Ninety-seven readers sent in fifty-five discontinued campers they want back. Seven specific models got more comments than any other. Hey Industry, bring these campers back!
Truck camper models are cut for a few specific reasons. First, a particular model either doesn’t sell well or stops selling well and gets axed. Second, a particular model is superseded by a newer—and presumably improved—model and gets terminated. Third, management decides to focus their resources on a different model or house brand and a camper gets the boot.
Of course, a lot of camper models have kicked the proverbial bucket after the manufacturer succumbed to a down market. For example, the Great Recession took out a half dozen camper manufacturers in 2008 and 2009.
The above reasons are often inescapable at the time a model is dropped. However, that same camper model might have been ahead of its time, poorly marketed, or just needed one more year to catch the attention of buyers.
We see this phenomenon in movies that bomb the box office and become cult favorites. I was shocked when—for the very electrons you’re reading—I discovered that The Wizard of Oz, It’s A Wonderful Life, and The Shawshank Redemption all failed to break even during their theatrical runs.
It makes sense that there would be a handful of discontinued truck campers that would sell well if they were brought back today. To find out what those campers are, we asked our readers. Ninety-three readers sent in fifty-five different camper models from twenty-eight manufacturers.
So which models are the readers most interested in seeing brought back?
The Bigfoot 3000-series 30C1011, the Lance 1030, the Lance 1130, the Lance 830, the Lance 815, and the Eagle Cap 1165 and 1200. The Eagle Cap 1165 and 1200 triple-slides racked up more mentions than any other camper.
Other camper models with at least two mentions include the Adventurer 116DS, the Cirrus 720, and the Lance 1191, 1181, and 920. On the defunct brand front, Avion got ten mentions and Six-Pac received six. Of course, all of the mentioned campers deserve a second look.
Here are the reader’s responses to the question, “What discontinued camper would you bring back?”
Current Truck Camper Manufacturers
Adventurer
Above: Adventurer 116 DS floor plan
“I would like the 2014 Adventurer 116 DS brought back.
There are so many things I love about this layout. If we could have found one in decent shape, in the timeframe we were looking, we would have bought it. I love the rear kitchen with the peninsula. One person can be in the kitchen and out of the way while the other person has full access to the rest of the camper. I love the option for theater seating in addition to the full dinette. It also came with amazing storage.
As with any floor plan, there are things that weren’t—for me—ideal. For this layout, I may have been able to overlook the wet bath…maybe. The technology that has evolved with lithium would address the battery compartment issue. When we were looking to purchase our truck camper, I was sorry to see that this was no longer being made. Call me weird, but I love the layout.” – Teri Stouder
Above: The interior of an Adventurer 116DS
“I would like the Adventurer 116DS brought back.
It had a side entry, a rear kitchen, and recliner seats. Everything was accessible when the slide-outs were in. I have never seen any floor plan like it. It checked off most of my boxes. However, it lacked a dry bath.” – Robert Conrad
Above: Adventurer 950 B Floorplan
“I would like the Adventurer 950B brought back.
The big feature for me was the slide-out with the two bunk beds which meant both kids could have their own bed. We wouldn’t have to make beds every morning and night. Also, everything including the bathroom and main bed is still accessible with the slide-out in. It was the perfect family of four truck camper that also didn’t require getting an F-550 to haul it.” – Sean Targett
Above: Adventurer 90FWS floor plan
“I would like the Adventurer 90FWS brought back.
The 90FWS had the best floor plan of any non-slide hard wall I’ve ever seen. It had a galley with actual counter space (gasp!) which provided enough room to prepare a meal, and the cabinets provided storage space no other nine-foot design has ever equaled.
The forward wet bath was nice for those middle-of-the-night treks, so no stubbed toes in the dark whilst shuffling to the back of the rig. The high ceiling prevented tall folks from whacking their craniums on the air conditioner unit. The cabover bedroom had tons of storage for clothes and laundry, and the camper had an actual coat closet; something sadly lacking in most nine-foot rigs.
I no longer have it because the 19 gallon black tank was too small for boondocking. Breaking camp every few days to find a dump was a huge pain, especially in winter.” – Stephanie Barnes
Bigfoot
Above: Bigfoot 10.11 floor plan
“I would like the Bigfoot 3000 10.11 brought back.
