Soft topper or tent on a rack

I got my self a third gen TRD 5 foot bed. I am debating whether to get a soft-topper and rough it when i camp (throw a mattress pad back there and call it a day) or to actually get a bed rack and full tent set up?

Any thoughts or suggestions

 

I went with a softopper and probably saved myself 1500$ or more.

 

If you’re going to camp a lot I would get the tent. If you’re not, get the topper it could be more useful for other things.

 

Depends how much cash ya wanna drop.

 

Yeah I plan on getting out in the wilderness at least once a month.

 

And with a rtt left mounted it takes a hit on ur mpg

 

Maybe.... a cab height bed rack and a large tarp over it. Couple poles in back. Same thing as a tent basically, right?

 

If it's just you and you're 6ft and shorter, softopper ftw. Otherwise rtt

 

Softopper with a mattress pad is far from roughing it. I do that all the time. It’s honestly about as “comfortable” as an RTT. The biggest consideration is that you’d have to empty your bed to go to sleep where the rtt is self contained and easy to deploy. You pay for that convenience up front (tent + rack) and down the road with unusable cargo space and/or gas mileage as you use the truck.

 

I would argue most convenient is a ground tent.

@omarafn i used to have an RTT. They are nice, comfortable and pretty sweet. However, they can be annoying. I rarely go a day camping in the truck without moving it. Example is get to camp, sleep, off-road the next day, camp again, etc. now anytime you want to move the truck, you have to pack up camp.

I have a Coleman 4 man instant tent. It sets up and takes down faster than my RTT did and cost 80 dollars at Walmart.

That said, I do really like RTTs and think of getting another at times.

 

I don't know how comfortable you'll be in a 5ft bed, but for my long bed the softopper is perfect. Love how you can drive until it's dark and just move into the bed when you're ready, instead of having to set anything up. I just use a camp pad and a quilt and I'm as comfy as home back there. Plus plenty of room sit up and read, and easier access for a dog, and it's about perfect.

 

Softopper makes a little extension so you can put the tailgate down and sleep enclosed.

I had a 6” bed with a softopper and bed rug, absolutely loved it. You should definitely look into getting a bed rug as well, or at least an OEM rubber bed mat.


Edit: https://www.softopper.com/accessories-parts/camper-tent here... it’s pretty sweet. Definitely no need for a rack and tent. Save yourself some money AND be more practical.... can’t go wrong with a softy.

 

Has anyone found a ground tent that could be set up in the bed between the wheel wells, for some options on where to setup?

 

I use an over-sized tent cot. I just set it up on the ground next to the truck. Sets up in about 5-10 minutes. Great for me and the dog. REALLY cozy for 2 people. You will need to sleep on top of each other!

Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot, The Leader in Off-The-Ground Camping, Rainfly and Carry Bag Included, Holds 350lbs, Sets up in Seconds

https://www.amazon.com/Kamp-Rite-SS...CSRDY4ZJMAJ&psc=1&refRID=GMAJTQ4R1CSRDY4ZJMAJ

 

They make a double

 

http://www.kodiakcanvas.com/canvas-truck-tent-mid-sized/

well. Not really in between the wheel wells. But you get the idea.

I’d get a swag if I was solo camping

 

I'm too tall to sleep comfortably in my 5ft bed.. I'm 6'3" and I like to sprall out when i sleep. For me, a RTT is perfect. My son is 2 and he gets so excited when we go camping, because we get to sleep in the tent. Mileage didn't really suffer that much for me.. Mid height RCI rack which puts the top of the tent a few inches above the bed.. And I can still see out of 75% of my back window. It's convenient because I'll keep it on the truck spring-fall, and take it off in the winter when I am not going to camp realistically.. I lost maybe 1.5mpg with the rack/ tent. Since I tuned my truck with the OV Tune (before the rack/ tent, but after sliders, and full steel skids) my mpg has gone up considerably.. And I don't baby it!

 

Softopper is offering a group buy through 10/31/19 for a minimum of 10 purchasers. $45.95 off the price of a new top. That's your color choice, either 2nd or 3rd gen, short or long bed and delivered to your door with no sales tax outside of CO. Purchase normally through them, notify them you are part of the group buy. I don't have enough posts to list it in the group buy section.