Do you crave the freedom of the open road and the adventure of camping under the stars, but dread the idea of hauling a massive, gas-guzzling RV? Enter the A Liner camper – a unique hybrid that combines the lightweight towability of a pop-up with the comforts of a hard-sided camper. These versatile rigs strike the perfect balance for adventurous families wanting an easy-to-tow yet comfortable camping experience.
A Liner Camper Ownership: What It’s Really Like
When my wife and I were searching for the perfect camper, we had conflicting priorities. I wanted something lightweight that my Toyota Tacoma could handle with ease, while she insisted on a hard-sided model that would keep us warm and protected from the elements (and curious critters) in our home state of Alaska.
That’s when we stumbled upon the A Liner camper, and it quickly became our dream rig. Unlike traditional soft-sided pop-ups, A Liners feature rigid, insulated walls that make them feel more like a cozy cabin than a tent on wheels.
Yet, when collapsed for towing, they maintain a low profile that’s a breeze to haul, even with smaller trucks or SUVs. Trust me, after taking our A Liner Expedition over hundreds of miles of gravel roads in Alaska, I can attest to its ruggedness and durability.
Interior
Don’t let the compact, aerodynamic shape fool you – A Liner campers open up to reveal a surprisingly spacious interior. In our Expedition model, the two beds comfortably accommodate our family of four (plus our furry adventure pup!) for now, though we’ll likely need to upgrade to a larger model as the kids grow older.
Even with all of us crammed inside, there’s enough room to move around, and the interior storage is ample for stashing all our gear. One potential downside is that some older models don’t allow easy access to the interior without raising the walls, but newer designs have solved this issue with an externally accessible refrigerator.
Speaking of interiors, I’m constantly amazed at how well-insulated our A Liner is from outside noise. Even in a bustling campground filled with generators and campfire chatter, we can enjoy peaceful nights of uninterrupted sleep. And when the Alaskan nights turn chilly, the furnace quickly warms up the camper to a toasty temperature.
Read More : Pop Up Camper Rental: Your Guide to Affordable Outdoor Adventures
A Liner Camper Set up
One of my favorite aspects of A Liner ownership is the lightning-fast setup and takedown process. While the “30-second setup” claim might be a bit optimistic for older models like ours, I can still have our camper fully expanded and ready to go in about 5 minutes flat. This is an absolute game-changer, especially when we’re racing to set up camp before a storm rolls in.F
Towing
As someone with a mid-sized truck, I was adamant about finding a camper that wouldn’t be a white-knuckle experience to tow. Our A Liner Expedition’s lightweight construction (just 1,850 lbs dry weight) and low profile make it an absolute dream to haul, even over Alaska’s challenging mountain passes.
Whether I’m climbing steep grades or navigating windy descents, the camper tracks smoothly and maintains a safe, stable ride. Of course, it’s still crucial to ensure your tow vehicle can handle the combined weight, but for many modern trucks and SUVs, an A Liner is well within their capabilities.
Test Drive an A Liner With Your Vehicle
Before investing in any camper, it’s wise to test it out with your specific tow vehicle to ensure a comfortable towing experience. Unfortunately, most dealers and private sellers won’t let you take a camper home for a trial run. But there’s a clever workaround – renting an A Liner-style pop-up camper for a weekend getaway.
That’s exactly what I did when my wife and I were rig shopping. I rented an R-Pod trailer from Outdoorsy, thinking it might suit our needs. After a week-long road trip, however, I realized its handling and visibility weren’t ideal for my Tacoma. That experience ultimately led me to realize an A Liner was the perfect fit for our truck and family.
Renting first gives you a risk-free way to evaluate if a camper suits your towing needs and lifestyle. I can’t recommend this approach enough before making such a significant purchase.
A Liner Camper Models
With over a decade of manufacturing experience, A Liner now offers an impressive range of models to suit everyone from solo wanderers to larger families. Each model varies in size, weight, sleeping capacity, and included features, ensuring there’s an A Liner camper for every adventure and budget.
