Creativity abounds within the vanlife world. Perusing our assortment of camper posts from the final 12 months, we’re frequently amazed at how the identical fundamental van form on the surface can develop into one thing really distinctive inside.
We’re additionally amazed by the recognition of stealth campers today. There’s one thing to be stated about not drawing consideration to your self, not in contrast to the enchantment of sneaky sleepers that look mundane however pack the punch of a gazillion-dollar supercar. Sleeper has a extra literal that means within the tenting world, and we like to see these neat tasks come to life.
We even have truck toppers, a pop-top EV, and maybe the most important do-it-yourself RV conversion we have ever seen on our record for 2023. So let’s soar in for one more have a look at among the wonderful campers we noticed this 12 months.
We discovered this unassuming Isuzu field truck on YouTube in August, but it surely was really constructed 4 years in the past. It’s the epitome of stealth, proper right down to huge scuffs on the field. Inside you will discover a mixture of utilitarian type with one of many nicest camper bogs we have seen. It’s received bunk beds, a giant kitchen, and the rear loading ramp opens to disclose two large glass doorways. It’s four-wheel drive, and with a tilt cab, entry to the GM-sourced engine makes for simple upkeep.
What this Mercedes lacks in type, it makes up for in price. The inside is comparatively easy with a number of cupboards and counter house, and there is a small toilet between the kitchen and rear work space. It’s full of tech, together with a big TV and a safety system that includes a number of cameras. And it was constructed for lower than $10,000.
There is nothing stealthy about this huge Volvo-based motorhome. From its RV-style stripes to the borderline hilarious 378-inch wheelbase, that is clearly a house on wheels that occurs to have a fifth-wheel hitch on the again for hooking up a trailer. Inside is complete luxurious with snazzy cupboards, a big kitchen with full-size home equipment, and a moist toilet. It’s constructed by ARI Legacy Sleepers, and it is protected to say it prices a tad greater than $10,000.
Space is at all times a problem with pickup-mounted camper shells, however ioCamper debuted an fascinating resolution again in March. Instead of a slide-out design to supply a bit more room, the again wall of this camper folds right down to reveal fold-up partitions. The exterior portion of the wall hinges upward to create a roof, successfully doubling the inside house. The result’s one thing pickup-sized when driving, however RV-sized whenever you attain the campground.
Not lengthy after discovering the Isuzu camper, we came across one more off-road field truck hiding a tiny dwelling inside. The Fuso is a bit smaller, and exterior home windows take away a little bit of the stealth issue. But the inside is wonderful with a big range and a surprising wooden countertop. The rear gate folds right down to make a porch, and the proprietor has $37,000 invested all complete – together with the Mitsu’s buy value.
One would not merely cease on the native camper dealership to get a drop-in topper for the GMC Hummer EV. EarthCruiser stepped in to supply an answer, and it is a fairly revolutionary one at that. There is not a lot room within the Hummer’s mattress, so this appropriately named GMC Hummer EarthCruiser will get a streamlined carbon fiber mattress shell with a pop-up roof that creates 80 inches of headroom. There’s a small bathe and bathroom, and because it’s designed for an electrical truck, it has a 605-watt onboard solar energy system.
Technically a truck-based camper, the Denali 3S from Rugged Mountain Custom RV would not mount to the mattress. It is the mattress, and to make it a bit extra spacious, three slide-out sections add room to the perimeters and rear. Inside you will discover an upscale residing house that features a small fuel hearth within the kitchen. It’s not for the faint of coronary heart, nevertheless. Prices begin at $74,900 and that does not embody the medium-duty truck required to hold it.
Without a doubt, the Sprinter is an especially well-liked van for camper conversions. However, we do not typically see one with bunk beds, particularly within the brief 144-inch wheelbase model. Advanced RV constructed this one primarily based on designs from an architect; the bunk beds depart sufficient house for a surprisingly giant kitchen and a full toilet. Such a mix may be robust to put in in a bigger Sprinter, by no means thoughts the short-wheelbase mannequin.
Some would possibly argue {that a} stealth camper needs to be white, however this windowless black ProMaster would not stand out by any means. Inside it has every little thing you want, together with an revolutionary pop-up bathe, rest room, a small kitchen, and it is decked out in a stupendous mixture of white with heat wooden tones.
Don’t you dare name this a tiny dwelling. There’s a full-size washer and dryer on the second (sure, second) flooring of this transformed huge rig trailer. Accessing the highest flooring is finished via a spiral staircase, and whereas most RVs wrestle to mix a bathroom and bathe in a single house, this one has them separated. Aside from the kitchen, eating, and bed room, there is a particular theater room with a 75-inch TV. And on the again, you will discover a storage sufficiently big for a bike and a jet ski.
