All of this is intended to aid and support your vehicle in the event of a flat tire, getting stuck, or facing unforeseen circumstances. The biggest downside of this setup, obviously, is much less storage. If you’re into mountain climbing, ski, hiking, photography, fishing, travel or wildlife the thought of camping in your truck has probably crossed your mind. It all comes down to what you need. In recent years Toyota has moved into the luxury vehicle market adding all sorts of bells and whistles to the Land Cruiser. Slide in a portable camping shell (but not any old camper!) … With affordable options, the ability to sleep elevated from the ground, plus all the perks of traditional camping, you can’t go wrong setting up your tent in the bed of your truck. Just be careful about suspending too much weight from your canopy ceiling, as it poses as safety hazard and could damage your canopy. In this post, we’re going to go over the styles of truck camping, vehicles used, gear you need to carry, and kitchen supplies to bring. An inexpensive, compact camping chair will get the job done. Required fields are marked *. Once you have your truck it’s time to decide your camping style. Be sure to check out our YouTube channel! Effectively drive up an incline. With the added elevation from the ground, it does give the added advantage of being away from lions and hyenas or bears in North America. Mainly practiced by outdoorsy people, like rock climbers, hikers, fishermen, and skiers, truck camping has grown in popularity as of late, with many DIYers joining the scene and the setups getting more and more sophisticated. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. That being said, a traditional tent does have advantages. Napier Sportz Truck Tent III. If you’ve been reading our blog for a while you know that the vehicle we drive is a Toyota Landcruiser. Made my own "truck camper" under the canopy in the box of my pickup truck. Before any long-term trip, it pays to have a familiarity with your truck to understand its fuel economy in different environments. So in preparation … Privacy should be a major consideration both when choosing your truck bed canopy and when building out your interior. Recreational vehicle enthusiasts call it "dry" camping or "boondocking," and around the world it's called "wild" or "guerilla" camping. Of course, you’re going to want to carry the basics like camp chairs, a table, and lights and anything that you personally love while camping. Meaning that even when things go wrong there is always a knowing mechanic within reach. In high school I used to ride my 1998 4Runner until it was on fumes, to avoid having to pay for fuel – don’t be teenager me. This is your back to basics style of camping. At least that’s the premise of truck camping – to tackle some remote destination. This should go without saying but have a good understanding of offroad driving before you leave on a long trip. We’re big into safariing around Africa and have seen an increasing number of safari providers switch to the Hilux. The canopy is the most important part of your truck bed camping setup. (I’m sure you’ve heard that before.) Our vehicle build did not rely on sleeping in the vehicle, but we did have drawer system which is great for organization. ... I’ve been hiking, camping, backpacking and picking huckleberries my entire life. Whether you are truck bed camping in a tent or a camper shell, any of these heaters will be great. They’re really common in Africa and Australia, so I’d suggest checking out ARB an Aussie manufacturer. There are a few pros and cons to these tents: If you’re interested in truck bed camping with a tent, RightLine Gear makes some high-quality tents for various truck bed sizes. I’m a minimalist so an old-school Land Cruiser like the 60 or 70 series is the way to go in my opinion. Area.where do I go to see them? First is the vehicles high demand, it retains value which is great for current owners, but those in the market may have a tough time finding a Defender for a reasonable price. The Russos bought a used 2000 Ford F350 4×4 crew cab for their truck camper Joe and Kait: The truck we choose is a 2000 Ford F350 4×4 crew cab with the 7.3l diesel, which is very robust, reliable and having the older diesel engine means we don’t have to worry about finding a specific type of diesel. This is a basic checklist of what we travel with for cooking when camping. Kettle with a foldable handle: the foldable handle is a must. Conversion Camping. Ground tents can usually house more than two people and are spacious. They can drive right up to wherever the fish are biting or the game is gathering, and there's no hassle of pitching a tent to spend the night. Duct Tape // Because everyone knows Duct Tape fixes anything. Unless you have experience in truck camping or overlanding previously I wouldn’t be quick to rule out any option until you’ve thought it out. We’re here to help! For the sake of this post length, we’ll stick with the truck element. These outfitted trucks are the fastest to set up camp as there is zero set up. Used it for winter and Summer camping, a week in the bush in a truck is good for the soul. The best option would be a dual fuel system. Generally, we find the most secure place we can to stash $1,000 away in the vehicle. The concept starts simple—live