Is Truck Bed Camping REALLY Worth It?
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- Опубликовано: 11 сен 2024
- Are truck bed campers worth it? In this video, we'll compare truck campers to tents to see which is the best option for you.
Truck campers are a great option if you're looking for an easy and comfortable way to camp. We'll compare truck campers to tents to see which is the best option for you. We'll also discuss some of the pros and cons of each type of camping gear. After watching this video, you'll be able to make a better decision about which type of camping gear is right for you!
My 89 2500 silverado was ordered with one from factory back in the day you could do that, it's a high rise walk in style, color matched brown with matching orange pinstripes like the truck, has a boat rack on top insulated and full lighting, love the walk ins you don't see them anymore
Skeleton frame! YES! ugggh I was looking for ways to mount inside this beast. Thank you. I love mine. When I camp and have bad weather, I throw a massive tarp over the hatch door, bungy to outside wheel wells and use tent poles to extend from back and it makes a huge cozy space to sit under until weather passes. That huge hatch door has so many benefits.
Knowing about the extra 3-4 inches that hatch grants is a game changer for me
Thanks, subbed
It would be great if you could get a crewmax with 6' bed... But I'm able to sleep fine in mine without laying diagonal. I do recommend a double pillow... Ping me with any questions.
Happy to send any photos of the inside of the shell if that's helpful
Cool setup. I have a double cab tundra with the 6.5ft bed....I might go this route? Much cleaner than a bed rack and rooftop tent. Dust gets everywhere with a rack setup.
mixflip thanks. And I agree about the dust. Also, I don’t notice a hit in gas mileage like I do with my Roof top tent on my FJ. Since I’m in Georgia, a lot of my trip miles are getting out west or up to Canada so gas mileage really matters. I’m working on building out the inside of the shell now. I’ll try to do an update video once I get that finished.
Cool... thanks for this video...great tips. Always wanted to camp and fish with my brother...we never got around to it. Going to make mine into a SheCave now and put up my Gone Fishing sign, may he R.I.P. Semper Fi ❤️
I know this is an old video but it’s pretty awesome, You just decided for me what topper I’m going with. Thank you. 🤙🏻
Like it, I wish the rear gate what is design without a bottom door seal... What I think would be an awesome deal is to use some truck cap actuators and turn it into a pop-up camper raising the roof even higher... But then you would want a full door on the back... so you would have to have another hidden gate with a half door inside when the Caps lowered like on a pop-up trailer, so when the cap is raised you'll have a full door.
Sounds like a good plan. I'm thinking of something similar. I never thought of the skeleton frame 👍 A.R.E. is the only top I've seen compatible with the Ford Maverick 😕 (shortbed, 4.5 or 5ft).
Awesome mate , looks great. Never seen those glass doors. How peaceful it is where you have parked what a beautiful day you had.
Thanks. Are you in Oz? I did a nice trip there backpacking the Cathedral Range, the Black spur and the Vic high country.
Thanks for posting, I appreciate the review. I've got a Tundra (dbl cab), and have been debating on the ARE walk in camper shell for a few years now but have been hesitant to pull the trigger. I especially like that they kept the back up camera...I use mine all the time, and before I saw your video, I had been trying to figure out how I'd need to relocate it (perhaps to the license plate or something) if I were to get one, but it appears that ARE thought of that already. The other reason is that I have a Leer currently, which is great and I camp in it all the time--so it's hard to justify spending the $, when I don't really "need" a new top. But I really like the walk in door concept and the extra head room is nice. Thanks...just made my decision to buy that much harder. LOL
Tico Sandoval thanks. I, pretty happy with it so far. I’ve only logged about 15 nights in it so I’m still making notes and plans.
I have the ARE walk in shell and it’s awesome but I’m constantly worried about being broken in to. I live in LA and camp the sierras all the time and up there I’m not worried but where I live it’s a bit sketch. You can pull that glass door open with very little force.
