A Tour Of My Truck Camper Setup

[@jefferydoty5141]

It is nice to see a set up that doesn't require building a bed platform & cabinets. Thank you for sharing.

[@brianbechtol7329]

Yes sir. It's still working well 3 years later. Just completed a trip to Big Bend using this F150. Thanks for watching! I really appreciate the viewer's input.

[@dclif1080]

Perfect. All you need, nothing you don’t.

[@brianbechtol7329]

Yes sir you are correct. I try to keep this as minimal and simplistic as possible. Not a lot of clutter to get in the way and all of it can be removed from the truck easily. Thanks for watching!

[@TabethaAurochs]

The ratio of smart ideas to minutes of video (and definitely to Sq ft of truck bed) is a record-setting density. Great job - and thanks for the ideas!

[@brianbechtol7329]

Wow! Thank you so much for the great comments. I'm glad you were able to get some good ideas from this video.

[@bakenumber4]

Love the radio you made.

[@brianbechtol7329]

It comes in handy when you find campsites like this that have no cell signal. Thanks for watching!

[@alexanderweaver4838]

Great set up with everything you need...the essentials. Thanks for sharing.

[@brianbechtol7329]

Yes sir, Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching.

[@alvarogaitan2529]

thanks Brian nice setup simple and effective terrific thanks good luck enjoy

[@brianbechtol7329]

Yes sir. Thanks for watching!

[@peterpiper487]

I like the way you offset the weight of the bed with the weight of the driver. Makes sense. Some builds have most of the weight on the left side of the truck. I always like to say, "Careful taking a left turn with speed; you may flip over!" LOL!!

[@imxploring]

Great simple setup.... all you need! Thanks for sharing! Keep on camping and taking us along!

[@brianbechtol7329]

Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed it.

[@shawnanderson2848]

Nice Setup!

[@lindamcvey354]

Eva foam mats great insulation mate join together like a jigsaw good on the floor and walls nice n cosy plus helps with the noise I learned that from a cold winter hope this helps

[@brianbechtol7329]

Thanks for the idea. I think some insulation could be added on the sides like you mentioned. I'm sure the single pane glass doesn't help much either but those could be covered up with reflectix.

[@pah6539]

Appreciate the video. You provided me with ideas to set up my sleeping arrangement in my SUV

[@brianbechtol7329]

Awesome. Glad this video helped!

[@rogerstillwater6800]

Done that before.. Tint the bed windows.. so when you stealth boondock you can slide in anywhere.

[@brianbechtol7329]

Good idea. I am considering some black cloth side curtains that would attach with velcro.

[@JamesBrown-ux9ds]

Use both - the tinted part will be always of use. And I can go even further. And we made a tailormade insulation blind for the rear window out of 4mm aluminum foil with styrofoam (foam to the inside) - with some pieces of double adhesive tape it will stay - even inside of a curved window. This blind may stay over winter, really helpful against cold and draft, of cause we have two rear view mirrors. And with three small cuts of one to two inches i have a window and can look outside.

[@notwrkn2mch]

Nice setup and very simple.... Mine is just about identical and i put a bicycle tube between the cab and the cap and at 195lbs/ 5'8" i can get through to the cab if needed for security reasons

[@tractorkid223]

He's gotta good little set up, nice and simple.

[@brianbechtol7329]

Thanks! I like to keep it as minimal as possible so I can pull all of this out and use the truck for hauling other things

[@terryqueen3233]

That cot is the way I'm going to set my truck up. It saves a lot of time and I'm not that much of a carpenter. I seem to bend more Nails then I drive home and yes I know you could use screws which would probably be better anyway. But I like the idea of using the cot it's just a lot quicker to take it out than it is something heavy that you build. Great idea, going to use it myself. Y'all think about it now!

[@Jordan-fn9fz]

Nice setup! I like having the bed on the passenger side, because assuming you are driving alone, it will balance out the weight of you driving instead of weighing down just the driver side. Probably not a huge deal, but depending on how much gear you have, it's nice for it to balance out so the vehicle isn't sitting lopsided on the suspension.

