The Aliner Ranger 12 Camper Honest Review & Buying Guide
We are a husband-and-wife team who like to camp like crazy. You could say we are the outdoorsy types who spend our free time in the woods or road-tripping, so we know how vital having a good roof over our heads is when we are out exploring.
We wanted to provide an Aliner camper review for our readers and fellow outdoor enthusiasts who are considering purchasing an Aliner.
We bought our Aliner Ranger 12 in the spring of 2021, and honestly, it has not disappointed. We’re sharing our honest review to help you make the best decision for your adventures.
The Complete Guide to the Aliner Ranger 12
This post contains affiliate links, which means we’ll receive a commission if you purchase through our links at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.
If you’re reading this article, you’re likely searching the market for Aliner campers or the best A-frame pop-up camper. We’re glad you’re here!
If you’re like us, you’re ready to level up from tent life, or perhaps you want to downsize from owning a larger RV.
You may be wondering if hard-sided pop-up campers are any good…
Since purchasing our Aliner Ranger 12 in early 2021, we’ve been in love with it.
We waited years to save money and buy the perfect A-frame hard-sided camper at the right time.
Level-Up From Tent Camping
We love camping. Every chance we get, we head to the woods to adventure. For the last 20 years, we’ve been sleeping in tents. Though we’ve had many epic adventures living the tent life and backpacking into remote places, we wanted a sturdier shelter to cook inside and spend extended periods in.
We also wanted something hard-sided when we were off in the mountains. Some places in Colorado and Montana do not allow soft camper shells in certain areas because of bear activity (but please consider that no RV is truly bear or Sasquatch-proof).
After spending a few summers in Oklahoma, we realized we absolutely needed an air conditioning option. All our Midwest and Southern readers understand what we are talking about!
Aliner Ranger 12 Honest Camper Review & Buying Guide
Below is our honest review and buying guide.
2021 Aliner Ranger 12 Details
The Aliner Ranger 12 fits under Aliner’s medium-sized small campers. It is perfect for camping in remote areas, weekend road trips, or any campground.
Our version does not have the dormer option, which is the pop-up tent window. The dormer option comes soft or hard.
The Aliner Ranger 12 camper is outfitted with all of the conveniences of home, including:
- A sink
- Water plumbing for hot and cold
- 11-gallon freshwater tank
- Water pump
- 14” tires – We love the off-road version because the frame is thicker and larger.
- 2 burner gas stove
- 1.9 cubic foot 3-way refrigerator
- Air conditioning
- Heat pump
- Outside shower
- Windows that open
- Roof fan
- Skylights
- Windows on all 4 sides – The natural light is amazing.
- 2 LED lights
- 2 propane tanks
- Outside electric plugin options
- Battery power
- Solar power option
- Great storage
- Dinette that converts to a 46” x 76” bed
- Sofa-to-bed conversion of 56” x 76” – The side we both sleep on and is equivalent to a queen-size bed (but not precisely a queen).
The pop-up roof provides plenty of headroom in the main living space, the sleeping area has a lower ceiling for easy access, and the side skylights (windows) are concave to make room for your head when sitting.
The pop-up roof has big concave skylights on both sides, making it easy to enjoy the outdoor environment even inside.
What Are the Aliner Ranger 12 Dimensions?
The interior space of the Aliner Ranger 12 measures 135 inches by 78 inches, giving you enough room to relax or cook a meal inside.
It also provides enough room for two people to sleep comfortably. If you’re under 6 feet tall, you can stretch out comfortably in the bed.
Be sure to see one before you buy one since the models are slightly changed annually.
Electrical System
The Aliner Ranger 12 has an electrical system that provides power to the lighting, fan, and outlets throughout the camper’s interior.
You can plug in cell phones, camera batteries, iPads, computers, or fans. Sometimes, we even take a mini blender for smoothies or a toaster for avocado toast.
Aliner Ranger 12 Specs
The Aliner Ranger 12’s size makes it perfect for weekend road trips or longer adventures. It is easy to store, tow, and explore.
The high roof A-frame also makes the inside feel larger and cozy when spending time inside. You can fully stand up and stretch out. The height of the A-frame makes the unit feel spacious.
Below are the outside specs for the Aliner Ranger 12:
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 3,000 lbs
- Aliner Ranger 12 Dry Weight: ~1,450 pounds
- Dry Hitch Weight: 150 lbs (Aliner Ranger 12 tongue weight)
- Tires and Wheel: 14-inch aluminum
- Length: 15 feet (with spare tire 17 feet)
- Height: 79 inches
- Road height: 57 inches
Aliner vs. Vanlife
Okay, yes, van life is all the rage. However, the number one reason we decided on the Aliner camper over a van is because the Aliner is free of an engine.
The second reason is that we can tow it easily with our existing vehicles.