The decked draws are nice but I think the headroom without them would be nicer. Not sure where your gear would have gone. It's always a compromise when setting up your adventure mobile.
I totally agree! I agonized back and forth over this decision. I would be great to have the extra foot of head room but I’m pretty happy with the gear organization
I'm in the market for my Colorado. I love the back door and side windows. We do a lot of back country camping in Michigan chasing trout, I'm sick of tent hassles and trailers/RVs are just as bad or worse. I don't need luxury, just a little comfort and an escape from Northern Michigan's famous man eating mosquitos. One of these would be great. Plus, I can still use it as a pickup because of the hatch. Again, that hatch/door is a great feature.
I want to go to the UP! Sara is from Michigan and I like it up there.
@@BigSexyBeastAdventures Ya, the UP is great. We love it up there, lots of back (way back) roads and two tracks. Ton of waterfalls if you don't mind a little hiking. And best of all, native brook trout!
I finally received my topper like this just today! I ordered in March. It looks great. I've been pleasantly surprised on the looks and how much I like it. My big concern however are the rubber pull "straps" on the interior, at the bottom of the big hatch door. I was told to undo them when opening the door of which I have to climb in to undo and then to pull them and "latch" them again when closing upon which it is so hard I have to climb in to do so as well. It's so bad! I see you only using the exterior knobs in the video. Did your topper have these hard to pull thick rubber "straps" as well?
really glad you posted this ive been looking at decked storage and are mxhd for my tundra and then i found your video, thank you
Take a look at the update video I did a few months ago
Thanks for the review. Looks like you have some very interesting projects ahead for you regarding this cap. Looking forward to your next video. Have you noticed any fit or finish issues.? Water leaks ? I have a 2019 Tundra Double cab that I think would look good with the ARE walk in door camper shell. I’m still looking for the right cap but getting close to making a final decision.
Terry, I posted a new video and tried to answer some of your questions: ruclips.net/video/ioVrNm3hyQg/видео.html
Thanks for bringing us viewers into your build and for the thoughtful commentary. A couple questions in particular came to mind: does the 5.5 ft crewmax bed off adequate leg room for sleeping? Do you have to sleep at an angle? What was your decision making process that the ultimately led you to purchase the crewmax versus double cab (with the 6.5ft bed)? Any insight or response would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again!
Hey there... I got the crew max for the extra leg room as a daily driver in the back seat. The camper shell replaces the tail gate which gives an extra 4” of leg room. A slight angle and I’m good for sleeping. Check out the 3 days of syllamo video on my channel.. I cover sleeping I the back. Thank you for watching... hit me up with any questions
Looks great, how about that glass door. Looks like you can see everything inside. Can you get it darkened. I don’t want people seeing everything I have in there.
Awesome review man, I'm working with a 6.5 foot bed and plan to have this same shell but with the racks on top. 500lb capacity! Not sure if it will look odd with the already tall mx series...
It will grow on you... but beware parking garages!
Looks really nice. Sounds like you have to really want it because you could buy a serviceable used camper with AC for what that whole system cost. That is the dilemma I am going through right now. How do I want to use my truck and how do I want to travel.
Also, are you able to park it in a standard garage with the extended cap?
Dave yes, for me I plan on doing a lot of off-road and don’t want to tow a separate trailer or deal with roof top tent on this build
@j.patrickbewley5053 You sold it a couple of years later and got a sprinter van. So to answer your headline. No it wasn't worth it?
Ordered my A.R.E shell back in the beginning of Feb. right after receiving my new Silverado, and I just received it earlier this week (over 20 week wait) was told several times that it was being built and and that it would be shipped. Original time frame I was told was 10-12 weeks. After that just plan on getting the runaround. I even offered to drive up to Ohio and pick it up when they told me it was a shipping issue, only to find out that it hadn't been built and that it was just another line of BS they were coming up with. On a good note only 2 of the 4 windows leak....I like the function of the vented windoors but they leak pretty bad. Not looking forward to taking it the dealer, I'm sure they will make up some crap. Paid $3350.00. I recommend going with Leer (I have one on my Ram) it's been on for 12 years and have had NO issues. If I hadn't spent so mush I would take it off and use it for target practice then burn it to the ground. (With the so called fiberglass shortage) you can tell that the shell is much more flimsy than the older style. Have a nice day
Thats a bummer. I'm seeing a lot of comments from viewers who ordered post pandemic start about ARE quality.
