DIY - Bed Cover/Tent

[TREX10]

We decided on a last minute road trip in search of cooler temps (Colorado). Can't decide on bed cover.... So decided to build a cover, tent .
$100 in material plus stuff I had on hand (door hinges, cedar fence sealant) and 4 hours later... Boom.
Not 100% waterproof but will keep our stuff out of sight and a bit more secure. We brought a tent but always have the option of sleeping in the bed and a hotel if we need a break.
I have gas lifts but ran out of time.... will add those later as well as rubber around edges for better waterproofing.

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[TREX10]

I've finally gotten time to make some improvements to the build. (I'm not sure what to call it - bed tent... no. Roof top tent... no. Any suggestions are welcome!)
I moved the supports around to allow for more head room/less bumping.
Added a shelf for glasses , flashlights, phones, etc...
Added 12vdc power distribution panel in left hand support. It's attached to the door, so there's easy access to add, etc...
Powering USB ports on both R and L supports along with a LED light strip controlled by a toggle switch on R support.
I chose to power it all with the Dewalt batteries that I already have (I have lots!!) as opposed to the 12v supply from the truck because that power shuts off eventually.
The plan is to mount them in the cubby by the tailgate. Easy access when truck is packed to swap batteries, etc...ran the wiring inside tbe bed to the front grommet and installed the 2 prong easy disconnect. I will charge them from the 120vac outlets when traveling to the next camp site.
I have larger 12v supplies like my Bluetti 70S that I use in our pop up. (That's what we use for our longer stay boon docking trips!). It's way too large for this setup's use.
Still work to be done:
*waiting for my other 2 prong plug for the build's side to arrive.
*Add lights to bed under rail - waiting in three way toggle switches so either R or L can turn on/off.
*Installing optional fan to the bed lid/tent top (?) even fall is hot in Texas.
*add water bottle holder to each side.

I just like to build things.
This is just for overlanding or short weekend stays. We used it on our last 7 night road trip. Swapping nights in hotels for free dispersed sites, it paid for itself in 1 night.
Can't wait to run up to the National Forest for a couple of nights... when it's a tad cooler!

 

[GotKT]

Very impressive!
Do you have pics showing how the truck bed is made for bed time?
Do you sleep curled up due to the short bed length?

 

[TREX10]

Very impressive!
Do you have pics showing how the truck bed is made for bed time?
Do you sleep curled up due to the short bed length?

Thanks!
On the maiden voyage, it was a little thrown together. Literally just threw the mosquito netting over the entire bed and used a tent fly over that for rain. We used our regular tent double mattress. We leave the tailgate down and there's plenty of room.
I'm working on making the mosquito net attached (and rolled up) under the edge of the top. I'm designing a custom tent fly that will extend a few feet past the tailgate when it's staked out. I'lll post pics when I've got that done.
I added two cup holders and permanent install for the battery holder today....

 

[GotKT]

This is my friend’s low cost camping set up.
I plan to construct something which would combine yours and his concepts. Only need to spend one night, couple times a year.

 

[TREX10]

Very impressive!
Do you have pics showing how the truck bed is made for bed time?
Do you sleep curled up due to the short bed length?

I didn't get very good photos of it in use...

 

[BLachance75]

I know someone that will put an air mattress in the bed and climb under the tonneau cover to sleep. He puts a tarp over the tonneau cover that hangs over the open tailgate so that he can stretch his legs out. It is a little to coffin like for me.

 

[710-oil-614]

This is my friend’s low cost camping set up.
I plan to construct something which would combine yours and his concepts. Only need to spend one night, couple times a year.

The 10x10 over the bed is super effective. Sleeping pad, and a bivy sack/bug net and you're golden.

 

[Maverickman74]

I like this idea! I wonder if you added a second layer to your hard cover hinged on the other side. Add 2 poles to hang it out over the back or do some other cantilever type bracing and then just wrap the perimeter in net. And cut some tarp for the sides. Could be cool.

 

[TREX10]

I like this idea! I wonder if you added a second layer to your hard cover hinged on the other side. Add 2 poles to hang it out over the back or do some other cantilever type bracing and then just wrap the perimeter in net. And cut some tarp for the sides. Could be cool.

Thank you.
I'm in the design phase of all that right now! I plan on using a large tarp to make my plans up with and then work with real tent fly material once I have it like I want.

 

[TREX10]

I like this idea! I wonder if you added a second layer to your hard cover hinged on the other side. Add 2 poles to hang it out over the back or do some other cantilever type bracing and then just wrap the perimeter in net. And cut some tarp for the sides. Could be cool.

Two points Im still dealing with are leak points at the hinges and at the cab.
Being unibody, there's no gap to let the water drain between the cab and bed.
For that, my first design has my fly starting in middle of the cab. I picked up two hella madnets in Amazon and plan to use those to attach the fly there.
I've been looking at "hurricane hinges" to use there.
A bit of trial and error but I love camping and love building stuff.

 

[TREX10]

I know someone that will put an air mattress in the bed and climb under the tonneau cover to sleep. He puts a tarp over the tonneau cover that hangs over the open tailgate so that he can stretch his legs out. It is a little to coffin like for me.

Yeah that's a little much for me. I am going for the same idea as the roof top tents that are hinged. We have it high enough at one end that we can sit up anf play cards.

 

[RichardCranium]

I wanted to do something like that to my old truck. I was thinking of making something that sat on top of the bed that I could lift up and install vertical legs to hold the roof up with tent material around. That way I would have the bed for storage and would just pop up the tent when needed. I really like your design too. I just want something that is easy to put up and down so we can do road trips and not spend tons of time setting up camp. Thanks for sharing your build!

 

[BLachance75]

If my wife and dogs camped with me I'd figure out something like this or a small teardrop trailer. For just me I'm very happy with a hammock.

 

[Maverickman74]

For water proofing the front hinges you could try long strips of rubber mat like you can get at HD. Sandwich it like a full length gasket but leave enough slack for the swing of the hinge. Then maybe a diversions strip of wood trim a few inches up the slope from the hinge. Some ideas there

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