Opening morning for me is gonna be cold! It will warm up as the week goes on but the morning is going to be cold, 16 degree low. Going to about 30 in the day.
My plan was to drive out to my spot and roost a bird and then sleep in my truck at a nearby campsite, But 16 degrees is gonna be miserable in the truck. Considering I've never slept in my truck before so I don't really now all that's required for it to be decent.
Hoping to hear from some guys who travel and just crash in there car/truck.
It's looking like I'm gonna have to drive back and fourth from home for the first couple days but that's just over 2 hours one way, over 4 total.
Thanks!
I do it every year. I just sleep in my hunting clothes layered up get in a sleeping bag and kick back in the seat. We may turn the truck on a couple of times during the night to warm up for a few minutes. We've gotten used to it. It's not terrible Any where from the teens to mid 30s
Have plenty of fuel and leave it run with the heat on. No way am I trying to sleep at 16 degrees with no heat. Gas is cheap now anyway. Get a good night's sleep and let'r run..
I can tell you from experience , sleeping in you truck below freezing is cold. Makes for miserable night of sleeping . I don't know if you wouldn't be better off sleeping in small tent with cot and good sleeping bag , instead of your truck.. one of those Buddy heaters would also be nice.
Shame on you guy your a Minnesotan!! Land of the icehouse we can keep warm jigging walleyes at 20 below,,all you need is a portable propane heater,,a little or big buddy or a sunflower style can be had for $20,,in fact check craigslist now because ice season is over and you can probably get a good used one.
In the cab or in the back topper in a van,suv,or back seat of a car,,crack the window for ventilation and the problem you might have is being too warm,,can't count how many times I've fallen asleep to the hum of a propane heater,,steelheading, grouse hunting,Turkey or on lake Minnetonka.
I would first ask are you planning to sleep in the cab or in the bed? Does the bed have a cover? If in the bed I would suggest that the first thing you do if you can't get off the floor of it is to put some form of pad that will act as a form of insulation between you and the cold metal of the truck floor. A good sleep pad could work for you or a couple of thick blankets under you, even a piece of cheap cut foam would work. They make mattresses to go in the back of a truck now too, they would be a good idea, just make sure you clean the truck out well so there is nothing sharp to puncture it.
for on top of you if you are lucky and can use wool I would say some good wool blankets or other type of blankets, maybe a few of them. I would go to the hunting section of Wal-Mart and get one of those heat reflecting tarps, they reflect 95 or 98 percent of your body heat back at you. You could use one under you and one over the top of you or if big enough fold it back over the top of you like a taco shell along with blankets.
I would suggest some good base layer clothing to sleep in, something that breathes and wicks moisture away from you. Wear a night hat, even a baseball cap that does not have mesh can help hold in body heat.
If you do leave the motor running for any length of time, leave a couple windows cracked. I had a buddy in high school do that and he and his girlfriend died from carbon monoxide.
A thick sleeping bag and some hand warmers. I wear a wool hat and a hoodie with hand warmer pockets.
I put a hand warmer in each pocket of the hoodie one in the bottom of bag for my feet and one by my neck.
If sleeping in the back of a topper,,have a wizz bottle,,very inconvenient to get up put on shoes open tailgate let warm air out,,then crawl back in. Been there done that million times.
I know im a southerner when i say it but, forget that crap. Why do you have to sleep in the truck?
I don't know that you want to stay in motels right now,,
Quote from: Happy hooker on April 12, 2020, 10:58:04 AM
Shame on you guy your a Minnesotan!! Land of the icehouse we can keep warm jigging walleyes at 20 below,,all you need is a portable propane heater,,a little or big buddy or a sunflower style can be had for $20,,in fact check craigslist now because ice season is over and you can probably get a good used one.
In the cab or in the back topper in a van,suv,or back seat of a car,,crack the window for ventilation and the problem you might have is being too warm,,can't count how many times I've fallen asleep to the hum of a propane heater,,steelheading, grouse hunting,Turkey or on lake Minnetonka.
I know I know!!! The cold gets to me though! I'm okay while it in the 20s but anything below that I just freeze! Luckily Ice fishing this year me and some guys from work chipped in on an ice castle.
You don't mind using those propane heaters in the cab?
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First of all, NEVER run your truck engine or use any sort of gas/fuel-run heater in an enclosed space and go to sleep. You may not wake up again! People die of carbon monoxide poisoning every year doing that.
Back to the subject,....yes, you can be very comfortable sleeping in your truck cab in very cold temps. I do it every year in temps that get down to the low or mid teens at night. Wear enough clothes and have enough sleeping bags/blankets over you and you will be fine.
If, for whatever reason, you still get cold, you can turn on your vehicle engine or warm up your cab with a heater, BUT you should stay awake and turn either back off before falling asleep again. If you have adequate "covers", you probably would not have to do that.