The length of the bed with the top fitted is of concern to see if I can sleep in the back, without getting a single cab or a club cab, especially here in the UK as most vehicles are a lil smaller here. ✌😁🛵
Awesome review. Been thinking hard about getting this for my Decked Silverado 6.5’. Wouldn’t necessarily go with the door, but that setup is sweet! Thanks for the review !
Thanks! I did a vid on a longer term review and build update out there on channel also
Big Sexy Beast Adventures Thanks! I’ll go check it out.
Thank you for the video. Blessings to you.
Nice setup. Thanks for sharing. I just picked up a CX HD shell for my Tundra bc of your vid.
Nice. Let me know how your build turns out
Thanks very much, this was a lot of information that I was looking for but couldn't find any where else.
Thanks for posting and been looking at almost the same exact setup for camping and not having to tow a trailer. Looks great!
hit me up with any questions. I've got about 40 nights spent in the camper now and continually make tweaks. I need to post an update video... but now have a fan and a cool setup for a pull out table and camp lights at night.
also, just ordered a couple of different models of diesel heater that I'm going to play around with. I've been using a 3 candle lantern from UCO so far which works pretty good.. but excited to try the diesel heater....
hit me up with any questions. I've got about 40 nights spent in the camper now and continually make tweaks. I need to post an update video... but now have a fan and a cool setup for a pull out table and camp lights at night.
@@BigSexyBeastAdventures
What made you choose a crew cab over the extended cab? I would've gone with the extended cab as you gain more bed room with that trim level. Wind doors? Side windows is the words you were looking for. Lol. Who's on your t-shirt? Teddy who?
@@Sig721Tau I've got two teenage boys. I wanted the extra legroom in the back seat.
Really cool but you did defeat the entire point of having a full door. You put stuff in front of the door, therefore you will have to step up - just as if you had a regular tailgate still. You may as well just have got a regular cap, without the door LOL
Just finished up spending 2 months in the shell. Worked great. I do consider removing the drawers and building a sleeping platform on one side... I will say though that the decked drawers have performed flawlessly. It works out fine... just don’t drink too much around the fire before going to bed.
I just got a FWC project M. Really nice
Awesome.send pics of the fwc. How much does it weigh?
Hello. Great video.. question, are you still running this setup? Have you had any issues with your A.R.E cap leaking or cracking?. Love your setup 🙏🇺🇸
Awesome video...this is exactly the set up hubby & I want for a '17 Colorado crew cab full bed. We might build our own drawer-deck to customize. Are you still happy with it? Any changes you would have made? Questions: I didn't notice if the side windows could be locked from the inside...do they? Are the walls well insulated for heat/cold? Do the windows get condensation? Nice to see in a video the exact options we're hoping to get...great information. Thanks!!
Just caught your channel. You've likely said this in other videos but do you have links and costs for the items you used? Selling my RV and just today thought of the exact same design you have here.
Thanks, great video.
Welcome aboard. Make sure you subscribe! On this video... you will find links to most of the items in the comments: ruclips.net/video/ioVrNm3hyQg/видео.html
Thank you for sharing. What's funny is that I have the 2016 1794 trd crewmax 4x4 and a 2013 trail teams edition fj cruiser. What a coincidence.. looking forward to your videos. I'm now considering the same shell as yours.
I'm about to take off on a big adventure in the FJ for the first time in a while.
@@BigSexyBeastAdventures have fun. I'm currently working on a small enclosed trail in hopes that I can use it off road. Working with solar panel and battery configuration for the new 100 qt Massimo 12v frig. So far so good. Thank you for getting back. Dan.
