Best Campers For Your Tacoma: Top Picks Reviewed

The Toyota Tacoma is one of the most popular mid-sized trucks on the market, thanks to its rugged good looks, reliability, and off-road capabilities. But can it haul a camper?

The short answer is yes. The Tacoma's payload ratings compare favourably to its competitors, with a 5,600-pound GVWR and a 1,685-pound payload for a standard 2WD SR5 Tacoma with an I4 engine, an access cab, and a 6-foot bed. This means that, with the right modifications, the Tacoma can handle a small truck camper.

There are a variety of campers on the market that are specifically designed for the Toyota Tacoma, including hard-sided and soft-sided pop-up campers, as well as hybrid options. When choosing a camper, it's important to consider the dry weight of the camper, the number of people it sleeps, insulation and ventilation, and the ease of installation and removal.

Some popular options for the Toyota Tacoma include the Scout Yoho, the Vagabond Drifter, the Overland Equipment Habitat, the GFC Platform Camper (XL), and the Four Wheel Camper Fleet. These campers offer a range of features, such as expandable tents, solar panels, and wet baths, and can sleep anywhere from two to four people.

However, it's important to note that adding a camper to your Tacoma will affect its payload capacity, and you should always ensure that you don't exceed the maximum weight limit. This may require some modifications to your truck, such as upgrading the tires and suspension.

Pop-up vs hard-sided campers: pros and cons of each

When it comes to choosing a camper, there are a few options to consider. Two of the most popular choices are pop-up campers and hard-sided campers. Both have their pros and cons, so it's important to weigh the benefits of each before making a decision.

Pop-up Campers

Pop-up campers, also known as tent campers, are a great option for those who don't have a large tow vehicle or a big budget. They are compact, lightweight, and easy to store. Pop-up campers typically have two large beds suspended off each end of the trailer and a small living and dining space in the middle. They are also smaller than travel trailers, making them easier to manoeuvre into gas stations and parking lots. Additionally, pop-up campers generally sleep 6 people comfortably and offer amenities such as hot water, a shower, a toilet, a sink, and a stove.

Pros of Pop-up Campers:

• Smaller and more manoeuvrable than travel trailers.
• Can be pulled by smaller trucks, vans, and SUVs.
• Sleeps 6 people comfortably.
• Offers amenities such as hot water, a shower, a toilet, a sink, and a stove.
• More affordable than hard-sided campers.
• Lighter weight makes them easier to tow and more fuel-efficient.
• Lower profile makes them ideal for off-road adventures and allows access to remote campsites.
• Easier to store, even in residential garages.

Cons of Pop-up Campers:

• Soft-sided tents don't handle extreme temperatures well, making it difficult to regulate the temperature inside.
• Single-axle distribution can make weight distribution a challenge.
• Pop-up camper tires are small and cheaply made, prone to blowing out.
• Set-up and break-down can be time-consuming and tiring.
• Less interior storage space.
• Smaller electrical systems and fewer air conditioning options.
• More prone to weather and temperature fluctuations.
• Fewer camping options in certain areas due to bear safety concerns.

Hard-Sided Campers

Hard-sided campers offer a number of advantages over pop-up campers. They provide more choices in terms of makes and models, including options with slide-outs for additional living space. Hard-sided campers also tend to be larger, offering more living space and storage options. They typically feature larger holding tanks for boondocking and offer a wider range of air conditioning options. Additionally, hard-sided campers provide better insulation, making them easier to regulate temperature-wise. They also offer better privacy, security, and protection from wildlife.

Pros of Hard-Sided Campers:

• More makes and models available, including options with slide-outs for additional space.
• Larger floor plans and more living space.
• Larger holding tanks for boondocking.
• Better temperature regulation due to improved insulation.
• More privacy and security.
• Better protection from wildlife.
• Quieter due to thicker walls.
• More luxurious interiors and amenities.

Cons of Hard-Sided Campers:

• Heavier weight requires a higher-rated truck with more payload capacity.
• Greater wind resistance, resulting in lower fuel economy.
• Larger size can make storage and manoeuvring more challenging.
• More expensive than pop-up campers.
• Set-up and break-down can be more complicated.

Tacoma payload capacity and how to find yours

The payload capacity of a vehicle is how much weight it can carry in passengers and cargo. The payload capacity of a Toyota Tacoma varies by model year and configuration.

