Overlanding has exploded in popularity over the past few years—and for good reason. The ability to explore off-grid destinations and camp in remote locations is incredibly appealing to adventurers like me who crave freedom and flexibility.
But one of the big debates among overlanders is what type of rig truly works best. For those of us who don’t want to tow a trailer but still want some comforts of home, overlanding with a truck bed camper seems like the perfect compromise. Or is it?
I’ve spent a lot of time traveling with various rigs—from rooftop tents to traditional trailers—and recently discovered the value of a hard-sided pop-up truck bed camper. Specifically, I’ve spent a good deal of time with the Cube Series Camper, a lightweight, canvas-free model built with vacuum-bonded fiberglass and aluminum.It promised a lot on paper, and I was curious to see it in person, so I headed up to Oregon to check this thing out. See my adventure in the video below:
In this article, I’ll share my take on overlanding with a truck bed camper. I’ll break down what truly works, what doesn’t, and how the Cube Series addresses some of the common pain points that come with this style of camping. If you’re considering a truck bed camper for your adventures, this is the guide you need!
Table of Contents
- Mobility and Off-Road Capability
- Weight and Truck Compatibility
- Interior Comfort and Usability
- Setup Time and Ease of Use
- Storage and Organization
- Weatherproofing and Four-Season Use
- Cost vs. Convenience
- Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Mobility and Off-Road Capability
One of the biggest draws of overlanding with a truck bed camper is the idea that you can go anywhere your truck can go. But not all campers are created equal when it comes to off-road performance. Some are too tall, too heavy, or mounted in ways that limit articulation and clearance.
This is where the Cube Series Camper really shines. With a collapsed height of just 52 inches, it maintains a low profile that’s a dream for both aerodynamics and trail clearance. As I discuss in my Cube Series Camper review, the jack system is designed to be tucked in horizontally, improving ground clearance and making rough terrain much more manageable.
With a rig like this, you’re able to access narrow forest roads and rocky desert paths that would otherwise be completely off-limits with a traditional RV or tall camper. The Cube Series doesn’t make your truck feel top-heavy, either, and it stays stable even on uneven trails. That’s a big win for those of us who really want to get off the beaten path.
Weight and Truck Compatibility
Weight is a huge concern when it comes to overlanding with a truck bed camper. Too heavy, and your suspension suffers. Too light and flimsy, and you might as well be sleeping in a cardboard box.
The Cube Series Camper strikes a smart balance. With base weights ranging from 1206 to 1750 lbs, it’s light enough for compact trucks like the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger, but still durable and rigid thanks to its aluminum and fiberglass construction. I personally toured this camper when it was on a full-size pickup, and the truck barely even knew there was a camper on the back!
Campers like this also eliminate the need for expensive aftermarket tie-downs. The Cube Series uses an inside-bed anchoring system that attaches directly to the factory tie-downs, saving money and simplifying the install. That level of integration makes it a smarter choice for overlanders who want to avoid the usual truck camper headaches.
Interior Comfort and Usability
Let’s be honest—comfort matters, even when you’re living out of the back of a truck. And this is where many pop-up truck campers fall short. Canvas walls, awkward layouts, and a lack of basic amenities can turn a fun weekend into a frustrating mess.
With the Cube Series Camper, the hard-sided walls and high-density foam insulation make a huge difference. Even in chilly mountain mornings or hot desert afternoons, the temperature inside stays surprisingly stable. The opposing dinette and 75” sleeper offer plenty of room to relax and sleep, and the synthetic leather seating is a nice touch after a long hike.
The kitchen setup—complete with a two-burner range, sink, and optional refrigerator—is more than enough for making real meals, not just reheating cans of chili. And with thoughtful touches like LED lighting, multiple USB/power outlets, and a battery monitoring system, it truly feels like a home base on wheels. That’s not something you can say about many truck bed campers!
Setup Time and Ease of Use
One of my biggest complaints with other overlanding setups—especially many rooftop tents—is the setup time. After a long day of driving or exploring, the last thing I want is a 30-minute camp assembly process.
Overlanding with a truck bed camper like the Cube Series changes that equation. Raising the roof is powered by 24V actuators, so it’s as simple as flipping a switch. Within minutes, you have a fully functional living space with no canvas to fuss with and no poles to figure out in the dark.
This is a game-changer when you arrive at camp late or in bad weather. I could be cooking dinner and lounging inside this thing while my friends are still fighting with tent poles and guy lines. When you’re on the move frequently, that level of convenience makes all the difference.
Storage and Organization
Space is always at a premium when overlanding with a truck bed camper, but Cube Series Camper’s layout makes the most of it. The all-aluminum cabinetry is lightweight yet sturdy, and there’s a surprising amount of storage in the dinette benches, cabinets, and side compartments.
The enclosed service center, locking exterior compartments, and thoughtful access panels make it easy to keep my gear organized and systems maintained. Everything has its place, and that means fewer headaches when you’re far from civilization.
That said, it’s still a small space, and you’ll need to pack smart. I use soft bins and magnetic organizers to keep things streamlined. But compared to many other truck campers or even small trailers, the Cube feels impressively functional for its size.
Weatherproofing and Four-Season Use
One of the common downsides to pop-up campers—especially canvas ones—is that they struggle in poor weather. Whether it’s howling wind, driving rain, or snow, the elements often win.
The Cube Series changes the narrative. This thing is solid. With vacuum-bonded fiberglass panels and foam core insulation, you’ll have zero issues in bad weather. The 18,000 BTU furnace keeps the interior toasty, and the optional 500W solar setup keeps the battery topped off all weekend.
It’s also nice knowing the plumbing system is enclosed and heated, so you don’t need to worry about freezing lines when temps dip. For anyone interested in true four-season overlanding with a truck bed camper, this is one of the few setups I’d recommend without hesitation.
Cost vs. Convenience
There’s no getting around it—truck bed campers can be expensive. But when you factor in everything you’re getting with a rig like the Cube Series, the value becomes clear.
Unlike many campers that require costly upgrades just to make them trail-ready, the Cube Series Camper comes equipped for serious overlanding right out of the box. Between the roof actuators, internal tie-down system, insulated walls, solar options, and all the standard amenities, you really don’t need to add much else to make it adventure-ready.
Compared to a traditional RV or even a high-end off-road trailer, overlanding with a truck bed camper offers a simpler, more integrated solution. And since you don’t have to tow anything, you’re more agile on the road and on the trail—which saves time and reduces stress.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Overlanding with a truck bed camper isn’t the perfect setup for everyone—but it might be perfect for you. If you want something that offers more comfort and weather protection than a rooftop tent, but without the bulk and hassle of towing a trailer, this is a compelling middle ground.
The Cube Series Camper exceeded my expectations in nearly every way when I was inspecting it up close in Oregon. It’s light, strong, simple to set up, and designed with the realities of off-grid travel in mind. With a rig like this, you can go deeper, stay longer, and enjoy the journey more because you’re not constantly dealing with setup problems or weather limitations.
So what works? Pretty much everything: the low profile, durable construction, thoughtful design, and easy-to-use features. What doesn’t? Storage space can be tight, and you need to stay organized.
But for me, the pros of overlanding with a truck bed camper like the Cube Series Camper far outweigh the cons. It can open up a whole new level of adventure—and you won’t look back!
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