This is the exact setup I'm trying to put together on my 2018 silverado 6.5' bed. Got the decked system already (which I love). Are you happy with the cap tho.
I really liked the cap. I have a sprinter now but still miss my Tundra
How did you manage to secure the glass door from the inside? Plz share that knowledge with me.Tyvvm in advance
If you didn’t have the deck system, could you put a port a potty and sit comfortably? For emergencies
Without the Decked... absolutely
Sweet video! I just ordered the MX with the walk in door today. How hard is it to get inside with the Decked system? My partner and I aren't big people. Thanks for any info! Cheers
It wasn't too bad for the dog and I to get in and out
Cool camper top .question did that top decrease your gas mileage any in city and highway. And on your cab high one that you had. Thanks
Good and thorough video. Are you still happy with it? What's something like that worth? How well does it keep dust out?
I do still like it. One thing I notice is that the combination of the decked drawers and the shell is heavy. I have about a 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch squat. No issues with dust and have been on several fire roads so far.
I did an update video... after having it a while... it’s here 2019 TRD Pro Toyota Tundra Overland Build Truck Camper Shell Living Conversion Update ruclips.net/video/ioVrNm3hyQg/видео.html
About to pull the trigger on the same set up. Considering adding bed stiffeners. How is yours holding up? Is there room for stiffeners between door and decked? Thanks.
I never had any flex issues with the bed… off road all the time but wasn’t ‘rock crawling’ but occasionally…
Fantastic video. Just finished a cargo trailer conversion and this very similar setup is what we have planned next. When i shopped I was instantly sold on the decked system but what made you go with the a.r.e. mx over leer 180cc? I'm not critizing, I'm curious because this is my last thing I need to figure out before we order. -cheers
Great video thank you for this 👍
What brand was this again ,,,..name of the camper shell,top ,,,,looking for something like this for my tundra
ARE is the brand. The model was the MX HD I think
How were you able to get the hatch door on that cap for a short bed? I spoke with a few dealers and eventually even A. R. E. rep and they say they don't put the on short bed (5' 7"). They say it is structurally not sound.
Now that you have had a little time with it. Does it leak in the rain or does it seal around where the tail gate would go.
Just got back from 2 months in the shell. No leaks from rain... a little Wyoming dirt which is amazing given how dusty it was... since I have the decked drawers... I don’t have the bottom rubber straps installed... but still does amazing. No real complaints. You thinking about getting one?
@@BigSexyBeastAdventures yes, most shells seem to leak around the tail gate and if you have it carpeted, mold is a problem. I'm curious, does the part where the tailgate normally go have a seal or something to keep the water out.
It has a rubber seal all the way round
@@BigSexyBeastAdventuresawesome!!!! thanks
Do you ever miss the tailgate? Great video
Cool frame thing going too get thanks
Been three years any updates?
How much do this caps cost, and do they do with with screens? I would be eaten alive with bugs here in Cali.
Where in Cali? I lived up North for about 10 years. All in, I think I had about $5k in the shell and skeleton
if you didnt have the decked system could you fit a full size dirtbike in the bed with this cap? anyone know
It would be close but I think it might work.
Did u do any videos on the decked drawer unit? Why u chose this unit and install? Thanks
Great video. So I am 5’7 and have a 2017 tundra crew max. My question is Can I comfortably sleep in truck bed with this walk in cab? Thanks
I'm about 5'10"... it works for me... but I tuck my feet into a pocket in the walk in door. I find it comfortable and don't have to sleep diagonal
Nice set up
Thanks. Make sure you you watch the update video
Nice setup
Thanks!
Nice bro!!
How is the tailgate section no dust coming in ?
It sealed pretty good. Lots of miles of fire roads… minimal dust
Hey Brother thanks for this review, like others I have been contemplating one of these setups because I abhor the thought of a trailer but want a lil bit of room. Can I ask what is the name of the internal framework you have, that looks great but I don’t see it on ARE website. Also the bottom storage system, I was going to try to make something out of wood but if they don’t cost too much maybe I just buy one.
