This is a great idea!
You come across something every now and again that makes you think why didn’t you think of that? Although we aren’t in pickup truck camper building, seeing a folding rear deck on a camper makes us wonder why there haven’t been more. Palomino RV, its new topper, deserves credit. It’s actually so new that it’s not even listed on Palomino’s website.
Photos are still available, and Palomino RV General manager Ben Meloche talked to TruckCamper extensively about the new offering. The company’s 2910 hard-side topper is used, but the construction is stronger to support the large patio that folds and hangs from its rear. This means that something of this size won’t fit in the back of a Ford Ranger. This camper, also known as the 2912, is designed for large pickups. It has an eight-foot bed and a dry weight just shy of 3500 pounds.
The rear folding deck is the most prominent feature. Although such designs have been used on custom or aftermarket toppers before, Truck Camper says it has never been manufactured. This cool feature adds approximately six-and-a-half feet to the rear of the vehicle and can be deployed by hand in just a few minutes. It is rated at 1,500 pounds and supported by two steel cables of marine grade that can support 1,200 pounds each. It does not have legs that reach the ground.
The deck has a rear entry that leads to the inside. However, there is also a side entrance for when the deck is not in use. The camper has a three-burner stove, a small sink, and a cabover bunk that can hold a queen. The camper’s center features a fold-out sofa that creates a second sleeping area. It also has storage options and a swing-out arm with a TV for entertainment on the deck. The camper can carry 45 gallons fresh water, 20 gallon gray water, 20 gallon black water, and one 30-gallon propane tank. There are lithium batteries available.
Although the camper makes great use of space and has many amenities, it comes at a price. Truck Camper states that the Palomino 2912 with its trick deck has a MSRP of $41,500.