Off-Grid Backcountry Adventures

Hey Everyone,


My name is Brian and I've been living in my 5 foot short bed 2005 tacoma since the summer of 2015 with my energetic adventure dog, Sierra. I've decided to put together a thread about my 2 foot DIY extension for full-time truck camping. Seeing as how I'll be remodeling/updating it sometime in the next few months, I figured this would be a good time to join Tacoma World and put some info up about the changes I'm making.

A little backstory as to why I built this...I co-founded a trails maintenance company in Buena Vista, CO and my role was to run our adopted trails everyday picking up trash and doing trail repairs while my business partner did the office work and handled communications with various agencies. At the time I was sleeping diagonally in my short bed on a sleeping platform questioning my life decisions while staring at the roof of my topper a few inches in front of my face. After doing that for 2 years I decided things needed to be a bit more comfortable in order for me to continue living out of my truck. So, I came up with the idea of building an enclosed slide out extension turning my uncomfortable 5 foot short bed into a manageable 7 foot sleeping area which would allow me to sit up and perform basic life functions.


I have a TON of photos on an old computer so I'll start to upload these over the next few weeks so I can share the details on how to make this work for those interested in turning their short bed into a more comfortable camping space. I built this extension for just under $400 (with mistakes) so you could recreate this for $300 or less if you have your materials planned out.

More to come soon, sun is breaking at camp so it's time to get up and make breakfast. Look forward to sharing more here in Tacoma World. Thanks for having me

~ Brian

 

Very cool! Welcome to TW.

Is it all insulated? Would get too cold for me otherwise!

 

Yes, I have insulation and also a small space heater to help when it gets cold.

 

Theres some cool review videos of his truck on youtube. I think the channel Down2Mob does a couple good interviews with him of the past few years. Id highly recommend watching.

 

Thank you, I really enjoy sharing these experiences. Was just chatting with Phil on text message last night as he's trying to get to Colorado in a few weeks so we can both go hit a bunch of 4x4 passes in the San Juans. Really like Phil and his new Jeep build is going to be incredibly awesome when it's done!

 

very cool. Maybe I'll see you this summer around BV- I'll be in CO sometime in August

 

Sounds good, I'll most likely be fishing somewhere between Leadville and Del Norte so if you see my truck then please say hello.

 

Truck House Life will be with me from Alaska and Phil is going to try to make it out for the month of August and part of Sept as well.

 

Very cool. I'd love to hear more about you and your story --- along with the pictures.
Stay safe out there!

 

Your YouTube videos bring good ideas and jealousy while I’m still in the grind. Welcome to TW!