Sleep under a camper shell instead of truck camper?

DW and I slept in the bed of our Tundra under a topper on our trip from Denver to Alaska and back. Returning with claustrophobia, we bought a 1000-lb, Phoenix popup for the Tundra and found it much more to our liking. Not only did it shelter us from the weather, we escaped from the mosquitoes (which were especially virulent all along our route to Alaska).

I don't think air blowing across ice would do much good in Louisiana, being it is so humid there. Isn't that just adding humidity to the air?

On another note, look for a cot without the center leg. That way you can use it right over the wheel. I think Cabelas sells one for this purpose.

Those of you who sleep this way, do you have a problem with the tailgate? Some kid come along and close it, what would you do then?

ON FB, there is an interest group on truck cap camping. Large number of fans.

billyg wrote:
Hi if you insulate the bed and shell well. I have seen a portable ac made out of a 5gal bucket,pvc pipe, a 12 volt fan and a lot of ice. See youtube video "Homemade Air Conditioner DIY - The "5 Gallon Bucket" Air Cooler!"" Heating in the cold is less of a problem. Have fun. Bill

The homemade a/c is a thought, I have seen them.

How would you "insulate the bed and shell well?" (I have no clue how one insulates the bed/shell.)

Hi if you insulate the bed and shell well. I have seen a portable ac made out of a 5gal bucket,pvc pipe, a 12 volt fan and a lot of ice. See youtube video "Homemade Air Conditioner DIY - The "5 Gallon Bucket" Air Cooler!"" Heating in the cold is less of a problem. Have fun. Bill

I have an RV and a truck with a shell. I often camp in the truck bed.
For just basic camping it is great. I use a narrow air mattress which allows me to have stuff remain in the truck next to me. A twin mattress sleeps way better, but then everything in the truck bed has to be re-arranged.
I installed a shelf that bumps against the front wall, it sits on the truck bed rails where the camper shell sits (there is a very small ledge left) near the truck cab. My feet easily go under the shelf. I also have a top shelf that gives me about 5 inches at the ceiling. The shelf sits at the top of the window, so not obtrusive.
A lot of stuff can be put on the shelf while you sleep, then can be taken down for easy access during the day while the bedding goes to the shelf (in a box).
A lot of stuff can be moved to the truck cab also at night.
I use a rope to hold the camper shell door pointing down when it rains so water does not get directed towards the opening. I have used a screen also so I can keep the back window open when hot.
A lawnmower battery will power a small DC fan all night.
There is a gasket made to seal the space between the truck cab and the shell, so you can open the windows without outside air/rain getting in. It might mar your paint eventually, but hey, its a truck…
Blowing air condition back there will keep it cooler while you drive, good for your ice chest, but as soon as you stop it will heat up on a hot day since shells are not very insulated and you will open that giant tail gate anyway.
I cook with a small stove on the tail gate.
It is not great for hot weather camping, but way better than a tent and in remote places keeps you away from animals and trolls.
The 3 key things I need when extended camping are a flat place to sleep, a shower and air conditioning. If you can cover those then truck shell is fine.
RV/slide in camper is way better, and really not camping in a true sense, it is a small home.

One thing that I left out that might not be obvious. If you raise your bed higher than the fender well you effectively have a wider space to work. It's about 6 ft on a full size compared to the 4 feet if you stay between the fender wells.

I fished and camped for years under a cap. Built a bed with storage from 2x8s and used a cap built with a door in back. Carried a Hibachi to cook steaks while fishing or hunting (never use for heat) Amazing how one body can warm a small cap. Carried a -30 degree sleeping bag and never got too cold. (had to tuck my nose in a few times)

A toilet seat can be had that snaps onto a 5 gallon bucket.... line with a heavy trash bag and snap on the top.

A good cooler is all you need for most items. Ice will last about two days.

Bonesquatch wrote:
Just to point out that a lot of the folks advocating a camper shell live in cooler and drier climates. My buddy had one that worked great for a few years...in Wyoming and Utah. Down here with the heat and humidity, camping in one of those things would be extremely unpleasant during the summer and even many spring and fall days. Winters would be fine. At the very least, you'd need an ac unit and a dehumidifier. Otherwise, a small travel trailer, or upgraded truck and truck camper would be your best bet for comfort (and safety).

Yep, the summers are terribly hot around here. How would I use an a/c unit and dehumidifier. I mean, can you install one or is it some kind of stand-alone unit outside the truck?

or trade your truck in a nice conversion van you can find them used for pretty little money and it would be a lot more comfortable than the bed of the truck. more secure too if you're parking in Rest areas you don't have to leave the vehicle to drive away if you don't like what's going on around you

Just to point out that a lot of the folks advocating a camper shell live in cooler and drier climates. My buddy had one that worked great for a few years...in Wyoming and Utah. Down here with the heat and humidity, camping in one of those things would be extremely unpleasant during the summer and even many spring and fall days. Winters would be fine. At the very least, you'd need an ac unit and a dehumidifier. Otherwise, a small travel trailer, or upgraded truck and truck camper would be your best bet for comfort (and safety).