Waking up and getting ready to go in the morning is the real issue for me. Uncovering and getting boots and clothes on in a tight space when the temps are way low can be a bit chilly. Wake up five minutes earlier than you would otherwise and then turn that heater on for a few minutes to warm the cab (or camper shell) and you will be cozy. Of course, your comfort in sleeping in your vehicle cab is also dependent on your size, your truck's cab size, and your ability to sleep in possibly cramped quarters.
The one specific hint I would give you is to check how far your front seats will fold down towards the back (in 4-door or king cabs). Some front truck seats will fold down almost completely flat. It took me a few years before I realized that,...and sleeping with the seat folded down made all the difference in the world for me. When hunting by myself,...and especially if I am hunting a large area like a NF or large WMA or the like where I might be covering lots of country and relocating every night, I will often just sleep in my truck right where I am going to hunt. The added advantage is that you are always there first that way! :)
Quote from: Happy hooker on April 12, 2020, 11:16:10 AM
If sleeping in the back of a topper,,have a wizz bottle,,very inconvenient to get up put on shoes open tailgate let warm air out,,then crawl back in. Been there done that million times.
And I thought I was learning disabled! :P
Quote from: strum on April 12, 2020, 11:20:46 AM
I know im a southerner when i say it but, forget that crap. Why do you have to sleep in the truck?
Mainly to avoid driving back and fourth and only getting between 4-5 hours of sleep a night. Just easier to crash in the truck.
I would stay In a hotel, but it's gonna run me about $100 a night, or I can just crash in my truck for free. Even gas would be about $20-$25 a day.
Quote from: Sir-diealot on April 12, 2020, 11:00:02 AM
I would first ask are you planning to sleep in the cab or in the bed? Does the bed have a cover? If in the bed I would suggest that the first thing you do if you can't get off the floor of it is to put some form of pad that will act as a form of insulation between you and the cold metal of the truck floor. A good sleep pad could work for you or a couple of thick blankets under you, even a piece of cheap cut foam would work. They make mattresses to go in the back of a truck now too, they would be a good idea, just make sure you clean the truck out well so there is nothing sharp to puncture it.
for on top of you if you are lucky and can use wool I would say some good wool blankets or other type of blankets, maybe a few of them. I would go to the hunting section of Wal-Mart and get one of those heat reflecting tarps, they reflect 95 or 98 percent of your body heat back at you. You could use one under you and one over the top of you or if big enough fold it back over the top of you like a taco shell along with blankets.
I would suggest some good base layer clothing to sleep in, something that breathes and wicks moisture away from you. Wear a night hat, even a baseball cap that does not have mesh can help hold in body heat.
I was going to sleep in the cab. I bought an inflatable air mattress that's designed to be in the back seat.
I guess the plan was to sleep in the back, I can lay out flat almost.
I was gonna buy some window covers and an extra sleeping bag. Then bring along a few blankets with me.
I also have some of those hand warmers but for toes and back and stuff. The full body package.
Probably gonna wear a balaclava and a beanie.
Or I can just deal with the lack of sleep for 2 days and then crash out there because by then the night temps will go from the 20s-40s. In my opinion much more bearable.
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Quote from: GobbleNut on April 12, 2020, 11:25:56 AM
First of all, NEVER run your truck engine or use any sort of gas/fuel-run heater in an enclosed space and go to sleep. You may not wake up again! People die of carbon monoxide poisoning every year doing that.
Back to the subject,....yes, you can be very comfortable sleeping in your truck cab in very cold temps. I do it every year in temps that get down to the low or mid teens at night. Wear enough clothes and have enough sleeping bags/blankets over you and you will be fine.
If, for whatever reason, you still get cold, you can turn on your vehicle engine or warm up your cab with a heater, BUT you should stay awake and turn either back off before falling asleep again. If you have adequate "covers", you probably would not have to do that.
Waking up and getting ready to go in the morning is the real issue for me. Uncovering and getting boots and clothes on in a tight space when the temps are way low can be a bit chilly. Wake up five minutes earlier than you would otherwise and then turn that heater on for a few minutes to warm the cab (or camper shell) and you will be cozy. Of course, your comfort in sleeping in your vehicle cab is also dependent on your size, your truck's cab size, and your ability to sleep in possibly cramped quarters.
The one specific hint I would give you is to check how far your front seats will fold down towards the back (in 4-door or king cabs). Some front truck seats will fold down almost completely flat. It took me a few years before I realized that,...and sleeping with the seat folded down made all the difference in the world for me. When hunting by myself,...and especially if I am hunting a large area like a NF or large WMA or the like where I might be covering lots of country and relocating every night, I will often just sleep in my truck right where I am going to hunt. The added advantage is that you are always there first that way! :)
Yea I've read about leaving those heaters running and carbon monoxide. I guess it can happen to a person as well if they leave the windows cranked all the way up. That you got to leave the window cracked a little.
