Tips for Truck Bed Camping: The pickup truck will transport you! After buying a pickup truck, many people believe that. It’s not hard to understand why. With a little preparation and perhaps a few thousand dollars, a pickup truck could be transformed into a great camping rig.
It isn’t always easy. So it’s important to be aware of what you need and how to make the most of your pickup bed camping. These are some tips to help you truck bed camping.
Purchase a Camper Shell
You can convert your pickup truck into an RV by adding a camper shell. It’s easy. Camper shells are expensive, it’s true.
It is important to know what you are looking for and how to choose one that suits your needs. SnugTop and Leer are just a few of the many companies that offer camper shells such as A.R.E. There are many camper shells available, and you will be able to find one that suits your needs. Architecturesideas has some more ideas.
The first thing you should remember when shopping for a camper shell is to choose a truck-specific application. Some camper shells may not fit all vehicles.
The next step is to choose a shell. You can then go about picking a shell. If you plan to camp with your shell, windows or bubble tops (shells that have extended rooflines) are good options. They’ll make camping more enjoyable and comfortable. You don’t have to sleep in a coffin without windows all night. The rest of the journey is easy once you have chosen your shell.
Build a bed frame
It is a mistake to buy an air mattress or futon, and then place it directly on the truck’s bed. You are not creating any insulation space. Instead, you are sleeping directly on the truck’s cold metal bed with only a thin mattress between you and it.
You will also find that the space above your head cannot be used for storage, but that space below can be used. You will also likely find that your space is limited if your mattress is placed directly on top of the bed. You should make a bed frame.
Make a frame using plywood and 2×4 boards. It will extend over the wheel wells. This will increase the amount of space you have for a bed and elevate you above the cold metal. It will also create storage space for various accessories (which we’ll be discussing below).
You could also build slide-out drawers if you are feeling ambitious. This will save you the effort of digging under your mattress to find items that have moved.
You can also buy plastic tubs to fit into the storage space you have created.
Accessory, Accessories, Accessories
Anyone who has been to a Bass Pro Shop will know how expensive camping accessories can get! You might need propane stoves or LED flashlights to light up your campsite. Here’s a complete list of all the accessories you need to bring on your next camping trip.
It is important to determine what you really need and not need. Then measure the space and buy accordingly. You could end up spending a lot on camping accessories. If you have too many accessories, Goleta Storage can help.
You will definitely want to purchase a small stove, camp chair, heavy blankets or sleeping bags, dishware, and Water Filter. These are your essential truck camping items. These are the essential items for your truck camping gear. Now you can get into the more specific items.
Maybe you are a photographer. Perhaps you are a hunter. Make a list and make sure you check it off as you go so you don’t miss anything.
Sometimes, bigger is not always better
Truck bed camping doesn’t require a large truck. A medium-sized truck such as the Chevy Colorado can be used for truck camping, provided it has a suitable camper shell and a sturdy bed frame.
You will also likely find that larger pickup trucks offer less mobility. Their large size and weight often make them difficult to maneuver on trails, fire roads, or other off-road routes. A smaller truck will cost you less gasoline, which is always a positive thing.
This is a good idea to consider if you’re looking for a pickup truck that can do double duty, both for personal use or for occasional camping trips.
Keep it Clean
You should treat your truck bed as if it were your home. You must keep things tidy and organized. Do not just throw things in the bed and forget.
The camper shell with a frame and bed is more durable than any tent, but it’s worth the effort to treat it with respect. Make sure that your camper shell is sealed properly against the elements to ensure that water and dust do not get into the truck bed camping.
This should not be an issue if your shell has been professionally installed. However, if you’re installing the shell yourself make sure you use proper weather stripping, seals, and gaskets as recommended by the manufacturer.
Bundle up!
Even a mild winter evening can feel like you are on Hoth when all you have is your truck bed. Even if camping in the desert is in a warm climate, you should still bring enough blankets or suitable sleeping bags and additional clothing. Overnight temperatures can be quite low.
It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to keeping warm. You don’t always need everything you brought, so you can store them under the mattress or in the cab. It’s not a big deal.
It’s better not to have materials but not to use them.