If you literally mean 2-3 months of solitude, I can imagine how you would prepare for that, but a lot of baby wipes would be in the mix.

There's no reason why you can stay somewhat comfortable by camping for 4 days at a time, then checking into a hotel for a day for a shower, have your stuff laundered, and pick up supplies.

I'd focus on sleeping comfort or the whole experience is going to be miserable as shit.  Get a great running van so that you can run the AC or heater.  Put in a fantastic bed.  Stay clean.  You don't want to look like a fucking crazy ass drifter on a killing spree when you go to town.

4x4 and a extended cab are a must.

That's cool enough

This, exactly.

The title was truck camping. As in camping involving your pick up truck. No Rv.

otay... (1.5MM$$$$$)

definitely will want 4x4 if you're going out west and want to get off-grid.

I would look at four wheel campers (the company) for an off-road oriented slide-in camper.  probably full size if not heavy duty for space and payload capacity.

Mine's not so fancy, but it only cost $600. More money for gas.  

Good on you OP.  Do it while you're young & healthy enough & good luck.  Lots of us out here have done that, or at least want to.

I'm not going to get into truck or camper brands, you'll figure that out.  But I have a few general recommendations based on decades of truck camping, albeit for a few weeks at a time, not months.

Get a camper you can stand up in.  You'll thank me every time you're stuck for a few days in bad weather.  Sitting or lying down for long periods is not enjoyable.

Get a 4x4.  You'll thank me when you're trying to turn around on an icy mtn. road.

You are going to rely on it as your home for months at a time.  It must be reliable.  Don't cheap out on the truck especially.  You want it to go when you need to go.

I'm guessing that you could pick up a clean used rig for $30-$40k, both the truck & camper.

Full size van is the ticket, I've done multi weeks in both pick ups and vans and vans win hands down.
This is a perfect example, except don't build out the stove. Inside the van is cooking is fraught with issues.
Build one of these Chuck box size it so it will fit under your bed. Store it in the rear so you can open the back doors slide it out enough but still attached to the van or take it all the way out and put it on the picnic table if your in a campsite.

This way it leave much more room in the van upfront and makes cooking easier 90% of the time, keeps the van from smelling like stew.

This is the right answer though..

Truest definition of a "sleeper".  Aside from the "free candy" aspect, it totally does not draw attention.

Hasn't been a problem for me.

But those box stoves are cool, too.

I wonder if it's funny or creepy that I'm eating M&Ms while reading this.  

Go to expedition portal and look at the Tacoma builds.  Copy one.  Have fun.

Camping out of a canopy will be miserable.  Yes, you will be above mud and dirt.

--getting in and out will be tiresome
--getting up to pee in the middle of the night will be cold and you'll be exposed to weather a lot longer than just opening a door
--cooking on a tailgate means you're exposed to the weather
--you'll constantly be shifting stuff around: coolers, boxes with food, stove, you're sleeping gear, pack, food, clothes
--going from driver's seat to sleeping will mean exposure to weather
--no heat
--no lighting unless you plan for it.

Campers have drawbacks too but they're a lot better.

--most are made like crap, like most RV's
--they're cold
--the walls collect condensation
--their heating systems are noisy and require batteries or a generator, they often have a cold well below about 2' off the floor.
--climbing into the cabover to sleep isn't all that great, especially in the middle of the night
--you'll never clear your table and sleep on that supposed extra bed
--you're plumbing will freeze below 20F probably, even on expensive "Arctic Fox" type brands due to sloppy insulation at the factory
--a toilet inside isn't worth using up real estate for and will work like, well, shit

I camp in Canada on logging roads 100 miles up in the middle of nowhere in a 2010 Jeep Commander. All. The Time. GTFO out with your 100K

Truck campers carry all the weight on the truck axles.  Very limiting, even if you have a 1-ton.  Small bumper pull travel trailer is really a better set-up.  Plus, you can unhitch and take the truck solo.

Using your vehicle as your shelter is a bad idea. If you want to leave your camp site for supplies or a town run, you have to break camp. I suggest you tent camp or pull a pop up. You can get high ground clearance pop ups combined with a fully articulated hitch that can go off road.

Thats the ticket right there

I'd suggest a diesel crew cab long bed F250 or Sierra 2500 4wd with low range. I'd want limited slip in the rear and an electric or air locker up front. New style BFG ATs are a good compromise between off road performance, highway noise, tread life...

Add a cap and a good roof top tent. Also an awning, preferably with sides for privacy.

