Looking for a great gift idea, or a piece of gear or tool to fill an important, truck camper need? You’re in luck. The staff at Truck Camper Adventure has evaluated numerous products and attended numerous shows to present you with some of our favorites. So without further adieu, here are 12 truck camper gear gift ideas for the 2025 holiday season, and for 2026.
Edge CTS3 Insight Digital Gauge Monitor
Looking for an easy way to display key performance data of your truck while on the road? Well, look no further. The Edge CTS3 Insight digital gauge monitor displays not only key metrics but a whole lot more. What’s great about the Edge CTS3 is that its compatible with all trucks regardless of the make or model. As long as you have a 1996 or newer truck with an OBD2 port you can use this monitor. The Edge CTS3 does it all. It provides real-time data monitoring, can read and clear trouble codes when they occur, perform and display performance testing, and more. The unit is highly customizable with numerous gauge displays, themes, and colors, and can be tailored to conform to your own truck. While this unit can do so much, real-time monitoring is the Edge CTS3’s most important features. Using your truck’s PIDs, it can display exhaust gas temperatures, transmission fluid temperatures, engine coolant temps, engine oil temps, diesel particulate filter status, intake ambient temperatures, boost, and a whole lot more. Better yet, special sensors can be purchased for this monitor to provide data for PIDs that your truck might not have. Have tires that are larger than OEM? The Edge CTS3 Insight can accurately display your real highway speed that takes into account the larger size. A fantastic monitoring tool. especially for older trucks—like our 2003 Ford F-250 7.3L Power Stroke—equipped with analog meters. Highly recommended.
Dragon Fly Tarp
It’s no secret that we have an aversion to the standard RV awning. The numerous reasons were outlined in a previous article. When it comes to hard-side truck campers, we think a tarp, like the Dragon Fly Tarps Haku, is a much more practical alternative. The mounting surface is less intrusive, mounts much closer to the ground, and weighs a lot less than the traditional RV awning. The Dragon Fly Tarps Haku is shipped in two pieces—a large box, which contains two storage bags with everything needed to set-up the Haku—the tarp, four stakes, four heavy-duty straps, and two collapsible poles—and a long shipping tube which houses the sail track that is made of aluminum. Everything is of a high quality including the three storage bags. Installation and set-up is easy. The tarp is strong enough to withstand 30 mph winds and can be mounted as high or as low as you want (we mounted our track at 6 feet 7 inches making it easy to reach). Unlike similar tarps, the Dragon Fly Tarp is water resistant, a bonus for those who live and camp in wet climates. While the cost for the Dragon Fly Tarp Haku is steep at $749.00, don’t let the price stop you. This product is assembled in the USA (in Idaho) by hand and is a high quality product in all respects (even the straps and stakes are heavy duty). Like we always say, you get what you pay for.
Overland Solar Bugout 130 Solar Blanket
The Overland Solar Bugout 130 is a mainstay in the overland industry. The solar blanket can be deployed easily then folded-up for easy storage. Proudly made in Boise, Idaho, the Bugout 130 comes with everything you need to charge the batteries in your camper, including a 130 watt foldable array, and a 20-foot mini-Anderson to SB50 Anderson connector and a SB50 Anderson to an SAE adapter that you can use to plug the panel into any common solar outlet. An optional 10 amp MPPT solar controller bundle can also be ordered if needed. Made of a Cordura 1050D ballistic nylon, the portable measures 22 x 7.5 x 3.5 inches closed, 22 x 68 inches open, and weighs only 7.3 pounds. Built to handle the harshest weather, the Bugout 130 offers an impressive 23.7 percent efficiency and can generate up to 7 amps IMP. Available in five different colors/designs: gray, dark gray, black, Kryptek Altitude, and Kryptek Highlander. Features include a double-stitched D-ring lashing points and grommets for securing or hanging, and an accessory pouch that attaches the bag using heavy-duty Velcro to organize your cables and controller. You can buy the Overland Solar Bugout 130 for $635 with the controller and $710 with. Can be ordered factory direct or though many overland outfitters nationwide including Four Wheel Campers that offers this neat, little portable as an optional accessory.
