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Does anyone have any suggestions on a good truck bed tent for a decent price? I saw one at sportsmans guide for $79.00, but reviews are bad. Target has one for $179.00. But maybe I'll bite the bullet and buy one from Cabelas or something. Any recommendations for one of these tents? Thanks
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I had line-x in the past and was always happy, but wanted something that fit my needs better. We do a lot of camping and often sleep in the bed of the truck. I didn't really want one of those air mattresses (the wife can't sleep on them...and she doesn't let me either ) So, in an effort to keep mama happy I took a chance on what I thought was " padded carpet". BOY WAS I WRONG! The vehicle unique form fitting spun plastic is extremely soft and easy on my old joints. NOW on to why I decided to post this review... I had a gas can in the bed of the truck and by the time I made it over to fill the lawn mower, I had gas all over the bed of my truck. I know, I know, I'm the idiot who didn't secure the can. The wife was pissed and said I would have to buy a new one. Being the stubborn old goat I am, I decided I would fix it. Some Simple Green and my pressure washer worked great. Granted, I had to wash and let it dry 3 times, but there is no trace of a gasoline smell. So, was it a horrible idea? Not at all! This thing is wonderful!
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Hey Guys, After lurking on the forums and finding nothing on how to install a roof tent onto our trucks; I decided to take the plunge and see what it would take to get this done. As these style of tents are up there in pricing, (even more so for those of us in Canada), I didn't want to deal spending money excessively on rack systems that wouldn't be compatible with the tent, so I spoke directly with Smittybilt to see what they would recommend for mounting the tent on our trucks. At first I was considering using one of their contractor ladder racks as they were rated for 1000lbs and offered the ability to mount additional accessories such as light bars, tools and etc. however, their tech-line representative stated that the contractor racks would not only be too wide to properly secure tent but would be limited to having only one position of how the tent opens provided I found or made the appropriate brackets to make it work. Since I was already going into reasonably uncharted territory, I wanted to take the simpler route that even the entry level novice would be comfortable installing using regular household tools with a buddy or two. This led me to the TracRac ladder rack system - as every tent and roof related accessory supplier has led me to believe our roofs aren't rated for carrying weight in general - since it installs in the bed and has cross rails to mount additional items on the sides. In the interest of not making this post redundant, as both kits have fairly reasonable supplied instructions, I will note the key aspects and tips for installation. Installation was performed on: 2015 Sierra 1500 crew with 5’8” box Part numbers used: 1x TracRac 37002 1x Smittybilt 2783 4x 773680 -5” zinc bracket Home Depot Additional tools: 7/32 Allen key and/or Socket 3/16 Allen key and/or Socket Tape measure - preferably one that reads in inches Drill and drill kit Dust pan and brush or vaccum 1-2 additional sets of hands Assemble TracRac: https://c2.rt-static.com/shared/pdf/manufacturers/297/tracrac-pro2.pdf I found it easier to mount the posts first then worry about attaching the crossbars afterwards. The clamps supplied from TracRac are drilled on both sides and the instructions will not make it clear which side is the top or bottom. They are also lined with paint on the inside so before installing the clamps it is a good idea feed the recommended screws into the clamp a few times beforehand just to make it easier to install. The side that forms an inner ridge is the side that goes on top. This will go into the groove found on the posts. The Smittybilt tent has a 47" x57" spread, so be sure to make sure the distance between the front and rear bars posts is around 3.5FT to 3.75FT, this will allow you ample space to properly position the tent onto the bars. The supplied instructions state that for the front the required spacing between clamps must be at least 3” apart, and for the rear 7” apart. I chose to have both the front and rear to have the same spacing since I do not plan on mounting a tool box in the bed of the truck. Once the posts have installed measure lengths of the cross bars to be equally spaced out from the posts as best you can. So that they are evenly placed. I did not install the supplied tie downs on the crossbars yet as I wanted to make sure the roof tent will fit correctly before installing them.
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I've been looking at the Softopper for my new Silverado but at about $857 I'm wondering if they would give us a group buy discount. Anyone interested?