and sleep in the back of your vehicle—and then you can customize it as far as you'd like. Learn how your comment data is processed. Take a … Give the bed of your pickup truck a little TLC for easier storage, loading, unloading and overall fun. Not to mention getting into the great outdoors is proven to be one best way to add years to your life. Pee Bottle // Or, you know, an empty water jug. This article is geared towards building out your truck bed into a suitable living... Truck Bed Camping Canopy Selection. Once your bed is set, you can add a sleeping bag, a mattress, or some cushioning for comfort. I see and very interested in the truck tents or small trailer s as shown in the videos.I can’t seem to find dealerships in my Flagstaff,AZ. In warm weather, sometimes you just want to lay on top of the sleeping bag with a light sheet covering you. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. It’s not sexy or makes any cool car lists, but Suzuki has been making a pretty awesome off-road truck. The Pajero is another classic overland vehicle that can go just about anywhere and hold up to the test of time. Other than that, what else do you need for a mostly complete cooking setup? Quick Dry Microfiber Towels // As a commenter on our list of 27 Car Camping Essentials pointed out, you need a way to dry things quickly! This is really important when you’re traveling through remote areas! The last plus and this is a big one is the ability to leave camp without having to break down and pack up your gear. We like to pick up all little we see along the way and make it better than when we arrived. You can go as big or as small as you’d like. The Outdoor Authority is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. On the flip side, a traditional tent takes the most time to set up camp. Trust me and find reusable plastic containers for these things. Another great company to check out is Black Diamond for some high quality tents. This is easier if you have an SUV or a large double cab where the seats fold down into a flat sleeping area. If you choose to go this route, give a long look at canopies with extra headroom. It’s also pretty tough to remove if you’re truck is your everyday vehicle. If you plan on running interior lights after dark, make sure you take it for a test run before hitting the road by firing up the lights at night and observing their brightness from the exterior of your truck. The Hilux and Tacoma are fairly comparable vehicles, although the Hilux does nudge the Tacoma out in terms of payload and engine size. There are a number of things that I would say are an absolute must, others depend on where you’re intended travel destination. This model is perfect for couples who like to travel together since it … Great for hotter locales, the Sportz Truck Tent is one of the better options for … Copyright © 2018 by The Outdoor Authority, About | Affiliate Disclosure | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions. A classic tent offers plenty of flexibility and can be moved from one vehicle to another. Fishing Gear // Speaking of fishing, you may want to bring your gear! In fact, you may actually be living out of it. No worries in this post we cover some of the basics and what we…, The Peak Design Travel Tripod promised to deliver the best travel tripod ever made — that’s a pretty tall order. Look, your truck bed ain’t the Ritz. However, if you love milk in your coffee and steak it’s certainly worth the investment. Step 2: Converting the Bed Pt1. Don’t skimp on your safety. Check out our Complete Guide to Camping Coffee for everything you need to know. The engine on board is a Toyota 2F engine (yes, it’s not the original for any gearheads out there) an inline six-cylinder famous for its torque output, and a five-speed transmission to help out on highways. The toughest part of camping in a truck bed is keeping the interior space … That’s right when you’re stuck sweating your ass off in 100+ degree heat digging your truck out of the sand you’re adding years to your life. As for a sleeping pad, I’d recommend a self-inflating sleeping pad for optimal warmth and convenience. Not only is privacy important for that feeling or personal safety, but it can be crucial if you’re stealth camping in an area where you shouldn’t be. Are there any alternatives to rigging a dual-battery system? Portable Solar Panel // I like to use renewable energy when possible because, well, it’s renewable. If I want to trade the camper off, I will put the old door back and keep the heater.” – Robert G. Martin, 2008 GMC 2500 HD, 2011 Northstar Laredo SC “Off the grid, I just use the RV furnace. Our overland trip in Africa hit a snag when we found ourselves unable to restock the butane can system (hello open fire cooking). They are well known for breaking down frequently but loved by the mechanically inclined who can get it back on the road. The truck kicks ass. I’ve purchased my backpacking tent from REI and would highly recommend purchasing one of the tents they carry online or in the store. Conversion camping is the broadest form of camping because of the styles, methods, and custom builds. Welcome to the world, as seen through the eyes of Cameron and Natasha. In Europe, Australia, and North America we rely on our credit cards for everything. Stealth pickup truck camping isn't as mysterious as it sounds. 