Rugged Mountain debuts an all-composite panel camper aimed at the pinnacle of the hard-side, non-slide, dry-bath, slide-in marketplace. With cutting-edge tech, specs, and materials, the Granite 11RL has been transformed. Meet the Granite Platinum Prototype!
Want to see fellow truck camper enthusiasts go nuts on social media? Post a Rugged Mountain truck camper and hang on as people lose their minds over the tiny-home inspired interior.
The Rugged Mountain interior aesthetic dates back to mid-2018 when the Emmett, Idaho manufacturer revealed the Granite 11RL. Gone were any hint of brown, beige or maple. With white walls, white cabinets, crown molding, residential hardware, farm sinks, Corian countertops, tile backsplashes, stainless steel appliances and fixtures, and clever use of color and texture, the Granite 11RL was modern, bright, and distinctly residential in its presentation.
For 2026, Rugged Mountain has taken the Granite 11RL further—much further. Starting with a premium composite panel structure from Globe Trekker, Rugged Mountain has aimed the Granite Platinum at the top of the hard side non-slide marketplace. Then they kicked the battery, electrical, solar and electrical technology up a notch or three, and made everything standard. The prototype is still be finalized for production, but there’s already no doubt Rugged Mountain is making a statement with the Granite Platinum.
To learn more about the new Granite Platinum, we talked to Jesse Collinsworth, Founder and CEO of Rugged Mountain RV.
The Rugged Mountain Granite Platinum is a hard side, non-slide, dry bath truck camper made for long bed trucks. The interior floor length of the Rugged Mountain Granite Platinum is 11’0”, the interior height is 6’8”, and the center of gravity is 57”.
The Granite Platinum has a 30-gallon fresh tank, a 38-gallon grey tank, a 24-gallon black tank, and a Truma Combi water heater and furnace.
It comes with 628Ah of lithium standard and a full Victron solar package with 1200-watts of solar on the roof. It has two 20-pound propane tanks.
Rugged Mountain is reporting the fully loaded weight of the Granite Platinum at 3,898 pounds. The MSRP for the 2026 Rugged Mountain Granite Platinum is $90,895.
Click here for a Granite Platinum brochure
Above: The interior of the Granite Platinum, photos provided by Rugged Mountain RV
What led you to develop and build a composite version of the Granite 11RL?
The Granite 11RL was already an unbeatable hard side non-slide dry bath floor plan. It was already the camper that won RV Pro’s Best In Show when we debuted it at the Elkhart Open House in 2018.
For 2026, we’re taking the gloves off the 11RL and turning it into an all-composite truck camper to go head-to-head against the best hard side non-slide slide-in truck campers on the market. If you’re a top-of-the-line hard side non-slide truck camper owner, the Rugged Mountain Granite Platinum is your next upgrade.
That’s a bold statement. What composite panels and extrusions are you using for the Granite Platinum?
Over the past few years, I’ve gone to great lengths to find a composite panel and extrusion system that met my thermal break requirements. During that time, I studied and purchased numerous composite systems to test their thermal break capabilities. Everyone utilized aluminum corner extrusions and failed to create a true thermal break.
“I’ve gone to great lengths to find a composite panel and extrusion system that met my thermal break requirements.”
What is a thermal break and why was it mission-critical for your evaluations?
A thermal break is a low-conductivity material placed between two conducting components—like aluminum or steel—to interrupt the path of heat flow. This is critical in a truck camper to prevent condensation from building up inside the camper in cold temperatures. It also prevents drafts and improves the efficiency and comfort of a camper.
Aluminum and steel framing is a huge thermal bridge. When it’s cold outside and warm in your camper, the metal is going to conduct moisture inside your camper and walls. Worse, the metal, fiberglass, and insulation materials inside your walls are going to heat and cool at different rates, triggering the delaminations that are so prevalent throughout the RV industry.
Above: The prototype’s rear overhang boxes will be fully integrated in the final production version.
What composite system provided the thermal break you required?
I chose the Globe Trekker system. Bill Sands, the owner, approaches quality the same uncompromising way I do. He’s not interested in cutting corners or chasing the cheapest solution. Based on my thorough research, testing, and experience with their composite panels and extrusions, Globe Trekker’s system is the best. They’re also priced at a premium, but I’m 100 percent confident in their performance.
“The panels themselves are 1.5-inch foam-core composites with incredibly strong internal structure.”