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Product Reviewed & Cost Napier Backroadz Truck Tent (13022) : $189.99 Editor's Note: This product was provided at no cost for the purposes of a review. We only publish our honest opinions and give no consideration for the gratis product. What is it? A large full featured weather proof tent that securely sets up in the bed of your truck. Tested On 2011 GMC Sierra All Terrain Extended Cab SLT What’s in the box? A rolled up and neatly packaged tent, canopy, collapsible pole set, and carrying bag about the size of a large duffel bag. Setup and Installation Make no mistake about it, setting up any tent is an interesting experience and is easier the more you do it. We recommend trying out your Backroadz tent before going out and using it. If you’ve set up a normal tent, this won’t be much different. However, there are a few specific steps that are unique to a truck bed fitting tent that you should be familiar with before needing to do them on site or in the dark. The process of assembling this tent is fairly straightforward. We first unrolled and laid out the main tent portion in the bed of our pickup with the opening facing the rear. Following the instructions, we attached the tent to the body and tailgate of the Sierra using nine individual straps. We then assembled the three color coded poles that make up the Backroadz tent frame. They are inserted in a specific order, so it’s worth being familiar with the process. We can then raise the frame of the tent to give it structure. We also took a moment to push out the floor of the tent into all four corners of the bed. The last step is to attach the waterproof fly over the frame to keep the rain out. The end result is a sturdy, well manufactured, high quality tent that has a lot of room and fits perfectly. We think with some practice, an experienced Backroadz user can set up the tent in under 10 minutes and break it down in under 5. We appriciated that Napier left some room in the front of the tent that was flexible in space. This left room for our Retrax Pro to stay on and the two never interfered. Our impressions A tent that fits in the bed of your pickup presents some interesting benefits. Anyone that has camped before knows setting up your tent on a flat surface is key to being comfortable and safe. An elevated platform for tents is usually a feature you’ll find at some campsites and for good reason. Being up and off the ground is a godsend while out camping. Isolating your tent and body away from bugs, dirt, moisture, and running water can be a life saving decision. The Napier Backroadz pickup bed tent takes the benefits of a platform one step further. Now, anywhere we can park our truck, we can set up shop for the night in our tent. We’ll have access to power, close proximity to an enclosed structure, and the ability to move our camping quarters at a moment's notice. Of course, the biggest drawback of a truck based tent is that by camping in the bed you eliminate it as a storage space. To set up your tent, you must unload everything first. While the tent is setup you have effectively immobilized your vehicle. You can move slowly but going on any roads is out of the question. Depending on your individual situation, that’s an inconvenience that may or may not outweigh the benefits of using your truck as a camping platform. The Napier Backroadz truck tent offers an affordable way to securely camp anywhere you can park your Silverado, Sierra, Colorado, Canyon, or any pickup truck with a bed.
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The Merva Brothers GM-Trucks.com 9/17/15 If you’re a fan of camping like us, you’ve probably wondered how awesome it would be to turn your truck’s bed into a huge tent. The days of using your imagination are over. We take a look at the Napier Truck tent! Product Reviewed & Cost Napier Backroadz Truck Tent (13022) : $189.99 Editor's Note: This product was provided at no cost for the purposes of a review. We only publish our honest opinions and give no consideration for the gratis product. What is it? A large full featured weather proof tent that securely sets up in the bed of your truck. Tested On 2011 GMC Sierra All Terrain Extended Cab SLT What’s in the box? A rolled up and neatly packaged tent, canopy, collapsible pole set, and carrying bag about the size of a large duffel bag. Setup and Installation Make no mistake about it, setting up any tent is an interesting experience and is easier the more you do it. We recommend trying out your Backroadz tent before going out and using it. If you’ve set up a normal tent, this won’t be much different. However, there are a few specific steps that are unique to a truck bed fitting tent that you should be familiar with before needing to do them on site or in the dark. The process of assembling this tent is fairly straightforward. We first unrolled and laid out the main tent portion in the bed of our pickup with the opening facing the rear. Following the instructions, we attached the tent to the body and tailgate of the Sierra using nine individual straps. We then assembled the three color coded poles that make up the Backroadz tent frame. They are inserted in a specific order, so it’s worth being familiar with the process. We can then raise the frame of the tent