No Build Truck Camper- SofTopper With DAC Tent Extension

[@dannawatson7022]

This was exactly what I needed to see. I have a 5' bed/Ford Ranger and I wasn't sure how to build it out without spending a ton of cash. This answered all my questions! Thanks!

[@TregsTravels]

Awesome! So glad this helped! If you buy the tent extension from softtoppers website it will include the aluminum poles. Keep in touch, I'd love to hear what you do for your truck camper!

[@Logos_Life33]

Nothing more righteous Than being the father of a “”little boy”. Congratulations! Simple but elegant setup Your humility is the success to your future.

[@TregsTravels]

Thank you! Being a father has been the greatest. Thank you for your kind words!

[@_gypsysoul]

For the bungee on the side of the truck you could use pool noodles or electrical insulation to save your paint. Great setup!

[@TregsTravels]

I love this idea! Pool noodles would be really easy. Thank you!! I made an updated video of some of the changes I've made to the camper if you haven't seen that yet! kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJvXpZSNrNBsgbc

[@fire58372001]

You got it going on dude. I've been truck camping off & on since the 80's. Might I suggest some splash guards for you truck, for what you're going to do, they'll help keep your rig clean. If you're going to stay in 1 place for an extended period of time use wasp spray around the tires to keep unwanted pest out. & insect repellent around the tent flaps. Thanks for sharing, & safe travels. 🤠

[@TregsTravels]

Those are awesome tips, thank you!! Splash guards are a must. I'll definitely be using the wasp and bug sprays. You've been truck camping longer than I've been alive so you definitely know your stuff! Thanks for the help!

[@lonniet.2816]

NICE SETUP! AS LONG AS IT WORKS FOR YOU, THAT'S WHAT COUNTS.

[@TregsTravels]

That's exactly right!! Thanks!

[@zachowens1412]

I have the softopper and the Dac tent for my 2010 Chevy Colorado. I will be trying it out this weekend. I have some of those mats in my garage that I don’t do anything with so I might use them like how you have them. My truck is going to be a bit more crowded though. With me the wife and two 70lb dogs it’s going to be cozy.

[@TregsTravels]

That's awesome! You'll have to let me know how well you all fit back there because that sounds like it will be tight!

[@zachowens1412]

@@TregsTravels well he is an update for you. It is a bit tight with my wife and two dogs. One dog rolled out in the middle of the night and was so scared of falling out again crawled in between my wife and I. I did not get the rubber mats in before we went so every time the dogs moved the sleeping mat and bag would slide toward the tailgate. The tent itself worked as it should. I think I would be fine in there by myself or with one dog or with just the wife but not everyone.

[@TregsTravels]

Thanks for letting me know how it went! That definitely sounds pretty cramped and like a rough nights sleep...we slept pretty comfortably with 2 adults back there but we didn't have 2 large dogs. Solo trips are really nice in it though, I think you'll enjoy that a lot more!

[@brianhayes6125]

You could build a box on top of your tailgate that seals with your softopper. It would have an open side that allows room for your feet without needing the camper extender. You could even mount a window a/c at one end of the box, plug it into your bed outlet, and still have room for your feet.

[@TregsTravels]

I've seen a few guys do this and it looks awesome! Thanks for the tip!

[@CurtisMeadows-x5g]

I would love to see a drawing of the box you mentioned. Sounds like an awesome idea!

[@phillipheuerman7445]

This is wicked inspiring man, ive got the same size bed and truck and wanna start bringing my 2 young boys camping with me and i just wanted to say THANK YOU!!!

[@TregsTravels]

That's awesome!! I love comments like this...nothing better than sharing memories with your boys!

[@moreclips805]

I’ve got an identical set up. Foam mats on the ground, three 4” camping mattresses stacked inside of a sleeping bag (to bind them together as one), Molle panels for the bedside storage, then two 56 qt Plano sportsman trunks for auxiliary storage (which I stack in the back right corner - tied to the molle panels to prevent them from moving around). Result is me having the ability to roll up the mattresses and have my entire truck bed if needed. Takes less than 5 minutes. Originally started with a wooden build but quickly found out it wasn’t for me. Good stuff man, hope to see more videos like this. You don’t need much to get out there!

