Grumpy Bear Campers may be a relatively new name in the overlanding industry, but their passion and commitment toward building truck campers is something to long for. Ever since the company’s Koda model became popular among campers, there has been an increasing interest in what Grumpy Bear Campers might have to offer next. To keep up with the industry, the Ohio-based company has come up with a bold concept that’s sure to hook campers and keep them coming back for more. Grumpy Bear Campers has engineered, what it calls Arctos Sport, a featherlight 700lbs empty-weight camper.
First spotted by New Atlas, the Arctos Sport camper features a white gelcoat fiberglass shell, entry door, two side windows, and ratchet straps for tying down to the truck. Dimensions-wise, it’s compact yet capable. The Arctos Sport measures 6.5 feet long and spans 7.1 feet wide. Inside, the 6.5-foot headroom lets most folks stand tall without stooping, and with its center of gravity only 3.3 feet from the bed’s front edge, it hauls steadily on a wide range of midsize pick-ups.
On the outside, the camper includes dual-pane tinted side windows that provide natural light and views without compromising insulation, while the 10-speed roof vent with rain shield keeps air circulating on hot days. The biggest highlight of the camper is its distinctive profile. The camper’s design centers on a pedestal-style base that nestles into the truck bed, with walls that sweep outward past the bed’s edges for added interior space. This reminds me of Aliner Switchback, an ultra-light garage-friendly camper that boasted a similar profile.
Despite the compact size, the truck camper has a surprisingly roomy haven tailored for two adventurers. This includes a convertible bed that measures a generous 53×74 inches, complete with 2-inch thick cushions upholstered in durable Sunbrella Canvas Granite fabric. Other features include laminated plywood cabinets in Wilsonart Sterling Silver that provide organized storage, while a Lagun table base offers flexible dining or workspace options. Not to mention, Blackout vinyl shades that ensure privacy, and a power tower delivering both 110V outlets and 12V USB ports for charging devices.
The camper offers ample storage for bulky gear like camping chairs, plus a dedicated spot for the included 5-gallon porta-potty, complete with a convenient storage bag for easy handling. The 53L 12V cooler with an ice maker keeps provisions fresh, making meal prep a breeze even in remote spots. For warmth, the Standard Package includes a Suburban 16,000 BTU furnace, backed by a 30Amp WFCO converter to power it all.
Tailored to various preferences and wallets, the Arctos Sport arrives in two configurations. The entry-level DIY Package, priced from $12,000. The turnkey Standard Package starts at $20,000. The latter comes with full furnishings and all the necessary appliances and wiring for immediate use. For those who want to tweak, options are plentiful. Grumpy Bear offers add-on options like solar panels up to 400 watts with a controller for off-grid power, a wireless backup camera for tight maneuvers, or a Disc-O-Bed bunk for extra sleeping space. The company offers customizable options like electric jacks with remote, a lithium-ion battery, a propane tank, or even a low-profile 13.5k BTU roof-mount air conditioner.
There is no dearth of heavy, wood-framed campers, but this model’s featherweight design and superior materials imply one can haul more gear without sacrificing fuel efficiency or payload. For anyone eyeing a bed-mounted rig that overdelivers, I would recommend putting trust in Arctos Sport. For those interested in learning more or placing an order, visit Grumpy Bear Campers’ website.
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