AT Habitat, Atlas, & Summit Pictures, ideas, aaand BS

jlow95 - I've had a Habitat on my Tacoma for about a 1.5 years in a number of conditions, but not snow.

1- No room when folded, but we just use a double bag and roll it up and leave it in the truck bed - takes about 30 seconds. I might be possible to leave the sheets up there, if you figure out some way to strap it down - likely not worth it. Pillows have to come down.

2- I think it would be difficult to get all the snow off, but I've not camped in snow with the Habitat. You could likely displace most of the snow from the inside, the height of the Habitat would make more difficult to clear everything off before folding. Hopefully some other owners have experience and can chime in. Given that the Habitat is just a tent, it will be cold - any plans on heating it?

3- Habitat is very strong, no swaying or teetering when we are in it - me, GF, and dog.

Given your needs, I'm not sure the Habitat is the best choice. Have you considered the AT Summit, Vagabond, or GoFast? Or even just get a camper shell - FWC for example - and keep it light.

 

I can only really help with your first question. There is next to no space when you fold it closed. You could probably leave a fitted sheet on the mattress but that's about it. It folds tight. Also, if you don't have the full platform that makes the second sleeping area, anything on the bed that wasn't attached would just slide off the bed and into the truck bed when you are closing the Habitat.

I've accidentally left the panel included with the habitat on the shelf over the cab and it was EXTREMELY tight to get the latch shut. And that's only like 3/4 or 1 inch.

 

I'm going to second the AT Summit. Sounds like it would better fit the bill for that type of traveling.

 

Not worried about the cold that much. I have a -40 bag and a large down blanket. Hasn't been an issue in the past for sleeping.

I've been looking at the wedge tops a fair amount as well. Hoping to make an upgrade to something that I can stand up inside which those cover, however the Habitat or a flippac would be nice for the extra room and ability to use the bed of the truck while my actual bed is available. Because of the cold I'm planning to build a small countertop in the truck bed (similar to the Goose Gear build) and cook inside.

The choice between a Habitat and a wedge top is purely comfort and space unless y'all have some other suggestions/pointers/remarks.
EDIT: The AT Summit has an optional thermal liner for the cold!

Thanks everyone for the quick replies by the way!

I guess a small follow-up question would be if the wedge tops allow you to keep your bedding "made" minus the actual bed being deconstructed?
EDIT: AT Summit does allow you to leave bedding inside.

 

My other concern with the Summit was that it's priced the same as the Habitat. Why not choose the roomier option?

 

We camp the same way, pretty much moving camp every day.

The wind will move the truck a little with habitat acting as a sail, if it gets too windy you always have the option of keeping habitat closed and sleeping in bed of truck.

The trucks rear leaf springs will cause it to teeter a little with the weight on the fold out... but honestly its not worth worrying about imo. I move alot when I sleep and it has never bothered me. If it does you can always sleep with your heads towards the front of truck and that will negate most of the movement.

With the cold temps, imo you will be fine packing the habitat away with a little snow / wetness still on the habitat as long as you don't plan on parking with it closed while wet for more than a couple days, just open it up and dry it out when you first get a chance.

Pillows and blanket definitely a no go.. We carry a tote with 2 full size pillows, a double sleeping bag, and a memory foam mattress topper.


Lasty Imo I think your making the right choice as far as model, I couldnt trade the space in the habitat for one of the wedge style campers.

 

I do think the Summit has its place. and the price is probably due to things like the window/skylight, and the different style bed platform and longer overhang over cab.

But if @excorcist says the snow issue doesn't exist... GO HABITAT! The interior space is awesome.

 

If the one consideration was capability in snowy situations, than definitely a hard top wedge camper would win... but taking everything into consideration Habitat FTW

 

Snow falls occasionally, but for the most part it should be dry. Bishop, CA is likely the snowiest place I'd be in the winter; someone already posted a picture of their Habitat rig there on here too.

 

@excorcist , Do you by chance have any pictures with your awning open? i just scanned through like 12 pages and thought it might be easier to just ask

 

Just looked through my phone, don't have any from ground level but here are a couple from my drone

 

Was hoping for from ground level, but no big deal. Thanks for looking. Isn't it funny how you can go back through pics and be like... how did I not take a picture of that? I really need to get better about taking pics.

 

Check My build. I went HD Dakars with an extra leaf, may end up getting a custom deaver pack long term.

 

I can open the tailgate with the hatch closed or vice versa. No worries.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XFM6LZ3/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I ordered this but in black. Replace it once a year. Piece of cake. This was more flexible for opening that the supplied bulb seal.

 

I too have experienced this. Lol.

 

Oops, forgot to reply, my bad. I have the 6 ft bed, I don't think I could ever sacrifice it for cab space. I figure I got a truck to move stuff, not people.

 

Sooo.... I got word today about a tentative install date of 2 Nov!!

 

Thanks man. I will check it out for sure.

 

Was like that for a while. Then I had a couple kids.

 

Hey... that's a Friday... that mean you will be out camping with it that night, too?