Why not a ground tent?

TacomaWorld seems very pro truck camping.
But why not just use a ground tent like everyone else does?

A small ground tent is like $50 on Amazon. Bigger ones are $150, and have mesh vent screens.
Why not do that?
Just like how everyone else in the world camps who doesn't own a Tacoma.

Everything else seems way more expensive.
-new Leer/SnugTop/ARE camper shell an be $2500
-Softopper new with accessories is like $900

so why not just drive to the camping spot, then pitch a tent on the ground for less cost?
I can see where a truck could be better in situations of rain and snow on the ground.

 

I typically 4wheel with 2 other guys, one has an RTT like me and the other has a ground tent. There have been a few occasions when we camp that the site is just jagged rocks and the ground tent guy has to sleep in his truck, while us RTT guys don't. RTTs are definitely way more expensive and heavier than a ground tent but they make up for it in comfort. Doesnt mean RTTs are always better.

 

My theory - afraid of bears

 

Like this site...it would take a thick ground pad, lots of booze, or a cot to be comfy heh

 

was wondering about this and how it is with a softopper and leaving the tailgate open; bears and mountain lions. But the biggest bear stateside is probably a black bear; I think grizzly bears are only in Alaska. And even then, supposedly they're more attracted only if you leave food out to the point where they can smell it

I slept on the ground before and it took some time to find a spot that wasn't bumpy rocks, but it was just a few smooth round rocks. Not jagged.
So although a sleeping pad underneath may have helped, I'm not sure if they help where it's more jagged.

used a military surplus cot before to sleep on while moving (cheap, $20, portable) and even with padding put on top, it started to feel small and uncomfortable pretty quick

 

I run a ground tent and as appealing as an RTT is... its just not feasible for me to drop upwards of 1k on one..YET! As an alternative for when it’s way to jagged, I rock a hammock setup if there’s trees around.

 

Oh griz are in several western states, I saw one in Yellowstone. I sleep in a ground tent but always make sure there’s a slower runner than me in the party when camping in griz country.

 

Ground tent is great when lightweight, hike in camping is necessary. The cost of a RTT arrangement is certainly no small change, either. But the comfort and convenience of an RTT for most trips is nice.

 

I camped in a ground tent for years. My RTT is a huge upgrade! The only down side is that I can't leave it up at the camp site if I want to take the truck anywhere. But it's far more sturdy, keeps me more dry in the rain, and most importantly off the ground, especially when it gets wet out.

 

what about a softopper?

 

More comfort. Easy to set up in a wide variety of conditions.




Just different tools for different goals.

 

You should be relatively well insulated from the ground via the tires, so completing the circuit for lightning would be more easily done through other paths most of the time... Except for the ladder... Damn ladder.

 

Ground tents aren't instagram cool. I did a ground tent for over 20 years, in all weather, all conditions. There's nothing wrong with it, especially if you run a cot or mattress.

Now I'm on the trailer.

I personally feel very uncomfortable about tying my vehicle to camp, like with a RTT. A), it's more specialized/less diverse. It's a pain if you want to stay more than one night. B), as I get older, if an emergency arises, I want to be able to dash to the ER/vet clinic without having to break camp or free my vehicle from all that awning overland crap.

 

A soft topper is not a tent, it’s a bed cover

 

Got caught in some pretty good wind and weather recently in mine. The wind was blowing directly toward my ladder side. We only moved because we couldn't sleep and were afraid that Lake Superior was about to get angrier than she already was. But all that said, our guy lines on our overhang never so much as moved from the ground. I've been in some pretty good weather in the ground tent, but nothing of that magnitude. I definitely felt a lot better in the RTT.

 

Back when I had my '01 at a music festival. Someone actually slept in it one night.

 

To be honest, there’s no snakes 6’ up in my RTT

 

For every person posting about their RTT on Instagram there are dozens of people just using them. Not all gear choices are made based on cool points.