[@TregsTravels]

That's genius! Setup sounds like a breeze, I really love a simple setup that can be completely removed easily! I definitely need to add some molle panels to secure things a bit more.

[@andyostertag]

​@@TregsTravels I'm sure you know, but the double stacked storage tubs will double for your table too

[@michaelbryant2071]

It's practical and well thought out. Kudos to you.

[@TregsTravels]

That's kind of you to say, thank you!

[@lisamartin8472]

pool noodle cut to size, would work well over the bungies!

[@TregsTravels]

This is an excellent idea!! I keep dropping the microfiber towels so I've been trying to think of something else to try, thank you!!

[@joyce7892]

@@TregsTravels Dollar Tree has them for $1.25 and they are narrower than others.

[@robincrook5630]

Wow, thanks! I too live in Utah, and as I have been having a hard time finding a higher hard top shell for my 1999 Ford Ranger, I was looking for something like this to extend our 6 ft. Bed. My husband loves to fish, and I am getting tired of having to set up and tear down our heavy tent so we can "follow the fish". Safe travels!

[@TregsTravels]

I love a ranger! Such a fun truck. The tent extension goes up in just a few minutes and stuffs into a small sack so definitely easier than a big, heavy tent! So fun that you and your husband get to share those experiences. Utah has so much to offer! Enjoy!!

[@bubbalo3388]

Unless you're a hardcore truck camper where it may be more convenient to do a build and the vehicle is dedicated for that sole purpose then I think a no build is the best way to go. You can still use it for everyday use and easier to sell later on. And if one were to do some build but still don't want to dedicate to one. Then maybe consider a modular system where you can remove sections.

[@TregsTravels]

I completely agree! This little setup has been perfect for me

[@madcratebuilder]

I have a very similar setup in a 6' bed. Softopper with a Slumperjack Roadhouse tarp with screen. I like your the velcro organizer. Love my Softopper. You don't need to spend thousands of dollars to be comfortable.

[@TregsTravels]

I agree! It doesn't take much to really truck camp comfortably! Your setup sounds perfect!!

[@ginacardarella]

You could probably use pool noodles to rap around those bunchy cords on the side of your truck. Great flooring

[@TregsTravels]

That's a great idea! I'll have to try out the pool noodles. Thanks for the suggestion! Cheers!

[@KnuckleDragginDad]

Nothing more important in my humble and biased opinion than the role of father. Mine are all grown up minus my 14 year old. Although if ya asked him he’d say he’s ready for any and everything. Maybe I should test him by charging him rent & utilities eh? 😜 Ok I digress! I’m wondering if you could come up with a hook/ring that depresses when not in use that can be mounted to the top corner ends of each side of the truck bed. That way you could attach the bungee cord to something solid while in use and when not in use you could depress the hook or ring to keep a clean look. It seems you’ve got the room between the top and the top bed rail itself I just don’t know if you’ve got space underneath for something that could depress when not in use. I know on my truck bed I’ve got a plastic protector that runs on each side of the top of the bed that has cut outs for I believe siding that can be inserted into the posts. ✌🏽

[@shaynaduffin797]

Looks perfect for your fishing trips

[@TregsTravels]

It makes a quick overnight trip a lot easier that's for sure!

[@rivertimeable]

use the duct bubble wrap to insulate..it comes in rolls works great..

[@TregsTravels]

I think I'm going to do this. I've got a winter fishing trip coming up and this would help a ton!

[@Bearsfan920]

I like the setup, I was considering the soft topper too. I’m 6’2 with a Ram 1500 short bed 5 feet 7 inches. The gym mat set you bought, all you needed was 1 set? I like this idea instead of maybe buying carpet. Sleeping on the floor, would allow me more head room. I wouldn’t have to buy a higher camper shell. Also I have a tonneau cover, I could switch off when I’m not sleeping in truck bed.

