Project M or popup truck bed campers

[TX03RUBI]

Well, you are quite the salesman. Placed an order for mine today.

To learn from my mistakes on it I’d say do NOT order the bed ladder. It’s a head magnet, and I’ve cussed it many times until I pulled it off. Chances are you’ll have a cooler in the back of your truck anyways. Use it as the step up into bed.

Build your own power system from the ground up. You can build a more robust system for a fraction of the price. The Juicebox is worth it though. Excellent control panel, and add the lighting. They work very well together, and the Bluetooth app is great. It’s nice to be able to turn fan, lights, charging on from bed rather than try to do things in the dark after turning everything off. Add the solar ports. They’re cheap, and work great if you want to add lighting or panels to the roof.

The fan is great, but I wouldn’t say a must. It is nice to be able to completely close yourself in on a cold night, and cook dinner inside. Use the fan to circulate the smoke/smell out. The fan is reversible, so you can circulate air in and out. It does make a difference in temperature inside for sure, but I use a Milwaukee 18V fan as primary way to cool off. The LP fan is additional cooling on really warm days. Going back to the Juicebox here. A couple nights I’ve needed the LP fan on when getting into bed. It’s nice to run it for 30 min to an hour when getting in as the night cools off, but then turn it off from your phone laying down after it cools down rather than get up again.

Gear Vault is nice, but not a must. It is also easy to add later on if desired. I use mine all the time, but I could make do without.

[miket]

Also figure out what you consider necessities. If you’re hauling pets in the back you’ll want sliding windows etc. personally no pets for me, however I did want modularity. T track all around helps a ton. Project M has a couple tracks standard I believe, but you have to pay considerably more for a couple more tracks. The side doors are huge IMO as well unless you’re going to run an air conditioner. While I have a robust electrical system, it would be no match for an air conditioner. A roof vent fan and an 18V Milwaukee fan along with side hatches keep me comfortable 98% of the time though. Air flow is key in that regard. 200 ah of lithium and 400 watts of solar powered through a Victron controller keep my needs satisfied. The ability to park under trees and know that I’ll have power for days even if the sun doesn’t shine has its comforts.

Also think about sleeping situations if you have kids who may tag along, or mattress comfort. I’ve slept better this week than I do in my own bed. My wife said the same, and we’re happy with our mattress at home. The Lone Peak works for me, as it has “pass through” space between the bed and back window. It allows you to stand up still while the bed is in use, and allows you to climb in the bed from the bottom without having to move anything out of the way. However it does take up a considerable amount of standing space when the bed is in use. When the bed isn’t in use you can push the bed up to the roof, and have a ton of standing space. Project M, Hiatus, and a few other true pop ups don’t have to worry about that. The bed is more directly over the roof of the cab than halfway over the cab and halfway over the bed of the truck, so the bed doesn’t take up standing space. The biggest reason the pass through is a necessity to me is I have young boys who sleep on the bottom, and having them at arms reach keeps them (and momma) way more comfortable sleeping in the middle of BFE. Project M and the like would also work for this, however they each have their own trade offs. To me I consider the full side opening doors a necessity.

Ready to go electrical components are nice, but they come at a price. I went with a semi ready to go option, and wish I’d have completely built it out myself. I ended up replacing a few key components anyways, and it’s nowhere near as complicated as I originally believed. With the price of lithium batteries and solar panels these days it’s a no brainer IMO. However having the pass through ports and mounting solutions from the factory are nice. That’s where T track and molle panels come in handy. Cutting holes and adding ports is a bit easier to DIY, but is nice to have the options from the factory.


In the last few years a ton of new options have hit the market, and they all have their pros and cons. Just have to decide which you’re not willing to compromise on and what your budget is.

I got the final call a few days ago and should be getting my Lone Peak in 4-6 weeks. I did not get the power plate, but did get the juicebox and, interior lighting and side lights. I am looking at panels etc and trying to figure out how many amp hours I need. Right now Im looking at 2 of the 100 watt flexible panels for the roof, Renogy 2000w inverter and Victron 100v 30a charge controller with Epoch 100ah battery.

