In response to rising demand for lighter, more affordable and more agile vehicle-based camping solutions, Tune Outdoor unveiled the Tune M1Lite (M1L) earlier this summer — a streamlined pop-up truck camper built for solo travelers and couples seeking more mobility in backcountry terrain. The M1L offers a lean and capable take on Tune’s inaugural launch model, the Tune M1, retaining its hallmark functionality and durability while minimizing weight and cost.
With a base weight of 322 pounds — 20% lighter than the original — the M1L is engineered with the same lightweight aluminum extrusions and injected composite corner brackets. Its interior volume is about 20% less than the M1 and the 72-by-60-inch north-south sleeping platform prioritizes compact efficiency while maintaining real-world usability. The M1L is offered at a base price of $8,999.
“With the M1L, we set out to capture the core benefits of the M1 in a more compact, accessible form-without compromising on quality or experience,” said Sean Kepler, Tune Outdoor co-founder and president. “It’s designed for people who want to move faster, travel lighter and spend less, so they can adventure more.”
The Tune M1L arrives at a pivotal time for the outdoor and vehicle-based adventure market, Tune Outdoor said. The overlanding community — those who believe the journey matters as much as the destination — now exceeds 12 million Americans, up from 8 million in 2024, according to a 2025 Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Survey. As inflation-conscious travelers turn to road-based adventure and avoid high-cost lodging and crowded campgrounds, more are embracing boondocking and remote, dispersed camping. The continued growth in midsize truck sales makes lightweight, low-profile campers more practical and appealing to younger buyers and urban dwellers alike.
The Tune M1L was designed for practical versatility, like stowing gear for backpacking, biking, fishing, hunting, kayaking and staying connected off-grid for prolonged periods, and its lighter weight contributes to better fuel efficiency and easier handling on rugged trails — critical advantages as more adventurers seek to go further with less, Tune Outdoor said.
Additionally, the pop-up canopy and awning doors offer much more usable interior space than wedge campers provide.
“We found that some customers love the M1 but it offered more room than they truly needed and also came at a higher price, often leading them to consider wedge-style alternatives,” said Kristian Arnold, co-founder and chief product officer. “The M1L is smartly designed, highly engineered and competitively priced, and we see it quickly becoming a standout choice for customers in this segment.”
Tune is currently accepting $500 refundable deposits for the Tune M1Lite on its website.