to give it structure. We also took a moment to push out the floor of the tent into all four corners of the bed. The last step is to attach the waterproof fly over the frame to keep the rain out. The end result is a sturdy, well manufactured, high quality tent that has a lot of room and fits perfectly. We think with some practice, an experienced Backroadz user can set up the tent in under 10 minutes and break it down in under 5. We appriciated that Napier left some room in the front of the tent that was flexible in space. This left room for our Retrax Pro to stay on and the two never interfered. Our impressions A tent that fits in the bed of your pickup presents some interesting benefits. Anyone that has camped before knows setting up your tent on a flat surface is key to being comfortable and safe. An elevated platform for tents is usually a feature you’ll find at some campsites and for good reason. Being up and off the ground is a godsend while out camping. Isolating your tent and body away from bugs, dirt, moisture, and running water can be a life saving decision. The Napier Backroadz pickup bed tent takes the benefits of a platform one step further. Now, anywhere we can park our truck, we can set up shop for the night in our tent. We’ll have access to power, close proximity to an enclosed structure, and the ability to move our camping quarters at a moment's notice. Of course, the biggest drawback of a truck based tent is that by camping in the bed you eliminate it as a storage space. To set up your tent, you must unload everything first. While the tent is setup you have effectively immobilized your vehicle. You can move slowly but going on any roads is out of the question. Depending on your individual situation, that’s an inconvenience that may or may not outweigh the benefits of using your truck as a camping platform. The Napier Backroadz truck tent offers an affordable way to securely camp anywhere you can park your Silverado, Sierra, Colorado, Canyon, or any pickup truck with a bed.
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John Goreham Contributing Writer, GM-Trucks.com 7/21/2015 The Topper EZ Lift from A.R.E. allows truck owners to raise the fiberglass cap over their truck bed with the push of a button. Powered by the truck's 12-volt battery, the Topper EZ Lift raises up the cap in just 30 seconds. It can lift up to 900 pounds. Once you are ready to pack up the lift lowers and makes a tight seal, automatically locking back in place. The idea is to use the additional space for a tent, or to access cargo without removing the top. The kit includes everything needed for a DIY project, or A.R.E can refer shoppers to an authorized installer. A.R.E. also has accessory items like the tent with screened side windows shown in the photo.
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Chevy will introduce the GearOn Edition of the Colorado next week at the Chicago Auto Show, but you can see it all right here in the . The Colorado LT in extended or crew cab configurations, with either long or short bed, can come as a GearOn equipped model. Of course, 4WD is available. The GearOn comes standard with the bars and divider package and tie-down rings. Buyers can have more GearOn accessories installed by the dealer. The GearOn also includes the following accessories: EZ Lift and Lower tailgate Off-road assist steps Gloss black 18-inch aluminum wheels Body-color grille Front and rear black Chevy bowtie emblems Front fog lamps Rear window defogger Remote start. Chevy dealers can add GearOn accessories to any Colorado truck.
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John Goreham Contributing Writer, GM-Trucks.com 2/9/2015 The new Chevy Colorado GearOn Special Edition offers features not found on other mid-size adventure trucks. The innovative GearOn accessory system allows you to put bikes, kayaks and other gear up above the bed on upper rails. That frees up the lower area of the bed for all the things you need for a camping trip or any adventure. One of the coolest features is an available tent mounted in the bed of the truck. Chevy will introduce the GearOn Edition of the Colorado next week at the Chicago Auto Show, but you can see it all right here in the attached video. The Colorado LT in extended or crew cab configurations, with either long or short bed, can come as a GearOn equipped model. Of course, 4WD is available. The GearOn comes standard with the bars and divider package and tie-down rings. Buyers can have more GearOn accessories installed by the dealer. The GearOn also includes the following accessories: EZ Lift and Lower tailgate Off-road assist steps Gloss black 18-inch aluminum wheels Body-color grille Front and rear black Chevy bowtie emblems Front fog lamps Rear window defogger Remote start. Chevy dealers can add GearOn accessories to any Colorado truck.
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From the album: Summer fun!
Pic of my rig set up for summer fun! Gotta say, I do love that 8.1 torque and power! And it even gets better MPG (towing that is!) then my tired 5.3! Not towing, yeah not so much! -
From the album: Summer fun!
Pic of my old rig. Needless to say the rig was a bit much for the ol girl! Hope your new owner is treating ya good. I miss ya but at the same your replacement is a BEAST!!