Van builder redesigns the Kodiak canvas truck bed tent hoping to relax while camping on the beach

In my quest to achieve a relaxing night or two, camping on the beach, I decided to make some design improvements to the Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tent.
#onahumbleroad #kodiakcanvastruckbedtent

[@hector5404-b9o]

I’m sure a nice strong shore breeze will make the process even easier. 😂

[@HumbleRoad]

😆

[@LJ-jq8og]

KODIAK.... OWES you for enhanced engineering 💪

[@007nadineL]

Ikr 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@johnroyer3191]

George, I have absolutely no interest in a truck bed tent. I will, however, watch the whole video just because you made it. Always fixing, always improving. Wonderful and admirable traits.

[@tumbleweed1976]

Same mindset. Thank you for sharing.

[@m.r.4798]

lol, same here.

[@christinamacintyre9972]

Same

[@daviddickson1403]

Ditto

[@MS-AllThingsWild]

I had no interest in truck tent camping until I watched this video. I love his modification ideas, and thought of some others. I must now get a tent. ❤

[@m.r.4798]

George, my knees hurt for you! I have a BedRug in my pickup, absolutely love it.

[@HumbleRoad]

A BedRug is in the future!

[@MichaelKuczynski-u7o]

I use bed rugs in my truck / SUVs and boats , it’s a great product

[@MichaelKuczynski-u7o]

Nice , I like Kodiak products . I purchased there 10x14 Flex-Bo VX tent a couple of years ago and when I was reading up on them they said it could withstand wind , rain , snow etc . First time I used it ( set up easy ) it rained , snowed , hailed and was 30mph wind . It never leaked and was way more stable then I ever thought possible. Great product . Thanks for sharing your setup and mods I’m sure it will help people in the future.

[@mjremy2605]

What a great video! You reinvented that truck tent. Your idea of relaxing on the beach equates to your mind working furiously on the next problem solution. You are like a German Shepherd, always on the job, always vigilant for improvement on a model. 12:56 - Appreciate those cinch clips mention. Enormously useful and never knew they existed. I also found out that hog ring pliers are what they use to attach bungee cord to any hook or clip. You can get the manual pliers which are the best for custom tightening around bungee, and you feed it one ring at a time. They also have a semi automatic pliers which are like nail guns but use manual power, and finally the electric ones that shoot out hog rings in perfect circles for fencing. Such a great tool. On the topic of tools, another great tool for anyone using salvaged pallet wood is the Reverse Nail Gun by Air Locker. Pneumatic tool, and shoots out the embedded nail if you have access to the pointy side stuck in the wood. No more crow bar use. Also comes with a changeable replacement hammer. Kit is $58 on Amazon. Other brands cannot replace the hammer so this one is industry best for DIY use. Tent looks so much like a prairie wagon, wow. Now you have to sit around a campfire with your chuck wagon and watch an old Western movie with John Wayne, ha ha! Love it. Thanks for a great Sunday. Happy Easter, George!

[@robin54733]

Bloopers were 💯. We appreciate the effort you put into the videos.

[@HumbleRoad]

Glad you like them!

[@law81669]

Thanks, George. I like this. it's so much better than having a tent on the ground 😀👍

[@HumbleRoad]

I agree!

[@mjremy2605]

GEORGE, not GORGE. Gorge is a chasm, canyon. 🙂

[@mikam8801]

But you can’t drive after it’s up, right? Trade offs. I have two Kodiaks and love the canvas.

[@law81669]

@@mikam8801 I'm sure you couldn't drive while tent up

[@mikam8801]

@@law81669 It was more of a rhetorical question, hence the “trade offs”.

[@miguelrivera8599]

Looks nice George, but it's too much work. You should try a roof top tent that you can mount to that 8020 . Loosen a few latches , a gentle push and your tent is set. You'll also have some storage space between your truck bed floor and the bottom of the tent floor.

[@yvan2563]

Except you can't stand up and walk in a roof top tent. What he needs is a folding, hard-wall truck camper. Even if he has to design and build it himself.

[@terrimcintyre193]

Great looking tent, George. The entertainment value of this video ranks high in your lineup! 🤣

[@asnormal1362]

See, this is why you're not longer 6' 2"! You start out that way but life can beat you down, say for example, getting those video intros straight 😂🤣🛻. You always give me a chuckle & something for my brain to chew on too. You being you is a fun way for me to start my day. THANK YOU❤️!

