How to Set Up Your Pickup Truck Camper for Extended Camping

Extended camping in your pickup truck camper can be a fantastic way to explore and experience nature, but it requires some preparation and planning to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. In this guide, we'll discuss essential tips and considerations to make your camper ready for a long-term adventure.

Power Management

The first thing to consider is power management. You may not want to rely solely on solar panels for basic electrical needs, as they can be powered off or inefficient. A small generator or a large lithium battery bank with an inverter system are more reliable options. However, each owner must choose the solution that best suits their preferences and needs.

Water and Electricity Storage

Your main concerns will be water storage and electricity. You need to plan for how you'll store water, either by carrying additional jugs or camping near a safe water source. For electricity, consider increasing your battery capacity and adding a solar or generator setup to keep your camper powered.

Alternatives for Water and Electricity

Besides water and electricity, consider alternatives such as:

Water:

Carrying Water: Use five or six-gallon jugs for water storage. Filtering: Rigs like a gravity-fed system with a Sawyer filter can help.

Electricity:

Battery Alternatives: Increase battery capacity and consider a lithium battery bank. Renewable Energy: Solar panels and a generator are good options.

Heat and Heating Options

When camping in colder weather, heat is essential. For a more efficient and cost-effective heating solution, a diesel parking heater is an excellent choice. It uses minimal fuel and battery power, unlike other heating methods.

Other heating options include propane heaters, but they can be costly and inefficient in terms of battery usage. An electric heater can also be used, provided you have access to electrical power.

Insulation Tips for Winter Camping

To maintain a comfortable temperature in a pickup camper during winter, consider enhancing insulation. This can significantly reduce heating needs and save on fuel.

Food and Storage

Proper food storage and meal planning are crucial for extended camping. Plan how long you will be apart from a town and choose foods that can keep for several days. Rotomolded coolers with pre-cooling methods can prolong the life of your food and drinks.

Alternative Food Sources

Brewing and Canning: Learn to make stews and other meals that can be stored for longer periods. Protein Sources: Dehydrated or canned proteins such as venison can last for years and are ideal for camping.

Equipment Essentials

Carrying the right equipment can make your extended camping trip much easier. Consider the following essential tools and equipment:

A bottle jack and jack stands for leveling and steadying the camper. A bow saw for cutting wood for a fire, and a camp axe for tent stakes or hammering. A toolkit with basic tools like screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers. A portable camp chair for comfort.

In conclusion, setting up your pickup truck camper for extended camping requires careful planning and consideration. By focusing on power management, water and electricity storage, heating, food storage, and having the right equipment, you can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.