How should I setup my rig for camping?

If you want to setup a base camp somewhere easy and run trails from there, a trailer is great. If you want to camp along the trail, a trailer adds a whole different level of complication. Switchbacks suck, hills can suck, and some obstacles will really suck. Personally I like to camp far away from people, which often involves going places I would definitely not take a trailer.

 

One thing for a trailer, if possible get one that has the same lug pattern as your tow vehicle, and put the same tires all around. Makes the spares compatible, and in an extreme situation, you can leave the trailer on a jack (or a big rock) and use one or both of its tires to get the tow rig moving to a place that can fix/replace multiple damaged wheels/tires.

Probably not an absolute deal-breaker (how often do you have 3-4 blown tires on the same trip?), but better to have it than not to if it's a possibility.

 

My whole life has been a long search for the best camping setup. Still searching.

I kind of like the teardrop idea but they are expensive and you are somewhat limited in where you can go and some added hassles like exploring some remote road and finding you can't turn around. I've done that with just the truck and luckily I was able to find a spot to do a 13-point or something. I would be much more limited in my ability to explore hauling a trailer or I'd have to unhook it before venturing off.

The RTT are not interesting to me at all. Heavy. Can't stand up, have to pack up to drive to a fishing hole or trail head. I know people like them, but not for me.

I recently moved from a basic backpacking type tents to a canvas tent. I love it. I can drive my unencumbered truck anywhere a Tacoma can go. I can set up camp in maybe 30 mins and that's with unpacking. The tent itself goes up in 10-15 mins or so. The stakes are the biggest hassle but once staked you can pop it up in about a minute. Drive off whenever you want. Sleep off the ground if you want with a cot. Cook inside if you need. Escape the elements. It is kind of hot mid day but very comfortable at night. Yeah, you have to find a more or less flat spot but it's never been an issue in all my years of camping.

 

I vote trailer.

I built my trailer myself back in 2010, all welded and not just bolted together.

Low profile, 24" ground clearance at the frame. 1500# fully loaded with water, fuel and gear. Easily removable/tilting awning, removable and height adjustable kayak racks. Screen room, and lots of ways to set it up.

 

Buddy of mine recently bought one of those Kodiak tents, was impressed how fast he was able to set it up…almost as quick as my old Wildernest.

Another dirt bike bud has a Jumping Jack.

https://www.jumpingjacktrailers.com/

 

I kind of still want a trailer for some trips, and I especially like the idea of keeping all my stuff packed and ready to go. Could you elaborate a bit on what the base trailer frame and box is?

 

I started this journey with a RTT and Leitner Rack (profile thumbnail) and loved it so much that I decided to get a teardrop travel trailer to stay out longer. Depending on the rack and the tent you choose, you should be able to upgrade in the future. My RTT now sits on the roof of my teardrop (where I am typing you now) and the Leitner Rack is still on the Taco and I use the gear pods every day.

If you have the skills, time, and tools (or are willing to learn and have a relative or neighbor with all of the tools) there is nothing that beats building it yourself so long as you do your homework. Time, tools and raw material cost would have crushed me - so I bought my stuff.

• To answer your question: yes, that deal is too good to be true. $800 is a scam or the goods are stolen. The Truma HOTTAP outing that sits in that black cabinet on the driver's side, rear is worth ~$450 alone.

 

True dat... I'm a bit long in the tooth for getting into sticky spots but I could see if I were a younger man I'd be more likely to go places on a dare. And yea I like to get away from people as well, and it can be done with careful planning... ( mid-week camping ).

 

It really depends on how/where you want to camp/explore.

If you prefer to set up camp in a somewhat civilized area and explore from there, a trailer makes a lot of sense. But, if you prefer to roam far off the beaten path and camp there, a RTT or sleeping platform might be more suitable.

 

The base trailer frame started as a pile of fresh new 2"x3"x 0.095" rectangular tube. The box is a mish mash of other fresh new sizes of angle, flat and tube stock.

I can't really give you a lot of the build plans to work with, as I built it in my garage straight from my head as I went along.

The axle, suspension, lights etc were all new materials as well. I chose a track width that would fall somewhere between my 97 Taco and my 97 F350. Turns out that it is dead on with my 17 Taco.

The trailer is constantly being tweaked over the years as more uses and needs for it unfold. Current plans include swapping out the short 3500lb leaf springs for the springs I pulled off my 17 Taco TRD OR. Hoping to see a bit softer ride on the trails.

 

THIS.

 

Thanks. That's probably more skill than I possess, but close to what I envision as a camping trailer.

 

I too have been refining my camp-craft for more than 50 years. Last count I have six tents and a 32-foot Southwind motorhome sitting out there in the shop. I leave all of them at home in favor of this hammock. In the morning I unhook it from the tree, gather it into a wad and drop it in the back of the truck bed under the truck cap. That way I am not tethered to having to return to a "base camp", unfettered of the thought of a turn-around point to get back to base camp. GONE. Always moving forward, never back. Untethered to yesterday's choices. I even use it in the boat so I don't have to return to shore to "camp".


NOTHING, including RRT's offer the utility and time-saving convenience of a hammock. And it is always LEVEL, and there is never a pebble under you to mock your existence during the night. And guys, invest in a REAL four-season camping hammock, not a cheap Walmart festival hammock. And definitely not an ENO hammock. Get a Dream Hammock: Dream Hammock - Home Page There is a comfort difference. I know. I've owned quite a few hammocks before I arrived at the Dream Hammock. Get a 12-footer! Save yourself some money and time. Buy once, cry once. MUCH cheaper than a RTT.

Put a bed cap on it, maybe do a rear seat delete, "compartmentize" your equipment into clear storage containers with positive-lock gasketed storage containers and call it done. When you return home you offload the containers in a few minutes and get your daily-driver back.

The camping experience is only made better by taking less equipment, and the less you must finagle with the equipment you take. Come sunset you want to be sitting by the fire drinking a ZingZang Bloody Mary, not fine-tuning your setup to get it almost level, but never really level. Camping not about the equipment. It's about making memories out there that have nothing to do with equipment.

 

Its honestly hard to go wrong with hammock camping. Unless you camp in a desert.



My buddy has the full hammock setup. He sleeps better than I do on most trips.

 

I've enjoyed going out there and doing the damn Thang then just learning what I want and need along the way. You'll inevitably change it up anyway. I'm on my second tent since getting the truck in June of 21. I'm quite content with the current tent, now thinking of a different awning, fridge slide, etc etc.

 

That Byer of Maine hammock stand in the boat comes apart and is very stowable. I take it if I am going to a park that does not allow hammocks attached to their trees.

 

This is a great thread and I love all the pics of everyone's approach / set up for camping. I grew up a hard core backpacker and so my approach has always been to park at the trailhead, put on that pack and start hiking! Talk about the need for serious planning! Backpacking makes you consider every damn thing you are putting in that pack. I always asked; do I really need that item? And what can I take that will serve more than one purpose.

 

IMO here is what I do. Keeping weight down. Able to explore no problem. What ever you decide enjoy and explore

 

You can get some ideas for DIY buildouts here on my YT channel. (shameless plug) Good luck and have fun! https://www.youtube.com/c/TravelingbyTacoma

 

I toss my stuff in the bed, and hit the road.