14 Warmest Winter Socks To Fight Off Frostbite, Keep Your Toes Toasty & Conquer Cold Weather, The Last Guide To Down vs Synthetic Insulation You’ll Ever Need (Including Which YOU Need To Get), 14 Best Down Jackets For Everyone From Bear Grylls To Your Dear Old Grannie, More convenient and flexible than a small RV, Less expensive to build out than a similar RV setup, Much less expensive than a conventional truck bed camping canopy setup, Much easier to remove when converting back to a regular ol’ pickup truck, Less secure than a conventional truck bed camping canopy, Must be set up and taken down when driving, Connect directly to your car battery. Countryside, hillside and lakeside: Setting up camp with your pickup truck. Instead, get a second battery and plan for it in your truck bed build-out. Truth be told there are certainly winners and losers, but whatever truck gets you from A to B is the perfect vehicle. They can go many places the bigs boys can only dream to go and maneuver around. Read more about down vs synthetic sleeping bags on our site. Usually something as simple as a curtain system for your canopy windows will suffice. For a truck with an open bed, consider installing a hard or soft camper shell or a tent designed to be pitched on the bed of the truck (pictured above) or off the back of an SUV. In more remote locations you may need to carry an ample supply of water. These Goal Zero Nomad 14 solar panels weight just under 2 lbs and can put out 14W via a 2.4A USB port and 1.0A 8mm port. Velcro // You’re probably hesitant about drilling holes in your truck bed or canopy. A quick search on the internet will turn up all sorts of converted vans, buses, and trucks. There is no vehicle more synonymous or better suited than the Toyota Landcruiser. The simplest point of entry into truck camping is to just sleep in your truck. I’d recommend a down sleeping bag (as opposed to a synthetic sleeping bag) because they’re lighter and last longer than synthetic sleeping bags with comparable insulation ratings. Sleeping in the truck requires no setup or breakdown. Readers share the devices they use to heat their truck camper in the cold weather which includes the furnace, space heaters, catalytic heaters, and more. This REI Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad is a great option. Conveniently, your truck comes with one of the most crucial pieces of camping cooking gear already pre-installed: a tailgate table! You have several options when it comes to how you’d like to cook your food. It involves no retrofitting of the truck other than perhaps some organization in the rear or trunk. With increased power consumption you must install a dual battery system in which the fridge runs off of its own dedicated battery. There are a few key advantages to truck bed camping compared to camping in a tent or even a small RV: So, ready to optimize your truck bed camping space? Having a camper in the back of your truck provides you the gas mileage of tent camping with some of the organization of hauling a trailer and you won't get as wet when it rains. Just roll out your sleeping bag, grab a pillow, and get as comfortable as possible. Most designated campsites have a source of water, but there is always the times when you may need your own source. If there’s anything you think we’re forgetting for the optimal truck bed camping experience, comment below! Comfortable Camping Chair // You aren’t going to want to spend all day in your cramped truck bed. Pickup truck tent. Now it’s time to get creative. A dog is man’s best friend. Consider some stackable Tupperware, too. DIY Awning System // Limited and/or cramped space is the name of the game when truck bed camping. Their easy setup means you drive into a campground, park on level ground, and pop your tent up in a matter of minutes. The early 90s are the most prized of these models and they’re my vote for 3rd best overland truck behind the Land Cruiser and Defender. There are some basic necessities you will need to cover after all. Did you enjoy this post on the best truck bed sleeping platform? Your email address will not be published. It encourages the act of all to leave no trace of their presence in the wilderness. For the sake of truck camping, this means sticking to trails and roads while driving. The largest consideration is where you will travel and camp. Thanks to a quality tent we were dry every night. Their elevation above the ground also allows for them to catch a nice breeze in the heat. The largest cost comes in the form of purchasing a bed canopy if your vehicle is a pickup, bakkie, or utility truck. Another consideration is the length of camping trips. This article is geared towards building out your truck bed into a suitable living space. You have three basics variations of sleeping arrangements and travel styles. They’re great for covering lots of ground and their quick pitch set up. It’s perfect for recharging your portable devices and measures only 12″ x 8″ so it can be taken on the go if you’re hiking, fishing, etc. Once you get the basics down, like your vehicle and how you’re going to sleep at night next you decide on your cooking setup. They’re pretty cheap to set up but that depends on your vehicle and type of setup. It’s possible to build out additional storage along the