It was roomy, comfortable, top quality, and had a dry bath.” – Randall Rice
“I would like the Bigfoot 3000 non-slide brought back.
It was insulated, but with tilt-out windows.“ – Roy Garland
“I would like the 1996 Bigfoot 3000 brought back.
It was large, insulated extremely well, had a very nice layout with a great bathroom and—best of all—no slides.” – Kenneth Guise
“I would like the Bigfoot 1500 6-11 brought back.
It was light, aerodynamic, high enough for tall people, clamshell fiberglass, fit on small pick-up trucks, and inexpensive (sorta…).” – Stephane Marchand
Cirrus
“I would like the 2020 Cirrus 720 brought back.
It had Alde heat, fit a short bed, was lightweight, and didn’t hang off so one could tow. And it had a shower.” – Bobbi Elderkin
“I would like the Cirrus 720 brought back.
It’s light enough for a three-quarter ton and had a bathroom and shower behind a closed door.” – Mike Bagg
Citation
“I would like the 1999 Citation 10-6 brought back.
It was a great non-slide 10.5-foot camper. I own one and like it, but would like a modern version with a larger updated bathroom. There are not many choices out there in that length for people with 3500 single rear wheel pickups.” – Brandon Cryderman
Lance
Above: Lance 1191 floor plan
“I would like the 2006 Lance 1191 brought back.
I love that you can stop for a quick lunch and bathroom break or stealth camp in it without having to put the single slide out. You can easily reach the bathroom, refrigerator, and bed. The bonus is that it has a dry bath!
The kitchen counter space was almost non-existent, but the flip-up extension that we made helped to offset that negative. Perhaps a two-burner stove and oven delete would help to improve counter space.
The 1191 had lots of interior storage. The exterior, not so much with the onboard generator. If you switched to more solar/lithium batteries and deleted the generator, that might help gain more exterior storage. It was a great layout, IMO.” – Sally Stomberg
“I would like the 2007 Lance 1191 brought back.
It had a slide-out with a rear tent and an easy-to-access bathroom. You could use the kitchen and access to cabover bed when the slide-out was in. Drop the Onan generator and install a solar generator (Pecron, Bluetti) in that space and put solar panels on the roof.” – Klaus Jager
Above: Lance 1181 floor plan
“I would like the Lance 1181 brought back because of its rear kitchen.” – Gregory Man
“I would like the 2006 Lance model 1181 brought back. It was the best layout ever.” – Gary Richardson
“I would like the 2004 Lance 1130 because it was a non-slide, non-basement, dry bath model. The 1130 had 40 gallons fresh, 25 gallons black, and 24 gallons grey whereas the 1030 had 33, 15, and 15. The dry bath was slightly smaller but perfectly livable. That particular dry bath design was also in other big Lances.
The 1130 had an aluminum roof rather than rubber, thus, no limb tears to cause leaks. The non-basement is 9 inches lower overall than the basement models. This causes less wind resistance for slightly better mileage, fewer limb strikes from overhead, and lower garage storage requirements.
The 2004 was the first year the 1130 had dual batteries. Now they could design a longer battery compartment that would take up to a single 400 Ah lIthiums.
The crank-out windows in the 1130 can be opened in pouring rain without a drop of water coming inside. The food prep counter across from sink/stove can house a toaster oven, free-standing microwave, or a coffee maker without taking up cooking space.” – Douglas Tatman
Above: Lance 1130 Floor Plan
“I would like the Lance 1130 brought back.
This camper was a long bed non-slide, with lots of storage, good kitchen space, dry bath, and a decent dinette. Rebuilding this with an aluminum frame and composite siding would be a huge win.
It could be carried on a (properly sized) long bed single rear wheel 350/3500. The single filon piece approach to the front nose down to the floor allowed for fewer leaks.
This could be easily re-spec’d from the two 30 pound propane tanks down to two 20s or one 30 to offer more battery space and an upgrade to lots of lithium battery capacity.” – Edward Ladner
“I would like the 1999 Lance 1130 modernized and brought back.
There’s room for two in the galley area. The bath and shower were a really good size. There was a nice amount of windows. Once you have experienced a new camper, the only drawback would be the ceiling height in the bed area. So give us the headroom of our Northern Lite 10.2, lots of solar, lithium, and other updated items.” – Jim Anderson
“I would like the 1999 Lance 1120 brought back.
