Truck Topper Camping

Linhardt

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After reading another post and seeing someone show pics of their setup for camping under their truck topper it got me thinking about doing something like that. But the reason for this post is to inquire from others that have done it as to how they handle a heat source for cold weather? I know electric is probably out of the question without a generator which leaves propane. I know that safety and moisture would be a real concern as well. So how do you all make it work? Or do you just not worry about it and invest in quality sleeping bag system? I am talking about cold temps with extreme of 10 below. Is there such thing as an ultimate heat setup while camping in a smaller area like a truck topper?
 
Linhardt said:
I know that safety and moisture would be a real concern as well. So how do you all make it work? Or do you just not worry about it and invest in quality sleeping bag system? I am talking about cold temps with extreme of 10 below. Is there such thing as an ultimate heat setup while camping in a smaller area like a truck topper?

At the risk of repeating myself, yes to the above, that's how I handle it. I use the LP stove double duty, stove and heater. Only runs when I'm awake and the windows at least partially open. I've got three quality sleeping bags rated for the seasons. Use the heat as needed while awake, climb in the bag, shut the heat off and slide the windows full open. Unless there is a strong wind then shut the window on the upwind side. It is a must, that one vent the moisture contained in your exhaled breath.

One of the self supported portable sun/rain awnings would be a nice addition to provide a bit of extra open space just beyond the tailgate.

Lowest temp I've slept in my set up was -25 with -40 wind chill. Yes that tested the temp rating (-20) of my bag.
 
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I had an aluminum cap on my first truck, boy was that loud and cold! Slept in it one night and the windows froze shut with all the condensation. I know I am soft, but I have decided that the ratings on sleeping bags are survival, not comfort!
 
I've only done it a couple of times when it wasn't really cold but you've gotten sound advice offered above on ventilation, keep a window cracked Never run any gas heater in an enclosed space, even with the windows cracked, CO/CO2 sinks and you may never wake up.
Adding a thick foam mat as insulation between yourself and the metal bed is also highly recommended.
 
Dave Diefenderfer said:
I had an aluminum cap on my first truck, boy was that loud and cold! Slept in it one night and the windows froze shut with all the condensation. I know I am soft, but I have decided that the ratings on sleeping bags are survival, not comfort!

That is not being soft Dave. That is a fact.
 
You definitely want as much padding as possible beneath you for insulation against the cold air on the other side of the truck bed.

Best supplemental heating I?ve had is a nalgene bottle or two filled with boiling water and wrapped in a tshirt. Stick them in the bottom of your sleeping bag and you?re good for the night.
 
I will follow up with the heater warning as well. You could use one to take the chill off getting out of the bag in the morning.

Like carl said...thick foam mat. For that cold you would want 2 for sure. Even the old blue cheap ones would be fine. Not having the pads is where people get cold. If your on a cot you still need the pads. Get a good bag and you will fine. For that temp a 0 degree bag and a fleece or wool blanket would be cozy. If I get a chill I throw on a beanie.

I do a little bit of back packing that time of year and you won't have any issues in the truck. No need to spend a lot of money on gear unless you want hiking gear.

I got my little boy a cabelas outfitter bag and that bag would be great for the truck. I think it would be to hot to use most of year is the down side.

i don't know much about the toppers but watch for condensation. Leave a window cracked. it takes some trial and error.

Have fun with it!
 
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Old Boy Scout trick for cold nights. Send the kids to bed with a water bottle filled with hot lemonade. Keep it inside the sleeping bag to stay warm; drink it so the sugar will help you stay warm; and when the bottle is empty pee in it instead of getting out of the sleeping bag to head outside.

Rule #1: Don't tell your mothers about the peeing.
 
Hand warmer packs is another method besides warm water bottles.
bottles have there place...don't forget how many hours its dark that time of year!
 
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Jeff Reardon said:
Old Boy Scout trick for cold nights. Send the kids to bed with a water bottle filled with hot lemonade. Keep it inside the sleeping bag to stay warm; drink it so the sugar will help you stay warm; and when the bottle is empty pee in it instead of getting out of the sleeping bag to head outside.

Rule #1: Don't tell your mothers about the peeing.

Rule #1... Don't accidentally drink the "lemonafl" after you refilled it!!!!
 
Yes, the metal truck box will be cold. as mentioned before I presently have a fitted, thick, rubber floor mat. In the past, I've had a plastic liner which helped a bit with the sidewalls. Carpet or throw rugs also will insulate the floor.

On my bunk I have a 3 inch foam pad under my bag. Insulation under you is more important than the insulation on top of you. If I need additional insulation a nice wool surplus Army blanket is wrapped over and around my bag. A fiberglass topper is much better all around than one made from aluminum if you will be camping in it. My present ARE has a glued in carpet liner in the cap. I think that was a $100 option except at the time, it was "free" due to a sale promotion.

My summer bag is a rectangular style bag. My winter bag is a high quality mummy style bag, with both a draft collar and a hood (hence mummy style). Keeping any drafts out and your head covered is paramount to keeping warm and comfortable. Some folks simply cannot stand the mummy style bags. Fine, use a good quality rectangular bag and wear a wool stocking cap on your head. Even a thin liner like those worn on the head under a motorcycle or snowmobile helmet, will make a positive difference in staying warm at night.

I can't stress enough the need for ventilation all year long but especially in colder weather. I learned the hard way, in an uninsulated aluminum topper no less. I was ill prepared, I was cold, I closed the topper up tight sometime during the night. Yes that helped, I was warmer, until,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Started the stove the next morning, and all heck broke loose. Water was running down the frosted over windows, water was everywhere, dripping from the icicles hanging on the ceiling. By the time I realized what was happening the now thawed condensation had wicked into my pillow, my bedding and some of my clothing.

Now I am older and hopefully wiser. Ventilation is a good thing, and as long as you are aware of that, all will be well.

As far as an "ultimate" heating solution? Only safe way would be a generator set far enough away to be clear of exhaust fumes, remote start, remote fuel tank for adequate run times, extension cord and a 1500 watt electric heater.
 
I built a drawer system (similar to the Decked or Truck Vault ones now) from plywood that is the same height as the wheel wells. All my guns, rods, gear, clothes fit in low bins in the drawers. I have a blowup mattress on top, but a foam mattress works better due to the height. It works really slick and was easy to build.
 
Anthony

Put a detector in the truck, Run the heater only when your up, Make yourself a bed that you can slide in your truck off the floor. Insulate the bottom off the bed. I use form sheets all around the inside of the cap and bed of the truck. All these gentlemen make great points. Hope this helps.
 
I throw a cot in the back of my truck now. I use a propane heater and a CO detector, never had a problem in truck or tent. If warm enough for mosquitoes to be alive, you better seal around your tailgate.
 
[ seal around your tailgate.[/quote]

My new (2015) Silverado has the largest gap I have ever seen around the tailgate! I can see light along the sides. I considered the gasket, but assumed it would not last if I slide stuff in and out and throw garbage in the bed? Anyone have a particular gasket that works and will stay attached? I assume they are sticky backed? The gasket on the rear window is failing, so I need to find a replacement too.
 
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