Truck Bed Camper vs RTT

[SaMingTRD]

Baja- this thread can be moved to the appropriate location

I'm not really into having a set up that announces I am a tourist camper...plus I want to either have it stealth or a RTT so I can quickly change it back tot stock when I am not traveling, then use the Taco for a daily driver.

martinjumpr- that tent/shell combo thing is pretty cool

a RTT over the bed works, but the gear is all exposed to weather or theft, but it does make it easy getting in and out quickly. A big problem is there is no protection or height against roaming black bears. With the shell atleast there is a barrier between you and the night time wildlife.

Someone had suggested to me to get a cheap ground tent and take all the gear out of the bed and just store it in the ground tent, by use of waterproof duffel bags or pelican cases...which then leaves the entire cab open with plenty of headroom/space for snoozing.

maybe a bigger vehicle is the way to go?

-SaMingTRD

 

[ntsqd]

My '84 toyota truck has a taller than cab height shell on it. I sleep in it without any sort of platform. I have a piece of 1/4" outdoor plywood cut to fit around the fenderwells with a piece of marine carpet laid on top sitting on top of the bed corrogations. I intentionally left the carpet loose so that I could roll it forward for those times when I'm transporting something slimy. I have considered turning the 'pockets' created by the fenderwells into storage bins or boxes, but the loads vary enough that dedicated storage areas are only appealing for those items that go on every trip regardless of nature. There aren't many of those.

When ever we are base camping I take a tent and put the stuff in it that doesn't need to go out on the trail with me.

I installed a used RV fluorescent light in the shell. It is a twin tube unit rated at 30 watts. I placed it centered side to side, but with the switch just within reach with the tailgate closed. I should have moved it further back so that the switch is reachable with the tailgate open. I have read a book in the shell at night by that light.

I have stealth camped in it many times. Twice right under the noses of various casino security guards in Lost Wages.

The weight of the shell on the truck combined with it's vision limitation makes me not like having it along when driving, but like having it along when actually camping. The truck is far more pleasant to drive without the shell on it.

I have pondered a hard tonneau cover that pops up something like an Alaskan camper. Enclose the sides with either tent or marine canvas. Ideally I'd be able to drive with it up or down. When down it will lock shut.

 

[Super Doody]

This is worked well for my dog and I:

The only draw back I see for you is your height. I'm 5'9''. Even when I laid on my stomach with my feet stretched horizontally instead of vertically, it touched the rear window. When I sat up I had really bend my neck. There is very little head room for moving around. My dog had just the right amount of space. He likes tight spaces anyways.

If you do go with the sleeper camper route (which is cheaper and has less effect on your mpg), get a campershell with side windows (windoors) that open. It will make life easier.

I love my snugshell top. But unfortunately, I didn't get windoors when it was made and its too late to add them because the windoor cut outs are smaller than the regular window sliders.

I would think by far RTT are more comfortable but you may also have to reinforce your truck frame due to the weight.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Ah, didn't realize we were posting "action shots."

Here's mine:

 

[Zam15]

My Current Setup:
I have the a RTT and a Truck Tent so I can sleep 4 people just fine.... And carry all the gear I need

 

[p1michaud]

RTT vs Truck Bed Camper

Some great input here already. I've used both set ups and have a few more items to add that have not been discussed already:

1-Type of terrain you will be driving in when off road? If you start to drive on really technical trails where you get off camber often, I would opt for the RTT mounted at bed height option or stick with the camper shell without a roof basket or additional weight up high. Good suspension can correct the side to side sway of a heavy load up high to a certain extent, but keeping your centre of gravity (COG) low would be the preferred route. I had a few reasons for changing from a camper shell to an RTT:

• My fist mistake was trying an RTT then there was no going back...
• In my region, there are lots of low branches that would cause me endless worry about anything in the roof basket mounted on the shell. I ended up removing the roof basket for that reason. A point to consider if you travel these types of trails.

• To note I am 6'2

  This was one of the driving factors for me to go the RTT route. I'm only 5'10" and found it snug in the camper shell. When two people slept in the shell I'd never get a good night sleep because either my feet or my heat would be up against something.

Both solutions have their advantages and drawbacks.

RTT

Good luck,
P

 

[Super Doody]

http://www.wildernestcamper.com/

Will fit the years you stated, for the extra cab.