Thanks again for the great video!
Vanishing Point hey there. The drawers are the “Decked” system. I went with them because I thought they would be lighter than the ARB drawers. I really like them but they are still heavy. Building a platform out of wood like you suggest may be the way to go... that way you can control the height. I’ve seen several guys do that just high enough to slide storage bins underneath. The internal framework is the ARE “HD” skeleton. The shell is the ARE MX “HD”. The “HD” simply means it has the internal framework. It’s aluminum with channel slots so building it out and attaching stuff is a breeze. If you get the HD framework... make sure you get the 550 pound load cross bars. I made the mistake of getting the Yakima rails instead and the framework doesn’t attach to the Yakima rails so it limits my roof rack weight. I really love this setup. I’ve now got 45-60 nights camping in the shell now. I need to post an update video. I’m about 5’10”. If you are much taller than that it would be tight unless you leave longer bed. Shoot me any questions... happy to share
Vanishing Point hey there. The drawers are the “Decked” system. I went with them because I thought they would be lighter than the ARB drawers. I really like them but they are still heavy. Building a platform out of wood like you suggest may be the way to go... that way you can control the height. I’ve seen several guys do that just high enough to slide storage bins underneath. The internal framework is the ARE “HD” skeleton. The shell is the ARE MX “HD”. The “HD” simply means it has the internal framework. It’s aluminum with channel slots so building it out and attaching stuff is a breeze. If you get the HD framework... make sure you get the 550 pound load cross bars. I made the mistake of getting the Yakima rails instead and the framework doesn’t attach to the Yakima rails so it limits my roof rack weight. I really love this setup. I’ve now got 45-60 nights camping in the shell now. I need to post an update video. I’m about 5’10”. If you are much taller than that it would be tight unless you leave longer bed. Shoot me any questions... happy to share
Fat Wookie Adventures thanks for the info, going to look at the CX model this week, there is a guy out here in CA who sells the old school carpet kits for around $500 so I am going to look into those as well. Awesome video!
Where can I buy want ??
does it extend it on a tacoma? seems my feet go pretty far into the down tailgate on the shortbed tacoma
My Tacoma was too short to sleep in for sure. I had to switch to the tundra
@@BigSexyBeastAdventures Yeah I was hoping that ARE door that replaces the tailgate would make a difference but I doubt it.
@@BigSexyBeastAdventures how were you able to get the sliding windoors on your mx series? ARE dealer told me only a solid windoor version is available for shortbeds
I think windoors are the only way to go.
I agree. I'm pretty happy with them. So great reaching in to get things out.
Any problems with leaking, dusting, or the unit shifting backwards after long distance driving?
I did get a. Little dusting around the bottom of the gull wing door. No shifting and I did a lot of off road
@@BigSexyBeastAdventures
Thanks. What about leaks?
Amazing video What's! What's the measurement in inches from the door to the back.
about 66 inches. I'm 69.5 tall so used a pillow and that worked fine
Need a new lock and key for my Tono cover white fiberglassed auto cover on a 95 Chevy truck on can you help me with that
Anyone know if ARE is still in business. Ordered mine in June, is mid august, new arrival estimate is the end of aug. understand about the pandemic, is why I’m wondering if ARE is surviving it.
Omg. I'm not sure. That would be terrible. Please do update me as you find out.
how much that cap with the door cost?
About $4k
Did you do add a leaf to help straighten out the sag on the fox suspensions?
Yes. I added the Hellwig helpers. Model 1909 I think. Seems to have brought me back to stock height... and still rides really nice
What was the total cost for the shell and frame?
Around $4500 I think
Thanks.
Wow,they sure went up in price.I paid 2499 total 6 years ago,the door option was 749.
