Unveiling the Most Popular Truck Camper Brands of 2023: Quality and Adventure on Wheels!

As the allure of truck campers captivates adventurers and nomads around the globe, it's time to explore the leading brands that have captured the hearts of outdoor enthusiasts in 2023. These brands have set new standards in design, innovation, and functionality, ensuring that travelers can embark on their journeys with comfort and style. Join us as we dive into the world of truck camper brands and discover the most popular ones in 2023.

1. EarthRoamer

EarthRoamer is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and rugged capabilities. With a commitment to sustainability and off-grid living, their truck campers are built to withstand the harshest terrains while providing a luxurious and eco-friendly experience. EarthRoamer offers a range of models that cater to different needs, from compact units for solo adventurers to spacious models for families.

2. Lance Camper

Lance Camper has earned a reputation for producing top-quality truck campers for over half a century. With a focus on durability, innovation, and functionality, their campers offer exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. Lance Camper boasts a diverse lineup that includes versatile models suitable for both short and long-bed trucks, ensuring a perfect fit for every truck owner.

3. Four Wheel Campers

Four Wheel Campers has become synonymous with lightweight and versatile truck campers. Their dedication to simplicity and compact designs has made them a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts seeking agility and ease of use. Despite their smaller size, Four Wheel Campers pack a punch with cleverly designed interiors, off-grid capabilities, and a reputation for rugged durability.

4. NuCamp RV

NuCamp RV has carved a niche in the truck camper market with its innovative and stylish designs in its Cirrus truck camper family. Known for their attention to detail, superior build quality, and modern aesthetics, NuCamp RV offers a range of truck campers that cater to various preferences and budgets. Whether you're a solo adventurer or a family seeking adventure, NuCamp RV has a camper to suit your needs.

5. Host Campers

Host Campers has gained popularity for its high-end, luxury truck campers that offer a blend of comfort and durability. With a focus on spacious interiors, upscale amenities, and superior construction, Host Campers caters to those who crave a luxurious experience on their adventures. Their campers are meticulously crafted and can be customized to meet individual preferences.

As the demand for truck campers continues to soar in 2023, these popular brands have emerged as the frontrunners in the industry. EarthRoamer, Lance Camper, Four Wheel Campers, NuCamp RV, and Host Campers have garnered a loyal following due to their commitment to quality, innovation, and adventure. Whether you're seeking off-grid capabilities, durability for rugged terrains, versatility for family adventures, or luxury on the road, these brands offer a range of truck campers to suit your needs. So, get ready to hit the road with confidence and embark on unforgettable journeys with these trusted truck camper brands leading the way into a world of boundless exploration and freedom! 

Bunkbeds in an RV?? Yes, please!

May 4, 2020
By: The Lost Road Mag Team

It used to be that traveling across country in a motor home was reserved for empty nest retirees --those folks with nothing but time on their hands and money burning a hole in their pockets.  Now, with the evolution of remote, teleworking technology (freelancers everywhere exclaim a collective 'hallelujah') that's just not the case anymore.  Any simple Google or YouTube search will reveal hundreds of younger families (and you solo travelers) who have taken their dreams a different direction.

They've traded in the American Dream of a two-story house with a white picket fence, two car garage, and a vegetable garden for a home on wheels that takes them anywhere their hearts' desire.  Along with this dream comes the kids often in tow.  Because what's a better home-school lesson?  Instead of reading about Mt. Rushmore, you can just go see it!  Instead of a math lesson on the depths of the Grand Canyon, just go from the peak of the canyon all the way down to the bottom yourself.  Why listen to a science lecture on marine animals when you can see them in their natural habitat?  Families have taken this concept to heart and sold all their belongings to then purchase their home on wheels at a resounding rate.

But this also means RV manufacturers have had to change their floor plans to adapt.  Sure, you're still going to find plenty of motor homes and RVs geared towards couples, but more and more RV designers are including floor plans for those larger families out on the road.  Plus, what's a better challenge than figuring out how to give four people their own space to chill out than this?

