Truck Camping: The 6 Components You Need To Address 

I love the idea of just having the necessities and still being able to live comfortably. I can't wait to get started on my setup.

I love when I see guys that actually go! Sounds sarcastic but I know cats with 30k setups that stare at there equipment. This guys spent a couple hundred and is getting after it. Great job man

... "The More You Know, The Less You Carry". Mors Kochanski

Love that bigfoot sticker on the side of the truck 👍

You're smart to have tossed your cell phone. I got rid of my cell phone about 14 years ago and never looked back. I'm SO glad I did. It's made all the difference in my life. I'm very happy and always upbeat now and I don't worry about being tracked. When I go out I'm totally free and it's such a... well, FREEING feeling. I can't even express how much better off I am with out a cell phone. It's great!

Great audio, great video, but most importantly great information. This is the kinds of video that gets views my friend

Effective setup and well delivered presentation. Love the GPS texting that will be moving up my list. Thanks Brian

like your setup looking at getting a truck for camping and road trips. good info thanks for sharing and safe travels

Awesome video, great information newbies and veterans alike ! Thanks for taking the time to share this with us .

Cool channel man. Doing it well. Subbed for sure. My truck includes my hammock, it's rain fly, and an extra tarp. Having that hammock, in addition to a plush chair, is absolutely indispensable for adding to the relaxation of a well built camp.

Truck camping is hard to beat if you plan to take the path less followed, literally. As an old backpacker, I already own the lightweight, compact gear that makes the truck practical. But if starting from scratch and sticking to campsites a contractors or conversion van is a better option. The pass-through feature of vans and RV's is a total game changer. Crawling into a pickup truck bed works when your're young and camping solo but its a tight fit for a couple and condensation can ruin a nights sleep. Plus, you'll need to exit the truck to do anything but sleep. Inside the van, can cook, crap, dress, sleep,wash up, start the vehicle, run the ac/heat radio and bug out in a flash if needed. I used to hang my bicycle from the ceiling, kept almost everything inside when camping and still space to sleep on a Stearns and Foster twin mattress. I miss those days.

Great insight, thank you. I went the minimalist route a few years back when I moved to SE Asia. And have been thinking about an off-road lifestyle when I head back to the US. So was happy to find your channel. Love it!

Long time backpacker and new to the car/truck camping life. I think you nailed it with this video. Really great job of covering the essentials and what you've found to work. I couldn't agree more with the minimalist strategy.

Great set up in a truck topper camper! I love those insulated A.R.E caps. Thank you for sharing. 👍

Love the Sasquatch hiking sticker!

Thanks for the video. In the process of buying my truck camper and look forward to getting out on the road. This video helped me get my necessities list going.

TIP: get one of those scented wax warmers, add Vaseline instead of the wax, once it liquifies dip the cotton balls in the liquid Vaseline. So much easier, faster, & completely permeates the cotton balls. Also could use antibiotic ointment instead of Vaseline for multi-purpose. Most antibiotic ointments are made from a petroleum base just like Vaseline and will burn the same, but has the benefit of being a first aid item as well.

I just subscribed. I just finished the sleeper bed / storage platform on my '04 Tacoma last weekend. I'm also 6' tall and I fit quite nicely in my 5 ft bed. I also built it so I have the ability to extend the bed out on to the tailgate when I have company. I bought one of the truck tents to keep us out of the weather. Great info. Thanks for sharing.

Great system!!!! My husband has to have his caffeine, so we have an additional 'sub' station with French press/ coffee/ and makings in shoe box plastic container!

Good setup, love how you organized it all and that 'simplicity' remark was good. I think it is the only way to go.

Thank you for all the useful information. You seem to have it down and it really works well for you. I have an ARE insulated cap coming in soon and that's my first step. Really looking forward to my home away from home, and your minimalist, no nonsense modular mind set really appeals to me !!!! I'll be watching more of your videos for sure !!! Just subscribed !!!

I really appreciate your simple approach to the lifestyle. Many people spend too much time on the frills. This was very helpful

Getting ready to do the full time off grid thing myself, so far your set up is what I will be using. Thank you for sharing.

Wow! What a set up. I think you have worked out the kinks. I can't wait for the time to come in my life when we can go full time over the road/off the grid and lose the cell phone. I purposely go places where there is no cell service. New subscriber and can't wait to see more.

Excellent video and great information covering the basics (which is what everyone needs). Well done! Scott

So glad I found you! Thanks for all the details (exact brands + why); so helpful!

Right on Bud! I think that's the best setup for sure - platform setup is ideal. Keep on truckin'

Thank you!!!!! It was hard for me to find someone camping in a Tacoma short bed!! I'm excited to do my setup fairly soon!

Wow! I have just discovered you!Thank you for the incredible basic information,just the way I wanted it.Congratulations,keep up the wonderful work!rocco.

