AZ BS Thread 4²0

Gears ordered... now to get the other parts ordered... hopefully within the next two weeks I'll have this done and will either be super stoked or wondering why I'm having RPM issues... LOL.. More to come....

 

What is everyone's thoughts on Camper Shell vs Bed rack + RTT?

I've been weighing the two a lot more now that I'm no longer needing the security of the camper shell day to day like I was. Although it is still nice.

I don't have anywhere to really store a RTT, so it'd need to be mounted on the truck full time, and given how much of my commute is highway right now, I don't really want to mount a tent to the shell, because no matter how low profile, it'll still stick up. (Plus load bars are considerably expensive). Then there's the issue of Tent + Shell.

A bed rack + RTT would likely allow me to mount the tent full time (assuming it's below the cab height) with minimal impact to drag, as well as either being a lateral weight move, or even a weight loss off the back. Selling the shell would likely offset most of the cost of getting the rack and tent as well.

Then there's keeping the shell and either making a more permanent set up in the back, and/or hammock camping, or clamshell tent camping.

Just looking for other perspectives on the subject.

 

That's a good question.

I have seen a wide variety of setups traveling with other AZTW guys. Each has their plusses and minuses.

I went with the rack and RTT because I felt like it was more organized, i.e. I wouldn't have to empty my shell to get my bed ready. Plus I'm too long for truck beds at 6'3", so the extra space of an RTT was great.

On windy nights though I really wish I was in something solid.

My mid height racks and CVT soft shells crushed my mpg. My totally stock 2021 with just a mid-height rack + tent gets worse MPG's, by 2-2.5, than my 2016 without a rack and tent, but with armor, front bumper, 10 ply's, etc. I am not looking forward to what impact my Alucab CC has on mpg's, but it is what it is.

Short answer, it's up to you and what you prefer. I know either works, just depends on who you are.

 

When I was at one of those self serve car wash places yesterday a Tundra pulled up at the vacuum station next to mine and when the guy opened the back door fast food bags and misc trash was just falling out. He and his wife completely filled up the trash can with stuff from inside the truck.

Some people just don't care

 

So I was looking at a Freespirit Adventure series tent which, while a soft shell, folds up a bit flatter than normal. It should put the tent even with or maybe even below the cab on the rack I was looking at (KB Voodoo Max Rack is a leading contender).

My big thing is that once the (theoretical) tent is on, it's on. I don't really have anywhere Id be able take it off and store it currently and don't wanna be fighting to do that all the time, anyways.

Looking at the weights, though, it should be lighter than the shell is currently (est ~200+lbs shell, ~180ish for tent+rack) which would remove the need of messing with rear suspension.

I was thinking Id just try making a more dedicated set up for camping in the shell, and try to dust proof things to see how they go before I move to sell if I decide to. My biggest issue has been dust getting in through the tailgate which would make leaving bedding in there a PITA over multi-day trips off-roading.

 

All valid points for sure.

 

Having camped with all of these varieties(as well as 4 different FWC campers on 2 different trucks) I probably have some good input for you. Ive done softtopper+sleep in the bed, fiberglass shell+sleep in the bed, crossbars and cab height RTT and now GFC which is similar in height/noise/mpg issues to running an RTT on top of a shell. If I were single, I would go straight back to a fiberglass shell with carpeted headliner+Bedrug, have a small sleeping platform on one side and either empty or a slideout kitchen setup on the other side. All modular and easy to remove/install for when you want to use the truck as a truck. IMHO its the best looking setup for a truck and its also the most stealth. Since I now have myself+girl+dog, we need more space to sleep so we've gone above the cargo area which is now the dog/kitchen/storage area. Honestly the fuel mileage difference between all of these setups has been negligible. Maybe thats because Im on 35s and drive fast no matter what. Since you have a 2.7 your experience may vary.

As for dust, nothing is perfect unless you get a fully enclosed camper like an alucab canopy camper for an FWC. The best way I was able to keep dust out was to get a Bedrug and then use a variety of seals around the tailgate/rear window. I'd wager running a fiberglass topper+Bedrug+custom seals around the tailgate you could essentially be dust free and that would be the quickest/most minimal setup possible which is always my number one goal.

Last note, if you havent checked out a Bedrug before, they are AMAZING. I love mine so much. You could be very comfortable sleeping in a bag on top of just a bedrug with no other cushion. Its comfy on your knees when moving around, its anti-bacterial/anti-microbial/washable etc. I didnt stick mine down with 3M tape like they recommend because I wanted to be able to remove it for cleaning or whatever. It stays put just fine on its own and I can take it in/out with relative ease.

 

I have been considering a bed rug but I slide a large heavy 52 inch duffel and other heavy items a few times a week. Was sure even with the tape if it would stay in place. Do you think it would under that load?