For this article, we're going to focus on traditional RV manufacturers that have nailed the "kids in mind" floor plan.  RV manufacturers take note: you can learn a thing or two from those skoolie folks who figured out great options for this floor plan long ago.

Here are some of our favorite Class A and C floor plans for families on the road:

The 2020 Winnebago Forza Model 38W -- This coach.  How we love thee.  Let us count the ways.  From the INSANE amount of charging stations, to the built-in desk for TWO that converts to a bunk bed for the kiddo at night, this thing has it all.  It's living area space is realistically designed for the family that wants to hang out at night on the sectional sofa and watch a movie together on the 50" HDTV with the fireplace going, but still provides enough space throughout for folks to work apart from one another.

The 2020 Winnebago Forza

Mom and dad can feasibly be at the desk space working while the kiddos do their school work in the theater seats with accompanying lap desks, or vice versa.  Got a tween or teen?  They'll probably want to claim the optional studio loft bed over the cab as their own space, and who can blame them?  And the extra storage!  This Forza model offers 228 cu. ft. of exterior storage space!  You can literally bring your entire garage and all your toys with you if you choose.  For you cooks out there -- the kitchen is a beauty.  Corian counters, anyone?  And don't worry--the washer/dryer is in the bathroom.


2020 Jayco Seneca 37L:  While the sofa does the thing where it points towards the kitchen and not at the TV (because RV manufacturers cannot seem to MOVE AWAY from the need to stick a pointless itty bitty dinette in these rides), this one still makes the cut for one of the best floor plans of the year.  The storage is great, and the fridge size (12 cu. ft.) can actually accommodate a family's food needs.  Surprisingly, so many floor plans with bunks still have 8 cu. ft. refrigerators.

The 2020 Jayco Seneca

Additionally, not only do you get two bunks that can each hold 300 pounds WITH a 24" TV in each bunk (hallelujah for no fighting over what to watch, am I right?), but the parents get a KING SIZED BED.  That's a lot to fit into a Class C.  This bad boy also comes with an optional combination washer/dryer, should you be willing to forgo a little wardrobe space (raises hand high).  There's additional kiddo space in the bunk over cab, and that bit of space is sheer beauty, with the incredible panoramic window that provides the person sleeping up there with the ability to go to sleep with the stars and wake up with the sun.  It's worth noting, however, that MSRP on this model is $267,300, so it's not for the budget conscious.  You could easily get a gasoline Class A for less, AND have more space.  But there are plenty of people who don't want the additional space, and like the driving comfort that the Class C provides.

2020 Newmar Canyon Star 3929:  This used to be one of the only Class A toy haulers on the market.  But what used to be a traditional-looking toy hauler with garage has morphed into a motorhome with an actual second room for the kids (something that used to be an impossibility unless you went the fifth wheel route).  The 3929 model is incredibly unique as far as the competition goes (as in: there is no competition here--no other company offers a floorplan like this).

The 2020 Newmar Canyon Star

In addition to a traditional RV living space layout, the master bedroom includes a king bed, then beyond the bedroom in the back of the rig, there's a room with bunk beds, a closet (optional w/d combo unit here), and a HALF BATH for the kids!  The great part about the kids' space being in the very back of the rig is that once they go to bed at night, you don't have to worry about waking them up by walking through their space (a downside of many other bunkhouse floorplans).  This floorplan was clearly designed by exhausted parents.  Bravo, Newmar.

Forest River Sunseeker Classic 3270S:  Looking for a no frills, traditional class C motorhome with bunks?  This is it.  The interior of this model is really light, making it look much more modern than some of its counterparts.  You aren't going to find anything to truly knock your socks off, but the manufacturer has a solid reputation, and the Sunseeker itself is a tried and true favorite.  There's a reason why it's one of their longest running rigs.  It gets the job done, and well.

Interior of the 2020 Forest River Sunseeker Classic 

One thing we sure wish these designers would change is the main living space TV located so high up in the bunk over cab.  It's truly no fun to have to look UP to watch TV after a long day of play.  But they're certainly not the only folks that do it.  Also of note is the price point:  the Forest River Sunseeker is definitely one of the more affordable bunkhouses on the market right now.