[@cynthiam3319]

As usual, excellent tweaks. I do enjoy how your brain is always thinking about practicality and common sense. ☮️

[@russellault2391]

Don't we enjoy simplicity and easy to do or use have bought several items in my day with easy assembly and days later just finishing it up thanks for the video

[@RexWilliamson-t9s]

Enjoyed the video. You’re a natural entertainer. And, it was informative.

[@wisegentle7859]

you are such a Genius....like minds I say....I've been using magnets to secure for several years....my reason is I'm a little ole lady....and have to make things light / convenient / functional....love all your ideas and streamlining work/modifications. Blessings Brother.

[@kenjimiyake5631]

So smahht, George! Really like that you found a use for those rods!!!

[@janetdupree6353]

Utilizing George-style form and function skills on the original Kodiak truck-bed tent yielded an new and improved product. I hope Kodiak is paying attention to your tweaking (and advertising). BRAVO

[@fscottgray9784]

I have a Kodiak and what I did to make it set up quick is to weld some extentions to the inside portion of the rails and then once I knew the correct position I drilled 3 holes along the rail on the inside portion of the bed and use rivnuts or speed nuts along the rail.. Then I use some 1/4 x 20 knobbed bolts to attach the rails. It can be universal on any truck bed. It cut setup time in half. For your setup and I would make a mark on the Tslot and the kodiak rail so you line them up each time and don't have to worry about sliding it around afterwords.

[@anthonyg9787]

My friend has two slide outs with a pop up tent. It's so cool... think you would love his set up. 😊😊😊😊

[@rmsbrooks5606]

You know we love you right, you don't make mistakes you have happy accidents. Keep tat blooper reel going. ❤👄🤣😁

[@mariodesharnais6792]

I used this tent in winter with white snow LOVE It. I set this tent in 8 minutes in winter. You can practice to take it down without dismantling the 3 poles. You just have to release the tension in the rope all around and the 2 awning pole remains in but with no tension. Bring toghether the 3 poles and the canvas. Put all the assembly in diagonal of the truck bed. And Voilà. Ready to go. Once ready to rebuilt. Just jump in the bed and hold all the 3 poles inside the tent. Start with the middle one and ajust.

[@steves524]

Some great improvements, hope their design department is watching 🎉

[@LovinLnCottage]

Hi, George! I bought one of these for my Tundra SR5 in 2017 with the very same hope of going to a beach to camp. Lots available because I live in Florida. I have set it up only twice because of all of the same shortcomings which you identified. Like you, I love the canvas tent. It is so pleasant to sleep in once it is set up. However, the set up by myself was just too much and I gave up after the 2nd camp out. Did I mention that I am a retired equestrian and athletic 77 yrs young? Just this morning I was looking at it and thought about selling it but you have given me hope that I might be able to camp on the beach again. I would love to have you modify my setup the same way you modified yours. Can and would you be willing to do that? I love your videos and have been watching them since you first started posting and all through the C19 debacle. I got the camping bug then. Thank you for your efficient perfectionism, integrity and most of all your lovely sense of humor. ☮️❤️🙏

[@donbruno5952]

Looks cozy ....Where's the bed, stove, running water, table ,bathroom and most important your custom made CBG to practice ?

[@HumbleRoad]

Stay tuned, it's all coming!

[@SK-qt1rm]

My one issue I have with straps is when they touch exterior paint. With any wind, they will rub away your paint. I made this mistake a long time ago and thankfully (?) my paint failed (failed to adhere) and the dealership had to repaint my entire truck.

[@HumbleRoad]

Yea, I thought about that. But then looked down the side of my truck where all the inconsiderate people slammed their door into mine. 😡 At least these scuffs will be badges I will appreciate!

[@kimruss6476]

The tent looks nice and very well made. If you go to the end of the pavement at IBSP and set it up in the parking lot first...you'd only be 2-miles to the inlet and be driving slowly in the sand, especially if it's really blowing. Beautiful truck ~ you'll have a blast!!!

[@HumbleRoad]

Great suggestion!

[@BelindaTOV]

I have the GM tent for my Avalanche and found the snugtop….love the topper.

[@HumbleRoad]

Ultimately, I will end up with a topper (or cap as we call them hereabouts) but I did not want to spend that much money at this time!

[@BelindaTOV]

@@HumbleRoad i like your truck. Cost…thats why i had the tent first. The avalanche only had one custom top option that has been discontinued. But…. i happened to find one woohoo.

[@Sonja00]

Have fun trying to open your door with that set up

[@277kne]

I'll be the first to comment. Missed you George last week.

