Dude this takes me back to my university days. You remind me of my best bud back then. I wish more kids these days got off their Tik tok and used what they had to enjoy the outdoors. You’re going to kill it in the future. P.S. Nice mug haha
Thanks for showing the inside of the cap! You mentioned that it cost $2500 and that you’ve already slept in it 50 nights...so the cap only cost you $50 a night...a lot cheaper than motels. Thanks again and happy trails!
haha now thats what I call a solid investment! Honestly most motels are pretty nasty and sketchy anyway so I would rather sleep in the truck. I also love how much flexibility it gives me. I can pull over anytime and take a nap and not have to worry about searching for a half decent hotel/motel. I'm sure I will get a few dozen more nights in it this year too so the more I use it the more it pays off! I am thinking about changing the layout this year so I will keep you guys updated.
Awesome vid. I’m looking to do the same thing to my F-150. Ran into the same problems of finding a topper cuz my bed is 5.5ft. Do you have trouble sleeping in it cuz of how short the bed is?
I don't have a problem sleeping in it but I do have to sleep diagonally lol. I'm 5'7 so its fine but if you're a tall guy then it would not be ideal. The other option for me to cut my mattress to fit the bed so it doesn't fold up against the back and that would give me another 4 inches or so.
Hey bro...... did you say $2,500? I’m looking on line and they’re a lot more than that. Would you mind passing me the store contact so I can order one too?
yes it was right around $2500 with pretty much every option included. I specced it out right on the ARE website so you can do that. I got mine through Ultimate Linings of the Lehigh Valley and they did an excellent job. Let me know if you have any other questions!
I had a leer. You might be able to use this option on yours. Lock the rear window then pull it closed. It will be locked and the inside lever has a safety feature that overrides the lock.
I think the leer has a totally different mechanism which sounds better for what I am doing. So the ARE you need to turn the handle which actually pushes rods out on either side that catch on the inside of the cap so that it does not open and then you lock that in place. Basically you cannot lock it and then pull it closed. Kind of hard to explain without showing you but if you go back in the video you may be able to see what I am talking about.
Ok, the vice grip lock is genius. I’ve been trying to think of ways to secure my future build for camping. You are definitely going to have a set of those around anyway.
It’s really not a pain. My current cap does have electrical running to it so that would just have to be unplugged and tucked away. My old truck had a cap and I used to put it on every winter and take it off for the summer and the swap was very fast. Just put it on the bed, line it up, and tighten the clamps.
I was considering getting a ARE topper when I found out that the side pop up windows were an option I ordered it. Now I have to wait 4 months. Mine was $2600 without the roof rack and front tilt window.
Killer setup! I want to do this, but my only concern is being too tall for the 5.5’ bed. Do you have any trouble being cramped? Really thinking it might be an issue if the wife decides to tag along.
So I am 5'7 and I just fit. I do sleep diagonal especially because the the way my mattress flips up against the window I lose a about 6 more inches that way. I could cut the mattress to perfectly fit the truck bed and then it would give me more space but I use it for other stuff too so I decided to leave it as is. It would be a little tight for 2 people for sure. I did a month long road trip with my buddy and he put a blow up mattress in the back seat and slept there so depending on how much you like your wife then you may just want to throw her in the backseat LOL. I am usually just a single person because my friends will bring tents, hammocks, etc, so I it works for me. I love how nimble I can be with it compared to hauling some sort of camper.
It’s certainly not a great off roader for the east coast where I live. It’s too long and wide (that’s what she said lol). I’ve done some off reading in PA and the tight stuff wasn’t fun. It also doesn’t have great ground clearance. But it’s really not designed for that, it’s meant to do high speed desert running. If you want to do tight trails then a jeep is definitely a better option especially since you can get them with front and rear lockers and sway bar disconnect from the factory. I just like having a truck because I use the bed a lot (with and without the cap on) and it’s good in most scenarios.
