Thanks for the video with all the good ideas I'm most definitely going to leave the poles just like that when I get a tent and just get my wife to help me set up thanks again 👍

@tandemtravels

Жыл бұрын

Two people is definitely easier

Thank You for compiling and sharing this video. Seriously considering adapting this tent to my M1102 military trailer. Appears to be a very sturdy setup with good wind resistance - I like the metal hoop construction.

@tandemtravels

2 жыл бұрын

Yes it's pretty solid. Good luck!

@nixsonbronson4595

2 жыл бұрын

Did you ever set it up on the trailer? I never though of putting this tent on that trailer.

Not bad and one of the many ways we get out to enjoy the Great outdoors.

@tandemtravels

3 жыл бұрын

For sure!

Thank you! Your video was very helpful for me. Thanks for creating it, and sharing your experience and knowledge! :)

@tandemtravels

2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

I have a big trip coming up with some late evening arrivals, thanks for the idea - you'll definitely save me some time

@tandemtravels

4 ай бұрын

I permanently mounted mine. It’s been great.

I can see one of those metal pipes putting a big SCRATCH on the side of the truck if it got away from you.

@tandemtravels

3 жыл бұрын

They can. Be careful. I have a few.

@whales302

3 жыл бұрын

Exactly what I was thinking, I wonder if one could use brushable plasti- dip on the bottom of the poles?

@PeterEggenberger

2 жыл бұрын

@@whales302 - I like that idea! Have you tried it? How did it work? Thanks! :)

Thank you. Love it

@tandemtravels

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you too!

Great demo ... thank you!

@tandemtravels

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it!

Awesome video well done

@tandemtravels

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! We really enjoy the tent. Just need to get out more!

Had no idea "Bedrugs" were a thing! Definitely not a work truck if you got a bed rug. Nice tent, very spacious, Definitely has some pros over my Napier tent. My Napier is made specifically for my Chevy Avalanche, and yes, it opens up right into the cab.

@tandemtravels

Жыл бұрын

We sure enjoy it. Good luck.

Just got mine. Thanks!

@tandemtravels

Жыл бұрын

Enjoy it

Good video! Thank you

@tandemtravels

Жыл бұрын

You’re welcome!

Thank you ❤

@tandemtravels

Жыл бұрын

You're welcome 😊

Question: In your opinion, since it seems that the straps play a major role in keeping the tent in place once up-Instead of C clamps (I also have a tonneau) would sections of industrial Velcro hold the rails in place...?

@tandemtravels

3 жыл бұрын

I actually painted the rails with a black textured metal paint, drilled two holes in each of the side rails (that can be easily plugged if I want to remove them) and committed to having the rails as part of my side walls using stainless bolts and nuts. It looks really good and made it much easier/faster to put the tent up. Don't forget to sand the metal before spray painting to promote adhesion.

@thomasstroud9860

3 жыл бұрын

@@tandemtravels My rails have a plastic cap that runs from front to back. I also considered drilling into the rails, use a well nut and Hillman threaded knob. After some thought I realized there had to be a multitude of ways to secure the rails but hadn’t seen any. Please post a pic of what you did when you get the chance. Thx for commenting back.

@tandemtravels

3 жыл бұрын

Sorry the truck was dirty when I took these pics. Hope this helps. drive.google.com/file/d/1Gyh7f0iDMx2nbLaLogdBTMOoHWjIEPot/view?usp=sharing drive.google.com/file/d/1PgpCXR8zHdjhNB6bf2xgQXKHFQ_wvToG/view?usp=sharing drive.google.com/file/d/1j-zfxGuQ8GnIPDzD6nsaAI2W3Hs8PObh/view?usp=sharing drive.google.com/file/d/1om0wG4wIobYLWCDk9_I3CtlJ4yXWMWsq/view?usp=sharing

Great help thanks, After 2 years since you did there. Are there any gaps with the install for bugs like mosquitoes to get in, since it does not have a floor?

