Tune Outdoor’s new Interior Systems add modular storage, seating, and water without sacrificing the brand’s ultra-lightweight identity. The result? Less time organizing gear. More time following the road wherever it leads.
The evolution of the truck camper market is often driven by a simple question: What do customers want next? Sometimes the answer is a new feature, a modified floor plan, or an entirely new product. Other times, it’s about making the entire camping experience easier, faster, and more enjoyable.
Since launching in 2020, Tune Outdoor has built a loyal following by offering lightweight, modular pop-up truck toppers that allow owners to create their own adventure rigs. Many Tune customers embraced the blank-canvas approach, designing interiors tailored to their specific needs.
As the Tune community grew, so did demand for factory-built solutions that offered greater comfort, organization, and convenience without sacrificing the adaptability that defines the brand.
In response, Tune Outdoor has introduced a new line of Interior Systems for its M1 and M1L toppers. Featuring fold-up benches, configurable cabinets, integrated water systems, and lightweight aluminum construction, the new interiors add seating, storage, and water while staying true to the philosophy that put Tune on the map.
We talked with Tune Outdoor Co-Founder, Kristian Arnold, to learn more about the company’s newest products, the customer feedback that inspired them, and how they may change the way Tune owners camp.
Kristian Arnold, Co-Founder of Tune Outdoor
Before we talk about the new Interior Systems, tell us about your background and what led you to co-found Tune.
I grew up snowboarding, skateboarding, climbing, and spending as much time outdoors as possible. My father owned a woodworking shop, so after school I was often there building things and using power tools. In fact, I still have a scar on my knuckle from a bandsaw accident when I was about seven years old trying to cut a boat out of a block of wood.
Professionally, I started out in industrial design and later worked in high-end experiential marketing. We created custom installations and activations for Red Bull, Dom Pérignon, Major League Soccer, Microsoft, and others. Through that work, I gained experience with welding, glass, stonework, injection molding, sewing, and eventually product development.
Tune M1 with Interior System installed
Around that time, I started shopping for my own truck camper. That’s when I saw an opportunity to do something different. That idea became Tune. Since then, we’ve created a great team that turned that idea into a reality. Broc Patterson pushed the engineering side forward, while Sean Kepler and Bruno McGowan brought tremendous experience in customer service and community building. Together we founded Tune in 2020.
How are things going at Tune Outdoor?
Things are going well. We’re definitely ready for more space. We’ve been searching for the right commercial building—not too big and not too small—and we’re getting close. A new facility would allow us to scale production while creating an even better customer experience.
Tune has historically provided a mostly blank canvas for customers to customize themselves. What drove the move toward more built-out Interior Systems?
A lot of our customers enjoy building out their topper and sharing ideas with each other. We love the DIY crowd. They’re a big part of the Tune community.
At the same time, we wanted to reach customers who might not have the time, skills, or desire to build an interior themselves.
We studied what our DIY customers were creating, saw what was available on the market, and listened to what Tune owners were asking for. Our goal was to develop an interior that followed the same philosophy as our toppers: customizable, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant.
What Interior Systems did Tune create in response to that feedback?
We created three primary Interior Systems: the Single or Double Bench, the Full Counter + Bench, and the Club + Bench.
Talk to us about the Bench system and how it works in a Tune.
We knew the Bench had to be collapsible. A big reason people choose a topper-style camper is because they value the utility of their truck and want something lightweight. We didn’t want to compromise either.
Rendering of Tune Outdoor’s Single Bench folded up
It would have been much easier to build a fixed bench, but then customers would have to remove it whenever they needed full bed access.
Rendering of the Double Bench configured for seating
With the fold-up design, the truck bed can be cleared in seconds. The idea was to make the camper a camper when you want it to be, and still let the truck function like a truck when you need it.
“The idea was to make the camper a camper when you want it to be, and still let the truck function like a truck when you need it.”
The Bench is available in Single and Double configurations and serves as the foundation for both the Full Counter + Bench and Club + Bench systems.
The collapsible bench is a really cool feature. Walk us through the Full Counter + Bench configuration.
The Full Counter is exactly what it sounds like—a countertop that runs nearly the full length of the truck bed, with flexible storage underneath. Customers can configure the cabinetry with a combination of drawers and shelves. Integrated MOLLE panels allow gear such as storage bags, tools, or recovery equipment to be mounted for quick access.
Rendering of the Full Counter + Bench configuration
The Full Counter can be optioned with our H2O system, which includes a sink, faucet, 12-volt pump, and fresh and grey water storage.
What is the Club + Bench configuration?
The Club + Bench combines the key benefits of the Interior Systems: seating, storage, and water. The Club seat can be optioned with a Lagun swivel table to create a highly functional living space. It’s my favorite configuration.
Rendering of the Club + Bench configuration
The first time I tested a Club + Bench prototype was in a Tune M1 mounted on a five-foot bed Jeep Gladiator. My girlfriend, a friend, a 100-pound Doberman, and I all had a place to sit, eat, play cards, cook, and access our gear. All four of us slept comfortably in the California King bed. It was a perfect example of what’s possible in a five-foot truck.
Are all three Interior Systems available in both the Tune M1 and M1L?
Yes. We developed the Interior Systems for both the M1 and M1L.
What was the development process behind the Interior Systems?
We started by sitting in the back of an M1 and asking ourselves, “What are people going to want here?” From there, the engineering team worked through how to meet those needs in a practical way.
We built cardboard mockups, studied proportions, sketched ideas, modeled the systems in SolidWorks, and eventually produced aluminum prototypes.
Sebastian Bartlett working on Tune Outdoor’s Bench System in CAD
Then we tested each prototype ourselves while camping and brought in a select group of customers for feedback. Each time we refined the designs, and repeated the process until we were confident in the final product.
