Homemade truck camper

If you already own a truck, homemade truck camper, a DIY truck bed camper build is an inexpensive way to create a place to sleep wherever your adventures take you. Our step-by-step tutorial will walk you through how we created a place for two to sleep in the back of our F Our build includes plenty of storage space and could be used in either homemade truck camper 6-foot or 8-foot pickup truck bed. Instead, we share plenty of pictures and provide detailed instructions.

Lots of people have found my truck canopy camping build online and have replicated it themselves. I took advantage when I had my truck emptied out for cleaning and shot a video explaining how to build this DIY truck bed camper setup. Read more about the pros and cons of each approach here. Using a Skilsaw, notch out where the canopy clamps will sit, along with any other obstructions. Measure how wide you want your vertical side bins to be… I made them as narrow as possible to maximize sleeping space.

Homemade truck camper

So I decided to build a cab-over camper for my pickup instead. I also wanted to be able to haul my kayaks in it as needed without having to remove the camper. My design would need to be able to drive the truck with the tailgate up but when camping the tailgate would be lowered allowing for a full size door in the back. The door would have a bottom section that would fold down in use. More on that later The frame is 2 X 2 pine lumber. It's about half the cost if you buy 2 X 4's and rip them with a table saw. Some of them I was able to rip 3 or 4 times for thinner framing as needed. The frame is glued with Titebond II and screwed together with 3 inch drywall screws. After the glue dries the staples are no longer needed and can be removed before covering. I started to leave the staples in but discovered they show through the covering. The camper is covered with fabric and paint, otherwise known as "Poor Man's Fiberglass". It's lightweight, durable, and waterproof. The glue is applied to the plywood with paint rollers or brushes. You can use canvas, bed-sheets, most any kind of fabric.

It helps keep our super comfortable mattress pads in place. These supports are then glued and screwed in place. However, it homemade truck camper functions as it should.

The couple had previously used a more common truck cap with drawer system and futon mattress setup. This experience guided them as they built Adventure Truck 2. The foundation of this camper began with an aluminum contractor's cap with an internal square tube cage. The aluminum skin was removed and the top portion was removed to make room for a custom pop-top. While in travel-mode the camper looks as unassuming as any ordinary commercial topper. A series of latches on each corner keep the top securely closed while four struts assist in raising it up for camp. Each side wall consists of two pieces which are hinged together allowing them to fold on top of each other as the roof is lowered, and expand when it's opened.

Camping is always such a fun thing to do. Do you require an affordable way to camp but you want to be more secure than you would in a camping tent? A homemade truck camper is the answer for you. It is custom built, versatile and easy to build which makes it the best option for your camping needs. Truck campers have been used from the mid They are super convenient because you can simply move around with them anywhere. This is a step by step guide that shows you how to set up your own truck camper and a sleeping platform design. It is perfect for camping with overland campers and also for solo truck camping in a truck topper. The tutorial offers some design goals for building the camper so that you can guide you as you build. The materials needed for this are an oak board, a cabinet grade, a pair of drawer slides, a drawer handle, self-tapping screws and jig screws.

Homemade truck camper

A DIY truck camper is a perfect solution for wanderlust. If you already have a truck, you can realistically build a simple homemade truck camper in just one day! A pickup truck is the perfect camping vehicle. Trucks can hold a lot of stuff, and you can transform the bed into a camper to upgrade from tent camping. Yes, you can!

Repco tool chest

All Brands. When we started this conversion project, we were novice construction workers. Using the measurements of the truck bed interior, draw a simple pattern of your design with a pen and paper. From tools and supplies to personal items, the tool box is a helpful addition and a very wise use of space. Make sure the blanket is nice and tight from the adjoining ceiling-to-tailgate connection. I have a short bed 5. C6 Outdoor. Repeat this process for the other side of your truck. We grow through learning. Toyota Tacoma Overland Build. Cordless drill—If you plan to cut out the holes in the bed supports with a hole saw, as you will see Jack doing so below, you will need a drill with some power to it. After trying multiple truck mattress options, we found the perfect tri-fold memory foam truck bed mattress that can be customized to your truck camping setup. Surround yourself with positive energy There will be times when you get frustrated. You can find a more detailed account of the camper build by clicking here.

Heading out the door?

Purchase essential gear to start truck camping which includes a sleeping pad or mattress , sleeping bag , two-burner stove , cooler, storage boxes, etc. Privacy Policy. When we moved apartments in Boston after our first downsize, we were able to fit our entire apartment in the back of the truck. It makes a great cooking area or place to grab a quick seat. I built mine out slowly over about five months, working on it when I had time. When he woke up the next morning, everything in the truck was wet because he had to leave the side access-door open for air circulation. Take your time with this step as the BedRug has been folded up and the zipper may take a few times to follow its track. In the drawer, we keep items we use every time we camp. Fiberglass screening. Start by attaching the VELCRO to its counterpart on the toolbox-side strip that extends from the bulkhead to the tailgate. The small electric space heater that we use if we have access to electricity on a cold night, a golf umbrella for rainy days. You can also get several mounts if you want to move the table to various spots outside, for instance , and the company has some cool accessories if you want to hang a book or iPad from it.