing 524 pounds of non-essential features and reducing the MSRP by an impressive $26,000. For those who still want the state-of-the-art, they launched the Cirrus 920 Elite. For everyone else, they offer the standard—and still unquestionably luxurious—Cirrus 920.
For 2027, nuCamp has brought that same philosophy to its smallest, lightest, and most affordable truck camper, the Cirrus 620. The result is the new Cirrus 620 Lite. Weighing just 1,380 pounds with an MSRP of $29,115, it’s 185 pounds lighter and 38 percent more affordable than the standard Cirrus 620. Better yet, some buyers may find its streamlined approach even more appealing than the original.
To learn more about the new Cirrus 620 Lite, we spoke with Jesse Mullet, President and CEO of nuCamp.
The 2027 Cirrus 620 Lite floor plan
The Cirrus 620 Lite is a hard side, non-slide truck camper for short bed trucks. The interior floor length of the Cirrus 620 Lite is 6’0″, the width is 7’9″, and the interior height is 6’4″.
It has an 18-gallon fresh water tank and a 13-gallon grey tank. The camper accommodates two batteries and one twenty-pound propane tank.
nuCamp RV is reporting the base dry weight of the Cirrus 620 Lite at 1,380-pounds. The base price MSRP for the Cirrus 620 Lite is $29,115.
More information about the Cirrus 620 Lite
The Cirrus 620 Lite on a Ford F150, photos courtesy of nuCamp
Why did you decide to create a ‘Lite’ version of the Cirrus 620?
Truck camper enthusiasts have always been weight conscious. They want their campers to be as light as possible for truck compatibility, handling, and the ability to pull a trailer or store more camping gear.
With that focus, we created the original Cirrus 620 six years ago. It was challenging to bring nuCamp’s renowned quality to a half-ton compatible camper, but we really hit the mark with the 620. It’s been one of our most successful campers.
For the new 620 Lite, we had two goals. First, we wanted reduce the dry weight even further without sacrificing quality. We kept the aluminum frame and laminated structure exactly the same, but reduced the features and adjusted the cabinetry. As a result, the 620 Lite is even more compatible with half-ton trucks—often with margin to spare.
The second goal was a reduced MSRP. By reducing expensive features, we were able to create a new model that is not only lighter, but has a more accessible price. And we didn’t sacrifice an ounce of quality to do it.
“By reducing expensive features, we were able to create a new model that is not only lighter, but has a more accessible price.”
Compared to the standard 620, how much lighter is the 620 Lite?
The 620 Lite is 185 pounds lighter than the standard 620. The Cirrus 620 is 1,565 pounds dry, and the new Cirrus 620 Lite is 1,380 pounds dry.
The center of gravity also moved forward on the Cirrus 620 Lite. The standard Cirrus 620 has a center of gravity of 24.5 inches, while the 620 Lite’s center of gravity is 22 inches.
When you’re talking about hard side camper compatibility with half-ton trucks, 185 pounds and 2.5 inches makes a huge difference.
Compared to the standard 620, what is the base MSRP of the 620 Lite?
The base MSRP for the new 620 Lite is $29,115. That’s a $18,124 reduction from the standard 620 ($47,239 base MSRP), or more than 38 percent.
Structurally, it’s exactly the same. We started with the exact same welded-aluminum frame, all-composite wall structure, and one-piece aluminum roof. We also kept the same thermal pane acrylic windows, sink, and cooktop. The 620 Lite comes with a 2.3 cubic foot twelve-volt Alpicool refrigerator.
As a side note, we could have removed another 200 pounds by reducing the side wall thicknesses and floor, but we kept the structure the same. We did not sacrifice build quality.
What did you change from the standard 620 to create the 620 Lite?
We started by reducing the wood cabinetry. Where the standard 620 has overhead cabinets with doors, the 620 has open shelves.
In the cabover, the hampers are now open. We used this same simplified and open cabinetry concept throughout the camper. This approach not only reduced weight, but it also gives the 620 Lite a more open feel.
We also eliminated the Alde hydronic system and went with a standard Suburban furnace. By eliminating the Alde system, we gained more storage where the Alde convectors were. Since there’s no shower inside the 620 Lite, we didn’t include a water heater.
Another difference is the elimination of the cassette toilet. We changed that area into additional storage. Owners of the 620 Lite can always bring a porta-potty.
