Updated November 12, 2024 08:18PM
Having spent numerous nights sleeping in different vehicles—from Subaru Outbacks to Volkswagen buses—I’ve learned that vehicle camping is an art. Although I appreciate traditional tent camping, my VW Jetta served as a makeshift bedroom for over a decade, allowing me to fold down the back seats and transform the trunk into a comfortable sleeping space for two.
At 48, comfort has become a priority for me, so I’ve dedicated recent months to equipping my F-150 Supercrew with gear that rivals my home bedroom in comfort. Since I don’t live in my truck, I aim to maintain its capabilities for hauling bikes, rocks, boats, dirt, and kids while creating a cozy weekend camping experience.
Essential Gear for Vehicle Camping
All the gear I’ll highlight here is perfect for sleeping in your vehicle, easy to remove, and compact enough to store in my garage, preserving my truck’s functionality during the week.
Flated Air-Deck Inflatable Platform
This inflatable platform is a key part of my setup, inflating like a paddleboard and creating a sturdy sleeping surface supported by inflatable pillars. Weighing just 17 pounds, it’s easy to store and doesn’t compromise my truck’s hauling capabilities. Flated offers various sizes suitable for many truck models.
Klymit Klymaloft Sleeping Pad (Double)
Investing in a quality sleeping pad is crucial; the double Klymaloft features a foam top that adds five inches of luxury, providing comfort that rivals my home mattress. With I-beam air chambers for stability, it ensures minimal movement when one of us gets up during the night, and its generous dimensions allow ample space for my wife and me.
Trelino Evo S Portable Toilet
For my wife, bathrooms are essential while camping. The Trelino composting toilet separates liquids from solids to minimize odors and simplifies disposal. It’s compact, lightweight, and fits in our changing tent, offering a convenient and civilized solution for our camping trips.
Kelty Discovery H2Go Tent
With a soft top on my truck, changing outside can be challenging. The Kelty H2Go tent provides a practical and clean space for changing clothes or setting up the Trelino toilet, enhancing our camping experience with added privacy.
Additional Essential Items
To enhance our camping setup, I recommend several more essentials, including the Goal Zero Yeti 1000X portable power station for running devices and the Black Diamond Volt lantern for convenient lighting at night. Lastly, the Dometic water system offers a modern solution for accessing water, reducing the need for disposable plastic bottles and introducing a touch of luxury to our camping experience.
