Kodiak Truck Tent on a 2nd Gen. Tacoma?

Hi,


I have been searching, over the past few months, for a slide-in camper to mount on my 2010 Toyota Tacoma (4X4, Ext. Cab, 6 ft. bed). After much thought, I have decided that a truck tent is perhaps the best option for me due to the cost of a slide-in camper and lack of storage space for it. Therefore, I come to this website seeking advice from anyone who can help. I have narrowed my tent search down to either the Napier Backroadz Truck Tent or the Kodiak Canvas Truck Tent. Although, the Napier is a nice option and is specifically made to fit my into truck bed, I really much prefer the Kodiak Canvas truck tent. I will be using this tent often for cold weather hunting and really like the durability of canvas as opposed to nylon material. My problem is that the Kodiak tent is supposedly not made to fit the smaller trucks like a Toyota Tacoma. My question to you all is this: Has anyone been able to modify a Tacoma truck bed in order to accommodate one of these tents? I read in an online review of the Kodiak tent, that a guy added wood to the top rails of his Dodge Dakota in order to widen the truck bed to mount the tent. My other concern is fitting the end of the tent over the rear tail gate area. If anyone has a Kodiak Truck tent and has been able to use it on a truck similar to mine, I would greatly appreciate it if you would share with me how you did it. I just really like this tent a lot and would love to come up with a clever way to make it work if possible. Thanks in advance for any advice you can give me on trying to make this happen.


Jim

 

I wasn't familiar with the Kodiak so had to look it up. That looks like a REALLY nice tent. While they don't specifically list short bed Tacomas it sure looks like the short bed model should work without modification (5.5' to 6.8') as long as the width works. Why not measure the length and width of your bed rails and give em a call to see what they say? If you do, please post back with what you learn. I would be very interested.

 

I don't have any knowledge of their truck tents, but I lived in one of their 10x10 tents for half a summer once while I was working on the road. It is by far the best tent I have ever owned or used.

 

Are you dead set on a truck tent?

Your other options would be a roof top tent


Or buying a camper shell/canopy/cap and building a sleeping platform for it.

 

Reading more it looks like the Kodiak width is the issue. Find out what width is required then buy some aluminum angle (or get it fabricated) and bolt it to the bed rails.

 

Hi guys, thanks for your input. I did actually call the company and they told me that the length was not really the issue. It's the width that will be a problem, especially how it fits around the tail gate area. I read where a guy added wood to the top rails and then attached the mounting brackets to that which I think may work, but I'm really concerned about the rear fitting properly around the gate area. I have considered roof top tents, a camper shell, etc., and although I know they are all great options, I just prefer the bed type tents for the easy setup and take down. I was just hoping someone out there in cyberspace had tried this on a Tacoma and could shed some light on whether or not it worked for them before I buy it. I don't know, I'm starting to think the Napier tent may be a better way to go for now. I've read they are great tents also and it will no doubt fit my truck. Most of the reviews online are very positive. Anybody have opinions or experience with those tents? I'm not in a hurry, so I have time to mull it over a while. Anyway, thanks again for all of your help thus far.

 

I have a guide gear truck tent. It's similar to the Napier just not as tall and was a fraction of the price. I've paired it with the expedition truckbedz air mattress. They're great for spring and summer camping but I wouldn't recommend them for camping in anything under 40 degrees. I did one night where the low was 28 and I'll never attempt that again. The air mattress provided no insulation and the tent has poor ventilation so there was a lot of condensation dripping on me the next morning. If I had the funds I would go with a camper shell or a besttop supertop. Skip the air mattress and go with 3 or 4" memory foam mattress topper cut to the dimensions of the bed.

 

I just returned a Napier Truck Bed Tent due to fiberglass poles breaking and weak seams. The concept is very cool. Now that I have my refund, am going to go for the Kodiak midsize and make it work. I discovered what I don't like and will work with what I do like. Hope this helps someone out there.

 

That matte black taco is sexy!