Some minor Mods

[Bergger]

I had some free time today so I started messing around with my tent cot again and an awning I almost forgot I had in my garage. I built the tent platform last year and it works really well. I had been setting up the tent cot then placing it loose on the rack securing it with straps. I wanted to speed up my set up and tear down time so I fastened it to the platform with 6 u-bolts. Now all I have to do is unfold it and pop in the roof supports (they are not install in the photo). In order to fold it up the sleeping bags and self inflating matresses need to be removed. However it is much quicker and it gives me more room to pack other items under it. Now I just need to get a small tarp to cover it. Someday I'll have a real rooftop tent! I then mounted the awning. It's a SportsShade awning. They normally sell for around $99 but I picked it up for $20 on clearance from Sportsmans Warehouse. It seems to be of decent quality but time will tell. Heck for $20 if it falls apart who cares. I've got it secured fairly tight to the rack using some bungie cords and tie downs. It also has retractable guy lines. If the wind really starts to blow I can have it down in a few seconds. I tested everything up to 60 mph and nothing moves so I'm sure I'll be good for 70 mph down the highway.

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[CLynn85]

Nice setup. Very practical and doesn't break the bank. What are your overall impressions of the truck-mounted tent cot? Is it lacking support on the ends or does it fair pretty well?

 

[Bergger]

It does well. I use some 4" self inflating pads and it is very comfortable. All the weight is supported on the inner legs, even when on the ground. The outer ones appear to be more for balance if it tips. On the platform it is very secure. I've had it out in some extremely nasty storms and it remains in place. The tent material is not breathable so in cold weather you need to keep it ventilated or the condensation can get bad. Overall I like the tent, it's what I had and I've made the best of it. It is versatile, used on the truck or removed and on the ground. I'll probably use it for a few more years then try something else.