Configurator Walkthrough

TUNE M1 CONFIGURATOR:
EVERY OPTION, EXPLAINED

Walk through every option on the Tune M1 configurator, what it is, what it costs, and whether to buy from Tune or source it yourself.

TL;DR
  • Order from Tune: roof vent, custom wiring ($150), solar port, cab access window, shore power: anything that cuts or modifies the shell
  • Source yourself: power station (~$500 cheaper direct), solar panels (easy install, way cheaper), heating (skip or add later)
  • Your call: glass doors (can swap later for ~$200 more/panel), roof/bulkhead (can't add later), mattress (same price from Hest, easier returns)
  • Use the payload calculator before ordering to confirm your truck handles the build weight

How This Guide Works

The Tune M1 base price is $12,999 (mid-size) or $13,999 (full-size), and a fully road-ready build typically lands between $15,000 and $19,000 depending on options. The short version: order the MaxxAir roof vent and solar port from Tune (they require roof cuts you can't DIY), but source your own battery, solar panels, and mattress; you'll get better gear for less money. This guide walks through every option on the Tune configurator in order. For each one you'll see:

  • What Tune offers and the current price
  • Verdict: Order from Tune Source Yourself or Your Call
  • Whether you can add it later or if it's a now-or-never decision
  • Why, plus links to the detailed gear guides where relevant

Prices are from the Tune configurator as of April 2026 and may change. Always confirm at tuneoutdoor.com.

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Every add-on increases weight. Run your full planned build through the payload calculator before you finalize your order, it takes 2 minutes and could save you a problem after delivery.

Base Model

M1 or M1L

OptionPrice
M1, full-featured camper$12,999
M1L, lightweight shell$8,999

The M1 is the full camper: pop-top, sleeping platform, side access panels, 440+ feet of T-track, awning doors, and mounting hardware. The M1L is a stripped-down lightweight shell: fewer features, lower price, less weight.

Within the M1, you'll choose a platform size: the mid-size M1 (Tacoma, Ranger, Colorado) or the full-size M1 (Tundra, F-150, Ram, Silverado). The full-size gives more floor space and a longer sleeping platform (60" × 78" vs. 60" × 72") but weighs ~100 lbs more (~500 lbs vs. ~400 lbs). See the M1 vs. M1L comparison for the full breakdown.

Color

Pop-Top Canvas Color

OptionPrice
SandIncluded
Forest GreenIncluded
Steel BlueIncluded
Action OrangeIncluded
CharcoalIncluded

All five canvas colors are included at no extra cost. Sand and Charcoal are the most popular in the community. Lighter colors (Sand, Steel Blue) reflect more heat — worth considering for desert Southwest or summer-heavy use.

Camper Doors: Driver & Passenger Side

Side Door Material

Your Call
OptionFrom TuneBuy Later
Aluminum Awning DoorStandard (included)N/A
Tempered Glass Awning Door+$550 per side~$750 per side

Glass doors add ~30 lbs per panel but let natural light flood into the camper. The good news: you can buy the glass doors later and swap out the aluminum awnings yourself. Bought aftermarket, the tempered glass runs about $750 per side, roughly $200 more per panel than ordering at the factory. But you keep the aluminum doors as a backup set, which is nice for situations where you want the lighter, tougher option.

If you're undecided: start with the standard aluminum ($0), save the $1,100, and upgrade to glass later if you want. If you're sure you want glass, ordering from Tune saves ~$400 total versus buying after.

Camper Doors: Rear

Rear Door Style

Your Call
OptionFrom TuneBuy Later
Aluminum Awning DoorStandard (included)N/A
Barn Door — Back Glass (2 doors)+$1,050
Barn Door — Back Aluminum (2 doors)+$850
Tempered Glass Awning Door+$550~$750
Tinted Glass Insert Window+$450

The rear door is your main access point for loading gear. Like the side doors, the tempered glass awning door can be purchased later for ~$750 (~$200 more than ordering at the factory), and you keep the aluminum as a spare.

Barn Doors vs. Awning: Pros & Cons

Barn doors swing open to both sides, giving you the widest possible opening. The big advantage is easy entry and exit, you can stand on the tailgate and step right in. The downside: when both doors are swung open, they can be awkward in tight campsites or windy conditions, and they offer zero rain cover over the opening.

Awning doors (standard aluminum or tempered glass) flip up on a hinge, creating a canopy over the rear opening. This gives you built-in rain protection, you can have the back open in light rain without getting soaked. The tradeoff is a harder entry/exit since you're ducking under the door. For many owners, the weather protection is worth that tradeoff.

The tinted glass insert window ($450) is a third path, it adds a window to your existing rear door without changing the door style. Good for rear visibility and light at the lowest price.

