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I want to start camping again. (The unintentional build)

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Builds (2014-2021)' started by GODZILLA, Apr 27, 2021.

  1. Jul 2, 2021 at 6:41 PM
    #31
    BravoDeltaRomeo

    BravoDeltaRomeo Old Man Little Blue Finger

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    I can't help with the big stuff....but here are my thoughts on small stuff.

    Ice cooler. No electricity needed and can sit out in rain. Mine was from HomeDepot and under $100 and keeps ice frozen as long as a $600 Yeti....I tested it.

    https://www.costco.com/cascade-mountain-tech-45-quart-rotomolded-cooler.product.100476367.html

    (Pelican for high end or Yeti alternatives are fine too) with ice packs.

    I use Arctic Ice but didn't pay anywhere close to this:. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DRVJXVQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_Y26MY8EF4WGJ8GSVAQ3K

    Flat chairs from Costco are awesome. We have been using ours for 10+ years: https://www.costco.com/timber-ridge-folding-director's-chair,-2-pack.product.100481959.html

    Rayovac Lanterns: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0018S4XIS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_TC584W28REPK3Y3GEPQM
     
    Cpl_Punishment and GODZILLA[OP] like this.
  2. Jul 2, 2021 at 6:45 PM
    #32
    GODZILLA

    GODZILLA [OP] Hail to the King, Baby.

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    For now, I want to be able to go out on weekend trips. Eventually there might be longer trips that will lead to more gear, and something like an EZ Up for daytime sun shelter. https://www.ezup.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9PKmkOPF8QIVjGpvBB2FGQ-NEAAYASAAEgLuWvD_BwE

    Might even join my brother on one of his overlanding trips, but on those the tent is only for sleeping.
     
  3. Jul 2, 2021 at 6:51 PM
    #33
    BravoDeltaRomeo

    BravoDeltaRomeo Old Man Little Blue Finger

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  4. Jul 2, 2021 at 6:52 PM
    #34
    TheBeast

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    I really like my gazelle tent. Camper shell works best for me. I have 2 bins with all the camping gear.
    If going RTT, I would go IKAMPER with semi rigid shell. Paired with a diamondback cover this seems to be a good setup imo
     
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  5. Jul 2, 2021 at 7:09 PM
    #35
    Cpl_Punishment

    Cpl_Punishment Young men never die.

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    I was thinking more of the ability to get dressed without laying down. We only sleep in the tent when we're camping too.
     
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  6. Jul 2, 2021 at 7:30 PM
    #36
    GODZILLA

    GODZILLA [OP] Hail to the King, Baby.

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    Solid suggestions here. I see 3 option/scenarios for the totes.
    1. The totes would work if I went with a camper shell on the back with a tent up top; with or without the Decked system.
    2. If I were to do something like a diamondback cover the Decked and the totes would be mutually exclusive.
    3. Open bed with a rack and RTT, I might be able to do both, might not. Totes would have to handle the sun in this scenario too.

    Unless it's cold out, dressing isn't a major concern for me. I pretty much live in shorts and t shirts, so it's easy to change. I'm also short, so that helps. Not so short that I could stand in a RTT, but I have a bit more room than most.
     
  7. Jul 2, 2021 at 7:50 PM
    #37
    Wallygator

    Wallygator Well Zippedy Da Do!

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    Just a few things....After a year and a half with my setup on the 2020 I'm happy I didn't waste money on bed stiffeners. The rack stiffens the bed IMO. Maybe in ten years I will be proved wrong but a nice weld to the area will still be cheaper.
    I have a small folding lifetime table that has been great. Still mostly use the tailgate for food prep and occasionally have the stove on it when a quick meal is in order.
    Walmart sells Yeti type coolers from Ozark Trail that have been fine. I have the 70qt and the small, I think 15. Both have been great but after the fridge are rarely used. The 15 is nice to keep ice available for drinks.
    For storing all the camping gear the rigid tool box system has been excellent. They all lock together, are water proof, and provide many options. Bought at home depot and can buy combinations of them besides what's in the link below. Good luck. Hope you all get out there soon!
    https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-...VQ5yzCh1r6QAAEAQYBCABEgKMJPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
     
  8. Jul 2, 2021 at 7:59 PM
    #38
    Wahayes

    Wahayes Older I get the wiser I realize my dad was

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    Dollar tree is best camping supply store around :D all of my dishes and silverware come from there. Cooking utensils too. Everything's 1.00
     
  9. Jul 2, 2021 at 8:03 PM
    #39
    DividedSky

    DividedSky New Member

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    Water- Look into the Waterport. They sell them on Costco.com occasionally. LOVE mine!! So convenient.

    Coolers- RTIC really seems like the best deal going right now. I have a 65 and a 110.

    RTT mattress- fairly comfortable but way better w a thin self inflating on top.