@tandemtravels

5 ай бұрын

Not that I know of

So grateful for your video, sir! Could you share the brand of Tonneau cover you have? Thank you!

@tandemtravels

2 жыл бұрын

No problem. It's a Lo Pro from truxedo.com.

@paulaalekson4109

2 жыл бұрын

@@tandemtravels thank you so much!!

I bought one of these about 8 or 9 years ago. I've only used it maybe a dozen times. If you don't have a tonneau cover you can't just lay the thing in the back of your truck. I'm fairly fit and even after setting this thing up about a dozen times, it's still a challenge. It can be very frustrating and then if it gets wet and you have to take it down it's a disaster. Extremely heavy. If you can set it up and leave it set up for a week or three or four days then that makes a little more sense. I now have a truck camper.

@tandemtravels

2 жыл бұрын

That sounds perfect. I bet you will really enjoy your camper. Happy travels!

@garypayton5081

3 ай бұрын

It’s Chinese crap

A couple of questions if you wouldn't mind answering. I'm a solo female traveler (elderly & 5'5) in your opinion is it doable for me to setup and approximately how long you think it would take me? Also, what is lining your truck bed? TIA

@tandemtravels

2 жыл бұрын

I have a “Bed Rug” in the back of the truck that offers some padding. But I also throw down a foam pad. To be honest it might be a little tricky for you to set up. A second set of hands would definitely prove useful. I wouldn’t want you to end up frustrated.

Great video. I have a Tacoma with the short bed, only five and a half feet long, I believe. How do you think it'd do with that? I was looking at over landing with a rack and rooftop tent, but this is a much cheaper option. Thanks for the video. Well done.

@tandemtravels

2 жыл бұрын

From the Kodiak website: Model 7211 Fits mid-sized and compact trucks with 5 to 6.5 ft. bed length (measured inside with tailgate up). Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon, Dodge Dakota, and Ford Ranger.

@skotth2

2 жыл бұрын

I have a Honda Ridgeline (newer one NOT the ones that look like a small Chev Avalanche), bed is 5'3" and the model 7211 works just fine. Ridgelines are not listed as models that fit because it wouldn't work on older ones with the Avalanche curved bed front. You start at the back and work your way forward when you set it up so and excess is at the front and can be rolled up. You will be fine.

@davidrivera1727

Жыл бұрын

@@skotth2. Are you saying that would work fine on my 2022 Honda ridgeline. Do you have any photos? Thank you.

@skotth2

Жыл бұрын

@@davidrivera1727 It should. I don't think there's much difference between my 2018 and your 2022. The main thing you would deal with is that, when putting up the tent, since you always start at the back, the excess canvas will be at the front and since Ridgelines don't have a seperation gap between the bed and the cab to drop that excess down you would simply roll that excess up and create a kind of channel so that heavy rain runs down both sides instead of seeping backwards into the bed. I do have pics but I can't attach them to a reply in this thread.

Love it

@tandemtravels

2 ай бұрын

Thank you!

That window behind the cab is genius. Looks like a really robust option. And I'd not see anyway for water to get inside, really compelling.

@tandemtravels

Жыл бұрын

I've enjoyed mine!

seems like a great way to put some huge scratches on the outside of the bed! do the poles come apart or are they that long?

@tandemtravels

Жыл бұрын

You do have to be very careful. I do have some scratches.

if you had a chase rack on ur truck would the tent fit over it? im running into this issue... Thank you

@tandemtravels

3 жыл бұрын

I'm not sure. You would have to measure it out.

@Bonez888

3 жыл бұрын

@@tandemtravels yea I get that. I was just asking if you think one would fit. Nvm

I think you should buy super strong neodymian magnets and attach them to the underside of the rails. Then you could just slap it on the sides of the truck bed in two seconds. No need to use the clamps.

@tandemtravels

Жыл бұрын

I painted the rails with textured paint and bolted them on. They look great.

Do you find the C-clamps get in the way when you are sitting inside?

