New Member --> Camping --> Plug in Truck?

Hi.

I just purchased my tacoma 2005. I also just purchased a Leer shell 100XL I believe.

I'm really interested in truck camping.

I was wondering if any members could help me out with a question.

I'd like to go to electric campsites. I was wondering if there was a way to plug-in the truck (like what RV users do in terms of plugging in their RV so they can run their electrical appliances when the RV is off).

I have a 12 volt outlet on my bed, and I have a 12 volt outlet next to my steering wheel.

Can I just plug in the truck into the electricity at the campsite when the truck is off?

Or do I have to make a special modification?

Thanks,

Dan

 

It's off when the truck is off from what I understand... There is a mod somewhere - but I haven't done it - so try searching.

Welcome to TW!

 

Yeah...the outlet in the bed will only work when the truck is running. And even then - certain appliances won't work because the 'draw' is too large.

I couldn't use an electric kettle to heat water with - instead, I had to use a little mini Mr. Coffee maker to brew hot water.

I'm not familiar with hooking up with campsites....but you're probably better off looking at what type of plug or system the campsites have and finding an aftermarket gidget that you can plug into that'll convert (or whatever) to a 12V outlet. Just a wild guess....

 

I suppose that if you really wanted to - you could buy the parts that would go in an RV and somehow incorporate that into your truck... Maybe put it in the bed cubbies and the plug it in... I've seen some pretty cool ideas on here - just cannot find the links or remember who specifically did the work - but I saw one guy that built a platform in his bed, with pull out drawers. He also had a truck shell and the back wired up. I'll try to find it.

You can also get a pop-up truck shell.... and I've see bed tents, truck top tents, etc.

 

I know you have a 2nd generation tacoma, but here are a few links off the web:

http://www.bajataco.com/Camper1.html

http://www.expeditionswest.com/vehicles/ewvehicles/tacoma/index.html

http://www.worldcarfans.com/10703224693/campa-expedition-vehicle-system

 

thank you for all the replies.

I tried using the search feature on this website but I came up with nothing.

I'm looking for the electric option just so I can plug in an electric blanket on those cold nights or use it for a laptop to watch movies....sorta like a home away from home.

Any advice with the battery tender option? Would that work and not drain the battery?

 

If you are trying to run larger draw items over night you probably want to think about a second battery or doing the research on an RV system.

The Tacoma plugs aren't made to handle that much work.