What ultimately convinced me was Globe Trekker’s new extrusion design. They developed an extrusion with an aluminum exterior that connects to an interior PVC corner, creating a true thermal break. The panels themselves are 1.5-inch foam-core composites with incredibly strong internal structure. That’s why I chose Globe Trekker, and why we’re announcing the Granite Platinum.
What will change from the prototype Granite Platinum to the final production version?
The biggest change will be the rear overhang boxes. In the prototype, they’re separate. In the final production version, they will be fully-integrated into the camper for a better aesthetic.
The perception is that composite panel construction is completely waterproof, offers excellent insulation, exceptional durability, and a superior strength-to-weight ratio. Is that what you’ve found in your development of the Granite Platinum?
In terms of weight, the new composite panel walls are essentially on par with other construction techniques. While the composite foam does add mass, it closely offsets the spray-foam insulation we previously used. Both wall systems are 1.5 inches thick, with the composite coming in slightly lighter overall.
Where composite clearly pulls ahead is water resistance. These panels are 100 percent waterproof, and the manufacturer specifies that the foam will not support mold growth—even if water ever infiltrates. Unlike metal or aluminum-framed campers, there’s no risk of rot or delamination. From a water-intrusion standpoint, composite is simply a superior solution.
Insulation performance is also comparable, though we’ll confirm final numbers after additional testing. In practice, at the R-values we’re already achieving, the real thermal limits aren’t the walls—it’s the windows and the unavoidable need for airflow inside the camper.
Durability is where this construction truly shines. The Globe Trekker panels are fully composite, using PIR foam cores, gel-coated FRP skins, and reinforced Azdel sub-laminates. The manufacturer literally hits them with hammers to demonstrate their strength. What’s most impressive is how they’re built: no screws, nails, or staples—just advanced structural adhesives. This is the same bonding technology used throughout modern automotive manufacturing. It’s proven, it’s strong, and it represents a major step forward in camper construction.
“This is the same bonding technology used throughout modern automotive manufacturing. It’s proven, it’s strong, and it represents a major step forward in camper construction.”
So there are no screws, nails, or staples in the Granite Platinum build?
There are screws to hold cabinets in place while the adhesive sets. That’s it. I’ve been in the camper every day and it’s incredibly rigid and strong. It’s rock solid.
Did you design the Granite Platinum composite in CAD?
Yes. We literally used the exact same length, width, and height as our original Granite 11RL, and sent those dimensions to Globe Trekker. Globe Trekker has an in-house engineering team that designs and cuts their panels. We worked closely together.
For the record, the camper structure is 100 percent composite—walls, floors, and roof?
Yes, the structure is 100 percent composite, but the interior cabinetry is all birch plywood, just like my regular camper builds. I did not want composite or aluminum cabinets. I wanted to keep our interior look.
There’s also an interior bathroom wall that’s wood-framed. That’s to allow venting and wiring to go up to the roof. Everything in the basement, roof, and exterior walls is composite.
The Granite Platinum in the photos doesn’t have your front nose cap. Will front nose caps be available for the Granite Platinum?
Yes, but that’s something I’m going to let the customer decide. If a customer wants a Rugged Mountain nose cap on their composite camper, we can do that. After building this first one, I realized that it’s just added weight. And without the nose cap, it still looks good. By not having the nose cap, you are deleting about 75 pounds.
Why are there minimal exterior graphics?
Most of our customers are deleting graphics to put their own on after the sale. We are leaving this first Granite Platinum blank to highlight that it’s a composite camper. Of course, our logo is front and back, but that’s it. Customers can get any of our exterior graphics or have it fully wrapped after purchase.
Were you able to use the cabinetry from the original Granite 11RL?
I changed the cabinetry slightly. In the original, I used full cabinets with wood backs, bottoms, and sides. In the composite camper, I eliminated the bottom because composite is water resistant and it took out weight. If I could drop weight but not lose the Rugged Mountain look, I did.
Rugged Mountain is known for its tiny home interior decor. Were you able to use all of your interior finishes to create a residential aesthetic in the Granite Platinum?
Yes. My goal was to keep this unmistakably a Rugged Mountain camper, with our residential interiors intact. I want our campers to feel like home. Some composite campers feel sterile—like a doctor’s office—with nothing there.
Our interiors are white and modern, but they have warmth and character. I don’t want to be just another composite builder. I want it to be a Rugged Mountain: the quality and durability of composite construction paired with my interiors. You would not know the difference between the composite Granite and the original version.
Customers can still change their flooring, backsplashes, trim colors, Corian counters in the kitchen, and tile surround in the kitchen and shower.
Did you need to change windows to accommodate the composite panels?
