When it comes to customizing midsize trucks with camping toppers, weight is a major concern because it directly affects the truck’s overall payload capacity, which is the total weight a truck can safely carry including passengers, cargo, and accessories. That is why Tune Outdoor developed the Tune M1Lite (M1L), a lightweight pop-up truck camper designed to preserve as much payload capacity as possible while still offering functional camping features for solo travelers and couples.
The M1Lite retains the essential durability and features of the original model but cuts weight and cost by about 20 percent. It weighs just 322 lbs., making it lighter and more agile while still comfortable for camping. It uses the same lightweight aluminum frame and composite corner brackets for strength and durability. Its interior is about 20 percent smaller, featuring a compact 72 x 60 inches north-south sleeping platform. The standing room remains the same 6 foot 6 inches as with the previous model.
“With the M1L, we set out to capture the core benefits of the M1 in a more compact, accessible form—without compromising on quality or experience,” Tune Outdoor co-founder and president Sean Kepler explained. “It’s designed for people who want to move faster, travel lighter, and spend less, so they can adventure more.”
The Tune M1L arrives as over 12 million Americans embrace vehicle-based adventures like boondocking and dispersed camping, up from 8 million in 2024, according to the 2025 Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Survey. As more travelers seek affordable, remote experiences, the growing midsize truck market makes lightweight campers like the M1L appealing to younger and urban adventurers.
The Tune M1L is built for versatile outdoor adventures, allowing you to store gear for activities like backpacking, biking, fishing, hunting, and kayaking while staying connected off-grid. Its lighter weight improves fuel efficiency and handling on tough trails, and the pop-up canopy with awning doors provides much more interior space than typical wedge campers.
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“We found that some customers love the M1 but it offered more room than they truly needed and also came at a higher price, often leading them to consider wedge-style alternatives,” said co-founder and chief product officer Kristian Arnold. “The M1L is smartly designed, highly engineered, and competitively priced, and we see it quickly becoming a standout choice for customers in this segment.”
Tune Outdoor unveiled the M1L camper prototype at Overland Expo PNW and a first production model will be on display at Overland Expo Mtn. West. The company is currently accepting $500 refundable deposits for the Tune M1L on its website, with installations beginning Christmas 2025. The base price for the M1L is $8,999.
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