Put a bed slide in it and an auxiliary fuel tank.

Set up the truck with two deep cycle batteries, both charging off the alternator, with marine battery selector switch. Use one to run a 12v fridge freezer ( use a 10v cut off switch to avoid killing the battery.) I had a 60qt combo unit that worked great. (Find 12v stuff at Roadtrucker.com at fair prices - unlike at "overlanding" supply sites.)

Put a front and a rear 2" receiver hitch on and bring a 12,000lb receiver mounted winch (replace the cable for dyneema winch rope for weight and safety,) carry snatch blocks and straps, an extra 100' of winch rope, etc.

Bring a Tentcot for quick set ups where critters are not an issue. (Find on google.)

20lb propane tank with Y adapter for grill and Coleman stove, some pots and pans, etc in a home made kitchen (plans available a plenty online.)

For "self contained" requirement areas ( growing in number and acreage) a Johnny Partner portable certified self contained head, which you won't use. (Partner Steel or Partner Stove, Google it.) when behind a tree won't work use a 5gal bucket with snap on toilet seat lid and waste eating, sealing liner, which converts waste for dumpster safe disposal.

Add fishing rod rack and gun rack and have a blast.

I might add a 14' canoe...

Hmm, want company?

All Terrain Camper

Is nice

So sorta can do anything from 100bucks to thousands lol. I always have a cap on my trucks and I built a sleeping platform on one side that I sleep on under the cap while fishing, etc. Roll out a cot mattress and a sleeping bag and its pretty comfy. There are all kind of guys on youtube etc that go over how they set up their caps to camp all the way up to solar systems, storage and organization etc.

All the stuff on year, make, model, price etc only you are going to be able to answer but if it was going to be my transportation and housing for extended periods the more reliable the better.

If I could acquire a nice VW Westfalia, 4x4 diesel that wasn't a rust bucket or cost an arm and a leg I would do it in a second, probably sell my house and live the Van Life flyfishing my ass around north, central and south america and be happy as a pig in shit.

J-

Buddy of mine has something similar to this  http://www.4are.com/product/commercial_aluminum/?cp=dcu    to do quick out of town jobs.
He has it set up to live out of if he has to.
iirc he has the A/C set up inside one of the exterior doors so it can't be stolen.

Been around the block with this. Bumper pull , 5th wheels , pop ups
It goes on and on. And the $$$ goes up up and up.

Maintenance , insurance,  spare tires , flushing this and that - such a pain in the ass

Get a nice tent from cabelas (I have two - one for gear)mr buddy heater with the direct hook up
To a propane tank , a nice cot and fart sack and that’s all you need.

And a decent 4x4 truck with a topper , rhino rack system on the topper is nice

Every few days drive into town and shower at a truck stop

Your welcome

I think JPK hits the nail on the head.  I am in the middle of building a flatbed camper for a 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 Extra cab 4x4 with a 6BT diesel.

There is a ton of information as mentioned before on Expedition Portal.

I have found another good forum called Wander the West  that is loaded with information as well, and I find it to have more ideas for budget minded exploring.  I am basically copying the site owners truck that is on the homepage.

I believe the build project really starts with researching where you want to go a little bit.  As JPK mentioned, you need an approved toilet in more and more wilderness areas, national parks and forests are zero discharge.  This may include a small grey water tank which can just be a jerry can.  I believe 20.5' max length will ensure you can stay in all camping areas. Also, some roads have length restriction such as the White Rim Trail in Utah.  Height is also something to consider.  I am not sure where you are supposed to Roam with an Earth Roamer, they would not fit down half of the Forest Roads I have gone down.

Before I settled on the diesel truck I was looking at vans.  There are a lot of advantages of getting a Ford Econoline Van E-250 or E350.  Their Triton V-8 are reliable and common.  With good all terrain tires and Locker in the rear diff, you are going to be hard pressed to get stuck.  I have rarely needed 4wd honestly in all of the Utah and Arizona.

As to 4x4 trucks and bed campers there are some significant advantages to a Flat Bed Camper.  I would look at All Terrain Campers strongly as they are a little less expensive then 4 Wheel Camper (another good manufacturer).  All Terrain Campers also sells shells only that you can build the interior for to save some money, and are willing to do custom projects as well.

The best advice I received for camper size was that if you are looking to boondock more and travel less, then an 8' bed camper is a little nicer to spend time in.  If you are looking to scoot between hiking trails, and basecamp a little bit, then the short bed campers are just fine.

