Our friends at BundutecUSA just relaunched the RipTide, a hard-side camper that first made its appearance in 2018. Unlike the one-off original, though, the new and improved RipTide is a hybrid, a cross between a truck camper and a truck topper designed to haul gear. But that’s not all. In a major departure from design orthodoxy, RipTide’s primary sleeping area is located on the roof—in a BunduTop roof-top tent—not in the camper itself.
This unique approach in truck camper design, however, wasn’t requested by a client, but by Jenn Crooks, BundutecUSA General Manager.
“I love this camper, this is my oasis,” Jenn said. “Having enjoyed the BunduTop and BunduAwn in a towable configuration for the past five years for the company Jeep and my Toyota Tacoma, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the product, its ingenious design, and its overall concept. However, I’ve learned that nature doesn’t always play nice when you’re out camping for leisure or showcasing the product at events. There’s nothing quite like being caught in a downpour while stuck outside—trust me, you start craving a dry, cozy space in a hurry! The RipTide was designed to fulfill this need.”
The RipTide isn’t your Grandpa’s truck camper. Designed by truck camper designer extraordinaire, Rory Willett, the RipTide is an unorthodox design, a hybrid. Like a Swiss Army Knife, it was designed to serve as a fully-customizable gear hauler that capitalizes on the new era of backpacking-style camping. The low-profile camper features a reinforced roof, a 36-inch-wide cabover that can be used for either storage or sleep, plenty of counter top space, and lots of exterior storage. It comes standard with an Epoch 50 amp hour lithium battery, a Redarc BCDC charger, LED lighting, a portable Dometic 57L DC compressor refrigerator, and a screened entrance door with deadbolt and tinted window. The ceiling in the camper is only 56 inches high, but can easily be raised based upon the customer’s requirements.
The RipTide prototype will be making its rounds during the 2026 show circuit that includes the Overland Expo West (May 15-17), and the Overland Expo East (October 23-25). The camper debuted at the recent SAVE Expo in Florida.
Like all BundutecUSA campers, the RipTide is constructed of framed wood hung with either aluminum or fiberglass, and insulated with R3 block foam in the walls (R7 upgrade upon request). The reinforced trussed roof consists of 1/2-inch plywood protected with a rubber EPDM membrane. This approach in truck camper construction produces a simpler, more affordable camper that can easily be customized. Jenn’s prototype sports a black, diamond plated exterior for extra durability and strength. We have to admit, it looks pretty darn cool!
While the hard-side part of the RipTide can be used quite well on its own, the camper has really been designed to accommodate the optional BunduTop roof-top tent or a roof-top tent that the customer may already own, like the GFC V2 Pro. The BunduTop can be accessed either inside or outside of the camper and includes an additional foam seal underneath to ensure a weather-tight bond to the roof. The standard BunduTop is inset by about 10 inches on each side of the roof to accommodate access, though a king-size BunduTop can be ordered as another option that is 10-inches wider with no side overhang.
Showcasing BundutecUSA’s willingness integrate new products in its campers, the RipTide prototype has been wired and ducted for diesel heat. Conveniently, the heater can be controlled from either the camper itself or from the BunduTop roof-top tent. A standard propane furnace can be ordered as well.
Like a chameleon, the RipTide is fully-adaptable both inside and out. It’s compatible with trucks of all sizes and bed lengths, including mid-size pickups, like the Toyota Tacoma, and full-size pickups, like the Ford F-150. Jenn’s mid-size prototype weighs only 840 pounds dry, and boasts an overall length of 9.5 feet, an interior height of 56 inches, and a floor length of 6 feet 2 inches. However, customers can set the length, interior height, cabover width, overall layout, and window placement inside. The choices are practically limitless!
BundutecUSA will be offering a number of options for the RipTide. These include a cold-water package featuring an interior sink, a 10 gallon fresh water holding tank, and a spray port outside. The options also include a portable 200 watt solar panel, as well as another option called the TraxTab.
“The TraxTab will be an option for the RipTide and one I requested for this prototype,” Jenn said. “It is an innovative product from QuickPitch South Africa. It combines a lockable carrier for MaxTrax Recovery Trax with a fold-down table. Located on the passenger side, it’s covered by the BunduAwn for shade and rain protection. A lift-up access door allows for easy retrieval of kitchen items stored inside from the outside.”
Being a low-profile hard-side, the RipTide epitomizes stealth camping. In extreme weather or when stealth camping is required in town, a 75-inch roll-out sleeping pad can be placed on the floor of the camper. Either ducted heat or a 12 volt fan can be used to keep the camper comfortable for sleeping. The RipTide’s primary sleeping area, however, remains in the BunduTop. For the prototype, access to the roof is provided by a removable ladder, though a hatch to the roof inside can easily be added by BundutecUSA.
“The BunduTop will include a custom privacy area, as it will be the main sleeping quarters,” Jenn explained. “This custom privacy area features a deeper side projection, so you do not lose any space when deployed with the BunduTop inset on the RipTide’s Roof. With or without the BunduTop, the RipTide will feature a convenient exterior storage door that opens to reveal space for clothing, toiletries, or whatever you find suitable for your use. This large, storage space can even be swapped out for inside seating.”
The list price for BundutecUSA’s new RipTide is a very affordable $12,070. Neither the BunduTop nor the BunduAwn are included in this price.
Jenn stressed that the new RipTide is only a prototype with a few quirks to iron out and with plenty of adjustments to make. Customer feedback during the 2026 show season will be critical. She sees the RipTide as a unit that will continue to evolve with time. The RipTide will only get better.
“We’ve put together an exciting package for the show season called the “BunduPackage,” which includes the main features I wanted to showcase in the prototype. The RipTide will also have an à la carte selection of customizable options you can add to build a setup that perfectly aligns with your own requirements! It can also be customized by reaching out to us directly,” she said.
For more information about the RipTide, or other BundutecUSA campers, or to get a quote, contact BundutecUSA at jenn@bundutecusa.com.
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