Cab Access Window

Cab Access Window

Order from Tune
OptionPrice
NoneStandard (no window)
Window with Slider+$500
Custom Drop-Down with Slider+$800

The cab access window connects the camper interior to your truck cab through the rear window. Tune cuts a precise opening in the front wall. This cannot be added after delivery. It's a now-or-never decision.

I'd order the Window with Slider ($500). It gives you a pass-through for small items, communication with the cab, and cross-ventilation. The Custom Drop-Down with Slider ($800) provides a larger opening for easier gear access, a premium convenience.

This is fully optional, you can camp without it. But if there's even a chance you'll want cab access, order it now. You won't be able to add it later.

Roof & Bulkhead

Roof/Bulkhead Material

Order from Tune
OptionPrice
White FRP (fiberglass reinforced panel)Standard (included)
SunBlocker + Blackout+$800
Blackout only+$450
SunBlocker only+$450

SunBlocker is a reflective material that reduces heat buildup, meaningful if you camp in hot or sunny climates. Blackout blocks light from coming through the roof panels, making the sleeping area darker. Together ($800) you get both.

The standard white FRP lets in more natural light during the day, which many owners prefer, the camper feels brighter and more open. If you camp in moderate climates and don't mind some light through the roof, the standard option works great.

If you're in the Southwest, desert camp, or are a light sleeper, the SunBlocker + Blackout combo is worth considering. All add-ons in this section cannot be added later, you must choose yes or no at order time.

Roof Vent

MaxxAir Roof Vent Fan

Order from Tune
OptionPrice
NoneStandard (no vent)
MaxxAir 00-07500K (remote control, motorized lid)+$650
MaxxAir 00-06200K (manual, no remote)+$550
MaxxAir 00-04401M (low profile)+$400

This is the easiest yes on the entire configurator. Tune cuts the roof opening and installs the fan before the camper ships, and if there's ever a leak or issue, they'll fix it. Retrofitting a roof vent means cutting a hole in your own roof, and the risk of a bad cut or leak isn't worth saving a few bucks. Let the pros do it.

The 00-07500K ($650) is the community favorite: remote control, motorized lid, 10-speed fan with intake and exhaust modes. The 00-06200K is the same fan without the remote. The 00-04401M sits flatter, useful if ground clearance is tight in a garage.

This one's for everyone. Air circulation makes a real difference for comfort, condensation management, and sleeping quality, even in mild weather.

Mattress & Bed Extension

Mattress & Bed Slide Options

Your Call
OptionPrice
None (no mattress or extension)Standard
King Slide Extender + Hest Mattress + Custom Extension Pad+$1,040
Hest Dually Wide Mattress (60" × 72")+$629
King Slide Extender only+$200

The King Slide Extender ($200) is worth ordering from Tune if you have a 5' bed truck. It's a mechanical slide that extends the sleeping platform to ~80", nearly king-size. Tune installs the hardware during build, which is cleaner than retrofitting. If you're on a 6'+ bed, you don't need it.

For the Hest mattress, this one's a toss-up. The price is the same whether you buy through Tune or directly from Hest. But buying direct from Hest gives you two advantages: you might find a 10% off code or bundle it into a bedding package, and (more importantly) if you don't like it, you can return it directly to Hest. That's harder to do through Tune. I'd buy from Hest directly for the flexibility.

If you want to go a different direction entirely, custom-cut HD36-R foam from Foam Factory runs $80–$130 at 4" thick, and the Nemo Roamer and Exped MegaMat are popular in the $200–$350 range. See the mattress guide for a full comparison.

Power & Wiring

Power Station & Wiring

Source Yourself
OptionFrom TuneBuy Direct
NoneStandard
Pecron E1500LFP — Wired + Bracket+$1,150~$469 from pecron.com (MSRP $1,299)
Pecron E1500LFP — Wired (no bracket)+$950
Pecron Bracket + Custom Wiring+$350
Pecron Bracket only+$200
Custom Wiring to Customer Battery+$150DIY: 2–4 hrs

This section has the most options, but the recommendation is straightforward: don't buy the power station from Tune. The Pecron E1500LFP frequently sells for ~$469 direct from Pecron (MSRP $1,299), Tune charges $950–$1,150 for the same unit. That's $500–$700 in savings by buying it yourself. And a standalone 100–200Ah LiFePO4 battery ($200–$600) with a basic 12V system gives you even more flexibility for less.

What I would order: Custom Wiring to Customer Battery ($150). Tune runs dedicated wires from the lights, fan, and heater prep to the front passenger corner, with T-track covers to hide everything. They add adapters that interface with any 12V system you bring. It's cleaner and saves time and effort. You could wire it yourself to save $150, but $150 is cheap for letting the factory handle it.

