The Ultimate DIY Truck Bed Camper Build for Camping and Living in Your Truck
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- čas přidán 11. 04. 2016
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Don't forget to LIKE, SHARE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE! Step by step direction, drawings, and detailed photos about how to build the ultimate truck camping setup can be found on my site.
Want to get started with your own truck camper build? Read this detailed post about what you need to get started truck camping:
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MUSIC: www.incompetech.com - Thief in the Night
Truck camping is an incredible way to road trip, travel, and see the world (Yes, I said world). I've taken my truck from Seattle all across the American West (a few times) and all the way through Central America to Colombia. It was an awesome adventure. And I'll keep going and using my truck camper for as long as the motor holds up. :)
In this video I share with you exactly how to create the best truck camper setup, bar-none. Usually people build elevated sleeping platforms, but then they have to deal with limited living space.
Or they build a backshelf approach which limits gear storage and gear security...
So I just decided to build a best of both worlds approach, my transformer style build.
With the transformer style truck camping build you've got the ability to securely store and organize your gear while traveling and the ability to sleep in the elevated platform (perfect for stealth urban or suburban camping).
Or you can easily rearrange things for base camp mode and let yourself be more comfortable.
It's a win-win for truck campers.
In this video I go into exactly how we built this awesome setup and how you can replicate it in your own vehicle, including what lumber you'll need.
If you're into truck camping, don't forget to join our community on Facebook at / truckcamping
Posted by www.desktodirtbag.com
This is PERFECT! I just got back from the Appalachian Trail and now I'm planning my next adventure of driving across the US and hiking a bunch of national parks while living out of my truck bed. This is exactly the kind of setup I've been looking for - simple and effective and still gives me headroom and plenty of storage!
Nicely detailed build. - I like the two different sleeping options. Great video - thank you. Julie
Thanks for watching! :)
that's a very interesting setup, thanks for sharing
+Doc Ink thanks for watching Doc!
Have a 2006 F-150, with an 8 foot bed. about 75% finished. Working on electric inverter and battery box, with solar charge now. Best advice. Just sit down and basically brainstorm and draw out what you would like, and a list of supplies. Then get started. Don't be afraid if things change. It is a work in progress. Lots of good ideas on youtube. And most important. Have fun!
EXCELLENT setup.
Thank you for all the detail involved in this truck build. It really is a nice set up. Well done video. Looking forward to more videos on this topic. thank you.. Julie
Thanks! Glad you liked the video. I'm sure I'll put together occasional videos in the future when the moment is right... :)
I like this one I've watched alot to get ideas the bed siting lower means you won't hit your head when you get up nice
I like it a lot!
Nicely done
GREAT BUILD MAN!
Thanks Tony!
Good job.. I see we have the same kind of camper LEER. I special ordered mine because I wanted the luggage racks on top, along with the removable front slider window, and the special pet screens... Oh yes, it's also lined as yours is... Anyway, thanks for sharing the video, you have given me some ideas here....
I was just looking at buying a truck camper and felt a bit down after seeing my ram 1500 couldn't handle the weight but you just inspired me to build my own and it will be a lot lighter and cheaper, Thanks for inspiration!
Glad it gave you a bit of renewed inspiration!
Eastern Explorer I have a half ton chevy I have built my one it's great
Eastern Explorer I have a ram 1500 crew cab with short bed and a camper shell on it. I did a simple build of a platform with 2 drawers and I love it. Nothing fancy just nice and simple.
Your "ram 1500 couldn't handle the weight" of a topper and a simple platform? Then sell it and get a Corolla.
Useful & Cheap but WORKS 👍👍👌🏼👌🏼🎉🏋
I'm liking your approach. The "transformer" platform looks like the way to go. I'm getting ready to build out my Tacoma. I am already regretting buying a cab high shell, so the extra headroom with your setup looks like the way to go. My only concern is I'm 6'3" and I pretty much need to sleep cattycorner to fit in my 6' bed comfortably.
Thanks! Yeah, truck camping can be tricky for taller people... Diagonal sleeping might be the way to go. In the elevated mode you'll have a bit more diagonal space as well. Though I prefer to sleep in basecamp mode.
I think I'm going to make my platform lower so it sits right on the wheel wells. I'll sacrifice the underneath space for living space. I'm stealing your lock (idea) too! (irony intended)
bcask61 Maybe my truck can give you some ideas
Great build. Quick Question: One piece of plywood doesn't seem that sturdy. I'm 6'5'' and around 250lbs so I'm wondering if you always have to put something underneath when you are sleeping (i.e. a cooler) to make sure the plywood doesn't bend in the middle? Or is your build strong enough to support you without bracing it at all underneath? Thanks!
