One of the head turners at the recent Australian 4x4 Outdoors Expo, the Gecko Camper rides to camp looking like an inconspicuous delivery truck, but instead of packages, it delivers a comfortable stay in the wilderness. Combining elements from roof-top tents, pop-up campers and truck canopies, the Gecko flips and folds into a two-story abode with all the amenities you need for temporary backcountry living. And if you're not going anywhere for a while, it also works as a standalone living module.
Designed for single- and dual-cab truck trays, the Gecko slide-on is a neatly framed block with a departure angle-boosting cut-out along the lower rear edge. It features a monocoque structure fabricated from 6062 and 5052 plate aluminum sourced for a combination of low weight and high ruggedness.
In place of the straight or hinge pop-tops often seen on slide-on campers like this one, the Gecko's roof folds out into a full, A-frame-style roof-top tent with sleeping space for two. A cover keeps the bedding in place so that all you have to do is flip and retire to bed.
![The interior offers access to the refrigerator and clothes storage areas](https://assets.newatlas.com/dims4/default/0022c0c/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1280x960+0+0/resize/1280x960!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnewatlas-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Farchive%2Fgecko-campers-18.jpg)
The interior of the camper shell serves as the "downstairs" and features an L-shaped sofa with room for four adults. Gecko also offers a dual-cab model with an added alcove-style children's sleeping area over top the truck cab.
Instead of trying to stuff a kitchen into the small camper box interior, as in truck campers like the EarthCruiser GZL and Quantis Marq, Gecko has built a trailer/canopy-style kitchen outside. The driver-side panel flips up and serves as a bit of cover, providing access to a simple kitchen with slide-out dual-burner gas stove with grill, drop-down countertop and available slide-out, drop-down refrigerator.
![The stove slides out, and the refrigerator slides out and drops down](https://assets.newatlas.com/dims4/default/3ce9a4e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1441x1080+0+0/resize/1281x960!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnewatlas-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Farchive%2Fgecko-campers-12.jpg)
The refrigerator locker is accessible from the inside, as well as out, as is a clothes storage compartment, so you don't have to walk out through the aluminum fly screen door to grab a drink or throw on a sweater.
The passenger-side exterior wall has a similar flip-up panel, providing access to storage and equipment. The standard electrical package includes a 105Ah AGM battery, three 12V outlets, a fuse panel, and LED lighting in the kitchen and storage areas. Buyers can also upgrade with options like a dual battery system and solar power. The 75L water tank and self-priming pump deliver water, and an available shower package supplies a hot outdoor shower.
While most of Gecko's materials focus on its use as a truck camper, it can also be removed and stood on four legs, as the company demonstrated at the Melbourne-based 4x4 show. This creates the cool mobile living pod below.
![Gecko Campers at the Australian 4x4 Outdoors Expo in Melbourne](https://assets.newatlas.com/dims4/default/534965e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1620x1080+0+0/resize/1440x960!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnewatlas-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Farchive%2Fgecko-campers-4.jpg)
The Gecko is a slick, little slide-out that does a lot within a compact structure, exemplifying what we find fascinating about small camper modules and trailers. It starts at AU$27,000 (approx. US$21,500), and Gecko offers a variety of additional options such as a 60L Engel fridge, canvas enclosure around the kitchen and portable toilet.
Source: Gecko Campers