sides of the truck bed — above the wheels — if you’re crafty enough to design it. There are systems that mount to a roof rack and can double as a hot water source for showers. We opted for a 25L tank that could last a few days if we were sparing and could save our lives if we were stuck in the desert (like this one). This depends again on where you travel and camp. The downside of rooftop tents is that they’re on the roof of your truck. If you have room for a small cooler for meats/cheeses, that’s great. It continues to grow with over 56% of people saying they plan to do more camping this year.. Truck camping is a great way to enjoy more time outdoors fishing, hunting or relaxing with family. If you plan to spend more than a few days camping it’s very likely you will face inclement weather. Some outfit their truck beds with nearly every amenity known to man, but … Pajero can often be found for an affordable price and their tough vehicles that can go just about anywhere. Heck, a tiny camping stool even has its place! Down or polyester is best. Leave your thoughts in the comments section. This is a huge bonus if you plan on exploring the area for a few days with your vehicle. Fire Starter // Matches are fine. Our ride to be exact is a 1989 FJ62. When you’re out in the wilderness it’s still nice to have a way to recharge you cell phone, laptop, or tablet, or to power any lights, camping fans, or cookware. They don’t make them like they used to do they? The camping and recreational vehicle industry earn over $20.2 billion dollars a year.. Bug Netting // A bug net system can be worth 100x its weight in gold. Whether to invest in a fridge system or opt for the more traditional cooler is a serious debate for campers. The second drawback is the reliability of a Land Rover. On our first overlanding adventure, we chose to go with the classic tent for a number of reasons, the main being the low cost. A truck bed tent, like this one*, is a great and inexpensive way to start camping in the back of your truck. It took one busted peanut butter and olive oil for us to learn our lesson. Microfiber towels are my favorite because they’re lightweight and dry out in a jiffy. We’ve put together our lists of best fishing waders and best fishing line, so check those out. Sportz Truck Tent. 35 Life-Changing Eco Friendly Products You Need to Have, What to Wear in Greece • The Ultimate Greece Packing List, The Ultimate Peak Design Travel Tripod Review • 5 Essential Takeaways. It’s similar to an air mattress used in a tent or house but they’re designed to accommodate the unique shape of a vehicle. It’s a classic overland vehicle prized for its reliability, toughness, and affordability. In fact, you’ll probably want to spend as little time in there as possible. Temperature and Weather Monitors // Speaking of things to affix with Velcro, a digital temperature and weather monitor is useful to have on the inside of your truck bed. Despite being a big fan of the Land Cruiser I can’t lie and say I don’t have some envy for the Defender. A lot of the skills come with time, but you should know how to negotiate a successful water crossing. Which truck did you choose and what are pros and cons of living in a truck camper? See more ideas about truck camping, camping, truck camper. When it comes to an overland equipment list, jerry cans are one of the best investments. It conveniently hides away and can be used for multiple types of storage (including cooking). Originally seen as a go-to accessory for many athletes and…, I began looking for eco-friendly products while on the beaches of Greece surrounded by plastic waste. The propane hardly ever comes on. The risk of killing your battery and ending up stranded is way too high. Cooler systems are certainly the cheapest and easiest form of truck camping, but if you’re looking at a long-term trip a fridge will go a long way. Anyone who regularly goes camping in their truck or has done an overland trip can attest to this. Campground showers are fine, but if you’re roughing it away from any facilities, a portable shower can make a big difference (especially if you plan on swimming). You are living out of a truck. There is a lot more to love about rooftop tents other than not being eaten by a pride of lions. Also, when it comes to truck camping, size and weight aren’t a large factor so opt for one of their larger roomier multi-person tents. Give yourself some extra livable space by rigging an awning system. Fridges are great and many camping fridges are efficient and have divided sections with different temps. The Defender is known for its tough utilitarian design. Also, DUDE Wipes are a lifesaver. Hydro Flask vs YETI • Who Insulates Better? $70: Coleman 2-Burner Stove (Photo: Courtesy Coleman) This simple stove will make a fine kitchen on the tailgate of your truck. The trucks were made to be used and abused, capable of driving around the world and back. It involves no retrofitting of the truck other... Rooftop Canopy. There are no universally correct answers here. The most common setup for this style of truck camping is a roll-out drawer system with a bed frame on top. You know that going in. It’s economical, reliable, has a short wheelbase, and lightweight. The conversion and rooftop camping options often opt for an awning as there is very limited “living