Sebastian Bartlett prototype testing Tune Outdoor’s Interior Systems
I want to give a shout-out to our Product Developer, Sebastian. He has been a rockstar through a challenging development process and countless iterations.
How did you design the Interior Systems to fit varying truck bed depths?
The Bench height is determined by the truck bed rails. The seat comes out horizontally from the lower rail of the topper, while adjustable legs accommodate different bed depths.
For the Full Counter and Club, we wanted to maintain a countertop height of 36 inches, similar to a residential kitchen counter. I’ve been in campers where the countertop felt too tall, and it wasn’t particularly comfortable to use.
The cabinets sit on the truck bed floor, while an adjustable cleat on the back allows the system to adapt to different truck bed depths.
That’s clever. Tell us about the materials used in the Interior Systems.
The systems use powder-coated 5052 aluminum for the structure and Richlite for the countertops and bench tops. Richlite is an FSC-certified sustainable composite material used in premium camper builds, architecture, and interior applications. It’s exceptionally durable, impact-resistant, and impervious to water. We also utilize anodized and billet aluminum components throughout the systems.
What does each Interior System weigh?
The Single Bench starts at 35 pounds. The Club + Bench starts at 89 pounds, while the Full Counter + Bench starts at 107 pounds. Adding drawers and the H2O system will increase the weight.
We’re looking at a complete Interior System that can come in under 100 pounds. Paired with the M1L, the topper and interior can weigh less than 500 pounds combined.
What colors are available for the Interior Systems?
The Richlite surfaces are available in Slate and Natural. Slate is black, while Natural has a warmer, tan appearance. All of the aluminum pieces underneath the Richlite surfaces are powder-coated black.
Natural (left) and Slate (right) interiors
What comes standard with the H2O water system, and can owners customize or expand it over time?
The H2O system includes a quiet but powerful 12-volt pump, a sink, a faucet, and two five-gallon containers—one for fresh water and one for grey water.
We intentionally kept the plumbing connections simple and accessible, making customization easy. We expect some owners will expand the system by adding more water capacity, a water heater, or an exterior shower.
The Interior Systems use MOLLE panels and open storage areas instead of traditional camper cabinetry. Why did you take that approach?
Rather than dictating how every inch should be used, owners can create a setup that fits their specific needs. Some people want drawers, others want shelves, and some prefer open storage. Our systems give them that flexibility.
MOLLE panels are integrated throughout each Interior System, including the cabinet ends and areas accessible from the tailgate and side doors. This gives owners convenient places to mount bags, tools, axes, fire extinguishers, bear spray, headlamps, and other gear wherever it works best for them.
How are the Interior Systems installed on the M1 and M1L?
All of the Interior Systems mount using the L-track integrated throughout the M1 and M1L aluminum extrusion frame. Each component can be installed and removed as needed.
Tune Club + Bench in a M1
Do the Interior Systems fit prior-year Tune M1 and M1L toppers?
Yes. The Interior Systems are made to fit prior-year Tune models. We are working on making them compatible with more trucks.
At this time, Tune Interior Systems are not compatible with the Ford Maverick (2022–present), Rivian R1T (2022–present), Nissan Frontier (2005–present) 5-foot bed, Ford Ranger (2019–present) 5-foot bed, Honda Ridgeline (2017–present), Chevrolet Colorado (2004–present), GMC Canyon (2004–present), Toyota Tacoma (1995–2004), Toyota Tundra (2000–2006), or any truck with an 8-foot bed.
Are you shipping these to customers, or do they have to come to Tune for installation?
For existing owners, the Bench systems can be shipped directly and installed at home. Assembly is straightforward, requiring just ten bolts. For now, we are handling Full Counter and Club retrofits at our headquarters in Denver, Colorado.
For new customers ordering an M1 or M1L and an Interior System together, installation takes place when they receive their topper.
Can the M1 or M1L be removed from the truck with an Interior System installed?
That’s theoretically possible, although I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it. The answer depends on the topper configuration, truck size, and installed options.
Most Tune owners leave their topper on full-time. With dry weights under 500 pounds and full access to the truck bed, there are relatively few reasons to remove it.
What does each Interior System cost?
The Single Bench starts at $1,800. The Club + Bench starts at $4,300. The Full Counter + Bench starts at $5,050.
The Tune M1L starts at $8,999. Our modular approach allows owners to add features such as a power system, heater, and now interior components when they’re ready.
Does Tune offer a warranty on the Interior Systems?
The Interior Systems are covered by Tune’s standard three-year warranty.
When will Tune Interior Systems be available for order?
The website is live now and customers can begin placing deposits immediately. Interior System installations are expected to begin in August.
How do you believe these Interior Systems will change the way current and future Tune owners camp?
We’re all trying to maximize our limited time outdoors. If you leave work on a Friday and need to be back by Sunday evening, you have a finite number of hours to work with. You don’t want to spend valuable time packing, reorganizing gear, and figuring out where everything fits. Camping should reduce stress, not create it.
I’ve found that nearly every camper setup eventually evolves toward better organization and storage. These Interior Systems help customers get there sooner. When you know where your coffee maker is, where your adventure gear is, and that everything has a dedicated place, getting out the door becomes much easier.
“I’ve found that nearly every camper setup eventually evolves toward better organization and storage. These Interior Systems help customers get there sooner.”
The Interior Systems reduce that get-out-and-go friction. That means less time preparing for a trip and more time enjoying the places and experiences that made you want a camper in the first place.
Any hints about what we can expect next from Tune Outdoor?
You will definitely see more products from us in the future. Exactly what those products will be is still up in the air, but we have plenty of ideas.
For more information about Tune Outdoor, visit tuneoutdoor.com. Click here to request more Tune information.
