There is no dearth of pickup truck campers on the market, and they come in all shapes and sizes. Case in point, Aliner’s Switchback that boasts a diamond-like profile, while the Grumpy Bear’s Arctos flaunts a chopped teardrop look. The problem with these campers, however, is that they are extremely heavy and incredibly expensive. Camping enthusiasts have long been in search of a rig that lets them carry less while coming at a bargain basement price. This is where the ThAirCamper enters the frame.
ThAirCamper is a fully enclosed, drive-anywhere inflatable RV weights just 180 lbs. Designed to fit directly into the bed of mid and full-size pickup trucks, it pops up in under five minutes and packs down compactly for easy storage. Built from durable PVC drop-stitch material, the 2-inch-thick solid walls provide insulation against cold nights and windy conditions, while a built-in 6-inch air mattress offers a comfortable sleeping surface.
The company claims the trailer can comfortably accommodate three to four people. However, we believe it is best suited for two, with perhaps a little room for a child or a pet. The ThAirCamper inflates in under five minutes using the included lithium battery pump, which connects to individual valves for the floor, walls, roof, door, and components. A hand pump is also included, serving as a backup and allowing for more gradual pressure fine-tuning.
Once fully inflated, the unit adopts a classic truck camper form, with a relatively low alcove that sits over the driver’s cab, while the body starts wide at the top and angles inward toward the bottom to fit neatly inside the truck bed. The camper is accoutred with large windows, which come triple-layered with screens, weatherproof outer panels, and interior blackout panels that clip to the ceiling when not in use and moonlight as overhead shelves.
Access to the interior is gained via a velcro-sealed rear door. Inside, the camper features two side benches flanking a 77 x 44-inch floor mattress, enough for a couple to sleep comfortably. The interior stands 5.2 feet tall; you can’t quite stand fully upright, but you can absolutely sit without craning your neck. The side benches double as sleeping berths for kids or, in a pinch, a smaller adult who doesn’t mind tight quarters.
For those reluctant to sleep directly on the floor, an optional near king-size inflatable mattress, measuring 76 x 76 inches and six inches thick, bridges the two benches and lifts you off the ground. The above-cab alcove can serve as a gear shelf or a sleeping nook for a smaller person.
Essentially, the Thaircamper is designed to stay inflated while driving, secured to the truck via integrated D-rings, unlike inflatable tents that have to be set up on arrival. The camper fits popular full- and mid-size trucks, including the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, and Toyota Tacoma.
New Atlas reports that the company is developing add-on options such as a 270-degree awning and, perhaps most ambitiously, a standalone inflatable bathroom with a shower and toilet. But that still seems a long way. For now, Thaircamper is priced at $2,895, at an almsot $1,000 discount from its retail price of $3,795.
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