When it comes to pairing a lightweight, low-profile camper with a mid-size truck like the Toyota Tacoma, the options are surprisingly limited. Many campers exceed the Tacoma’s modest payload, while others lack the comfort and capability needed for real travel. Phoenix Custom Campers—a semi-custom, Colorado-based builder specializing in truck-specific designs—aims to solve that problem with one of its most compact offerings to date: the Stealthy Mini. After taking delivery of a Stealthy Mini for my 2013 Toyota Tacoma and putting several months of real-world use on it across multiple Colorado and Texas state parks, I’ve formed some strong impressions about how this small camper performs in the field.
Phoenix Campers builds each unit around the specific truck it will ride on, even though they do have some standard floorplans. The Stealthy Mini is a fully-welded, aluminum-framed camper with either fiberglass or aluminum diamond exterior plate siding that fits the Tacoma bed like a glove (for my Stealthy Mini I opted for the diamond plate). There’s no excessive overhang, and the proportions balance well with the truck’s size. The result is a camper that feels purpose-built for mid-size platforms without overwhelming them.
Payload really matters for mid-size trucks, so before installing the camper, I weighed my Tacoma at a nearby CAT scale. After Phoenix installed the Stealthy Mini using their ratchet-strap tie-down system, I weighed the full setup again. With the 11-gallon fresh water tank filled and a full 20 pound propane tank, the camper came in at 1,180 pounds wet (5,860 pounds post-install – 4,680 pounds pre-camper installation). That number includes all four corner jacks, which weigh about 40 pounds each. Removing them before travel can cut 160 pounds—an appealing option for Tacoma owners wanting to stay comfortably within payload limits, which for my truck is 1,150 pounds.
Even fully-loaded for a weekend, the truck handles predictably. The Stealthy Mini rides quietly, and weight distribution feels balanced. For a mid-size truck like the Toyota Tacoma, that’s a big win.
Phoenix Campers is known for building sleek pop-ups, and the Stealthy Mini is no exception. With the roof lowered, it sits only 14 inches above the Tacoma’s cab, with a mere 4-inch gap between them. This tight fit creates a smooth, aerodynamic profile that noticeably reduces wind noise and buffeting on highways and interstates.
Fuel economy reflects the aerodynamic profile of the camper. Before the camper, my Tacoma averaged 19 mpg in mixed driving. With the Stealthy Mini installed, that average only drops to around 16 mpg—a small penalty for a fully-featured camper. For long trips or regular weekend use, that mild decrease is a major advantage. Highway driving is stable and surprisingly quiet for a pop-up.
About Phoenix’ diamond plate exterior. I love it. Mainly because it goes so well with the look of my truck and gives the rig a more “rugged” look. The only downside is stickers won’t stick to the exterior. Phoenix put some stickers on the exterior by the door, but they’re constantly coming off because of the diamond plating. Not a big deal, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re thinking about this option.
One of the biggest quality-of-life features is the electric push-button roof lift. With a quick press, the roof rises smoothly and evenly—no manual cranking or wrestling with panels. Lowering it is just as easy. Setup takes only a few minutes, making the camper far more usable for quick overnight stops and mid-day breaks than many traditional pop-ups.
A standout feature of this build is the Renogy 200-watt solar charging system, feeding a Renogy 200 amp hour battery bank and a Honor Light 3,000-watt pure sine inverter. In direct sun, the solar panel consistently replenishes the batteries, powering lights, fans, the roof lift, and most impressively—the air conditioner.
Once the inverter is switched on, the optional air conditioner can run entirely off solar-fed battery power. For a lightweight pop-up designed for mid-size trucks, that’s exceptional capability and a significant advantage for boondocking or camping in parks without hookups.