GOOLOO GT6000 3-in-1 Jump Starter
At some point a dead starting battery will happen to us all. Sure, a good set of jumper cables are a must, but what if you’re camped all alone, miles from others? The GOOLOO GT6000 is an excellent little unit. It delivers a massive 6000 amp jump at peak power, yet remains compact and lightweight for easy storage. This lithium jump starter can effortlessly start 12 volt vehicles, including all diesel and gas engines in seconds. Far superior to bulky traditional jumper cables, this portable car jump starter is ideal for truck campers, vans, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, RVs, and boats. But that’s not all, this jump starter is a 3-in-1 unit. It also comes with a portable power bank with three USB Ports and a 400-lumen flashlight with three modes of operation—SOS, spotlight, and strobe. It also has a 15 volt, 10 Amp port for powering 12 volt DC devices, like tire inflators, inverters, and more. Features a 3.2-inch LED display. Charges quickly from 0 to 100 percent in just 1.4 hours. A great, little unit. Comes with a black storage bag and all the connectors needed to charge and use this unit. Lists for only $139 on Amazon.com.
BottleJack Buddy
We were introduced to the BottleJack Buddy at the 2023 Overland Expo West and were immediately impressed with the idea and workmanship of the tool. Yes, bottle jacks are convenient and easy to store, but as you know, the danger of it slipping while in use is real, especially off-pavement. The BottleJack Buddy practically eliminates this danger by hugging or cradling axles up to 4 inches in diameter. The saddle is made from 1/4-inch steel and the assembly sits on any bottle jack with a 2-inch lifting platform or smaller. According to the website, “it will work with most 20-ton bottle jacks, but you will need to measure your lifting platform to confirm. Smaller bottle jack lifting pads will work, but there will be space between the jack and the tube and it will have to be centered, it’s ideal to have the lifting pad as close to 2 inches in diameter as possible for a better fit.” It’s the perfect bottle jack adapter for the garage, the 4×4 trail, Jeep, Recovery, motorhome, travel trailer, farm, ranch, horse or livestock trailer, vehicle roadside safety kit, or any other location where you want to lift the vehicle from a solid axle in a secure and safe manner. A must-have item for any off-road emergency tool kit. Comes powder-coated in black. Made in the USA. A terrific tool accessory for your truck camper and van, the BottleJack Buddy lists for $49.00.
Omnia Stovetop Oven
Craving baked goodies like cakes, breads, and pot pies, but don’t have an oven in your truck camper? No problem. The Omnia Stovetop Oven is the perfect solution. Resembling a bundt pan with a lid, the Omnia consists of a stainless steel base plate, an aluminum baking pan, and a red aluminum lid. How the Omnia works is pretty ingenious. The stovetop directly heats the Omnia base plate, which in turn heats the air trapped in between the base plate and the baking pan. At the same time, the baking pan’s wide, circular “chimney” and lid allows heat from the stove to rise up and circulate back down onto the food. Thus, the Omnia Oven creates hot air both under and above the baking pan just like a traditional oven. A few air holes in the lid allow steam to escape, so that foods bake rather than steam. With the exception of a Thanksgiving turkey, the Omnia can bake just about anything, including casseroles, breads, cakes, cobblers, quiche, biscuits, pot pies, vegetables, baked potatoes, and cookies. An terrific accessory for your truck camper and van, the Omnia can be purchased on Amazon.com for $83.99. Click here to read our full-length review.
Omnia is offering an exclusive 20 percent discount for Truck Camper Adventure readers, valid Dec 1-10 2025. Use the code “TCA20” here.
Guzzle H2O Stream
The Guzzle H2O Steam is different from other RV water filtration systems you can buy on the market. The Stream is a portable, easy-to-use system. It features a three-stage water filtration system that includes a Prefilter, 0.5 Micron Solid Activated Carbon Filter, and LED UV purifier. It combines these with a pump, a lithium battery, and packs it in a rugged, portable travel case that can go anywhere. The Stream pumps, filters, and purifies 32 gallons of water per battery charge. It pumps at 0.75 gpm, so it takes just 7 minutes to fill a 5 gallon Jerry can, with just the press of a button. The portable system removes at least 99.99 percent of bacteria, protozoa, and viruses, and filters water down to 0.5 microns and is effective at reducing sediments, chlorine, VOCs, NSF 41 emerging contaminants, lead, mercury, and other chemicals. www.guzzleh2o.com. Lists for $995. Pricey? Yes, but the price is well worth it.
