SheepDogRain-Jar
Well-Known Member
- First Name
- Bill
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2020
- Threads
- 11
- Messages
- 118
- Reaction score
- 179
- Location
- Connecticut
- Vehicle(s)
- 2019.5 Ford Ranger XLT CPR
- Occupation
- Retired LEO/Retired Military/Doctoral Student
- Thread starter
- #1
This is a public service message for a review of a 2019-2021 Ford Ranger truck bed-tent, used for truck camping. Please do not beat me up or want to take me to the wood shed (I seem to notice we are beginning to be “cranky” in our old ages). Be nice, my intentions here are honorable.
With the purchase of my 2019 Ranger, we decided to do more “car-camping” and get our butts off the ground, which limited problems with bears, cold, hard ground and provided a “kennel” for my new GSD at night. Trust me I like sleeping outdoors (I did the A.T. after retiring from the military), but why suffer if you don’t have to?
I also wanted to get my wife out more. Her mantra was, “If roughing it means a resort with windows facing the woods; then I’m all for it!”
After an exhaustive search for overland packages (way too much money), we decided on a bed tent and I decided on Rightline Gear, designed in Ashville, NC, but made in China (of course!) (www.rightlinegear.com) The model I purchased was 110766 Mid Size Short Bed (5’) – Tall Bed. There is a version which is not a “tall bed” (110765), not sure what the difference is. I talked with an operator and she PROMISED this one would fit my XLT SuperCrew.
In my last year in the Army and getting ready for my A.T. hike, I worked at a New England-based outdoor outfitter. That job taught me to read between the lines of marketing write-ups, and because we were professionals in the field, got to purchase gear at “PRO” prices, usually 40-60% below MSRP.
I mention this to segway into a PRO TIP: If you are military, or a Veteran, look up www.expertcity.com and www.govX.com to get PRO prices for your service. Both can look you up on a military databases and determine your eligibility. They have everything from hunting, shooting, fishing and archery; to hiking, backpacking, rock/ice climbing, etc. I HATE to pay full-price in the 10 years I learned about this deal. Sorry, civilians, but “Thank You for my service!”
Okay enough white noise:
CONS:
The tent doesn’t cover the bottom of the truck bed. Not sure if this would be a problem during a major rain storm, but I just feel it would be warmer if I didn’t touch bare metal.
Storm covers (aka zipper garages) get in the way with one-hand pulls. Common problem with all tents, sleeping bags and outerwear that have a storm cover over the zipper. Use 2 hands.
Orange straps that drop down between tailgate and bed have no place to attach. The width of the clip catches on everything lowering and retrieving. (I placed a carabiner through a piece of undercarriage which serves well as an anchor point.)
Windows could be larger. Windows are well placed but could be larger and add more to the “sleeping under the stars” feeling. Also, many “blind-spots” for “things” to approach the truck at night.
PROS:
Appears to be made of strong materials (water-resistant polyester with 2000 mm PU) and fits the short 5’ bed like a glove. More I use it better it fits. I used a power washer (probably not recommended…) to remove pine sap, and did not have a single leak.
Well-designed with straps at strategic points, and a crossed-bar roof
design, which is common in winter tents that support heavy snow and high winds.
Has handy features like net gear holders on each side, and hook in center of roof to hang a headlamp or lantern (we use solar powered ones).
If I add a molle storage system to the insides of the bed, it will allow me to access that equipment when the tent is erected.
Rain fly seems to made of heavier material, and does a good job of keeping heat in. Can be configured to vent without removing rainfly. I attached it, secured parachute cord to 2 of the 4 strap’s buckles, and then pulled it back toward cab. When I heard rain in the middle of the night, I pulled on the strings and secured the fly, without leaving the tailgate.
Recommendations:
The directions are very good, and written by a westerner which English is their first language. (If you buy ANYTHING from Amazon that is made in China, you know what I mean). Even with pictures, for those of us that are visual learners.
I sprayed Gear Aid’s Revivex (the modern Scotchgard) (www.gear-aid.com) and Sawyer’s permethrin (www.sawyer.com) all over tent; and especially near openings and screened windows, to help shed rain and kill/repel insects. (Nothing sucks more than that one mosquito that gets in your tent, and keeps you awake buzzing in your ear).
In bear country, keep food and sweet smells in cab. My dog is in the back seat, but I would not let him out near a bear. I carry a (boat) air horn and when he gets far enough away from my campsite I use bear spray (don’t discharge in/near a tent….you will not sleep that night in the tent, nor for the next few months, till the capsicum deteriorates). My last resort is a firearm and the knowledge I can outrun my wife!
Like all tentage, care needs to be exercised when storing. There is a reason, “stuff” sacks are called stuff sacks. Don’t fold tents, air mattresses, sleeping bags, etc., the same way every time. The material has a memory, and that crease will breakdown and cause leaks/tears/weak material. Just stuff it!
After use, set up tent, and allow to dry. Stains, use mild detergent and water and spray off. Stubborn stains may need multiple efforts. Before use, check for mold (eyes & nose). A spray bottle of lemon juice and water 1:1 will help. Let dry. Make sure twigs, pebble’s, pine needles, and gear is removed before stuffing. I even use a Dyson handheld for those small wanna-cause-a-hole-debris.
Don’t drive vehicle with tent erected. This may be common-sense, but I thought I should mention it, like: don’t iron clothes while wearing them, or running with an open scissors. Unless there is a bear involved, and then drive straight to a resort where the windows face the woods!
Hope this helps. If you have a different bed tent, I would love to hear about it. I am a true gear-head and have 2-5 versions of everything backpacking/climbing/hiking and now car camping; and never lend/barter/sell, unless I want to upgrade and Mama says “No!”
