Alaskan 8' Shortbed vs Northstar 600SS
Both the Alaskan 8' Shortbed and Northstar 600SS are pop-up (hard-side) truck campers. The Northstar 600SS comes in 542 lbs lighter than the Alaskan 8' Shortbed. with the Northstar 600SS starting $7,825 lower. The Alaskan 8' Shortbed requires a half-ton truck minimum while the Northstar 600SS needs a midsize.
![]() Alaskan Campers Pop-Up (Hard-Side) | ![]() Northstar Campers Pop-Up (Hard-Side) | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP | $35,000 | $27,175★ |
| Loaded MSRP | $45,000 | — |
| Weight & Truck Fit | ||
| Dry Weight | 1,800 lbs | 1,258 lbs★ |
| Wet Weight | — | — |
| Min Payload Needed | 2,200 lbs | — |
| Min Truck Class | Half-Ton | Midsize |
| Fits Short Bed | Yes | Yes |
| Tailgate | Remove Tailgate | — |
| Sleeping | ||
| Sleeps | 2 | 3★ |
| Bed Type | Cabover Queen | Full |
| Orientation | North-South | East-West |
| Kitchen | ||
| Kitchen | Yes | Yes |
| Cooktop Burners | 3★ | 2 |
| Fridge | 3-Way Absorption | 12V Compressor |
| Oven | No | No |
| Microwave | No | No |
| Bathroom | ||
| Bathroom | None | None |
| Shower | None | None |
| Toilet | Portable | None |
| Water System | ||
| Fresh Water | 12 gal | 17 gal★ |
| Gray Water | — | 7.5 gal |
| Hot Water | — | None |
| Electrical | ||
| Solar | 100W | 200W★ |
| Battery Type | AGM | — |
| Battery Capacity | 100Ah | — |
| Inverter | — | — |
| Shore Power | — | — |
| Climate & Insulation | ||
| Furnace | Yes | Yes |
| Furnace BTU | 16,000 BTU | — |
| A/C | No | No |
| A/C BTU | — | — |
| Season Rating | 4-Season | — |
| R-Value | — | — |
| Construction | ||
| Shell | Aluminum | Composite |
| Frame | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Dimensions | ||
| Interior Height | 78" | 83" |
| Overall Length | — | 146" |
| Overall Width | — | 77" |
| Setup & Usability | ||
| Setup Time | 1 min | — |
| People Needed | 1 | — |
| Jack Type | Hydraulic | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is lighter, the Alaskan 8' Shortbed or Northstar 600SS?
The Northstar 600SS is lighter at 1,258 lbs dry weight, which is 542 lbs less than the Alaskan 8' Shortbed.
Which costs less, the Alaskan 8' Shortbed or Northstar 600SS?
The Northstar 600SS starts at $27,175, which is $7,825 less than the Alaskan 8' Shortbed at $35,000.
Which sleeps more people, the Alaskan 8' Shortbed or Northstar 600SS?
The Northstar 600SS sleeps 3 people compared to 2 for the Alaskan 8' Shortbed.
Quick Verdict
Lighter
Northstar 600SS
1,258 lbs dry
More Affordable
Northstar 600SS
Starting at $27,175
More Water
Northstar 600SS
17 gal fresh
More Solar
Northstar 600SS
200W
Sleeps More
Northstar 600SS
3 people

