Pics: Tenting outdoors with a motorcycle & a 4x4 truck

I still need to implement a lot of tweaks, but this trip was to get some initial feedback.

BHPian GutsyGibbon recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I have been riding to the Anza Borrego desert in the spring for a couple of decades now.

Last month I did motorcycle camping as I attended an adventure bike riding workshop. I had a great time riding and learning with Dusty Wessels from MotoTrek/West38moto.

I have had this tent, sleeping pad and camping gear for years, but I have outgrown it. I am unable to sleep well, eat well or rest well, and that shows in the activity I do the next day.

Dusty doing his thing, dropping the bike, and picking it up with grace.

After this motorcycle camping trip, I got to thinking and decided to step up my game. As both of my kids are now in college, I intend to get out there more often. Possibly work from a wild open space instead of WFH. So here is what I did. Lots of Jugaad carpentry, custom designed for my height and preferences.

I decided to get a 4x4 truck with a bed long enough to fit a full sheet of plywood and also fit me length-wise. I am 6'1". A Tacoma would have been nice, but a Chevy is half the price with all the features I needed. Here is a pic of light off-roading on tightly packed sand.

I am not sure if this should be in DIY carpentry, or here. Nonetheless, I picked up a couple of sheets of ply and started drawing plans. Lots of juggad to fit the wood into the uneven surface of the truck bed.

All I needed was a fridge, battery, water, stove, storage, and a bed. Everything else is a bonus. I still need to implement a lot of tweaks, but this trip was to get some initial feedback. Will the fridge last all night, are things accessible, will they stay in place, etc?

It was a gorgeous sunrise. I had slept well and was ready to get going.

I was eager to see how well the fridge and the battery had worked overnight. I must say it had worked too well. The milk was frozen rock solid. This means I can carry a tub of ice cream for my next trip to the desert. I also carry other cold drinks I enjoy as an adult.

I am sure I will be coming back to these places again, and again. And, I intend to keep this thread updated with less chatter and more pics.

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