You have a nice setup for a solo camper. I went with a High -C camper shell when I truck camped. set it up with two small bunks in a 6.5 foot bed. That way my son and I could go explore. The extra height was nice, and still had a rack setup on top. Former backbacker so no shortage of lightweight equipment. Then I moved on to motorcycle camping, but now I haul a small bike in the bed and use a truck tent when I get to camp and use the motorcycle to explore the surrounding countryside. Of course that means my gear is in the cab of the truck.

Recently, I had been rear ended twice last month. Now, I’m a little afraid to drive. I thought a truck can give me more protection in case of getting hit again. That is why I just bought Taco SR RWD with Tonneau hard flip up cover. But now I think I should have 4WD and truck cap for over landing ( maybe not in Florida?) and camping. Thank you so much. It’s been very educational watching your RU-vid. Yama

Very thoughtful and clear. Borrowing many of your ideas, the first one cutting some 2x6s and a 4x8x1/2 plywood for a bed cot. Thanks.

I don't know where you're at or what year this video was made but you had a lot of valid points and I'm living in a truck and yes I have a tent but I'm completely self-sufficient and a lot of things that you said were very relevant to what it's like to actually live out of a vehicle so thank you for your in-depth knowledge of ways to live comfortably enjoy nature

Great advise, I appreciate your hard work and sharing with us your thoughts of how to camp in a truck. I'll be driving from Calgary, Canada 🇨🇦 to Santiago del Estero in Argentina and I'm in the process of planning and organizing the vehicle. Regards, Victor

Like what has already been said here, good video, good information. After posting this, I'm going to go back and watch it again.Thanks

All of that was awesome information!!! Sorry to hear the Yeti was stolen, that's really gotta suck!

Nice video! Great six points. I'm going to set up a soap & water squirter as you describe - will save both water and soap! I have a long bed Tacoma with a Leer cap (4" over roof line height - great for head room). Use a simple Roll-a-Cot & Thermarest pad for my "sleeping set". The cot has no middle leg - so it fits tight against the side of the truck. I use the same long plastic storage bin you have under my cot, and one or two (depending on gear needs) stackable bins. I like a simple camping mode set-up, yet I can have an empty bed in say 5 minutes for cargo carrying truck use. A RTIC 35 qt cooler and small propane stove for food, and two 20liter water containers that have spigots. I run paracord above my screened windows...and my towels and such can be used as sun shields/drapes as needed, and hung for drying too. I have a swivel mount LED light set up at rear of the cap for good interior or tailgate illumination. I find the tailgate serves many roles: table, chair, food prep...so having illumination right there is critical. At times use a 8x12 tarp with two poles as a rear or side mounted sun/rain shelter. I love having the flexibility of a 4x4 truck. Cap off, cap on, cargo, or camping - it can do it all.

Great practical info, Thanks for sharing & I'll try it.

Great information...we used to go camping when I was little..these are fantastic ideas

This was an all-around great video! I just bought a 2015 F150 and am wanting to start truck camping. Thanks for the helpful tips!

Wow that GPS thing is seriously cool. I want to get one of those

Stumbled across your channel and I must say, I really enjoy the information. Great info, recommendations and explanations. I'm from Colorado as well and I recently picked up a Tacoma and have plans of doing exactly what you are doing. Look forward to watching the rest of your videos.

Thanks, Brian!!! Very helpful as I prepare to go on road full time!!!

thanks for reminding me, I forgot to put my shovel into my new truck. great video! I look forward to viewing more.

You’re the real deal man. I like the minimalist truck bed 🛏 system set up because you’re right, sometimes you need the bed system out of the way to use the full truck bed. Awesome video

Very informative, I will definitely utilize this information. Thank you!

I added a 65 qt Whynter Fridge/freezer to my system. It will run off the Tacoma inverter outlet while driving and will automatically switch to my secondary battery when truck is off. It only draws 4- 5 amps when running. You should check them out, they have smaller models.

Great video as always! I think I may try to insulate my truck cap this summer, if I don't score a 4x4 ambulance to travel with. Peace!

Very informative. Love the decal on the fender of your pickup. :)

Stumbled upon your channel. Just got a TRD OR DCLB. Trying to figure out how to set it up for long term living and this is great information. Without having to buy a trailer, I can now bring my home with me when working seasonal jobs.

This is the kind of videos I like to watch. Thank you and subbed..

Lov truck camping thanks for the tips gonna get those things for sure

I appreciate the tip on the squirting water bottle for soap. I will definitely add this to my setup. Thank you.

You are direct and to the point. Without straying from the topic. Interesting.

You can utilize “use” in place of utilize; it uses less syllables-keeping true to minimalism. Just teasing-great video!

Master Class. Thanks so much! Really well done!

Your channel is rad brother, i love your setup. Its an inspiration to see your rig and how youre livin the good life!

Super informative video! I’ve just started truck camping in my Ford F150 with a hard top camper shell!

Just look at your vid list, OMG it's bing watching time again !!!!!!!!

Excellent setup - THANKS for sharing!

Like the firestarter/napalm hack. Thumbs up!

Great video for the aspiring camper.