[@TregsTravels]

I used 9 of the gym mats so I had to buy 2 packs, I think most of the packs come with 6 mats. But that allowed me to cutout around the wheelwells so it was perfect. I like the gym mats too because they give a little extra insulation so if you are sleeping on the floor you don't freeze. What you're describing is exactly the reason that I went with the softopper! I have really enjoyed how versatile it is!

[@vipersniperx1]

Question, can you zip the back hatch from the inside when you close up the tailgate?

[@TregsTravels]

Yep! You can definitely zipper the rear window from the inside on the softopper

[@williamparker8318]

I like everything you've done. Going that direction right now since I already have everything. Pulse this will help me set up a permanente system if I choose to go that direction. Cheers.

[@TregsTravels]

You're right! Most people already have most of these items or can start with a really small investment. I've used this setup on 2 trips now and have loved it. I keep tweaking minor things but trying to keep it simple!

[@thomaskrutulis2289]

Not sure if anyone else asked but with powerboost, why would you need buddy propane or the jackery? 7.2kw is enough to run a small house. Yeah it’ll kick in once in awhile to charge but darn, that’s kinda the point of the powerboost I’d think. It’s full blown shore power all the time. Just wondering why you’re not utilizing more? Ps. Keep it simple, your build is more useful than most; nice job!

[@TregsTravels]

You're 100% right! The onboard generator is a beast. I thought having the pickup cycle during the night might be a little annoying to run an electric heater but I definitely can use it more than I do. My thought was to use the jackery then charge it back up with the pickup but I could totally run it all just off the truck. My latest video that I shared I used the powerboost to cook with an air fryer and it worked like a dream! Maybe in the summer I could try running a small, portable AC off it. Thanks for your feedback, I really appreciate it!

[@RL31367]

Great versatile setup! Like that little Coleman light! Just found your channel via Dave's camping adventures channel. 🤝🏻

[@TregsTravels]

Thank you! Dave is awesome! Thanks for checking out my channel too!

[@joyce7892]

Awesome set up. I didn't know there was such a thing as this tent top. I look forward to more ideas.

[@TregsTravels]

Yeah I didn't think a lot of people had! I'm really happy with it and love camping in the back of the truck!

[@godsbackcountryoverland]

Nice top, I like the convenience of it.

[@TregsTravels]

That was the biggest selling factor for me! I love how easy it is to fold and even completely remove

[@andyostertag]

Like the simplistic theme.. and how the tent would button up the end of the hardshell I have. Take off the back closure, toss it in back, lock up and your gone. Another thing to think about would be a Black Widow Moto-bike rack that fits into your 2" receiver as it would disappear under the tailgate after the tent was set up

[@TregsTravels]

That's perfect! Thanks for the tip!

[@beckhamboxer818]

Good video man, keep up the good work. Would love to see an overnight video with maybe some cooking

[@TregsTravels]

Thanks! We're going camping this week, I'll share some videos shortly!

[@TregsTravels]

Hey! Just letting you know I shared a video of me camping and cooking using an air fryer off the powerboost generator. Thank you for the support! kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3XPn4GGqbykp6c

[@eatcommies1375]

I got the same setup but long bed Tacoma, look into crua “haul” insulated sleeper, it works perfectly in cold and hot camping under my softopper

[@TregsTravels]

Thanks for the tip! That looks awesome. Do you sleep with that on a cot?

[@eatcommies1375]

@@TregsTravels No, just lay a couple of blankets under it, inside use sleeping pad

[@curtisfike]

Nice setup !!!

[@TregsTravels]

Thank you! It's simple but has worked really well!

[@kylestyer8240]

This is very helpful for me!

[@TregsTravels]

Good! I'm glad it helped, let me know if I can help with anything else!

[@useryggfdcc]

Excellent idea, I was planning to do this same setup with a Tacoma 5ft bed truck.

[@TregsTravels]

Awesome! It works great, I took my nephew out last night and we had a blast. I hope you enjoy it!