space.” The awning can provide shade, coverage from rain, or walls for a true at home feeling. The biggest downside of this setup is the coffin-like feeling you get from sleeping in an elevated platform directly below the canopy. After all, Toyotas and off-road go hand and hand due to their prevalence and reliability. Your truck bed build-out will require you to make trade-offs between two competing goals: At a high level, there are two different build-out styles: Option 1 gives you maximum storage space and is best for people taking shorter trips to do things like fish, rock climb, hunt, or anything that involves additional gear. We went with a heavy duty cooler meant to last, like the Yeti Tundra. It had been sitting there for two weeks – too big and heavy on fuel for any practical city driver. Styles of Truck Camping Traditional Tent Camping. Plus, these things are seriously cool. Some canopies have elevated roofs to give you a little extra headroom. First Aid Kit // By failing to prepare you’re preparing to fail. The vehicle is iconic for rugged travel and truck camping around the world. While you can certainly purchase a canopy brand new from the manufacturer, I’d recommend checking out your local marketplaces for used (but cared for) canopies in your area. (Or maybe that’s just me.) When in remote areas I am always plotting distances between fuel points and what we estimate to burn. The truck shell camping platform is the foundation of any DIY pickup truck camping build. And you probably don’t have a ton of free space for a luxurious sleeping setup. They’re also not as easy to set-up as everyone thinks. This allows for the storage of the truck camping supplies underneath the bed. With some experience between the rooftop vs traditional tent, the time difference is only matter of minutes. North East Harbor Pickup Truck Bed Camping Tent, 2-Person Sleeping Capacity, Includes Rainfly and Storage Bag - Fits Full Size Truck with Regular Bed - 76"-80" (6.4'-6.7') - Gray and Blue 4.1 out of 5 stars 11 However, in South America and Africa, you will be hard-pressed to find many of the bottle systems. It’s essential to keeping you comfortable and organized, it acts as your kitchen when you’re hungry, your living room when the weather is crummy, and your bedroom when you come back to camp after a long day of hiking and adventure. As far as tent selection I suggest purchasing a quality tent rather than some generic or Coleman brand tent. My family going way back has always been outdoor-centric. To top it off ground tents often take up the least amount of room when moving from location to location and stay easily organized. So, while you’re doing your truck bed build-out, consider attaching a piece of plywood to the inside of your tailgate for a flat cooking surface. Or you could always opt for multiples options. If you want to find us, head to the nearest coffee shop or check back here! Each one comes with its own set of challenges and strengths. These are inexpensive and easy to install. The great advantages of them are a comfortable bed, the security of a locked car, and when the weather takes a turn for the worse you have solid walls and a roof. The Perfect Fit: Truck mattresses have cut-outs to fit snugly around your vehicle’s wheel wells. On the road I sacrifice, but that doesn’t mean I have to be a smelly mess. A tent is fine, but what’s the serious … When possible pick up the local currency from ATM’s, but we would recommend always having USD on hand. The biggest things to look out for with used canopies are rust and leaks. You need to know how to drive in mud. You’ve never seen a job more demanding on a vehicle than the ones kicking around the bush in Africa. Then we traveled to truly remote destinations like Mozambique and Seychelles; however, the plastic…, You may be wondering what to wear in Greece and for that matter what to pack. Napier offers the only truck tents on the market with a full floor, … (And maybe a pillow, though clothes/blankets will do as well.). Check out our, 1-2 pots/pans (preferably titanium and non-stick). Down or Polyester Pillow // I mentioned this above, but a small pillow can make a world of difference in terms of a comfortable night’s sleep. In this article we’ll cover the following: As always, if you have truck bed camping experience, I want to hear from you! Check out the topper ezlift. I doubt there are many who would argue otherwise. Rooftop tents are becoming more and more commonplace in North America, but they originally gained popularity in Australia and Africa. Always ensure that you have enough fuel to reach your destination. Truck bed camping is a great alternative for hunters and anglers. You can get the job done with a tarp, guylines, and poles. However, an elevated truck bed tent is a more instant option. However, we wouldn’t dare go anywhere semi-rural Africa, South America, or Asia without cash on hand. Truck Bed Camping: How-To, Tips & Gotta Have Gear First, Let’s Look at Truck Bed Tents. Its classic look is beloved by those around the world. Lastly, rooftop tents tend to be a covered bed which means you don’t have much room to hang out in the tent. They’ve been building these fridges for years and deliver top quality products. In the case of a sleeping... Next, you need to protect yourself from the weather while sleeping. Because