Best Camping setup? Pack Rack vs Camper shell?

Hey everyone, I'm in the market for some sort of camping setup, because I love the idea of being off the ground when I'm camping. I'm sort of debating between going all out with getting a pack rack and throwing a 1k CVT tent on it, or just getting a camper shell off craigslist and sleeping in there. I have a shortbed, so I'd have to do something like this http://www.tentsontrucks.com/midsize.html because a 5 ft bed is too short for me to fit. What are some of the pros and cons of each option?

 

Its best to have a covered bed and a roof top tent.

 

RTT = more like a boss but there is some setup involved
Topper = cheap but have to move your shit out to sleep

 

This or one of the clamshell types if you want a really quick setup.

If you sleep out of your car a lot the ultimate in my opinion is a camper like the a FlipPack or pop-up like 4Wheel Campers.

 

I have done a few options and there are pros and cons to them all. It will all depend on what type of camping you do. I gave up on trying to sleep in the back of the truck unless I was by myself and it was a short term thing. The bed is just too short and setup and takedown of a tent like you have linked always seemed like a pain. Like Mademan says, the covered bed with the roof top tent is great.

Option 1: Shell/Softopper with a Roof Top Tent

If you are going to be traveling through urban areas or in inclement weather this option is great. You have secure safe storage for gear as well as a good place to sleep. The downfall is that you have weight up high on the truck. You will feel it up there on trails that aren't flat and going around tight curves on the highway. It isn't unbearable but something you need to be aware of.



Option 2: Bed Rack with a Roof Top Tent

Obviously you loose the security this route and the amount of storage space you actually have. Unless you can afford a Truckvault type drawer system you will end up using a variety of water proof duffle bags and totes to keep your gear dry, most of which are not very secure to theft. That being said if you are going to be with your vehicle most of the time and be in remote places, this option allows for a less top heavy vehicle with better off road capabilities.

 

With a shortbed I would go for the CVT setup personally. You could do the tent setup with the tailgate down but im not a fan of it myself.

If you had a longbed it would be different. I have the longbed and just use the canopy myself. For a single person I can easily fit gear in the back and have room for myself to sleep. I use the totes you buy at Wal-Mart or where ever. Can fit 3 on one side of the back and have room for me.

 

I use a shell with the midsize truck tent, works well for me, you can sleep two in it, but solo works well!







I am very happy with my setup, but it really all depends on what you want to do!

 

Mind if I ask what shell that is? I have the Snugtop XV, not sure if it is strong enough to hold a RTT

 

Mine is the XV as well. I bought it used so I don't have manufacturers specs. It has the thicker honeycomb roof and I used the rooftop tent on it all spring and summer with no problems.

 

Long bed with camper shell FTW!

 

Thank you very much, mine has the thicker roof, but no racks on it yet, could not seem to get a straight answer from the dealer or Snugtop as to whether or not it could hold a RTT, nice to know it can! Thanks again!

 

I love my setup and it was reasonable to say the least. It held up very well this past April up in Big Sur when a storm came in that dropped a lot of rain and it remained high and dry! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do mine!

 

I would go this route before a shell. Leaves you more options to carry tall equipment or a dirtbike. Of course you have to be able to unload the back of your truck to setup camp just like with a shell.

 

I slept in my shell, but you have to unload everything. If my wife wasn't with me I just throw my bedroll on the ground.

 

I went with the shell and a sleeping platform. I can keep pretty much everything under the platform using under bed storage containers and boxes or in the back seat. The stuff I put on top of the platform are usually duffell bags for cloths which I put in the front seat for sleeping and stuff like the grill and lantern which will be out side as soon as I set up and stay out until I'm done.

 

You are very welcome, I look forward to seeing pics and hearing about it!

 

I just finished my set up. You can see more pictures here. http://manearthmachine.com/2016/08/31/my-tacoma-camping-rig/

 

What product is this?! I want it!

 

What brand is your top? That's the exact top I'm looking for.

 

If I'm not mistaken, the blue camper shell is an ARE MX - with optional vented windoors.