Truck Camping - Living and Working in a Short Bed pickup truck.
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- Опубликовано: 2 авг 2024
- This past year I took on a new job as a fishing tackle sales rep. And I have always had this hidden desire to live like a nomad. I almost did it back in 2008 but I didn't have any employment lined up that would let me do it. Fast forward to now and I finally have my dream job and the ability to live and work as a nomad but I have very different motivation to do it now.
In this video I give you walk through on my current setup. The truck is a 2018 Nissan Frontier Pro4X Crew Cab. I had an A.R.E CX cap installed on the back of the truck and this forms the backbone of my build. Due to only having a 58inch truck bed I need a way to extend things out so I could sleep in the back of the truck and that is where the Nomad from Topperlift came. I hope this build will give you ideas for your budget overland nissan frontier. This is the start of my overlanding diy truck camper slash working on the road build.
These three parts are the building blocks for my truck camping setup/build. Below are links to some of the items I use some are affiliate links.
Nomad from Topperlift : topperezlift.com/index.php/pr...
A.R.E CX Cap:www.4are.com/product/cx/
Mattress: amzn.to/2WVxOnw
Electric Blanker: amzn.to/2WDEwPT
Cargo Netting: amzn.to/2WWT3W3
The outlet I will be installing soon: amzn.to/2KcOHEr
NEBO Bug Lantern: amzn.to/2XzwxQ1
Fan: amzn.to/2WZTrmw
Cooler: amzn.to/2X3lOAA
Rayovac Amber Lantern: amzn.to/2MC4wGr
#truckcamping #nissanfrontier #shortbed
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Justin Clark
JC Dropshot
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budget, overland, nissan frontier, overlanding, diy truck camper 
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Nice set up and walk through! I think you being a fishing tackle sales rep and you're actually living out in nature on rivers fishing all the time is a better selling point than trying to sell from your condo in a city! Nice work man!
I like the lead in with the fish....I must be the craziest old lady....I love watching fishing....my pop used to fish so relaxing...great set up!💪🐟🐟🐟
Thanks for watching
Cool video, Loved the Nissan Frontier pro 4x and it's capability. Really strong and realiable glad I own one.
Currently watching this from in my shortbed. Me and my partner camped out at a beach but we had to pull the door up at night cause it got cold, weather, bugs etc. But had to Curl up all night and got so sore. I need one of those nomads!
1 man 1 truck ...... endless possibilities and opportunities... hope all is well with the family.. was nice to see a different kinda video
Thanks man things are getting better all around
Nice setup. I have a '19 Frontier SV 4x4, also crew cab and same color... I really like your setup, I just couldn't do a camper shell again on my truck. For what you are doing though, it's great. I ended up putting a bakflip tonneau cover on mine, different use case of the truck, but it works well for me. These are really good trucks, it will last a long time with proper maintenance.
That is a badass set up bro. Your home away from home. Nice job of keeping everything organized and great walk through video.
Thanks
Great set up, you could travel everywhere in that
great idea
Very simple and practical!
Awesome tour of your “home” on the road. Gotta say I’m kind of jealous. Glad it’s all working out for you.
Me to man
Fascinating modified doublecab truck.
I have a double cab truck that l use for my mobile Office of NGO equipped with the necessary things and devices that l need while on the road.
It's really an adventure and quite cosy.
Dam nice set up for a travelling salesman.would love to go fishing with you
really enjoyed the walkthrough! great info
This is a dope setup. It’s not super glamorous, but a great addition to make it perfect for traveling!
Thanks man!
Well done. Nice work. I’m also a rep (Powersports industry) that ‘camps’ in his truck while on the road. Subscribed.
What brands do you Rep for
JC Dropshot I work for a major distributor. Many different lines across all the various segments.
I admire your setup. Thanks for your run through. The Nomad (first time I've seen it) seems like it could really use at least one more batten/stay/pole, one that arcs forward and up from the top of its door to your canopy. I've made tarp support poles using used aluminum tent poles. For tee junctions and corners, I use nylon hose barbs, tees & elbows, that I modified to act as snap joiners. Perhaps Nomad makes such a thing in a different model.
Looks like a good rig. Thanks
Thanks for watching
Don't act like you need a "widemouth" bottle :). Found this at Clubfrontier. Nice setup, keep up the good work!