Regarding overland versions, if you find one that is less than $1-2K let me know. Remember, you also have to buy bed rails which are also pricey. Maybe during the next pandemic when Uncle Joe gives out (bigger?) incentive checks! Hahaha…..
With the purchase of my 2019 Ranger, we decided to do more “car-camping” and get our butts off the ground, which limited problems with bears, cold, hard ground and provided a “kennel” for my new GSD at night. Trust me I like sleeping outdoors (I did the A.T. after retiring from the military), but why suffer if you don’t have to?
I also wanted to get my wife out more. Her mantra was, “If roughing it means a resort with windows facing the woods; then I’m all for it!”
After an exhaustive search for overland packages (way too much money), we decided on a bed tent and I decided on Rightline Gear, designed in Ashville, NC, but made in China (of course!) (www.rightlinegear.com) The model I purchased was 110766 Mid Size Short Bed (5’) – Tall Bed. There is a version which is not a “tall bed” (110765), not sure what the difference is. I talked with an operator and she PROMISED this one would fit my XLT SuperCrew.
In my last year in the Army and getting ready for my A.T. hike, I worked at a New England-based outdoor outfitter. That job taught me to read between the lines of marketing write-ups, and because we were professionals in the field, got to purchase gear at “PRO” prices, usually 40-60% below MSRP.
I mention this to segway into a PRO TIP: If you are military, or a Veteran, look up www.expertcity.com and www.govX.com to get PRO prices for your service. Both can look you up on a military databases and determine your eligibility. They have everything from hunting, shooting, fishing and archery; to hiking, backpacking, rock/ice climbing, etc. I HATE to pay full-price in the 10 years I learned about this deal. Sorry, civilians, but “Thank You for my service!”
Okay enough white noise:
CONS:
The tent doesn’t cover the bottom of the truck bed. Not sure if this would be a problem during a major rain storm, but I just feel it would be warmer if I didn’t touch bare metal.
Storm covers (aka zipper garages) get in the way with one-hand pulls. Common problem with all tents, sleeping bags and outerwear that have a storm cover over the zipper. Use 2 hands.
Orange straps that drop down between tailgate and bed have no place to attach. The width of the clip catches on everything lowering and retrieving. (I placed a carabiner through a piece of undercarriage which serves well as an anchor point.)
Windows could be larger. Windows are well placed but could be larger and add more to the “sleeping under the stars” feeling. Also, many “blind-spots” for “things” to approach the truck at night.
PROS:
Appears to be made of strong materials (water-resistant polyester with 2000 mm PU) and fits the short 5’ bed like a glove. More I use it better it fits. I used a power washer (probably not recommended…) to remove pine sap, and did not have a single leak.
Well-designed with straps at strategic points, and a crossed-bar roof
design, which is common in winter tents that support heavy snow and high winds.
Has handy features like net gear holders on each side, and hook in center of roof to hang a headlamp or lantern (we use solar powered ones).
If I add a molle storage system to the insides of the bed, it will allow me to access that equipment when the tent is erected.
Rain fly seems to made of heavier material, and does a good job of keeping heat in. Can be configured to vent without removing rainfly. I attached it, secured parachute cord to 2 of the 4 strap’s buckles, and then pulled it back toward cab. When I heard rain in the middle of the night, I pulled on the strings and secured the fly, without leaving the tailgate.
Recommendations:
The directions are very good, and written by a westerner which English is their first language. (If you buy ANYTHING from Amazon that is made in China, you know what I mean). Even with pictures, for those of us that are visual learners.
I sprayed Gear Aid’s Revivex (the modern Scotchgard) (www.gear-aid.com) and Sawyer’s permethrin (www.sawyer.com) all over tent; and especially near openings and screened windows, to help shed rain and kill/repel insects. (Nothing sucks more than that one mosquito that gets in your tent, and keeps you awake buzzing in your ear).
In bear country, keep food and sweet smells in cab. My dog is in the back seat, but I would not let him out near a bear. I carry a (boat) air horn and when he gets far enough away from my campsite I use bear spray (don’t discharge in/near a tent….you will not sleep that night in the tent, nor for the next few months, till the capsicum deteriorates). My last resort is a firearm and the knowledge I can outrun my wife!
Like all tentage, care needs to be exercised when storing. There is a reason, “stuff” sacks are called stuff sacks. Don’t fold tents, air mattresses, sleeping bags, etc., the same way every time. The material has a memory, and that crease will breakdown and cause leaks/tears/weak material. Just stuff it!
After use, set up tent, and allow to dry. Stains, use mild detergent and water and spray off. Stubborn stains may need multiple efforts. Before use, check for mold (eyes & nose). A spray bottle of lemon juice and water 1:1 will help. Let dry. Make sure twigs, pebble’s, pine needles, and gear is removed before stuffing. I even use a Dyson handheld for those small wanna-cause-a-hole-debris.
Don’t drive vehicle with tent erected. This may be common-sense, but I thought I should mention it, like: don’t iron clothes while wearing them, or running with an open scissors. Unless there is a bear involved, and then drive straight to a resort where the windows face the woods!
Hope this helps. If you have a different bed tent, I would love to hear about it. I am a true gear-head and have 2-5 versions of everything backpacking/climbing/hiking and now car camping; and never lend/barter/sell, unless I want to upgrade and Mama says “No!”
Regarding overland versions, if you find one that is less than $1-2K let me know. Remember, you also have to buy bed rails which are also pricey. Maybe during the next pandemic when Uncle Joe gives out (bigger?) incentive checks! Hahaha…..
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