2024 Toyota Tacoma Payload Capacity

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma has a maximum payload capacity of 1,705 pounds. This is the weight of cargo and passengers that the truck can carry in addition to its own curb weight. The 2024 Tacoma's payload capacity is impressive for a mid-size truck and allows it to haul a wide range of campers, trailers, boats, and other equipment.

2023 Toyota Tacoma Payload Capacity

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma has a payload capacity of 1,685 pounds. This is slightly less than the 2024 model but still offers ample capacity for hauling various types of cargo.

2021 and 2022 Toyota Tacoma Payload Capacity

Payload capacities for the 2021 and 2022 Toyota Tacoma are not readily available, but they likely fall within a similar range to the 2023 and 2024 models, depending on the specific configuration.

How to Find Your Tacoma's Payload Capacity

To find the exact payload capacity of your Tacoma, look for a sticker on the driver's side door pillar. This sticker will display the payload rating for your specific vehicle, which is the maximum weight of cargo and passengers that your Tacoma can safely carry. Staying within this limit is crucial for safety and to prevent excessive wear and tear on your vehicle's frame and suspension.

Upgrading Your Tacoma's Payload Capacity

If you need to increase your Tacoma's payload capacity to accommodate a heavier camper or other equipment, you can consider upgrading the tires to Light Truck (LT) tires with a higher Load Range rating. Additionally, suspension modifications such as helper springs, air helper springs, suspension stabilizers, or airbags can enhance the vehicle's load-carrying capacity and improve ride quality when hauling heavier loads.

Camper weight and how to calculate it

When it comes to matching a truck camper with your truck, the payload rating of your truck is the most important number. The payload rating tells you how much weight your truck can handle, and this includes the camper, passengers, and gear. Staying under the payload rating and GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of your truck keeps you and everyone else on the road safe. It also prevents excessive wear and tear on the frame and suspension of your truck.

To calculate the camper weight, you need to consider the following:

• Dry weight/shipped weight: The weight of the camper as shipped from the manufacturer without any passengers, cargo, liquids, or additional accessories or dealer-installed options.
• Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW): The current combined weight of the camper (dry weight) plus passengers, cargo, and liquids.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The maximum allowed weight of a vehicle, including passengers, cargo, fluids, etc.
• Cargo weight: The total weight of all passengers, food, clothing, liquids, accessories, etc. that you might put into the camper.
• Tongue/Hitch Weight: The weight/pressure applied from the trailer tongue/coupler to the conventional/bumper hitch on your vehicle.
• Pin Weight: The weight/pressure applied from the fifth wheel king pin to the hitch in the bed of your truck.
• Payload Capacity: For trucks, this is the amount of weight you can safely add to the bed of the truck. Your fifth wheel's hitch weight or pin weight, plus the actual weight of the hitch, plus any other accessories you have in the bed of the truck must not exceed the payload capacity. Confirm the payload capacity with your vehicle's manufacturer.
• Max Towing Capacity: The maximum weight limit that can be safely towed by your specific vehicle. This weight is calculated by adding the camper's GVW with the weight of all passengers, cargo, and liquids in your tow vehicle.

There are also other factors that can affect your vehicle's towing capacity, such as the length of your vehicle's wheelbase, mechanical degradation, inflation pressure of your tires, and your personal risk tolerance. It is important to consult your vehicle's manufacturer to get accurate information and calculations.

Camper size and whether it will fit in your Tacoma

When it comes to choosing a camper for your Toyota Tacoma, size and weight are crucial factors. The Tacoma's payload rating will determine how much weight your truck can safely carry, including passengers, gear, and the camper itself.

Camper Weight and Payload Rating

Firstly, you need to consider the weight of the camper. The payload rating of the Tacoma varies depending on the model year and specific configuration. For example, the 2023 Tacoma has a payload rating of up to 1,685 pounds for a standard 2WD SR5 model with a 4-cylinder engine, an Access Cab, and a 6-foot bed. Opting for a 4WD model with a V6 engine and a 6-foot bed increases the payload to 1,395 pounds.

When choosing a camper, make sure its weight, including any gear and accessories, does not exceed the payload rating of your specific Tacoma model. This is crucial for safe and stable towing.