Where did u get the clips for curtains from? ..cool setup!!
nice content. thanks. ive got a very similar set up. when its hot, i like to sleep with tailgate down and the door up, but misquitos get in. any elegant netting ideas?
Radnally you could set up a net easily
Do you have trouble with your truck canopy leaking? I have one similar to yours and the carpet seems to soak up water when it's raining and in turn my bed soaks it up. Woke up soaking wet after a really long night or rain... sucked!
I like this idea I'm going to try it in my truck I have the same canopy as you do thank you for this interesting and easy build
What's the make of your camper shell I have a long bed on my truck
Great setup and thanks for the tips. Where did you purchase the Velcro clips or was that something you put together by yourself?
+Travis Thrower Velcro was purchased at a crafts store I think (in a small roll), and the clips were purchased at wal-mart... just stick the sticky side to the clip!
+Desk to Dirtbag Thanks for another great tip. I will use this setup in my truck. I was looking for alternatives to drilling holes in my truck cap and this is a great one!
Do you have a video of how you close your tailgate when you are inside for sleeping? Or do you just leave it open?
No video, I just reach through the open canopy door and close the tailgate, it's pretty easy. I've heard of some people attaching a strap but that doesn't really seem necessary for me.
How wide is the sleeping platform?
👍
do you feel the 1/2" ply is strong enough when you're sleeping on it? especially with that distance between the 'ledges'.
For an adult, if unreinforced, I would definitely go with at least 3/4"
Tacoma? Would you recommend buying a truck with an extended cab or regular cab (where the back window butts right up against the bed)? Looking to do a 2 month road trip in a year, having fun planning it and watching your videos. Thanks!
+double bonded HIlux, pre Tacoma. I would recommend an extended cab for sure if you have the opportunity. More room for gear storage and organization. Some people take out the back seat, install mini fridges or other awesome things...
double bonded Most diffently at least a king cab
Harbor Freight sells some great steel safes. I have one and will be mounting it inside of my camper in the future. So have a look at a harbor freight store... By the way, my safe works with both combination and key. Combo to open, and if the combo fails, you have a key that or keys that will open it.
Have you ever had a problem with water getting in the cap? I have the same cap for an 04 Colorado that I just bought and water leaks through the bottom of the back windows and pools up around the lip on the inside, which is carpeted. Any suggestions?
Nathan Khalsa leaks can be easily caused by mounting you topper to tight. The topper is supposed able to give a bit when driving offroad. If the topper is mounted to tight it can't "give" when you "twist" your truck up. Just google "the proper way to mount a topper" and you will get good information from retail sellers of these toppers. Don't know if this is your problem or not but just wanted to give you additional solutions to check into.
Please keep us up with finishing it an any more mods . We like yr use of Sq.Ft. the best . Kids ( or me ) will get gashed by the L brackets stickin out . Much luk
+Tracy James Tavares Yeah, I could see that possibly happening with kids... Perhaps they could be filed down a little to round off the corners or something else?
Desk to Dirtbag The kids wont learn no matter how we file them . (L)
How did you carve out the spaces for the truck canopy clamps?
Skilsaw
Gotcha, thank you
I've watched our videos several times at this point and still curious how you dealt with the leaks from the top.
So far I've caulked every single window on the inside, bout to do the outside, and add another clamp in the middle on both sides to try and stop leaks.
Did you do anything particular?
A gasket between the bed and topper is more than adequate. And I'm not sure what the problems are with your windows - others don't have such a problem..
is that mosquito proof?
ultimate?
Exactly what I was thinking. If you start with 2x4s, CDX plywood, and a worm-drive Skillsaw, how can you even begin to think this is an "ultimate" build? I know I'm sounding like a hater, but really dude, it's just an okay job with base materials and novice skills.
Can we agree that this is a basic, no frills, functional setup that you can get by with? Apparently, others are inspired and that's great, but calling it the ultimate bed camper build is pushing it.
did i spot an evergreen state college sticker?
Nope, I'm a Husky. :P
Any kind of weight should be kept low for stability. A slightly longer S/S screw/washers with perhaps plumbers banding would hold your window covers in place? Do watch that you don't get a build up of moisture/water under your plastic box cover. I like the 1/2" ply in the groves.
B
Ultimate Huh?
You heard it here first.
Not exactly the ultimate lol
What do you want, big wooden drawers? I'd consider it ultimate because of the versatility.