The van life was such an intriguing concept for a while, but now some adventurous types have started living out of their truck beds after constructing some basic amenities. Sure, you can’t fit a shower or a cooking range, but the more skilled Tetris players can fit in things like a gas range, queen bed, and tankless toilet!
In case you have ever wondered what exactly are the essential details of a pick-up truck picnic, we’ve got the all the facts.
What is Pick-up Picnic?
It is a picnic in the back of a pick-up truck. Yes, there is such a thing. If you have a truck, that’s fantastic. Otherwise, borrow one. That is precisely what people are doing nowadays! We guarantee this will be the most enjoyable picnic you’ve ever had with your family!
A pick-up truck picnic is a unique idea for a good time with your family!
The key to this date is to park the truck somewhere with a great view. It is advised to park in a very secluded park that is usually relatively empty and faces the water. You could also consider a more rustic setting with plenty of trees. Even a farm would suffice. Consider putting a barn in the background for a more rustic look.
Pick-up Truck Picnic Possibilities
Here are some of the unique ideas that you may use for a pick-up truck picnic:
- Net Hammock
You can weave a net hammock in the space above a truck bed with just a $30 spool of webbing or elastic. Many people repurpose ordinary cargo nets and string them together tightly to achieve the same effect. You can also use a net hammock and tie it to the front and back of the bed. Use heavy-duty elastic woven with many contact points around the rim of the bed for a more premium experience.
If you have a full hardtop cover, use it in the winter with a small space heater and some hot cocoa! Unlike an air mattress, this will never collapse in the middle of the night or fail to fit around your wheel wells.
- Benches on an Open Tour Bus
This is a simple change that can be added and removed. The simple side of this is a basic wooden box that fits around the wheel well for kids to sit on during a fall hayride. The extreme version is two rows of carpeted or cushioned seats with an extra-tall bed cover fitted to a snow-tracked pick-up truck. It can be used as a shuttle for skiing and sledding; it’s like a ski resort, but for free!
The possibilities are endless. The back-seat style is more popular, as is a center bench that allows people to face outward for activities such as caroling.
- Movie Night
A simple movie night in the truck can consist of blankets, pillows, and popcorn. It can also be as elaborate as mounting a projector in the bed, installing surround sound on an iPad, or even backing up to a backyard drive-in with your truck buddies.
Keep in mind that you have a mobile advantage. I dare you to watch a horror film like Strangers late at night. Most grown men should avoid it. You could also take a date to watch 50 First Dates late at night on the beach!
Checklist for a Pick-up Truck Picnic
Everything must be brought with you. Here’s a checklist to get you started:
Decor:
- For the floor, use a blanket or a tablecloth.
- In case it gets cold, brings a blanket.
- Small tables made from crates
- Candles
- Napkins
- Flowers to sit on Pillows
- If your picnic lasts past sunset, bring patio lights.
Picnic food and beverages:
- Large serving platter
- Cheese
- Fruit
- Bottles of water
- Glasses for wine
- Crackers
- Pretzels and hummus
- Sandwiches in miniature
Picnic Food Ideas
These picnic recipes are portable and casual, making them ideal for a picnic menu. You can create a memorable mobile feast using these recipes.
- Egg Salad
It’s all about the name! Whether you sandwich it between two slices of bread or spread it on toasted baguette slices, this simple, old-school egg salad recipe will fit right in on your picnic spread.
- No-Bake Granola Bars
These healthy homemade granola bars will keep everyone full all day, and there are three flavor options to please everyone in the family.
- Pimiento Cheese (Basic)
Put a Tupperware container of pimiento cheese and a variety of crackers in your basket, and you’re ready to go. You could also use this favorite spread to make portable sandwiches.
- Straws of Cheddar Cheese
Because they’re so easy to toss in a tin and take with you, cheese straws are an all-time favorite Southern snack for parties, hostess gifts, and any other occasion.
- Salad of Cheese Puffs with Ham
This classic recipe is delicious, nostalgic, and simple to pack and take to the park in zip-top plastic bags for a filling lunch.
- Panini with smoked chicken and basil mayonnaise
This panini recipe calls for freshly grilled chicken, but you could save time using rotisserie chicken from the fridge.
- Salad with Turkey
Whether you make the traditional version or one of our variations—Golden Curry Turkey Salad, Pickle-and-Dill Turkey Salad, or Fruit-and-Nut Turkey Salad—you’ll love it.
The Bottom Line
So, you can turn your truck bed into a fun date night, a family party, or even a full-fledged business. Any of these can be done for less than $100 and a few tools; hopefully, they’ll inspire you to try something new. Who can say? You could start a new trend!
Find a pick-up truck to fit your family’s needs at any Car Credit Tampa Bay location:
3923 East Hillsborough Avenue, Tampa
2902 West Hillsborough Avenue, North West Tampa
2008 US Highway 19 North, Holiday
108 North US Highway 41, Ruskin