Camper Size and Bed Length

The length of your Tacoma's bed will also determine the size of the camper that can be accommodated. The Tacoma is typically available with either a 5-foot or 6-foot bed. It's important to select a camper that is designed for the bed length of your truck. A camper that is too long for your bed will not only be unsafe but may also damage your truck.

Examples of Compatible Campers

• Scout Yoho Slide-in: This camper has a lightweight design, weighing only 934 pounds, making it suitable for most mid-size trucks. It offers a compact 5-foot, 8-inch floor length, making it a good fit for a Tacoma with a 6-foot bed.
• AT Overland Summit Topper: The Summit is an innovative and lightweight topper that sits on top of the bed rails, weighing just 340 pounds. It is designed for Tacoma 5-foot and 6-foot beds.
• Kimbo 6: The Kimbo 6 is a hard-side truck camper built specifically for the Tacoma. With a weight of 1,100 pounds, it falls within the payload rating of most Tacoma models. It is best suited for a Tacoma with a 6-foot bed.
• Four Wheel Camper Project M: This ultra-light topper weighs only 425 pounds and is designed for Tacoma trucks of all sizes and payload ratings.
• Soaring Eagle Adlar 5.0: Weighing only 890 pounds, the Adlar 5.0 is a minimalistic slide-in camper that will fit a Tacoma with a 5-foot bed.
• Phoenix Level 2 Slide-in: The Phoenix Level 2 is a lightweight option at 1,180 pounds dry weight. It comes in two sizes: 5.5 feet and 6 feet, making it compatible with Tacomas with either bed length.
• Hotomobil Gladiator SB: With a weight of 1,300 pounds, the Gladiator SB can be towed by mid-size trucks with appropriate payload ratings, including the Tacoma.
• OEV Back Country 5.85 Slide-in: Designed for mid-size trucks with 5-foot or 6-foot beds, the Back Country 5.85 has a dry weight of 1,055 pounds, making it a good match for the Tacoma.
• Outfitter Caribou Lite 6.5 Slide-in: Weighing only 850 pounds, the Caribou Lite 6.5 is a lightweight option compatible with mid-size trucks like the Tacoma.

Remember to always check your Tacoma's specific payload rating and bed length before selecting a camper to ensure a safe and proper fit.

Camper installation: how easy is it?

Installing a camper on your Toyota Tacoma is a straightforward process that can be done by a local dealer or even by yourself with some careful planning and preparation. The process typically involves fitting a camper shell or truck cap onto the top of the truck bed, enclosing the area behind the cab and providing additional storage and security.

Dealer Installation

If you prefer to have a professional handle the installation, you can reach out to your local dealer. The process usually takes about an hour, and they will ensure that the camper shell is securely attached to the truck bed using clamps and factory slide and lock tracks. It is recommended to seal the gaps at the front of the bed with silicone or seam sealer to keep out weather and dust.

DIY Installation

For those who are handy and prefer a DIY approach, here are some steps to guide you through the installation process:

• Prepare the necessary tools and materials: This includes items such as a camper shell, clamps, Allen wrench, wrench, silicone or seam sealer, and any other accessories you plan to install (e.g., windows, lights).
• Clean and prepare the truck bed: Ensure that the bed is free of debris and thoroughly clean the surface where the camper shell will be attached.
• Position the camper shell: Carefully place the camper shell onto the truck bed, aligning it with the factory slide and lock tracks.
• Secure the camper shell: Use the clamps to securely fasten the camper shell to the truck bed, following the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
• Seal the gaps: Apply silicone or seam sealer to the gaps at the front of the bed to ensure weatherproofing and dust protection.
• Test and adjust: Once installed, test the stability of the camper shell by gently trying to move it side to side and front to back. Tighten the clamps or make any necessary adjustments to ensure a secure fit.
• Install additional accessories: If you plan to add windows, lights, or other accessories, follow the manufacturer's instructions for a proper installation.

Tips for a Smooth Installation

• Choose a lightweight camper: Opt for a camper that is within the payload capacity of your Toyota Tacoma. Lighter options will be easier to install and put less strain on your vehicle.
• Consider suspension upgrades: Depending on the weight of the camper, you may need to consider suspension upgrades to accommodate the additional load. This can include helper springs, suspension stabilizers, or airbags.
• Regular maintenance: Once installed, remember to check the bolts and clamps monthly and before any off-road trips to ensure that your camper remains securely attached.

Frequently asked questions