Size and Weights
To give you an idea of the variety, here’s a quick overview of the specifications for A Liner’s current lineup:
| Model | Dry Weight | GVWR | Length | Width | Sleeps |
| Scout-Lite | 1180 lbs | 3000 lbs | 13′ | 78″ | 2-3 |
| Ranger 10 | 1300 lbs | 3000 lbs | 12’8″ | 78″ | 2-3 |
| Scout | 1395 lbs | 3000 lbs | 15′ | 78″ | 2 |
| Scout-Family | 1395 lbs | 3000 lbs | 15′ | 78″ | 3-4 |
| Ranger 12 | 1450 lbs | 3000 lbs | 15′ | 78″ | 2 |
| Classic | 1725 lbs | 3000 lbs | 15′ | 78″ | 2-3 |
| LXE | 1795 lbs | 3000 lbs | 15′ | 78″ | 2 |
| Expedition | 1850 lbs | 3500 lbs | 18′ | 84″ | 2-3 |
| Evolution-Small | 2000 lbs | 3000 lbs | 15′ | 78″ | 2-3 |
| Evolution | 2300 lbs | 3500 lbs | 18′ | 84″ | 2-4 |
As you can see, the lineup covers a wide range of sizes, from the ultralight Scout-Lite at just 1,180 lbs to the spacious 18′ Evolution model that can sleep up to 4 people.
Features
While the specific features and amenities vary across models, every new A Liner comes well-equipped right out of the factory with the essentials for comfortable camping.
Standard Features
Water hookup
Fantastic vent fan
120V/12V electrical system
Wiring for solar
Premium curtains
Electronic trailer brake
LED lighting
Alloy wheels
Breakaway trailer switch
Optional Features
For those seeking additional luxuries, A Liner also offers a full menu of optional upgrades:
Refrigerator + freezer
Microwave oven
Wind lift assist
Dual bunk layout
Hardwood cabinets
Cable hookup
Outside grill
Interior stove
Panoramic windows
Utility light
11-gallon water tank
It’s worth noting that many of the larger, premium A Liner models come standard with some of these “optional” items already included.
Aliner Scout Lite
Additional Standard Features:
Interior sink
Stove
Refrigerator
Water heater
Outdoor shower
Toilet
A/C
Wind lift assist
Indoor shower
Microwave
Heater
Off-road kit
Aliner Ranger 10
Additional Standard Features:
Interior sink
Stove
Refrigerator
Water heater
Outdoor shower
Toilet
A/C
Wind lift assist
Indoor shower
Microwave
Heater
Off-road kit
Aliner Scout
Additional Standard Features
Interior Sink
Stove Refrigerator
Water Heater
Outdoor Shower
Toilet
AC
Wind Lift Assist
Indoor Shower
Microwave
Heater
Off Road Kit
Aliner Scout-Family
Additional Standard Features
Interior Sink
Stove
Refrigerator
Water Heater
Outdoor Shower
Toilet
AC
Wind Lift Assist
Indoor Shower
Microwave
Heater
Off Road Kit
Aliner Ranger 12
Sink
Stove
Refrigerator
Water Heater
Outdoor Shower
Toilet
Air Conditioner
Wind Lift Assist
Indoor Shower
Microwave
Heater
Off Road Kit
Aliner Classic
Additional Standard Features
Interior Sink
Stove
Refrigerator
Water Heater
Outdoor Shower
Toilet
AC
Wind Lift Assist
Indoor Shower
Microwave
Heater
Off Road Kit
Aliner LXE
Additional Standard Features
Interior Sink
Stove Refrigerator
Water Heater
Outdoor Shower
Toilet
AC
Wind Lift Assist
Indoor Shower
Microwave
Heater
Off Road Kit
Summary
Whether you’re a couple of adventure-seekers, a family of four (or more!), or a solo road warrior, there’s likely an A Liner camper model that’s the perfect fit for your needs. These innovative rigs brilliantly blend the lightweight towability and easy setup of a pop-up with the insulated comfort and protection of a hard-sided camper.