Sweet video I am 5-11 with a 5.5 ft bed glad to know it's no issue to sleep diagonal

OUTSTANDING!!! Just found your channel. 👍subbed!!! No rambling, just pure info, and you hit the basics dead on!!! Was a scout when I was young, and you nailed it !!!! I MUST SAY YOU INSPIRED ME TO GET BACK AT IT !!! THANKS 😎🤠 👍👍👍👍👍

Just starting mine , Cool vid bro thax

one of the best videos on the subject and enjoyable to watch and listen to

Excellent video. If you don't have room to carry a chainsaw a hand-held wood saw is super important in the backcountry. Once I was way out of the Sawtooths and a fierce storm came through and fell a lot of trees. One fell across the road that I was on and there were so many trees there's no way to get around. being able to saw through a tree and also have a towing rope to pull the tree out of the way. Luckily my 04 Tacoma went right over the top of the tree and I was able to escape. Peace in the backcountry.

Great tips. Thanks for the video.

Great Set up! I love the utilization of hiking gear

Good Stuff. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Great meeting you today! Chance encounter but really cool to see your set up in person!

Useful and very informative content, great delivery. Excellent video!

7th component, always get a handsome fella like you on your journeys !

Colorado Boon Docking!!! Out of Colorado Springs. Realizing the age of this video, you still provide a lot of useful info. Cold weather camping for me: 2019 F150 SuperCrew w/5.5 bed SPORT w/ ARE cab high shell w/ Bedrug. Cold weather time the shell windows are covered with thin aluminum from Homer’s secured in place via Velcro. Custom built wood bed at front of shell, Mr Buddy heater via 10 foot hose to 20gal tank outside with thermoelectric fan to spread the warmth, (and it does get warm) CO2 detector with shell front window slightly open. Blankets are mostly the moving blankets bought on sale from Harbor Freight. Homer bucket with seat and liners for long distance phone calls?!?! Food grade buckets 3.5 to 5 gal (free-courtesy of local food stores) for water supply for me and dog. 2 additional 5 gal water bags (shower bags) for washing up! Setpower 50 portable fridge powered via HF Predator 2000 (no neighbors= no noise complaints). Various books and/or magazines (no WWW). Better half has map that shows where I will be! Protection is afforded via Glock 40 in 10mm and bear spray! Tarps with homemade telescoping poles sourced from Homer’s provide overhead shelter and wind block! When done: if I trucked it in, I trucked it out! Leave no trace!

Great video! Very informative, just what I was looking for. Thank you!

A very nice video you did a lot of good tips for someone who's has not been involved in this yet but it makes a lot of sense

Love my Nemo bag! I've got the spoon shaped bag. Super comfortable!

Thanks a bunch, a Great video indeed! cheers from Montreal ;)

great vid mate, in my experience here n the Balkan mountain region i notice that without a webasto heater i felt so tired due to cold nights. So in my case the formula its simple, rest well, enjoy better. Webasto is expensive, but there are some clones that are cheaper and it seems from some tests that are great and safe to use

Very informative. Thank you. Just setting up my gear and your comments are spot on.

cooked on both the pocket rocket and that coleman grill for years.. Msr pocket rocket is Awesome stove! perfect for backpacking.

clear and to the point, thanks

LOVED the squirt bottle of soapy water. Cool Video!

I love your channel man! I am envious of you. Lol, keep enjoying your life. I'm signed up, great content!

I am really digging the simple hacks . Tons of suttle key ideas to keeping simply comfortable . Nice work!

very informative. I purchased your plans for the bed extension a while back adapted to my f150 crew cab 4x4 with the same topper you have

Awesome video!!! Thanks for all the key tips

Great tips! It's funny because we have basically the same setup with the low cost sleeping platform. Definitely interested in the hygiene aspects you mention. I also have the MSR Pocket Rocket stove, but I want to get a single or dual burner stove for bigger meals. Thanks for the advice!

Great presentation, in my favorites

Thanks for taking time to make video - Good lnfo here!

Great video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

Thanks Dude!

Great video I have a short bed Toyota Tacoma and you have given me a bunch of great ideas I am going camping in May thank you very much.

That setup is awesome... Great information, very informative... My only recommended piece of gear would be a Silky Bigboy 2000... Other than that you have a great system. Backpacking gear is a compact and lightweight... Also check out a Helinox chair, it weighs 2 lbs can hold up to 325 lbs and is 1/3 the size... Thanks for sharing.

In my opinion, this was the most helpful video I've seen yet. Thanks 👍

Might want to look into Wolverine Water bottles, they have a clear plastic that helps to solar disinfect well water / clear stream water. They are VERY TOUGH too ! Mayor Fuglycool

Very compact and To The Point information about camping. Hats off to you buddy. We would appreciate if you make another video about ur Power setup- extra battery and inverter that you use

I like your style! The bike pump water heater is something I've not seen before. Need to look into one.

A realistic, affordable outfit for truck camping. I e watched a lot of videos on overland/normal truck camping rigs and its cool and all but when you start adding up the dollars its ridiculously expensive. Awesome video, thank you for the info!

Thanks. Nicely done. Picked up some tips.