Valid question. I find dealing with wet tents a hassle when you take them down. Also having a cap type structure when traveling gives lots of room for equipment in the back.
Thanks. The overall structure seems to work. Its the finishing details and the waterproofing that I have to figure out.
This is great! I chuckled for quite a while. Its what my wife has been predicting would happen for most of the build. Fortunately no major injuries so far.
Yes we still like to backpack but in camp grounds a little more structure and height is nice. Also in some places like National forest roads finding a good place to pitch a tent can be a hassle.Can be cold.
And damp.
And not "quite" as bear proof.
But ya.
Indeed.
nice work. A redesign with closer fitting tolerances could yield something practical. Perhaps? Very creative. Hope it works out for you.I’m posting a very rough prototype of a DIY camper. I hope others may find the ideas useful and, selfishly, hope some wise members will point out flaws or suggest improvements before I get too far in the build.
My main criteria are minimal mpg hit, able to stand up, sleep 2 snugly, and to disassemble for easy removal and storage. Since we are used to tent camping and usually perform most functions outside we do not need built in cooking or bathroom facilities. I plan to add windows to the upper side walls and fabric awnings above the cab and tail gate extension that will attach with magnets and Velcro.
The base of the build is two 5/8 plywood side pieces bolted to the very convenient holes in the bed rails. Everything else is hinged or screwed to these. I use double folding doors and a separate top for the tailgate sleeping extension. Currently I’m using locking pulleys mounted on poles to raise and lower the top. I may add gas struts but this system is pretty simple, if not elegant.
My major concern is the ability to handle rain. I plan to add a fabic tent like bathtub floor that attaches to the inner walls allowing rain to drain down the outsides and through the bed holes. Will also add weatherstripping and drip edges at joints.
Thanks for your thoughts.
I keep a wet sack bag ready for that situation. Have used regular Zip storage bags from bass pro. Good price and different sizes.
So...you took care of the situation with your .22 instead.
If I decide to go forward much closer cuts, weatherstripping and possibly insulation are in order.I don't want to discourage your creativity but I just can't see this being comfortable in anything other than a milder climate.
As far as a design exercise, Bravo
I have a friend that's living in his pickup until he can move into an apartment and I gave him an air mattress to fit his 6' truck bed. Another friend offered him a truck topper for free. He's not using either and sleeps in the cab for comfort. It's good that you have a home to sleep in and can choose to rough it when you wish.
Good luck!
She's a lucky lady, but I'm not one for glamping.I finally broke down and got my wife the travel trailer she always wanted - sorta.
Thanks. I think I will seal all cut edges with epoxy as well as the top and then paint everything with an exterior latex or acrylic paint. PMF would be better but sounds time consuming. Since this thing will live most of its life in a pile in my basement and likely be used outside on the truck infrequently I doubt I have to worry too much about durability or rot.
I totally agree about the bear proofness. The best I can hope for is it would slow one down long enough for me to grab the shotgun.I keep a wet sack bag ready for that situation. Have used regular Zip storage bags from bass pro. Good price and different sizes.
Even stuff tent in a trash bag works.
Get home and air out.
Like your gumption to be creative with that wood but that itself is taking up a lot of truck bed storage space!
As to bear proofing
Going to guess the weight of a bear could just push that over vs. almost no matter what you did to try and support it.
*Guess
I made a pvc plumbing frame with a tarp years ago. Squared it off to the end of tail gate down...
Now can buy a tent with a room.
Ok
Which is my suggestion...cuz eventhough can sleep in truck bed (pretty narrow)two people might like more usuable space to change clothes and whatever else.
I'd like to see what trailer you get that can be slept in for the wood and tarp he spend money on.