It was the best 11 foot non-slide camper ever. The dry bath was in the rear, it had big tanks, a big closet, a functional U-shaped dinette, a generator, a big pantry, a queen bed, lots of storage, and big windows all around, including the bathroom. It was also under 4,000 pounds.” – Greg P.
Above: Lance 1055 floor plan
“I would like the Lance 1055 brought back.
For selfish reasons, I’d love it if Lance brought this model back. I own a 2008 Lance 1055 now and the floor plan and awesome dry bath in a non-slide hard-sided camper is a rare combination these days. My 2008 Lance 1055 is still in its prime, but if I ever need to replace it, I know there will be a number of features I will miss about this awesome discontinued model.” – Larry Moonan
“I would like the Lance 1040 brought back.
There’s sleeping room for five and a side door to be able to get in while on the road. It’s a great layout.” – Donna Cox
Above: Lance 1030 Floor Plan
“I would like the Lance 1030 brought back.
I like the layout, counter space, pass-through window between the truck and camper, side hatch doors to utilize the truck bed for storage, front cabinets by the head of the bed, dry bath, front view window, and that there are no slide-outs.” – Barry Schoenwetter
“I would like the Lance 1030 brought back.
It was the perfect layout. This opinion has been echoed by fellow truck campers and dealer personnel who have seen or known it. There were no slide problems. The dry bath is really great.” – Ron H.
“I would like the Lance 1030 brought back.
It’s an excellent layout with a dry bath and a counter opposite the sink.” – Mark Placek
Above: Lance 992 floor plan
“I would like the Lance 992 brought back.
I liked the U-shaped dinette with the removable table so you can lounge on a wrap-around couch instead of being hunkered down in a booth. I also liked the wide open floor space and compact length compared to other double-slide campers. The refrigerator was not in the slide so it did not need a noisy vent fan.” – Lorin Lowe
Above: Lance 920 floor plan
“I would like the 1999 Lance 920 brought back.
I own one of these and continue to be happy with it as a mid-weight, self-contained, open floor-planned cabin on wheels. I would like to see a twenty-first-century all-electric version with modern appliances and Lance’s latest construction methods. If this dream were to be realized, I would like a return to the corrugated aluminum exterior. Can ya dig it, daddy-o?” – Mark Obert
“I would like the 2005 Lance 920 brought back.
It’s simple really. The Lance 920 is a 9.5 foot camper with the room of an 11 foot camper. It’s fully featured with a side bench dinette, so there’s room for two adults to move around without the weight of a slide.” – Kent Harris
Above: Lance 915 floor plan
“I would like the 1997 Lance 915 brought back.
I currently have one and I wish I could buy the same model new. It rests on a 2015 F-350 single rear wheel.” – John Knauss
“I would like the Lance 880 extended cab brought back.
We owned a 1992 Lance 880 extended cab. This camper had the best floor plan including a wet bath, microwave, air conditioner, propane generator, and three-way refrigerator. We added a Carefree Add-A-Room, due to our three growing boys.
Above the eating area was a top bunk which doubled as a large cupboard when it was not used as a bed. The kitchen area was laid out efficiently with the refrigerator right across from the sink. The oven/stovetop was next to the sink.
We owned this camper for twenty-seven years and it worked flawlessly. Of course, it needed fresh caulking around the roof vents every five years or so, and I had to replace the plastic vent cover twice. The full aluminum roof was very durable and strong. This camper gave my family the best outdoor experiences in comfort and safety that anyone could imagine.” – Mike Tully
Above: Lance 845 floor plan
“I would like the 2009 Lance 845 brought back.
It was the perfect camper for a short bed truck. Most of all, I liked that it had a spacious shower stall and a decent-sized dinette set. Furthermore, I liked that it had a rear bumper on the back of the camper.” – Daniel Breitenbach
Above: Lance 830 floor plan
“I would like the Lance 830 with the tent bed brought back.
It had a good use of space for a non-slide with unique features. It would be a great modernized design if brought back.” – Dave Gomez
“I would like the 2008-2012 Lance 830 brought back.
While it has some drawbacks, the biggest advantage is floor space. In my opinion, this makes it much more livable for extended periods. In most non-slide, short bed campers, folks can’t walk past each other. In the 830, it isn’t a problem. There’s also an aft tent double bed option.