Thanks man lol
Really nice set up.
Thanks update video coming once the weather gets warm here in Michigan and put it back together.
Nice job!
Thanks
Cool
Great setup,dream for sure. Concerns about theft etc due to easy see of gear as opposed to van.
It is only setup when I am in it. So when it’s not setup it’s folded into the bed of the truck and the cap locks. I will be doing an update on this sometime in the spring or summer. Somethings have been added 😁
And I have started researching a van build or a larger truck build for the future.
Interesting equipment 👍
I think so too!
I work in the back of a install truck alot.. and it gets super hot so I purchased the ryobi portable battery and electric fan. Would be perfect for back of your truck... I use it constantly and never let me down yet...
Nice setup dude.., stay safe
Thanks
They have photo cells that stand up on the ground. I believe you can get them at Harbor Freight. Just thinking it may make your life a little easier.
sick setup. I need a Nomad. Shortbed problems.
Yup
I just came across this, would be a perfect weekend camping set up for the wife and me. Doesn't look to heavy or expensive. Course as I just got my frontier and found this gas prices have skyrocketed so not sure how much I'll be trail riding and camping now lol
It’s pretty heavy duty canvas. I used it in some pretty bad storms when I had. Great product. What year frontier did you get?
@@JCDropshot 2018. Only 30 k miles
I know what you mean by the price of gas I had a 2018 Nissan Frontier 4x4 I traded it for a Silverado 1500 V6 the Silverado get better gas mileage
I got a 3.0 Duramax 30 mpg highway
Frontier gang 💪🏽
I really miss this truck I needed something bigger for work
@@JCDropshot 😔 NOOOOOOOO lol jk but it’s still Frontier gang 💪🏽
@@St.Irenaeus I miss that truck if I can swing it I want to get it back
Cool set up. ✌🏼☮️....
Thanks!!!
@@JCDropshot greetings from the Mojave Desert California🏜️
TRONA BORON 👍🤛🏻👋🤙
Good job 👏
I’m moving in to my truck
I’ll save some money and headache
Best of luck
I'm going to be starting an hour causing adventures and I'm going to be owning my very first year for you so any kind of stuff feeling mine has a nasty automatic with the one model so unfortunately it does not have the question I'm looking forward to learning as much back pain about the Nissan frontier platform
Nice Vid on extending your truck box for sleeping..... I did a vid on making a regular cap fit a short box truck with a FREE Cap and FREE Pallets LOL ( Yes i'm new to making vids ) LOL
Wow amazing my husband and I just literally did the same exact thing as our #diyquarantineproject Lol. We fit a free 6ft cap on our 5ft short bed Nissan Frontier with a wooden box extension. Would've been great to have seen your vids before doing it. Great Job!!! you can see ours on my Instagram @magrunner if you want. We don't have a youtube channel. We just started taking it out camping and its worked out great so far! Happy camping!
What do you do about the heat? I find the back of my Frontier with a Leer Cap so hot even with the sun shades. Ryobi fan helps some but not much.
The window coverings I have does a great job of keeping things cooler until I ready to set things up. Right now I have just been using a fan. But am looking at a AC setup.
I got a new Toyota Tacoma, I might set it up like yours. Would be nice to take a nap after walking to the end of 9 mile pier and back lol.
Lmao
For real though brotha, I like your videos. Let me know if you’re ever down to fish 9 or 10 mile (blossom Heath) I would love to tear up the water with you sometime.
And for a newer vehicle down the road if you get one a sprinter van might work out nicely!
Wife and I have been talking about making a Van
What are you going to do in the winter for the bed area?
I just used an electric blanket and a space heater if I am camping it in the back of the truck still did that this spring down into the high 20s
Make some support poles to get that tent tight
well done.. any thoughts of roof vent ? maybe a pop top for campsites ?
In the new build, I am starting, a roof vent is coming.
Love the setup . Where can I buy the rear topperlift tent ?
You find it here on the companies website.
topperezlift.com/index.php/product/the-nomad-camper-package/
I am working on my F150 Supercrew shortbed. I use it approximately 3 nights per week. Working on A/C options. It is hot in Texas! LOL!! Noticed you mentioned a bladder to fill between the cab and camper shell. What bladder are you talking about, the one from Truk Boot? I am thinking of using a bicycle inner tube. The gap between cab and cap is 2" or so. Need to seal off that area to keep water and bugs out, but allow A/C to flow through. Thoughts?