See the battery guide for standalone battery options and the electrical guide for wiring your own 12V system.

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Shore Power ($150): adds a shore power inlet so you can plug into campground or home power. Worth ordering. It's harder to retrofit since it requires a shell penetration, and $150 is cheap for the convenience.

Solar

Solar Panels & Port

Your Call
OptionPrice
NoneStandard (no solar)
2-Panel Kit + Solar Port (440W mid / 530W full)+$1,750
1 × Panel Front Mount + Solar Port (220W mid / 265W full)+$1,050
1 × Panel Rear Mount + Solar Port (220W mid / 265W full)+$950
Solar Port only (no panels)+$200

Don't buy panels from Tune. Third-party flexible panels are cheaper and easy to install yourself, they stick to the roof with adhesive and plug into the solar port. The only reason to pay Tune's markup is if you don't want to get on the roof. A single 200W flexible panel from Renogy or EcoFlow runs $150–$250. Two panels (comparable to Tune's dual 220W setup) cost $300–$500, versus $1,750 through Tune. $1,000+ in savings for a couple hours of straightforward work.

The Solar Port ($200), on the other hand, is a definite yes if you're planning solar. Tune routes the wiring through the roof to a weatherproof port. It's another roof penetration you want done at the factory. Even if you're not sure about solar yet, the port gives you the option later without drilling.

See the solar guide for panel picks, sizing, and mounting tips.

Heating

Truma Heating System

Skip for Now
OptionFrom TuneDIY Alternative
NoneStandard (no heater)
Full Truma Kit + Insulation Pack+$4,000Diesel heater (Vevor, HCalory): $150–$300
Full Truma Kit (no insulation)+$3,600

This is the most expensive add-on, and I'd skip it at order time. The Truma is the gold standard in camper heating: reliable, safe, quiet, well-integrated. People who have it love it. But $3,600–$4,000 is a significant chunk of any build budget, and unlike the roof vent or cab window, you can add a Truma later. That gives you time to actually camp and see what your heating needs are before committing $4,000.

In the meantime, a Chinese diesel heater (Vevor, HCalory) runs $150–$300 and heats effectively. Many M1 owners run them through multiple winters. See the heater guide and winter camping guide for both paths.

Full Build Cost Summary

A typical M1 build, combining the factory add-ons worth ordering with items sourced independently:

Item From Tune DIY Cost Verdict
M1 Base Camper $12,999 N/A Tune
MaxxAir Roof Vent (07500K) +$650 ~$350 + DIY roof cut Tune
Custom Wiring Harness +$150 DIY: 2–4 hrs labor Tune
Solar Port +$200 DIY roof penetration Tune
Cab Access Window +$500–$800 Not recommended DIY Tune
King Slide Extender +$200 N/A Tune (5' beds)
Shore Power Inlet +$150 DIY shell penetration Tune
Glass Door Upgrades +$450–$2,200 ~$750/panel (can swap later) Your Call
Roof/Bulkhead Upgrade +$450–$800 Can't add later Now or Never
Truma Heater + Insulation +$3,600–$4,000 $150–$300 diesel heater Skip / Later
Solar Panels (1–2 × 220W mid / 265W full) +$950–$1,750 $150–$500 DIY
Battery / Power Station +$950–$1,150 (Pecron) ~$469 (Pecron direct) or $200–$600 (LiFePO4) DIY
Mattress Upgrade +$629–$1,040 $80–$350 DIY
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Recommended Tune order total: Base M1 ($12,999) + roof vent ($650) + custom wiring ($150) + solar port ($200) = $13,999. Add cab window ($500–$800) and shore power ($150), both harder to add later. Door, roof/bulkhead, and color upgrades to taste. Source power station, solar panels, and mattress yourself for $500–$1,000 total. All-in ready-to-camp: ~$15,000–$19,000 depending on configuration.

Before You Order

Check Your Payload

The base mid-size M1 weighs ~400 lbs; the full-size M1 ~500 lbs. Every add-on increases weight. Run your full planned build (camper, battery, gear, water, passengers) through the payload calculator before committing.

Insurance

Call your insurance company before delivery. The M1 is a $13,000+ attachment, and how you describe it matters more than most owners realize.

Framing matters. The M1 is a removable, clamped-on truck camper shell, not a travel trailer or RV. It doesn't have a permanent bed or cooktop and doesn't alter the truck's structure. When agents try to classify it as a travel trailer, premiums shoot up and (worse) you risk a denied claim later because it doesn't actually meet that definition. The community-tested framings that work: "attached accessory," "custom truck shell," or "cargo on the truck." Some carriers will simply roll it into your truck's comprehensive coverage at little or no extra cost.