I honestly just dont know if thats enough. I believe I have matched components pretty well as far as storage vs production, but any advice or experience would be appreciated.

I just want to run the lights, a small coffee pot and other small stuff. Coffee pot looks like the biggest draw

[TX03RUBI]

I got the final call a few days ago and should be getting my Lone Peak in 4-6 weeks. I did not get the power plate, but did get the juicebox and, interior lighting and side lights. I am looking at panels etc and trying to figure out how many amp hours I need. Right now Im looking at 2 of the 100 watt flexible panels for the roof, Renogy 2000w inverter and Victron 100v 30a charge controller with Epoch 100ah battery.

I honestly just dont know if thats enough. I believe I have matched components pretty well as far as storage vs production, but any advice or experience would be appreciated.

I just want to run the lights, a small coffee pot and other small stuff. Coffee pot looks like the biggest draw

I’d skip the Epoch, and go with a Li Time 200 ah battery for about the same price if not a few dollars cheaper. Li Time has excellent build quality and is the best value out there. On good days you won’t even need 100ah. When weather is less than stellar you’ll be happy you upsized.

Your 30 amp controller should be good for 400 watts roughly (384 actual at 12.8 volts). 200 watts will suffice in good weather, but I prefer to upsize for the not so good weather days. I’d add at least 2 - 160 watt panels if not more. Flex panels aren’t as efficient as solid panels, so you’d likely end up with 260-280 watts out of 320 watts worth of flex on a good day. On overcast days I’m still getting 40-80 watts, which is manageable a few days at time with a 200ah battery, but not long term. A buddy with 200 watts of flex panels is only getting 10-30 watts on those same days.

As far as the inverter that’s going to be up to you. I’ve got a 1000 watt invertor that I’ve never even turned on. Everything I run is off my 12V system, so it hasn’t been needed. I did recently add a Victron 30 amp DCDC charger that I’m glad to have as a back up power source. I’ve got it tied to an upfitter switch that remains off. I don’t intend to use it as my solar and storage system should be robust enough to not need it as long as the weather isn’t horrible 5-7 days or more at a time with no sun. However if I do deplete my battery it’s nice to be able to replenish it from the motor if necessary. As far as both DC charger, MPPT charger, and battery I’d opt for the blue tooth versions. Victron has an excellent app for them, and I’m sticking with their components for that reason as well as the quality.

[TX03RUBI]

As far as coffee goes I just boil some water on a small gas stove and toss a couple of these in there. I’m tempted to buy a larger French press for making coffee for multiple people though. These are just my go to for easy coffee though.

[miket]

I’d skip the Epoch, and go with a Li Time 200 ah battery for about the same price if not a few dollars cheaper. Li Time has excellent build quality and is the best value out there. On good days you won’t even need 100ah. When weather is less than stellar you’ll be happy you upsized.

Your 30 amp controller should be good for 400 watts roughly (384 actual at 12.8 volts). 200 watts will suffice in good weather, but I prefer to upsize for the not so good weather days. I’d add at least 2 - 160 watt panels if not more. Flex panels aren’t as efficient as solid panels, so you’d likely end up with 260-280 watts out of 320 watts worth of flex on a good day. On overcast days I’m still getting 40-80 watts, which is manageable a few days at time with a 200ah battery, but not long term. A buddy with 200 watts of flex panels is only getting 10-30 watts on those same days.

As far as the inverter that’s going to be up to you. I’ve got a 1000 watt invertor that I’ve never even turned on. Everything I run is off my 12V system, so it hasn’t been needed. I did recently add a Victron 30 amp DCDC charger that I’m glad to have as a back up power source. I’ve got it tied to an upfitter switch that remains off. I don’t intend to use it as my solar and storage system should be robust enough to not need it as long as the weather isn’t horrible 5-7 days or more at a time with no sun. However if I do deplete my battery it’s nice to be able to replenish it from the motor if necessary. As far as both DC charger, MPPT charger, and battery I’d opt for the blue tooth versions. Victron has an excellent app for them, and I’m sticking with their components for that reason as well as the quality.

