Mounting a camper tent on a ute tray instead of a trailer?

Hi Kevin

It should not be too difficult if you can configure the back of the ute to replicate the trailer dimensions.

I have not seen it done but I have seen numerous roof top tents on utes and wagons. This site might give you ideas. http://www.utilitycampers.com/index.php?page=products

Have fun doing it and show photos afterwards, please.

Duncan

The only issue I can see is the height of the tray compared to the height of a trailer.

With a soft floor camper trailer, when folded out the canvas 'box' that drops to the ground is made to suit the trailer height, not a ute (called the 'drop' surprisingly enough). My bit of research shows that a 1200mm drop seems to be a common height.
http://www.austrackcampers.com.au/product-category/camper-trailer-tents/

Not an insurmountable problem if you are getting one custom made, but might be an issue if you are hoping to use something off the shelf.

As said above, roof top tents on rails across the top of the tray are popular. this gives some storage room, but the tent is below the roof height when stowed so you don't have quite the same drag penalty. But with a RTT you don't have anywhere near the same internal room.

The other issue is packing up if you want to go somewhere. I know folding away a RTT is a bit of an inconvenience, packing away a camper trailer sized lump of canvas because I had a chance it claim a better patch of real estate 50m away, wanted to run to a fishing spot or up to the shops would drive me nuts.

I have noticed 5 or 6 utes with bent chassis after putting camping set ups on cab chassis type of truck.
Just be aware of the weight, those bloody dips will bend it if a little bit too heavy.

Another idea would get a roof top model and mount it above cab height. That would leave plenty of access to the tub for bulky storage. I once saw a roof top model that was transferred to a trailer and mounted at the same height as it was on the sedan. This was done to accommodate the kids in the trailer and the parents on the top mattress. They supported the camper on supports at each corner of the trailer. You could do a similar installation above the tub.

kcandco

Healslip was a company operating in SA which built what you are looking for.

I see one for sale on a tabletop in caravancampersales

The owner may separate

AJ