Interior

1 / 6

Pop-Up (Soft-Side)Current

Palomino SS-550

Name: Palomino SS-550
Brand: Palomino (Forest River)
Availability: InStock
Rating: 3.6 (4 reviews)

by Palomino (Forest River) · 2025

$18,000–$22,000Budget-friendly; wide dealer network for competitive pricing

Dry Weight

1,150 lbs

Sleeps

Setup Time

3 min

Kitchen

Yes

Bathroom

None

Season

3-Season

TL;DR

The Palomino SS-550 is the budget king of pop-up truck campers, offering basic truck camping at a price point that undercuts most competitors by thousands. Build quality reflects the price — it gets the job done but don't expect FWC-level refinement.

Based on 11 reviews and 4 owner submissions

What You Need to Know

Great For

Budget-conscious buyers who want a factory-built pop-up rather than a DIY setup, first-time truck camper owners testing the lifestyle before a bigger investment, and seasonal campers who need something affordable for occasional weekend use.

People Love

The price is the main draw — at around $18,000, it's thousands less than a comparable Four Wheel Camper or Hallmark. The dealer network through Forest River means you can actually see one in person before buying, which is rare in the truck camper world. At 1,150 lbs dry, it works on virtually any full-size truck without payload concerns.

Weight & Dimensions

Dry Weight1,150 lbs

Wet Weight1,380 lbs

Interior Height74"

Overall Length76"

Overall Width78"

Overhang—

Sleeping

Capacity2

Bed TypeCabover Queen

OrientationEast-West

Kitchen

KitchenYes

Cooktop2 burners

Fridge3-Way Absorption

OvenNo

Own a Palomino SS-550?

Share your real-world data to help other buyers make informed decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Palomino SS-550 worth it compared to a used Four Wheel Camper?

It depends on your priorities. A new SS-550 at $18K is cheaper than most used FWCs, and you get a warranty and dealer support. But a used FWC will likely have better build quality, hold its value longer, and handle rough terrain and weather better. If you're not sure truck camping is for you, the SS-550 is a low-risk way to find out. If you already know you love it, the used FWC is probably the better long-term investment.

How does the SS-550 hold up in rain and cold weather?

Honestly, it's not great in sustained bad weather. The canvas and seals are adequate for occasional rain, but extended wet conditions can reveal leaks around windows and the pop-up seams. Insulation is minimal, so it gets cold fast below freezing. Most SS-550 owners treat it as a three-season camper and avoid serious winter camping. Seam sealer and aftermarket canvas upgrades help a lot.

Can I find a Palomino SS-550 at a local dealer?

Have a Question About the Palomino SS-550?

Ask anything — we'll research it and add it to this page.

Palomino's budget-friendly soft-side pop-up truck camper. Basic kitchen and sleeping for two at an accessible price point. Good entry-level option for truck camping.

Buyers who prioritize build quality and long-term durability — the lightweight materials and construction won't hold up to years of off-road abuse the way FWC or Hallmark will. Cold-weather campers will find the insulation lacking. Anyone planning serious overlanding should look at more capable options.

Weight & PayloadPositive

At 1,150 lbs dry, the SS-550 is featherweight and works on nearly any full-size truck. Even mid-size trucks with sufficient payload can handle it. Owners rarely report any drivability concerns related to weight. The low center of gravity when collapsed makes highway driving feel almost like an empty truck.

1,150 lbs dry weight works on virtually any full-size truck
Some owners successfully run it on mid-size trucks like Tacomas and Colorados
Collapsed profile keeps center of gravity low for good highway stability
Loaded weight with water and gear typically stays under 1,500 lbs

ValuePositive

The SS-550 dominates the value conversation. At roughly $18,000, it's about half the price of a Four Wheel Camper and significantly less than most competitors. The dealer network means you can often negotiate or find end-of-season deals. Resale value is lower than premium brands, but the initial savings are substantial. It's the truck camper equivalent of a reliable economy car.

MSRP around $18,000 — thousands less than FWC, Hallmark, or ATC competitors
Forest River dealer network offers availability and negotiation opportunities
End-of-season deals can drop the price even further
Lower resale value than premium brands, but much lower buy-in

Build QualityMixed

This is where the SS-550's price shows. Owners consistently note that the materials feel cheaper than competitors — thinner aluminum, less robust hardware, and cabinetry that's functional but not refined. Water intrusion issues have been reported around window seals and the pop-up seams. It's not a camper that will take years of hard off-road use without maintenance and repairs.

Construction quality is noticeably below FWC, Hallmark, and ATC
Window seals and pop-up seams are common water intrusion points
Cabinetry is functional but uses lower-grade materials
Requires more proactive maintenance and sealing than premium competitors

Setup & TeardownMixed

The SS-550 uses a manual crank system that's straightforward but not as refined as FWC's mechanism. Setup takes about 5-10 minutes, and most owners get faster with practice. The canvas is adequate but not as tightly fitted as premium competitors. A few owners have upgraded to aftermarket canvas for better weather sealing.

Manual crank system — simple but requires some effort
Setup/teardown takes 5-10 minutes once you learn the process
Canvas fit is adequate but not as precise as FWC or ATC
Some owners upgrade the canvas for better weather performance

Bathroom

TypeNone

ToiletNone

ShowerNone

Water System

Fresh Water6 gal

Gray Water3 gal

Hot Water—

Electrical

Solar0W

BatteryAGM

Battery Capacity100Ah

Inverter—

Shore Power—

Climate & Insulation

Furnace10,000 BTU

A/CNo

InsulationFiberglass Batt

R-Value—

Season Rating3-Season

Construction & Setup

ShellAluminum

FrameAluminum

JacksManual

Setup Time3 min

People Needed1

Truck Requirements

Min Payload1,500 lbs

Min Truck ClassHalf-Ton

Fits Short BedYes

Fits Long BedYes

TailgateRemove Tailgate

That's actually one of the SS-550's biggest advantages. Forest River has a huge dealer network across the US, so you can often find an SS-550 in stock at a local RV dealer. This is a stark contrast to brands like FWC, Hallmark, or Scout where you typically need to order direct and wait weeks or months. Being able to walk through one before buying is a real benefit.

What trucks work best with the Palomino SS-550?

Almost any full-size truck handles the SS-550 easily — F-150, Ram 1500, Silverado 1500, Tundra. At 1,150 lbs dry, payload is rarely a concern. Some owners even run it on mid-size trucks like Tacomas with the long bed, though you'll want to verify payload and bed dimensions carefully. It's one of the most truck-friendly campers on the market from a weight perspective.

Palomino SS-550

TL;DR

What You Need to Know

Great For

People Love

Weight & Dimensions

Sleeping

Kitchen

Own a Palomino SS-550?

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a Question About the Palomino SS-550?

Watch Out For

Bathroom

Water System

Electrical

Climate & Insulation

Construction & Setup

Truck Requirements