Grumpy Bear Campers takes the minimalist ethos of today’s most compact travel trailers to the extreme with its new Arctos Sport truck camper. It’s a unique, pared-down mashup that combines the stubby, trail-friendly size of a traditional teardrop with the versatility and streamlined drivability of a truck camper.
The base level Arctos Sport DIY includes just the fiberglass camper shell, two side windows, a rear entry door, and one-ton jack stands and ratchet straps for securing the finished product to your rig. By “chopping” the typical overcab bed area from the design, GBC was able to keep the curb weight under 700 pounds, making it one of the lighter builds we’ve seen.
The “upgraded” Standard package adds 400 pounds, thanks to a solid list of essential creature comforts for campers looking for a ready-to-run model. That includes a removable dinette that converts into a 53″ x 74″ double bed, blackout shades, a 10-speed roof vent, and plywood cabinetry. Also standard is a 30-amp converter for hooking up to shore power in the front country and a “Power Tower” with 110V and 12V USB outlets. Plus, the included Suburban 16,000-BTU furnace adds the potential for cold-weather camping, and the available roof-mounted AC gives the Arctos Sport true four-season camping capability.
The ready-to-camp Arctos Sport Standard truck camper bases for $20,000. The long list of available à la carte customizations includes everything from a portable toilet and fridge to a full-blown, off-grid power setup with a lithium battery and 400 watts of solar. Handy campers who are willing to trade sweat equity for serious savings should look to the Arctos Sport DIY, which starts at just $12,000.