Like the setup. My Jason cap is being built. Basically same setup as this one minus the lights and the hanger. Out the door $2700. Prices have gone up. A.R.E was 14 weeks out and $800 more for exact setup. That’s why I went with the Jason. I’m 5’10” and don’t plan on sleeping a whole lot in it but may occasionally but the kids are gonna have. Blast camping out in the back while the wife and I hit the tent.
That's a great looking and functional cap, and I love the Raptor. Any idea how that specific cap compares to the RSI Smartcap? I appreciated your point about being able to so easily clean the glass between the cab and cap with this one, don't know if that is possible with the RSI.
update on the ARE overland top? I am thinking about ordering one as well since it is so hard to find for my year model truck and I came across this style top. Was wondering your review of the overall top.
Yes sir. its mikey_ronca. You can definitely follow that for now. I haven't decided if I wanted to make another instagram for my TH-cam related stuff. I probably will because I don't post all that much stuff on my normal instagram lol
The rooftop tents definitely have their pros and cons. One of the things I like about the tent is that it would be easier to move to a a different truck or suv but I plan on keeping my raptor until it dies haha. The bed cap just has so much versatility and that’s ultimately why I went that route. It was especially nice on rainy and cold nights to be inside a hard structure. I’ve also done lots of stealth camping while on the road and a rooftop tent is certainly not the that.
What kind of gas mileage are you getting with your Raptor? Did the bed cover and extra weigh effect it much? Excellent video! I really appreciated the thorough walk through of how you made that set up work for you.
Im averaging about 13mpg. I really haven't seen difference in gas milage although I do feel the little bit of extra weight in there. It really is not that bad though. I have some things that I might have done differently or at least some other things to consider so that video will be coming up!
Hi Michael, I like the way you have your rig set up. I've been truck camping since the mid 80's. Here's what I've learned & I'll pass them on to you. 1) Get stuff you need at a camping store for backpacking. It's small, compact, & light weight. 2)Get splash guards for your truck. It'll help keep you & your rig clean. They work. I know. 3) When parking for the night, park headlong into the wind. That way if a storm comes you won't have to worry about a side wind ripping off your camper shell. Plus, if anything comes bouncing towards the truck, since you have a slimmer profile, it might miss you. If it does hit, the front of the truck is reinforced. 4) Use bug spray on the interior doors & windows/ screens openings to help keep bugs out. Use wasp & hornet spray around & on your tires to help keep critters out. Basically, all points of contact on the ground. I hope this helps. Great vid, thanks for sharing. Drive safe. 🤠
![[Live] ศึกมหึมันส์มวยไทยสังเวียนเดือด เวทีมวยชั่วคราวสวนสยาม | จันทร์ 30 กันยายน 2567](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/pM1k6f7JXUc/mqdefault.jpg)
Dude this takes me back to my university days. You remind me of my best bud back then.
I wish more kids these days got off their Tik tok and used what they had to enjoy the outdoors.
You’re going to kill it in the future.
P.S. Nice mug haha
Love to hear it! Not many people are that interested in the outdoors anymore. I try to get out as much as i can as I find it extremely relaxing.
Thanks for showing the inside of the cap! You mentioned that it cost $2500 and that you’ve already slept in it 50 nights...so the cap only cost you $50 a night...a lot cheaper than motels. Thanks again and happy trails!
haha now thats what I call a solid investment! Honestly most motels are pretty nasty and sketchy anyway so I would rather sleep in the truck. I also love how much flexibility it gives me. I can pull over anytime and take a nap and not have to worry about searching for a half decent hotel/motel. I'm sure I will get a few dozen more nights in it this year too so the more I use it the more it pays off! I am thinking about changing the layout this year so I will keep you guys updated.
I just found a camper shell on OfferUp up for $200 but he doesn’t have the hardware … may have to just buy it then go by Home Depot
Most $50 motels are full of bed bugs. The bugs will enter your car, your home, your closet! It’s a nightmare.
New sub !!! I’m thinking about fishing the Bass Opens this year 💪🏿
Nice Truck.. Back in the day when the Raptor had balls.. Big V8 balls. Im going to hold on to my 2014 5.7 V8 Tundra for that reason
Awesome vid. I’m looking to do the same thing to my F-150. Ran into the same problems of finding a topper cuz my bed is 5.5ft. Do you have trouble sleeping in it cuz of how short the bed is?
