Tundra Camping Truck Ideas

I am rigging out a longbed (8’) Tundra as a self contained hunting/fishing/camping vehicle. Camper shell, building a bed platform, etc. I need advice and suggestions for a system to run a string of lights off the battery. I plan on getting a Honda generator but would like the option of not using it unless absolutely necessary.

Thanks for any help.

P.S. Any other ideas or suggestions for this type truck are welcome also!

Could you get the info needed from a travel trailer dealer like "Camping World"?

I’d want a second battery if the truck already doesn’t have it. Also check out this forum. Ih8mud.com

Yes planning on a simple inverter system with a dedicated battery.

I’d suggest just getting battery operated under cabinet lighting. They make quite a few kits now with remotes and would quickly simply this part of your build.



If not then just order the traditional RV light with LED bulbs.

Done. Wow that is a great suggestion thanks!

Here's another good one.
https://explorationoutfitters.com

While not Toyotas, here's some of our Nissans built up for Overlanding!!

Great site thanks!

Those are awesome rigs! Probably more fancy than I have in mind. Goal is as simple as possible. No setup or takedown to speak of other than loading and unloading gear/generator. I have noticed in Montana that the locals and fishing/hunting guides had that mindset. Usually a truck with a topper/bed camper or a van.

Don't know what you're looking to spend, but keep in mind a DECKED or WEATHERGARD bed storage unit. They both run right around $1300 new, but you can find some good deals on used ones. They're super for secure storage.

Yep am going to have a storage unit will check out both.

https://topperezlift.com, + decked system + camper shell.

I'm about to add the topperezlift and tent. 24” plus makes a huge difference if you get stuck in weather. You can sit in a chair

Easiest lighting system solution is 12v LED with goalzero yeti/serpa etc.

My advice on the camper shell is get the flip up side window/panels, not sliding windows

I’ll check it out.

Cool.

Oh to be 40 and flexible again!

be careful with the bumper stickers you choose to place on this vehicle.

I’m not a bumper sticker guy so no problems there.

Picked her up today. Definitely a long sucker. I was surprised how big the back seat was even though it’s just a double cab and not a CrewMax. Next step is outfitting with camper top, sleeping platform, more storage, lighting, and other stuff. Should be plenty of room for all needed hunting/fishing/camping gear when finished.

Nice, I like that color.

Thats the type backseat I like on Tundras. Those that are so huge I cant see why anyone would want them-dont you just lose that extra space out of the bed usually. My backseat is rarely used except for storage, so theres that......

Nice. I'll follow this.

If you are adding lights or anything to add strain on the battery I'd get a battery jump box. I like NOCO myself. Cheap insurance just in case you are somewhere remote and the battery dies. Also nice to jump other stuff off and not risk a nice pickups computer in case something goes haywire

Yep I have one and they are handy as all get out.

You'll be at that Shell station a lot.

With a 38 gallon tank no more than normal (but admittedly the numbers on the screen will be a bit higher). Used 1/2 a tank from Houston to Corsicana picking it up. I like a power with a big truck, always have.

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.

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.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/tonneau-covers-caps-and-shells.198/

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.