The third reason is price. Aliners are way more affordable than buying a tricked-out camper van.
If you like to keep your toys for long periods and already have a rig to pull a small camper, then having a small camper means you don’t have to worry about maintenance on another vehicle with an engine. Driving all over the country adds up mileage fast.
The fourth reason is that we can unhook our truck, drive around, and explore freely when the camper is parked. That means we can get to epic hikes and places we want to reach in the backcountry. Once you set the Aliner up, you can lock it and leave while using your vehicle like you would normally.
For Aliner maintenance, we track the tires’ mileage, keep it clean, and perform a simple winterization.
Is Aliner Worth the Cost?
We think so.
When it comes to A-frame campers, Aliners are priced higher. However, consider the quality since Aliner was the original brand for A-frame trailers.
We wanted to provide a simple cost analysis breakdown of how investing in the Aliner pays for itself quickly over a few years.
In the spring of 2021, we wanted to visit Dauphin Island and Gulf Shores in Alabama, so we planned a 10-day road trip from Oklahoma. We priced VRBOs in the $200-300 range per night. On the lower end, that would have cost $2,000-3,000 without including travel insurance, a VRBO, or cleaning fees.
Instead, we camped along the Gulf Coast at Dauphin Island Campground, Gulf Shores State Park, and Gulf Islands National Seashore — all epic campgrounds next to the beach for around $40 a night.
The total cost for campsites was around $400-500, all within walking distance of the beach. We took the dog without worrying about dog-friendly accommodations or extra pet costs.
We think Aliners are worth the cost. There are no cleaning fees, pet sitter fees, expensive flights, or vacation rental fees.
Now, we make an annual spring trip to camp on the Gulf — life is good.
Where Is Aliner Made?
Aliner is made in Pennsylvania. We love that it is made in the U.S., and we love to support products made in America.
A Buyer’s Guide to the Aliner Ranger 12
We compiled a list of questions we had when purchasing our Aliner Ranger 12 and have them listed below to help you.
Can the Aliner Ranger 12 Go Off-Road?
Oh yeah! This is one of the main reasons why we bought this model.
The Aliner Ranger 12 offers an off-road package option. This means it has 14” tires and sits higher off the ground. There is also a 15” tire option.
What Is the Aliner Ranger 12 Weight?
The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is 3,000 pounds.
The dry weight (not loaded with water, food, gear, etc.) is about 1,450 pounds. This is very light.
To find out if your vehicle can tow an Aliner, check your vehicle’s operating manual for towing capacity.
Keep in mind most V6 engines will be able to tow an Aliner Ranger 12 comfortably (and even some 4 cylinders). Those are my husband’s words — not mine.
Does the Aliner Ranger 12 Have Heat?
Yes, the Aliner Ranger 12 has a heat pump. The newer models have a furnace.
We camped in December with 30-degree Fahrenheit weather and were warm and comfortable. We also bring a heating blanket.
Does It Have Air Conditioning?
Yes, the Aliner Ranger 12 has air conditioning.
The A/C unit is flat and does not stick out on the side of the camper (2021+ newer models).
Is There a Stove?
Yes, the Aliner Ranger 12 comes with a 2-burner gas stove.
In addition, the stovetop folds down when not in use, freeing up more counter space. We love this!
Is There a Bathroom?
No, there is no bathroom or toilet. We like this option.
Cleaning a black tank is not fun. Smaller campers with toilets will have small black waste storage containers, so cleaning will be required.
We camp at campgrounds with bathhouse facilities, so we don’t have to worry about managing a black waste tank.
If you’re not camping at a campground with facilities, there are other dry camping options for restrooms. We use wag bags or portable camping toilets (you can buy them on Amazon).
If you are new to camping without a restroom, read more on how to dispose of waste properly from Leave No Trace.
Does It Have a Kitchen Sink?
Yes, the Aliner Ranger 12 has a small camper sink.
The plumbing for the grey water is basic and consists of a straight pipe, making it easy to maintain and collect grey water on the outside of the unit.
In addition, the Aliner comes equipped with a water pump.
Does the Aliner Ranger 12 Have Hot Water?
Yes, there is a switch that turns the hot water tank on. However, you don’t have to use it if you don’t want to, and we rarely do.
What Are the Water Storage Options?
When it comes to water storage, there are two options.
You can connect directly to the water source if you’re at a campground with water hookups.
The Aliner Ranger 12 has an 11-gallon freshwater tank if you’re dry camping without facilities. A water pump transfers water from the tank to the kitchen sink.
The 11-gallon tank lasts about two full days (cooking and cleaning).
Is the Bed Comfortable?
We purchased the Serta 3” memory foam topper (available on Amazon) to make the bed more comfortable. It is a little stiff without the topper.
