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.
