Short bed camping.

Hello! I'm a new member here, but have been lurking for about a week.

I a wildlife biologist and just got my Tacoma back in February. I have wanted to get a truck for a long time so I can haul gear and actually get off road (previous vehicle was an 01 Civic).

Anyway, I recently learned about people getting toppers and building sleeping platforms in their bed and I would love to do this as it would suit my needs very well.

Since I have a short bed, I was thinking of installing clips on the rear of a topper to hold some tubing that would hold basically a canvas extender with a tent flap at the end to use with the tailgate down, also using tubing to hold up the extender furthest from the topper that could attach at the base to the tailgate. To weather proof it, I was thinking of maybe having a zipper attached around the topper that the extender could also attach to (not sure what to do along the outer edge of the bed and along the edges of the tailgate).

I was wondering if anyone had any experience with something similar to this that may be able to give me tips or alternative ideas.

Thank you.

tl;dr: Any ideas on how to make a sleeping platform in a short bed?

 

I made platform using 1x3" steel rectangular tubing bought on Internet. Fits nice in slots built into truck bed. Then screwed 3/4" plywood on that. Glued outdoor carpet on it. Minimal loss of height. Here is picture before topper went on. I am 5'11" and can sleep diagonally.

 

I am impressed that you fit. Im 6'2" and had a long bed and still hated sleeping in it.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/got-pics-of-truck-bed-tents.50334/

 

Forever alone

haha

 

I would prefer the topper set up over a bed tent because I want the room to store gear and equipment and don't really want to waste time taking down and setting up the tent each day. I typically spend about half the year out in the field and can go a month working 7 days a week, 10-14 hours a day at times.

Sleeping diagonally would be fine for myself, but I would also like to use this set up when the wife and I go on roadtrips/camping (which is why I want to try to figure out a way to extend the topper for sleeping).

Would there be any issues with drilling holes in the back edge of the topper for clips to hold the tubing?

 

Check out Doording's build , he has a flip out bed platform extension

 

Will do, thank you!

 

I'd look into a freestanding Hilleberg tent if you are going to be spending that much time in it.
But this is just me. I had a RTT and have slept in toppers.
If you plan on buying a topper anyways, then mod away, but I'd save myself the cash and get an unreal top tier tent instead.

 

$210 DAC Mid - Size Truck Tent by Dac Inc.-Vehicle Tents

http://www.amazon.com/DAC-Mid-Size-Truck-Tent/dp/B00BYA10F4

 

Sleep diagonal when solo:

 

Thanks! I'll look into the truck tent that Dansm linked. That's basically what I was thinking but doesn't require any drilling into the topper itself.

Although, I have decided I like the look and versatility of the soft toppers with bed rack around them. Now just to figure out exactly which route I want to take.

 

I was going to suggest a RoofTop Tent. They generally set-up easier than your typical tent, they almost open up like a book (from what I've seen). I got the long bed for the purpose of camping in the bed (I also only have an access cab).

EDIT:
http://www.basspro.com/Napier-Backroadz-Series-SUV-Tent/product/12121105455514/

This option may be more than what you're willing to work with, since you don't want to set up a tent. But maybe worth looking into. Could then sleep with tailgate down and have a ton of space to work in.

 

Check out expeditionportal.com. Lots of options there.