Solutions for sleeping in a 5ft short-bed!

Going on a week long trip through Utah/Colorado any more insight into this setup, I've really been debating it.

 

In my opinion.. If you don't have a RTT or don't want to use a regular tent then I'd go with the DAC tent like I did. Set up is really easy, just find some good spots for 4 to 5 bungee cords to hook onto. Biggest complaint would be that it doesn't hold out water that well, meaning that condensation can accumulate pretty fast if you aren't careful or ready for it.. Then again I've only ever noticed this in heavy rain or when I camp on the beach. I believe I have a solution for next time, which is adding a bungee over and around everything to create a tighter seal. Material is really nice tho and if I had to buy it again I would.. I get people asking me about it all the time when I camp lol

I believe that their are two sizes, and I'm pretty sure I have the mid-size, but I'll have to check later to confirm, but having the full size might be nice b/c you would have more to work with probably (also depending on how your shell's window door opens may play a role in what size you need)
Full Size

$220 DAC Full - Size Truck Tent for Tailgate

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007WT1GY...t=&hvlocphy=1014420&hvtargid=pla-449723662756

Mid Size

$210 DAC Mid - Size Truck Tent by Dac Inc.-Vehicle Tents

https://www.amazon.com/Mid-Size-SUV..._rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=QDDNKFSRBS8JVE4WZYSD

If you have any specific questions lmk, hopefully this helped

 

Thank you, I'll probably will buy extra bungee to keep out particles considering how dusty Utah is. Some times I wonder if I made a mistake getting the 5ft bed. >.>

 

Yeah =/ I agree about the 5ft bed situation, it isn't always the most ideal, but 95% of the time it is a non issue.

 

This reminds me of Julian from the Trailer Park Boys!

 

This is hilarious...

 

Sub'd and bumping old thread for more ideas.

 

For solo trips I am considering making myself a seat-delete set up. Basically a platform that spans area left when you remove the passenger seat in a double-cab. If you are shorter than 6 feet, there is enough room to fully stretch out. I few guys I know use this format. I’ve never tried it myself. I’ve been tenting in the summer, or when travelling with others, and sleeping diagonal under my canopy at other times.

 

I have a long bed but my friend has this in her short bed soft taco. She is about 5’6”.

 

Here is the set up I made today. I used pvc to make a frame that can be wraped with a tarp. The pvc frame is connected to the bed with carabiners at the bed hooks and the top connection is made with carabiners and paracord connected to the moveable bed cleats. The frame lifts up and down to allow you to enter the bed.

On the inside the tarp is connected to the topper at the gas strut hinges with wire ties wrapped around the tarp eyelets. Then I have a couple magnets closing the tarp gap near the rear side of the bed. I then tuck the hanging end of the tarp under the 3 legs of the frame. Should stay a little warmer and protect me from wind and light rain. Its nice being able to stretch out.

 

Nice set up


I've been considering buying one of these Nomad Tents - https://topperezlift.com/index.php/product/the-nomad-camper-package/

Not Mine=
ie:

 

Don’t know if this was posted already. Brian & his dog have been living in the back of a 2nd gen Tacoma with a 5’ bed for about 5 years.

Here is his set up. I find his lifestyle choice fascinating and I’ve been following him for a while now.

https://youtu.be/AQ69KN1h_qA

 

Long bed here but Truck Tent is pretty handy!

 

Heres a random cheap idea If bugs aren't an issue the just pop this up and back under it. If they are an issue do some fabricating and add some mesh walls to it. Also I have a short bed. I'm right at 6ft. I have a camper shell and I just lay angled and sleep in mine just fine.

 

Did you end up getting one of these?

 

Ended up getting the tent I linked below and picking it up on the weekend. Still considering the nomad tent tho, but I got the REI one instead so my dog has room too
https://www.rei.com/product/187881/rightline-gear-suv-tent

 

How are you liking it?

 

Haven't had a chance to take it out and set it up yet, will do this hopefully this weekend or next. Figured if I any problems with it I have a whole year to return it back to REI.

 

I now have the need to fit two people in the bed, so sleeping diagonally isn't going to work anymore. Anyone got any experience with the tailgate tent below? Thinking about buying one and constructing some sort of sleeping platform extension.

https://topperezlift.com/index.php/product/the-nomad-camper-package/