Show me your truck camping setup!

Here are a few that I drew inspiration from.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yp-J_zNQbJI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xth67kye0eA&list=PLGXMNGnpGrgDqKwFUluzAlhcZB_2DeEme&index=11

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHUcb1z5myQ

My favorite
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvgyGtPgRQ4&list=PLGXMNGnpGrgDqKwFUluzAlhcZB_2DeEme&index=10

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gndCVIIN7IE

I have one more where a dude piped in a window AC unit but I can't find it.

 

Yeah, that recliner one is the jam. I may have to find some way to integrate that.

Since I have a remote start and my key fob will roll down my back window, I was thinking of just wedging a couple of pool noodles between the truck and the shell when I get where I’m going. If I need heat or A/C, just simply leave my controls where I want them and crank the truck from my fob as needed.

 

I had the reclining setup and I am not sure I will do it again. I have a set of really comfortable captain chairs up front, it seems like needless duplication now that I have thought about it more.

I'm with you on the ac and heat. Does the remote start have a shut off as well? The only advantage to the window ac or a space heater would be in campgrounds. I'm probably going to have a travel trailer in that situation though. I have a good sized 12v fan I use in the summer. It moves a lot of air. I need to make a velcro surround so it is easier to use in the shell.

 

Dang. This is impressive.

 

Yeah, default it runs for 12 min and then shuts off. I can extend the runtime from my remote infinitely or I can shut it off after a minute if I want. It’s amazing what all features are built into the higher end systems that installers never hook up or tell you about.

 

I just like the thought of it being heated when I get up in the morning. I may have to add a remote start to my to do list.

 

My wife and I sleep in the back under the Softopper. It works for now while we wait for our OVRLND camper. Then I will do a full buildout of that. We spend 30-40 nights in it a year, so the expense was worth it to us. Plus, planning a long trip to South America in the truck.

 

Here is my set up , rooftop tent by Tuffstuff Overland . I have a Decked system in the bed that holds most of my gear , I can be set up and camping in 20 minutes or less .

 

I just paid 30 bucks for this guy:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/303853423892

10-15 years ago people were paying $300 for these or going with a diy setup. I think this whole thing can be done for close to $100.

Sometimes we take a portable hot tub with us when we camp and that is a big motivator for this project.

 

Anyone messing around with diesel heaters to stay warm?
The price of the chineese ones are appealing, but part of me says buy once, cry once and get an Espar brand.
Its like $300 vs $1400 CAD so im taking my time to think about it.

 

I don't have one personally but I've seen several people recommend them recently.

 

it sounds like 5kw chineese units are way too powerful for small spaces, and if you do order a 2kw, you often just get a 5kw. Kind of a crap shoot.
Still very appealing for the price.

 

Found a few pictures from my "Thursday night build for Friday trip" setup I threw together last summer. Going to start over this spring taking some inspiration from threads like these as well as what I liked and didn't like on my first build.

 

What are you using for a mattress?

 

Just in case nobody saw this yet. Check out this product.
I posted about it a little while ago, but probably got pushed to the bottom of the forum pretty fast.
It’s a new product like the AT overland, flips I, or 4WC campers.
Lead time is 5-6months.
Seems reasonable nowadays.
https://trailfort.com/products/tf-patrol-pre-order-reservation

*no affiliation
*haven’t seen one in person....but I want to compare it to an AT!

 

This thread is for 1st GEN camping set-ups. None of us got excited about this option you posted because it’s not available for 1st gens. Looks cool for later Gens though; maybe post it in a 2nd or 2rd gen thread.

 

**$10,000**. Reasonable my ass.

 

That looks cool but at that price point, I would personally start looking at a small travel trailer, tent trailer, or something else.

 

@Warreng
1st gens have very little after-market support, so members with 1st gens can’t search the forum and easily get clues about options, as those with later gens can. So... since the forum was set up to allow members to post threads in designated sub-forums, 1st gen owners try to help each other out by sharing what we find with each other. I didn’t call out that guy or any of the others with later gens that have posted randomly above, but he came *back* and wondered why his post didn’t get more play. So I explained it.

To your question, all are welcome to read and appreciate 1st GEN threads— but it is much appreciated when posts pertain to 1st GENS.

 

Lol. I meant reasonable timeline***
But in comparison to a 4WC or other setups it’s in the same ballpark.

 

No offense taken. Honestly, I just saw the title and didn’t even realize the sub forum was 1st gen. My apologies for clogging it up.

 

Well put Sunny!

 

Best Price Mattress 4 Inch Trifold Memory Foam Topper, Mattress Pad with Cover, CertiPUR-US Certified, Full

Best Price Mattress 4" Trifold Memory Foam Mattress Topper with Cover, CertiPUR-US Certified, Full,White

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077BMJW16/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_fabc_C33YY0GV19EVGCY5VPN1?psc=1

Tri-fold matress. Length is perfect for first gens at 75". Little overkill compared to what a lot of guys use, but I sleep like shit usually so need all the help I can get. Going to buy another one that is twin size for when it's just me.

There were other brands of the same style of mattress, this one was on the cheaper end if I recall.

 

I have no idea how you guys comfortably sleep on those things. I tried and it was horrible.

 

I haven't tried a tri-fold topper. I use a one piece 3" topper I got from Costco on top of either a Coleman quick bed or one of the Ozark air beds and I sleep more comfortably back there than I do at home. I did cut some of the foam off the topper to make it fit better though.

 

I did the same, same apologies my feelings aren’t hurt yet

 

Who said anything about comfort. Haha. I'm never comfortable while camping, but when you backpack and sleep on ground with basically nothing beneath you the meaning of comfort changes. Especially at 7000' and below freezing at night. Then back of truck with a decent pad doesn't feel so bad.

I'm going to play around with some different pad materials this summer.

 

I have 2 goals when it comes to camping, make it easier/faster to go and make it more comfortable when I go. I need to find a solid matress for the truck. The bed in the truck is going to act a spare bedroom for friends when we travel out west and we have the camper, so I need to come up with really comfortable for back there.

I was about to give up backpacking all together when I made the switch to 11-12ft camping hammocks. I also made the switch to DIY down gear and got my base weight down to about 12 pounds. I can sleep perfectly comfortably down to about 15 degrees now.

 

I agree, easier to go and more comfortable are good goals I share as well. But I'm a light sleeper so I'll never find true comfort outside of my bedroom. But worth some effort to get as close to comfort as I can, within reason.

There are some nicer tri-fold mattresses then one I bought. Would also recommend looking at 3" + thick memory foam or latex toppers. Probably order a full size and cut it to fit. Tri fold is nice though as it packs well, given the thickness.

Hammocks wouldn't work for me in the PNW, I'd wake up wet guaranteed. That and the mosquitoes. Also the wife who comes with would never give up the tent. Haha. Sleeping bags certainly make a big difference. Mine is a little light for temps I can be in, but not sure I want to go heavier either.