We both fit in the bed together (with our small dog) and can stretch out our legs.
Is the Aliner Easy To Set Up?
Yes, it is easy to set up. We can set it up together or both do it solo.
It takes less than two minutes to pop up -– or more like a minute and a half.
How Does It Tow?
The all-aluminum construction (the frame is metal) makes it extremely lightweight and easy to tow.
Every time we go camping, Pablo talks campers with other dudes at the campground. They always ask how it tows, and Pablo says, “I can’t even feel it behind the truck.”
Since Aliners fold down, there is much less wind resistance than towing a regular camper.
We recommend having a sway bar.
So far, in our experience, the unit tows easily.
Is the Aliner Ranger 12 Durable?
We think it is durable. We have felt safe during thunderstorms in Oklahoma and windstorms along the Gulf of Mexico.
The camper comes with a safety wind kit. The wind kit consists of two bars that allow you to raise the A-frame safely, offering added stability during high winds. The bars also lock in place.
It also has two diamond plates in the front and back of the unit to protect it in case rocks kick up while driving the interstate and highways. The diamond plates look really cool, too.
Oh, we also drove it through the mud one time because we accidentally took the wrong turn. It handled like a beast.
What Else Do You Need To Buy?
Check out our article on the Aliner accessories to buy on Amazon to help store, tow, and secure the camper.
How Do You Store the Aliner?
Since the camper folds down and compacts to a small size, you can store it in your driveway, garage, or off-site storage.
If stored outside a building, secure it to discourage theft and cover it with a small pop-up camper cover (link to Amazon) to protect the camper from the elements.
Watch the Complete Tour of Our Aliner on YouTube
Want to see more? We made a video for that!
Watch the Aliner Ranger 12 Complete Tour: Inside, Outside, and How to Tow.
Aliner Ranger 12 Summary
We are getting older, and as the years have passed, it became time to upgrade from a tent to a small hard-sided pop-up camper.
We love how minimalist this model is. It is easy to use and enjoy.
If you are curious about Aliner pop-up campers and haven’t purchased one yet, you might after reading this review on the Aliner Ranger 12. We honestly love it, and it has elevated our road trip experiences.
We always say we wish we had gotten one sooner.
Happy Camping,
Ashlee & Pablo
Save for Later!
Pin this guide on Pinterest to plan buying your Aliner later.
Follow The Happiness Function on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.
This sounds like a great option for someone who wants an easy to haul camper. Looks like a great starter camper!
Hi Michelle! It is super easy to tow and store. That is one of the main reasons we got it! Thanks for reading.
Oooh this is really interesting. I have seen so much about van life, (and we camp a lot!) but I have never seen one of these at the various campgrounds we’ve visited in the last couple of years. I wonder if they are just less available in Canada!?
It’s pretty awesome that you can take this on rougher roads so you can sleep near the start of epic hikes!
Hi Josy! I bet you can get them in Canada. They can probably be shipped?! Check out Aliner’s website. So fun. You’d love it up north!
The Aliner Ranger 12 looks adorable! What a cute and convenient camper! It looks surprisingly roomy for the size! I’d love to try one out some time! Thanks for the really detailed review!
Hi Hannah – thanks for reading! 😀 Have fun camper shopping.
I love the attention to detail in this post.. you’ve inspired me to want to try a camper!
Hi Jenn! Thanks for reading. You would have a blast with a camper! 😀
In the past 2 years, we have seriously talked about getting a camper. But we really did not know where to start. So it was interesting to read about the Aliner Ranger 12 and the things you considered when you bought it. Good points about being able to disconnect and use your vehicle to wander around.
Hi Linda! Fun – congratulations on camper shopping. What an exciting time. Check out the Aliner campers!
oh wow all of these things are great things to consider. I just purchased a van that I’m renovating, but it definitely has a lot of costs associated with just keeping the engine running. I definitely would consider something like this in the future when my van dies.
Hi Melissa! Thanks for sharing and commenting about your van. We considered a van too, but this worked better for us.
Thanks for the review! We’ve been investigating vans and RVs, but hadn’t considered an Aliner. We need access to power for medical reasons so power is a must. Looks like this could be a great option for us.
Hi Christina! Thanks for commenting – check out the Aliner campers. You might enjoy that more! 🙂
I’ve never seen an a-frame camper before, but I love it! It looks like you have a lot of headroom inside, and it’s so cool that it folds down so much.
Hi Julia! The Aliner Ranger 12 is so awesome – we love the A-frame design and the headroom. Thanks for reading.
I am not much of a camper but it’s amazing to see the features in this Ranger. It seems like a little house on wheels, would definitely make a camping experience much more pleasurable.
Hi Venaugh! The Aliner Ranger 12 is the perfect little house on wheels! Thanks for reading and commenting.