My Truck Build
10% off HEST with code: DELANEY
Hi friends!
Heres what I’ve been living in for the past two months. So far I’ve spent nights in Colorado, an entire month in the desert between Moab and Indian Creek, Utah, and I’m currently in California!
This has been on my mind for years, and I pictured it in so many different ways. I went back and forth on the truck or van dilemma, and eventually landed on a 2017 Toyota Tundra with a GFC Platform Topper Gen 2 XL.
I wanted something simple, spacious, and capable off-road, a place where I could feel safe and build a little home while traveling minimally. I love what it allows me to do, and especially how connected it feels to nature. All the sides pop open, and the tent fully unzips for wide, open views.
On the tent, the GFC has four panels: one stays fixed, one slides side to side, and two smaller square panels pop in and out.
I swapped out the stock GFC cushions for a HEST setup. They make specific modular mattresses for the standard GFC, but since I have the XL, I use a 30” Wide Foamy and a 25” Foamy side by side. They roll out separately and attach together, which gives me the option to sleep in the bed of the truck without popping the tent, sleep on just one side of the platform for extra standing room, or roll both out for a full-size bed.
When the bed is fully set up up top, it’s nearly 7 feet long and just under 5 feet wide. With the mattresses pushed to the head of the GFC, there’s a little extra space at the foot of the bed. I actually love this, it’s the perfect spot to set things while sleeping and makes getting in and out from below a lot easier.
To get in and out of the pop-up, there are two options: through the side using a ladder where the tent unzips, or from below by pushing and sliding one or both of the modular floor panels and climbing up. I always opt for the second route. It takes a little extra shimmying, but it’s so worth it to be able to sprawl out and roll around freely. If I’m traveling with someone, I would use the ladder and side entrance to avoid having to move the panels around. (I’ll post a video soon to show what I mean!)
Now for my favorite camping bedding setup; I’ve got the full HEST kit. I use two fitted sheets: one for a single mattress and one to connect the two, plus their double comforter. It’s made from sleeping bag material but shaped like a quilt, big enough to cover the whole bed and cinches at the bottom to keep in warmth. I also use two of their camp pillows that zip into themselves to stay clean. The whole setup is super cozy, packs down easily, and doesn’t take up much space. I’ll link everything I use below!
I have an extra linen blanket for warm nights and my winter sleeping bag the cold ones.
Yes, the tent still closes down perfectly with the mattress inside. No, I can't close the pop-top with the bed fully made. I store all my bedding in the storage platform!
My platform is a custom wood build by Colorado Camping Solutions. They designed it specifically for my setup; even down to measuring how much space I need to sit cross-legged in the middle. It features a pull-out drawer system that includes a kitchen, pantry, plenty of extra storage, with double access points and pull-up panels. Plus side storage around the tire well.
The middle of the platform has two fully removable, weight-bearing slide ins, so I can sleep there or turn it into my office by sliding one of the boards into the center. On the left back side, there’s a utility cabinet and my closet both with double access from the top and bottom. On the left front is my cooler, and more storage. They built the left side to be slightly higher to give me extra space. *Thank you for that AJ!!!!
Update: HEST is also currently running their largest sale yet this year that is 25% off pretty much everything!
If you decide to go with any of my recommendations please purchase through my links, I receive commission!
Using my links is an easy way to support my travels!
Inside the cab, I did a full seat delete to make space for my climbing gear and extra storage. Everything has a place now, is it always in that place?? No but it makes it so much more spacious when it is. lol. I watched the whole process come together in under 8 hours. Incredible people doing seriously rad mods!
This build has truly been a dream. If you're looking for your own setup, reach out to AJ at Colorado Camping Solutions and let him know I sent you, he’ll take great care of you!
And if you’re thinking about upgrading your sleep setup; go HEST!
Look out for a full tour coming to my channels soon!