 

I'll put my 2 cents in since we're going through the whole change as we speak. We ran a low bed rack + RTT for a couple years.. then changed to a mid height bedrack + RTT for another ~4 years. The rack was much better at the taller height. more room for gear and accessibility. TBH.. I really liked our setup for its simplicity. BUT.. as time went on.. we knew what we wanted in a setup. Ultimately.. wedge camper was our choice. I went back and forth on a bedrug vs bedmat for our camper. I ended up going with the bedmat for a few reasons.. and am currently in the process of sealing all the main/large dust intrusion areas. I'm not trying to completely seal the thing.. because that's impossible.. and dumb. I'm just sealing the front and rear corners of the bed, and around the cubbies.. the rest will be fine and a huge improvement regardless over our years of running a Bedrack and RTT. AND.. knowing that it will get dust and water in it (whether it be from the elements or us dragging in mud, snow, etc).. is one of the reasons I went with a bedmat. I wanted to be able to spray out the bed/camper if needed.

Just really take your time and think about what you want, the scenarios you're going to use it in, and what really matters/what you really need vs want. I have spent so much time making lists, sketches, and plans for what I wanted, then changed it when I realized a potential issue or thing I wouldnt like... then back to make changes to said lists and sketches and removing things that may not work or cause headaches. I've tried to keep it as simple and modular as possible so that's its easy to work on and troubleshoot issues, and simple and unobtrusive if we need to change up the setup to our needs.

 

if i were to get another RTT, it would still be the maggiolina i had nearly 30 yrs ago.

 

Depends on how you install it. In the rear of the bed you can actually remove the cubby on the left and outlet thingy(if you have it) on the right and bolt through the bedrug if you want to. This holds it in place really well but it does make removal/installation take a little longer. I dont remove it that often so I dont care. You dont have to do this though, you cut the holes yourself during the first installation so you can custom fit it to your liking. I think you would be fine but you should find one to check out first if you can.

edit: Id offer mine ip to try your gear but I have my fridge slide and water tank slide mounted so it wouldnt really help.

 

My end goal is a camper shell + decked system. It will have a lot of utility and multiple different uses.

A friend of mine has a roof top tent. It was a pain to put on and the one night he used it, it acted as a sail in the rain.
Now it is on the side of his house.

RTT are really cool. But I would have to be camping a heck of a lot more to justify it.

 

If you get a cab height shell just remember that when you have a decked system there is NO room to sit up underneath when you’re in there to sleep. Theres barely room to lay on your side let alone sit up hahaha. Ask me how I know…

 

So I would strongly suggest going with a raised roof shell (assuming you haven't decided already, apologies) if you're going to sleep on the Decked system. I was using some basic 2x4's with overkill plywood (I think it's 18 ply cabinet grade) and using a normal roof height shell. It got tiring fast and is part of the reason I was considering moving away from the shell to avoid further "coffin camping". The very first night I slept back there I awoke with the whiskey-fueled concern of "how the hell would I get out of this if I had to get out fast?"


Seeing a set up like this is probably what I'll try to recreate. I like that he's got essentially three different sleeping options (raised, valley, and double). It'd probably be a bit tighter in the Tacoma but that'll be fine by me. But I do realize I have the Long Bed, so sleeping straight is much easier than in the DCSB.

@mandog has a DCSB though, with a raised shell and I'm sure he can vouch that the raised roof is a big difference.

EDIT: @Atl-atl beat me to it.

 

Haha yeah that is a good point.

 

Good thinking.

I like that setup. Too bad I have poor carpentry skills

 

I’m shopping RTT’s right now to go on top of our RSI topper. I want to get off the ground since it’s a mess every time we pack up our tent. The tent setup alone is like 20 minutes because we roll with a big ass 8 person Big Agnes I got for a smokin’ deal and a queen size blow up mattress. It’s pretty glampy but we sleep good. I’m hoping to get our full camp setup and break down to around 20 minutes or less versus the 45-60 minutes it takes us now.

The 23zero Walkabout 62 is what I have my eye on right now. I like the wedge hard shell designs too but I’ve heard you can’t really keep your bedding and pillows in there when trying to close them up. I’ve watched all the why not to buy a RTT videos and such but I think I can live with the cons. We drive all day on our trips and just want to be able to stop, cook, eat and go to bed. My biggest issue will be getting my heavy ass dog up there. I’ve seen those dog run things for the ladder but it’s seems like a gimmick.

Any one have any RTT + big dog advice?

 

@Twitch57 Hard shell RTT are so much better than soft shells with rain and wind. Just put the front of the wedge into the wind. Problem solved.
@Maxx I have the CVT Mt Hood double channel. I leave everything but my pillow up top and can close it. Even the ladder. (2 military sleeping bags(green & black), wool blanket, stuff sacks and a extra poof military jacket liner. Oh and the two shoe bags too.

 

My what a bleak fucking morning it is.

I'd like to welcome everyone to the surface of... I don't know, bay area Seattle?

 

Were getting the first dusting of snow up here. Plus its blowing off the mountain right onto my house to add.