Anyone else use their rig as simply a tent on wheels?
- Thread starter CSG
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Tucan viajero
Adventurer
Using the rig as a tent on wheels
I did that on an expedition that took us through 7 South American countries in 2001.
I'd do it again without thinking it twice as it turned out great. We created a retractable platform, made out of steel a aluminum that was very easy to set up at camp and extended from the front seats (moving and tilting them forward) all the way to the rear lift gate.
As a result, my truck ended up being the lightest 80 series of the expedition. This really paid off on the fragile bridges of the infamous BR-319 in Brazil and in some of the tough off road areas we had to go through in Bolivia and Peru.
It also resulted in greatly enhanced fuel economy as there was no RTT induced drag. This was a great plus in northern Argentina, where gas stations where almost inexistent and a couple of the vehicles in our group ran out of gas.
This is the truck. Here you can see the missing RTT, and equally important, the 265/75 R 16 tires, which while a bit small, proved to be a decision as wise as leaving the roof tent at home
Here you can see the deployed bed. It was large enough to comfortably fit two persons
We fitted these two small electric fans for those hot tropical nights. If I’d do anything differently in the future, I would install some mosquito netting inside the rear windows, although they were never needed on this trip.
This set up served me well for the entire 56 days it took to complete this trip.
I did that on an expedition that took us through 7 South American countries in 2001.
I'd do it again without thinking it twice as it turned out great. We created a retractable platform, made out of steel a aluminum that was very easy to set up at camp and extended from the front seats (moving and tilting them forward) all the way to the rear lift gate.
As a result, my truck ended up being the lightest 80 series of the expedition. This really paid off on the fragile bridges of the infamous BR-319 in Brazil and in some of the tough off road areas we had to go through in Bolivia and Peru.
It also resulted in greatly enhanced fuel economy as there was no RTT induced drag. This was a great plus in northern Argentina, where gas stations where almost inexistent and a couple of the vehicles in our group ran out of gas.
This is the truck. Here you can see the missing RTT, and equally important, the 265/75 R 16 tires, which while a bit small, proved to be a decision as wise as leaving the roof tent at home
Here you can see the deployed bed. It was large enough to comfortably fit two persons
We fitted these two small electric fans for those hot tropical nights. If I’d do anything differently in the future, I would install some mosquito netting inside the rear windows, although they were never needed on this trip.
This set up served me well for the entire 56 days it took to complete this trip.
FurthurOnTheFly
Glamping Society
Here is what I use in the back of the 4runner:
Its just me and the dog so there is more than enough space, and nothing permanent or heavy. The truck is my daily driver as well so I need to be able to return it to stock easily.
Its just me and the dog so there is more than enough space, and nothing permanent or heavy. The truck is my daily driver as well so I need to be able to return it to stock easily.
NorCalLC
Adventurer
Lots of great ideas here, IH8MUD is also a pretty good resource as well.
We have 3 dogs that always go with us so we decided to remove all the seats and make the space more usable. I built it so the middle seats can be in place and the backend drawers installed. Or you can have 1 middle seat if there's 3 passengers, it all removes individually.
It will be tied into the seat/floor bolts when it's done and we have plenty of storage space for a lot of gear. Tried to keep it as low tech overall as possible, it's still being worked on. We have yet to use it but, it's 6'3" of bed space and the dogs can sleep inside, 2 in the front seats, 1 in back with us.
We have 3 dogs that always go with us so we decided to remove all the seats and make the space more usable. I built it so the middle seats can be in place and the backend drawers installed. Or you can have 1 middle seat if there's 3 passengers, it all removes individually.
It will be tied into the seat/floor bolts when it's done and we have plenty of storage space for a lot of gear. Tried to keep it as low tech overall as possible, it's still being worked on. We have yet to use it but, it's 6'3" of bed space and the dogs can sleep inside, 2 in the front seats, 1 in back with us.
Attachments
Lostmanifesto
Traveler
Similar to MrLocksmith...
Platform in the back of my FJC. Simple storage/sleeping platform for any type of travel.
I found that RTTs were also too expensive, too high off the ground for my usage - descent in the darkness for a nature break.
Prefer being inside my rig, comfortable, and protected from the elements. Especially when the elements conspire (wind, rain, snow).
Actually convinced a friend to go the same route and ditch the RTT.
Easier to organize - less to set up/take down. Just pick up and go....
Would love to see more pix and info about your sleeping quarters.
adventureduo
Dave Druck [KI6LBB]
When Yosh and Dixie go on trips we bring the trailer with RTT. When i go out alone, i bring a stove and sleep in the back of the 80. It's quick and easy. We have the African Outback bed extensions on our drawers so all i have to do is roll out my sleeping bag. The fridge running puts me to sleep.
SOAZ
Tim and Kelsey get lost..
We've always used our 2001 4runner as our home on wheels when exploring.
We bought a RTT and used it 5 or 6 times. The view was great, but in every other way we missed sleeping inside the truck.
The head room can be tight, hence why an 80, 100 or even 60 might be in my distant future, but for now we are happy as 2 peas in a pod.
The bed is comfy, everything fits underneath or in the front seats. I can climb into the front seats and drive away if need be.(and I did that once in Baja)
We can turn on the heater if we are wussing out with sub freezing temps! We can leave the bed set up all day while we offroad and literally be ready to sleep in under a minute of arriving at camp.
We love it. Couldn't have it any other way.
:sombrero:
We bought a RTT and used it 5 or 6 times. The view was great, but in every other way we missed sleeping inside the truck.
The head room can be tight, hence why an 80, 100 or even 60 might be in my distant future, but for now we are happy as 2 peas in a pod.
The bed is comfy, everything fits underneath or in the front seats. I can climb into the front seats and drive away if need be.(and I did that once in Baja)
We can turn on the heater if we are wussing out with sub freezing temps! We can leave the bed set up all day while we offroad and literally be ready to sleep in under a minute of arriving at camp.
We love it. Couldn't have it any other way.
:sombrero: