Summary: Compare flatbed pop up truck campers, including FWC’s Hawk and Hawk+, based on living space, storage, water capacity, and truck compatibility.
For overlanding and off-grid travel, Four Wheel Campers flatbed options to consider include the Hawk Flatbed, Hawk+ Flatbed, and Grandby Flatbed. The Hawk Flatbed prioritizes lower weight, Hawk+ adds greater water, storage, and electrical capacity, and Grandby Flatbed is designed around longer full-size truck configurations. The best choice depends on truck capacity, tray dimensions, water and power needs, and intended trip length.
| FWC flatbed model | Best suited to | Main consideration |
| Hawk Flatbed | Buyers prioritizing lower camper weight | Water capacity and loaded weight |
| Hawk+ Flatbed | Longer off-grid trips needing more water, storage, and power | Heavy-duty truck and compatible 7-foot tray |
| Grandby Flatbed | Long-bed full-size truck configurations | Confirm current fitment and specifications |
These options address different needs rather than establish a universal ranking. Their published specifications suggest different balances of living space, storage, and vehicle requirements.
Why Choose a Flatbed Pop Up Camper for Overlanding?
Choosing an overlanding truck camper starts with how the space will be used. A flatbed truck camper mounts on a tray replacing the factory pickup bed. That arrangement can provide room for a broader interior layout and external storage compartments.
For travelers carrying recovery equipment, outdoor gear, and supplies, the useful question is whether everything has an accessible place. Extra storage becomes less valuable if filling it leaves insufficient carrying capacity.
A lightweight pop up truck camper should therefore be assessed as part of the complete vehicle, including its tray and travel equipment.
Hawk Flatbed and Hawk+ Serve Different Priorities
The Hawk Flatbed merits consideration when keeping camper weight lower is a priority.
According to a 2026 Four Wheel Campers survey, weight was among the most frequently selected considerations reported by respondents when choosing their camper.
FWC lists a base dry weight of 1,325 pounds, while its February 2026 specification sheet lists a 20-gallon freshwater tank and rear dinette. Buyers should confirm the weight of their selected equipment.
The Hawk+ flatbed camper offers a different balance. FWC lists a 1,882-pound base dry weight, 40 gallons of freshwater capacity, a five-gallon gray-water tank, and configurations offering up to 810Ah of lithium batteries and 500 watts of rooftop solar.
Those capacities may appeal to buyers planning longer stays between services. However, maximum electrical specifications should not be mistaken for standard equipment or guaranteed off-grid duration. The company positions Hawk+ for heavy-duty trucks with a seven-foot flatbed tray.
Grandby Flatbed for Long-Bed Trucks
FWC’s Grandby Flatbed tour identifies a configuration for full-size trucks with eight-foot beds. It is worth discussing with a dealer when evaluating a three-quarter-ton truck camper or one-ton truck camper. Confirm current ordering availability, tray dimensions, and specifications rather than applying figures from the Grandby slide-in camper.
Compare the Complete Off-Grid Setup
Before selecting an off-grid truck camper, request an itemized build showing the camper, tray, installation, batteries, solar equipment, and options. Calculate travel weight with passengers, water, food, and gear, then check the vehicle’s applicable weight ratings.
Walk through everyday tasks, too. Can someone cook while another person sits comfortably? Is frequently used equipment accessible? Does the bathroom arrangement suit the trip?
Frequently asked questions
Is a flatbed pop up camper the same as a slide-in?
No. A flatbed model uses a replacement tray. A slide-in pop up camper fits inside the pickup bed. The Project M truck topper is another configuration, attaching to the bed rails.
Is Hawk+ suitable for every full-size truck?
No. Its heavy-duty positioning and tray requirements still require a vehicle-specific assessment. A model name alone cannot establish compatibility.
How long can a camper stay off-grid?
There is no universal duration. Water use, electrical demand, weather, charging opportunities, and waste capacity all matter. Choose a truck camper for remote travel around those practical needs.
About Four Wheel Campers
Founded in 1972, Four Wheel Campers (FWC) is a California-based manufacturer of lightweight, low-profile pop up truck campers built around welded-aluminum frame construction for midsize and full-size pickup trucks.