Found this today :)

[katelyn]

After my van crapped out on me last summer and making the HUGE mistake of not having enough emergency fund money, I've decided that getting a Ford Ranger or S10 truck is going to be my new way of living! Anyone else out there going this route?
Mainly because of the gas mileage and having 4wd. I don't need much space since it's just my dog and I. Having just the necessities helps a lot too.
I've been searching for some setups and ran across this today :idea:

 

[user 423]

I lived in a Toyota truck with a shell like that for about 4 months while doing a lot of traveling and I really liked the MPG. One of those tent extensions that fit over the tailgate and hatch extended the usable space about 1-1/2' but it still was pretty cramped and no stealth of course. If you're concerned with stealth at all, getting in and out pretty much spoils that. When it's raining, it's not so great when you need to enter/exit. Plus, if you feel like you need to awaken and drive away because of a threat, doing so in this type of a setup is much less convenient than a van.

 

[Lucky mike]

for a short term not so bad!!!......but I prefer a mini van also if it came down to mileage , a little more head room, living space and less time crawling around.

but it will all depend on your plans and lifestyle....we each have our own plans , Dreams and journey ....not to mention budget!

good luck on your planning it will all come together for you if thats what you want!!

 

[akrvbob]

Tell us more about your plans, will you be boonocking or stealth parking? If boondocking I think it is a great plan! Picky up up good tent and you can be surprisingly comfortable on public land and the 4x4 can get you some pretty remote and beautiful places. If stealth parking, then it will be more difficult but doable. Some random thoughts:

1) The taller the shell the better!!
2) You can build a pony wall under it to raise the shell, but that will mean building a whole new back wall and door. It will be worth it, but it will be bad for stealth.
3) The Toyota Tacoma is the best mini-truck but more expensive. May not be worth the extra cost if you're on a tight budget
4) Consider a "hitch haul" that goes in the reciever to carry more cargo and to be a step up into the bed. Bad for your stealth.
5) Consider a cheap, small trailer for cargo
6) If at all possible get an extra cab.

Here is one of the few storeis I have on pickup living:
http://www.cheaprvliving.com/survivalist-truck-dweller/

and another:
http://www.cheaprvliving.com/ingenious-camper-shell/

You can do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bob

 

[katelyn]

I plan on staying mostly on public land and ocassionally at National Parks because of the Access Pass I have. I'm not really worried about having to leave in the middle of the night if there are some creepy people around only because I'll be traveling with a 90lb rott/pit mix (yes It might be a bit cramped at night having to share with that big dog), and I think I can handle myself if there is a threat, not trying to sound conceited or anything.but I think I'll have a good chance if there's a zombie apocalypse lol! .and...camp axes have many uses But, I have thought about the worst of the worst case scenario and if it comes down to it, I'm not a gun person, so it is what it is....
I have a large dome shaped tent already, which I'll bring along for lengthier stays, and I'm hoping to get one of those 'camper shells' for the truck bed. They have higher clearance and a larger entrance. Forgot about the 'hitch haul' , that will be a must for hauling bulky stuff!
I also found a Cabelas shower shelter on sale for half off and snatched that up so bathing/potty is all set.
Anyway, planning is a fun way to pass the time when saving money. Thanks for the advice everyone!

 

[offroad]

Dog idea is perfect

 

[Spirituallifetime]

I have had a S10 and ranger and like them, not many problems with them. Had traction problems with the ranger even worse in 4X4 a new set of shocks and wrangler AT tires fixed that problem. A twin mattress fits in the bed of these pickups. The S10 I use for camping with a shell that was taller in the back it worked out well. the Ranger I used it for stealth camping for 2 weeks, although the shell on it had cracks in it and had to cover the bed in the day so when the snow would melt it didn't get the bed wet. If I were going to live in one I would have a small trailer to keep stuff in.

 

[katelyn]

Well... After my last visit with my Physical Therapist for my back issue, guess living in a truck was wishful thinking! Any stooping, crouching, bending over, sitting or standing, jumping off the back of a truck or climbing back in, could trigger my injury at anytime. And repeated strain or stress could lead to surgery.
So..having to be cautious about this because surgery on my back freaks me out, guess this a BIG reality check.
I'm going to have to sacrifice gas mpg for height and comfort. Not getting a huge motorhome though, I'm hoping to find a used smaller camper van, class b, that I can stand or sit in comfortably.
Anyway, guess I'll post my ?'s for camper vans in another thread!