Here are my plans as i've drawn out in photoshop

I'm going to remove the tonneau cover for this so pretend its not in the pictures.

this is the frame for it made with 2x4's


The green is going to be tarp material


The black is going to be window screens i'll add in for ventilation

 

Whats the point making it go down to the ground, I would just make it so you can secure it with some bungees to the truck itself.

 

^^agreed

 

Its just a mock up right now so its not final. I'm more than willing to take suggestions!!

 

Interesting idea, but why not just use a normal tent

 

Also I would look at using a different kind of material for the structure, something lighter and that you can take apart easily. Maybe like a thick wall PVC pipe or something.

 

Why not just buy a bed tent?

 

PVC is a pretty good idea, but i'm pretty good at wood working and already have in excess of 40 2x4x8's

 

I want to be off the ground and in the truck. They sell truck tents already made but they're expensive and if you have never see any of my projects all all about being on a budget

 

I just think that would be heavy and I like being able to break it down. But I would just buy a bed tent sooooo lol

 

Actually, I've seen truck tents for under $200 shipped. That's a pretty good deal, IMO.

Seems like a good idea, though, to save a bit of cash. I'd rather just get a cap, though.

 

even at under 200 dollars shipped i got all the lumber for 43 2x4x8's and 2 2x4x10's

and i can get a tarp that is large enough for around 30 and screen material for around 10 dollars.

$200 shipped vs. $50 homemade? plus with homemade i can make it to my own specs.

 

THis was the original idea i had but i think i like my new one better

 

I'm with you on trying to save money. But I also take into account my time, safety, convenience, and piece of mind. http://cgi.ebay.com/Colorado-OEM-Tru...3A1%7C294%3A50 $140 is well worth it. Practically no time to take it down or set it up, has all the screens/zippers already attached, easily stored and looks good. What's $90 more?

 

I like this idea better!! You dont have to remove anything! Just pop and sleep!

 

my life??? what do you think i'm camping in?

 

The first idea is the better of the two.

And you have a tonneau. Why not just add some lights to the bed and then just sleep under that? There is plenty of room and I have done it before. It actually will keep you warmer then in a truck tent.

 

warmth is no issue im in texas

 

As mentioned, a lighter material such as PVC or aluminum would be better. Your tent frame constructed from 2x4's would be very heavy and very big.

For the amount of work needed to go into such a simple project, just might be better off buying a bed tent. It'll be lightweight, easy to set-up and take down, and most important, it'll be water tight and bug proof.

All in all, your ideas are good and the rough drawings seem interesting. I do like the tonneau cover pop-up style you drew. Very creative.

 

So why the truck tent then. Just sleep under the tonneau and then add some lights on the inside.

 

the tonneau already has a light in it. i want a little more headspace and more ventilation than the tonneau alone could provide. this project is not about longevity but about thrift/function. I really like the first idea i posted and i think thats the one im going to go with. im going to start this project sometime next week.

 

once i see real pictures i will make a better judgment why not do like a convos top like stacy david on trucks b4 he switched to gears it the little red wagon or something like that and it was an out doors truck i will see if i can find it.

edit

ok i was wrong idr what it was called but if you can find it you will see what im talking about.

 

I like the idea the uses the tonneau better. Looks easier to do, and just as functional, and you probably dont need a frame that way, just something to hold the cover up.

 

i know you want to go with the first one.

this idea is really cool. you dont have a frame in the back of your truck, just put down the cover

 

x2 mine was 150 shipped