Look at the "truck camper forums", more stuff there than you can dream of, or imagine.

Here is an off road camping forum, also full of good stuff. https://expeditionportal.com/forum/

Thanks Marvin, yes the amount of information you can peruse is overwhelming. I’ll check them out.

One issue I’m having is that the 8 foot bed is apparently something of a unicorn in the world of trucks today. Thankfully, I think I have found some great options for a topper and storage drawer system. The big truck bed was a must because I want plenty of sleeping room.

You'll really like the tundra. Pretty much everybody that has one loves them.

Shame for you they no longer give out stamps.

Beautiful truck, I’m considering getting the baby brother Tacoma. They’re nice and hold their value.

For some good ideas for small campers, look at the tear drop trailer forum. http://www.tnttt.com/

Here is another version, the square drop version of the tear drop. https://www.shawneehillsworkshop.com/offroad-overland-camper
This one is sort of built on the "Grasshopper" style of tiny trailers. I am not suggesting a trailer, but there are options of what can fit the bed of pickups. One thing to look at is the pop up roof. It really adds a big new dimension to the inside of a sleeper camper.

Lots of research and lots of consultation with folks over the past few days. Shoutout to DFW Truck and Auto Accessories. They got the scoop on how I was going use the truck and talked me out of as many things as they talked me into - the mark of a business that values a customer over a sale. Going with an A.R.E. MX topper and Truckvault drawer system along with some additional add-ons like step bar, underseat storage, etc. The lighting issues kind of took care of themselves as dual rod lighting was an option I went with on the topper. Also went with the lift up Outdoorsman windows.

Leer did not have a topper option that fit my truck and neither did Decked have a drawer system that fit either. Truckvault was more expensive but is also sturdier. Opted against a lift system on the camper for several reasons based on how I was outfitting it for my particular use.

Thanks again for all the helpful suggestions!

Would like to see details of the end result

Sure thing. About a 6-8 week lead time for them to build the camper and Truckvault to the customer’s specs. Will post pics when done.

Great. We can't wait to see your final custom!!

You will need to upgrade the shocks for the extra weight maybe a lift kit because you know your gonna want to put bigger tires on it.

Fan-Tastic Fans are great it helps keep the flying bugs off you at night. https://www.amazon.com/fantastic-fan/s?k=fantastic+fan

https://www.xoverland.com/videos/truck-builds/2018-toyota-tundra/

These guys do some serious overland stuff and post all the details on their builds, almost exclusively Toyota’s. May be worth a look.

I used to follow them when it was buddies having fun in their rigs. When it became a let's peddle products in $100k builds and talk about overlanding like it's a military mission, I lost interest.

I have noticed that a lot of the websites are way beyond anything I am looking to do with this project. This truck is for camping, fishing, and hunting - not overlanding.
That said, I have gotten some ideas just checking out some of the stuff they do.

I’m normally about 20 days plus a year in mine. This year I was only in it for I think 4 or 5 days, one night mule deer hunting rest bear hunting. The below was bear hunting in CO this year.

I pulled my tool box/draws for a little more head room. I had all my tools and recovery in a 60qt cooler and lowes bucket.

I’m ordering a topper lift/tent package for sure. Then I’ll put my drawers back in.

Things I’ve learned, don’t go cheap on your foam pad. Also get the MSR guardian water filter, it’s expensive but won’t freeze, so maintenance is limited. Plus you can filter a lot of water fast. Huge fan of the canvas cutter bed roll(no dust, water proof, breathes awesome and you can sleep out side with it). Best truck sleeping bag is Cabelas 44mag( canvas/flannel). I do most my cooking on MSR windburner and Dual burner Coleman propane. I’m looking for a better single burner propane option. Dual takes up to much room. All my lights are just LED rechargeable or lithium batteries. Been eyeing this heater/stove combo. https://image.sportsmansguide.com/adimgs/l/7/717874m2_ts.jp, nothing beats a cast iron steak.

Initially my biggest mistake is I tend to over cooler and then I feel like I'm wrestling coolers every night. I now keep 60qt(tool storage) and in back seat a 60qt and soft cooler.

Oh and my last parting gift Lowe’s has a little kobolt electric 24v brushless 12” chainsaw. I highly recommend it. Perfect for blow down in road, or quick work of a fire.

Your rangefinder may be in there "somewhere."

Ah that cute, you use the midget step

Bigpig..... come on.... you know that’s a “man step”

I forgot to bring a chair. Works decent as a table chair set up.


Don’t be jelly because it ain’t stuck like your dodge

I figured the Furd was broke down in this pic, I mean, isn’t that why you have all that survival gear back there?

Lol.

I just scrolled thru this forum and its what I'm planning on doing this year. My needs will be 1-5 nighters while duck hunting. I have an F250 and seriously looking at the ARE shells. I want the shell that extends up a bit for more head room. Mine will only be on for duck season so I may not get the fold down windows but I will get carpeted liner and the darkest tinted windows possible. I want to be able to sit on the bed and get dressed so I'm building a bed that does not go all the way across....about half way or so. A slender storage shelve on the opposite side with a clear walk way from rear to back. My kitchen will be in the slide out drawer I will build that slides back under the bed plus extra storage room. My bed has a push button that lights up my bed now and that will come in handy as it stays on for a minute or 2. Led lights will take care of the rest or just camping lights that run off batteries. A cooler will slide up into the walkway I will leave open and act as a night stand for my glasses, phone etc.

That sounds good. The MX is the one that extends up. The CX is flush with the cab. The guys at DFW Truck and Auto Accessories were very knowledgeable and helpful if you haven’t decided who to use. They are right there in Mesquite.

Yep I use to live in Mesquite and know where they are. I asked a buddy about Earl Owen and if they make shells he said no but he has a friend who sells them from a dealer (not sure who) and said he would get me dealer price on one. If that don't happen then defiantly plan on talking to DFW in Mesquite.

The carpeted liner on the ceiling of your topper will cut down the condensation dramatically.
We put a wooden shelf across the bed and only over half of it. Storage under or over if you're sleeping in the bed.

If you're coming to Wyoming, avoid those tents on top, our wind will take it away or destroy one.