I think that’s the brand of the one I got but I haven’t used it once yet. I also made a custom screen for the back of the cap since I made this video so I can leave the slider open on the cap. If I had a full-size truck I would be able to put a AC unit in here but just don’t have the space in the 5 foot mid size truck
I did see someone use pool noodles on a van to vent the AC out of one of there windows looked pretty slick.
I just purchased one for my GMC Canyon Crew Cab with the 5' bed. I'm assuming our trucks are around the same size.
Yes they are roughly the same
Close.. The 2018 nissan frontier pro4x crew cab is 60" and the GMC Canyon Crew Cab is 61.2". I know a guy who at 6' tall also sleeps in his Tacoma Crew cab at 60" long but sleeps diagonally and says is fine.
@@JCDropshot
How much did you spend for the camper shell? I must've missed it in the video.
Good setup man
Thanks! I just order my new truck so I will be doing a new build this year!
@@JCDropshot Nice! What r u getting?
I ordered a Chevy Silverado 1500 RST z71 crew cab 6 foot 7inch bed baby
@@JCDropshot Nice! Got rid of the Frontier huh?
Still have it until the new truck comes in.
I am thinking about replacing my RTT with the Nomad Camper package. How has it help up over time?
While I owned it , it held up well. I have since had to get a different truck so my setup has changed.
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Pull the top part of ur nomad back further in on the topper and you wont need the bungee cord topper EZ lift made a video on it if you're not sure what I'm talkin
Tried that then the sides don’t seal up right. They never tested it on the frontier . I talked with them a few times on this.
Have you had any problems with your Pro-4X? I'm seriously thinking about purchasing one.
Just need a data flash on the ECM other then that very very happy with the truck so far. It handle the snow like a beast this past winter and the few times I have taken it off road it didn’t blink at what was under it. Haven’t really tested it yet compared to what it’s built to do. But that might be coming soon 😜
I have a 2016 Desert Runner with the same tires and Bilstein shocks. Just no 4WD. 50k miles and NO issues. Highly recommend the Frontier. Way cheaper than the Tacoma and I have a lot more head room. In the Tacoma it felt likes the cab was squished and you were sitting on the floor with the low seats. Plus more room in the back. The 4.0 liter VQ engine is also bullet proof.
Cameron Lawrence
I'm trying to pay off my car so that I can too buy a Fronty in Pro-4X trim. My car cannot go to a camp site. I don't think that Chevrolet designed it for light off-road conditions. Lol
You could strap a kayak on top for fishing and you need some type of AC for them really hot nights .
Kayak is on the add list . Not sure on the AC system yet. Been thinking of ideas.
@@JCDropshot check out swamp coolers on RUclips . That could work for you .
Foam seal in between the topper and cab window. Tail pipe exstension 2 feet above the topper to keep exhaust above the truck and you can idle for heat and ac.
Hey man how do you store the tent when your traveling?
The top half rolls up and you Velcro it up. I used the bottom half has a way to keep dust out of the back of the truck and just folded it up with the tail gate
How big/tall are you? Do you find it difficult to fit in and out? I'm 6'2", just wondering because I'm interested but worried that I might be too tall for a midsize.
I’m 5’10” and have more then enough length for me. Have someone measure you when lay down how you sleep and see how mich length you need. Be sure to measure from top of pillows to a inch or so past your feet.
That's kind of a saggy portal cover. Is there a way to make it more taught? That would drive me nuts.
It’s really not saggy. I know it fits the Tacoma much better
Sounds like you love it man, let me know if you're down in the Monroe/Ohio area and want to fish!
That’s where I grew up! 👍
JC Dropshot Lol no way, I work up here but I live in Oregon. We’ll have to get something together sometime!
Born and raised in Monroe
Name of manufacturer of the tent addition for the rear area?
Topper ez lift the model is the nomad
So it would fit a full size air mattress in the bed?
That would depend on your truck bed. I was able to fit a 80 inch long twin between the wheel wells when it was sat right on the truck bed.
You are still one of the only user videos I can find with the Nomad. How is it treating you after 2 and half years?