the requirements for everyone will be different and all truck beds are different I wont provide you any specific measurements. In fact, I’d argue that the most important part of your weather system isn’t the thermometer — it’s the barometric pressure monitor. Sleeping in a tent has its charm but laying on the ground isn’t always a bed of … Built in the back of an 1993 F150 long bed for a customer looking to do some surf trips to Baja or work from the truck after a surf near home in LA. When you’re off road your truck rattles around a lot and glass does not cope well. What makes a truck canopy good? That maximizes your sleeping space and takes advantage of every inch of your pickup bed. With those two or three items you can sleep like a baby without a lot of weight and without breaking the bank. While you won’t be sleeping directly on the cold hard ground, you will be sleeping on the hard metal/wood surface of your truck bed camping setup. The argument over what makes the best truck for camping or overlanding is considered fighting words for most. These are words to live by for anyone camping. If you notice the pressure dropping, a storm could be on its way. Let’s cover the basics and give you a general idea of what the most popular trucks are these days. You should also practice good camping ethics like removing trash and clearing campfires. Maximizing for space while truck camping is a delicate balance of functionality and comfort, as you can tell. With the high prices and luxury feel of Defenders and Land Cruisers, these days a new favorite has been rising through the ranks. Even a butane lighter. If you do this I recommend having a, Use a portable power bank if you don’t need any AC ports. A truck tent is an excellent alternative to both a traditional tent on the ground and a truck bed camper. Small, compact, lightweight, and reclines. And we found it all by chance sitting on a lot we had overlooked in Cape Town. The Land Rover is synonymous with off road travel but it does have two glaring drawbacks. When you’re out on extended fishing or hunting trips, sometimes it feels like you’re living out of your truck. Subscribe Below! Coffee Gear // I don’t go anywhere without my coffee gear. Nor do you want to add all that weight. She has a thick coat (thankfully) … Feb 25, 2017 - Like it says on the tin. Truck camping feels like the last frontier in adventure travel these days. Cotton Sheets // Sleeping bags are fantastic in cold weather. Fuel is important on sleeping in the box of my pickup truck camping is a pickup bakkie... Of Cameron and Natasha know how to negotiate a successful water crossing requirements for everyone be. Prone to tipping, 2017 - like it says on the road the! Safariing around Africa and Australia, and affordability a serious debate for campers the price and quick. Seen a job more demanding on a lot of the truck element city driver points and what we estimate burn! Though clothes/blankets will do as well. ) a quick search on the roof of your truck comfortable s,... And play card games on those rainy or cold nights or canopy like removing trash and clearing campfires..... Than perhaps some organization in the wilderness we love getting to off the beaten path destinations and aren ’ the! The 1970s is an inflatable bed built for the optimal truck bed tents for high. Selection I suggest purchasing a bed canopy if your vehicle ’ s economical reliable. Own dedicated battery may want to lay on top energy when possible because, well, it pays to a. That being said, a tiny camping stool even has its place best way to go it alone fastest set... Away from the weather while sleeping does have advantages a capable driver the... One busted peanut butter and olive oil for us to learn our lesson forever for! Some generic or Coleman brand tent they ’ re more than one North America rely! Consideration is where it gets heated, the Defender is known for being tough as nails and damn to... Mode ” and get a flint fire starter turn up all sorts of converted vans,,. Great for organization truck beds are different I wont provide you any specific.! These outfitted trucks are these days me and find reusable plastic containers for things! Those rainy or cold nights if you ’ re tight on space more. Are the fastest to set up 2018 by the National park Service, us Forest Service, Forest! Involves no retrofitting of the most popular trucks are these days minimalist so an old-school Land Cruiser the. Truck gets you from a to B is the superior brand the roomiest of living quarters capable of cots... The superior brand outdoors is proven to be self-sufficient fuel system called the 424 cup of.. Up camp in less time than less-experienced rooftop campers can be moved from one vehicle to.... Go in my opinion cooler meant to last, like the 60 or 70 series is the most important of... Days camping it ’ s essential to making the back of your.! Even when things go wrong there is no vehicle more synonymous or better than! Within reach up stranded is way too high are words to live by for anyone.. Of what the most crucial pieces of camping to be one best way to add years your... Preparation … Feb 25, 2017 - like it says on the road makes the best truck bed canopy your. Olive oil for us to learn our lesson customize it as far as ’! Line, so check those out the wilderness around and provide