What community owners report by carrier (as of April 2026):

  • USAA, often covered automatically under the truck's existing comprehensive coverage at no extra cost; just get the Tune documented on the policy.
  • State Farm, multiple positive reports. Ranges from auto-included with comprehensive (just need a purchase receipt + photos) to ~$3–10/month added.
  • Geico, will insure as an accessory; one owner reported ~$19/month for $20K full replacement plus contents and liability.
  • Allstate, initial quote may be high (~$120/month as a trailer) but drops to ~$10/month for $20K coverage once you frame it as an attached accessory.
  • Progressive, most-cited problem carrier in the community. Multiple owners report Progressive trying to force a "travel trailer" classification, issuing then canceling policies, or refusing to insure the M1 outright. If you go with Progressive, get coverage details in writing and verify your truck is still actually insured after adding the camper.

Before delivery checklist:

  • Call your insurer; describe the M1 as an attached, removable truck camper shell (not a trailer/RV).
  • Ask whether it's covered under your existing comprehensive coverage and at what payout limit.
  • If accessory coverage is capped (often $1,000–$5,000 by default), ask about increasing the limit or adding a rider for full replacement value.
  • Get the Tune explicitly documented on the policy: VIN/serial, purchase price, photos installed on the truck, purchase receipt.
  • Get any verbal commitments in writing. Several owners learned the hard way that "you're covered" on a phone call doesn't always survive a claim.

Every situation is different. Use the carrier reports above as a starting point for your own conversation, not as a guarantee.

HOA & Storage

If you live in an HOA community, check your CC&Rs. The M1 is technically a "truck shell" or "canopy," not an RV, a meaningful distinction in many HOA contexts. When not in use, it can be removed and stored on the Tune jack system or on the ground.

The Ordering Process

  1. Configure your build at tuneoutdoor.com/tune-configurator
  2. Confirm your payload margin with the M1 Builder calculator
  3. Place your order + pay deposit. Check directly with Tune for current terms
  4. Lead time: approximately 75–90 days (~11–13 weeks) from signed PO (varies with demand)
  5. Use the wait to gear up: source your battery, solar, mattress, and accessories while waiting
  6. At delivery: inspect thoroughly (panels, hinges, seals, T-track) before signing off

Ordering FAQ

The most common questions about buying and configuring a Tune M1.

What is included standard with the Tune M1?

The M1 comes standard with the aluminum shell, full-length side access panels, rear hatch, two aluminum side awning doors and a rear awning door, 440+ feet of T-track inside and out, and truck-specific mount hardware. It does not include a mattress, battery, solar panels, roof vent, or cab access window. Those are factory add-ons.

Do I need to buy a battery separately?

Yes. The Tune M1 does not come with a 12V house battery. You'll need to source one separately. See the battery guide for sizing and recommendations.

What mattress fits the Tune M1?

The M1 sleeping platform is 60" × 72" on mid-size trucks (Tacoma, Ranger) and 60" × 78" on full-size trucks (Tundra, F-150, Ram, Silverado). The mattress is not included in the base price, Tune offers a Hest mattress as an optional add-on, or you can source your own. A 4–5" thickness preserves ~29–30" of sitting headroom. See the mattress guide for sizing and recommendations.

How long is the lead time for a new Tune M1?

Tune quotes approximately 75–90 days (~11–13 weeks) from your signed Purchase Order, though this can vary with production demand. Check directly with Tune Outdoor for the most current estimate, especially if you're planning around a specific camping season. Use the waiting period to source your battery, solar, and accessories so you're ready to go on delivery day.

Can I order the M1 without certain options to save weight?

Yes, every factory add-on adds weight. The roof vent adds a few lbs; the wiring harness is minimal. More meaningfully, you can choose not to order the bed extension (~5–10 lbs) or skip the solar port if you're not planning rooftop solar. The base mid-size M1 weighs ~400 lbs and the full-size M1 ~500 lbs. Use the payload calculator to model your exact configuration before ordering.

Does Tune Outdoor offer financing?

Check directly with Tune Outdoor for current financing options, as their policies change. Some owners have financed through personal loans or home equity lines for the camper purchase, with the battery and accessories sourced separately on a standard budget. Given the lead time, there's often time to save for the accessories while waiting for the camper to arrive.

Is the Tune M1 affiliated with this site?

No. M1 Builder is an independent community tool with no affiliation to Tune Outdoor. I don't receive compensation from Tune and have no financial interest in your purchase decision. My goal is to give you honest, complete information.

Ready to Plan?
CHECK YOUR PAYLOAD
BEFORE YOU ORDER

The M1 Builder payload calculator shows exactly how much margin you have, accounting for your truck, passengers, water, and every piece of gear.