The Stealthy Mini’s Hisense rear-mounted air conditioner performs extremely well, cooling the interior quickly even on hot and humid Texas afternoons. Whether powered from the inverter off-grid or by shore power at a developed campsite, it dramatically expands the camper’s warm-weather comfort. Many pop-ups in this size category skip the air conditioner entirely—Phoenix has integrated it cleanly without compromising weight or interior space.
The camper also includes a Procom LP furnace, which has already proven itself on several 30-degree nights. Between the LP heater and the insulated soft-wall construction, the Stealthy Mini transitions smoothly across all four seasons.
Phoenix’s craftsmanship is immediately obvious inside the Phoenix Stealthy Mini. The cabinetry is attractive, tight and rattle-free, materials feel durable, and the layout makes smart use of limited space.
For families, one of the most valuable features is the bench that converts into a second bed. With a quick adjustment, the bench becomes a comfortable sleeping area for a child, giving the camper true three-person sleeping capability—rare for something this light and compact.
The cabover bed offers a comfortable primary sleeping area, graded for 600 pounds. Also worth noting, I can stand completely upright inside once the roof is raised.
Another thoughtful touch is the custom porta potti cubby beneath the step to the cabover bed. It houses a compact porta potti perfectly and keeps it accessible but hidden when not in use.
For a mid-size camper of this size, the Stealthy Mini includes a remarkably functional galley. The sink and stove combo is built directly into the solid-surface countertop, making meal prep and cleanup simple. The sink is deep enough for real dishwashing, and the dual-burner stove heats quickly—perfect for preparing meals without the need to step outside.
The countertop features a drop-down refrigerator cubby with a 12-volt DC socket (and optional 120-volt power when the inverter is on). Having the option for a portable DC compressor refrigerator to keep food cold or frozen without ice, melted water, or soggy packaging is a game-changer for campers this size.
Despite its compact size, the Stealthy Mini offers a surprising amount of storage. Under-bench compartments and multiple sidewall cubbies provide enough room for multi-day trips. The electrical systems are also neatly arranged and easy to access within those compartments.
The camper’s narrow footprint maintains the Tacoma’s agility on tight campground loops and trailheads. Across several Texas state parks, the Stealthy Mini remained easy to maneuver and easy to park.
Once opened, the camper’s triple-layer, insulated soft-side liners reveal multiple large windows with screens and clear panels. Ventilation is excellent, airflow is generous, and natural light fills the interior.
Where the Stealthy Mini Stands in Today’s Market
The Stealthy Mini distinguishes itself in a growing mid-size market by offering:
- A verified 1,180-pound wet weight
- Optional 150-pound reduction by removing jacks
- A Renogy 200-watt solar system plus a Renogy 200 amp hour battery bank
- A Honour Light 3,000-watt inverter capable of running an air conditioner
- Electric push-button roof lift
- Hisense rear air conditioner and Procom LP furnace
- Bench-to-bed conversion for family travel
- Custom porta potti cubby
- Functional sink plus stove combo
- 12 volt cooler cubby
- Low-profile, aerodynamic shape
- Welded aluminum frame for durability
Few mid-size-compatible campers deliver this blend of weight, usability, and capability.
After a few months of traveling with the Phoenix Stealthy Mini, I’m impressed by how much functionality Phoenix managed to pack into such a lightweight, compact package. The camper feels purpose-built for the Tacoma platform, with excellent weight distribution, durable construction, and an electrical system that rivals larger hard-side campers.
The Phoenix Stealthy Mini pop-up truck camper is a winner. The ability to run the air conditioner off solar and inverter power, combined with a reliable LP furnace, a practical galley, a three-person sleeping layout, and fast setup, makes it a standout choice for anyone looking to stay within the limits of a mid-size truck without sacrificing comfort. For Tacoma owners seeking a capable, comfortable, and genuinely lightweight camper, Phoenix Custom Campers has built something special with its Stealthy Mini.
To learn more about this and other Phoenix Campers or to get a quote, email the company directly at cari@phoenixpopup.com.
Be the first to comment