[@brianbechtol7329]

Yes sir you are correct. The fuel tank, transfer case and of course the driver seat are all on the left side of the truck. So, any weight on the right side will help it balance out. Something I learned a long time ago owning a boat. Good point there and thanks for watching.

[@deadduk]

Brian- Thank you for the great idea with the REI Kingdom 3 cot. I bought one and it fits perfect in my 2020 GMC Sierra 6’5” bed (standard box) I was considering building one made of wood but this was easier and much more portable not to mention the cost of wood is probably more than the cot. This will make for a perfect setup for my next long distance fishing trip. Thanks again!

[@brianbechtol7329]

Absolutely Eric. I'm glad that worked out for you. I'm sure you will find the cot is also super comfortable. I sleep really well in it. Thanks for watching.

[@djncwood]

I have a F-150 with a 6 1/2" bed. I looked at the REI Kingdom 3 cot web site and it states that the measurements of the cot, unfolded, are 82x31.5x14 inches. I would love to have one of these cots for my F-150. Before I purchase one I was wondering how you got this cot to fit in your standard box GMC Sierra truck bed? Am I misunderstanding something? Please advise and thank you.

[@chuckrf1502]

My setup is similar. Switched to a Kovea Cupid butane heater, size is better for my camper. I use clear tubs under the cot to see what is in them and my top leaks in the corners so I don’t want cloth bags underneath me. Thanks for the tour and ideas.

[@brianbechtol7329]

Thanks for your ideas also. It's good to hear what other people are using and doing. This truck is still pretty much the same as when I made this video and works well. Thanks for watching

[@David-rx2to]

I have a van and a jackery e1000. The jackery charges up while I drive via the 12 volt cigarette lighter plug in the van. I think your Ford has a 400 watt 110 volt plug in the dash, which would charge the jackery up a lot faster than my 12 volt plug. Anyway from a full charge I can run my refrigerator for about 4 days, plus charge up any and all of my devices. On cold nights I have an electric blanket, which is really great. About 30 bucks at Walmart, 10 warmth settings, about number 3 is all you need.

[@brianbechtol7329]

Great ideas. The Jackery is awesome for longer term stays but can take a while to charge due to the larger capacity. I may have to look into the 12v electric blanket which several have recommended. Thanks for watching!

[@David-rx2to]

@@brianbechtol7329 I bought a 12-volt electric blanket first, but for some reason, the 12-volt blankets only seem to come in a roughly 50-in x 60-in size, and it was on a timer that only allowed it to run for 60 minutes or so, so you would wake up at 3:00 in the morning cold, and then fumble around looking for the switch to turn it back on again. At least that's all I could find. I'm a tall person and that wasn't enough to cover me. Basically, it covered me from my waist and down around my feet. I wanted something bigger, so I got a twin size electric blanket at Walmart. Even on AC, it doesn't use much electricity. On a low setting, it cycles on and off due to its thermostat. I think it draws less than 100 Watts when it is on, and when it is off, obviously nothing except the power loss in the Jackery due to the inverter running to power up the AC section, which is minimal. It has a timer also, but it is for 10 hours.

[@David-rx2to]

@@brianbechtol7329 the circuitry in the jackery allows it to charge at 160 Watts on AC power or roughly 90 Watts on 12 volt. Depending on how far down it is discharged, driving around for an hour or two is usually enough to top it up to full. If driving around to recharge the battery is not an option, consider a portable solar panel to charge while you are stationary.

[@dwightbernheimer331]

Never mind the carbon monoxide indicator... Get a low oxygen indicator... 'Nuff said!!!... Good stuff thanks for posting

[@brianbechtol7329]

Yes sir. Thanks for watching!

[@dwightbernheimer331]

@@brianbechtol7329 you're welcome and I'll be watching more often. Stay safe stay well. Low oxygen sensor just as important as carbon monoxide. Thanks again

[@CW6691.]

Thanks for the video, very similar to my set up , clean and simple

[@brianbechtol7329]

Thanks. I like to be able to easily remove all of this and haul mountain bikes, kayaks or other gear. Keeping it simple and easily removable is the only way to go. Thanks for watching!

