What camping set up do you use

Thanks

It was made by Ruger trailers http://www.rugertrailers.com/

I was running some lights at the campground. With the inverter I can power pretty much anything depending on the draw of the item. I may use it for my fridge if I need to get some beers to the freezing level

As far as the Kayak I am in the same boat. I have some 65" Thule bars I want to mount. If I use those and move the tent over to one side I should be able to carry a kayak on its side. That is on my list of things to do.

 

Wow those are much more reasonably priced than most off road trailers. Other companies are $5,000 $6,000 or even $10,000 for a trailer. Good to know there is a better deal around.

 

So my Dad and I put this together over the weekend. It breaks up into 5 pieces for easy removal.

First the main support:


Then the platform: (also showing the drawer/table)


Complete platform, drawer system, & table top:


I'll be carpeting the panels this weekend with indoor/outdoor carpet or marine grade carpet. The drawer system is wedged between the "T" structure and wheel well, so it doesn't budge. The plywood shown on top of the drawer is used as a table top. My GF, dog and I have already used it camping in the parking lot of Snowshoe, WV waiting for the lifts to start, it worked like a charm! BTW, I have a leer shell that I normally run but removed it to make the platform install easier.

I'm not completely finished with it, so I will keep ya'll updated as I keep refining it. Thanks!

 

I know several REI employees and the policy is written specifically for customer satisfaction, not just defects. I was fully prepared to eat the cost of a new tent, but when I talked to the associate and the manager, they said no problem. They tent should have help up better was the managers words.

I don't abuse the policy like people that buy running shoes and run in them for months and then take them back for a new pair. THAT is abusing the policy. REI brand is about making the customer happy and if that means eating the cost of a few things that didn't live up to the customer's satisfaction, then so be it. They are doing a great job competing with cheaper online stores, mainly because of their policy and customer focus.

Best thing for members about that policy.... REI garage sales!!! damn those things get crazy, but I have bought several perfectly good things from that.

 

I didn't see my setup listed in the poll but here goes. 6 foot truck box Scamper pop-up. It isn't light as it runs close to 1000lbs. Ride-rite air bags were a must to make it "feel right". It plugs directly into the bed outlet so I can power it up anywhere any time the truck is running. I love having lights and power while setting up and preparing for bed in the middle of nowhere simply by idling the truck. The camper is short enough that I can close the tailgate, allowing the backup camera to be useful. I wasn't satisfied with clamp setups that reached over the side of the box down to brackets off the frame, instead I built a frame in the bed that bolted directly onto the frame (through the box) and the bottom of the camper clips to the frame. The camper needed to be raised a couple inches anyway to clear the box rails since these campers were originally built for smaller trucks. If the weather is too rough and I'm by myself there is room to sleep on the lower bunk without raising the top portion. The profile and weight only take away a few mpg on the road.

 

They are priced well for someone who does not have the skill or tools to make on of their own. I almost bought an original M416 trailer and planned to restore, but started to do the math. After trailer purchase, materials and of course time it was more reasonable to me to purchase one already made. I did search around and Ruger had the best deal. Steve from ruger was very helpful and a pleasure to work with

 

Not my style but as long as you like it, that's all that matters. Let's see some pics of the inside please

 

Haha, if I have any knock against it it's the "style", a little dated and more Winnebago-lite than 2nd gen taco. I'll have to get some pictures and add them later, it's set up pretty well inside and in very good shape but still in winter storage.

 

Hey guys so I think I am between 4 tents. There is a sale right now and I want to make the purchase before that runs out. I cannot figure out which one I want. I think I am leaning toward the hobitat since it is the cheapest one. What do you think?

Link to REI

Options are:
REI Kingdom 4 Tent - 2012
$389.00


Marmot Limestone 4P Tent
$339.00


REI Hobitat 4 Tent - 2011
$299.00


REI Base Camp 4 Tent
$369.00

 

That is awesome! I want one of these in the worst way. Where did you find this? Craigslist? 99% of truck campers are made for 8 foot beds, it's tough to find these small ones, especially in a pop up. Nice!

 

Thanks I bought it off Craigslist. It was about 2 hours from me, the seller was getting calls from out of state but I was able to get out there first. He had a first gen Tacoma he used it with and stored it inside, it was very clean with just one dent on the front where the first owner tipped it by going into the top bunk when it was on stands (not in a truck). I was very happy to pick it up for $1100. I had been considering building a little bunkhouse for the back of the truck but wouldn't have gotten too far for that amount of money. I was also lucky that I have a truck box trailer made from an S10, when I went out to buy the camper I hauled it back in the trailer. I didn't want to put it in the Tacoma until I had exact measurements and a frame to go underneath it.

 

Used my new tent twice now. First time was in the desert with 20mph winds and it held up just fine, no flapping around or anything. 2nd time in the mountains and I was plenty warm inside! If you're in the Bay Area check out Pacific Crest Canvas, (510)521-1829, Eric made this for me and I couldnt be happier.

 

That's a really great idea for the back of the truck. How is it in the wet?

 

Great truck -- I am VERY interested in the drawer system you have. Manufactured or did you build it??

Thanks in advance!!!

 

That's actually not the policy. It's "100% satisfaction guaranteed"

The policy does not mention such terms as "normal wear and tear" or "damage incurred by negligence, etc"

In fact when I return items I buy from REI I am completely honest with the reps and say, "I've had these switchback gloves for 8 seasons and they finally succumbed from the abuse and edge of my snowboard when carrying it by hand."

They accepted my return at full price and I bought a brand new pair. No problem.

It's why I only buy gear at REI.

 

LBPtaco, I love your set up!


Its not listed but heres the the set up my dad had when I was younger. Not really a camping set up, but a second home set up haha.

 

Damn! A show hauler? Very nice rig.

 

Haulmark Pro-liner, and thanks!

 

Thanks, I havent had the opportunity to test it in the rain yet, but if it keeps water out the way it keeps wind out im pretty sure it'll be fine. Its marine canvas so the material will be good and it seems to snug up to the truck pretty well.

I built it myself, didn't take a lot of pics during construction, but its 2 drawers with 2 batteries at the front of the bed. I kept the design super simple, it took me 3 days to build, I have been VERY happy with it. I still have some finishing touches to do but ill try to get some better pics once its 'complete'

Thanks!

 

Buy mine instead. Montbell jupiter dome. I'll let you have it for 500 and thats a steal, especially with two sets of poles. Things a beast and weighs less than 8 pounds AND will keep you warm and dry in ANY season. Its made for everest, havent been on anything over 10k with it but I can't say enough good things about it. Itll handle anything.