Dubble Cab Short Bed, Bed Camping

so I have a 09 dubble cab short bed and I’m looking for a way to go camping just in the bed. I know it’s do able but not sure what to do in the rain since I’m 6’ 2” and don’t exactly fin in the bed with the gate closed. I’m not looking for a bed tent because what I want to do is have it not only for short backwoods trips and roadtrips. I do have a tonneau cover over my bed but I can’t find a good way to keep that rain out without being in the fetal position all night long. I am on some what of a shoe string budget, so if you have ideas that are on the cheaper side that would be great. But not necessarily the most important part. At the end of the day if I really like what you are sharing if I think that I can afford it even if it takes some time for get the funds I will do it.

 

Some people build a sleeping platform that will extend out and rest on the open tailgate, giving you enough room to fully extend. Then you'd just have to use a tarp over the end, or there are "tents" made to encapsulate the open tailgate and camper.

 

Thats something that I was looking into I just couldn’t find a way to do it without having the shell on my bed.

 

Oh, you're trying to sleep in your bed without a shell on?

 

Yeah I don’t have the money right now to buy one but a way to get around it that I was thinking of trying was taking PVC pipe and creating “roof” bars to support a tarp or canvas and when I need to go I could just fold them down and be on my way. I just haven’t found a good way to keep the tarp from sagging in the rain.

 

Ahhh, I gotcha now. Does your truck have a roof rack on it?

 

Pop up canopy with side walls could work...

 

No but I’m not against getting one.

 

Do you know where I can get one? I’m going to start pricing things out so if you know of one for sale that would be great.

 

I have gotten one at Big 5 before, They come in many different colors and strengths. You can find them as low as $50 sometimes. But the higher end ones tend to be built better, and sidewalls aren't usually included...

 

One guy put one of these on a makeshift rack in his bed. Kinda like a DIY RTT.

Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot, The Leader in Off-The-Ground Camping, Rainfly and Carry Bag Included, Holds 350lbs, Sets up in Seconds

https://www.amazon.com/Kamp-Rite-DTC443-Oversize-Tent-Cot/dp/B000I641UQ

 

Great thanks! I’ll have to look.

 

I had one of those at one point. A viable option for sure. I would advise the single if you do. I had the double and it was a pain in the ass to move and set up by yourself.

 

That might work but I don’t know if my bed is long enough for all of the legs to be on it.

 

Did you have it in a short bed truck? Or long bed?

 

It's not long enough. I was searching for the thread with the guy who I was referring to, but didn't see it. He had fixed bars in his bed and attached the legs to the bars.

 

I’m usually a pretty handy guy, so I think that I could make something to support the full length. I was think that I could use some ply wood in the bed that’s hinged so I could fold it out and set in on top of it and when it’s time to go I’d just fold the ply up and go.

 

I’ve been think that using a military trailer like this one (see pic) might work to accomplish the same goal but I’m not sure if my truck can pull it safely, I do have the towing pacage on my taco but I don’t now if it would be too big. This would defiantly be more expensive but also the mods I do to it would be more permanent. Has anyone done working like this before? If so I would love to see what you did.

 

I have a short bed, but I didn't use mine in the truck bed. The double was probably too wide anyhow.

 

That would be the hot set up! Should be able to tow with no problems...