Best Camping setup? Pack Rack vs Camper shell?

This is the DAC Camper Top Tent. The mid-size model fits Tacomas well. It's a great solution if a cab height canopy works for you. Literally sets up in 5 minutes adding length and ventilation making it feel much more roomy.

My only complaint is that the zippers are not the best quality.

Here's mine, somewhere in the Chequamegon NF.

 

This thread got revived in a timely way, as I am considering some changes to my setup. I have DCSB with a cab-height shell, with an RTT (Tepui Kukenam, great tent) mounted on top. By the way, if your shell/topper/canopy has factory installed tracks I'd say it can easily support the weight of a tent. They're not that heavy compared to the lumber, Sheetrock etc that people will carry on their racks, and the dynamic/static load ratio easily covers the weight of the occupants as long as people aren't up there when you're driving Anyway, after about 15K miles with this setup and 20+ nights in the tent, it has many advantages but some drawbacks. Taken by itself, the RTT is great for sleeping (roomy, very comfortable, weathertight) but it's just enough of a hassle to set up and take down that its not ideal for base camp + day trip outings. If you are moving on from camp every morning, especially if there's a second person to help, it's fine. Mounted up high, almost every step of the setup/takedown procedure requires climbing up and/or a tall person. Also, the wind resistance (highway power and mpg) and higher CG (both for cornering and low speed trail situations, not to mention overhead clearance) are noticeable. With a 5' bed, it's OK for solo sleeping to be in the shell but depending on the gear you're hauling, bear proofing requirements etc there's not much room inside for anything else. And even the truck tents have the setup and/or bed space issues to a certain extent. So I'm considering removing my shell, mounting the RTT lower on be height crossbars, to aid access and lower the center of gravity and get it out of the airstream, and also enable easy removal to convert it to a real pickup. With the tent mounted low, I can just back into my garage and hoist it up to the rafters by myself. Then, depending on the type of trip, weather etc, I can either mount it up or just bring a ground tent.

 

The kamp-rite tent cots are pretty nice...

 

I've think decided on an A.R.E MX top with sliding screened Windows. I want to kit that out with a raised platform shelving unit and topper camp tent. Minimal investment to start and easily something to expand on later. Spending in stages makes it easier for my wife to stay with me. Now I just need one of you guys to get tired of your topper AND be willing to ship to Hawaii.

 

How about a softtopper? Easier shipping, less weight, etc.

 

Yeah, you're right but I know that would just be an interim thing. I want the hardtop in the long run and I don't want to waste the money. Realistically I'm going to wait until I find one out here or wait a year until the military moves me somewhere else. Most likely the ladder.

 

I want the truck tent too and having this same issue... go with a camper or mount on a rack.... anyone use or know about the smittybuilt tent? they have a very large tent for us over 6'ft guys.

 

Avitaco, I ended up going with the DAC truck tent. It works really well. I also ended up finding a used safari tent on Maui so the shipping on a barge was only $80. It also came with sliding windows which is crucial for truck camping!

 

I had a bed truck tent but I hate having to move all my gear.. the rtt allows me to keep all that jazz up top and free up room.