On a rainy day in Alaska, we had four adults inside watching movies for hours and making popcorn. The wet bath is a little tight but we removed the door and put in a curtain, which helps. There’s no capacity for a built-in generator, but there is outside storage for a portable and plenty of roof space for solar. There’s lots of storage and adequate water and waste tankage. It’s a side entry model, a plus for towing.
Since 2013, we have typically spent three to five months a year in our 830 and our biggest regret is coming home.” – Chris Webb
“I would like the 2010 Lance 830 brought back.
We owned one for three years. Unfortunately, we thought we needed a bigger camper with slides. Now we have a smaller camper.
It had a great layout featuring a side entry door, a fold-out tent in the rear, a large dinette, and a curved door bathroom. The windows were very nice European models and it had a Heki skylight over the bed. The only thing I would change would be a cassette toilet. It was great for towing (although an extended hitch was required).” – Dixon Boggs
“I would like the 2011 Lance 830 brought back.
I feel like with the short bed side door entry the optional rear tent fold-out bed and the side bathroom, it was a well-laid-out use of space and good for camping with multiple people in one camper. Thanks for asking and what a fun survey!” – Eric Myers
“I would like the Lance 815 brought back.
It was light yet it had all the features I needed. The smaller size fits in tight places, yet it was roomy enough inside. It’s great for backcountry campers that travel on tight trails.” – Clifford Craft
“I would like the Lance 815 brought back.
It’s the perfect size. It just needs to be aluminum framed and have Azdel siding.” – Roy Bertalotto
“I would like the 2002 Lance 815 brought back.
This was our camper from 2002 to 2020. It was a very well-built wood-framed camper that proved it was durable and easy to maintain during all of our off-road adventures. The Lance 815 was an excellent camper for first-time people looking to get into a small hard side.” – Alex Blasingame
Northern Lite
“I would like the 2014 Northern Lite 10-2 brought back.
I loved the length and weight of the old 10-2. They fit on a single wheel one ton. The newer EX model should have been an 11-1, and it needs a dually.” – Philip McEachen
Northstar
“I would like the 2013 Northstar Escape Pod Camper for flatbeds brought back.
Everywhere we go we get asked about our “super camper”. People think it’s an Earthroamer or a custom build because, at first glance, it looks like it’s part of the truck.
We love the extra floor space, convenient layout, and curbside door the flatbed allows for. We park in cities and it allows us to get out safely on the sidewalk. We’ve had other slide-ins and found the back door gets road and grime splatter. A rear door makes it difficult to use a Joe Hauler with motorbikes on the back or to haul kayaks and paddleboards.
Seeing that Rex from Northstar is such an awesome guy, we’d love to buy another camper from him. This camper fits our lifestyle perfectly. Since they no longer make this model, we fear the day something happens to ours!” – Travis and Angie Zbornik
Above: Northstar Laredo SS floor plan
“I would like the Northstar Laredo SS brought back.
We loved the dinette, the big refrigerator, and the wet bath that was roomy enough for my husband. It just felt like a great fit for our needs!” – Carmen Story
“I would like the Northstar 950SC brought back.
I have a long bed truck. The Northstar 850SC will fit, but you lose some outside storage. I never knew the 950SC ever existed until I talked to Northstar. They stated the long bed trucks only sell about one out of every ten trucks. This leaves us looking into a different brand, but I do prefer the build quality and features of Northstar.” – Kevin Williams
Above: Northstar TS1000 floor plan
“I would like the 2014 Northstar TS1000 brought back.
The Northstar TS-1000 is a very well-made, sturdy pop-up camper that has everything you need to be comfortable. I would really like to see a TS-1200 for a couple of extra feet of space. It seems to me that everyone is going smaller, like Northstar’s TS-800. I’m not getting any smaller though, or younger, so bigger is better.” – Steven Pederson
Above: Different Northstar TC800 floor plan configurations
“I would like the Northstar TC800 brought back.
We’ve owned two TC800s, and they provide a good sleeping arrangement for our two large dogs and two tall adults. Depending on the situation, that’s either two humans in the cabover bed and two dogs on the dinette bed, or one human and dog in each bed.