One last thought is that if you are really handy, and have the place to park it, there are a lot of Small Ambulance and Small School bus conversions out there that are done very nice.

Second generation Tacoma 4x4 long bed.

Get a camper shell.

Build a sleeping flatform in the bed, under platform can be storage.

Dual battery kit, DIY and save money.

Upgrade the suspension, some Bilstein 6100s with upgraded springs would be fine.

Sliders, bumpers, skidplates -- better to have and not need.

Good set of tires with matching spare.

Auxiliary lighting, just don't bro it up, properly wired.

A way to carry spare fuel and water.

Winch.

Fridge.

A proper GPS.

Tools.

All of which can be done in stages so you're not spending as ass load at a time. Join the boards, shop used, group buys, and DIY to save money. Get a prepaid hotspot so you can upload your adventure.

Id go for a chevy/gmc 2500 gasser. Ls engine, 4L80e trans is a pretty reliable package.

I do weekends in my Suburban. I wouldn't want to do more than a few days in it. Like was mentioned, having a rig you can stand in is a plus. I've been thinking about a better tent. Pay the money for a good heavy duty four man. But this thread is of interest to me. Some vans have the raised roof. It sounds like fun and I think you can find what you want in your budget. I have wondered about the hard side pop up camp trailers. My neighbor had one he pulled with a little BroncoII You might be able to find a 4.0 long bed Ranger 4x4, get a shell for it, and hard side pop up and be on the road.

If you have any dreams of a real in bed camper. You need to start with a 3/4, preferably a one ton. Payload is a concern.

You want 4x4.

Mid 2000 Chevy trucks seem to hold up very well and are easy to get parts for.

If you just want a camper shell, cold weather Will be a concern.

Carrying water and fed and keeping appropriate temp is something you need to consider.

I would personally look for a used truck and camper combo for sale and see wher you get.

I’m wanting the same:

Find an older:
Toyota Tundra /
land cruiser /
4Runner
with the 4.7 v8.

It’ll go a long time.

This is what you seek. Right around 6ft 3, inside.

While not a truck, how about a sprinter van?  A guy from work bought a used one and it’s gonna have solar, extra gas cans, interiors folding cots, etc. He’s taking his family on a trip around Mexico with it. Attached File

OP.

Get a 3/4 ton 4x4 extra-cab or quad cab longbed.

Get a pop-up slide-in camper like a palomino....you get a queen bed, shower/toilet, and a full kitchen with seating.

They are lightweight, low-profile, and with electric jacks, loading/unloading it is easy. You only lose a few MPG when traveling.

I had this set-up for years....and traveled thousands of miles from SoCal to WA to Montana, Idaho, etc.

Used it to tow my rockcrawler from SoCal to Moab, Sierra Nevada's, and all over the imperial county desert.

Example pics.....

Are you your own mechanic?

Since you're looking mainly out west, I'd say go with something along the lines of a Tundra.

You'll be able to go back ten or twenty years and still get reliable trucks, but plan on putting a bit of money into it to get them back up to snuff, even before doing any mods.

Mileage is largely irrelevant as long as it's not too crazy, more critical is maintenance and who drove it.

4wd is going to be a necessity out west.

Either mid or full will work, depends on how minimalist you are.

I like extended cabs, and crew cabs. More room to store crap, and more easily accessible sometimes than having to go in the bed of the truck to get something out.

Meh, I'll sell the Earthcruiser for far less than that lol.

I read of folks taking a bread truck and converting to 4x4, adding brownie gear reducer, and setting it up as a camper. Diesel powered, lots of torque, lots of space for sleeping, kitchen, shower, ect.
Step Van 4X4
Not 4x4 but similar thought

@DOBERMAN Does he have a build log or YouTube vid on that van? It looks just like what I want to build.

Watch some of this guy's truck camper "Living Free" videos for some insight.  Go back a couple months as he just upgraded to a larger rig.

He put his truck camper (complete and with solar on top) up for sale at a dealer in Texas.  If you watch his recent live stream a couple videos back he said he reduced (or is reducing) the price to $6000 (and he whines a lot about that).  Recently had transmission work done (in a video).  Probably needs some $ spent on the truck but seems like a bargain as a starting point and you can watch a hundred hours of the damn thing on the road.  Even if you have to fly to Texas to get it!

