Toyota Tacoma Camping Ideas???

[Steelhead S2]

I have a late model Taco. I also have a young family. So the ol' hiking tent isn't quite so attractive as it used to be. Any other Taco or small truck owners have good ideas on how to resolve this problem? Seems like there really aren't many slide in campers that work, and those that do are really costly. So maybe a small trailer? But with a trailer, I think I'd lose the ability to get into more remote places, and I don't want to be stuck in camp grounds. Plus, then there is the issue of transporting a boat. So maybe just a bigger tent? Thoughts?

[Mad Shepherd]

I have a Tacoma Double Cab, and this is what I have. Purchased it for all the reasons you stated. The front deck is made to hold a quad. The rails come off and make ramps for the ATV. I also have a 10ft inflatable with with a hard floor that folds up into a case, then I can load it on the front deck as well as bikes, coolers etc. I just clamp the outboard onto the rail. Lots of different makes, Fleetwood Evolution, Starcraft 13RT. I bought what I did because I got a smokin deal

http://www.thegreatoutdoorsrv.com/Ro.../SD530013k.JPG

[Steelhead S2]

That looks pretty cool. Plus, still leaves the box free for saws, gas, and other things you don't want to haul inside the trailer.

[Mighty Sylvan]

I looked at one of these back when I had my SR5. Sleeps 4 easy and folds down well below the overheight on the ferry. I have only seen a couple in the last few years. I found this one by googling "box tent camper". I think it weighed about 500lbs.

[fish stalker]

Actually if you wait there are cheap ($1500) import campers that come up all the time. Dosnt seem to be midclass. They are either cheap and a bit leaky if you dont keep on it or really expensive 5000 plus. Im not a fan of pop ups but I do winter and spring camping. And dont want to worry about bears. Also ground clearance sucks on anything but the bling ones. But definelty beats a tent. Hold out for a import camper, you just have to be on it, they go fast.

[Islandgirl]

What about a wall tent?

They are super comfortable, lots of space for the family. You could even have a wood stove if you like for late fall and early spring camping.
We use one for hunting all the time, and I love it.
It is as comfortable as my camper in a different way.. would be way more comfortable than a camper for a family IMHO

[Dr Lunk]

I just welded up a rack for my boat to go on top of the truck and got a 100 canopy, put air bags in the truck and loaded it to the nines ! not the best solution ... but it works

[Steelhead S2]

Lots of good ideas here. I could probably deal with a cheapo camper, cuz I could fix it up a bit too. I just never see the cheap ones I guess. Like the wall tent idea too, but seems like a lot of set-up for a weekend outing. Thanks guys.

[vetteman]

Lots of good ideas here. I could probably deal with a cheapo camper, cuz I could fix it up a bit too. I just never see the cheap ones I guess. Like the wall tent idea too, but seems like a lot of set-up for a weekend outing. Thanks guys.

I've owned three wall tents over the years. Just bought a new one and fabricated a pole kit for it. My wife and I have it set up and the woodstove going in about a half hour.
Even though I have a camper we spend a lot of time in our dome tents. A quality name brand dome tent will handle anything that mother nature can throw at you.
Dave

[fish stalker]

Those big ass canvass tents do look like fun if you were there over a week. I would think it wouldnt be good in the rainy season. Mabey if you put down hay or something. I could see it being very muddy. Hunters do seem to love them. I find theres not usually a ton of room for trucks, quads, boats etc never mind flat tent area. I always wondered everytime I went into Costco as saw that huge 10x10 setup, how many people bought it as got screwed trying to pitch it. Ill keep my eye out in shoot you a pm if i see a import camper come up. You on south VI?