I'm probably gonna do it and just like you said, layer up. Bring a couple sleeping bags with me.
I think front seat goes down pretty low but not 100%
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Quote from: Mossberg90MN on April 12, 2020, 11:31:39 AM
Quote from: Sir-diealot on April 12, 2020, 11:00:02 AM
I would first ask are you planning to sleep in the cab or in the bed? Does the bed have a cover? If in the bed I would suggest that the first thing you do if you can't get off the floor of it is to put some form of pad that will act as a form of insulation between you and the cold metal of the truck floor. A good sleep pad could work for you or a couple of thick blankets under you, even a piece of cheap cut foam would work. They make mattresses to go in the back of a truck now too, they would be a good idea, just make sure you clean the truck out well so there is nothing sharp to puncture it.
for on top of you if you are lucky and can use wool I would say some good wool blankets or other type of blankets, maybe a few of them. I would go to the hunting section of Wal-Mart and get one of those heat reflecting tarps, they reflect 95 or 98 percent of your body heat back at you. You could use one under you and one over the top of you or if big enough fold it back over the top of you like a taco shell along with blankets.
I would suggest some good base layer clothing to sleep in, something that breathes and wicks moisture away from you. Wear a night hat, even a baseball cap that does not have mesh can help hold in body heat.
I was going to sleep in the cab. I bought an inflatable air mattress that's designed to be in the back seat.
I guess the plan was to sleep in the back, I can lay out flat almost.
I was gonna buy some window covers and an extra sleeping bag. Then bring along a few blankets with me.
I also have some of those hand warmers but for toes and back and stuff. The full body package.
Probably gonna wear a balaclava and a beanie.
Or I can just deal with the lack of sleep for 2 days and then crash out there because by then the night temps will go from the 20s-40s. In my opinion much more bearable.
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Back in the days that I was a party animal I had a 77 Chrysler New Yorker, I used to sleep in the trunk of that with no problem. I do not think I could do that any more, one reason is I no longer do the things I used to do back then, so I would feel the discomfort now.
Hey guy you can get the little pint size propane bottles for the buddy style heaers,,but that gets expensive to do regularly,,don't throw out those bottles when done or grab some you see thrown out,,you can refill them,,northern hydraulic used to sell a coupler that allows you to fill the small bottles from the regular 20lb tanks,,much much cheaper,,the trick is getting the small bottles cold like in freezer and regular tank warm that makes the transfer flow fast
If you can find a Coleman focus 5 heater that might have been the best portable propane heater ever made,,might be one now on twin cities craigslist.
Man i didn't know , there was so may ways to sleep in the truck. Best suggestion i've read is the pee bottle, that's a must. :TooFunny:
Quote from: Liljake on April 12, 2020, 11:01:53 AM
A thick sleeping bag and some hand warmers. I wear a wool hat and a hoodie with hand warmer pockets.
I put a hand warmer in each pocket of the hoodie one in the bottom of bag for my feet and one by my neck.
This
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$1.45 gas and going to freeze? If your exhaust system is good and you park using the wind you couldn't even buy all these items others are recommending for what a couple gallons of gas will cost. If your worried like someone else said crack the window down. If you have faulty exhaust no i wouldnt let it run. Common sense goes a long way. You should know your vehicle.
I would not use any propane heaters etc. in a tight area or you will possibly die. I sleep in vehicles often. Just slept in my pickup leaving it run the other night turkey related and lived to tell about it.
Mossberg,,I carry a portable heater all winter,,you know what a bad snowstorm can do here,,if your stuck somewhere for hours it will be hours before a tow truck gets to you while their busy pulling everybody else out.
Quote from: Happy hooker on April 12, 2020, 12:06:30 PM
Mossberg,,I carry a portable heater all winter,,you know what a bad snowstorm can do here,,if your stuck somewhere for hours it will be hours before a tow truck gets to you while their busy pulling everybody else out.
Yea that is true. I do have to make sure I get one of those.
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Quote from: fallhnt on April 12, 2020, 11:49:52 AM
Quote from: Liljake on April 12, 2020, 11:01:53 AM
A thick sleeping bag and some hand warmers. I wear a wool hat and a hoodie with hand warmer pockets.
I put a hand warmer in each pocket of the hoodie one in the bottom of bag for my feet and one by my neck.
This
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This probably seems like what I'm going to do.
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I've done it plenty but only down to upper 20's. Air pad or mattress will help insulate from below, good sleeping bag and a down blanket, wear a good layer or two like wool Base layers and soft primaloft type jacket or fleece and I've been down right cozy with snow outside. Probably would put the $100 you save in gas into a good sleeping bag if you don't have that, it will last a lot longer then a tank or two of gas.