2020 Entegra Coach Accolade Model 37L:   This model ALMOST has it all.  If ONLY the placement of the TV/Fireplace weren't perpendicular from the sofa seating.  Why oh WHY do manufacturers continue to do this?  It simply makes no sense.  Not to mention the fact that most families (of which the bunk models appeal to) would much rather have a larger L-shaped sofa experience with a removable table or even a coffee table with a top that pulls up to eating/table level in front of it instead of that pesky dinette.

2020 Entegra Coach Accolade

If you got rid of the dinette setting altogether, replace with a larger living space that can double as a spot to eat, then this Class C would have it all, including the option for a washer/dryer.  Have we mentioned this floorplan includes a king sized bed?  Because it does!  Then there's the 750lb bunk over cab weight capacity that's simply the icing on the cake.  Bravo, Entegra.  You were almost perfect.

The good news is that with more and more families with kids under 18 choosing life on the road, the more options there are available.  2021 looks to include even more bunk models, and we're even seeing some of these RV manufacturers starting to include solar-- not just "solar-ready," but actual solar panels on the roof.  FINALLY.  It's about time.  Future's looking bright for our open road families.

RV Life YouTubers Worth a Follow

April 5, 2020
By: Lost Road Mag Team

In this current climate, we're all looking for something to fill up our days at home.  This is when we can ALL breathe a collective sigh of relief and give a resounding "AMEN" for those YouTubers out there still creating content for us to enjoy.

For those of us who live vicariously through those families, couples, and solo travelers out there on the open road, there's a sweet relief from just being able to tune in right now to the "full timers'" current journeys and exploits.

As far as their current content, just like the rest of us, even full-timers can't escape a virus you can't see.  Many are having to make total 180 adjustments to their lives as well.  Some are even having to go as far as abandoning their vans and RVs (their LIVES) in order to travel back to the US (like this poor couple, who had to abandon their van in Argentina), or get back to a home base where they can hunker down with friends or family, as by this point, most state parks and even private RV resorts, are closed.  So unless their home on wheels is equipped with enough solar and water supply to boondock for an extended period of time, these modern day gypsies are no better off than the rest of us at the moment.  We've finally found the one thing that LITERALLY affects us all.  Corona isn't just for beach bum day drinkers anymore.

But in the meantime, there are still folks out there with ample old content to keep us occupied during these very strange times.  Some of our favorites here at the Lost Road are below.  It's not an exhaustive list, but if you love traveling and living out your adventures vicariously, the ten YouTubers below (in no particular order) are definitely worth a follow.  And some of them are still out on the road making current content.

1.  Matt's RV Reviews -  If you love touring RVs on the market like we do, Matt and his wife Andrea do an incredible job at making these tours non-boring and extremely informative at the same time.  Their camera work is solid, and Matt and Andrea are really just the cutest little couple, who embrace their cheekiness and love what they do.  They're also extremely appreciative of their followers, and they've got some great little catch phrases, like "Andrea-Approved" for certain seating arrangements, and "prime pooping position" for Matt's penchant for porcelain toilets and ample space for a comfortable #2 experience.

2.  We're the Russos -  This couple, who tend to love the smallest living experience possible, first spent time traveling cross-country in a sprinter conversion van.  They've since moved into a custom-ordered truck camper made by Overland Truck Campers.  Their content focuses on their love of the "small life," tours of conversion vans, small campers, and their search for the perfect tiny home on wheels.  In truth - their new truck camper is pretty much the bomb.  But they must REALLY love each other to be stuck in such close quarters together for so long.  Hats off to you both, Russos.

3.  Jarrod Tocci - This guy KNOWS his stealth camper vans.  He's lived in them, built them, and tours them all over the country.  What's a "stealth" camper van, you ask?  Check him out.  He'll provide all the deets you need to know.

4.  Number Juan Bus - This is an adorable family of three (plus their BIG dog) traveling around the country in their converted Skoolie named Juan.  The bus is gorgeous, and the family is even more so.  They've taken their bus all over North America, as far as Canada and Nova Scotia.  They also have content related to their actual build, so if you're considering creating your own skoolie home on wheels, this family is a great place to start, as they don't sugar coat the difficulties in the process.

