Ideas for camping with the Ranger...

gcfishguy · Apr 17, 2010

I want to get back into some outdoor hobbies I've strayed away from, and am looking for info concerning camping with the Ranger.

I'd like to find a small, slide-in camper but they're going for a fortune, and they're way more stuff then I'd need for myself.

I just want to be able to crawl in the back for the night, and sleep and be dry.

I found lots of info about spending 2 years to build some monstrosity that looks like a 5-start hotel, but that's not what I'm after.

I'm thinking maybe pick up a used fibreglass capper, and build a floor that's flat to put an air mattress on and just high enough to store stuff under. Like just high enough to slide a cooler under....that will give me a place to sleep that's flat, plus I won't lose the storage space to bring stuff with me...

Anyway, if anyone has any links to sites that gives ideas on camping out of the back of your pickup, post up. I'll keep googling.

<><

Later!

strvger · Apr 17, 2010

http://www.livinlite.com/

these are super light weight campers, including slide-ins. they are all tent campers and aluminum construction. no rust ever and no wood to rot ever. we got a small pull behind last fall and love all 580 lbs of it!! honestly, you won't find them much cheaper used as the construction process really has them holding their value.
all the fiberglass ones we found were too close to the limits of our ranger and these seemed perfect for us. good luck to you, and happy camping!!

Tony Raine · Apr 17, 2010

you can make a "teardrop" camper out of a cheap 4x8 trailer and some wood. keep the truck for storing stuff.

i've always wanted to take a long box ranger bed, make a trailer out of it, and put one of those really tall "old man" toppers on it (the ones that go about 6" above the truck roof at the back). that would make a really cheap, simple camper.

gcfishguy · Apr 17, 2010

I guess I should clarify.....I'm looking for quick and simple.....it will just be for me to spend the night in when i end up at a good fishing spot and don;t feel like driving home at dark, only to drive back for morning again.

Only needs to be big enough (platform) for myself...and I'll throw a foam pad and sleeping bag down on it.

This guy built what looks like the best solution I've found yet: Linky

I think I'd use plywood for the 'joists', rather than 2x6....a lot lighter and I could make it higher for more storage space underneath.

Dweano · Apr 17, 2010

I have a tent and air mattress specially made for a ranger bed, they fit perfect, easy to set up and take down. Best sleep of my life haha

Ryanbr6 · Apr 17, 2010

The only two things you need on a camping trip with your Ranger:

Tarp
Duct Tape

Now, at this point your asking, "Why, how would i substitute for the duct tape if i dont happen upon any??"

Well, friend, A few heavy books, or that cooler your so fond of just made your tarp roof secure!

86isuzu · Apr 17, 2010

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=32078

trail B2 · Apr 17, 2010

We used to build a wood frame that extended the same height as the fender all the way along both sides.Then we would cover the frame with plywood just set it on there with carpet and padding on it.We wrapped the side frames with carpet and plywood too.You leave the camper shell and the side frames in then you set the deck in before you go camping.So now you can lay on the top deck and put your camping supplies under the deck that you sleep on that's fender height.Maybe you could get some of those plastic storage containers that barely fit under the deck to keep your camping supplies in.

Will · Apr 17, 2010

I slept on the ground with no tent or shelterhalf for ten years when I was in the marines. When it rained, you wrapped a poncho around you. You were tired so you slept even with the skeeters biting your lips and eyelids. A truck cap is a condo.

My dad wants me to build him a teardrop trailer to pull behind his motorcycle. I think those are cool and will do it someday.

hoosier1104 · Apr 18, 2010

This what I am considering.

http://www.autoanything.com/hitch-bed-accessories/20A52925A1.aspx

snomaker321 · Apr 18, 2010

86isuzu said:
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=32078

Im pretty sure someone on here has something similar to this in a ranger. This sounds to me like what youre looking for

Dweano · Apr 18, 2010

hoosier1104 said:
This what I am considering.

http://www.autoanything.com/hitch-bed-accessories/20A52925A1.aspx

I have one of those...can't remember which one. Regardless I would recommend it. Fits good and everything. I love mine. Get the air mattress and your golden

r1hatman · Apr 18, 2010

This is cool too!

http://www.jcwhitney.com/inflatable-truck-bed-mattress/p2010992.jcwx?_requestid=2238955

I'm gonna get one and just take off with the boys a few weekends. Just throw in Coleman stove and a lantern in and some sleeping bags and some fishing poles and whalah, instant fun!

Dweano · Apr 18, 2010

hoosier1104 said:
This what I am considering.

http://www.autoanything.com/hitch-bed-accessories/20A52925A1.aspx

r1hatman said:
This is cool too!

http://www.jcwhitney.com/inflatable-truck-bed-mattress/p2010992.jcwx?_requestid=2238955

I'm gonna get one and just take off with the boys a few weekends. Just throw in Coleman stove and a lantern in and some sleeping bags and some fishing poles and whalah, instant fun!

This is the exact setup I have, now I will stop saying that haha. But really it is perfect...I would recommend it to anyone

r1hatman · Apr 18, 2010

Dweano said:
This is the exact setup I have, now I will stop saying that haha. But really it is perfect...I would recommend it to anyone

Kool,

I'm ordering one this week. :icon_bounceblue:

Ideas for camping with the Ranger...

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