[@jwiseman159]

Tregatron 👊🏼 nice flannel

[@TregsTravels]

Shoutout to my matching flannel gang lol

[@user-rk2ww2cm4v]

I have the same set up with my Power Wagon. SoftTopper isn't as permanent or expensive as a camper shell or roof top tent... and you can remove it in 5 minutes.

[@TregsTravels]

Exactly! I love the versatility. I'm very happy with it! Do you camp in yours?

[@user-rk2ww2cm4v]

@@TregsTravels Yes, it works great for cold and windy weather too.

[@rubyv4s]

I have the same truck and problem with the 5.5’ bed, there’s a guys named Brian on KZbin that that added a section to his bed on the side and it works great. I’m starting my build soon but waiting on my leer cap.

[@TregsTravels]

I saw his build! It was a genius idea. My problem was I wanted a softtopper so I could remove it and still use my truck bed for loading the dirt bikes or other taller items that I can't do with a hard truck topper...and equipment that I could easily remove. Let me know what you build! Excited to hear about it

[@rubyv4s]

@@TregsTravels yeah I hear you, that’s the problem with the hard top, I’ll be posting videos of the build when i start. I subscribed to see what good ideas you come up with. I think it’s awesome that you have the hybrid, I got the pro power on board but the one they pair with the v8. Truck needs to be on for it to work, I regret not getting the hybrid now lol.

[@alalineman1]

get a board and put it in your backseat tie the forward part to your head rest set your pad and sleeping bag up. Crank up the AC and turn the radio on softly, youll sleep great.

[@TregsTravels]

I'll have to try that!

[@alallen2767]

Nice and simple. Good for you. Stay safe.

[@TregsTravels]

Thank you very much! Simple was what I was going for 👍🏼

[@breckduffin7427]

Who’s ready for a struggle snuggle!?!?

[@TregsTravels]

🙋‍♂️

[@clay_jay22]

MMMEEEEEEEE

[@TregsTravels]

I like where this is headed 😂

[@daleley7645]

Great setup! Do you have trouble with condensation inside the topper?

[@TregsTravels]

When I run the heater I definitely get condensation inside the topper but I just open the side panels a little bit in the morning and it dries out quickly 👍🏼

[@melrichardson2392]

Very nice brother ,nice set up well thought out,like it very much,have you thought about stove fan for Mr. Buddy heater.

[@TregsTravels]

Thank you! I love it so far...I did get a stove fan, it works awesome! It circulates the air so well. I talk about it in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4DRd6qOj7psgbc

[@Chappysoutdoors1494]

Like the build! You used foam gym mats, what’s the blue under the mats? Is that insulation or just part of the mats?

[@TregsTravels]

Thank you! Yeah the mats are just two sided...black on one side and blue on the other...I went with the 1" mats which is the perfect amount of insulation on the floor for the cold weather months

[@paulfamilyadventures439]

I'm in Utah as well. I just picked up a 2023. Can you tell me where you got the gym mats? Thank you!

[@TregsTravels]

Awesome! Congrats on the new truck! I got those foam mats from Costco, you can find them on Amazon as well. They're 2ft x 2ft and I used 9 tiles total so I could cutout around the wheel wells. Here's the link to the ones I used from Costco: www.costco.com/norsk-reversible-foam-flooring%2c-48-sq-ft.%2c-24-in.-x-24-in.-foam-mats.product.100413892.html?sh=true&nf=true

[@jhh243]

Great video and great setup

[@TregsTravels]

Thank you! I have really enjoyed sleeping in it!

[@dabish2888]

Nice setup

[@TregsTravels]

Thank you! I've been having a lot of fun using it!

[@doctorcXanthophyll]

I have a softopper on a shortbed as well. What's the bug situation like? Here in mosquito country (Minnesota), I need an enclosed space.

[@TregsTravels]

The nice thing about the DAC tent extension is it has a mesh panel with a zipper so you can have an enclosed space but still get some air flow in the summer time. You can also buy a mesh rear panel from softtoppers website to replace the vinyl window. I've thought about adding some velcroed mesh panels so I could roll up the sides for air flow but still keep the bugs out. I'll let you know if I do!