[@bucklundie]

I like the simplicity, great looking build.

[@brianbechtol7329]

Thanks! I've pared down the equipment list and packing a little lighter since this last video. I may make a new video about it soon. Thanks for watching.

[@miguelcastaneda7236]

might suggest privacy curtains..jc whitney used to carry.and rv supply places and some pep boys.would help retain heat too

[@brianbechtol7329]

I've thought about some black cloth for the side and back windows. Maybe held up by velcro. I recall watching a video one time where someone was using landscape cloth used for erosion control. I just haven't placed it high on the priority list due to the fact that I prefer the 360 degree view the windows provide when camping. That's something you can't even get in a tent. Thanks for watching!

[@darioaroundtheworld3741]

Nice setup, grettings from Argentina

[@brianbechtol7329]

Thanks! And hello to you too from here in Texas

[@TruesdaleTV]

Good little setup mate. Keep things simple that's wat I do with mine aswell 👍

[@brianbechtol7329]

Yes sir I try to keep this as minimal as possible. Easy to set up and easy to remove from the truck. That way I still get to use the truck for hauling other things. Thanks for watching.

[@TruesdaleTV]

@@brianbechtol7329 no problem buddy 👍⛺

[@rcadventure44]

Love that battery pack. Smart way to go.

[@brianbechtol7329]

Thanks!

[@davidschexnaydre7012]

You should do a video on how to make the battery bank from recycled laptop batteries. That would be interesting (to me). Spread the word and let's save the landfills! Thanks.

[@brianbechtol7329]

That is a good idea David. I still have part of the kit and some loose cells. I've never done a demo video before. We will see. Thank for watching

[@graystone5.3]

Awesome setup! I got a Chevy trailblazer suv I’d like to convert into a temporary camper on the weekends. Maybe have a similar setup to what you got.

[@timothysparks6293]

Appreciate the video…I’ll get one of the bed mats.

[@brianbechtol7329]

Yes sir. Thanks for watching

[@huseynmursaliyev]

You live this life

[@brianbechtol7329]

Yes sir I do enjoy camping. Been doing it most of my life. Thanks for watching!

[@huseynmursaliyev]

@@brianbechtol7329 have good trips, sir😉

[@bebopkirby]

Have never understood the many tricked out plywood truck set ups you see on You Tube. For me, I just want a place for gear and place to sleep. Don’t need to cook, wash stuff, hang out , or have a work place. Might make a bed platform over the wheel well to get a little cross air from the windows but that’s about it.

[@brianbechtol7329]

I totally agree. I still need to use this as a truck to haul things on occasion. It's the same reason I didn't want to buy another vehicle such as a van (I did consider it) and then convert it. Life happens and sometimes you need that vehicle for other things. Thanks for watching!

[@MacgyverSharon]

Nice! Thank You!

[@brianbechtol7329]

You're welcome. Glad the video could help! Thanks for watching

[@rupeshyadav303]

This is perfection. I love it.

[@brianbechtol7329]

Thanks!

[@ccarger]

Very helpful video

[@timabernathy6743]

Basic setup, I'm in the process of rigging mine out. Picked up a few ideas. Thanks. If you make any changes, let us know .

[@brianbechtol7329]

Will do. As with any project, this is always a work in progress with some room for improvement. What you see here is a trial and error learning process going on for 3 years now. Thanks for watching.

[@christopherdodd1423]

what is the length of your truck bed? I like the REI cot, just don' t know if i t will fit in my truck.Thank You.

[@brianbechtol7329]

This is the 6 1/2 foot bed. I had a ranger years ago that had a 6 foot bed and a standard Coleman cot fit in it. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching.

[@haha-ty3ef]

I love the setup nice job sir, May I ask what is the brand of your boots sir?

[@brianbechtol7329]

Those are a Georgia Boot GR500

[@haha-ty3ef]

@@brianbechtol7329 thank you sir have a great day

[@mycamperjeep9930]

wow its cool..i want to convert my jeep to jeep camper.