I loved it but had to get a larger vehicle for work. So I sold this setup and truck. I will be filming a new walk through video of my current setup.
Great video and setup. Thorough description
ps- You could easily get a cargo roof rack for gear and outdoor shower, etc!
I will be doing a update video of some changes I have made to the setup.
@@JCDropshot
Ever think about swapping in a 3.0L Cummins engine? Nissan teased us with that exact same engine for the Frontier. TFLnow has a video on this concept truck.
Yes I have lmao! My father in law is a heavy Diesel mechanic and we have chatted .
@@JCDropshot
If you do, post a video of it. Nissan used a ZF 8 speed transmission with the diesel engine.
How do u actually deal with the condensation
A fan and a cracked window
Believe it or not i had 3 different cap/shell on my DARK GRAY 2015 nissan frontier
The first i had (used) WHITE Snugtop construction with no glass but does have both side folding UP then i sold it cuz it was heavy and all 3 does not have glass! So i bought another used LIGHT GREY ARE just like urs but it does not have sliding it has opening on abt 4 inch on both side and the headliner was too HOT for my dogs put i had no fold down with slider! but then i sold it and bought another BLACK used LEER which it was perfect cuz everything is glass! Both side have opening window, in the back have fold down with slider and no headliners which it really COOL down for my 2 dogs! Now m thinking of selling this cap and get a nice matching color for my truck and HANDDOWN to ARE V series or outlander!!!!
Oh yea another thing no offense ur a big guy just like me 240lbs and i would get EZ topper lift to have more access!
Just have the cap paint matched
It not the color m worry abt. Lol but i can see the different between those cap since the door opener look more sturdy on ARE than those leer plus those tilt-down window look more FIRMLY than the leer i have! No offense i think Leer is a cheap made quality IMO!
Sweet setup! I hope you decide to stop the unnecessarry violence to fishes some day though.
I hope you stop your unnecessary violence on my vegetables.
@@JCDropshot Ok, I'll try to stay out of your garden next time :) Do you believe that plants are as sentient and emotional as animals?
According to a January 10 2017 article on BBC.com plants can.
According to the Disney company it’s the circle of life!
@@JCDropshot In your own words, can you explain how plants experience suffering? Where is their seat of consciousness located?
I've seen many articles on the subject and they all twist the science just to make a catchy headline. Just because they can mechanically react to stimuli does not mean they are conscious individuals capable of experiencing fear, love, and pain. Meanwhile, a fish's brain contains neurotransmitters, the same ones in our brain which make us feel good or bad. Their eyes can see, and their nervous system has a higher concentration of pain receptors than ours. So what would be so hard about just letting them be, eh?
I_Dont_Eat_My_Friends Lol leave the fella alone would ya.
Got the same truck but In black, it’s a beauty but a gas guzzler!
Any leaks in your bed my 2019 seam leak in
I sealed all of mine with a roof sealant that worked what my spray in bed liner is made from.
Looking into the Topperlift it's about $ 445. Plus $ 80 for privacy panels ? What exactly are those ?
I have no idea that wasn't an option when I bought mine
I just looked at the website looks like it's insulated panels that Velcro along the side of your cap to cover the windows.
Hey Justin, how’s that Nomad by Topperlift holding up for you after all these years? Would you still recommend it?
I went to a larger truck only had it for about a year. It seemed very durable while I had it.
Thanks Justin
Awesome man! Have you had trouble with campgrounds not allowing you to "car camp"? I have thought about fixing my old Tahoe with a camping setup in the back but wasn't sure if that was frowned upon.
Zero!!! Michigan rocks for camping so many to choice from!
That's awesome man. I have a new RT198p ordered from Ranger. I'd like to hit some new lakes and do some camping when I get it. The boat is what first brought me to your channel. I was researching them and ran across your review. I have since watched all of your videos and really enjoy the content. Keep them rolling brother!
Thanks man Glad I could help you with the boat. Where are you from?
North Alabama- near Huntsville. If you are ever in the area let me know!
Never been to that area!
I have the same truck :) do you have any problems with rain getting in with that tent set up?
One more question...how much of the tent do you need to break down when you close the tailgate and window???