A wet bath is wasted space for our use cases. We’re usually camped out in remote backcountry where an outside shower is fine and a bucket and cat litter works for sanitation. When we’re not backcountry camping, we’re in an RV park with toilets and showers.” – Christopher Heiny
Brands No Longer Made
Alpenlite
“I would like the 2003 Alpenlite Santa Fe 1150 brought back.
I loved everything about this camper. It was roomy, had a dry bath, and had a very nice sleeping area with a mattress that was super comfy. The storage space was great!
There was a pull-out rack for canned goods, plenty of room for clothes and accessories needed for boondocking, a large refrigerator/freezer unit, a comfortable dinette (my German Shepherd and Mini Schnauzer loved to sleep under the table), enough countertop to not be cramped when cooking, and it was gorgeous!
I gave it up to my ex-husband in my divorce and haven’t been able to find a camper that I liked as much since. I hope someone brings back a camper like this one. I will be the first in line to buy it!” – Susan Femino-Floyd
“I would like the 1994 Alpenlite 11 foot brought back.
It was a non-slide dry bath camper with a roller couch. The back of the couch flipped over to make a bed. It was just a really smart floor plan.” – Andy Woehler
“I would like Alpenlite campers brought back.
They were well-built truck campers.” – Angela Klinger
Amerigo
“I would like the late 1960s and early 1970s Amerigo with the Snap N Nap brought back. It was the best floor plan ever, but needs to have a north-south bed so you don’t have to climb over your partner to use the bathroom. I’ve owned three of them and that is my only complaint.” – Ed Smith
Avion
Above: Chris and Lexi of Roam Lab’s Avion C11
“I would like the Avion C11 brought back.
It has a classic and timeless exterior with enough space in a narrower width. Modern interior innovations could combine the best living space with the best exterior.” – Chuck E.
“I would like the Avion C10 brought back.
What would be cooler than an Airstream on the back of your pickup truck? It would be impervious to weather, have no seals to maintain, and have 100% cool factor. Just make it have a north-south bed configuration with a dry bath, solar panels, lithium batteries, high capacity holding tanks, and four-season capabilities.” – William Lawlor
“I would like the 1965 or 1966 Avion C10 brought back.
It had a cool mid-century modern look and was aerodynamic.” – Grant Davidson
Above: D Gorton’s Avion C10
“I would like the Avion aluminum truck camper brought back.
We had two Airstream trailers before we bought our Northern Lite 10-2 truck camper. The Avions were not a four season camper, but they were beautiful and light in weight. Another thing is that they didn’t make you feel digitally challenged.” – Kenneth Macklin
“I would like the Avion brought back.
The Avion was so well made and had such a classic look.” – Debbie Martin
“I would like the Avion brought back.
Tin cans are cool.” – Laurie Brokaw
“I would like the Avion brought back.
I liked the natural aluminum finish. It was very aerodynamic looking.” – George Bennett
Above: Amy and Mark’s 1969 Avion C-11
“I would like the Avion brought back.
It was all aluminum and had an Airstream-style exterior shell. With modern design technology and manufacturing techniques, this type of truck camper could be designed to be light, durable, aerodynamic, and truly serviceable for decades” – John Vansant
“I would like the Avion truck camper brought back.
It just looks cool and an updated version with modern technology would be very interesting!” – Bruce Tinkler
“I would like the Avion brought back.
We love our Eagle Cap. It is a wonderful, trouble-free, robust, four season camper. However, an Avion would complement our vintage AirStream travel trailer.” – Bill Tex
CampLite
Above: CampLite 10 floor plan
“I would like the 2013 CampLite 10 brought back.
It has an all-aluminum frame, Azdel interior, and aluminum sheathing. The interior is sparse, but gives you a lot of possibilities for making it your own. It was definitely the most affordable basic camper of the early 2010s.” – Frank Mehaffey
“I would like the 2015 CampLite 9.6S brought back.
I liked the Azdel interior and its overall design of being a camper to hand down. I still have mine and I expect it to remain in excellent shape for years to come. I have modified a few things, but overall I am very satisfied.” – Danny Crain
“I would like the 2014 CampLite 5.7 brought back.