@tandemtravels

2 жыл бұрын

I actually ended up mounting the rails to the side rails of my truck. I painted them with a textured black paint. It looks great and now they're in position and ready to go anytime with no bulky clamp in the way.

Do the straps affect the paint on your truck at all?

@tandemtravels

2 жыл бұрын

I didn't find the straps to be an issue. But the poles require some care. I didn't really notice the first few times how much they can scratch your truck if you let them run a little wild.

First, Thank you! This video is super encouraging. My family just purchased a tent and we're pumped to get out and give it a try. Can you please share how you permanently mounted the rails? I think that's a brilliant idea given how much you'll use it. Thanks again from Pagosa Springs CO.

@tandemtravels

Жыл бұрын

I’ll have to do that. Until then, all I did was paint the rails with a textured black paint. Then, after setting it up and getting a good idea of where the rails should go, I drilled some holes and used some small hex bolts with washers to permanently mount it on the side rails. Works great and looks great! I’ll see if I can get a video done on it. Good luck!

@MathewWolford

Жыл бұрын

Can you still use your Tonneau cover?

@tandemtravels

Жыл бұрын

@@MathewWolford yes. Because the tunnel cover, I have does not cover up the bed rails. But you will want to make sure with your set up that it won’t cause a problem.

Fantastic set up!! You made pole brackets for truck? Is that specific tent made for truck tenting? East set up and take down👍 I’m quite impressed!! B Deacon Manitoba Canada 🇨🇦

@tandemtravels

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! We are really enjoying it.

Should of got some welders vice grips instead of the C clamps if time is of the essence.

@tandemtravels

2 жыл бұрын

Sounds like a good option. I actually ended up mounting the rails to the side rails of my truck. I painted them with a textured black paint. It looks great and now they're in position and ready to go anytime.

I went camping at The Wedge recently..... I fought hard with mine, it felt like it took forever to set up.

@tandemtravels

2 жыл бұрын

The first time with anything is always the hardest.

I would recommend that you just leave it up all the time. hahaha. JK. :)

@tandemtravels

2 жыл бұрын

There are some pretty fun videos of people driving around with these up! They do pretty well up until over 40mph:)

It doesn't seem to have a seal between the tent and bed tho? Couldn't bugs get in?

@tandemtravels

2 жыл бұрын

We haven't had that problem yet. the skirt drops nicely down the side of the truck and you can tack it on with magnets if needed.

Can u leave your bed and stuff set up while tent is semi folded and tonau unrolled?

@tandemtravels

Жыл бұрын

I bet you could. But I put my cooler and some other things back there.

Can you cook in it if you had bad weather with a small camp stove?

@tandemtravels

2 ай бұрын

I’m no expert, but it’s not much different than a tent trailer. Open a window and be careful with fire;)

Awesome vid. My tent just arrived. Where did you find the clamps?

@tandemtravels

Жыл бұрын

Online. But then I painted the rails and bolted them right on!

Did you do any additional waterproofing??

@tandemtravels

2 жыл бұрын

No

Does this tent come with the support rails??

@tandemtravels

3 жыл бұрын

The rails that the poles plug into are included.

Can you drive with this already set up on the truck

@tandemtravels

2 жыл бұрын

Not on the road and not fast at all.

add 20 minutes for a set-up out of the box. most will need larger c clamps than what's provided. I suggest the husky quick-adjustable c-clamp to make the set-up go a little easier.

@tandemtravels

Жыл бұрын

I agree. I ended up mounting my rails right onto the truck with bolts after painting them with textured black paint.

In the video you said the longer awning pole goes in the back over the cab. However, the Kodiak instructions say differently. They specifically say the longer awning pole goes over the tailgate section. Did you mean to say that or is the manual wrong?

@tandemtravels

5 ай бұрын

I couldn’t say for sure at this point. But I apologize if I misspoke. I haven’t heard that from anyone in all the views. But it’s still possible :-)

Glad I watched this before purchasing. As sturdy as it looks I can just see the polls gouging out my paint if a misshap happens or gust of wind rips threw when setting up not to mention the strap buckles play hell on the paint after awhile when in a windy environment where we always tend to be staying. Thank for the video.

