Camping with the Roofnest Meadowlark

[Luke]

Been camping with my Maverick a number of times this Spring and thought I would share. I love being able to set up/break down camp in just a couple of minutes and that the whole thing fits nicely under the tonneau cover. Built a simple stand at the same level as the wheel wells so the tent can rest on the tailgate. Couldn’t be easier.

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[dalola]

Interesting take for an RTT install! I RTT camped for years in a variety of vehicles, the only downside I see to your setup is losing the majority of the bed space. But if you don't need it, then that's a great solution! Good job!

 

[shadow76]

Been camping with my Maverick a number of times this Spring and thought I would share. I love being able to set up/break down camp in just a couple of minutes and that the whole thing fits nicely under the tonneau cover. Built a simple stand at the same level as the wheel wells so the tent can rest on the tailgate. Couldn’t be easier.

Where was the red rocks campsite?

 

[futuremavowner]

Here’s another example of the Meadowlark mount.

 

[LaVernWinston]

Really cool setup, I've been trying to imagine a tucked away RTT and I think this is the first example out there.

 

[mattmav]

Been camping with my Maverick a number of times this Spring and thought I would share. I love being able to set up/break down camp in just a couple of minutes and that the whole thing fits nicely under the tonneau cover. Built a simple stand at the same level as the wheel wells so the tent can rest on the tailgate. Couldn’t be easier.

This is an awesome setup! May I ask where the camping is in the first 2 pictures, looks beautiful!

 

[LouisPetrocelli]

How was camping in Sedona? How does it feel to have the camper so low? I like it high up. Makes me feel safer when I’m sleeping in the tent.

 

[Blinky]

I really like that, especially that it can tuck away under the tonneau. I see that being a benefit for inclement weather or security if you're running into town for supplies but it means the cooler needs to live in the cab which I suppose isn't the worst thing in the world.

 

[Luke]

I really like that, especially that it can tuck away under the tonneau. I see that being a benefit for inclement weather or security if you're running into town for supplies but it means the cooler needs to live in the cab which I suppose isn't the worst thing in the world.

There is actually about 12" leftover in the bed. I had to get a new cooler, but it fits. I can get the camp stove/chairs/food/etc. under the tent so only the dog is in the cab!

 

[Luke]

Where was the red rocks campsite?

Valley of Fire. ~90 min north of Las Vegas

 

[Romac]

What are the dimensions and specs on the platform you made for the bed?

is the angled tailgate also supporting the weight of the tent?

 

[ksh58]

Thanks for sharing this. I want to be able to camp occasionally, but not often enough to justify bed racks and a heavy tent that I have to access with a ladder. Also seems easy and light enough to keep this stored somewhere for the majority of time when I am not planning to camp. This is a great idea and I think I will copy.

Couple of questions:
did you bolt the tent to the crossbars on the wooden platform you made, or is it secure enough just sitting on that platform?
I have the Ford branded hard tri-fold tonneau cover, and am wondering how much clearance you have under your cover with the tent in its closed position? I am looking at different brands of tents that might fit, but looks like that Meadowlark's 12-inch closed height would be the limit...
Thanks

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

.

Been camping with my Maverick a number of times this Spring and thought I would share. I love being able to set up/break down camp in just a couple of minutes and that the whole thing fits nicely under the tonneau cover. Built a simple stand at the same level as the wheel wells so the tent can rest on the tailgate. Couldn’t be easier.

Valley of Fire. ~90 min north of Las Vegas

Nice campsite.
Your bed platform and the fact that you are able to raise/angle the tailgate to the same height as the platform is perfect.
Your's is the first acceptable option I have seen. It fits under the tonneau, so it can be closed. It has some space under the platform and you don't have to climb on top of a roof!
At almost 70 there is no way I am climbing up and down a ladder to the roof of any vehicle in the dead of night, to go to go to the bathroom.
Great job.
Happy camping.
GB
At my age. That is about as high as I want to climb.

 

[Luke]

Thanks for sharing this. I want to be able to camp occasionally, but not often enough to justify bed racks and a heavy tent that I have to access with a ladder. Also seems easy and light enough to keep this stored somewhere for the majority of time when I am not planning to camp. This is a great idea and I think I will copy.

Couple of questions:
did you bolt the tent to the crossbars on the wooden platform you made, or is it secure enough just sitting on that platform?
I have the Ford branded hard tri-fold tonneau cover, and am wondering how much clearance you have under your cover with the tent in its closed position? I am looking at different brands of tents that might fit, but looks like that Meadowlark's 12-inch closed height would be the limit...
Thanks

I have a couple of straps I hook to the tie downs in the front corner of the bed, and when I open it, a couple I hook into the tie downs on the side of the tailgate, but honestly it doesn’t need them. It is just sitting on the platform … you can see the 1x2‘s that help it sit in the right place.

There is a few inches of space under the tonneau. The tight dimensions are one of the reasons I went with the Meadowlark. No regrets … it is a great tent.

 

[Luke]

What are the dimensions and specs on the platform you made for the bed?

is the angled tailgate also supporting the weight of the tent?

Yup. It sits right on the tailgate. It has been a minute, but I think the 2x6’s I used were the perfect height to line up with the wheel wells. Pretty sure it is 42” long … I just cut them to fit the tent exactly.

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