In the cabover, we eliminated the Froli bed system. Owners can add back this feature after they purchase if desired, but it was removed from the 620 Lite to save weight and cost.
On the exterior, we switched to mechanical jacks that can be dealer-upgraded to electric-remote. We also simplified the graphics for a cleaner look, and eliminated the Nautilus P3 water management system for a more cost-effective system.
The 620 Lite is simple to use because it focuses on the essentials. That simplicity makes it even easier to go camping.
“The 620 Lite is simple to use because it focuses on the essentials.”
Some people might actually prefer the lighter and simpler approach. What options are available for the 620 Lite?
We intentionally keep the list of factory options short for the 620 Lite. You can get an air conditioner, but we install that after production in our service center.
The 620 Lite comes standard with four external tie-down points similar to the 820 and still allows the user to tie down inside the truck bed. Another option is our attached ratchet strap tie-down system identical to the 620.
It’s worth noting that we can do custom work here in our dedicated service center. If there’s something custom you want done to a factory-ordered Cirrus truck camper, talk to your nuCamp dealer.
nuCamp’s service center in Sugar Creek, Ohio
After the prototype was complete, were there any changes needed before going into production?
We made very few changes after the prototype was complete. We went in with a clear plan to save cost and weight, and nailed it.
We had a similar experience when we developed our 320 Lite teardrop trailer. We took the same approach, and had a similarly successful result.
What trucks is the 620 Lite designed for?
The 620 and the 620 Lite were developed for half-ton trucks. Of course we do see a number of 620s on three-quarter tons and one-tons. If you need to tow a heavy trailer, the 620 or 620 Lite are excellent choices to preserve your payload and tongue weight capacity.
How did you approach solar and batteries for the Cirrus 620 Lite?
The 620 Lite comes standard with a large 193-watt roof-mounted solar panel and a solar port. Owners can plug in a portable solar panel, put the panel in the sun and angle it for maximum charging.
For battery power, the 620 Lite comes with no battery from the factory. Everyone has their own battery preferences, so we kept the standard offering basic.
What are the fresh and grey tank capacities in the 620 Lite?
They’re exactly the same as the standard 620; 18 gallons fresh and 13 gallons grey. There’s no toilet system or black tank in the 620 Lite.
What warranty does nuCamp offer on this camper?
All Cirrus truck campers come with a one-year bumper-to-bumper warranty, and a three-year structural warranty.
When will the 620 Lite be available at dealerships?
It’s in production now. By the time you read this interview, it should be at Cirrus truck camper dealerships across the country. Always call in advance to make sure they haven’t sold out.
Last year nuCamp announced a lighter and leaner Cirrus 920. Now you’re announcing a lighter and leaner Cirrus 620 Lite. Will you be developing a lighter and leaner 820?
We’re not planning to. The 820 is tried and true. We love it the way it is. We make minor improvements every year and continually look for ways to refine it. We do whatever we can to raise the bar a little bit.
What about taking things in the other direction and developing an all-electric 620 Elite?
We can absolutely build an all-electric 620 Elite. It wouldn’t be hard to build. We’ve been doing more and more of that kind of work in our service center. If someone wants what would essentially be an all-electric Cirrus 620 Elite, or even an all-electric Cirrus 820 Elite, contact a nuCamp dealer.
You’re running a $1,000 rebate on Cirrus truck campers that’s open through August 31, 2026 for the first one hundred buyers. Can someone order a Cirrus 620 Lite and qualify for the rebate?
Unfortunately, no. The rebate is for 2025 and 2026 units only. If you want a 2025 or 2026 Cirrus 620, 820, or 920, the $1,000 rebate is available.
Is there anything else you’d like to add about the Cirrus 620 Lite, or any teasers about what’s next from Cirrus?
There are a few more changes we haven’t touched on. For the 2027 model year, we studied our customer feedback and made a number of updates that standardize and improve our entire truck camper line-up.
The most noticeable change is the internal LED lighting. For 2027, we’ve changed the lighting to be a warmer and more natural with 3,500 lumens of light output. It’s amazing how much more inviting this made our campers.
We also changed the flooring to a darker color and lightened the side walls. Again, the difference isn’t subtle. These changes make our campers feel more refined, inviting, and modern.
Overall, we’ve been refining our products and placing an even greater emphasis on quality and quality control. That’s our mission.
For more information about Cirrus campers, visit their website at nucamprv.com. Click here for a Cirrus Camper brochure.
