Is a Chassis-Mounted or Flatbed Camper Right for You?

When it comes to outfitting your truck for the ultimate overland adventure, few decisions are as important as choosing between a chassis-mounted or flatbed camper. Each offers its own unique advantages—and potential drawbacks—depending on your travel style, truck platform, and comfort requirements. With the growing popularity of expedition-grade campers like the OEV High Country series, it's never been a better time to weigh your options.

In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into two flagship models from Overland Explorer Vehicles: the High Country Chassis-Mounted and the High Country Flatbed Camper. We'll examine their core features, compare their builds, and highlight the practicality of each configuration so you can confidently choose the right setup for your next big adventure.

What Is a Chassis-Mounted Camper?

A chassis-mounted camper is exactly what it sounds like: a hard-sided living unit that’s permanently mounted to a truck’s chassis. Unlike a slide-in or removable camper, the chassis-mounted option becomes a fixed part of your vehicle. This approach allows for certain features that aren’t feasible in detachable units, such as integrated outside storage and complex heating systems.

Take the OEV High Country Chassis-Mounted Camper, for example. It’s fully isolated from the truck’s chassis, creating a quieter, more temperature-stable environment inside. Thanks to the permanent installation, OEV is able to include a glycol loop-to-cabin heat exchanger—something you won’t find in typical removable campers. This makes it an excellent choice for four-season adventurers who demand year-round performance.

In addition to the robust heating setup, the chassis-mounted High Country includes a full wet bath, high-density insulation (R8-rated composite walls), and powder-coated aluminum construction that’s built to last. It sleeps up to four people and offers a lot of interior space thanks to its fixed dimensions. While this setup sacrifices removability and some versatility, it shines in comfort, stability, and expedition-readiness.

If your primary goal is to build a go-anywhere, all-season mobile base camp without compromising on comfort, a chassis-mounted camper might be the right choice.

What Is a Flatbed Camper?

On the other hand, a flatbed camper offers flexibility that’s hard to match. Rather than being permanently affixed, a flatbed camper sits atop a custom flatbed platform and can be removed when not in use. This allows you to repurpose your truck for other tasks—like hauling materials or using it as a daily work vehicle—making it an attractive option if you value versatility.

The OEV High Country Flatbed Camper provides much of the same interior comfort and rugged durability as its chassis-mounted sibling. It features a hard-sided design with the same Gen 4 Advanced Fiberglass Composite System walls and aluminum extrusions, a full wet bath, and sleeping space for up to four people. Plus, The build quality is equally expedition-grade.

What makes the flatbed model stand out is its modular nature. You can add optional equipment like a roof-mounted DC-powered air conditioner, extra solar panels, and lithium battery upgrades depending on your power needs. And since it's removable, you’re not locked into having your truck be a dedicated camper 24/7. This option is ideal if you need to balance weekend adventures with weekday utility.

Key Differences Between the Two Builds

At first glance, the chassis-mounted and flatbed versions of the OEV High Country camper appear similar. Both have hard-sided walls, R8 insulation, high-quality cabinetry, and well-appointed interiors. But under the surface, the structural differences are significant.

The most obvious difference is permanence. As discussed earlier, the chassis-mounted camper is a fixed structure, meaning it’s permanently bolted and sealed to the truck’s frame. This allows OEV to design features like under-cabin locking cabinets and integrate systems such as the glycol-based Timberline hydronic heating system, which provides superior cold-weather performance.

The flatbed camper, meanwhile, trades those integrated features for modularity. It lacks the glycol system but includes a Truma Combi heater and the option to upgrade with air conditioning and lithium battery systems. And, of course, because it's removable, you gain the ability to use your truck for work or other non-camping needs.

Weight is another key consideration. The chassis-mounted version has a dry weight of 2,115 lbs, while the flatbed version is heavier at 2,750 lbs due to its removable structure and additional components. This can impact fuel efficiency, payload limits, and off-road maneuverability—especially in remote or rugged terrain.

When deciding between a chassis-mounted or flatbed camper, consider how often you plan to camp, your climate preferences, and whether your truck needs to serve dual purposes to help you decide which type of camper is best for your needs.

Amenities and Interior Comfort

Both models are thoughtfully designed for off-grid living with all the essentials—solar power, efficient heating, full kitchens, and wet baths. But subtle differences can make a big impact depending on your preferences.

Inside the chassis-mounted High Country, you’ll find a Timberline diesel or gas-powered hydronic heating system, a 130L compressor fridge, a dual-burner cooktop (induction and gas), and a queen-sized bed with under-bed storage. The cabinetry is powder-coated aluminum, with bamboo countertops and marine-grade fabrics for durability. The layout feels spacious and luxurious, thanks to the fixed nature of the installation and the absence of detachable interface points.

The flatbed model mirrors many of these features but uses a Truma Combi heater instead. It also includes a removable induction cooktop paired with a single-burner propane unit—offering more cooking flexibility if you prefer outdoor meal prep. The under-bed storage is slightly larger, and, as mentioned earlier, you can upgrade the HVAC system to include air conditioning—an advantage for those camping in hot climates.

Both campers feature a full wet bath with a Thetford cassette toilet, durable flooring, and marine roof hatches for ventilation. Lighting and power management are handled by Victron systems in both versions, including the Cerbo GX display and a pair of roof-mounted 220W solar panels. From an amenities standpoint, you’ll be comfortable in either, but the chassis-mounted camper’s integrated systems lean more toward full-time or winter camping.

Who Should Buy These Campers?

So, who should buy a chassis-mounted or flatbed camper? It really comes down to how you use your truck and what you value most: permanence and stability or flexibility and modularity.

A chassis-mounted camper is ideal for full-time overlanders, adventure travelers, or retirees looking for a robust and permanent living solution. It’s especially well-suited for those venturing into remote areas where winter temperatures demand efficient insulation and onboard heating. If your rig is strictly for adventure and you don’t plan to use your truck for other tasks, this is your best bet.

Flatbed campers, on the other hand, are perfect for weekend warriors, part-time explorers, or those who want their truck to do double duty. The removable nature of the flatbed camper means you can unload it when not in use and retain a fully functional flatbed truck for hauling gear, tools, or other cargo.

If you're still deciding between a chassis-mounted or flatbed camper, think about your long-term goals. Are you planning extended trips into the backcountry? Or do you need a flexible setup that can adapt to work and play? Matching your camper choice to your lifestyle will ensure you get the most out of your investment.

Either Way, Better Camping Awaits!

Choosing between a chassis-mounted or flatbed camper isn’t just about specs—it’s about how you want to live and travel. The OEV High Country lineup offers exceptional build quality and comfort in both configurations, making either one a solid investment for serious adventurers.

A chassis-mounted camper delivers unparalleled stability, weather resistance, and system integration if you are always on the move. Meanwhile, a flatbed camper provides freedom, adaptability, and room to grow—whether that means expanding your power setup or switching back to work mode during the week.

Whichever path you choose, you’ll be getting a rugged, thoughtfully engineered overland camper designed to take you farther, more comfortably, and with fewer compromises. The question isn’t which is better—it’s which is better for you.

Our experts are ready and waiting to help you make your decision. With real-world experience and years of expertise working with OEV, we can help clarify any questions you have, work with you to identify critical features you need, and help you order the perfect truck camper for your needs. Simply contact us to get started or come by our facility just off I-20 in Abilene. Better camping awaits—and we’re excited to help you achieve that goal. After all, that’s why BTR (pronounced better) is in our name!