TRS Event TRS 25th Anniversary Fall Adventure - Land Between The Lakes - September 5th – 8th, 2024

[sgtsandman]

That has been in and out of my cart a couple times. Not knowing how it would interact with the open glass of my topper was my hangup.

Since mine flips up at about 80*, it does press on the tarp but the struts actuation where the liftgate meets the tarp is weak enough that it shouldn't be a problem. And the tarp is actually decent quality, not cheap thin fabric. So, I think it will be ok.

I am considering using some pipe insualtion as an extra safe guard on the long edge of the lift gate.

 

[Robertmangrum.rm]

I've been looking into those as well as the tents that attach to the suvs . Can't decide between that and an awning with a room. Just trying to save room for storage. The hub tent is longer than my 5ft bed. So it makes hauling it more difficult. So something more compact to store has been on my mind recently

 

[snoranger]

I've been looking into those as well as the tents that attach to the suvs . Can't decide between that and an awning with a room. Just trying to save room for storage. The hub tent is longer than my 5ft bed. So it makes hauling it more difficult. So something more compact to store has been on my mind recently

That’s why I went with the Gazelle T3X. It just fits in the 5’ bed lengthwise. I don’t have to try to stuff it in there at an angle.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I've been all over the tarp/awning thing several times. A couple years back I was about to buy the SJK roadhouse... then just opted fir a 10x10 tarp and a couple extendable poles to do the same thing. Not as refined... but functional.

I just want something that's super easy to set up and take down when moving to a new location daily... or even wanting to use the vehicle if staying in the same place. I'm there to relax and not set up and tear down camp repeatedly.

Some of these overlanding set ups look like more work then I want to do honestly.

I need to get busy figuring out refining my set up for this year... it just may include an awning to go with my Kamp-Rite tent cot.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I really love my ez up... but its a job to set up and take down if you're switching locations everyday.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Sure seems like "camping" use ti be much simpler.

 

[sgtsandman]

View attachment 111802

I've been all over the tarp/awning thing several times. A couple years back I was about to buy the SJK roadhouse... then just opted fir a 10x10 tarp and a couple extendable poles to do the same thing. Not as refined... but functional.

I just want something that's super easy to set up and take down when moving to a new location daily... or even wanting to use the vehicle if staying in the same place. I'm there to relax and not set up and tear down camp repeatedly.

Some of these overlanding set ups look like more work then I want to do honestly.

I need to get busy figuring out refining my set up for this year... it just may include an awning to go with my Kamp-Rite tent cot.

View attachment 111804

For overlanding, I think I'm going opt for one of the smaller, hard shell RTTs and maybe a side awning. I would really like a 270 but I'm worried about the weight. The Roadhouse might still have a place but time will tell.

I would really like to keep the bed for gear and easier to reach than up on the roof. Once I get to rebuilding the platform in the bed with drawers, I'll go from there.

 

[snoranger]

For overlanding, I think I'm going opt for one of the smaller, hard shell RTTs and maybe a side awning. I would really like a 270 but I'm worried about the weight. The Roadhouse might still have a place but time will tell.

I would really like to keep the bed for gear and easier to reach than up on the roof. Once I get to rebuilding the platform in the bed with drawers, I'll go from there.

I’d really love to get rid of my big flip open RTT and replace it with a smaller hard shell before the Vagabond trip. I don’t know if I’ll have the time to build a mount that goes over my soft top by then. I’ve got a LOT of work to do getting the new place ready to move into. I may just have to use the ground tent, but I will have a hard shell for next year.

Anyone interested in a Smittybilt Overlander XL?

 

[Robertmangrum.rm]

I’d really love to get rid of my big flip open RTT and replace it with a smaller hard shell before the Vagabond trip. I don’t know if I’ll have the time to build a mount that goes over my soft top by then. I’ve got a LOT of work to do getting the new place ready to move into. I may just have to use the ground tent, but I will have a hard shell for next year.