So like any tent you have, be it on a truck or the ground you have to think about could water get in from here or there. I do try to use the truck to block the wind so that the rain can't find an easy way in. The only moisture I have inside is from me as I am sleeping. Once you figure out how to vent the back of the truck to reduce that which for me was leaving the top part of the window on the tent open so air can move out of the space better things are very dry at all times. Even before I figure out the venting for cold nights It really wasn't a big deal.
For breaking down the tent it's really simple. You leave the velcro part in place. You unzip the two halves, the top I roll up and use the straps to hold it up out of my field of view. The bottom part I just fold in and it helps seal up the tailgate area even better so that dust doesn't work its way in.
Thank you for your question. I think I am going to have to do a follow-up video on this and show how the setup and takedown process is for my setup it's really not to bad.
@@JCDropshot Thanks, Yes please do a video of the breakdown process :)
Diane & Toby's Adventures once the weather gets nice and put everything back together this spring I will
How does the nomad fair in the rain? I just ordered one and am wondering how well it keeps everything dry. Like does the inside of the truck bed feel damp? Thanks!
It has held up great.
Nice set up...no porta pot?
Not need all of the campgrounds I stay at have hot showers and plumbing
Deisel is expensive gas and loud, not to cold freindly either. Look into 2500 or 3500 series van, everything all in 1 package.
Have you checked out the newer ones some are very quiet now. But I have to use what I have right now. I am going to need a lot more people watching these video for me to be able to afford a new truck/van .
@@JCDropshot lol, i bet. You will get there
With people helping share my videos we will get there
@@JCDropshot Are you planning on pulling something huge or getting a big truck bed camper? I have done the math several ways and I just can't make the $$$ come out ahead with a diesel. When you add the increase in fuel cost increase in maintenance ( diesels do go forever as long as you fix them when they brake...) . A big diesel one ton does make for a nice towing experience though. What functionality are you trying to add? Also, check out dashboard-light before your next purchase.
It’s the winter side of things if I am camping I can let the truck idle for ever with Diesel
looks like roughin it to me bro...lol
It’s really not man lol
Widemouth?
How bout photo cells on the roof?
The thought has crossed my mind but they would need to go on the roof of the truck due to how I use my roof rack on the cap. Rod storage and a kayak coking soon. 😜
What about a link to the bladder that goes between the cap and truck?
I have never used it. It just blows up you fold in that back windows and close it into place the pressure between the cap and can keep it there
@@JCDropshot
"...my drunk junk drawer..". 😀😁
For your next vehicle, you should consider a Ford Transit 250 with the 3.0L diesel engine. You can buy a heater that runs on one gallon of [diesel] fuel per 8 hours and you can add more fishing supplies for your business.
Once I can find a AWD model cheap I think I may. The wife and I have been talking about doing our own Van Build based off my needs for work and to let us travel with the dogs when we want to.
@@JCDropshot
Check out the 2020 Transit models. Lots of updates on them.
Hey I use vitamin water bottles for the same reason. ;)
Wide mouth bottle :) 😀!
How about a/c during the summer.??
Haven’t figured that out for this truck just yet. I have just been using a fan and windows open.
@@JCDropshot try Artic Air.we used one in a cabin bedroom ,it did OK
I have lived for 11 years without ac. Trust me, you don’t really need it
Why not get a full size truck?
I bought this truck before I got this job. Next truck more then likely will be.
@@JCDropshot for what yer doing a truck is bad choice, u need a van.
A van can actually be made into a mini mobile home without being a sardine
Pays for itself in a week
Close to it
You got that right.....easy on the wallet.
Week of hotels would run me $500 to $700 a week campsite no more then $150
Why would anyone want a diesel?
I made the change to a diesel and I love it. Way better MPG then this truck and has the best MPG of the 1/2tons. I am saving roughly 12 to 18 cents a mile due to what the new truck gets. I drive 30,000 to 50,000 miles a year for the day job. So it adds up quick
Van would be 1 million times better in everyway.
Crossed my mind for down the road.
Umm..lol
Dude get a van lol
What is with this irritating "WHAT'S UP?"....1st thing as the video start😳...it is an irritating affectation which has me pressing the MUTE or simply skipping the video point blank.🙄
@@smandbrown I constructive criticism....😉🙃
Not phased one bit , thanks for the view and feedback
Loose a few pounds. It will be WAY more comfy. Fast Food is NOT your friend