[@marykaylayman1078]

😂😂😂 George you crack me up! You’ll need to play some soft stress free music to put that thing up. Made my morning ❤

[@HumbleRoad]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@TOTALLYRELAXED]

Hey George! Pretty nice tent! But instead of going through all that hassle I’m gonna have a NORTHSTAR 850SC popup camper behind my cab of my 2024 GMC 2500 HD. Good presentation as always though! Have a blessed Easter Sunday! ~Jim~

[@HumbleRoad]

Ha! My pick up is a 1500 (with the max tow package for my little trailer) and the payload capacity is only 1972 lbs. No truck bed camper for me!

[@DerekLogan-t8g]

My father wants to do the same thing but he can't find the mounts that you used to mount the rails too. Can you let me know where you found the rail mounts

[@HumbleRoad]

www.deezee.com/home/productdescription/24325/Hex-Side-Rail?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAACps9y4aWsF1beFd23-utDF9hq0lt

[@GreenVegan816]

I want one of those! But I guess I need to buy a truck first. 😮

[@northstar8]

George, you need to get a TUNE M1 or a Dirtbox camper OR since you are on the East Coast, Snap Outfitters makes nice little pop up--they are in southern PA, not to far from you. As always, I really appreciate your willingness to experiment and test hypotheses! Proof of concept, baby!

[@HumbleRoad]

Thanks for the tip!

[@asnormal1362]

I checked out those other truck tent systems. Super nice features for sure. Budget & the intended use will make a difference though as the website listed prices were $12,999 (TUNE M1) & $18,899.00 (Dirtbox) vs $459.99 (Kodiac) .

[@HumbleRoad]

Exactly why I decided to go with a truck bed tent rather than a cap or a camper it’s a budgetary concern and also I only paid $300 for that tent on Facebook marketplace

[@wvtaco4379]

Congratulations on 100k subscribers!

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you!

[@didevilliers1238]

Lovely - I had quite a few giggles at your masterful performance 😂😂😂

[@crochetrodeo]

I love this video ❤ 😂

[@DerekLogan-t8g]

Good morning sir, I was just wondering where you go your bed rail mounts that you mounted the 8020 rails too

[@HumbleRoad]

www.deezee.com/home/productdescription/24325/Hex-Side-Rail?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAACps9y4aWsF1beFd23-utDF9hq0lt&gclid=CjwKCAjw4_K0BhBsEiwAfVVZ_8O9B2JW4wFU-cUL-o012mSUR9K1PUzlXMDk2BCW7GsfYl9Z7zmwvBoCECEQAvD_BwE

[@mikepower8208]

The bungies at the front that extend over the door.... perhaps make a Y out of cord or bungie that also goes to the back of the cab bottom to attach, to alleviate having to adjust the cord to open and close the cab doors..

[@HalleyOndona]

George, can you please share what kind of mount did you use for the 80/20 rail? Thanks.

[@HumbleRoad]

www.deezee.com/home/productdescription/24325/Hex-Side-Rail?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAACps9y4MQAjPvNKSbQ10e1xseMIAX

[@BeckyLL]

What the hell CAN’T you design better than anyone else out there? 🥴❤️

[@HumbleRoad]

What I do never feels like work.

[@DavidGreer-zw5mb]

George, I have been wanting to do exactly what you did, but I didn't know how. I found the 8020 rails on amazon but don't know what you used to connect to the bed. Can you help me with parts description and where to get them. Finding your channel is a blessing to me. Thanks

[@HumbleRoad]

www.deezee.com/product/hex-side-rail/

[@DennisWintjes2]

Thanks George. Wouldn't it be easier to just buy a truck bed cap? Like 503.

[@HumbleRoad]

Yes, a truck bed cap is the ultimate solution. I don’t want to spend that kind of money right now I’m trying to do this in a more affordable fashion. It also helps people who are into truck bed tends to think about modifications on their rigs.

[@johnjamesmarsh]

Can you drive with it on? Or do you have to put it up when you arrive and then leave the truck static until hometime?

[@HumbleRoad]

You can drive at lower speeds, but not for too great a distance. Equate it to a steady/gusting wind.

[@williamreed38]

I love your genius for the aluminum bed rails. Do you have info how we can score those same parts? And I'd never expect you to do your time for free...

[@HumbleRoad]

Those bed rails are 15 series 8020. 8020.net

[@HumbleRoad]

And the brackets are from www.deezee.com/home/productdescription/24325/Hex-Side-Rail

[@carmenmarcinkiewicz7149]

Watching a genius at work!!! Kodiak DEFINITELY owes you money! I can say I will NEVER buy a truck tent!!!