I still have and would bring back the CampLite 5.7. This camper is lightweight, all-aluminum, and Azdel construction which is perfect because it has been maintenance-free. It is lightweight (under 1,000 pounds), and has a simple design with a queen bed and smaller seating that makes into a 5 foot 6 inch plus bed. There’s no plumbing (there is a sink), no tanks, furnace, good size refrigerator and freezer, and dual fans on the ceiling. There are lots of windows. It’s a solid safe feeling ride. It’s also the perfect hard side camper for any 1500 series truck. It fits in the back of a 6.5 box with the tailgate up.” – Heather Rutherford
Chalet
“I would like the Chalet DS116RB brought back.
We love this Chalet double slide floor plan for several reasons.
1. You can access the rear bathroom without opening any slides.
2. There’s an island giving me and my wife ample space to move around inside without us bumping into each other.
3. There is a beautiful rotating cabinet that allows for easy access to clothes storage on one side and a large TV on the other. Depending on how it’s turned, the TV can be easily viewed from the dinette or the bed area.
4. The large dry bath, large eight cubic foot refrigerator, and large 62/38/38 tanks allow for extended boondocking adventures!
From all the truck campers we have seen, the Chalet DS116RB is by far our favorite!” – Charles Coushaine
Coachmen
“I would like the 1998 Coachmen Ranger, 11.5 hard side non-slide, but with a few upgrades (TV, water heater, and three-way refrigerator) brought back.
I liked the solid aluminum frame, self-contained generator, permanently attached power cord with internal storage, ample room inside even without a slide, external battery access, and that it looked good on the truck.” – Gary Possert
Comet
“I would like the Ranger by Comet brought back. It was built in Coffeyville, Kansas sometime in the late 1950s or early 1960s.
This was the first camper my parents owned. I loved it. It wasn’t fancy but we did a lot of traveling and camping in it. It came with a 1950-something Chevy half-ton pickup.” – Cindy McCaleb
Del-Rey
“I would like the Del-Rey Tri-Level Sky Lounge brought back. That was a very clever idea.” – Joe Sciascia
Eagle Cap
“I would like the Eagle Cap 1160, 1165, and 1200 brought back.
They were big and roomy.” – Rick Christensen
“I would like the Eagle Cap 1200 and 1165 brought back.
They were the premiere of the triple-slide units and I was sad to see them discontinued. I found out about this when I was ready to purchase one.” – Gary Gubersky
Above: Eagle Cap 1200 floor plan
“I would like the Eagle Cap 1200 brought back.
The trend towards small lightweight campers is not for us. Unlike the new breed of campers, the 1200 is roomy and comfortable when on extended trips.” – Craig Powell
“I would like the Eagle Cap 1200 brought back.
There’s room around each side of the bed.” – Keith Nylander
“I would like the Eagle Cap 1165 brought back.
My 2020 is simply fantastic; spacious, comfortable, outstanding capacities (fresh, grey, black, propane), and very nice looking in the modern grey. It’s heavy, for sure, but with all that space and luxury, it’s well worth it. An updated version with substantial LiFePO4 and solar capacity and 12-volt air conditioning would be amazing.” – Cliff Richard
Above: Eagle Cap 1165 interior
“I would like the Eagle Cap 1165 with composite, solar, and battery upgrades brought back.
I like the large size. With lighter weight composites, an upgraded battery system and solar panels, and a deleted Onan generator, the unit could be better weight suited to a one ton dually.” – Paul Roberson
“I would like the any year Eagle Cap 1165 brought back.
I like the big triple-slide campers. That part of the market does not seem to be being served well these days.” – Eric Beatty
“I would like the 2018 Eagle Cap 1165 brought back.
What I like about the Eagle Cap 1165 is the amazing, spacious interior created by its three slides. I love the recliner chairs with built-in tables in the rear slide. They are so comfortable and useful when I need to sit at my notebook computer and do work while I’m on the road. I also really like the large dry bath and the kitchen peninsula. The whole floor plan is just so spacious and practical. It feels more like a home than a truck camper.” – Joel Nystrom
Above: Eagle Cap 1160 Floorplan
“I would like, without a doubt, the Eagle Cap 1160 brought back.
It has an open floor space and room to move around.” – Tim Lalmond
“I would like the 2004 Eagle Cap 950 brought back.
I own one, and I love it. A few revisions and modifications to the electrical system would be needed to bring it up to date.