@yummiermussel5331

Жыл бұрын

Exatly my thoughts not sure if i feel too good setting this up on my 2020 Rebel buts as solid a tent truck as they come some i may have to try it out make some mods to make it a bit more paint friendly

@stevegriffith8680

Жыл бұрын

@@yummiermussel5331 maybe build some fender covers that strap to the inside. 🤔

@yummiermussel5331

Жыл бұрын

@@stevegriffith8680 I'm thinking just tape the ends of the poles and straps

@stevegriffith8680

Жыл бұрын

@@yummiermussel5331 I would think that could still lead to wearing threw the paint. If I had a beater pickup this would be cool but think ill be trying to find a use slide in for my F250. For most part it's just a tow rig for the K5 but would like to take it on some fishing and camping trips up the mountain and be off the ground. 🤷🏼‍♂️

@yummiermussel5331

Жыл бұрын

@@stevegriffith8680 check out the Project M by Four Wheel Campers. Depending on your needs you may be able to get a brand new one instead and stay under 20k

May I ask which clamps did you get? Thanks.

@tandemtravels

Жыл бұрын

I actually don’t use the clamps anymore. Permanently mounted the rails on my truck sides. First, I painted them with a texture black paint. And I carefully drill some holes and put bolts through. They look great!

Instead of using those c-clamps for the rails, it may be easier to use vice-grip c-clamps.

@tandemtravels

2 жыл бұрын

Good idea!

@ter450

Жыл бұрын

I was thinking a quick release wood clamp.

How will it work with a back flip bed cover

@tandemtravels

Жыл бұрын

Not sure. Wish I could help.

I was seriously considering buying one of these but those paint scratcher poles are a NO GO.

@tandemtravels

Жыл бұрын

Good luck in your search!

Would this fit 8Foot bed ?

@tandemtravels

2 жыл бұрын

They have a long-bed tent as well.

Even 12 minutes in the rain and/or wind would not be fun. I bet there is a way to fabricate hinges where the poles attach to the bed rails, so that the tent remains attached at all times and folds down. You would have to remove the tonneau cover and use a home made waterproof tarp to cover the tent and box while driving but I bet it could be done. Just a thought.

@tandemtravels

3 жыл бұрын

I thought about that. Very possible. I actually painted the rails with a black textured metal paint, drilled two holes in each of the side rails (that can be easily plugged if I want to remove them) and committed to having the rails as part of my side walls using stainless bolts and nuts. It looks really good and made it much easier/faster to put the tent up. Don't forget to sand the metal before spray painting to promote adhesion. As a side note, the rolled up tonneau cover makes for a fantastic shelf for your clothing bags inside still leaving all the floor space for bedding. A wonderful surprise.

@tomlorenzen4062

3 жыл бұрын

@@tandemtravels setting up any tent in the rain is a pain, most would wait out the rain so really a non issue

But where is your gear before you set the tent up ? And after you set it up…like your fishing gear and camping stuff. . I’m not sure I see the point w this tent unless you have a second truck which is reserved for your gear.

@tandemtravels

2 жыл бұрын

You can actually still fit a lot of stuff in the back of your truck with the tent laying down. At least in my bed. And it’s just my wife and I we have room in the backseat of the truck as well. Happy travels!

Would be good to see a timed video of full set up not including the rails. Im thinking id just leave them on permanently. Get a good comparison to RTT time.

@tandemtravels

Жыл бұрын

I painted mine black with textured paint and bolted them on. I don't regret it.

What were the wood blocks for?

@stevegriffith8680

Жыл бұрын

Looks as tho so the clamps don't mess up the bed cover rails. Without the blocks it looks as tho the clamp pad will not contact the pole braket before messing up the rails. Just a guess. Other reason would be to distribute the load across the poll bracket to keep them from getting deformed.

@tandemtravels

Жыл бұрын

Really just to make the clamps I had work. I've texture painted and bolted the rail on permanently and it looks great.