[@aaronhansen5248]

Great setup and review! Thank you.

[@TregsTravels]

I foresee a lot of fun adventures in our future 👍🏼

[@DavesCampingAdventures]

hey thanks for the video! i just ordered one last week, cant wait to get it.

[@TregsTravels]

Awesome! Glad you enjoyed it! I hope you like the tent cover, I've done 4 trips with it now and have loved it! I shared some of those videos as well, cheers!

[@DavesCampingAdventures]

@@TregsTravels forget my question about the square ft of the flooring i just saw your other videom that says how man you used

[@bubbahyde8251]

The only bad thing is if you need to go to town for anything then you have to pack-up the tent part. I'm curious as to why you chose this method instead of a traditional regular tent/cot/sleeping bag? I have a Ram with a 5.5 ft. bed. I'm trying to decide between something like this and just using a regular tent/cot/pad/sleeping bag setup. Thanks for showing how you did this.

[@TregsTravels]

I agree! I went back and forth in my head before deciding to go with this and I've been glad I did for a couple reasons...it only takes a couple of minutes to throw the tent extension on there, I feel like I get faster every time! it's really nice to pull up to a campsite and have everything setup in the back of the truck, I usually just turn the cot on the side while I drive then set it upright when I get there so everything is already put together. I've done a few trips where we are moving to different fishing spots constantly so I've just slept in the back of the truck diagonally and that's really comfortable as well. I really find this to be a lot more convenient than trying to find a tent site in order to camp...I've even slept in parking lots with no problem! Not having to throw down a tarp under a tent or worry about rain and mud is nice too. And it's always easy to throw in a tent if you want a permanent spot! Hope that helps, let me know what you go with! I made a truck camper playlist if you want to see just how versatile this setup is 👍🏼 kzbin.info/aero/PLtvW_Eu0ZuSkB3QNwtdAglqiWYZ7tt6AB

[@NATURESHOWS]

You're the man 👍

[@TregsTravels]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MrTpock]

which cot do you have that fits in the 5.5ft bed with the tailgate closed?

[@TregsTravels]

With the cot in the video I can only use it with the tailgate down and the DAC tent extension. I have been sleeping with an air mattress with the tailgate closed...but I just ordered a new cot that tilts and is shorter that I'm hoping I can sleep on with the tailgate closed. I'll keep you updated!

[@MrTpock]

@@TregsTravelsnice! let me know how it works out

[@tamapaogofie-buyten3056]

Did those poles come with the DAC purchase bro?

[@TregsTravels]

Yep! If you purchase the tent off SofToppers website then they include the poles 👌🏻 softopper.com/products/softopper-camper-top-tent-full-size/ There's a full size and mid size option for the tent 👍🏼

[@madshadow85]

If you want a real comfy bed check out REI's Kingdom Cot 3. Most comfortable cot i have ever slept on and is really well built.

[@TregsTravels]

Thanks for the tip! I've seen that one and it looked like the comfiest cot ever. Good to know it lives up to the hype!

[@latenight8356]

can i use this with just a tonneau cover?

[@TregsTravels]

The tent extension? You could try it, might just have to stretch it out more since it's not as tall

[@spellerlittlewing]

Excellent

[@TregsTravels]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@sandorszabolcsi]

Thanks for sharing your setup. I was considering the soft topper for my Nissan Pro4X, the Dac tent aluminum poles to hold up the tent. Did that come with your tent? And just curious what temp 🥶have you camped with the soft topper

[@TregsTravels]

No problem! I bought the tent from the soft topper website and it came with the poles. I haven't done any extreme weather yet but next week I'll be camping in Nevada all week and the lows are in the single digits so I'll share those videos!

[@stephenfrost545]

That was one of the big things for my 21 powerboost. I had to have the 6'6" box. Its been a game changer. How are you enjoying the hybrid system?

[@TregsTravels]

You're smarter than me! The 5'5" bed barely fits in my garage...next time I will definitely get the bigger bed. I love the hybrid! Awesome fuel mileage and I love the onboard generator. My next video will be cooking using the air fryer plugged into the generator! How do you like yours? Are you camping out of it?

