Best Configuration for overlanding/expedition

Nice. This might be it.

 

here is a picture of what i mean about the reciever upright. This is with 16' lumber instead of a canoe, but you get the idea. I liked things this way because i wanted to be able to keep my tonneau cover installed so things were out of the elements in the bed, and in an emergency situation throwing a big ass tarp over the canoe (or trim boards in this picture) gave you a poor mans RTT.

 

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how about this time?

 

Perfect. TY

 

I don't think you will be able to fit two people and a lab in the back seats of a double cab anyways, with or without seats. The clearer answer here is to go with the AC, scrap the RTT plan and get yourself a camper shell with a rack. Bed + gear goes in the back and can overflow into the back seat of the AC and the kayak goes on the rack. You have hard sided shelter under the shell and if it's really bad enough that you can't sleep in it, you get in your truck and drive home. If you don't plan on hauling the kayak all the time you can put a RTT on the camper shell. Your gear will stay more secure and dry under a shell than in the bed of the truck with just a rack and RTT.

FWIW there's actually a lot of room in the AC back seat once you get your camping stuff organized and well packed. Not to mention all of the storage that you would have under your sleeping platform in the bed.

 

I think you're right. Now to find the perfect truck. I appreciate all the help!

 

10-4 good buddy. I use my truck for camping every weekend in the winter, and the bed+topper setup works just fine

 

Just to clarify,

I wasnt planning on fitting 2 people AND a lab in the back seats. I meant 2 people would be in the front, lab in the back.

 

I've done this with my access cab, except it was just me in the front seat and my dog in the back. It worked in a torrential downpour that flooded out my tent, but was uncomfortable as hell. An absolute last resort in my experience.

 

So what are you trying to say? Get the double?

 

no, just dont plan on sleeping in the front of your access cab, or double cab for that matter unless there is no other option