5. Endless RVing -  These guys don't have a ton of followers yet (a little over 5k as of this publication), but they're a lesson in the rule on YouTube that number of subscribers doesn't necessarily have anything to do with the quality of content.  This family of three travels around the country in their souped up Class A.  Forget the converted vans, the old beat up, vintage-inspired skoolies.  This family understands that if they're going to live in something even part-time (like this family chooses), then they might as well be comfortable.  I mean, if home is where you lay your head at night, you should probably go ahead and have that memory foam pillow and down comforter, am I right?  Content focuses on RV show tours, class A motorhomes, and collaborations with other content creators.

6.  Big Truck Big RV -  This guy specializes in towables, specifically towable RVs for the family with the BAT - or the Big A$$ Truck, if you get our drift.  Think duallies, fifth wheels, towables that can haul your entire three story home if you so choose.  Tours are informative and geared towards those who care about the slide construction, the siding composite, and storage capacity.

7.  Five2Go - This family of four spent twenty months living full-time in their RV, traveling all across the country.  They recently sold their rig and settled down in a rental home in Colorado, but it's obvious they've already got the itch to get back out there, as they've recently started the search for a Class A motor home that can accommodate their family.  With one son and one daughter, they're looking for a rig that includes a bunk over the cab, as well as some additional sleeping space.  Bunkhouse?  Toy hauler?  It's still up in the air as to what they'll decide on, but our money's on that toy hauler.

8.  Eat See RV - This couple is the cutest.  They live full-time in a Class B camper van, but they're not ashamed to admit they like a little bit of comfort out on the road.  Recently, they featured on of the best Class B van floor plans we've ever seen in the Leisure Unity Travel Van.  They're currently suffering through the Coronavirus quarantine on the beach in Mexico.  We feel so bad for them.

9.  Long Long Honeymoon -  This couple has been living full-time and traveling in their Airstream trailer for years now.  Sean and Kristy, who refer to their channel as "LoLoHo," provide camping tips and tutorials, how-to videos, and for those Airstream fanatics out there, their channel is a must-watch.

10.  Our Lively Tribe -  Another full-time RV family made up of mom, dad, and THREE BOYS living in a 30 foot trailer.  They've taken their gift of renovating trailers to the next level and created a business out of it.  Dad tackles the actual renovation, then mom comes in and makes it CRAZY PINTEREST CUTE.   I mean, girl NAILS it.  White shiplap?  CHECK.  Plants & greenery?  CHECK.  Adorable games and home school areas for kids? CHECK AND CHECK.

*This article was not sponsored in any way*

Skoolies: All the rage or raging phase?

April 5, 2020
By: The Lost Road Mag Team 

These days, there are quite a few of us looking for a way to live a different, more mobile life.  One that gives us the freedom to roam, while also having some semblance of roots.  The history of mobile living isn't new to Americans.  But the incredible amount of mobile living alternatives out there these days can make your head spin if you really take the time to jump online and do a google search of that exact thing.

As you can imagine, the skoolie lifestyle really took off during the 1970's when the hippie gypsy movement was in full-swing.  At that time, skoolies were often seen as unique RVs, and were especially helpful for going across country to various music festivals (helloooo, Woodstock!), marches, and other forms of civil disobedience.  Those were the days, am I right?  Freedom of thought, deed, and the open road ahead.  Early school bus conversions weren't quie what they are today, however, as Do It Yourself RV points out, many folks nowadays still want to hold on to that old, vintage feel.

These days, skoolies are decked out with so many features that unless you got off the bus and stepped outside, you'd hardly know you weren't in a single family house.  You're likely to find a wood burning stove fireplace, sofa, a full-service kitchen (often complete with the finest fixtures - as many will tell you - when you go small, that frees the budget up to go BIG on the quality), full bathrooms complete with composting toilets, and a super cozy bedroom, some with beds right next to back doors that open, or with roof windows that open to the moon and stars at night.