[@stephenfrost545]

@@TregsTravels Haha, yeah my truck definitely doesn't fit in the garage, maybe one day I'll be able to build one that is larger. I love the hybrid system. Its pulled my 16x8 tandem enclosed trailer all over north america. We reside in southern Alberta. We use it a ton for camping! Cast iron pans with a couple hotplates, set up beside the fire sure makes for some nice ambiance. I also use the generator to power the AC or heat for the trailer or our second camping vehicle, an 03 expedition that we use on tighter trails or if they are too technical for the trailer. Honestly we've also converted to electric chainsaws and other tools as well, its been very convenient. Once the trailer is finished being fully converted into a camping trailer, we will be doing a fairly large battery and solar setup to it. Being able to run everything with 2 different power sources plus a backup pullstart generator gives me comfort. When Ford creates a powerboost 1 ton, I'll upgrade to that. But until then, there isn't another truck on the market that can replace the utility that the powerboost gives.

[@TregsTravels]

Your setup sounds awesome!! Most of my tools are electric too so I love being able to charge them on the go. I've been really surprised at how well the generator works and how little fuel it needs. When I saw all the benefits of the hybrid system it was hard to pass up! I've heard rumor that Ford is going to make a powerboost diesel that would be awesome for towing.

[@96744skindiver]

Nice! Was looking into the DAC tent. Where did you get your posts from? I just installed my topper on my FX4 shortbed but came from a Tacoma with a softopper I had for years before selling. Best topper ever, and more watertight than any tonneau cover or hardtop my friends had. You’ll be happy for the long run!

[@96744skindiver]

Oh, I’m retarded…I now see that the posts come standard with the DAC 😂. How does it hold up in the wind, and how watertight is it?

[@TregsTravels]

I'm glad you liked the soft topper! If you buy the DAC tent from soft topper's website it'll include the aluminum poles but if you have a hard topper you use the rear window to hold it up. I've had it in 30mph winds and it did great! I just tried to face the front of the pickup directly into the wind. And I've only had it in light rain and didn't have a problem...Ive heard that in hard rain the water collects so I might need to waterproof the seams.

[@96744skindiver]

@@TregsTravels good to know. We do a lot of overnight fishing trips in hawaii and the wind can really pickup on our coastal shorelines. Looking forward to seeing more upgrades, my man! Sub’d

[@paulogden4722]

I've used this setup with my Tacoma and a Softopper a few times. It is very comfortable in fair weather and adds a lot of airy space, but the DAC tent does poorly in high wind- too much billowing fabric- and the tan colored portion of the fabric is not waterproof. Water wept through and soaked the foot end of my bed after a couple hours of a good rain shower.

[@TregsTravels]

That's good to know! I haven't tried it out in high winds or heavy rain yet...I'll have to figure out a way to waterproof that section. I'm camping in it this week in Nevada and really enjoying it!

[@RM-bx2zt]

You may be able to use the silicone waterproofing spray for tents in addition to seam sealer. Or check w the manufacturer. Awesome video!

[@SQWIB]

Awesome

[@TregsTravels]

Thanks! I've really enjoyed it

[@Joeblade1966]

Cot brand ?

[@TregsTravels]

Extremus is the brand, the link is in the video description if you want to check it out!

[@eugenewalk4601]

Enjoyed mine until the condensation and lack of cross ventilation got to me.

[@TregsTravels]

Yeah the condensation has been pretty bad when I run the heater....it clears up pretty quick when open the side flaps. I've been thinking of adding some mesh paneling so I could open the side flaps and still keep the bugs out.

[@TregsTravels]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6bPlaGEr850qJo not sure if you saw this video but I made some mosquito netting with magnets to install easily and get that cross ventilation! It's worked really well for me and helps clear the condensation without letting bugs in. Cheers!

[@Jason-dr6se]

That won't stop a bear from sucking you out of the back

[@TregsTravels]

Definitely won't! I'd rather be in the back of the truck than on the ground but you're right, it's no more safe than a regular tent