[@georgeblank2648]

He just made it even harder

[@markmauro2569]

You should design your own truck bed tents, one for a 6’ and one for an 8’, joint venture with your manufacturer of choice and sell the Humble Road truck bed tent.

[@HumbleRoad]

Cool idea! I have an hour per night between 3am-4am

[@yvan2563]

@@HumbleRoad Perfect! Who needs sleep anyway, am I right? How about designing and building your own hard-wall fold-down truck camper? Once installed, it would probably take under a minute to setup. To keep it simple you could design everything around 80/20 extrusions like your van cabinets and since you already know how to use their products it should be relatively fast and easy. And the whole thing should also be much more lightweight than a regular truck camper.

[@HumbleRoad]

Believe me, I thought, long and hard about building a Humble Road cap for my truck

[@thesleeper7080]

🤣@@HumbleRoad

[@FromShetoMe]

LOL. Let’s face it, what you really want is a van. And I know where you can get one…delivered free of charge. 😂

[@HumbleRoad]

You know, That thought is not too far from reality...

[@guitwoj]

What bracket did you use for mounting it to the truck bed?

[@HumbleRoad]

Deezee

[@GypsyNana67]

Love the bloopers

[@guitwoj]

I think they need yo add a screen skirt to the inside...that would stop the bugs.

[@lindahardy8713]

I wish I could get my class b to you to modify. But in truth, you’d have to rip everything out & start over to be happy with it.

[@esousa486]

LOLOL ..... George, ... Maybe a glass of wine BEFORE you begin the video ..... Relax yourself a bit ..... Truly ENJOYED THIS video (as I just bought a Napier SUV Tent, ..... (Looking forward to using it THIS coming season ..... ) 😎👌👍👍 Beach camping is becoming more popular, here in coastal Massachusetts ...

[@Joeblade1966]

great video, where did you get the brackets for the rails ??

[@HumbleRoad]

DeeZee

[@adriankung1625]

Congrats on 100K George!!! While I fully agree, the Kodiak Tent is incredibly charming, and you're "improvements" are more like essential, I still doubt this fills the bill for being "easy" and "relaxing" --- what you really need to achieve that, is a tall " vista cruiser" type of canopy/ cap (with the dual windows just above cab height) and add a topper-lift kit (or create your own version) for the "tent" portion between the raised cap and the truck bed. *Voila* -- quick and easy set-up, and a hard roof over your head for better protection from winds and the odd bit of inclement weather. Love how you found a good use for the C-clamps, Lol -- Kodiak should understand that's just a bridge too far... Cheers!...from North Vancouver

[@c1slalom688]

Hi George, where did you find the rail mounts for the 8020

[@HumbleRoad]

DeeZee

[@AdamRaker-o2w]

Where did you get those stake pocket mounts for your 8020?

[@HumbleRoad]

Deezee

[@HumbleRoad]

www.deezee.com/home/productdescription/24325/Hex-Side-Rail

[@AdamRaker-o2w]

@@HumbleRoad Great, thanks! That link is for the whole kit, were you able to buy the stanchions separately? Don't want to buy the hex rail if I'm installing the 8020.

[@ralfpassing]

Have you ever seen OZ-tents ? That would save you a lot of thoughts and time...

[@HumbleRoad]

I don't see any truck bed tents on OZ.

[@jennifergraham9679]

I honestly have no interest in a truck camper tent, but it's interesting watching you do what you do.

[@pamelabraman7217]

Hello George If/When you contact Kodiak I would love to see a follow up video. 😊

[@esousa486]

Me TOO ...... PLEASE ....

[@HumbleRoad]

You got it

[@CaptainRon1913]

Kodiak makes two truck tents for "full size" pickup trucks. 5'5" to 6'8", and one for the 8' bed. Had you bought the one for a 6'8" bed, you wouldn't have all that slop at the front. Also, clamping the rails 9 to 10" from the rear of the bed like the directions say, you won't have to adjust your rails

[@HumbleRoad]

Mine is the 6'8' version and of course I followed the directions. Did not like the result. Do you think I would go to all this trouble for nothing? The ability to make that last tug adjustment makes assembly MUCH easier.

[@onionhead5780]

Maybe use a piece of pvc pipe if you don’t have aluminum.

[@dsop66]

Love the outtakes!!!

[@ranig2848]

This is just a brilliant marketing video to convince us to get a camper van which doesn’t require all this nonsense. You park an enjoy. Nothing to setup 🤣🥳

[@bjtravelersRV]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@tug1345]

Well done 100k

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you so much 😀

[@a.w.thompson4001]

George ought to have 500k, for generously sharing innovative designs and techniques with excellent production values and humor. Silly viewers.