From Inhabitat.com - the Mayes Family School Bus

Not too shabby, huh?

Some skoolies go even farther, with bunk beds for the kids, washing machines, and crates built into the side walls for dogs, bunnies, or whatever your heart's content.  But skoolie conversions aren't just for the free-spirited gypsy anymore.  These conversions have become a BIG business.  Some of the more well-known conversion companies include Skoolie.Homes, Blue Ridge Conversions, Paved to Pines, and many more.  If you're worried about finding a conversion company to do your build close to you, don't even sweat it -- most folks just go with who they love the most, and then buy a one-way ticket out to pick up their bus, and voila! Instant road trip home.  But by that point, aren't you already home?

Of course, there are some grown-up logistics to consider before you go packing your backpack, putting on your Chacos, and filling up your Nalgene bottle.  For instance, it's pretty tough to get proper insurance coverage on a skoolie.  Is it a home, or is it an automobile?  This is a pretty tricky distinction (as it's technically both) for an insurance company trying to determine a proper amount of coverage and what risk they're assuming through that coverage.  But if you do your part on the front end by speaking to human insurance reps, explaining your school bus isn't actually a school bus, but a repurposed RV, then that can take care of any misunderstandings on the front end.

Will owning a skoolie save you money in the long run?  That's yet to be determined, as it honestly depends on your lifestyle, as well as how much and how often you drive (the cost of diesel and gas is a HUGE variable - and one that's completely out of your control).  Our best tip on the financial aspect of skoolie life is to take the time to reach out and speak to some skoolie veterans to get a real feel for the cost.

For what it's worth, considering that current state of this world and its affairs, this conversion trend - whether it's school buses, vans, or old mobile homes, isn't going anywhere any time soon.

Rad Power Bikes has a new limited release out - and it's EVERYTHING

April 4, 2020
By: Lost Road Mag team

If you're a fan of the e-bike movement, then you've likely seen one of the more recent e-bikes on the market from Rad Power Bikes.  This company has done an incredible job at promoting their bikes through social media and affiliate marketing, but the good news is: their product is actually holding up to the hype.

Rad Power is able to keep the costs for consumers lower by cutting out the middle man and working directly with the customer, all through phone-based or online ordering.  Customers have a choice of a variety of e-bikes and a ton of customizations, as well.  One of the features that's made this bike so popular is its ability to add on a small passenger seat on the back (for smaller riders, as the payload capacity of most of these bikes is around 300 pounds), and even offers features and additions that work well for those in the delivery/gig economy.

Their newest e-bike, the RadrunnerPlus, is available for pre-order and will be a limited release.  The RadRunner Plus the best features available on their other versions in an all-in-one package.  E-bikes have really taken off of late, and it seems like Rad Power has figured out a way to gain a strong foothold in the market quickly, by being both affordable AND accessible.

From: Rad Power Bikes Website

With a 750 watt geared hub motor, a 300 pound payload capacity, 7-speed drivetrain, and up to 45 miles per charge, this bad boy is strong enough to last a full day of travelling around your neighborhood, small town, and can even tackle some off roads and hills while its at it.  Then there's also the ability to ride it whether it's day or night, as it comes fully wired and equipped with both headlight AND integrated brake light in the rear.

As far as their suite of other bikes, it's worth a good comb through their website to get a sense of what they offer.  Rad Power claims that for most bikes, they can ship next business day for the mainland U.S.

The immense growth in popularity of e-bikes over the past few years isn't likely to slow, so even if you're on the fence about purchasing an e-bike, and unsure whether you'll really ride it like you hope, the truth is, it's likely a great investment, as the market for good used e-bikes is strong, as any Craigslist search will show you.  There just aren't many used e-bikes out there in great shape.  The one negative to purchasing through a direct to customer company like Rad Power, however, is that if something does go wrong and you find yourself in need of a bike mechanic, there won't be many who've worked with their specific systems - but lets be honest - a battery is a battery, and a motor is a motor, and that's a small risk to take for an e-bike that offers as many incredible features for the price point as Rad Power.

You can find more information on Rad Power Bikes on their website.