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Invest in a quality sleeping bag made for really low temperatures.
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You said you have a two sleeping bags and a few blankets, you will be fine. Just put a blanket over head and leave a small area for face and can sleep that way in below weather, done a few times. The biggest thing if you dont start engine a few times to warm up a little, is the moisture condensation that you get. The cloth roof in the cab will help, I slept in back box under tin topper one time. Next morning when woke up there was frost like snow on inside roof. And when it warmed up it rained in there making everything damp. Just do it and save the bucks, things will be fine.
Yup. Definitely a pee bootle. Start the truck and let it warm up before you climb out of the roost. Leave the window cracked even if you don't have a heater going. That will keep the condensation from your breath to a minimum. You less likely wake up with the inside of the cab covered in moisture. At them temps it might even freeze. Bring plenty of blankets/ sleeping bags. They are like clothes. You can always take some off but you can't put some on if you don't have them. Make sure to put plenty of insulation between you and the air mattress. I find air mattresses do a pretty good job of dissapateing body heat and you'll want to conserve as much as possible. If a cheaper motel is still an option and your not afraid of the covid check out the one in St Charles. They cater to the sportsmen down there.
Gonna reiterate something things here. Bed of the truck, sleeping pad, good sleeping bag and a cardboard box. Cut holes for personal ventilation. Use one that a freezer or large appliance came in. It'll act as a shell to trap warmth. Sounds crazy but I swear it's true. My FIL does it and I have too. Amazing what cardboard will do.
If you have no camper top, cover with a tarp and you can forget the box. The tarp, if sealed properly around the bed will do similarly. I've slept in the back of mine with just a bag and tonneau cover. It does make getting out more difficult tho.
I'd prefer not to sleep in the cab. Condensation freezing on the windows...no bueno.
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Quote from: Mossberg90MN on April 12, 2020, 11:27:29 AM
Quote from: strum on April 12, 2020, 11:20:46 AM
I know im a southerner when i say it but, forget that crap. Why do you have to sleep in the truck?
Mainly to avoid driving back and fourth and only getting between 4-5 hours of sleep a night. Just easier to crash in the truck.
I would stay In a hotel, but it's gonna run me about $100 a night, or I can just crash in my truck for free. Even gas would be about $20-$25 a day.
I understand now. kudos to you for doing it .. Thats dedication. If i had to do it then I would defiantly sleep in the truck bed ,have a camper top, and a thick mattress. Heat with a propane heater . If you have to do this for a few days then you need all the comfort you can get man.
Wow, you northerners are nuts! You guys make all that sound like a normal trip. :toothy12:
I've slept in the back of the truck but it's usually because it is cooler outside than inside my hunting building.
This is one of the most interesting parts of a hunting forum, seeing all the different (normal) ways of hunting from each area.
I've never hunted in those type temperatures and very rarely hunt in sub 40 temps. I hunted yesterday morning and it was 35 at daybreak and that is the coldest I've hunted this year
Quote from: Sixes on April 12, 2020, 01:21:48 PM
Wow, you northerners are nuts! You guys make all that sound like a normal trip. :toothy12:
I've slept in the back of the truck but it's usually because it is cooler outside than inside my hunting building.
This is one of the most interesting parts of a hunting forum, seeing all the different (normal) ways of hunting from each area.
I've never hunted in those type temperatures and very rarely hunt in sub 40 temps. I hunted yesterday morning and it was 35 at daybreak and that is the coldest I've hunted this year
My thoughts exactly.. you must me south of me.. Im in N Ga it was 30* yesterday but very calm and clear.
Quote from: strum on April 12, 2020, 01:27:32 PM
Quote from: Sixes on April 12, 2020, 01:21:48 PM
Wow, you northerners are nuts! You guys make all that sound like a normal trip. :toothy12:
I've slept in the back of the truck but it's usually because it is cooler outside than inside my hunting building.
This is one of the most interesting parts of a hunting forum, seeing all the different (normal) ways of hunting from each area.
I've never hunted in those type temperatures and very rarely hunt in sub 40 temps. I hunted yesterday morning and it was 35 at daybreak and that is the coldest I've hunted this year
My thoughts exactly.. you must me south of me.. Im in N Ga it was 30* yesterday but very calm and clear.
I was in west Ga in Troup county
Quote from: wvmntnhick on April 12, 2020, 01:01:59 PM
Gonna reiterate something things here. Bed of the truck, sleeping pad, good sleeping bag and a cardboard box. Cut holes for personal ventilation. Use one that a freezer or large appliance came in. It'll act as a shell to trap warmth. Sounds crazy but I swear it's true. My FIL does it and I have too. Amazing what cardboard will do.
