Sun Lite Truck Camper

Sun Lite is a well known manufacturer of slide-in, pop-up truck campers. Although the company went out of business in 2009, their truck campers still enjoy support of RV-ers....

        Unfortunately, now Sun-Lite is only a part of colorful history. Fortunately, this history is still vibrating in the hearts of many RV-ers.
The Sun-Lite (Bristol, IN) started operations in 1982, initially offering four pop-up travel trailers and three pop-up truck campers. By 1991, the product line included 14 models of pop-up trailers and six models of truck campers. Of these, the most popular were ultralight, slide-in pop-up truck campers Eagle and Skyhawk. The upper (popping-up) section of these campers had a solid roof, but soft (canvas-based) walls. By 1994, the production of travel trailers was discontinued, and the company concentrated its full efforts on the most successful product – Truck Campers.

2002 Sun-Lite Truck Camper (here in a folded configuration)

Source: OakLakeRVSales (YT)

Sun-Lite Truck Camper (here in an unfolded configuration)

Source: Hilltop Camper and RV (2006 Sun Valley/Sun Lite Eagle WS)

          The pop-up structure had several merits of which the most important (especially in the off-road environment) was the low center of gravity of the combo Camper & Truck as well as its low profile.
The solid-walled part of Sun-Lite’s truck camper shell was built using a fir frame, plywood, and popular fiberglass blanket insulation. The latter was offering some sort of thermal insulation barrier, although due to partially canvas-made walls, by no means you could call it an all-season camper. The high-gloss painted, 024-gauge aluminum skin covered the exterior body, while vinyl, correspondingly the single-piece roof. Note that the solid roof provided robustness and better weather protection compared to a fully canvas-based canopy.

What a beauty: Sun-Lite truck Camper 

Source: recreationalvehiclemarket.com (2005 Used Sun Lite Truck Camper)

Sun-Lite truck camper (custom-painted to match the color of the truck) 

Source: recreationalvehiclemarket.com (2005 Used Sun Lite Truck Camper)

           Sun-lite truck campers were generously equipped to provide living conditions for a family of 2+2 (fixed dual bed in an overhanging cab section, place for 2 on a convertible sofa, large removable table). Standard amenities included 2 (3)-burner propane stove, sink, fridge, water on demand (21 -to-27 gallons tanks w/pump), water heater, 20 kBTU furnace, sliding access window, insect screens, storage, lights (including the porch one), and a roof rack with access ladder (to make the list short).
Note that special attention was dedicated to safety. The LPG tank was housed in a dedicated exterior compartment, while propane lines to the possible extent were installed outside to keep the potential “danger” out of the cabin. For extra security, the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors w/alarms were located inside the cabin.
        The major parameters and standard features were similar across the family of models, although some specs like sizes and weight varied to accommodate different beds and weight limitations of pick-up trucks.

Floorplan of the Sun Lite Folding Eagle WS. It's the longest and heaviest model from the family of Eagles (14'9", 1,495 lbs) equipped with toilet/shower cubicle.

Source: Hilltop Camper and RV (2006 Sun Valley/Sun Lite Eagle WS)

Sun-Lite truck Camper: Interior

Source: expeditionportal.com (2004 Sun Lite 6.5 foot truck camper)

Sun-Lite truck Camper: Interior  (visible lifting mechanism)

Source: K-Bid Online Auctions

Sun-Lite truck Camper : Dinette

Source: recreationalvehiclemarket.com (2005 Used Sun Lite Truck Camper)

Sun-Lite truck Camper: Kitchen

Source: recreationalvehiclemarket.com (2005 Used Sun Lite Truck Camper)

         To give you an idea, below are the specs of a typical Sun-Lite truck camper:

• Overall length: 13’10”
• Exterior height (folded): 5’7”
• Exterior width: 7’
• Interior headroom: 6’6”
• Floor length: 8’6”
• Dry weight: 1,340 lbs

Note that the family of Sun-Lite’s Eagle included Eagle RK, Eagle SB, Eagle Wardrobe, Eagle Window, Eagle WS, Eagle WT Sport, Eagle WT/WTSB, while Skyhawk included models Skyhawk and Skyhawk SB).

