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 👍
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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?
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.
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
@@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. 🤷🏼♂️
@@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
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 🇨🇦
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.
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...?
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.
@@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.
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
![ร้อยพ่อพันแม่ - WanMai [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/XY2pNYASEbg/mqdefault.jpg)
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 👍
Two people is definitely easier
I have a big trip coming up with some late evening arrivals, thanks for the idea - you'll definitely save me some time
I permanently mounted mine. It’s been great.
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.
Yes it's pretty solid. Good luck!
Did you ever set it up on the trailer? I never though of putting this tent on that trailer.
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.
We sure enjoy it. Good luck.
I can see one of those metal pipes putting a big SCRATCH on the side of the truck if it got away from you.
They can. Be careful. I have a few.
Exactly what I was thinking, I wonder if one could use brushable plasti- dip on the bottom of the poles?
@@whales302 - I like that idea! Have you tried it? How did it work? Thanks! :)
Not bad and one of the many ways we get out to enjoy the Great outdoors.
For sure!
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.
That sounds perfect. I bet you will really enjoy your camper. Happy travels!
It’s Chinese crap
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.
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!
Can you still use your Tonneau cover?
@@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.
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.
I painted the rails with textured paint and bolted them on. They look great.
Thank you! Your video was very helpful for me. Thanks for creating it, and sharing your experience and knowledge! :)
Glad it was helpful!
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.
I've enjoyed mine!
Just got mine. Thanks!
Enjoy it
So grateful for your video, sir! Could you share the brand of Tonneau cover you have? Thank you!
No problem. It's a Lo Pro from truxedo.com.
@@tandemtravels thank you so much!!
Do the straps affect the paint on your truck at all?
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.
Thank you. Love it
Thank you too!
Should of got some welders vice grips instead of the C clamps if time is of the essence.
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.
Awesome video well done
Thank you! We really enjoy the tent. Just need to get out more!
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?
Not that I know of
Awesome vid. My tent just arrived. Where did you find the clamps?
Online. But then I painted the rails and bolted them right on!
I was seriously considering buying one of these but those paint scratcher poles are a NO GO.
Good luck in your search!
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.
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?
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.
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
@@yummiermussel5331 maybe build some fender covers that strap to the inside. 🤔
@@stevegriffith8680 I'm thinking just tape the ends of the poles and straps
@@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. 🤷🏼♂️
@@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
Instead of using those c-clamps for the rails, it may be easier to use vice-grip c-clamps.
Good idea!
I was thinking a quick release wood clamp.
Just an idea. Using vice grip, welding clamps.
That could work!
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 🇨🇦
Thank you! We are really enjoying it.
Great demo ... thank you!
Glad you liked it!
Can you cook in it if you had bad weather with a small camp stove?
I’m no expert, but it’s not much different than a tent trailer. Open a window and be careful with fire;)
Good video! Thank you
You’re welcome!
Do you find the C-clamps get in the way when you are sitting inside?
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.
It doesn't seem to have a seal between the tent and bed tho? Couldn't bugs get in?
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.
if you had a chase rack on ur truck would the tent fit over it? im running into this issue... Thank you
I'm not sure. You would have to measure it out.
@@tandemtravels yea I get that. I was just asking if you think one would fit. Nvm
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?
You do have to be very careful. I do have some scratches.
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...?
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.
@@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.
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
I would recommend that you just leave it up all the time. hahaha. JK. :)
There are some pretty fun videos of people driving around with these up! They do pretty well up until over 40mph:)
Can u leave your bed and stuff set up while tent is semi folded and tonau unrolled?
I bet you could. But I put my cooler and some other things back there.
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.
I painted mine black with textured paint and bolted them on. I don't regret it.
May I ask which clamps did you get? Thanks.
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!
How will it work with a back flip bed cover
Not sure. Wish I could help.
Does this tent come with the support rails??
The rails that the poles plug into are included.
Can you drive with this already set up on the truck
Not on the road and not fast at all.
That looks like a great tent if you want to scratch the crap outta your truck
You definitely have to be careful. I got a few scratches.
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.
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.
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.
@@skotth2. Are you saying that would work fine on my 2022 Honda ridgeline. Do you have any photos? Thank you.
@@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.
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
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.
Would this fit 8Foot bed ?
They have a long-bed tent as well.
Thank you ❤
You're welcome 😊
How would I get one of those tents for a truck
Just visit the website. Good luck!
It’s a Kodiak truck tent. search for that.
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.
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.
@@tandemtravels setting up any tent in the rain is a pain, most would wait out the rain so really a non issue
What were the wood blocks for?
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.
Really just to make the clamps I had work. I've texture painted and bolted the rail on permanently and it looks great.
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.
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.
Try the squeeze wood clamps
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.
@@tandemtravels Might you have pics of the permanently mounted rails?
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.
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!
Love it
Thank you!
Yeah. Prob'ly wanna hook up the velcro before you cinch it down.
Good plan
wouldn't quick clamps make it faster?
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.
@@tandemtravels great idea. I was thinking of that too.
If you permanently mounted the rails to your truck, you wouldn't even need to mess with the "C" clamps. Much faster.
Agreed! That’s what I eventually did.
that pole will scatch your paint big time
You do have to be careful. I do have some scratches.
Grandpa, just a tip; please lose the backwards baseball cap. You're a little old for the Little League look.
Ouch! I sure wish I was a grandpa! But even then, you've got to do something to feel young :-)
Looks like a relative pain to set up.
Thanks Bill. It's actually quite easy. But I guess it depends on what you're comparing it to.
it only takes 10 minutes --- err, when I speed up the video.
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.
Anyone scratched there truck with this tent ?
Yes. Take care with the poles. They can do some damage. Maybe tape them someone suggested.
Looks like a pain in the ass😂
Ok
What a pain.. get a hub tent gazelle..
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.
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.
Glad you found something that works for you. Enjoy camping!
A glorified Tarp put over a truck bed? and you actually call this camping?
We call a wide variety of things camping.
Did you do any additional waterproofing??
No