NEMO Stargaze EVO-X Luxury Recliner
Unlike the standard camping chair, the NEMO Stargaze EVO-X incorporates an auto-reclining mechanism into its design. To activate it, all you need to do is lean back. But the Nemo Stargaze does more than just recline, it’s also a rocker designed to be used on any surface, including rocks, sand, and uneven ground. Made of aircraft-grade aluminum, the Stargaze Recliner comes with an adjustable headrest, a no-spill cup holder, and a stash pocket to store small items. Set-up is quick and easy. Comes with a padded carrying case with shoulder strap. The Luxury model retails for $179, while the standard model sells for a cool $149. A terrific, top gear favorite, you better buy two or you’ll end up fighting over it. Comes in five colors.
Fireside Outdoor Pop-Up Fire Pit
Looking for a collapsible, leave-no-trace fire pit that is also compliant with strict Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service regulations? Well, you’re in luck. Arizona-based Fireside Outdoor makes pop-up fire pit that sets-up in less than one minute without the need for tools. Made from high-quality aluminum and stainless steel, the Pop-Up Pit comes with everything you need to create a safe campfire, including a collapsible frame, four ember guards, a mesh screen, and a detachable heat shield that reflects 98 percent of the heat away from the ground. Cools and packs-up like a camping chair within 90 seconds, and weighs less than 8 pounds, the Fireside Outdoor Pop-Up Fire Pit sells for $139. www.firesideoutdoor.com
VIAIR 450P Portable Air Compressor
After airing down your tires, you’ll need an efficient way to air them back up before hitting the pavement. For this job we recommend using the VIAIR 450P air portable compressor. This powerful, lightweight unit is pretty neat. It gets its power by connecting directly to your truck’s 12 volt battery. The VIAIR 450P generates an operating pressure of 150 psi for up to 40 minutes before it automatically shuts off for a period of time to cool. It delivers 1.80 cfm free flow at 0 psi with a maximum current draw of 20 amps. This portable air compressor includes everything you need to air up your tires, including a 25-foot coiled extension hose with quick connect coupler, a gas station style inflation gun with a 200 psi pressure gauge, and an 8-foot power cable. A convenient carry bag is also included. A top gear favorite. We never leave home without it. Lists for $349 on Amazon.com.
Renogy E.Flex 120 Portable Solar Panel
Recently, we raved about the Jackery SolarSaga 100 as a lightweight portable, yet the Renogy E.Flex 120 is even better. Offering an impressive efficiency of 23.5 percent, the Renogy E.FLEX 120 weighs only 11 pounds, and can harvest up to 6.1 amps and 120 watts per hour. Folded up, the portable panel measures 12.64 long, 21.7 inches high, and only 1 inch deep and extended measures 26.4 inches long, 43.4 inches high, and less than 1/4-inch deep. It comes with standard MC4 connectors, so you will probably need to buy an MC4 to SAE Adapter to use it with your truck camper or van. The build quality of Renogy’s 120 watt portable is excellent and features ETFE lamination, corner guards, and the IP67 rating to protect it from scratches and rain when camping or overlanding. The Renogy E.Flex 120 is compatible with several portable power stations/solar generators including those made by Jackery, Bluetti, Yeti, and Renogy, of course. Comes in an attractive, padded carrying case and features a 1-year warranty. Note: the Renogy E.FLEX 120 does not have a charge controller, meaning you will need to either use the one in your camper or van or the one in your power station/solar generator. Lists for $189.99.
MACA Coba Travel Hammock
There is a reason why these handwoven hammocks can be found in almost every bedroom in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. They’re exceptionally comfortable and cool to sleep or relax in. The MACA Coba Travel Hammock is made in Mexico using a fair trade certified hammock supplier network with over 900 weavers. The hammock is 13 feet long and capable of supporting up to 450 pounds. Each is a one-of-a-kind cotton woven hammock with a combination of cool colors chosen by the weaver. Comes with a waterproof Robin Egg Shell protective sleeve with an attached bag and includes two 6.25-foot rock-climbing-grade straps to hang between two trees. Weighs only 2.5 pounds. Another must-have truck camper accessory for hot summers and warm summer nights, the MACA Coba Travel Hammock sells for $89, a bargain when you consider the quality and good looks.
I looked at the Edge CTS3. It’s kinda big, especially with so many things for the dashboard. Backup camera etc. Also the OBD port has so many gadgets wanting to plug in. While you can get a splitter the system can only communicate with one thing at a time. I found the Banks iDash is pretty good and does even more but fits in a standard gauge hole. I don’t know about other states but where I live there are restrictions on size and location of items placed in the windshield area.
Interesting. I didn’t know that.
I didn’t find much use on the Cover seal website.
Seems to spend its effort about pools rather than vehicles. Not the greatest user friendly website.