Camper

Driving from CT to Tahoe tomorrow!
Pretty simple truck bed camper. I can move the sleep platform to be in the ground or raised. Just need to install LEDs in the bed and am good to go.

 

looks good. have fun

 

That'll save you a couple hotel bills at least!
By the way, if you can do it, AVOID going thru Chicago; it's a BITCH no matter when you drive through there!
Take the lower route that Google maps shows, going thru Columbus, OH & Indianapolis, IN; a LOT less headaches.

 

Give us Progress-Reports along your journey so we can see how you do!

 

Nice! I drove from CT to Tahoe in 2007. I started in NH, went back down to CT then to FL then NC then CO, UT, AZ wandered around Southern Utah/ Northern AZ for a bit. I ended up taking 2 months and covered 10,000 miles.

 

Thanks for the tip! I was debating going through Chicago and making my way to Badlands National Park then cruising down Wyoming to Denver, but I think straight shot to Denver and branching out from there makes more sense

 

Nice and simple.
Enjoy your trip.

 

I changed my mind; you are bringing back fond memories of my 10,000 mile road trip that I took many, MANY years ago in my Chevy Van.
Take the northern route thru Chicago to see the Badlands, then only 75 miles down the road is Mt. Rushmore! Then, in about 8 more hours of driving, you can be in Yellowstone. After Yellowstone, you are only 30 miles north of Grand Teton National Park which is just awesome. And be sure to make it to Cody, WY to the Winchester Museum. Even if you're not into guns, it is just unbelievable history of the wild west! After that, you have about 800-900 miles to Tahoe. Go thru Idaho instead of Salt Lake City; I'm not really fond of SLC...

 

Nice, I was in Denver July of last year, it’s amazing! This is my set up but I’m going to do a set up more like yours but with drawers.

 

Did this once. Go to The Badlands. I found some great mild 4x4 roads that let me camp above some very Cormac McCarthy esq landscapes.

Also sweet setup. I find a 3in foam mattress topper in my truck is more comfortable than my real bed.

 

Nice! I thought about adding drawers but decided to save on weight and time and just using plastic bins. Serves the same purpose and I’m trying to keep it as light as possible. I also used the clamps from the topper so nothing is actually fastened to the truck. I can take it all out and reinstall it in about 10 min.

 

That’s exactly what I’m looking to do! One of the only national parks I haven’t seen yet.

Foam top with some hard wood under is the best setup IMO. I prefer it to a regular mattress. Only down side is the foam gets hard in cold temps.

 

Sounds like an awesome trip! I don’t start my job in Tahoe until November 1 so I have some time to see the country. So my plan is to deal with Chicago traffic, hit Badlands, drive down to Denver to see some buddies for a fly fishing trip then drive back up to Cody. I gotta see the Winchester Museum. Thanks for mentioning it. Sounds super cool. Hit Yellowstone then Tetons before driving to Tahoe...

 

If you're looking for places to camp along the way, I've found the iOverlander app to be pretty handy. Good for finding showers too. Have a great trip!

 

Gotta get you a warm dog! You will be the only one in Tahoe without one. I lived there for three years in Truckee, very badass place. Not sure if you mountain bike but say hey to the Downieville downhill for me... If you don't go check out Downieville in the spring anyways.

 

I haven’t seen Yellowstone or Badlands so those are for sure on my to do this trip. I’ve been to Zion and Bryce both of which are amazing to say the least. I’d love to go back another time. Don’t want to jinx myself but I am running with an old truck and don’t want to beat her up too hard. Luckily I just redid suspension front and back with the OME setup, replaced all my belts, replaced the starter and fixed visible odds and ends so I think she’s going to do great!
As for the travel companion I really wish I had one. There is a 10 day waiting period in CT which is too long but I am hoping I can pick something up on the way. In the meantime I have my trustee Yogi Berra bat and a kukri blade.

 

I’m looking for a one ! Probably find a rescue once I’m settled in Tahoe. Need a buddy who can keep up in the snow as I skin a lot but It’s awesome how dog friendly Tahoe is. I lived there for a few years myself before relocating for work but I’m glad to be going back. Downieville is super rad!

 

thanks for the tip! I downloaded Roadtrippers but haven’t had a chance to explore its features yet. Il give iOverlander a try.

 

Awesome! Wish we had bumped into each other out there. I skinned with my dog a lot and she would sometimes run over the heels of my skis going down. You may know this already but gotta be careful doing that. A lot of dogs cut their tendons following their skiers. I don't think they can conceptualize the fact that your skis are under snow they can't see (or the fact that they are sharp)

 

Thanks! Look forward to uploading some pics. Once i get to Nevada i will be all set.