I've just turned 65, and I've been thinking about putting a cap on my pickup, and checking out this beautiful country by car camping. I will be doing this alone, as my wife is simply not interested in roughing it in campgrounds. Can anyone here offer me any advice regarding this type of camping. My vehicle is a 2005 ford ranger in excellent condition.

Is your wife against all campgrounds in general, or just roughing it in the back of a pickup?

If the latter, why not consider getting either a small trailer or slide-in truck camper so she could come along with you in some comfort?

Well to tell you the truth, it's camping in general....my wife is a total city girl. She would never like to camping in any style. Thanks

My plan is to do this alone. My wife tells me to go for it. She knows how much I love the outdoors, and she would never try to stop me. The way I look at it, I may never get this opportunity again. I'm 65 so, there really isn't much time.

I was just hoping to get feedback from others who have gone car camping alone. Perhaps they can fill me in with a few pointers. Thanks.

Wow! I just know your better half does not know what she is missing. Maybe if you took her to a place that has campers, she could see what the inside of some of them look like. That might loosen her up a little. We have had a couple of RV's - a pop up and our current Travel Trailer. As my wife says, it is like having a 2 star motel with great views.

What kind of cap are you thinking of - just a basic one that covers the bed of your truck or something more like a slide in? If the basic cap, I would make sure it has some decent ventilation for those warmer nights. Otherwise, the rest is just bringing the right clothes and equipment. Having a truck in excellent shape is a great start.

If you would like a list of stuff to consider, let us know and we'll can give you some ideas. 30 years ago, my buddy and I were driving to Canada to camp, hike and sightsee. Since we were using my Camaro for transportation, we only had room for the essentials.

Seniorcamper,

What an amazing adventure you have ahead of you!!! I did a similar adventure back in 1976 with my two children and dog. Two month of just me, children, and the great outdoors - it was beyond fabulous.

A few words from that time:
You aren't going to be really alone. Campers are social folks and will be interested in you. Just a simple "Hello the camp" and you might be invited for dinner.
Bring a journal and use it. Otherwise you'll forget more than you remember.
Write home. Phone calls are okay but sending a photo will make the receiver feel like they are with you.
Don't try to do everything in a single day. It's better to travel just 50 miles and enjoy the sights than to go rushing by some hidden delight.
Occasionally eat at some funky local spot.
Pick up a copy of "Travels with Charlie" by Steinbeck. He made a similar trip in this book. Check out his clothes washing technique.
Always have a bottle of drinking water and tp with you and you'll be able to camp anywhere.

Hope you find these tips useful. Enjoy and keep us posted.

Thank you all....now I just can't wait to get started.

hello guys ...

its really nice and informative post....

i just liked it....

thanks for your information guys ...........

It seems to me, Senior Camper (or should that be Senor Camper?), that you could keep a journal that might end up as a best seller. Also, while you're out and about, you could keep us posted on this bbs about your travels. Jealous? You BET I am!

As to the pickup canopy, you might want to get one custom made so that, for example, it has regular doors instead of a tailgate. That will make climbing into, and securing your cap, much easier. Make sure, too, that it is easily lockable from the inside. Also, two big roof vents and plenty of screened windows help keep things nice and comfortable on all but the warmest nights. Ask your builder to install screening that is no-seeum (midges) proof. And see if you can prevail upon your wife to make some curtains, pretty please with sugar on top.

I had a custom aluminum-framed canopy made for my Frontier for $1k, exactly half of what GemTop wanted for a similar steel canopy. Wood framing is nice, but it's HEAVY, and will leak eventually, causing rot.

And do read "Travels With Charlie," by Steinbeck. A good read and a few good pointers, too.

I messed up, and deleted the last post...anyhow I will be using a basic cap with side windows, and screens.

You mentioned a list, well I have lots of things in mind to bring along, but it would be great to get some pointers from a seasoned camper.

Send the list to me e-mail doctorfager@gmail.com

Thanks,

Tony

DEET