Lightweight A-frame aluminum pickup truck camper, leading in its class weight-wise.
The Aliner Switchback, a new addition to the world of compact and versatile campers, has recently made waves in the RV industry. This innovative A-frame pick-up camper, designed by Pennsylvania RV manufacturer Aliner, offers a unique combination of weight, design, and truck compatibility that sets it apart from other models.
### Weight
Weighing just 375 lbs (170 kg), the Switchback is extraordinarily light for a full-bodied hard-sided truck camper. Its ultra-light construction is achieved through a rot-proof aluminum frame combined with foam-core composite-sandwich panels, avoiding wood for durability and weight savings. This makes it even lighter than many half-bodied camping toppers and over 100 lbs lighter than the previous lightest full-bodied models available.
### Design
The Switchback employs a clever folding A-frame design that sets up in about 30 seconds, transforming from a low-profile, garage-friendly shell into a cozy, fully hard-sided, diamond-shaped A-frame hut. When folded down, it measures just under 7 feet tall on a Ford F-150, allowing the truck to fit easily into a standard home garage.
The camper provides a comfortable sleeping area with a full-size 60" x 72" bed that doubles as seating. An interior cabin height of about 5.8 feet at its peak—while not standing height for everyone—is comfortable for short stays. It includes dual lockable 60" deep storage drawers below the camper floor at the entrance, ideal for securing camping gear and essentials. The Switchback features insulated walls and tinted plexiglass windows for natural light and ventilation, plus a lockable two-part door for security.
### Compatibility with Trucks
Designed to pair well with both mid-size and full-size trucks, the Switchback sits low enough to maintain good drivability and garage accessibility. Its compact width of only 42 inches at the bottom and low profile ensure minimal impact on the truck’s handling and ease of storage. Mounting is secure and straightforward, with fast tie-downs and lockable entry points, making it user-friendly and stable on the road.
### Benefits
The primary benefit is its combination of rugged durability and extreme lightweight, allowing easier towing or carrying by trucks without excessive payload strain. Its fast setup time means less hassle and more time to enjoy camping, while the hard-sided shell provides better shelter and security than traditional tents or soft pop-ups.
The Switchback offers a minimalist, no-frills shelter focused on essentials, ideal for adventurers who want a reliable, quick-to-use camper without extra bulk or complexity. Its design also provides garageability, making it convenient for storage at home without the need for special facilities.
In summary, the Aliner Switchback stands out as an innovative, ultra-light, compact, and durable A-frame pickup camper offering quick setup, practical sleeping and storage solutions, and excellent compatibility with a broad range of trucks — all designed to enhance off-road adventures and weekend getaways without compromise on weight or convenience.
The Switchback camper does not come with an electrical system, but an upgraded model may include one. It is priced at $9,500. The Switchback camper is Aliner's first niche pick-up camper, but not the first A-frame camper in their lineup. The camper's unique A-frame form factor is a notable design feature. The entire folding and unfolding process of the Switchback camper takes under 30 seconds.
The Aliner Switchback's ultra-light construction, making it a suitable addition for lifestyle events and travel, is a result of its rot-proof aluminum frame and foam-core composite-sandwich panels. After setup in about 30 seconds, the camper's home-and-garden size appeals to weekend gardeners or those hosting small gatherings, offering a comfortable sleeping area and secure storage for essentials. Additionally, the Switchback's compatibility with a variety of trucks allows sports enthusiasts to tow it easily for off-road adventures or fishing trips.