If you have no camper top, cover with a tarp and you can forget the box. The tarp, if sealed properly around the bed will do similarly. I've slept in the back of mine with just a bag and tonneau cover. It does make getting out more difficult tho.
I'd prefer not to sleep in the cab. Condensation freezing on the windows...no bueno.
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Yep, that's why you see so many homeless people sleeping in old boxes.
Quote from: Happy hooker on April 12, 2020, 11:24:29 AM
I don't know that you want to stay in motels right now,,It sucks, but I've done it. Get as propane heater, crack a window, open a window occasionally. Buy a 300 dollar down bag, lots of pillows, put down as good quality pad.
Quote from: wvmntnhick on April 12, 2020, 01:01:59 PM
Gonna reiterate something things here. Bed of the truck, sleeping pad, good sleeping bag and a cardboard box. Cut holes for personal ventilation. Use one that a freezer or large appliance came in. It'll act as a shell to trap warmth. Sounds crazy but I swear it's true. My FIL does it and I have too. Amazing what cardboard will do.
If you have no camper top, cover with a tarp and you can forget the box. The tarp, if sealed properly around the bed will do similarly. I've slept in the back of mine with just a bag and tonneau cover. It does make getting out more difficult tho.
I'd prefer not to sleep in the cab. Condensation freezing on the windows...no bueno.
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I got a tonneau cover on mine. I imagine it would be pretty difficult to stay warm just sleeping in the back like that without a heater right?
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Quote from: Mossberg90MN on April 12, 2020, 02:33:43 PM
Quote from: wvmntnhick on April 12, 2020, 01:01:59 PM
Gonna reiterate something things here. Bed of the truck, sleeping pad, good sleeping bag and a cardboard box. Cut holes for personal ventilation. Use one that a freezer or large appliance came in. It'll act as a shell to trap warmth. Sounds crazy but I swear it's true. My FIL does it and I have too. Amazing what cardboard will do.
If you have no camper top, cover with a tarp and you can forget the box. The tarp, if sealed properly around the bed will do similarly. I've slept in the back of mine with just a bag and tonneau cover. It does make getting out more difficult tho.
I'd prefer not to sleep in the cab. Condensation freezing on the windows...no bueno.
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I got a tonneau cover on mine. I imagine it would be pretty difficult to stay warm just sleeping in the back like that without a heater right?
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Might stay warmer, less area to heat. Have to have somebody let you out in the morning though!
Quote from: Paulmyr on April 12, 2020, 01:00:49 PM
Yup. Definitely a pee bootle. Start the truck and let it warm up before you climb out of the roost. Leave the window cracked even if you don't have a heater going. That will keep the condensation from your breath to a minimum. You less likely wake up with the inside of the cab covered in moisture. At them temps it might even freeze. Bring plenty of blankets/ sleeping bags. They are like clothes. You can always take some off but you can't put some on if you don't have them. Make sure to put plenty of insulation between you and the air mattress. I find air mattresses do a pretty good job of dissapateing body heat and you'll want to conserve as much as possible. If a cheaper motel is still an option and your not afraid of the covid check out the one in St Charles. They cater to the sportsmen down there.
I'll give that one a look. It may not be a bad idea for a couple days until the temps go up.
I'm probably going to just end up doing the drive for a couple days and then it should warm up by the 3rd day and start camping out then.
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Quote from: Sir-diealot on April 12, 2020, 02:35:51 PM
Quote from: Mossberg90MN on April 12, 2020, 02:33:43 PM
Quote from: wvmntnhick on April 12, 2020, 01:01:59 PM
Gonna reiterate something things here. Bed of the truck, sleeping pad, good sleeping bag and a cardboard box. Cut holes for personal ventilation. Use one that a freezer or large appliance came in. It'll act as a shell to trap warmth. Sounds crazy but I swear it's true. My FIL does it and I have too. Amazing what cardboard will do.
If you have no camper top, cover with a tarp and you can forget the box. The tarp, if sealed properly around the bed will do similarly. I've slept in the back of mine with just a bag and tonneau cover. It does make getting out more difficult tho.
I'd prefer not to sleep in the cab. Condensation freezing on the windows...no bueno.
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I got a tonneau cover on mine. I imagine it would be pretty difficult to stay warm just sleeping in the back like that without a heater right?
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Might stay warmer, less area to heat. Have to have somebody let you out in the morning though!
Yea I could see that haha luckily mine cover can open itself from the inside. Then I just reach my arm over pop open the tailgate.