[@brianbechtol7329]

I follow a guy on KZbin who has a Jeep converted to a camper. You may want to check out his channel venture4wd

[@ccarger]

Is your truck a long wheel base bed?

[@Laura-lr3sz]

Thanks for the video. I'm considering this for my SUV but I would need the middle set of legs to be folded up. Is that possible or do they have to go down to unfold completely? Thanks!

[@brianbechtol7329]

Hey Laura, thanks for asking. The middle set of legs have to support the weight of the cot and therefore are needed. Another cot you may consider is a Teton Sports Somnia cot but I'm afraid it may no longer be available. Thanks for watching!

[@Laura-lr3sz]

@@brianbechtol7329 thanks. There would be part of the car supporting the middle but if the legs are there it would be too high. I appreciate your response!

[@djncwood]

Nice setup. Just a question though. The link you provided on the REI Kingdom Cot 3 says that the unfolded dimensions are 82x31.5x14 inches. I have a similar F-150 with a 6 1/2" bed (or 78 inches). Taking those dimensions the cot would not fit in my truck. Does your F-150 have a longer bed or are my missing something? Thanks for the video. Really enjoyed watching it.

[@brianbechtol7329]

Good question. Mine is an REI Kingdom cot 1 (1st gen). The cot has to fit under the lip of the front of the bed where the bed length measures almost 80 inches. When I do this, and shut the tailgate, the cot is an "interference fit" touching on both ends. Those aluminum Coleman cots are shorter but the middle leg interferes with the wheel well.

[@djncwood]

@@brianbechtol7329 Thank you for your reply.

[@380cal1]

Did you waterproof your tailgate and camper shell ?

[@brianbechtol7329]

For the most part, it keeps out the rain just fine. I did add a rubber seal around the tailgate to keep out dust when driving down gravel and dirt roads. I also had to add an additional rubber seal at the front right after I got it installed due to a small water leak. Thanks for asking. I hope this helps.

[@outerstacenamastehere4006]

What do you use for window covering? Privacy

[@brianbechtol7329]

Great question. Currently I don't use any window coverings. I prefer the 360 degree view the windows provide. I don't overnight at Walmart or truck stops so it's not an issue. Thanks for asking!

[@kirtleya1]

I have searched hundreds of videos trying to decide what to do with my new camper shell. We have the same truck, same color, and I do believe I'll be copying a lot of your set up! I do want to ask you, when you are showing your heater, it looks like the bed is wet behind you. I've taken my shell out once so far and noticed that it was wet in the same area. Do you know why that is? Is it worth sealing? Any information would help!

[@brianbechtol7329]

Thanks for the question Adam. If you look closer in the video, that same moisture is all around, especially on the windows and the lower part of the tailgate. It did not rain that night, so all of that moisture is condensation build up from overnight running the electric heater and very little ventilation. I did have a rain water leak at the front when I first got the camper shell installed but have since fixed that with an added foam seal at the front. Hope this helps.

[@kirtleya1]

@@brianbechtol7329 where did you get the seal if you don't mind me asking? My first camping experience in it was during a snow storm and could definitely tell it was coming it right around where the bed joins with the cab, however it appeared to be coming from the bed itself somehow and not leaking down from above as I have a weather stripping under that side of the shell.

[@brianbechtol7329]

@@kirtleya1 It is a roll of generic foam seal from AutoZone. It is about 1/2 inch tall by 3/4 inch wide. I had to slide the camper shell back a foot or so and install it where the front of the camper shell meets the front of the truck bed.

[@louiecobarrubio3482]

what boots are those? Also nice setup !!

[@brianbechtol7329]

They are a Georgia Boot GR500. Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

[@heavymetalzombie4754]

Your USB battery pack looks like a bomb. 👀

[@brianbechtol7329]

Haha. I thought the same the first time I finished putting it together

[@MsGorteck]

I would LOVE to know how to make that. That looks really handy.

[@juanantoniog5875]

Buen vídeo animos

[@brianbechtol7329]

Thank you! I appreciate the feedback

[@ccarger]

What is the length of your truck bed?