That looks like a great tent if you want to scratch the crap outta your truck

@tandemtravels

2 жыл бұрын

You definitely have to be careful. I got a few scratches.

@Shaman196

2 жыл бұрын

Trucks are not luxury cars for hell sake!

Just an idea. Using vice grip, welding clamps.

@tandemtravels

11 ай бұрын

That could work!

Dude. I have one of the truck bed tents. I am the most amazing outdoor stud tent assembler cool guy ever. Ever! Trust me there is nothing quick or easy about set up of these tents. They are great though set up time and the general hassle makes it lose most of the cool factor points.

@tandemtravels

3 жыл бұрын

Sounds like you've had a bad experience. With my wife's help we can set it up quickly. This is from a starting point of having the poles all assembled and the tent laying in the bed as shown in the video.

How would I get one of those tents for a truck

@tandemtravels

Жыл бұрын

Just visit the website. Good luck!

@tandemtravels

Жыл бұрын

It’s a Kodiak truck tent. search for that.

wouldn't quick clamps make it faster?

@tandemtravels

2 жыл бұрын

There are all kinds of options. I think the thing you want is something that doesn't get in the way while you're inside the tent. I ended up painting the rails with textured black paint and then I permanently bolted them to the side rails. I think it looks great.

@TygerBlueEyes

2 жыл бұрын

@@tandemtravels great idea. I was thinking of that too.

Try the squeeze wood clamps

@tandemtravels

2 жыл бұрын

Great idea! I actually ended up permanently mounting the rails on the truck bed rails. I painted them with the textured black. It looks great.

@johnron61

Жыл бұрын

@@tandemtravels Might you have pics of the permanently mounted rails?

Yeah. Prob'ly wanna hook up the velcro before you cinch it down.

@tandemtravels

Жыл бұрын

Good plan

that pole will scatch your paint big time

@tandemtravels

2 жыл бұрын

You do have to be careful. I do have some scratches.

If you permanently mounted the rails to your truck, you wouldn't even need to mess with the "C" clamps. Much faster.

@tandemtravels

4 ай бұрын

Agreed! That’s what I eventually did.

Looks like a relative pain to set up.

@tandemtravels

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Bill. It's actually quite easy. But I guess it depends on what you're comparing it to.

Looks like a pain in the ass😂

@tandemtravels

2 ай бұрын

Ok

I do think this is probably the best truck tent out there but this guy had to scratch the He** out of his truck paint. While working on one pole the other poles are flopping around the outside of the truck...not good. After watching this video I think I would rather take the extra time and set it up properly as the instructions say to.

@tandemtravels

2 жыл бұрын

I will always put it completely away after each trip and set it up initially in the standard manner. But after that I'll just lay it in my truck bed. HOWEVER, I also experienced more scratches than I expected so I have my wife help guide the poles and act more gently in the process. Lessons learned.

Anyone scratched there truck with this tent ?

@tandemtravels

Жыл бұрын

Yes. Take care with the poles. They can do some damage. Maybe tape them someone suggested.

What a pain.. get a hub tent gazelle..

@tandemtravels

2 жыл бұрын

That looks like a great tent option. The fun thing about a truck tent is that you never have to try and find a flat spot to set up on and even puddles of rain on the ground will not invade your sleep.

it only takes 10 minutes --- err, when I speed up the video.

@tandemtravels

Жыл бұрын

Actually it was only 10 minutes. Taking it out the bag would be slower though. This was just starting from it being collapsed in the bed of the truck.

No thanks. I don't like scratches on my truck and with a truck topper, there's zero set up. It takes Zero minutes. Open the door and climb in. Carpeted interior, built in lights, huge sliding windows with screens and 100% weather proof.

@tandemtravels

Жыл бұрын

Glad you found something that works for you. Enjoy camping!

A glorified Tarp put over a truck bed? and you actually call this camping?

@tandemtravels

2 жыл бұрын

We call a wide variety of things camping.