    Bed Stiffeners- they are a must IMO. I use total chaos for what it’s worth.
     
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  10. Jul 2, 2021 at 8:05 PM
    #40
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    Damn Holden. You can come overland in my back yard anytime. (Not literally my back yard, but cool if you wanted to..lol)

    Killer truck man.
     
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  11. Jul 2, 2021 at 8:11 PM
    #41
    DividedSky

    DividedSky New Member

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    Also, here is one of my camping must haves…. It’s just a thin strip of plywood w a hole cut in it to inlay a metal sheet pan (secured w Sika construction adhesive) I use it on my tailgate as a table of sorts. When I pack up, I just fold it up w the tailgate. It gives me a nice flat area to put drinks, prep food etc.
    only cost me about $20.

    868E6F81-3238-4B71-8611-3F6195133814.jpg
     
  12. Jul 2, 2021 at 8:21 PM
    #42
    ColoradoTJ

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  13. Jul 2, 2021 at 8:28 PM
    #43
    TILLY

    TILLY Gently Used Member

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    I love that first setup Chris, that reminds me of the day I was born. :) Links to this setup?
     
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  14. Jul 2, 2021 at 8:31 PM
    #44
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    Not going to lie, for the next week of this trip the temps were 36-28*. I pulled out the secret weapon for the really cold nights. B11951A3-6F8C-4BDA-A7E7-1A4B21C1B3B9.jpg
     
  15. Jul 2, 2021 at 8:32 PM
    #45
    ColoradoTJ

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    truck bed tent. Amazon has some good pricing.
     
  16. Jul 2, 2021 at 8:32 PM
    #46
    Cpl_Punishment

    Cpl_Punishment Young men never die.

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    Yeah, we typically don't go to my family's lake lot if it's going to be below about 50 over night but we have stayed in the mountains when it got down to 35 one night.
     
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  17. Jul 2, 2021 at 8:34 PM
    #47
    TILLY

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    Thank you.
     
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  18. Jul 2, 2021 at 8:39 PM
    #48
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    Absolutely. We just got into a freak winter storm that lasted 4 days no matter where we went in CO.

    It’s always the worst, down to your undies in the bag, you gotta piss from the twelve one packs from the night before, and there’s 4” of snow on top of the softopper. That’s when you have to make a life changing decision to bear it or use the washing machine when you get home.
     
  19. Jul 2, 2021 at 8:48 PM
    #49
    Tundra2

    Tundra2 Zoinked

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    @AzureNightmare Listen Adam, I'm about 3/4 lit right now. I'm in a hot ass tent, buck ass nekidd with a Milwaukee fan blowing ass air along my body. I've only skimmed like the first one post, and have plans to read the entirety of this thread later. Currently, I'm not sure where your ideas are at past post one.

    I see you're considering a roof top tent. Read the following quote that took me fuckin forever to find, and then I'll attempt to explain more after the quote.

    I'm against the roof top tent. The people in that canyon or Colorado or whatever set up camp three different times in one night as they had ONE vehicle. The vehicle with their tent on it! Obviously, you can't go to town with your tent popped up. This may not be an issue for you as you have your razor thingies. However, if you solo the Tundra with roof top tent, and need to go to town. You need to tear the shjt down, pack up, and go. When you get back to camp you need to set all that hokey bologna back up...

    That night I watched those canyon fuckers set their tent up for over 3 three hours total as they were an older couple, and appeared to be struggling. (I think they were first timers)

    Plus, look at all this extra stuff you're gonna need. Bed stiffeners? Just give the Tundra a viagra. A something or other, just do something or that.

    I'm tired and drunk. Enjoy my ramblings.
     
  20. Jul 2, 2021 at 8:57 PM
    #50
    Cpl_Punishment

    Cpl_Punishment Young men never die.

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    My wife has the same rationale for not getting a motorhome.
     
  21. Jul 2, 2021 at 8:59 PM
    #51
    Tundra2

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    Now, as someone whose never owned, or seen how it works... based on drunk thought experiments...

    It seems to me that a slide in camper.would be choice as its something that's removable. Jack up the four corners. Drive out from under it, and then level it.

    Boom. You've got a town vehicle. I don't know.
     
  22. Jul 2, 2021 at 9:04 PM
    #52
    Melikeymy beer

    Melikeymy beer No cooler for you!

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  23. Jul 2, 2021 at 9:08 PM
    #53
    AircareTundra

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    Enjoyed reading these suggestions and checking out the pics. Good luck with your set up and keep us posted in the progress!
     
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  24. Jul 2, 2021 at 9:16 PM
    #54
    Cpl_Punishment

    Cpl_Punishment Young men never die.

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    Yeah that would work but you really need a heavy duty truck for a truck camper.
     