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Quote from: Sir-diealot on April 12, 2020, 02:35:51 PM
Quote from: Mossberg90MN on April 12, 2020, 02:33:43 PM
Quote from: wvmntnhick on April 12, 2020, 01:01:59 PM
Gonna reiterate something things here. Bed of the truck, sleeping pad, good sleeping bag and a cardboard box. Cut holes for personal ventilation. Use one that a freezer or large appliance came in. It'll act as a shell to trap warmth. Sounds crazy but I swear it's true. My FIL does it and I have too. Amazing what cardboard will do.
If you have no camper top, cover with a tarp and you can forget the box. The tarp, if sealed properly around the bed will do similarly. I've slept in the back of mine with just a bag and tonneau cover. It does make getting out more difficult tho.
I'd prefer not to sleep in the cab. Condensation freezing on the windows...no bueno.
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I got a tonneau cover on mine. I imagine it would be pretty difficult to stay warm just sleeping in the back like that without a heater right?
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Might stay warmer, less area to heat. Have to have somebody let you out in the morning though!
Nah. My cover was solid. So long as no one had a key to lock me inside, just push it up and get out. The truck I've got now has a soft cover. Haven't tried that one yet.
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Quote from: Mossberg90MN on April 12, 2020, 02:37:52 PM
Quote from: Sir-diealot on April 12, 2020, 02:35:51 PM
Quote from: Mossberg90MN on April 12, 2020, 02:33:43 PM
Quote from: wvmntnhick on April 12, 2020, 01:01:59 PM
Gonna reiterate something things here. Bed of the truck, sleeping pad, good sleeping bag and a cardboard box. Cut holes for personal ventilation. Use one that a freezer or large appliance came in. It'll act as a shell to trap warmth. Sounds crazy but I swear it's true. My FIL does it and I have too. Amazing what cardboard will do.
If you have no camper top, cover with a tarp and you can forget the box. The tarp, if sealed properly around the bed will do similarly. I've slept in the back of mine with just a bag and tonneau cover. It does make getting out more difficult tho.
I'd prefer not to sleep in the cab. Condensation freezing on the windows...no bueno.
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I got a tonneau cover on mine. I imagine it would be pretty difficult to stay warm just sleeping in the back like that without a heater right?
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Might stay warmer, less area to heat. Have to have somebody let you out in the morning though!
Yea I could see that haha luckily mine cover can open itself from the inside. Then I just reach my arm over pop open the tailgate.
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There ya go, you're all set! Don't forget that pee bottle though!
If you have a foam pad, good sleeping bag, warm knit hat and shell on the back of the truck you'll be fine. Dress warm and take a medium size dog and have it in the sleeping bag with you. They give off lots of heat. For extra cold nights (below zero) have two dogs. I did lots of winter camping in Vermont when I was young. A springer spaniel is about the right size.
Quote from: idgobble on April 12, 2020, 02:46:52 PM
If you have a foam pad, good sleeping bag, warm knit hat and shell on the back of the truck you'll be fine. Dress warm and take a medium size dog and have it in the sleeping bag with you. They give off lots of heat. For extra cold nights (below zero) have two dogs.
Personally, I am a "Three Dog Night" man myself....
(Just seeing how many here will get the reference....) :)
Quote from: GobbleNut on April 12, 2020, 03:18:12 PM
Quote from: idgobble on April 12, 2020, 02:46:52 PM
If you have a foam pad, good sleeping bag, warm knit hat and shell on the back of the truck you'll be fine. Dress warm and take a medium size dog and have it in the sleeping bag with you. They give off lots of heat. For extra cold nights (below zero) have two dogs.
Personally, I am a "Three Dog Night" man myself....
(Just seeing how many here will get the reference....) :)
Personally i like hugging up to female on those cold nights , but if you like dogs more power to you.. :TooFunny:
Quote from: GobbleNut on April 12, 2020, 03:18:12 PMPersonally, I am a "Three Dog Night" man myself....
(Just seeing how many here will get the reference....) :)
Your a lot older than me and not near as handsome, so you know I have no idea what your talking about.
Done it to -20 but can't say it is much fun when you have to get out in the morning and your frost has the topper locked with you inside. This was officially a two dog night, but if id a had 3 id a used em.
Quote from: GobbleNut on April 12, 2020, 03:18:12 PM
Quote from: idgobble on April 12, 2020, 02:46:52 PM
If you have a foam pad, good sleeping bag, warm knit hat and shell on the back of the truck you'll be fine. Dress warm and take a medium size dog and have it in the sleeping bag with you. They give off lots of heat. For extra cold nights (below zero) have two dogs.
Personally, I am a "Three Dog Night" man myself....
(Just seeing how many here will get the reference....) :)
A couple dozen good hits '60s/'70s. Always liked them.
