Alaskan Campers just released its first hard-side truck camper called the HS 640. Yep, you heard us right. A hard-side truck camper. There’s no doubt about it, this release represents a seismic shift in the mindset at Alaskan. Since 1958, the company has been known for building the industry’s first and only telescoping hard-side slide-in truck camper. It was and remains an iconic design—a true American classic—so when we heard about Alaskan’s new hard-side model we were shocked. Don Hall must be rolling in his grave.
According to Alaskan, the new HS 640 is the first of a “new generation of Alaskan campers, engineered to reduce weight and fit a wider range of trucks.” Unlike the original Alaskans made of wood, the new Alaskan HS 640 uses 99 percent non-organic materials. In order to keep the weight down, Alaskan designers developed a new wall system using 1.5-inch structural insulated panels with a high-density PIR foam core and fiberglass skins.
But that’s not all. Unlike traditional aluminum framing that transfers outside temperatures directly into the camper, adding both thermal inefficiency and unnecessary load, the HS 640 uses a patent-pending aluminum and PVC hybrid frame that interrupts this transfer. This approach, accordingly to Alaskan, reduces thermal bridging and produces less condensation, making it a true four season camper. How capable? We’re not sure. Unfortunately, no R-values were published on the company’s website.
With a base weight of only 1,200 pounds and a floor length of 6 feet 4 inches, Alaskan’s new HS 640 is light enough to be hauled on half-ton, short-bed trucks including the ever-popular Ford F-150 and Toyota Tundra. Taking a cue from several companies before them, Alaskan’s HS 640 can be used with the tailgate attached to the truck, allowing it to be used either as a porch at camp or closed for travel. Interested in a long-bed model? You’re in luck. We’re told that Alaskan is working on a long-bed version as we speak.
Alaskan is offering four different layouts for the new HS 640 camper with each providing a unique seating and dinette configuration. Each layout, featuring east-west cabover sleeping, comes with custom powder-coated aluminum cabinetry, premium bamboo countertops with a swivel table, an RV queen-size mattress, one MaxxAir roof fan, dual-pane acrylic windows with an integrated blind and screen, and under floor storage. Four interior color palettes are offered by Alaskan: Blustery Sky (blue), Acier (grey), Basil (green), and beige (brown). The standard build-out includes a 15 gallon fresh water holding tank only, meaning no dedicated grey water waste tank is provided.
Alaskan’s HS 640 power system is surprisingly robust for a half-ton camper. It comes with two 162 amp hour lithium batteries, a 200 watt roof top solar panel, a Victron 3,000 watt inverter (layouts 2, 3, and 4 only), a Victron Cerbo GX Touch 70 Touchscreen Control Center, a Victron MPPT charge controller, a Victron 50 amp DC-DC charger with Anderson plug connector, and a 30 amp shore power plug. An external Starlink port and a solar power port to plug in a portable solar panel also come standard.
Options for the Alaskan HS 640 include another 200 watt roof top solar panel, a portable solar panel, up to six lithium batteries, and a Nomadic X2 DC air conditioner. Additional options include a diesel heater, an 23Zero Awning, MOLLE panels, a ladder, a Trelino EVO Composting Toilet, an Isotherm 90L DC compressor refrigerator, an indoor/outdoor shower, and a tankless water heater. Two exterior colors of the camper can be ordered from the factory: white and grey.
Pricing for the Front/Side Sleeper layout starts at $44,995 while the most expensive layout, called the “Premium Configuration” starts at $48,999.
Thoughts on the new Alaskan HS 640
Alaskan’s website has only renderings of the new HS 640—we look forward to seeing it in person at the 2026 Overland Expo West—but the HS 640 is neither ground-breaking nor unique like Alaskan’s original telescoping hard-side of the 1950s. As a matter of fact, the new Alaskan HS 640 looks surprisingly similar to Hotomobil’s Gladiator and Outpost’s award winning 6.5 model. Still, Alaskan’s sleek and modern HS 640 is a head-turning design and will no doubt generate interest among overlanders looking for a short wheel base rig with an excellent departure angle.
But like many of you, we have to ask, why would a small truck camper company, like Alaskan, suddenly feel like it needed to delve into what has become a saturated hard-side truck camper market? Why indeed. We’ve been inside the company’s Winlock, Washington factory and it isn’t very large. Why not leverage Don Hall’s original telescoping pop-up design instead? Hall did produce a fiberglass version of his iconic pop-up in the early 1970s, but it failed to take hold and was dropped entirely during the 1973 Arab Oil Embargo. Yes, we know Alaskan is working on a composite version of the original classic, yet we’ve been told that for months. Where is it? With this new release, we can’t help wondering what the future holds for Alaskan. Will Alaskan’s iconic telescoping design go the way of the dodo bird? Only time will tell.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for new details as they become available.
My heart is broken. Don’t like it one bit. NADA ZILCH!