Is anyone interested in a Smittybilt Overlander XL?

Extrusion Overland makes a bed rack that fits over the soft topper. I've actually already built one for my truck. Well, tacked it together. Now I'm concerned about the weight. I made it out of 1x3 steel tubing. Just made the base plates long enough to reach inside the bed and bent them down with a flap of the same length as the bed frame. I just wanted it to mount a 270° awning. But worried the weight of it and the rack would be too much. Thi k it would be sturdy enough out of aluminum, but unfortunately. I can't weld aluminum, haha.

 

[snoranger]

Extrusion Overland makes a bed rack that fits over the soft topper. I've actually already built one for my truck. Well, tacked it together. Now I'm concerned about the weight. I made it out of 1x3 steel tubing. Just made the base plates long enough to reach inside the bed and bent them down with a flap of the same length as the bed frame. I just wanted it to mount a 270° awning. But worried the weight of it and the rack would be too much. Thi k it would be sturdy enough out of aluminum, but unfortunately. I can't weld aluminum, haha.

I made 2 full length base plates that will attach with the same clamps as the cap. I also want to add a swing down tire carrier that attaches to those plates.

Similar to this.
I just don’t foresee me having spare time to build the rest of it before the trip. This is the current state of the kitchen at my new place.

Here’s 1 of the 4 bathrooms.

I can keep going… it’s every room in the house! I have to finish this entire house by the time school starts, and I really only have weekends to do it.

 

[Robertmangrum.rm]

I made 2 full length base plates that will attach with the same clamps as the cap. I also want to add a swing down tire carrier that attaches to those plates.
View attachment 111820
Similar to this.
I just don’t foresee me having spare time to build the rest of it before the trip. This is the current state of the kitchen at my new place.
View attachment 111818

Here’s 1 of the 4 bathrooms.
View attachment 111819

I can keep going… it’s every room in the house! I have to finish this entire house by the time school starts, and I really only have weekends to do it.

That's understandable. That's a lot of work. Are you guys living in the house or still in the old one till it's done?

 

[snoranger]

That's understandable. That's a lot of work. Are you guys living in the house or still in the old one till it's done?

Still living in the old place. Once we finish this, I’ll start working on that to sell it.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Extrusion Overland makes a bed rack that fits over the soft topper. I've actually already built one for my truck. Well, tacked it together. Now I'm concerned about the weight. I made it out of 1x3 steel tubing. Just made the base plates long enough to reach inside the bed and bent them down with a flap of the same length as the bed frame. I just wanted it to mount a 270° awning. But worried the weight of it and the rack would be too much. Thi k it would be sturdy enough out of aluminum, but unfortunately. I can't weld aluminum, haha.

I have mulled building just the sides. Have the uprights start at my rock sliders/rear bumper, snag a stakepocket and then run just run alongside the side(s) of the topper. Mainly for an awning and really I would only have to do it on one side of the truck. It could easily carry rotopax or a shovel or whatever too.

 

[superj]

Sure seems like "camping" use ti be much simpler.

it was. throw a tent down, collect some wood for the fire, go fishing.

even easier when i was in the army. park truck, throw up some camo net, put cot under 5 ton truck and go to sleep

 

[Curious Hound]

Mant people overcomplicate it. My setup is still relatively simple and varies with my needs, ambition kevel and the weather. I'm also constrained by what can reasonably be carried in a single cab short bed Ranger.

If I know I'll only be staying one night and need to get packed up and moving early the next morning, I don't set up all my stuff. If it's going to rain and I want to cook, I'll set up the gazebo.

Some people seem to think you have to have hot water, showers, kitchen sink, gourmet cook station, electricity, propane fire pit, mood lighting, special 9zone odor removing equipment, etc. Then their rig starts getting really heavy or they pull a trailer that ends up being heavy and more difficult to maneuver. It's not all necessary.