I don't have a problem sleeping in it but I do have to sleep diagonally lol. I'm 5'7 so its fine but if you're a tall guy then it would not be ideal. The other option for me to cut my mattress to fit the bed so it doesn't fold up against the back and that would give me another 4 inches or so.
Hey bro...... did you say $2,500? I’m looking on line and they’re a lot more than that. Would you mind passing me the store contact so I can order one too?
yes it was right around $2500 with pretty much every option included. I specced it out right on the ARE website so you can do that. I got mine through Ultimate Linings of the Lehigh Valley and they did an excellent job. Let me know if you have any other questions!
@@mikey201292 prices have gone UP
I had a leer. You might be able to use this option on yours. Lock the rear window then pull it closed. It will be locked and the inside lever has a safety feature that overrides the lock.
I think the leer has a totally different mechanism which sounds better for what I am doing. So the ARE you need to turn the handle which actually pushes rods out on either side that catch on the inside of the cap so that it does not open and then you lock that in place. Basically you cannot lock it and then pull it closed. Kind of hard to explain without showing you but if you go back in the video you may be able to see what I am talking about.
Awesome build and love that shell. Did you need to install leaf springs/or suspension upgrade for load?
Ok, the vice grip lock is genius. I’ve been trying to think of ways to secure my future build for camping. You are definitely going to have a set of those around anyway.
Would removing the topper be a pain?? I want the protection of a hard topper but the ability to remove it every few months whenever I buy a truck.
It’s really not a pain. My current cap does have electrical running to it so that would just have to be unplugged and tucked away. My old truck had a cap and I used to put it on every winter and take it off for the summer and the swap was very fast. Just put it on the bed, line it up, and tighten the clamps.
What size is your truck bed? I have a super crew F150 with the shorter 5'5 bed, wondering if it may be too short to sleep in there.
Mine is the 5’5 as well. It works for me because im 5’7 and I sleep sideways but if you’re a bigger dude then it might be too small haha
@@mikey201292 another question lol can two people sleep comfortably sleeping sideways? Both under 5’7
Definitely helpful video, was looking for bedcap for my 2012 raptor. Thank you
I was considering getting a ARE topper when I found out that the side pop up windows were an option I ordered it. Now I have to wait 4 months. Mine was $2600 without the roof rack and front tilt window.
Does it void warranty to add roof rails after installation? I didnt include it and really regretting it.
Killer setup! I want to do this, but my only concern is being too tall for the 5.5’ bed. Do you have any trouble being cramped? Really thinking it might be an issue if the wife decides to tag along.
So I am 5'7 and I just fit. I do sleep diagonal especially because the the way my mattress flips up against the window I lose a about 6 more inches that way. I could cut the mattress to perfectly fit the truck bed and then it would give me more space but I use it for other stuff too so I decided to leave it as is. It would be a little tight for 2 people for sure. I did a month long road trip with my buddy and he put a blow up mattress in the back seat and slept there so depending on how much you like your wife then you may just want to throw her in the backseat LOL. I am usually just a single person because my friends will bring tents, hammocks, etc, so I it works for me. I love how nimble I can be with it compared to hauling some sort of camper.
6.5’ bed is only way to buy a truck
Sooo Is it a Ford f150 raptor?
Thanks brother, nice truck ,
Nice truck, 2013 SCAB here, have you done some tight trails? Had any issues with the wider width?
It’s certainly not a great off roader for the east coast where I live. It’s too long and wide (that’s what she said lol). I’ve done some off reading in PA and the tight stuff wasn’t fun. It also doesn’t have great ground clearance. But it’s really not designed for that, it’s meant to do high speed desert running. If you want to do tight trails then a jeep is definitely a better option especially since you can get them with front and rear lockers and sway bar disconnect from the factory. I just like having a truck because I use the bed a lot (with and without the cap on) and it’s good in most scenarios.