Quote from: idgobble on April 12, 2020, 02:46:52 PM
If you have a foam pad, good sleeping bag, warm knit hat and shell on the back of the truck you'll be fine. Dress warm and take a medium size dog and have it in the sleeping bag with you. They give off lots of heat. For extra cold nights (below zero) have two dogs. I did lots of winter camping in Vermont when I was young. A springer spaniel is about the right size.
Hahaha that's pretty good!! True that!
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Quote from: wvmntnhick on April 12, 2020, 02:38:47 PM
Quote from: Sir-diealot on April 12, 2020, 02:35:51 PM
Quote from: Mossberg90MN on April 12, 2020, 02:33:43 PM
Quote from: wvmntnhick on April 12, 2020, 01:01:59 PM
Gonna reiterate something things here. Bed of the truck, sleeping pad, good sleeping bag and a cardboard box. Cut holes for personal ventilation. Use one that a freezer or large appliance came in. It'll act as a shell to trap warmth. Sounds crazy but I swear it's true. My FIL does it and I have too. Amazing what cardboard will do.
If you have no camper top, cover with a tarp and you can forget the box. The tarp, if sealed properly around the bed will do similarly. I've slept in the back of mine with just a bag and tonneau cover. It does make getting out more difficult tho.
I'd prefer not to sleep in the cab. Condensation freezing on the windows...no bueno.
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I got a tonneau cover on mine. I imagine it would be pretty difficult to stay warm just sleeping in the back like that without a heater right?
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Might stay warmer, less area to heat. Have to have somebody let you out in the morning though!
Nah. My cover was solid. So long as no one had a key to lock me inside, just push it up and get out. The truck I've got now has a soft cover. Haven't tried that one yet.
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See I currently have a soft top. Think that's not thick enough?
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Quote from: squirrel on April 12, 2020, 04:11:12 PM
Done it to -20 but can't say it is much fun when you have to get out in the morning and your frost has the topper locked with you inside. This was officially a two dog night, but if id a had 3 id a used em.
-20, ouch!!
How did you do that?! Just in the bed? When you say topper do you mean like a camper shell? Or a tonneau cover?
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Quote from: Mossberg90MN on April 12, 2020, 05:00:26 PM
Quote from: wvmntnhick on April 12, 2020, 02:38:47 PM
Quote from: Sir-diealot on April 12, 2020, 02:35:51 PM
Quote from: Mossberg90MN on April 12, 2020, 02:33:43 PM
Quote from: wvmntnhick on April 12, 2020, 01:01:59 PM
Gonna reiterate something things here. Bed of the truck, sleeping pad, good sleeping bag and a cardboard box. Cut holes for personal ventilation. Use one that a freezer or large appliance came in. It'll act as a shell to trap warmth. Sounds crazy but I swear it's true. My FIL does it and I have too. Amazing what cardboard will do.
If you have no camper top, cover with a tarp and you can forget the box. The tarp, if sealed properly around the bed will do similarly. I've slept in the back of mine with just a bag and tonneau cover. It does make getting out more difficult tho.
I'd prefer not to sleep in the cab. Condensation freezing on the windows...no bueno.
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I got a tonneau cover on mine. I imagine it would be pretty difficult to stay warm just sleeping in the back like that without a heater right?
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Might stay warmer, less area to heat. Have to have somebody let you out in the morning though!
Nah. My cover was solid. So long as no one had a key to lock me inside, just push it up and get out. The truck I've got now has a soft cover. Haven't tried that one yet.
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See I currently have a soft top. Think that's not thick enough?
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You'll be fine.
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I have done this a lot, here's been mine. I have an inflatable bed/mattress super comfortable to sleep on, my pillows and bed set. I set this up in truck bed, I had "crossmembers" 2x6's and a piece of 3/4" plywood, it's high enough up to get gear under and with truck cap room to sit up. I have a Pelonis Ceramic Heater (Has thermostat and tip over protection) Heats up to 600 square feet, and the unit is small around 6x6x7. I have a small generator running this, moved away from truck for noise and had an extension cord to power strip ran into truck bed so I could charge cell and run a light too. Dad and I slept pretty comfortable.
MK M GOBL
Quote from: MK M GOBL on April 12, 2020, 06:13:11 PM
I have done this a lot, here's been mine. I have an inflatable bed/mattress super comfortable to sleep on, my pillows and bed set. I set this up in truck bed, I had "crossmembers" 2x6's and a piece of 3/4" plywood, it's high enough up to get gear under and with truck cap room to sit up. I have a Pelonis Ceramic Heater (Has thermostat and tip over protection) Heats up to 600 square feet, and the unit is small around 6x6x7. I have a small generator running this, moved away from truck for noise and had an extension cord to power strip ran into truck bed so I could charge cell and run a light too. Dad and I slept pretty comfortable.
MK M GOBL
Sounds like a good set up!
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Get a carbon monoxide detector like you have in your house.