Living Free Channel on YouTube

His consignment truck camper ad:

I35 RV Center Truck Campers

Personally, I'd want to go with a camper van. I have in mind, in maybe 5 to 10 years, to find a used Ford Transit with the low roof, and put a pop-top on it. Fit it out into a nice livable camper van.

Aside from that, if you have a truck, you can get truck campers that slide in the bed. There are also some camper tops that do cool shit.

There's this:



gofastcampers.com
There are a few similar options. The AT Habitat is pretty nice as well. But they are just the tent/cabin/sleeping area. You'd need to fit out everything else you'd need.

Adding: Keep in mind, there are some small camper trailers that are basically a bed inside a box, that are on off-road capable suspension and tires.

http://runawaycampers.com/ has some basic models, and they're not very expensive.

It's funny how many people are saying you need something or another and they vary wildly.  OP you need to really think about what type of driving, camping ,adventuring, etc you will realistically do.  For example, there is almost no need for 4wd if you will be sticking to mainly improved roads- most of the dirtbags that I've known did not have 4wd or very rarely used it and many had cars or other unlikely vehicles and they did just fine even out west.  Four wheel drive is nice as an insurance policy but it adds weight, maintenance and costs including lost fuel economy.  Make a list of things you feel you must have, things that are important and things that you'd just like to have if possible.  Figure out how much room you will need.  A Subaru may work great for a broke college aged climber who's in good shape and doesn't mind sleeping in a tent or on top of his gear in order to hit the rocks (I did it in in a '74 Beetle, a couple of FJ-40s and I've owned several VW Westfalias) but most of us want a bit more room and comfort as we get older.  Start doing shorter trips now and it'll give you an idea what you really want.

There are tons of videos out there of folks doing what you're interested in, start watching them.  Everyone has different ideas and with a little luck you'll find some that align with what you have in mind.

what is this vehicle?

Long wheelbase, mid height Sprinter van.

I have slept a great many nights in the bed of a Japanese truck with an aluminum camper top.
In fact when the wind gets up and the rain is hammering literally side ways you will be quite happy where you are sleeping all warm and snug.
Always keep earplugs nearby.

Having just bought a new truck for retirement I wish now I would have bought that A.R.E. fiberglass topper instead of putting my Bak-Flip MX-4 on the truck.
Problem was that A.R.E. was $2500.

I'd rate your handiness above average. Obviously it's clean and maintained.

Think average klutz for normal kitchen spillage making two three meals a day over the long haul.
Months of Spills, smells , clean up, prep space , standing is nice, cooking for a group, frying stuff in your bedroom , it's nice to have the option if you're cooking bacon, seafood, meat.
It's nice to be able to move a lot of that outside.  If you've got a picnic table that's where the Chuck box really shine.
I've had several VW campers with and without the kitchenette, I learned given a choice I prefer the Chuck box, sure it's a little extra work but it has its advantages.

Edit
Even with a full size RV I keep a Coleman stove in the bottom storage and end up using that 1/2 the time.

Didn’t read everyone’s post but if you want to stay out for months at a time I would suggest you buy a gym membership that has locations in the areas you will be traveling too. That way you can go in for a workout and shower. It will definitely cut down on hotel costs.

We car camp every time we head out to the desert or mountains and have no issues. All depends on your needs. I would also suggest whatever you do decide to try it out and do a few trial runs to see what works for you.

https://www.roadtripwanderer.com/Stills/Colorado-Escape/i-Sqv7gqB/A

https://www.roadtripwanderer.com/Stills/Colorado-Escape/i-b58nv4N/A

Also look into goal zero generators.

You guys do know most truck stops have showers.

Wife doesn't like showering at truck stops. We find the nearest campgrounds that have showers and pay the shower fee.

More or less lived out of my Tacoma for a bit more than a month, wandering around the eastern US.  Sometimes slept in the access cab, sometimes under a blanket in the back, sometimes in my hammock, and once a week, in a hotel for a shower and laundry.

But I'm young.  I also just took what I already had.  Ideally, I would have used some kind of van, and used one of the nice 12 refrigerators.  Would have saved a lot of buying of ice, and a lot of dumping meltwater.  Mostly cooked on a small rectangular charcoal grill, but I did pick up and start using an old Coleman liquid fuel stove partway through.

The funny thing is the truck stop shower is probably a lot cleaner- they get cleaned between users whereas the campground bathrooms get cleaned once a day, maybe twice at most.  Either way I carry a can of foaming disinfectant in my shower bag.  I spray the shower when I walk in and let it sit while I strip down; rinse it with hot water then shower.  No issues to date.