2022 Ram 1500 "Papa Smurf"
VIEW IN BUILD GALLERYPapa Smurf→
This is a V2 that was installed Dec. 2025. For now, this is a simple minimalist build. I only opted for the Gear Vault, bed ladder, propane mount, back and side windows and a few grab handles. I've camped in my truck bed for several years so I had a good idea of what I needed for now to get started in my Lone Peak. Originally I had planned on adding the Juicebox and power plate and running all my lights, etc thru it. It was a last minute decision to not get it. Do I regret that decision? A bit. But from my personal experience I haven't required that much power. I have a few rechargeable headlamps and dome lights that I like to use. In addition, I have my phone and a tablet I bring along to watch downloaded movies. When they run low, I recharge them using my Ecoflow River 2 Pro. I also have a 200w solar panel as a backup. I did install Kingpin lights inside the camper. So far this has been my favorite mod. The Kingpin lights were a bit pricey, but well worth the investment. They are tough and reliable. I got the 4-pack of 12" lights kit because it came with all the wiring, brackets and dimmer switches. These lights are super bright and I like that I can switch to red lights if needed. Plus they rotate so I can throw some light outside when I open the side and back doors. They run off a 100ah LifePO4 battery. Power draw is so low that I once accidently left the lights on for 3 days straight and only used about 4% battery power. I could easily last over a week with this current setup. Since I have solar panels I can extend that life indefinitely. https://kingpinequipped.com/ Like I said, my power requirements are minimal......for now. I do see myself getting a 12V fridge at some point. As I type this I'm already shopping around. Having one will definitely improve camp life. Of course, this will mean I'll have to rethink my power setup. Even in eco mode I'm sure I'd be limited to only 2 or 3 days if I run off just the battery. So future power requirments will surely change. Bigger battery? Or simple DC/DC charger? Is my solar panel enough? We'll see. The next big mod will be a 270 awning. I actually had been shopping around for one before I even got my Lone Peak. There are so many to choose from and it's really hard to decide. After seeing Kecia at the Overland Expo PNW recently and seeing her rig, I've been leaning more towards Reign Outdoors. I like how their awning is more squared off at the back over the tailgate and gives more coverage from rain. Thats a big selling point for me. Price is a bit more than I'd like to spend but I know its an investment. The ability to attach walls and create an outside shelter is another feature I'm looking for. I do camp in cold wet weather and I need somewhere to be able to cook and eat while being protected from the environment. It would also be nice to use instead of a tent for my 2 teenage boys to camp under. I think all of my top choices have the wall/annex kits available. Now it's just a matter of picking one that won't hurt the wallet too much. But like they say, "buy once, cry one" right? Storage for gear was another priority for me. Having been used to truck bed camping for a while, I knew how valuable space is. Sleeping on a cot in the bed with all my gear around me wasn't ideal. Especially when getting up to get dressed and having to always move things out of the way. I got myself a few different hanging storage bags to hold clothing, first aid kit, extra TP and other misc things. My favorite bag is the one I got from OVS. I use this one for my clothes. I love the separate compartments to keep everything sorted out. At first, I didn't think this would hold a lot. But the pockets are deeper than they look. I can pack enough clothes for about a week in this. And I used the LP T-slot tie downs to hang the bag from. This way my clothes are up and out of the way and I'm not tripping over a duffel bag on the floor. https://overlandvehiclesystems.com/camping-gear-storage-bag-16-waxed-canvas-outdoor-organizer/?sku=21139941&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23000583804&gbraid=0AAAAACnEi0VA3SczeTo4aIC_z4alt0Op0&gclid=Cj0KCQjw39zSBhDhARIsANammDt4U8GaQt9lrd7NMyvlueRDFnZfi9sjdy5Qg_J_mSMrvWlt1Vs9h94aAtK-EALw_wcB Other than some minor things I added, one more item I really like id my camp kitchen setup. I have a Camp Chef Sherpa kitchen that for me is an all-in-one setup. It has a table top for my stove, the legs extend to adjust the height and it has these really cool removable storage bags for organizing my cookware, dried foods and other stuff. I have used this for quite some time on solo trips. It's always loaded and ready so all I have to do is grab it and go. Mostly I use it outside but if the weather is really bad I can bring it inside the camper to cook on or just use it as a table top to work or eat on. It's portable and doesn't take up a lot of space. With my propane tank mounted next at the rear door it's easy to run a hose and cook inside or from the tailgate. https://www.campchef.com/products/sherpa-table-organizer So that's pretty much my setup. Very simple. I do love looking at all of your rigs that look like they're set up for a zombie apocalypse. I get a little jealous and wish I had mine set up that way. As time goes by I'm sure I'll add more to my rig. And if you guys see Papa Smurf out anywhere on the road, please stop and say hello. I'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas on my LP. Happy Trails!