[@critterkarma]

George, you’ve done it again! I say, a manufacturer should hire you to engineer/design a tent.

[@maggiebrattoli383]

What? No link to the 80/20 or even the kit you’d created? Put those in your store George 😊

[@geraldporting3937]

What is 8020 ? And where can I get some ?

[@HumbleRoad]

8020.net

[@tug1345]

Can you drive with the tent up and in place?

[@esousa486]

I WOULDN'T advise driving with the tent deployed/erected, on the vehicle !!!

[@tug1345]

@esousa486 can u still buy those camper pods that used to sit on the back of pick up trucks, and if so, are they any good

[@3920cruz]

truck topper clamps work instead of the c-clamps

[@KimMyersyourlegacyspeaks]

It would be easier to pack all my stuff in the bed of the truck and get a tall tent. I cram all my stuff in my Rogue and off I go. I can either sleep in my nice comfy passenger seat or my tent. I do set up a tent just to change clothes in or sit if it i raining. So much easier.

[@HumbleRoad]

The state park which allows camping on the beach has very specific rules one of which is no ground tents. You can only camp in a pick up truck.

[@mermaidvanvb]

Go in a 4x4 van 😅- much easier than setting this up each time 😂 But a nice tent.

[@HumbleRoad]

$$$

[@mortenthenorwegian2875]

👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@ekdaufin1485]

Why ar the c-clamps no good? Ah the answer comes a few minutes later! 🎉

[@dougdornseif]

Fail!! George, you did a yeoman effort making Kodiak look good with your own modifications. But I'm exhausted just watching!

[@thesleeper7080]

It's too bad the Donners didn't have THAT prairie schooner covered wagon set-up on a 4x4 truck bed like yours! They would have made it through the mountains long before the big storm, and we all know that outcome!😆

[@gmaclaren]

"Am I relaxed yet? I don't think so." :)

[@randallherr4273]

Wouldn't it be easier if you built something out of aluminum to slide into your truck box for camping

[@divekatdreaming]

Are we relaxed yet?? How about now?? 😂😂😂

[@jeffbollet3544]

Just hope the wind aint blowin

[@kostaszelkas2233]

Me too, no interest at all, but still I watched the whole video, George always has things to teach-

[@marksandoval5361]

Any body who has spent the night in a flapping collapsing tent during high winds knows about misery. Throw in rain and snow and the misery doubles. That's why I love vans or trucks with solid shells. No fabric for me.

[@HumbleRoad]

I get it. But it's not really an adventure until something goes wrong!

[@markmauro2569]

Bugs? I’m out. “You’ll get used to it.” No I won’t. Marriott here I come. 😊

[@esousa486]

LOLOL

[@HumbleRoad]

😄

[@LilyWasHereMB]

Tents and towables; so much work in order to relax. Just buy a Humble Road van.

[@yvan2563]

Excellent idea! I'm pretty sure George knows the owner, maybe he'll be able to get a special deal.

[@nomadnorm]

There is no way I would go thru that much work to sleep. If only staying overnight It would be time to leave before I got that set up

[@esousa486]

George and his wife enjoyed the "open air" lifestyle throughout their lives... he's mentioned owning boats, and different campers, coaches, etc ..... (I believe that 10 minutes of a little physical labor for the REWARD of spending time in the fresh air, and the beauty of a seashore view, can be PRICELESS ) ....... 😉😎🍹🏖🍻🌅🍉🍒🍓🍍🍏🥂

[@Stewbular]

The only use for that canvas monstrosity I can see is comic relief Get a toppper

[@taylorbad]

Yeah, no. I would never do that.

[@maureenblutekraus3561]

Magiver

[@robmilne67]

What a waste of time.

[@nigelburton7408]

Oh dear george, you have let yourself down😕. Yet another liberty taken with amazon by a youtuber. This is why prices are so high due to returns of used products! 😔😔.

[@thesleeper7080]

Huh?

[@007nadineL]

Thank you this great video. 😁😘🫠🫠😁😘😘😄😆😄😘😆😁😘😆😉😜😆😉😆🤪😉😆🤪🤪😉😆🤪😉😆😉😆🤪😆🤪😉😜😆🫠😁😄😘😃😁😘😁😜🫠😁😜🫠😁😜🫠😜🫠😁😁😜🫠🫠😜😁 6ctfy y fy fyf yf yf y fy f