In truck bed tents

[KyYota]

Any experience with them? I've always been intrigued by the idea of them...off the ground, can just collapse down, pull bed cover over it and go if raining when clearing camp (or set up in bed prior to trip if rain expected).

I've recently sold the RV which served the group very well for the last 3 or so years (owned with 3 other wheeling buddies..slept 6, cold air, good heat, etc, etc towed 1 rig behind it) but it was getting to the point that it needed about $2k on a roof and a couple other repair items.

So, looking for primative camping options. I like the idea of the truck bed tents, but haven't ran into anyone that uses one on a monthly basis. Is set up easy? Durable? Any downfalls?

[zukitough]

(or set up in bed prior to trip if rain expected).->I wouldn't suggest driving around with one set up.

They make inflatable mattresses for the bed with cutouts fo the wheel wells too.

[Johann]

If the bed is full of tent where do you put your stuff? That has always been question for me. I could see putting it on a platform on top of the whole bed but unpacking the bed to put the tent in the bed seems like a non starter to me.

[KyYota]

I should have said partial set up in bed prior to starting trip...this would be covered by the bed cover until camp is reached, then just pop up the remaining pieces.

Gear would likely be in the bed with the tent, in the cab with me, or on the trailer with the rig. Everything is transported/stored in water tight containers anyway.

[Rockit]

I have one. Set up/take down take a lot longer than a traditional ground tent. They are very cheaply made.

Nice in dirty/sandy places because you're off the ground.

[BigBlue&Goldie]

I thought about getting one (girlfriend is afraid to camp without a tent), but ended up sticking with the traditional tarp and bunjee chords and have never looked back.

Tarps are cheaper, last longer, more water tight, and can be put up or taken down much quicker than a tent.

Tie a rope from the front bumper to the hitch, throw the tarp over, and bunjee down..........Its that easy, and I have never had a problem, no matter how shitty the weather got.

[CoDemo]

I have used mine for about 4 years; held up well in rain, snow, high wind, etc. You definitely can't drive with it on, but mine(Sportz II) sets up in about 5 min or less by myself.

I got the one made for a short bed, and put it in my 8' bed with a toolbox, fits perfect, I fit a queen air mattress in there no problem.

For a cheap way to get off the ground, have a decent bed, and not deal with larger tents, other people, etc. it is great.

Sportsmans Guide has them on sale for about 40% off.

[ferg]

I have an Adventure Truck Tent for the Super Duty. Holds up real well in the desert wind (~40mph). Set up is fairly easy after the first try, make sure you do it before the trip so you know what to do in the dark! Had it for about five or six years. Throw a cot in the back and it's quite comfy.

http://www.enelcompany.com/

[5spd]

Why not just purchase a besttop canvas topper. You dont have to put it up/down when driving, no making room for your junk, pack it all in, get an air mattress & you are set. Its what I use.
http://www.jcwhitney.com/window-kits.../p2013123.jcwx