Truck Bed Tent for Gen 1 Tacoma 5ft bed?

I am trying to find a truck bed tent that will fit in a Gen 1 Tacoma (2003) double cab with 5 ft bed. I have searched everywhere and even called Rightline to ask about their options. Unfortunately, all I can find are options that fit Gen 1 6 ft. beds, but none that fit 5 ft. beds - or options that fit 5 ft beds but only for Gen 2/3. Rightline claimed that the Gen 3, 5 ft. option would possibly work, but they were very hesitant about it. The only other option I found on TacomaWorld was a picture of an Adventure 1 tent that was on a Gen 1, but I can't find anywhere that actually sells those currently. Any help on this would be great!

 

I started out with a Napier in my 1st gen. They have one that fits a 5-foot bed. They list it for 2005+, but the bed sizes on 96-04 and 05-15 are the same, so it'll fit a 1st gen just fine. I ran a 57044 on a 6-foot bed, and you want 57066.

https://www.napieroutdoors.com/shop/truck-tents/sportz-truck-tent-57-series/?bedsize=5-5.2

I will say - this tent was nice for a little while, but was also very inconvenient, since you have to remove everything from the bed to use it. When it's raining, things get even less convenient, as the bed is generally wet when you set up the tent. Anyway, just my .02 and may not be an issue for you in your climate/camp style.

Story of this tent, here: https://adventuretaco.com/sportz-truck-tent-and-truck-bedzzz/

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Thanks so much TurboDB. This is extremely helpful. Yes, I take your point about the inconvenience. I am trying to figure out my best options and this is really great information. Also, I also noticed on your blog that you eventually moved on to the CVT (I may end up going that route myself, but wanted to pursue this much cheaper option at least during COVID so that I could do more in person research for the bigger investment later on). Again, thanks a ton!

 

Thanks Youngandthriving. Definitely another option to consider. Much appreciated.

 

Bought this 2 years ago,

$162 Rightline Gear Mid-Size Long Truck Bed Tent, 6 Foot

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FSBE79G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1, and love it. Roomy and comfy. Always stays dry. Got a blow up mattress so don't care about water. 2004 Prerunner extra cab. You'll have to do some research for the right size but mine fits perfect!

 

Thanks Checkssc! I appreciate it.

 

I have a 5 foot used one time Rightline gear model 110765 tent I'll sell for 100 plus whatever cost of shipping. PM me if you are interested.

 

Thanks Akkording, for the offer! But a couple days ago, I was driving and my steering has gone out on my truck, so I am heading to the mechanic this week. As such, any tent money is now being spent elsewhere! ha. Thanks so much for reaching out. Stay safe.

 

I'll hold it for you when you are ready.

 

how waterproof are these? i guess if the bed is wet when setting it up thats not a huge deal as long as the inside of the tent reamins dry? how long did set up and take down usually take?

 

I would call it "as waterproof as any other tent that's deployed on the ground" It really is just a normal tent that you happen to setup in (and is shaped like) the bed.

I don't remember the bed being wet as being a problem, but I probably only deployed it once when the bed was wet prior to setup. The bed would stay dry if the tent was setup prior to rain, and then it rained on the tent (the tent fabric hangs over the sides of the bed to keep the bed dry).

It might be cleaner than setting up in the mud, but setting it up means you're putting anything you had in the bed on the ground, so... then that stuff gets dirty. Personally, I think that a lot of the new "quick setup" ground tents are probably a better/easier solution these days if you're not going with a true RTT/auto-tent.