Thank you for the video, can I get one for sr5 tundra 2005 how cost
Do you have a back up camera
Yes. If I remember correctly there was one on the top of the camper shell
How did it effect your gas mileage
Sounds like I’m making it up but I think it improved it… best I can figure out- less air resistance in the truck bed
@@BigSexyBeastAdventures well that would be pretty dope. Makes sense though. I am looking at getting one for my Titan, and had some concerns that the MX cap that juts out would affect mileage.
Any extra wind noise while driving on the freeway?
Hey, love the build. Been kinda bingeing your videos lately. Do you mind disclosing the final price of the shell without the decked system etc. I feel like I received a ridiculous price here in the pnw as everything apparently costs so much more from states over. It was well over $6k $1600 was just the rear door. Tried to figure out how to PM you but have no idea. Thanks!
I think I was around $6.5k WITH the decked drawers installed.
@@BigSexyBeastAdventures whoa! What dealer did you go with and what state? That seems worth the drive pretty much wherever.
I got it at American Truck and Trailer in Canton GA. There are awesome and have some a few things for me over the years. Ask for Rod if you call them. He’s great.
@@BigSexyBeastAdventures awesome appreciate it.
@@BigSexyBeastAdventures if you are patient, u can buy one of these used for around $1,000 . Search Facebook marketplace or on Offerup for a deal.
if you dont mind me askikng... how much was the hightop mx w/ camera and walk in door installed. thinking about the same stup at the moment. cool truck btw!
I think around 4-4.5k
Does the inside frame of the HD shell cause headroom issues? Thanks.
Team Crooks only in the exact places where the frame is... meaning you can sit up in between the horizontal top rails fine
Where can you buy this?
would cx hd + decked enough to sit inside like you did in you video 5:33.. im 5'6ft tall?? thanks
CX I do t know... But the MX is
Tell me more about the HD skeleton?
I added the option from ARE. It's intended to increase the load bearing capability of the roof rack on the shell. I use it more for the channel tracks. It's perfect for attaching accessories, shelves, fans, etc..
It's made of aluminum and has two channel tracks on each flat side... 1 on each skinny side. You use t-bolts to attach to the channel
It’s a hatchback NOT a gullwing
How much height is added with that topper?
about 4" over the standard shell
Any leaks when it rains?
So far, no. I've been in some pretty serious rain storms this winter and have no leaks yet. The solar panel - which I cover in my update video.... I brought the wires down thru the top but siliconed it very well.
how much did this setup cost?
I think for the camper the walk-in door and the deck drawers was about 6K in total
@@BigSexyBeastAdventures thanks
This was helpful, thanks.. do you think a 5'11" person would have any issues sleeping not diagonally? Looked like you just barely fit. Also, any issues cleaning between the topper and truck windows?
It will be tight but maybe doable. Try laying back there with the tailgate first
What’s one of these caps cost?
before covid I think it was around $6k. Not sure now.
Box looks tiny... how do you sleep in that little thing? 5ft??
Bed is six foot five inches. No tailgate so you gain an additional 5. So around 5’10”
Can you enter the camper from the truck when rear window is folded down?
FLDashCam yes, you enter through the central door. When I’m camping I open the whole hatch for setup, take down or cleaning tasks... but at night I go thru the center door.
FLDashCam if you fast forward to 2:45 you can see the central door
Garbage company 4 year old cap discontinued they no longer supply parts leaving my cap worthless customer service said sorry about your luck and hung up on me don’t purchase ARE they will leave you helpless
Man, that’s a bummer. I’ve had two of their shells and had great luck with them. Did you try a different dealer?
What did that shell run you set up that way?
Between shell, walk in door and decked drawers... I think about $6k
@@BigSexyBeastAdventures the Decked setup is next purchase for me...
What is rack called
where did you get that
It’s the HD rack from ARE
is there something you can install where you can pee inside?
Nalgene
God Damn, another one of these videos where the guy hasn't thought about what he's going to say, and when he talks - he shows me how the fucking window works ???
What's the price please?
Maxwell guitar0357 all In installed was around $4k
You must be a short guy.
3’ 7” 285 lbs
Been three years any updates?