Looking to get a Tent...

Hey, I have a big 3-month long road trip planned to visit Canada, the USA, and Mexico. I am starting to prep my 2015 Tacoma now. So far I have good armor and lighting all the way around but I am beginning to think about how I want to spend my nights.

Originally I was going to do something similar to what Jake at Salvage to Scenic - YouTube did but am expanding my options to possibly getting a Bed Tent or something similar. I want something that can be set up and taken down super easy in any weather and is comfortable enough to sleep on for 3 months.

If anyone has great experience with a tent like this or another idea for easy comfortable sleeping while out on the road please let me know!

Thanks in advance and sorry if I am slow to respond.

 

I do alot of tent camping.....either on my motorcycle or in my truck. Choosing a tent is fun and it can be expensive. If you're going with a ground tent...go one size up from the amount of persons who will be using it. Having the extra room to move around, stand up or being able to keep your gear inside makes things easier. I've also been with others who have had the truckbed tent and another who had the all-in-one tent/cot setups. truckbed tents get you off the ground, but you need to completely unload the truck and pack it all up each time. The cot/tent is heavier and bulkier. Don't go cheap, but also you don't need to spend maga bucks for something that will last. One trip with a guy...he decided to get a cheap insta-tent....first night, it broke in the wind, and folded up on him. Consider a dome style tent. They setup/takedown fast and are very stable in bad weather. Most of the time I don't even need to stake mine down. Good luck and have fun with your selection.

 

I appreciate the quick response, I am looking for something to be attached to the truck. I already have a few ground tents as I am used to camping outside. I've already got all the off-grid camping essentials just looking for something easy and attached to the truck. I have a roof rack on top of the truck already and plan for this to be a tent over the top of the bed of the truck. Lots of options out there and I don't know what to go with.

 

Just my friendly $0.02, but I’ve never been able to figure out how a truck bed tent makes any practical sense? You’ve got to set it up/tear it down every time you want to sleep or drive anywhere.

I’ll definitely throw up the hammock or a tent if I’m staying in a spot for more than a day. Shorter than that, being able to crawl into a dry sleeping bag under a truck cap within 5 seconds of pulling over somewhere is pretty darn convenient. Is there a reason you’re not considering a used cap?

In any case, sounds like an epic trip so congrats!

Best,


B

 

I guess I haven't been too clear. I was looking at something like this (picture attached below). I have considered a bed camper shell but I would have stuff back there for my adventures. I also personally don't like the look of a camper shell as much as other options. I will be bringing a hammock but will not use it every day due to weather conditions.

 

Oh. I’m sorry. I thought you were referring to the ones that resemble a regular domed ground tent, but assemble over your truck bed (so the truck bed is the floor).

I’ve got no experience with the style you’re considering, but believe they’re more commonly referred to as roof top, or RTTs. Should be plenty of folks on here with useful first hand opinions.

Best of luck!

B

 

Ah okay thanks!

 

there are many companies out there with campers and rooftop tents attached to it. Just to give you a list from the top of my head: there’s GFC (the pic you show here), Alu cab, Topo toppers, and so much more. You’ll have to decide what material you wanna have, features that come with it and build quality. If you want to look at more ideas, go here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/tonneau-covers-caps-and-shells.198/

 

a few people in this thread could probably point you in a better direction
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-rtt-owners-thread-with-bs.312269/

a roof top tent might be what you're looking for.

or get an awning with attachable walls.