Skip to main content

Turn Any Pickup Into a Full-Featured Overland Camper With Port-Lite Expedition

There’s never been a better time to be an Everyman Expeditioner. Modern cruise liners now take ordinary passengers to the farthest reaches of Antarctica; any moderately fit adventurer can buy a ticket to the summit of Mount Everest; and, sometime next year, well-heeled soccer moms could be practicing yoga aboard a legit space hotel. Now, one Maine-based builder is promising to outfit almost any pickup truck owner with the tools to get far, far off-grid.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Port-Lite Expedition can convert most factory pickup trucks into legit overland campers. The concept of similar in-bed campers is hardly new, but most models from the last three decades were built solely with affordability in mind. They’re often flimsy, not well-insulated, and poorly made. The Expedition series is lightweight and durable, built to the standards of hardcore overland campers looking to go almost anywhere. The exterior is a fully-molded composite construction with an aluminum flatbed, marine roof hatches, and marine hardware throughout. Port-Lite promises it can easily survive the rigors of off-road travel.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

At 172 inches long by 84 inches wide, the Expedition One model fits most full-sized flatbed pickup trucks. Port-Lite used strong, lightweight materials and clever design to keep the dry weight to just 1,350 pounds. Yet, the compact camper manages to fit all the essentials of home, plus a healthy amount of creature comforts into its modest footprint. There’s a queen-sized bed over the cab, a convertible dinette at the rear, and a full-featured wet bathroom with hot and cold running water, a cassette toilet, and even an outside shower. The galley features a diesel, two-burner cooktop and a 3.8-cubic-foot fridge/freezer combo. A 400W solar system with a 4,800Wh AGM battery bank provides campers with near-limitless off-grid capability. The best part is that all of these features come standard. Port-Lite also offers a dozen luxurious upgrades, including air-conditioning, an interior shower, premium upholstery, and electric, remote-controlled jacks. Buyers looking to shed even more weight can also opt for a carbon fiber superstructure.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Like most ruggedized, purpose-built, go-anywhere overland campers, neither of Port-Lite’s models come cheap. The entry-level Expedition One starts at $65,000. For a $5,000 premium, buyers with a long bed pickup can upgrade to the Expedition Two with the same features in a more spacious footprint.

Recommended Videos

If you’d prefer a more traditional camper, check out our picks for the best ultra-light travel trailers.

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Why Spokane is one of the Pacific Northwest’s most underrated outdoor destinations
Spokane is high luxury, but it's interconnected with the outdoors
View from the Numerica Sky Ride in Spokane

I've lived in Washington State for a couple of years now, but I'm still unpacking all of the great places to stay and visit. There's so much to do in the Evergreen state, and during my recent stay in Spokane, I can definitely say that there are a lot of high-end luxury experiences too. From high-end hotels like the Davenport Collection and eateries to some of the best wines in the state, you might be surprised to learn that Spokane is actually a top destination for nature lovers, too. Here's everything you need to know about the wilder side of Spokane and why you should consider coming here during your next vacation.
Outdoorsy things to do in downtown Spokane

This city is a particularly unique place because the town was built around the Spokane River. This is a gorgeous ribbon of blue that's full of waterfalls, eddies, and streams that wind their way through the city. The best place to see this is in downtown Spokane, specifically at the famous Riverfront Park.

Read more
Looking for adventure and culture? This city is the best in the world for urban hiking
Here's the world's #1 city for outdoor lovers
Rio de Janeiro

As an outdoor enthusiast, one of the top things I look for in a travel destination is proximity to the outdoors. I'm certainly not averse to pitching tents, but sometimes it's nice to mix in a bit of urban excitement to my travels. Sports Shoes, a UK running retail brand, just completed a study that analyzed the top urban areas for hikers on break. My personal favorite hiker-friendly city is Seattle, which squeaked in at number 12. The number one spot goes to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

The winner was decided through two primary variables: the number of hikes in the area and the average rating and reviews of those hikes. This was averaged out into a hikeability score out of 100, and the only one to get a perfect score was Rio de Janeiro. With a total of 334 hikes averaging a rating of 4.8 stars, this city is officially the world's number one urban area for hikers.
Top hikes in Rio de Janeiro

Read more
Airstream’s new Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired travel trailer is an instant classic
Two classic mid-20th-century design icons combine in this handsome, ultra-exclusive travel trailer.
An Airstream Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian Limited Edition Travel Trailer parked in the desert.

An icon of the all-American road trip meets an icon of mid-century modern architecture in the all-new 2026 Airstream Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian Limited Edition Travel Trailer. By combining Airstream's unmistakable travel trailer design ethos with Wright's Usonian principles, the result is something truly elegant, timeless, and modern. But it'll only be available to a select few.
Everything we know about the Airstream Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian Limited Edition Travel Trailer

Many of the features and design elements in this one-of-a-kind, 28-foot travel trailer are classic Airstream. But it also features a few firsts. Most notable is the dual-purpose lounge/sleep area anchored by a pair of twin beds that convert to a king (the largest bed ever in an Airstream) with the push of a button. Exclusive bolster pillows, tailored slipcovers, and quilted coverlets round out the space. The front lounge also transforms seamlessly between dinette and desk as needed, making this a true live/play/work travel trailer. The entire interior is awash in daylight thanks to 29 total windows—more than any other Airstream in history.

Read more