Explorerinil
Observer
That’s exactly what I got, tons of room and storage with the decked, plus a flat sleeping platform.
truck topper as a place to camp?
- Thread starter Sleeping Bear
- Start date
javajoe79
Fabricator
rough it huh? lol
2025 deleted member
Well-known member
Hey no shower, no toilet, no sink, no heat/ac. Sure you could sleep on the ground I guess.
Clutch
<---Pass
Before I bought my Wildernest, used a cot, since I didn't want a permanent structure. Some of the Roll-a-Cots don't have a center leg, so it fits over a wheel well with ease. They pack small and can be used outside for when the weather is nice. May wake to a bear licking your face though...
Down side is can only fit one in Tacoma...might be able to do two in a fullsize.https://www.camptime.com/collections/cots/products/standard-roll-a-cot
Not my truck, can't find my pictures when I did use it.
Mighty Dodge Ram
Explorer
My set-up is much like Clutch. I have a Leer 122 hi-rise, bay windows deleted. Use the same Roll-a-Cot, an aluminum tool box with hinged lid across the front of the bed for storage (mostly water), Ark Pak to power my ARB fridge. I can sit up inside which is much nicer than the cab-hi shell I used to have. Great for one, doable with two.
malibubts
Adventurer
I've got the same setup as well and I've been pretty happy with it. Definitely not as 'high-end' as a pop up camper or something like a Wildernetst, but it gets the job done. In the photo I'm only using one mattress, but I also have a second one for when my girlfriend comes along.
IMG_1232 by ebeiersdorfer, on Flickr
I would have gotten a mid rise though if I could do it over again, it works the way it is but it would be nicer to have the extra head room. Also would have gotten it carpet lined, I tried to save a buck there and it wasn't worth it.
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chet6.7
Explorer
I liked the WeatherGuard better than the Decked, as I didn't want something all of the way across the bed.With a tri- fold mattress,I can sit up and put my feet over the side when putting my shoes on,the decked would have been more difficult for me.Two small action packers go on the end of the WG and then the pad.
Mr.Roadwarrior
New member
I have done exactly that.
I went with an ARE topper (budget about $2200) that included LED lighting and three 12v plugs in the back, drop down front window, screens, everything including rear gate seal(a must)
I use a DECKED system and put foam in on top (total budget about $1500) but there are plenty of plans for building a bedframe (budget about $500 max including mattress)
Misc items to consider:
-Cargo netting ($50)
-storage container (I went with Contigo $40)
-heater/fan (I got a 12v fan at a truckstop for $12)
-rack system
-... you can go on forever
You can also go used - most of the places I shopped around at when looking for my topper also sold pre-owned. they were very reasonable but my truck is brand new so I wanted brand new topper.
I don't have pics up yet as this is a new project but plan to soon.
You might want to check out the threads from SHoll - his rig is very similar to mine but he has much more of an off-road bent.
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Sleeping Bear
Member
slowtwitch
Adventurer
That setup is way better than a Wildernest.........
Clutch
<---Pass
You can both in a Wildernest. Sleep in the truck bed or open it up. Won't have the interior height of something like a Leer 122, but nice to have both options.
If I didn't have a Nest would do something like a Leer 122.
https://www.wildernessshots.com/toyota-tacoma-overlander-expedition/#jp-carousel-8087
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Martinjmpr
Wiffleball Batter
The problem with Wildernest is that they went tits-up, what, 20 years ago? So if your vehicle is newer than 1999 or so a 'Nest likely won't fit (not well, at least.)
To say nothing of the fact that fiberglass cracks and breaks down over time. Yes, I know you can fix it but it seems to me if you're using a 20+ year old fiberglass topper, you're on borrowed time.
Wildernest was one of those companies that was ahead of its time. I'm a little surprised someone hasn't tried to resurrect it now that RTT's are all the rage.
Of course, it's likely that the problem now would be the same as when Wildernests were still being made: The dilemma of "cost to build a quality product" vs. "what consumers expect to pay."
With standard fiberglass caps currently going for upwards of $2k or more, a Wildernest would likely be at least double that if not more. And for $5k you still don't have a real "camper" just a nice RTT with room to stand up and change clothes.
IIRC that was the problem with Wildernest when they did make them. People loved them, but they didn't love them enough to shell out the bucks for them.
Clutch
<---Pass
It is too bad they went out of business. But @DaveInDenver put his one on an '08...and it doesn't look half bad. You can find one and repair it for about the cost of a new fiberglass shell. I only paid $600 for mine, only had to do $100 of repair so far. If you wanted to, a new tent is about $1300-1400. So still reasonable. Won't be perfect but it is still cheap compared to most other new setups.
Modern Wildernests are those new Wedgefalia's. GFC's are the cheapest starting around $5-6K. Which isn't too bad in the big scheme of things.
Betcha the Wildernest when new was considered expensive...guessing why they didn't sell too many of them.
Nothing is cheap anymore, but you don't have to play the game either. I don't...
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slowtwitch
Adventurer
There is a brisk trade in them, I'll give you that. Kinda reminds me of hot tubs.. in one hand out the other. Guys discover them, think they are sliced bread, use them a bit, get it out of their systems, and then sell.
Ultimately, they are an (old) tent. Throw in gasket/hinge issues, pupularity of roof racks, etc and it's not hard to see why they are no longer.
Ultimately, they are an (old) tent. Throw in gasket/hinge issues, pupularity of roof racks, etc and it's not hard to see why they are no longer.
Clutch
<---Pass
Yeah that is what I did...had one, then sold it...but kinda missed it bought another. It isn't perfect...kinda sucks in high wind and rain. but that is when you have the option of sleeping in it closed up. It was cheap and works well enough. Wouldn't mind a Vagabond or OVRLND, however much better than spending $5-$10K on something that pretty much does the same thing. That savings buys an awful lot of fuel and tacos.
The gasket and hinges were easy fixes. Replaced the hinges with stainless so it would stop the rust stains. Both of those things were only a $100. I don't like anything on the roof...so no issue there either.
Have been kicking around the idea of enclosing my utility trailer to augment the Wildernest for when the weather is real foul and cold. Still way cheaper than something buying new.
https://expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/utility-trailer-teardrop-off-roadish-camper-build.161384/