Howdy folks! Two weeks into a road trip, stopped at a park to make food and dry laundry on a clothesline, we got to talking about what we actually like — and don't like — about truck camping together. We could just tell you everything's awesome, but that wouldn't be truthful. The Tramper was really designed for one person, with the capability for two. So is sleeping two in a truck bed doable? Yes. Is it graceful? Watch the video and judge for yourself.
The Honest Part: The Nightly Routine
The biggest challenge with two people in a truck bed this size — without a tall topper — is the nightly routine: getting the bed made up while keeping the mosquitoes out. Sure, we could just coat ourselves in DEET and forget it, but if you've just showered, you don't want bug spray all over you either. So the video shows you, with total transparency, two middle-aged people (one with a back that's not at 100%) wrestling a bed together inside an enclosed camper, set to music. People driving by probably thought we were crazy. In some ways, they're right.
We'll admit it: after all those years in trailers, we probably glamp more than we camp. We like our creature comforts. Tearing down in the morning is just the reverse, minus the mosquitoes — shake out the sheets and pack it up.
Still Beats a Tent
For all the comedy, truck camping wins where it counts. In a real emergency you can climb through the window into the cab and drive away — try doing that from a tent, where your option is abandoning your gear and sprinting for the car. And in the rain, everything stays dry inside instead of you packing up soggy gear. Challenging? Sometimes. Better than a tent? In our opinion, every single time.
The Bedding That Makes It Work
The comfort side of glamping-not-camping: a Rumpl camping blanket as the everyday cover, a heavy wool blanket on standby for when temperatures really drop, and real memory foam pillows with proper pillowcases. This is a home, not a bivouac.
Gear From This Setup
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Trifold Foam Mattress Cushions
The foundation of the bed conversion.
Rumpl Camping Blanket
Our everyday warmth layer — packable and tough.
Arcturus Heavy Wool Blanket
The extra-warmth layer for cold-weather nights.
Memory Foam Pillow
Real pillows make the camper feel like home.
Pillowcases
Easy to wash on the road.
Seat Cushion
Daytime comfort that doubles into the sleep system.
Two People, One Truck Bed, Zero Regrets
If you're designing your own build and a partner is part of the plan, build the two-person capability in from day one — retrofitting it later is much harder. We just wanted to give you a little insight into what it's really like, instead of the sanitized version. Watch the video for a laugh at our expense, and see how the bed fits into the whole build in the complete Tramper tour.
More from life in the Tramper
Builds, gear tests, and adventures for two — subscribe and come along.
▶ Subscribe on YouTubeDisclaimer: The information provided in this article and its video is for entertainment/educational purposes only. By following any advice from this article, video, or any provided links, you do so at your own risk. Please consult with a professional before attempting any construction, plumbing or electrical work.