Before 2020, Dana Jennings had never been camping. But like many others, she didn’t want to stay cooped up in her apartment when Covid hit. So she packed up her Hyundai Tucson, grabbed a tent she had never used before, and headed out on the road.
Dana’s first stop was Telluride, CO. At a dispersed campsite with no cell service, she spent two hours trying to set up her tent. To top it off, Dana hardly got any sleep that night after figuring out she was afraid of the dark.
The next morning, she hit the road again in search of a new campsite. This time, she decided to try out sleeping in her car.
“I got the best night’s sleep ever that night,” Dana said.
With a new love for car camping, Dana kept traveling throughout Colorado. Eventually, she upgraded to a 4Runner and got a rooftop tent. While it worked for a while, it wasn’t a great long-term solution. With three dogs, two people, and a fully remote job, space became the biggest challenge.
“When I saw Tune, I was like, that is exactly what I’m looking for,” Dana said.
The Tune M1, custom built for her 5.5-foot Tundra, transformed her setup. The added width made the bed feel much more spacious, and the glass awning doors and six canopy windows brought in tons of natural light, making the interior feel even bigger.
“Having way more space because of the Tune has opened up so many more doors for adventure,” Dana said.
That extra room allowed Dana to turn her photography hobby into a passion she now uses for work. She also loves to ski and appreciates how the Tune M1 lets her travel to ski resorts without having to pay for pricey hotels.
Her favorite way to find campsites is by asking locals, since they know the area best. She also uses an app called iOverlander to locate national forests and BLM land. (Read our blog on Leaving No Trace while overlanding to learn the best practices for camping on public lands.)
Even though she has her own permanent place, her Tune M1 pop-up camper acts as a second home, and she lives out of it for up to two months at a time. Dana loves being comfortable, and the Tune M1 lets her have that comfort without giving up adventure.
“As far as camping goes, I love being cozy and making it actually feel like home—which the Tune has allowed me to do,” Dana said.
The ability to customize her Tune M1 is another way Dana makes it feel even more like home. Her favorite additions are the MOLLE panel, which keeps her everyday essentials within easy reach, and the Truma heater, which lets her camp comfortably even in the Colorado cold.
Dana recommends the Tune M1 to any women considering getting into overlanding, noting that it is incredibly durable. While it can feel intimidating at first, she says the comfort and safety of the Tune M1 made the transition easy.
“When I'm sleeping in it, I feel just like I'm in my house. I feel really comfortable. I’ve never felt unsafe on the road,” Dana said.
With the added space and the safety and sense of home the Tune M1 provides, Dana’s possibilities feel wide open.
“There’s really no limit to how far we can go,” Dana said.
FAQ
What are the main advantages of upgrading from a rooftop tent to a truck camper?
Most people upgrade for more interior space, better insulation, improved weather protection, and the ability to work, sleep, and live comfortably on the road. A truck camper also offers better security and is easier to set up and pack down. Compare our campers!
Why choose Tune Outdoor for your adventures?
We build lightweight, durable campers designed to maximize space, function, and reliability without overloading your truck. Our modular designs, premium materials, and long-term support make our campers a dependable choice for everyday travel and serious off-grid adventures!
Is the Tune M1 a good option for solo female travelers?
Yes! Many women like Dana choose the Tune M1 for its durability, security, and ease of use. It provides a safe, enclosed sleeping space that feels similar to being at home!
What trucks are compatible with the Tune M1 camper?
The M1 is built to fit a wide range of midsize and full-size trucks, including the Toyota Tacoma, Tundra, Ford F-150, and similar models. Our clamp-mount system keeps installation simple, secure, and non-permanent.
