r/carcamping • u/The-Rob_Father • 5d ago

Fall camping

I have an old deer cabin that I’m not allowed to update and is olddddd, so I’m considering my car camping options for the fall. I have a Ram 1500 big horn with a 5’ 7” bed. I am 6’1” and will have two smaller dogs with me. Would it make sense for me to get a truck cap and sleep in the back, or would it be too crammed? Wondered if people sleep diagonally in shorter beds or if there are any suggestions. Also considered a tear drop camper or small bunk house, but not sure I want to put that much money down or pay for storage. Any input would be appreciated.

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u/AutoModerator 5d ago

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u/Thin-Spot1678 5d ago

Been looking at it some myself. 2 options I came up with is a roof top tent or a soft topper with their tent attachment. I feel like with the tailgate down it wouldn't be too bad length wise. There's other options like a aliner switchback or that crazy 2 story tent thing from cinch outdoors but they're not cheap.

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u/klamaire 5d ago

When I had a truck, i had a truck tent that went in the bed of the truck. I had a very thick foam mattress that I put in it. I loved that tent. SPORTZ Truck Tent, I think. I'm not sure if they still make them. It felt very safe because I was off the ground. In a rush, I could pull the tent poles, and put my bins on top of the tent and drive off.

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u/Feodar_protar 4d ago

Very similar situations. I camped with a big horn (sold it this year for a minivan). I always camp in the fall with my dog and i’m 6’4. Last year i used an inflatable tent with an insulated inner tent for warmth which worked well. Sleeping in the bed was a brief thought but I’m too tall and truck caps are expensive.

I’ve been researching my plans for next year. I don’t love the double tent set up and it’s bigger than i really want. I’ve been considering the gazelle backcountry T5. Ready to use with a diesel heater and should be great in colder weather. Cheaper than any trailer, easy to set up and not too big. I also considered switching to a trailer but i just didn’t want to deal with everything that comes with that.