Thanks Wytex. Yes I never considered a tent on top. Also got the carpet because several gave me that advice also. Being at our place in Montana the last 6 years I noticed almost all the locals and guides used a setup where they didn’t pull anything and had zero setup/takedown. Fully mobile just park and go and load up and leave. That’s what I wanted.

As a kid my grandfather had his long wheel base Ford rigged with a full in-bed cabinets, beds with just enough crawl space ‘tween them & of course, a topper. We fished many a backwoods creek in that truck. The beds slept well & I always dreamed of doing the dame to my truck one day. That is about to happen soon. Never forget those good times.

I had a Taco I did this on. This is the way to go. I had deerskin mfg custom build me a decked storage box with removable dog box.

I have a double cab Tundra with an ARE shell. I got the CX series with light, carpet, fold down front window with slider, and outdoorsman side windows or whatever they're called. At my age, the MX was a no go.

A few observations. Look the shell over really good before they install it. Open all windows, all sliding windows, check the locks, check the gaps, etc. I didn't look it over before they installed it. And when I picked it up, I was in a hurry, and didn't climb in and check things. The front fold down window frame was bent and only one of the tabs that hold the window up grabs the frame. At the back window, where they cut the fiberglass for the frame, the cut was too wide and there's a bigger than necessary gap. It lets water and dust in. I highly suggest you go over it with a fine tooth comb.

And this is more to the installer than ARE, but mine leaks at the corners during a good rain. The foam/seal probably just needs to be adjusted, or more added to it, but I'd make sure it doesn't leak, either before you leave, or as soon as you got home. I need to seal mine better, I've just been lazy about it.

Later on I ordered these, unhooked the factory ARE LED light, and just butt spliced it into the wire coming from the battery. I mounted them on each side on top of the side window frames so they shine down into the bed. Really bright. I haven't installed the third strip yet but I'm thinking about mounting it to the underside/inside of the back window so when I open the window it will light up the area behind the truck.
I can text pics if you want.

Nogalus, what is the final outcome?

Please tell me you put a 4" or 6" lift on that with some real tires.


The breakover angle on that thing is horrendous!

I would highly recommend a fridge. I have an ARB, it plugs into a 12v plug and can either be set as a freezer or fridge. I was backpacking for 2 days last week and came back to the vehicle and it was still cold. They are a game changer.

Everything is in and will be installed this week. I’ll post pics when done. Thanks for the ideas and suggestions guys!

They just sent these from the shop. It’ll be ready tomorrow.

Looks sensible from here.

Ready for a trip.

looks great! Enjoyed reading through the thread. This past year I gave up my 1500 crew cab/short bed for a 2500 Yukon XL and I'm in love with it-- wanted a simple 'sleep in' option and the ability to seat adults and/or car seats (2 of those now). The Yukon XL had more room from the second row back than an Excursion and doesn't have the spare inside.

As a reformed truck camper I still do like having the ability to open the hatch and get some air-- one product I'd look at if you will be stationary or in warmer weather is the the Slumberjack Roadhouse Tarp-- I run one with longer aftermarket poles and it gives a lot of sitting area and shade if you are setting up a kitchen, etc.

As BOBO said- might not be the best in super windy scenarios but it packs down and offers a significant extension of the 'home away from home'

Enjoy and keep the pics coming!

LOOKS good but hard to know specifics. Can you list some of the options you did but maybe can’t be seen. I had read the thread earlier and seems lots of fancy stuff was being suggested.
What’s the maiden voyage gonna be?

Make sure you have enough wheel/break line clearance for chains front and rear. More so for muddy BLM and NF roads then snow.

Also Needs a mid travel suspension kit from camburg, baja, etc

Will check that clearance and suspension kit. Also going to put on a 4” lift kit. Obviously not going rock climbing but will need all the clearance I can muster within reason. Will definitely have a portable shelter with me at all times.

freerange the main things were the ARE camper and TruckVault. I got the windows upgrade and sliding window in the front simply because the truck has a sliding rear window and that would provide access from the truck. Added lighting and carpeted interior on the camper. The Truckvault is the Utility height (8”) vs the standard 6” height. Honestly, I would have done a Decked system but they don’t make one to fit the 8’ bed on the Tundra. The Truckvault system was quite a bit more expensive.

Also had step bars installed, WeatherTech mat system all around, a Ranchhand, and a DuHa underseat storage system under the back seat.

I think that about covers it.

The first trip will probably be either to Big Bend or the White River in Arkansas.

You guys were all a big help and I appreciate it very much!

Suspension upgrades can go from cheap to $$$$$. The > the money more suspension travel you get.

Good coil overs from fox or king will make a big difference on jarring.

Nice build,

Look into a 6" lift as well. I can't remember if the 4" has a 33" tire max or if you needed the 6" lift. The main thing with those long bed trucks is the breakover angle. A longer truck needs more height to keep from getting hung up/high centered.

I would also STRONGLY recommend switching out the stock wheels and tires to simple black wheels ( or other color wheel ) in a 18" wheel and a 33" or 35" tire. Will give you much more sidewall bite and a much better ride vs. the stock 20" wheel and 32" tire its currently riding on.

Winch! And proper winch accessories. You never plan on getting stuck, sometimes it just [censored] happens.

Nice rig, thanks for a cool thread.

Found one for you and all your friends on sale at Campers World.