Quote from: GobbleNut on April 12, 2020, 03:18:12 PM
Quote from: idgobble on April 12, 2020, 02:46:52 PM
If you have a foam pad, good sleeping bag, warm knit hat and shell on the back of the truck you'll be fine. Dress warm and take a medium size dog and have it in the sleeping bag with you. They give off lots of heat. For extra cold nights (below zero) have two dogs.
Personally, I am a "Three Dog Night" man myself....
(Just seeing how many here will get the reference....) :)
Don't forget the bullfrog.
Quote from: Mossberg90MN on April 12, 2020, 02:37:52 PM
Quote from: Sir-diealot on April 12, 2020, 02:35:51 PM
Quote from: Mossberg90MN on April 12, 2020, 02:33:43 PM
Quote from: wvmntnhick on April 12, 2020, 01:01:59 PM
Gonna reiterate something things here. Bed of the truck, sleeping pad, good sleeping bag and a cardboard box. Cut holes for personal ventilation. Use one that a freezer or large appliance came in. It'll act as a shell to trap warmth. Sounds crazy but I swear it's true. My FIL does it and I have too. Amazing what cardboard will do.
If you have no camper top, cover with a tarp and you can forget the box. The tarp, if sealed properly around the bed will do similarly. I've slept in the back of mine with just a bag and tonneau cover. It does make getting out more difficult tho.
I'd prefer not to sleep in the cab. Condensation freezing on the windows...no bueno.
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I got a tonneau cover on mine. I imagine it would be pretty difficult to stay warm just sleeping in the back like that without a heater right?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Might stay warmer, less area to heat. Have to have somebody let you out in the morning though!
Yea I could see that haha luckily mine cover can open itself from the inside. Then I just reach my arm over pop open the tailgate.
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if it ain't frozen :help:
3 dogs or not,,sleeping outside without heat in under 30 degrees is certainly not a night spent in "shambala"
Get a sleeping bag rated for 0 degrees (not 20). Get a comforter for above and below. People don't realize that the truck or air mattress will pull heat from you. So you need a blanket between it and you.
I've slept a lot in an expedition when I had it. Just had to bring enough blanks to keep warm. Laid down a Doubled up comforter, sleeping blanket, than another comforter. Calculate how many blankets/comforter you'll need then bring one more.
Worst part was getting up in the morning. Was nice and warm in those blankets.
Quote from: GobbleNut on April 12, 2020, 03:18:12 PM
Quote from: idgobble on April 12, 2020, 02:46:52 PM
If you have a foam pad, good sleeping bag, warm knit hat and shell on the back of the truck you'll be fine. Dress warm and take a medium size dog and have it in the sleeping bag with you. They give off lots of heat. For extra cold nights (below zero) have two dogs.
Personally, I am a "Three Dog Night" man myself....
(Just seeing how many here will get the reference....) :)
Back in the 90's I did the traditional long hunter trecking thing for awhile, have slept out on the ground with a Hudson Bay blanket, no tent and in the low teens. sometimes with a mt. cur or 2 of them under the blanket, sometimes none.
Definitely much better with a dog with you, 3 would be warm but would be a crowd.
Quote from: Sir-diealot on April 12, 2020, 06:44:36 PM
Quote from: GobbleNut on April 12, 2020, 03:18:12 PM
Quote from: idgobble on April 12, 2020, 02:46:52 PM
If you have a foam pad, good sleeping bag, warm knit hat and shell on the back of the truck you'll be fine. Dress warm and take a medium size dog and have it in the sleeping bag with you. They give off lots of heat. For extra cold nights (below zero) have two dogs.
Personally, I am a "Three Dog Night" man myself....
(Just seeing how many here will get the reference....) :)
Don't forget the bullfrog.
Jeremiah was his name
I used to sleep in mine for deer hunting in the northeast during December, with a good sleeping bag it was never a problem. The only real concern was that you may have deer ticks on you, up around CT, NY, MA its a real problem.
If our deer camp has too many people sleeping in the cabin or there are people that snore worse than me ... I sleep in the truck. A couple of pads stacked, a good sleeping bag to crawl into and another heavy bag pulled over the top.
Wear a warm knit hat if really cold. Warm head, warm feet...
I have slept in the truck with temps in the teens.
Quote from: gdc23 on April 14, 2020, 10:18:35 PM
I used to sleep in mine for deer hunting in the northeast during December, with a good sleeping bag it was never a problem. The only real concern was that you may have deer ticks on you, up around CT, NY, MA its a real problem.
Yea ticks is a thought that goes through my head for sleeping in my truck. Which is why I sprayed down my sleeping bag with permethrin, and I'm gonna change my clothes out. Luckily that permethrin starts to kill those things pretty quick. Whenever I do find them on me it seems they're dying.
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