Camping setup in a 5 footer

Bedrug

 

But nothing over your head?

 

I came across this guy’s setup a while back, he built a slide out enclosure that allows him to extend the 5’ bed shell out to the full length of tailgate while maintaining a weather seal. He did a series of videos on it: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiVBeMNXJl-vZsDjNMD6xRDx_CKUB0KRD

 

Here's a pic I took when testing the tent

 

How do you like that tent? I hear mixed reviews.

 

I like it for what it is, an inexpensive way to sleep off the ground. The worse part I guess is you have to empty the bed of your truck pretty much too use it.

 

Use three of these wire shelves to build an inexpensive, quick platform in the back. Then you have the full width of the bed to sleep in. Enough room for a six+foot person to sleep on the diagonal, even in a five-foot bed. (Be honest, how many people actually stretch out full length when they sleep? And if they did, couldn't someone 6'6" tall sleep on their side with legs bent in a semi-fetal position for a couple of nights? MOST people sleep in a bent-legged fetal position of some length shorter than their standing height, so don't get hung up about having ONLY a 5-foot bed!




Here is what you need to do a truckbed platform:

2 each: 24" x 36" wire shelves

1 each: 24" x 54 wire shelf

12 each: 12-inch or 18-inch posts (depending on your height preference)


The 24x36 shelves go in first, lengthwise between the wheel wells, then the 24x54 goes in across the back.


1. Adjust up or down depending on how your storage needs below the shelves changes over time.

2. MUCH less weight.

3. Makes GREAT dunnage shelving around the house/garage when not in use!

4. Stores away easily, saving space at home if you don't want to use them as shelving.

5. One day you won't have this money-hole of a truck anymore, but you will have some nice shelving for the rest of your life!


Now, I came up with this platform in a truckbed idea and executed it. Then I realized that I could do the same thing in the back seat of the truck and sleep just as good there, safer and drier too. By doing so I can have ALL of my truckbed for storage, under and on top of these three shelves, AND under the shelving in the back seat too! In case of potential trouble I can get out of both sides of my cab, but only out the back if I am in my truckbed. One day my life may depend on that critical moment of separation. Finally, I could take my shelves out and use them in camp if I found a need to do so. (Try that with a dedicated truck platform made of wood.) Use 2 each 24x54 shelves for the rear seat platform. TONS of storage under, folds and stacks while driving.


www.shelving.com

 

Roof top tent .. done no clue why anyone would want to sleep in a 5ft bed .

 

Here is one good reason: $2,500+

And another: Have to break camp every time you need to drive anywhere.

Best option, hammock, but I understand that there are places that don't have enough trees. In that case I would break down my hammock stand, put it in the back and use it. Always level, no rocks under you.

 

Did you remove the back seats for the in cab platform? Do you put something between the wires and the mattress? Seems like a mattress might get compressed between the wires depending on the type.

 

Yes, must remove the back seat. Really should put some replacement sound deadening back there if you remove your backseat. It is LOUD in there driving down the road, can hear everything going on under the truck bed. Nothing between the mattress and the wire shelving. Enough wire strands per linear foot to support the mattress like a sheet of plywood. Not that expensive. Give it a try.

 

This is a long shot as its been a long time since you posted this. I want to do this, seems like such a straightforward platform. Do you recall what posts you used for the inside? I clicked on the link, but I do not see any 12" or 18" posts. I want to set it up for the inside of the truck. When I click on the link that you posted it, I only see 9" or 14". Also, looks like once inside you are using 6 posts, the middle posts seem shorter, but I only see one pair and not two, how are you connecting those shelves together? Thanks!