Like the setup. My Jason cap is being built. Basically same setup as this one minus the lights and the hanger. Out the door $2700. Prices have gone up. A.R.E was 14 weeks out and $800 more for exact setup. That’s why I went with the Jason. I’m 5’10” and don’t plan on sleeping a whole lot in it but may occasionally but the kids are gonna have. Blast camping out in the back while the wife and I hit the tent.
That's a great looking and functional cap, and I love the Raptor. Any idea how that specific cap compares to the RSI Smartcap? I appreciated your point about being able to so easily clean the glass between the cab and cap with this one, don't know if that is possible with the RSI.
Great vid. I have the same size bed my truck but I’m 5’11 so don’t fit the best so juts wondering how you made it work to be comfortable for camping
update on the ARE overland top? I am thinking about ordering one as well since it is so hard to find for my year model truck and I came across this style top. Was wondering your review of the overall top.
Do you have an Instagram? I’d like to follow and see the build!
Yes sir. its mikey_ronca. You can definitely follow that for now. I haven't decided if I wanted to make another instagram for my TH-cam related stuff. I probably will because I don't post all that much stuff on my normal instagram lol
Do you find that the camper shell moves a lot or gets displaced when off roading with your Raptor or does it stay in place pretty well?
Nice setup! I also have a '14 Raptor and have been thinking about doing a rooftop tent. This has me reconsidering.
The rooftop tents definitely have their pros and cons. One of the things I like about the tent is that it would be easier to move to a a different truck or suv but I plan on keeping my raptor until it dies haha. The bed cap just has so much versatility and that’s ultimately why I went that route. It was especially nice on rainy and cold nights to be inside a hard structure. I’ve also done lots of stealth camping while on the road and a rooftop tent is certainly not the that.
i'm very interested in the one you got. Could you please provide the link here? thank you very much
www.4are.com/product/overland/
Here it is
@@mikey201292 thank you very much!
How much did you buy it for ? I’ve been debating on one
It was around $2500, which seems pretty expensive (at least to me), but I thought it was worth it to get a new one with all the specs I wanted.
Nice simple setup. Nicely done Sir...
Thank you! Gotta love truck camping.
Good video. I have the ARE cap on my new Chevy as well as almost all the same features as yours. I love the interior lining and lights on mine too.
Well done sir!
Bruh I need to know where that flannel is from
Haha it’s from Filson. They are my favorite company
What kind of gas mileage are you getting with your Raptor? Did the bed cover and extra weigh effect it much?
Excellent video! I really appreciated the thorough walk through of how you made that set up work for you.
Im averaging about 13mpg. I really haven't seen difference in gas milage although I do feel the little bit of extra weight in there. It really is not that bad though. I have some things that I might have done differently or at least some other things to consider so that video will be coming up!
@@mikey201292 can't wait to see the update video! You've got a new subscriber. Godspeed!
@@Godspeed_KINI I appreciate the support! I have lots of fun making these videos and love helping people put together the best possible setup!
U wearing cowboy booths?
You know it haha
Really cool set up!
Nice job....well done
Snorkle 😂😂
Nice set up!
Hi Michael, I like the way you have your rig set up.
I've been truck camping since the mid 80's. Here's what I've learned & I'll pass them on to you.
1) Get stuff you need at a camping store for backpacking. It's small, compact, & light weight.
2)Get splash guards for your truck. It'll help keep you & your rig clean. They work. I know.
3) When parking for the night, park headlong into the wind. That way if a storm comes you won't have to worry about a side wind ripping off your camper shell. Plus, if anything comes bouncing towards the truck, since you have a slimmer profile, it might miss you. If it does hit, the front of the truck is reinforced.
4) Use bug spray on the interior doors & windows/ screens openings to help keep bugs out. Use wasp & hornet spray around & on your tires to help keep critters out. Basically, all points of contact on the ground.
I hope this helps. Great vid, thanks for sharing. Drive safe. 🤠
Trump flag on the back will be a nice finishing touch especially today 😉
Why? You like celebrating losers?
@@rxdoom1194 my post was from before but you are right Trump let us down.
Trump2024!
@@rxdoom1194 no we dont celebrate sleepy joe