Sun-Lite truck Camper: Sleeping area 

Source: recreationalvehiclemarket.com (2005 Used Sun Lite Truck Camper)

Sun-Lite truck Camper: Sofa converted to the bed 

Source: recreationalvehiclemarket.com (2005 Used Sun Lite Truck Camper)

Sun-Lite truck camper: Another look at the galley and fridge

Source: Adventure Rider (advrider.com)

Sun-Lite truck camper - rear view

Source: recreationalvehiclemarket.com (2005 Used Sun Lite Truck Camper)

         In 2000, during the period of the consolidation of the RV industry, Sun-Lite became part of Sun Valley Inc (Howe, IN). Throughout the first decade of 2000s Sun Valley on top of its own line of 5th-wheels and travel trailers continued production of upgraded Sun-Lite’s slide-in, pop-up truck campers. Well, then by the end of the decade, the financial crisis knocked on the factory doors. In 2008 Sun Valley went bankrupt, and (to the regret of numerous Sine-Lite fans), all assets including equipment and existing spare parts were sold at an auction in January 2009. As a result, these days it’s very difficult to find any replacement parts for “surviving” the time models.

          On the positive side, despite so many years since the production of Sun-Lite truck campers abruptly ended, they still enjoy popularity and warm sentiments among the community or RV-ers. Numerous pictures throughout the text show not only the beauty of well-maintained models of Sun Lite truck campers but also the merits of their interior design. And (as you can see in the attached below video), the ingenuity of “post”-Sun-Lite aficionados makes miracles, keeping the fame of Sun-Lite truck campers alive….

Custom-modified Sun-Lite truck camper 

Chris Tarzan Clemens: "Living In A Toyota Tacoma Truck Camper...." (YT)

Below: The video by Chris

All models:

1. External height (folded) = 5'7"

2. Sleep: 4 

3. Dry weight in lbs

Sun-Lite truck Camper: Convertible sofa 

Source: Hilltop Camper and RV (2006 Sun Valley/Sun Lite Eagle WS)

Both models:

1. External height (folded): 5'1"

2. Sleep: 4

3. Dry weight in lbs

Sun-Lite truck Camper: Certificate of Compliance w/safety standards

Source: K-Bid Online Auctions

Visitor's story.....

Believe it or not, the Sun Lite truck camper is still around and when you travel, you see these campers at many different campsites, but also at auctions...

Truck camper manufacturing is still a popular business offering choice of the different style trucks. They target the growing number of pick-up truck owners. And the trends like  "Small is Beautiful", or "Simple is Eco-Friendlier" etc... are gaining support and with them many old designs in this or other form are "resurfacing" on the market.  

Note that the popular Sun Lite campers also allow for attaching behind the rack for motorcycle or bikes....

Sun-Lite truck Camper: Original, old-time propane heater

Source: K-Bid Online Auctions

Sun-Lite truck Camper: Traditional wooden shell's frame with a layer of fiberglass insulation 

Chris Tarzan Clemens: "Living In A Toyota Tacoma Truck Camper...." (YT)

One of the last units: 2008 Sun-Lite truck camper.

Source: SmartRvGuide.com

I guess, you will be leaving this page with a bit of nostalgic feelings. And it's for a reason, because the past, few decades later usually looks much "warmer".... :-) 

Go to: --> Understanding & Review of Truck Campers

Note:  Check with the manufacturer and / or authorized RV Dealer for the up-to-date list of features, options as well as latest specifications. These written above may not be accurate and certainly are subject to change by the factory. We are not responsible for any inaccuracy, the above text is provided only for the general information.

This review was written based on publicly available information for the benefits of the community of RV-ers. We do not receive any gratification or financial benefits from RV manufacturers, dealers, and any other promoters of RVs. 

We are NOT involved in sale and/or retail of RVs!

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