First off, build it with the slide on the driver’s side and keep it with a dinette only; no refrigerator on the slide. Increase the battery capacity (I only have one battery) to a minimum of two lithium 400Ah with 3,000-watt inverter and at least 800 watts of solar. This can be done by removing the oven and three-burner stove and installing a two-burner (east/west) induction cooktop and gaining at least 25% more counter space.
Retain the microwave, but with a convection feature. Replace the refrigerator with a 12-volt unit of at least 7 cubic feet. Also, add a low-profile air conditioner and the Truma hot water system. An Alde heat system might be a good add-on along with two standard power awnings. Ideally, it would have a price under $55,000.” – Roger Odahl
Jeep
“I would like the Jeep CJ5 Camper brought back. It was a full-size truck camper on a Jeep CJ5! With the technological improvements to the Jeep lineup, as well as materials innovation, I could see it being a huge hit.” – Jonathan Chouinard
Kamp King
“I would like the Kamp King Kamper brought back.
I saw an old advertisement of one that popped up the cabover section; hinged at the front, and formed what I would describe as “half of an A-frame” where you could stand and exit through a door to a patio over the other half of the camper.
The link includes Kamp King (with a picture of one) in their list of “crazy campers.” – Max Jones
KN Sportsman
“I would like the 1990 KN Sportsman 8 foot with the side dinette brought back.
It was a basic 8-foot hard side that was simple to use. It had a furnace, three-way refrigerator, bunk over dinette (for rifles, fish poles, etc), closet with a porta potty, and jalousie windows (to have open when raining). I don’t enjoy the newer truck campers where people want to take everything with them.” – Robert Grueschow
Okanagan
Above: Okanagan 90w floor plan
“I would like the 2007 (or any year) Okanagan 90W brought back.
I like the face-to-face dinette and the mid-bath. It had a two-door refrigerator/freezer, and the dry weight under 2,300 pounds. It is probably one of the only truck campers that I would replace my 1995 Lance Lite 195 with (same layout as a Lance 915). I was saddened when Okanagan was discontinued, and it is difficult to find a used one here in the northeast.” – David Sponable
Pastime
“I would like the Pastime 980 SC brought back.
Our starter camper was a Pastime 2001 FDS, which we bought used in 2017. We were so happy with the build quality and were planning to upgrade to the larger Pastime camper. I can’t remember all the model numbers, but maybe the 980 SC. We just needed a few more amenities without too much weight. We were planning to buy a new one. Just before we were ready, the company went out of business. I was very disappointed. There are very few used Pastime campers for sale. We did settle on an Adventurer 80RB, which we bought new and are happy with. It appears almost identical in layout to the Pastime 980 SC.” – Doris Van Hoven
Roamer
“I would like the Roamer brought back.
All fiberglass, big window, fiberglass inside. Not huge, but large enough for two people. Nice design. A truck just like mine was used in the advertising photos. You wrote an article on Roamer in May of 2018.
My truck (well, not mine, just like mine, however) is in the picture.” – Charles Hanna
Roll-A-Long
Above: 1970 Roll-A-Long Sportster on a 1969 Ford F250
“I would like the 1970 Roll-A-Long Sportster 11 brought back.
The dinette slides and gaucho slides allowed for extended sleeping and seating. The wrap-around side and front windows on the overhead bed allowed the kids to ride on the bed and look out from an elevated position.” – Frank Ross
“I would like the 1972 Roll-A-Long slide-in camper brought back.
This camper was big and had everything we needed. The interior was great with lots of cupboard space. It was heavy around 3,200 pounds, but my three-quarter truck handled it with no problems.” – Richard Hohneke
S&S
“I would like the S&S brought back. It had quality construction and superb customer service.” – Fred Vinson
“I would like the S&S 2007 Montana Ponderosa 11FBSC brought back.
I own this camper and think it is one of the best-built campers ever made. The quality of the wood used and the craftsmanship are outstanding. The kitchen cabinet is bigger than any camper that I have ever had. The design of the steps (to the bed) can slide under the seat of the dinette for more living space. The long drawer under the bed provides storage for hiking sticks, fishing poles, or umbrellas. Also, the long outdoor drawer that’s the length of the camper provides lots of storage for garage-like items as well as fishing poles. The dry bath has lots of cabinet space. The cabinet space in the bed area is more than most truck campers (without slides). It’s a very well-built camper and design.” – Jana Walker
“I would like the S&S Ponderosa brought back.
