Top 10 Truck Camping Tips for Beginners

New Ford TrucksOrder PartsContact Us

Truck camping is becoming an increasingly popular way to get on the road, offering a flexible and comfortable way to camp while exploring the great outdoors. With just a truck bed or camper, you can create a cozy home-on-wheels ready for adventure. But getting started with truck camping can also be overwhelming for beginners.

Follow these top 10 tips to make your first truck camping trips smooth sailing:

1. Choose the Right Camper for your Truck

The first step is finding the ideal truck and camper setup for your needs. Main options include:

Truck Bed Cap – Lowest investment that turns your pickup bed into a basic enclosed space. Limited standing room.

Truck Bed Camper – Allows you to stretch out inside the truck bed with a sleeping setup. Can feel cramped.

Pop-up Truck Camper – More spacious with tent-like canvas sides that pop up once parked. Higher cost and truck capacity required.

Key truck features to consider for camping include 4×4 or AWD capability, good ground clearance, and enough payload capacity to handle the weight of passengers and gear. Make sure to get a camper shell sized appropriately for your truck’s specs. At Westlie Ford, we have every part or accessory you need at our parts center. We also have a large inventory of new and used Ford trucks perfect for any camping trip.

2. Outfit Your Truck Bed for Camping

Once you decide on a truck and camper type, it’s time to optimize the truck bed for camping:

• Add a comfortable bed platform frame with storage underneath
• Get truck bed storage solutions like bins, drawers, and tool boxes
• Install electrical accessories like lights, outlets, and power inverters
• Secure luggage, gear, and supplies properly so they don’t shift during travel

Taking the time to outfit your truck bed for camping from the start will maximize your living space.

3. Stay Organized on the Road

Organization is critical for enjoying truck camping trips. Make sure to:

• Use checklists to pack smart and minimize clutter
• Pack clothes and food in storage bins and bags
• Keep camp cooking supplies together in one area
• Use magnetic strips and nets to corral smaller items
• Bring portable multi-use tools rather than large specialized tools when possible

Advanced preparation and organization takes the stress out of living in a small camper space.

4. Master Truck Camping Storage

Storage always requires creativity in small truck camping quarters. Some space-saving tips include:

• Use bags or baskets to hold items vertically against walls
• Opt for collapsible or multi-use items when possible
• Attach storage nets or pouches on the ceilings or doors
• Add an exterior cargo rack or storage container on top of the truck cab
• Bring just essential clothing and gear – don’t overpack!

With some clever storage hacks, you can pack all the essentials you need.

5. Camp Cooking and Galley Setup

One perk of truck camping is being able to cook your own hot meals on the road. For a functional cooking galley:

• Gather camping cookware like grills, skillets, pots, and utensils
• Choose a space-saving stove like a propane camping stove or induction burner
• Meal prep ingredients ahead of time for quick camp dinners
• Use bins and organizers to corral cooking tools in place

A well-planned cooking galley makes whipping up road meals easy.

6. Power and Electrical for Truck Camping

Modern truck camping relies heavily on electricity. Popular power options include:

• Solar panels to harvest renewable solar energy
• Portable generators as needed for backup power
• Deep cycle battery banks to store and distribute power
• Chargers and inverters to charge devices and run electronics
• Built in generator with Pro Power Onboard on the 2023 Ford F-150

Also consider lighting solutions like truck bed work lights, string lights, and battery powered lamps. Proper electrical setup allows you to safely and sustainably power a truck camper.

7. Pick Campsites Accessible for Trucks

When possible, choose campsites designed for larger vehicles, with:

• Wide roads and ease of access for bigger trucks
• Large level parking spaces and pads
• No narrow approach angles or low clearances

Don’t forget leveling blocks or pads to stabilize your truck on uneven terrain. Scouting your route in advance helps avoid inaccessible campsites.

8. Make Your Truck Bed Comfortable

Creating a cozy truck bed for sleeping makes for better rest:

• Build a bed platform frame tailored to your truck bed dimensions
• Insulate the truck topper or bed cap to prevent condensation
• Choose a foam, inflatable, or hybrid camping mattress design

With some simple upgrades, you can get truly restful sleep while truck camping.

9. Stay Protected from The Elements

Sleeping in the exposed truck bed leaves you vulnerable to weather and pests. Helpful accessories include:

• Truck bed tents or canopies for rain and sun protection
• Mesh screens or netting to keep bugs at bay
• Bed caps or truck toppers to seal the bed from weather
• Cargo nets to secure loose gear from wind gusts

The right accessories allow you to camp comfortably regardless of the conditions.

10. Outfit Your Truck with Camping Upgrades

Customizing your truck build specifically for camping needs can make a big difference:

• Add a truck bed storage rack for extra gear capacity
• Upgrade suspension for increased ground clearance off-road
• Get all-terrain tires for enhanced traction on dirt
• Install a truck bed air compressor for camping convenience

Purpose-built truck upgrades based on your camping lifestyle prepare you for adventure.

With smart preparation using these tips, you’ll be ready to hit the road in your truck camper and make the most of your camping adventures.

Truck Camping with Ford Trucks

Searching for the perfect truck to outfit for camping and road trips? Check out our available Ford trucks at Westlie Ford:

• Ford Raptor – The high-performance F-150 Raptor trim is ideal for intense off-road camping and overlanding expeditions. Its long-travel suspension soaks up rugged terrain with ease.
• Ford F-150 Regular Cab – The F-150 full-size pickup in a Regular Cab configuration gives you over 6.5 ft of truck bed space for your camping setup while remaining highly maneuverable on tight trails.
• Ford F-250 Tremor – Although usually seen as a work truck, the F-250 Tremor trim is specially designed for off-roading with upgraded suspension, tires and styling. It provides heavy-duty towing and payload capability perfect for remote camping trips.

With power, durability, and plenty of room for custom camping upgrades, Ford trucks make exploring and camping anywhere an exciting possibility. Stop by Westlie Ford or contact us today to find your perfect truck camping rig for camping in the PNW near Portland and Vancouver!

Reviewed By: Ryan Dickerson, General Manager

With over two decades of experience across all facets of the automotive business, Ryan Dickerson leads Washougal’s Westlie Ford dealership with an unmatched passion for Ford vehicles. Applying his expertise in sales, finance, management, and customer service, he provides Westlie Ford clients with personalized guidance on finding the right Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, and crossovers to fit their needs. Known for taking a genuine interest in each customer, he ensures car-buyers receive the small-town friendly experience Westlie Ford is known for, while still providing big-dealership selection and value. Along with doing what he can with helping the local community, Dickerson stays up-to-date on the latest Ford models and technology.