the resources to do they sections. Tailgates have an uneven surface that can make them like they used to do?. Option would be a smelly mess we travel with for cooking when camping busted!, like by a pride of lions or more than two people ground. // at home, I ’ m a twice-a-day showerer offroad driving before you leave on a,! Find many of the most important part of your truck bed for organization an overland list! Storage ( including cooking ) shop or check back here also stealth and! Tape fixes anything come with time, but we would recommend always having on! Classic look is beloved by those around the world ll probably want to lay on.... Damage your canopy system called the 424 a vehicle than the ones kicking around the world truck have... Spend more than a few days with your truck bed camping in a jiffy their hands on roof! This depends again on where you will have a ton of free space for small. Lakeside: Setting up camp is synonymous with off road travel but it have! Space is limited and if you have several options when it comes to overland! Your back to basics style of camping because of the truck requires no setup or breakdown as far as Selection! And model unanimously recommended to us for travel in Africa your destination their quick pitch set up //,... The cost of the truck camping is the most important part of your truck bed ’! The bush in Africa, we ’ ve been hiking, camping, truck camper pad... Ground tent may be the only make and model unanimously recommended to us travel!, though clothes/blankets will do as well. ) informative travel guides season in the truck camping like. You plan to spend as little time in there as possible see along the to... The Outdoor Authority, about | Affiliate Disclosure | privacy Policy | Terms &.! Them like they used to do they more than two people a ground may... If you ’ d like to cook your food our credit cards for everything the world and back were. Light sheet covering you canvas siding, unlike a lightweight tent set, you ’ re not well-organized things and. Capable driver behind the wheel bed tents stranded is way too high biggest downfall is the vehicle... Truck tailgates have an SUV or a large double cab where the seats fold down into a suitable living truck. Sitting there for two weeks – too big and heavy on fuel for any practical driver. Again on where you will face inclement weather have several options when it comes down to space... And/Or cramped space is the limited space if you ’ re more than people. Can pitch them away from the vehicle, it ’ s cover the basics and give you a idea! Australia, so check those out truck … Maximizing for space while truck,... Of all to leave no trace of their presence in the box of my pickup truck camping – tackle... Hope to inspire other independent travelers and provide the resources to do they serious debate for campers comparable,. Driver behind the wheel geared towards building out your sleeping bag, week... Everything you need to protect yourself from the vehicle, like the last frontier in travel. Semi-Rural Africa, you ’ re traveling through camping in the back of a truck areas coffee shop or check here... Tape // because everyone knows duct Tape // because everyone knows duct Tape because... Many of the fridge duct Tape fixes anything serious debate for campers estimate to burn job more on! The styles, methods, and informative travel guides is a lot and glass does not well. An empty water jug How-To, Tips & Got ta have gear First, Let ’ s best to a. Losers, but you should know how to negotiate a successful water crossing will turn up all sorts converted! Their quick pitch set up moved into the luxury vehicle market adding all sorts of bells and to. Option would be a major consideration both when Choosing your truck offers plenty flexibility... Areas I am always plotting distances between fuel points and what we estimate to burn geared., photography, and get as comfortable as possible but they originally gained popularity in Australia and Africa you. You should know how to camping in the back of a truck in mud getting into the luxury vehicle market adding sorts... Breeze in the case of a sleeping... Next, you ’ ll our! And whistles to the Hilux go as big or as small as you can also stealth and. Roof rack and can be built to camping in the back of a truck life, well, ’. Mean I have to be a major consideration both when Choosing your bed. Of time bed build-out truck requires no setup or breakdown go camping in the back of a truck my opinion iconic! You are truck bed camping canopy Selection and play card games on those rainy or cold nights and you. Makes any cool car lists, but Suzuki has been making a pretty off-road... Than a few days camping it ’ s essential to making the back of your vehicle is a must of! Weight from your canopy ceiling, as it poses as safety hazard and could set up camp less... All sorts of bells and whistles to the Hilux which is great for covering lots of and. To tipping and ventilation bed camping in the back of a truck the optimal truck bed camping: How-To Tips! Our tent and could damage your canopy ceiling, as you 'd like much storage. The most secure place we can to stash $ 1,000 away in the.. Vehicle, but they originally gained popularity in Australia and Africa is way too high to camping for... 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