  25. Jul 2, 2021 at 9:17 PM
    #55
    Tundra2

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    I mean, that dude in my quote did it in a 2m5 gen
     
  26. Jul 2, 2021 at 9:20 PM
    #56
    Sunnier

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    Yup. The part I didn’t lead with was, I had an RTT. Heavy PITA. If you’re gonna hang out to camp in one spot for multiple days/ nights, cool! But unless you pay > $3k there’s no affordable RTT, especially a hard top, that is easy to pack up solo (setting up is easier than stowing afterward). And to get one big enough for multiple people:large, heavy, lots of fabric to tuck in. And you can’t stand up, middle of the night bath rooming is very challenging, plus… nowhere safe to put a heater to take the bite off if you camp when it’s chilly.

    Edit: I hated tent camping so I got the RTT. Did the RTT and got a Gazelle. Way better than old fashioned ground tents and the Gazelle.
     
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  27. Jul 2, 2021 at 9:22 PM
    #57
    TheBeast

    TheBeast The Beach

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    one thing I need is some type of Goal Zero battery. Between cell phones/ipad/GPS etc..I run out of juice quick
     
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  28. Jul 2, 2021 at 9:50 PM
    #58
    GODZILLA

    GODZILLA [OP] Hail to the King, Baby.

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    Brace yourselves. I'm trying not to flood this thread with responses, so you all have to share.

    As long as it works I'm totally down for this kind of budgeting!

    Waterport is already rattling around in my mind. Liked it on first impression, but it's also something that can be added later.

    I have a cooler that is good enough for a day or two, and if I get a second that is better I should be good to go. Do you have links to any specific ones you've been pleased with?

    My brother gave similar advice on the mattress/pads. They need more, but even stock they are better than the ground in a sleeping bag.

    My only hesitation on the bed stiffeners is the drilling into painted surfaces. Still, if I have to do it, then I will.

    That's a solid idea and looks to be multipurpose and easily stowed. Thank you.

    Truck bed tent.... You get all the joy of setting up a ground tent while also scratching your truck to death. o_O That stove/grill is pretty badass looking, though.

    I understand your sentiment, but that is a soft RTT. The hard shells are much quicker and user friendly from everything I can find. You aren't fighting with poles or anything like that.

    I read your quote, you can watch my video.

    https://youtu.be/6mpy9znXX48

    You're dead on that I have my RZR, and it's plated. I can do all my running, even to town, without breaking camp. If I need to move the truck I can still fold the tent down in pretty short order.

    I'll have my RZR on many trips, so it can be the wheels for running about.

    Slide ins like you pictured are heavy, and the jacks aren't solid/stable enough for the camper to be used while on them. They are just for raising it up to get into the truck, and leveling. Once the truck is not under it, they are tippy as shit, so you still have to move it with the truck.
    We had one when I was a kid, and a dust devil rolled through the yard while it was on the stands for storage. The wind rolled it to it's side, then roof, then it's other side. Bad day camping right there.
     
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  29. Jul 2, 2021 at 11:37 PM
    #59
    GODZILLA

    GODZILLA [OP] Hail to the King, Baby.

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    There have been some good points brought up arguing against a RTT in favor of other options. I appreciate the input, advice, and more than anything the shared experiences of other members on here. Thank you for that. These comments have made me go looking for negatives for the RTT so that I can know all the dirty secrets and weigh them against the things I like. You know, standard Pros vs Cons analysis.

    Well, in my search for negative info I found this gem. Watch it before reading my comments below the video.

    https://youtu.be/ZCVavqvwYvw


    Oh. My. Gosh. The WHINING. "Ew, I got dirty." or "Gross! A mouse!" and "I have to camp where I park".... Holy crap, man. It's camping. It's dirty. There are animals. You're gonna scrape your knee and bleed a bit.

    That's not to say he didn't have some good info to ponder, but it was all drowned out by his petulant buyer's remorse. Many of his cons are the reason I am not considering the soft RTTs, and he made mention that the Hard Shells take care of much of his complaints. This falls under the rule of: Buy once, Cry once. Skimping out made his RTT experience miserable, and these kinds of stories are why I feel that any purchase I am making that is going to be over $1000 is not one that I am willing to settle for less in order to pinch pennies. If I can't afford to do it right, save ALL the pennies and don't do it at all.


    @Squatting Pigeon you have a RTT similar to his. How much of what he said is valid, and how much was boohooing as I perceived it?
     
  30. Jul 2, 2021 at 11:54 PM
    #60
    GODZILLA

    GODZILLA [OP] Hail to the King, Baby.

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    Currently watching this vid, and he has a similar setup to what I am thinking about. IKamper and Decked, at least.

    https://youtu.be/Ac6N-FO_8yE


    @KrokemOutdoors as this was your rig, would you be kind enough to review posts 1 and 2 of this thread and share any additional thoughts from running this kind of setup on a Tundra?
     
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