[Terra] Heat ducts in the bed

[mus]

For those who would have a camper shell in the bed, having a couple heat ducts would be revolutionary.

We would be able to take advantage of the EV battery (a heat pump is also a big big plus) to heat up the camper and no longer have to install a propane or diesel heater. Would also save a lot of precious space.

Imagine the boondocking potential with the Harvester:
- EV battery runs the heat pump
- Climate controlled bed/camper
- Harvester kicks in when battery gets low
- Add gas every now and then and repeat!

 

[Harris005]

For those who would have a camper shell in the bed, having a couple heat ducts would be revolutionary.

We would be able to take advantage of the EV battery (a heat pump is also a big big plus) to heat up the camper and no longer have to install a propane or diesel heater. Would also save a lot of precious space.

Imagine the boondocking potential with the Harvester:
- EV battery runs the heat pump
- Climate controlled bed/camper
- Harvester kicks in when battery gets low
- Add gas every now and then and repeat!

Heat in the bed for camping mode.....I like it!

 

[shnngns]

For those who would have a camper shell in the bed, having a couple heat ducts would be revolutionary.

We would be able to take advantage of the EV battery (a heat pump is also a big big plus) to heat up the camper and no longer have to install a propane or diesel heater. Would also save a lot of precious space.

Imagine the boondocking potential with the Harvester:
- EV battery runs the heat pump
- Climate controlled bed/camper
- Harvester kicks in when battery gets low
- Add gas every now and then and repeat!

What an innovative idea! I wouldn't use it but kudos for the idea.

 

[Lowengaard]

Yeah I think it would be a great option!

 

[speedrye]

Or I could connect a duct to it and route it to a tent beside the truck, into a teardrop camper or stick it down into some wet boots to dry them, etc. Heat or AC when camping would be a game-changer for my wife.

 

[GreenHarverster304]

With the AC outlets in the bed, a household space heater seems like it would be an easy economical alternative. Or if we want to be fancy, a truck bed radiant floor heater that could also melt accumulated snow.

 

[Lowengaard]

Or I could connect a duct to it and route it to a tent beside the truck, into a teardrop camper or stick it down into some wet boots to dry them, etc. Heat or AC when camping would be a game-changer for my wife.

At that point it would probably be easier and less expensive to just plug something into the outlets.

 

[SpaceEVDriver]

I would just plug in an electric blanket, which will give direct heat to where it’s needed. And with an extension cord it can be put in the tent or the bed or the front seat or…

 

[bsddrake]

I would just plug in an electric blanket, which will give direct heat to where it’s needed. And with an extension cord it can be put in the tent or the bed or the front seat or…

I'm with you on this. I kind of want the minimum number of things built into the truck that can break.

 

[TaconicBear]

I'm with you on this. I kind of want the minimum number of things built into the truck that can break.

Amen to that. Something from my studies recalls that generating heat from electricity is a pretty inefficient way to get heat. And heat is such a fugitive, it always ends up going places you don't need it unless it's controlled by massive amounts of insulation. And that means weight and bulk. Reflective insulation (aka space blankets) has its limits, like heating pads it works best when personal and local. A truck bed camper doesn't need to be warm, it's just a temporary bedroom while you're out enjoying where you're at. An efficient sleeping bag and a space blanket should suffice, freezing feet require rag-wool sox. Beyond that, a small heating pad plugged into the 120v will take care of any special needs.

 

[Mousehunter]

electric blankets have worked great for me camping. IF the bed was actually >6', then I might actually consider the Terra-but I guess having a roll down window to the cab and a fan to move the AC back would be my plan. As it is, I think the Traveler will have more room to sleep.

 

[Chavannigans]

electric blankets have worked great for me camping. IF the bed was actually >6', then I might actually consider the Terra-but I guess having a roll down window to the cab and a fan to move the AC back would be my plan. As it is, I think the Traveler will have more room to sleep.

I have posted about the Moonlander camper shells in here previously if you would like to search for it, but there are bed caps out there the allow you to sleep in a East/West style bed so the truck bed length is less of a factor. The Moonlander lets you choose up to 7 feet in width.

Very popular with overland Tacomas and trucks with 5ft - 5.5ft beds.

It would be pretty cool to see a tray style bed extended to 6ft on a Terra to open up some more camper options though.