I like S&S with their iconic wrap-around bubble windows made for great views out the front!” – Bob Avery
“I would like the 2006 S&S Bitterroot 9FBSC brought back.
It was lighter weight and still very well insulated. It had more storage than most travel trailers. The pull-out locking steps into the bed area with storage is still the best idea. The long pull-out drawer under the bed was so handy.
S&S was very smart in how they cut into the kitchen area so two adults could pass by each other and still have a bigger dinette. There was lots of counter space. I just wish the bathroom was bigger and the grey and black tanks weren’t combined. Maybe change to a cassette style/Northstar bathroom setup.” – Anthony Morel
Skamper
“I would like the 1994 Skamper long bed brought back.
I added an air conditioner, 14-foot awning, a catalytic heater, a carpet, a TV, and a microwave. I also added 2×2 steel to the base with three coats of undercoating, and a fitting for 20-volt drill to have power jacks. It had a bathroom with black and grey tanks.
The best part is that a guy bought it new for three trips to Colorado with his Jeep and then put it up for sale. The condition was nicer than the new units I looked at.
I sold it in 2015 and had inquiries from all over the country. A man drove from Oklahoma to pick it up. I would rather have the 1994 Skamper than others due to the dual waste tanks. It was a great unit!” – Bob Miller
Six-Pac
Above: TCM Reader, ME Rutgers, 1987 Six Pac
“I would like the Six-Pac cabover campers brought back.
They were really well built, lightweight, narrow, comfortable, and affordable.” – Stan Kennedy
“I would like the Six-Pac campers from the 1970s brought back.
They were light. My first RV was a Six Pac on a half-ton Chevy regular cab. I loved it. And you could work on them yourself because there were no fancy epoxies.” – Glen Harroun
“I would like the 1980s Six-Pac 8-foot hard side campers brought back.
The Six Pac 8-foot camper in the 1980s was great. We bought one used just to see if we wanted to have a camper again, or something else. We loved it, retired it after about three years, and bought our 2000 Bigfoot 2500-series.
The most captivating feature was that it had a shower and toilet. The toilet folded up into the wall. When one took a shower, you had the whole bathroom. It had a sink and medicine cabinet! It was a very clever design. My wife loved it so it had to be good. It also had a four-seater dinette.
I think the grey and black used a common tank. Not ideal, but it worked. I think it was 30 gallons. I think the fresh water was also 30 gallons. It had a two-way refrigerator/freezer that was small. The bed was east-west queen size. It was a very light camper.” – Jim Tomblin
Above: TCM reader, HD Curry’s 1976 Six Pac
“I would like the Six-Pac D650 brought back.
This camper has been a great fully self-contained camper for half-ton trucks. I have had one for 18 years and could have sold dozens of them if they were still being made. Nothing currently made in this size has the fresh and black tank capacity, nor the full wet bath. It has lots of storage and a robust build.” – Doug Baker
“I would like Six-Pac brought back.
The Six-Pac design was perfect! Putting the refrigerator discreetly at the foot of the bed on the passenger side was genius to open up the living area. The camper itself was not overly wide sitting in the truck bed. I keep searching for a used one but they are scarce. The Lance 650 is the same floor plan, but the Six-Pac was somehow more compact.” – Sylvia Calhoun
“I would like King Solomon’s Temple… just kidding. I want the Six-Pac brought back. It was lightweight and reasonably well made.” – T May
Skyline
“I would like the 1996 Weekender by Skyline 11 foot brought back. It was better built than anything new. The layout was also better, it was easy to work on, and it was light.” – Grant Sorg
PIC
Snowriver
“I would like the Snowriver 10′ 2” 2008 brought back.
It was well built, had a kitchen by the back door, and a large dry bath.” – Linda Clark
Vanguard
Above: TCM reader, Dave Lochert’s 1989 Vanguard P89 on a Chevy 2500
“I would like the Vanguard built in North Battleford, Saskatchewan brought back.
I liked the design and sturdy construction prior to the factory burning down.” – Tom Blake
Wildernest
“I would like the Wildernest brought back.
It was a good choice for an occasional camper while keeping the bed useful.” – Jerry Birnbaum