I am using the exact same dual pane thermal windows in all Rugged Mountain truck campers.
Are you using the same 8 cubic foot 12-volt refrigerator, water heater, furnace, and cooktop?
Yes. The Granite Platinum has an eight-cubic-foot 12-volt refrigerator standard, with the option to go to a ten-cubic-foot model. The original 11RL had a separate propane furnace and water heater standard. The new Granite Platinum comes with a Truma Combi. I hope to switch to the Truma Combi D diesel model in the future. They’re about the same size and would be an easy transition.
What air conditioner did you select for the Granite Platinum?
We went with the 13.5K BTU Houghton Bel Air 3400, with added soft start as standard. The soft start allows the AC compressor to ramp up slowly, softening the startup power draw so it can run smoothly with an RV battery and electrical system. It’s also better for compressor wear.
What size basement does the Granite Platinum have?
It’s a wheel well height basement, same as the original 11RL.
Are you employing the same holding tanks—30 gallons fresh, 38 gallons grey, 24 gallons black—as the original 11RL?
Yes.
How much solar is standard, and what’s the maximum optional capacity?
This is the Granite Platinum. That means it comes standard with five solar panels totaling 1,000 watts. I’m looking for ways to fit a sixth panel in the future, but we’re not there yet.
What is the standard battery setup?
The Granite Platinum comes standard with two 314Ah SOK lithium batteries for a total of 628Ah. There are ways to expand that even further, but 628Ah with 1,000 watts of solar is a killer combination.
What entry step system and rear bumper are standard?
We’re using the standard Rugged Mountain bumper with the Torklift International Landing Pad attachment as an added option.
What trucks is the Granite Platinum composite designed for?
One-ton dually trucks.
What is the dry base weight of the 2026 Rugged Mountain Granite Platinum?
The Rugged Mountain Granite Platinum comes fully loaded at 3,898 pounds. That weight includes a lot of premium features that our competitors either don’t offer or only offer as options. The Granite Platinum leads the pack when it comes to everything.
What specifically is standard on the Granite Platinum?
The camper comes standard with a Truma Combi, Houghton 13.5K BTU air conditioner with soft start, an 8 cubic foot 12-volt refrigerator, 1,000 watts of solar, 628 Ah of lithium, a 3,000 watt inverter, a 5 inch touch screen to control the electrical system, a Victron Lynx distribution system, Furrion backup camera and more.
Where is the Granite Platinum’s center of gravity?
The center of gravity is 57 inches from the front wall.
“Most of the cost is in the composite panels and extrusions. If you want a state-of-the-art composite camper, it’s going to be premium.”
What is the base MSRP for the Granite Platinum composite?
The 2026 Rugged Mountain Granite Platinum MSRP is $90,895. We fully expect that price to come down as we work with Globe Trekker to order panels in quantity. Most of the cost is in the composite panels and extrusions. If you want a state-of-the-art composite camper, it’s going to be premium.
Some folks might not want all the standard bells and whistles. Could someone order a lighter and more affordable version of the Granite Platinum?
Yes. As custom builders, we can make a significantly lighter and more affordable version. For example, if we eliminate the air conditioner, batteries, solar panels, and solar components, the camper comes in at 3,393 pounds and with an MSRP of $80,000.
What’s the warranty for Granite Platinum composite panel camper?
Rugged Mountain has a two-year structural warranty. All appliances have their own warranties.
Above: The Rugged Mountain Granite Platinum prototype (left), 12X flatbed (center), and Denali 3S triple-slide flatbed (right) getting set-up at the 2026 Florida RV Supershow
Will the Rugged Mountain Granite Platinum composite be at any upcoming RV shows or Expos?
Yes. It will be on display at the 2026 Florida RV Supershow in Tampa this week, along with our X12 and Denali 3S.
When will the Granite Platinum be ready to order?
You can order a Granite Platinum now.
The Granite Platinum is clearly an exciting development from Rugged Mountain. Will you be building your other models with composites or as Ultimate builds?
We are definitely looking into building composite versions of our other models. However, due to the dramatic cost increase of going all-composite, we are testing the waters with the Granite Platinum.
Is there anything else you’d like folks to know about the Granite Platinum?
Our customers want the best of the best. If that’s you, nothing in a hard side non-slide slide-in truck camper can touch the Granite Platinum composite. It’s our new state-of-the-art for slide-in campers.
For more information on Rugged Mountain, visit their website at ruggedmountaincustomrv.com. Click here to get a free Rugged Mountain brochure.