[@brianbechtol7329]

6.5 feet or around 78-80 inches

[@ccarger]

@@brianbechtol7329 Thank you sir. Mine too I saw that that bed is 82 inches so I was trying to see if it would fit mine

[@DontStepInTheGrease]

What are those colored flags that I see van live hippies all have? Looks like laundry hanging.

[@brianbechtol7329]

Those are Tibetan Prayer flags. I received them as a gift. The different colors represent different elements such as air, fire, water, etc. They are supposed to bring good luck as I understand it

[@robertplutz8221]

Your window between the cab and the shell sure looks nice! The sliding glass portion looks quite a bit wider than the majority of most other sliding rear windows. It seems wide enough that a grown adult could crawl through it in bad weather. I would want to be able to do that. Did you buy that window separately, or did it come with the truck when you bought it?

[@brianbechtol7329]

Great question Robert. The sliding window is located on the front of the camper shell only. I ordered the camper shell that way. There is no sliding rear window on the truck cab. Only fixed glass. Even if the truck had a sliding rear window, I wouldn't use it because I can't reach it from the driver's seat. That sliding window on the front of the camper shell provides ventilation and air flow even when it is raining because of how the front of the camper shell is angled forward. I sleep with my head near the window for fresh air and don't have to worry about anyone crawling through at night because it can't be accessed from the outside. Thanks for watching!

[@robertplutz8221]

@@brianbechtol7329 YESSS! Just what I was hoping to hear, Brian. You explained things perfectly. Thanks! So when I order my new ARE topper soon, I'm going to make sure the window on the topper opens like yours. By the way, I went to my local REI store today on 2/7 and purchased a Kingdom 3 Cot like yours, because I did not want to go thru the hassle of building my own bed in the camper shell. Until I saw your video above, I had no idea such a splendid cot even existed. At the store, I set up my cot in my truck bed just to make sure it would fit well. Voila! It did! Thanks again!

[@brianbechtol7329]

@@robertplutz8221 I'm glad that worked out. This REI cot is one of the most comfortable I've ever slept on. I must admit, I decided at the last minute to add the optional sliding window but it was the best decision for the added air flow.

[@MrRWS82]

What boots are those? @3:35

[@brianbechtol7329]

Those are a Georgia Boot GR500. Thanks for watching!

[@MrRWS82]

@@brianbechtol7329 Awesome, thank you!!

[@gracecallowayable]

Awesome!!!👠🚌👠

[@twiggy6591]

You don’t run the heat at night!?!?!? why exactly have them? They’re made to be safe while sleeping

[@brianbechtol7329]

The back of that truck is about 30 square feet. Most of these heaters, propane or electric, are designed to heat 100 square feet or more. In such a small confined space it gets very hot, very quickly in there and is hard to moderate the temperature sometimes. Hope this helps explain. Thanks for watching!

[@modwrath810]

my osd kicked in......... your boots was opposite of what they should of been but your green bottom flip flops was correct.

[@brianbechtol7329]

Haha. Pretty funny. Thanks for watching!

[@modwrath810]

@@brianbechtol7329 Enjoyed watching. alot of these youtubers go all crazy with their set ups, I like the fact that you kept yours simple, uncomplicated. Serves its purpose without all the fancy smanchy ..

[@mycamperjeep9930]

help its other

[@dianalong4283]

💜😇💜

[@MichaelRoyDuckworth]

That is not camping, it's parking.

[@uswdkb]

It's both. His gear is modular, so he can park, throw some essentials into a backpack and go 'camping' if he wants. He could also park at a Double Tree and rent a room. He has options, which is the point.

[@idahofmegal821]

I have a Toyota pre-runner with a topper on it. I have a bed platform built over the wheel well, with a drawer in it for my food and kitchen items. I go camping. Just because I choose to sleep in the back of my truck instead of a tent doesn’t mean I’m not camping. I’m in the woods, enjoying the trees, creeks and mosquitoes 😬 I do park in parking lots, to go to stores. But, like this vlogger, I don’t sleep in parking lots.