
The original hard-side pop-up. Patented hydraulic telescoping design with all-aluminum walls. Lowers completely flat for driving, raises to full standing height in under a minute. True four-season construction since 1958.
The Alaskan 8' Shortbed is a hard-side pop-up truck camper from Alaskan Campers weighing 1,800 lbs at around $35,000. It combines the low-profile driving benefits of a pop-up with hard-wall construction for better insulation and weather protection than soft-side models. Sleeps 2.
Based on 3 reviews
half-ton truck owners who want pop-up weight savings with hard-wall durability, 4-season camping — hard walls insulate better than canvas, Overlanders who want a low travel profile but solid shelter, Campers who want built-in cooking facilities at pop-up weight, Those who like to dismount and use their truck freely.
Hard walls provide significantly better insulation, soundproofing, and durability compared to canvas-sided pop-ups. At 1,800 lbs, it's much lighter than a fixed-wall hardside while giving you real walls. Built-in furnace (16,000 BTU) makes cold-weather camping practical. 3-burner kitchen with sink for real meal prep. Alaskan Campers builds in Chehalis, WA.
Share your real-world data to help other buyers make informed decisions.
The Alaskan 8' Shortbed has a dry weight of 1,800 lbs. You'll need at least a half-ton truck and it fits both short-bed and long-bed configurations. Always check your truck's payload rating on the driver's door sticker — manufacturer payload ratings vary significantly by trim and options.
The Alaskan 8' Shortbed has a base MSRP of $35,000 and can go up to $45,000 fully loaded with options. Contact Alaskan Campers directly for current pricing and lead times. Used models may be available at lower prices depending on condition and year.
Setup typically takes about 1 minutes — you need to raise the roof. With practice, most owners get faster. The camper can also be dismounted from the truck for freestanding use, though that takes longer.
Ask anything — we'll research it and add it to this page.
Still requires setup time to raise the roof — not instant like a fixed-wall camper. At 1,800 lbs, it's heavier than soft-side pop-ups and may limit payload on lighter trucks. No built-in bathroom — bring a portable toilet or use campground facilities. Hard-side pop-ups tend to cost more than their soft-side counterparts for similar floor space.
The Alaskan 8' Shortbed weighs 1,800 lbs dry. This is a moderate weight that most properly-rated trucks can handle, though you should check your specific truck's payload capacity.
The Alaskan 8' Shortbed features aluminum frame and aluminum shell construction. Alaskan Campers is a domestic manufacturer based in Chehalis, WA.
The Alaskan 8' Shortbed comes with a full kitchen setup. With a multi-burner cooktop, fridge, and sink, you can prepare real meals without relying on campground facilities.
The Alaskan 8' Shortbed's electrical system includes 100W of solar. Adequate for basic needs, though heavy electrical users may want to upgrade.
The Alaskan 8' Shortbed is built for 4-season use. The built-in furnace handles cold nights, though there's no A/C for extreme heat.
As a pop-up, the Alaskan 8' Shortbed requires raising the roof before camping — typically around 1 minutes. Hydraulic jacks make loading/unloading manageable.
The Alaskan 8' Shortbed carries 12 gallons of fresh water. This is a compact system best suited for short trips or campgrounds with water hookups.
The Alaskan 8' Shortbed starts at $35,000 and can reach $45,000 loaded. This is a premium price point — you're paying for quality construction, features, and a proven brand.
The Alaskan 8' Shortbed comes with a 3-burner cooktop, sink, and refrigerator. It's a capable kitchen for preparing full meals on the road.
The Alaskan 8' Shortbed comes with 100W of solar and 100Ah battery capacity, plus 12 gallons of fresh water. You can comfortably boondock for a few days. For extended off-grid stays, some owners add more solar or battery capacity.