Thanks, will check this stuff out!

[TeamAmerica]

Get a jet boil for coffee. They are great for boiling water for freeze dried camping meals. I actually enjoy a freeze dried breakfast- academy sells some good ones.

Look forward to seeing the setup!

[flywise]

This is mine, just got back from Nebraska. It was in the 20'sat night and wind blew 20-30 all day for 9 days with gust up to around 60. It's easy to take off and leave, standing room, stove top and fridge.

[TX03RUBI]

I got the final call a few days ago and should be getting my Lone Peak in 4-6 weeks. I did not get the power plate, but did get the juicebox and, interior lighting and side lights. I am looking at panels etc and trying to figure out how many amp hours I need. Right now Im looking at 2 of the 100 watt flexible panels for the roof, Renogy 2000w inverter and Victron 100v 30a charge controller with Epoch 100ah battery.

I honestly just dont know if thats enough. I believe I have matched components pretty well as far as storage vs production, but any advice or experience would be appreciated.

I just want to run the lights, a small coffee pot and other small stuff. Coffee pot looks like the biggest draw

Have you scheduled your install yet?

[miket]

Have you scheduled your install yet?

Came in about a week ago. Put it on and working in the power install now. 400w panels, 200ah battery, solar charger and 1000w inverter.

Went on pretty easily, but already broke the ladder!

[Texas Grown]

As far as coffee goes I just boil some water on a small gas stove and toss a couple of these in there. I’m tempted to buy a larger French press for making coffee for multiple people though. These are just my go to for easy coffee though.

Been using the Folgers Singles since they first came out, at camp, in the duck blind, at work, and in the boat. Hard to beat for a quick cup!

[TX03RUBI]

Came in about a week ago. Put it on and working in the power install now. 400w panels, 200ah battery, solar charger and 1000w inverter.

Went on pretty easily, but already broke the ladder!

Which ladder did you break? Side ladder or bed ladder? I removed my bed ladder pretty quickly, as it was a head magnet. I hit my head on it pretty good a couple of times, and the day my boy hit his I ripped it out asap. You’re welcome to it free of charge if that’s the one you broke. I’m debating adding a side ladder now, but I’ll likely go with an aftermarket option if I do.

[TX03RUBI]

Been using the Folgers Singles since they first came out, at camp, in the duck blind, at work, and in the boat. Hard to beat for a quick cup!

They’re my go to! About as simple as it gets!

[miket]

Which ladder did you break? Side ladder or bed ladder? I removed my bed ladder pretty quickly, as it was a head magnet. I hit my head on it pretty good a couple of times, and the day my boy hit his I ripped it out asap. You’re welcome to it free of charge if that’s the one you broke. I’m debating adding a side ladder now, but I’ll likely go with an aftermarket option if I do.

The bed ladder. The rivets in the top that attach it to the L brackets pulled out as I came down it. Barely caught myself. I fixed it with screws. I appreciate it though!

I haven't hit my head on it yet, but know it's coming. Once I get everything situated inside I will decide whether it's even needed or not.

[Hogmauler]

Its only 5-1/2', Tundra. I thought about diy but need something I can stand up in. To keep weight down that means aluminum.

I have the 5’ bed as well and think it should be outlawed. I bought it for the wife not knowing it would end up being mine when she got tired of the stiff suspension. IMO opinion outdoors folks need an 8’ bed. Good luck with that. I’ll probably end up buying a very nice tent

[TX03RUBI]

The bed ladder. The rivets in the top that attach it to the L brackets pulled out as I came down it. Barely caught myself. I fixed it with screws. I appreciate it though!

I haven't hit my head on it yet, but know it's coming. Once I get everything situated inside I will decide whether it's even needed or not.

I’ve got the 3rd camper produced. They’ve changed a handful of things up since mine, and ,mostly *** for the better. The rivets in the ladder mount is a head scratcher though. I had screws in mine. Luckily they’ve been excellent about offering the newer upgrades to existing customers for free. They’ve sent me a handful of mew products at no charge once they realized flaw designs etc.