Solutions for sleeping in a 5ft short-bed!

I have the DAC tent that I got with my softopper and I've used that and an air mattress a few times last summer and if it was just me I think it would be great. However adding a wife and two dogs makes it cramped. It's definitely a neat setup but it just doesn't work for us. Keeping my eyes open for a used GFC or a vagabond. All this bs because the trailer manufacturer that we bought from cheaped out on crucial components and wouldn't stand behind their product.

 

I have one, and use a megamat duo mattress. Now the wife has us shopping for a travel trailer. Still going to keep this setup for solo trips.

 

Which trailer did you buy?

 

Any major gripes? Had it out in any inclement weather?

 

Just cool temps, maybe some condensation. The tent Velcros to the ceiling, pretty simple design, not super rugged

 

I do a lot of work on call which basically means show up and sleep in your vehicle. This is my most hated thing about these trucks. I’ve been trading trucks with my dads 2013 F150. I can comfortably put down some comforters and fill stretch lay down and sleep. My dogs also love it..that’s literally the only upside to that truck. I don’t like to drive it. And it has dumb ass problems like shifting into first on the highway at 60+. I’m happy with a pad laying diagonal in my bed now.

 

From a company called Outbound.

 

Been going back and fourth on what DIY project I want to try for this summer, just recently bought a softopper and looking to fit the wife and I comfortably.

Has anyone seen this guys video or made anything similar? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifJVqGrfo_8

Thinking about buying a cheap-o tent on Amazon/walmart/craigslist and doing something similar.

I like the little extensions in this thread with the tarp and waterproof canvas but looking for something with a zipper if possible to make it easy getting in and out.

 

Man I don't even drink but that was a great response.

 

I got the DAC tent that Softopper offers as an option and I wish the softopper was a few inches taller for more headroom. It's not terrible and if it was just us two it would probably be ok but with our two dogs it's just a tad too cramped.

 

What bike rack is that? I like my hitch mount Thule but it's a PITA when camping. Have to take it off to really get into the bed.

 

@2020Tacolorado just not the biggest fan of the way the DAC tent looks but thinking if I can't make something that works, thats the best route to go. Big fan of the Nomad camper in that picture above but cant justify $450 bucks for it and unsure if it would work properly with a softopper

 

Same. It’s def not the nicest looking but I will say it held up well in some heavy duty rain and wind.

 

I think I need a hard shell to really be comfortable sleeping in the bed. That extra few inches makes a lot of difference.

 

I camp in windy areas too, and it's really nice not to have the flapping of fabric all night long. Plus, the sound insulation if you have a carpeted shell helps with noise and condensation.

 

Might be overboard for a softtopper but I built a slide out extension like the one on Youtube mentioned earlier in this thread. Maybe you could use a similar frame with PVC pipe and canvas?









More build pics: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/shortbed-slide-out-camper-build-ski-lodge.719129/

 

Mind sharing the measurements of that mattress?

 

8 inch memory foam to get to the height of wheel well. I then added a 2 inch topper pad to sit over the wheel well.