Anyone used one of these? Tent alternative...

[Martinjmpr]

As I pointed out in my post here, the little camping trip we took weekend before last revealed a problem with my previous camping system. I figured the Toyota with a shell and a carpet kit that would allow us to use the entire width of the bed would be good enough for me, the GF and our dog. After all, a similar arrangement had worked fine when I camped solo in my Ford Ranger years ago.

Well, I discovered that the space is just too small and cramped for two people, especially with the cab-high shell I have. Getting in and out is a real problem and the GF felt very closed in, even with the side windows opened.

So, I'm thinking of going with something like this: Truck-back tent.

Wondering if anybody knows anything about this company or has experience with any of their products? This would allow us to "open up" the space in the truck by dropping the tailgate and raising the liftgate, and would also make entrance and exit easier using the tailgate as a "step" and having a zippered entrance. It would also keep us off the ground (which is the primary disadvantage of a tent.)

Just wanted to get some input. I don't have the scratch (nor the desire, really) for a roof-top tent, and no way could I afford a Wildernest or a Flip Pac, so it's either something like this or a regular on-the-ground tent.

 

[big sky trapper]

I think brians 89 4x4 site had something very very similar if not the same. http://www.brian894x4.com/trucktent.html and on here somewhere as well...??? Myself still sleep in the back like you guys and were fine so we havnt explored other options. If its really nice just outside under the stars.

 

[ntsqd]

I bought one of the Sportz Bed Tents when someplace had them at a price that was too low to pass up, even just to try it out. With Patch sitting awaiting an alternator transplant that hasn't happened yet.

 

[rusty_tlc]

Flip Pac Thats what I would do if I had a Pick-up.

 

[BMAN]

Martin,

I do not have personal experience with the truckback tent you have shown but have thought about picking one up as they are relatively cheap at around $100. I have also seen versions of this tent that go all the way to the ground and allow for your rig to be backed into it and then cthe tent gets cinched up in a similar fashion to the one you linked us to. I own a roof top tent that is plenty large enough for Myself, my wife and 3 kids but have always planned that the kids will either sleep in our ground tent or in the back of the 60. Now that you've brought it back up I may start looking for one of these to use on the 60 along with the RTT.

All of that said, I think it's a viable option to help decongest the feeling of sleeping in the back of your Toyota without the huge cash output for a RTT or Flip-pac. Good luck. Let us know how it works out for ya.