You sleep up top, pooch in the bed of the truck. I believe the mattress is 7' long.

Do you have any interior pics of the camper? We just got another pooch so we need more space. Thanks.

 

[NothingClever]

I consulted a team of expert advisors, one with 12 years of experience and the other with 9, who both told me, "Dad, the Technitop at Slee is the coolest....you should get that one."

 

[Barracuda]

One thing in favor of a shell that was not mentioned.

I do some week long trips, but mostly I do weekends. Packing every other weekend is a PITA. With a shell you can just leave everything in there, ready to go.

All you need to do is pack clean clothes and firewood.

And it makes sure I don't forget stuff

 

[laxtoy]

yah, with me at 5'10, and my girl at 5'6. we got no sleep the times we attempted sleeping on a platform in the bed in the past, we usually always opt to throw out a tent on the ground. i think the best of both worlds has to be the rtt with the shell for storage. all that space above your truck is just going to waste unless you have a rack for storage, and every time we wanted to sleep, we had to arrange stuff for sleep, usually only to pull it out in the morning.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Even though I use a shell I have to agree that having to move/arrange stuff in the bed is a real PITA when it comes to using that method. It also means that once you have your bed area set up, you have to find a place to stow all the gear you carried back there. On my recent trip I put it in the cab but some of the boxes were too big to fit through the door easily (an issue I'll rectify next time.)

I will say that I sure appreciated that hard shell back in 2002 when I was camping out on the North side of the Great Salt Lake and a storm blew through. Winds were probably 40-50mph and there was a hard, driving rain. In the back of my Ranger all I experienced was a gentle rocking and the sound of raindrops on the roof. Next morning I crawled through the back window into the cab, stowed the rest of my gear and drove away!

FWIW I would say if you're going to go via the sleeping platform route, try to get a longbed truck. Seems like they're getting harder and harder to find, especially in mini trucks (I don't know if Toyota even makes a longbed 4x4.) Having a bed that is about 7' long would make a huge difference in terms of comfort. I would almost be willing to give up my extended cab (as much as I love the extended cab, especially for travels with the dog) in exchange for another foot of bed length.

Note that I said "almost."

 

[toyota_jon]

i would probably vote for the double cab and RTT. not because i have either (although i REALLY want lol) but i really can't imagine taking the front seat out of an access cab truck. that means you can't ever have someone ride shotgun. especially since this is also going to be a daily. on the same note i can easily see taking out the back seats of a DC for a dog and a fridge or some other bulky item. I have made a sleeping platform in the back of my 85 runner and it is very tight esp with my dog and GF. but i'm 24 so i'm young and can deal with it. :sombrero:

Also after reading time after time, everyone who buys a RTT loves it instantly.

i have thought about this before for similar issues. eventually i'd like to get an 01-04 tacoma probably DC although i'm still not sure which i'd want more. my dilemmas are the fact that i HATE auto tranny's, but i want the interrior space of the DC for my dog, girlfriend, and gear. as i said i'll prolly get the DC and just deal with the AT.

my .02

 

[HEDLUX]

I believe I have seen write ups of people putting sticks in DC's especially
after putting in some twin sticks, and such...
don't give up hope, I love my 02 DC =]
my .o2c's
Brian

 

[Cackalak Han]

Those that have attached the tents to the truck bed, how do you have it attached? Is it a pain trying to access your gear that is stored in the bed?

Also, anyone familiar with ARB RTT's? I've seen some on Cabela's website and it intrigued me.

 

[Paul R]

Those that have attached the tents to the truck bed, how do you have it attached? Is it a pain trying to access your gear that is stored in the bed?

Also, anyone familiar with ARB RTT's? I've seen some on Cabela's website and it intrigued me.

I had a RTT over the bed and it worked great but definitely had its limitations. I could only use bins and storage solutions of certain sizes. I never really had a hard time getting to my gear but had to come up with different ways to pack and fit everything in. I since picked up a canvas shell and put the tent on top of that and I have all the storage I need

As for the ARB tent you should definitely talk to Kurt at Cruiser Outfitters, he just picked one up (He also carries them) and he can explain the all the ins and outs of it, he also has an interesting way to have it mounted so the top of the tent it at the cab heighth. He is also local to you I'm sure you could swing over and check it out