Nice design and use of space. Something I would make note of regarding the 2x10 boards, and all the vertical plywood. Keeping them solid is A LOT of extra weight for no reason. If you cut "windows" throughout the lengths of these vertical areas, you can removed over half the weight of each piece of lumber. I made a fridge platform to set in place where my Tacoma passenger rear seat location was out of 3/4" plywood. After removing a lot material along the vertical areas with radiused and routed "windows", as well as a few along the actual surface area of the platform itself, it came out super light, but every bit as strong as it needs to be to support my 37 qt ARB fridge. These "windows" also allows me to easily pass items under, or through the windows with ease. So, especially the 2 x 10s in your build, evenly spaced radiused windows cut out and edges rounded with a router will greatly reduce the weight of said lumber without compromising the required support that they need to provide.
I second this. Its the only flaw in this guys build ( which im copying almost exactly) but yea 3/4 seems like over kill, but then agian im worried about thieves in my area so ill be fastning the frame to the back strap points, and make the bed hinged to fold onto the bed space so i can still hall stuff with half the bed. LOVE this video.
I have a 21 Tacoma 5ft bed also and I thought my dreams of camping from the bed was a bust. Dude your video has saved my dream. I will be building this. I’m a short guy 5’8ft so this will be perfect. Now I can haul my boat around camping from my truck.
I’ve wanted to build out my 2nd gen Taco but haven’t been able b/c of the length. Then it dawned on me, sleep on the diagonal like I do in my hammock. Lo and behold about a week after the light bulb went off, I found this video! Thank you!
Really?.... This is for fun. With that response. I would say you are educated beyond the viewers' intelligence. That's a cool formula.... @samasplund66
I've done the diagonal setup and it works awesome and I'm 5.11 tall with the same bed size in my Ford Ranger. I've got a sink with running water, lights and power back there. Its a good stealth camper.
Thanks for this video. You motivated me to do something like this and I Just finished building a super similar setup, with the carpet lined plywood and storage underneath. Came out awesome! Subscribed 🙏🏼👍🏼
Bad ass build. I have a 6’ bed and trying to figure out how I can incorporate something like this and still be able to use my bed to haul stuff around.
Excellent video! I subscribed, you have great ideas, and do nice finish work. I have a 6-1/2’ bed to work with, and bought a pre-owned like new Leer camper shell today, it even matches my Silverado color. The build will be for me at 5-11 and my 5-3 Wife and 2 small dogs. I think the diagonal cut like yours would work good. I really like the idea of that empty bed level flat space. You might want to consider insulating your shells roof, if you haven’t yet…I’ll have to check out your other videos. Thanks.👍
First time subscriber and viewer. I’ve been thinking the same thing for my 24’ ford maverick. My bed is 54” long x 52” wide with a diagonal measurement of 73”. I’m 5’7” or 67” tall. And like you, I want to overland camp with the tailgate up and shell door closed, inspite of the weather or critters. I’ve checked so many blogs and haven’t found anyone doing something useable. I want to sleep flat on my back and straight too. The lack of information has been discouraging. Thank you so much for motivating me to continue to find an answer. Looking forward to more of your camping tips
I used a piece of plexiglass and a pvc collar to run exhaust out of the camper shell. cut your plexiglass to the size you want, then use a whole hole saw for the size of pvc needed to clamp exhaust tubing to. Epoxy the pvc in place or use collars on both sides to hold it in place. I used one collar and cut it down to keep things a bit more flush.
Dude thanks for making this! I have a little Mazda and I needed some motivation and Ideas to implement something like this. I’m 6’2” and I can’t sleep straight in my bed.
as a 5'4 2018 tacoma short bed owner I probably don't even need the diagonal sleeping position. But this!! THIS I am doing. I just need $3000 for a paint matched topper :')
I can't stop thinking about this build and little ways I'm going to tweak it to work for me. Like having the top bed platform on a folding hinge somewhere down the middle, to fold up and use the underside as 'table space'. This would create a narrow aisle (which with the bed down would just be slot-storage accessed from the front of the bed per usual for camp chairs/stove/etc.) for a small chair to sit in against the back of the bed, as well as transport my bicycle standing upright as usual around town, without the camping setup being in the way. I'm tempted to do this as well, with a softopper, and during the work-week or not camping, throw my tonneau cover on to hide it all. Slightly cheaper and less permanent option.
Nice job. I just finished my Tacoma set up (long bed) but this vid was worth watching just for the use of the bed rails to make a night stand. Guess I’m not finished anymore😂
I want to build this exact set up. I'm a lineman and I'm out of town during the week and hat staying in hotels, I rather pocket that money and build this set up and stay in this and go to a gym and shower during the week. I would love a video about how u ran your wires for the power set up and ac unit. I saw the back seat set up video. I rather not mess with a roof top tent if I can avoid it. I'm 5'9" as well. Thanks for this informative video by the way!
I noticed you used biscuits to join the two pieces of ply together. If you had to do it again, would you use dowels instead or did the biscuit joint bond together well enough to last long term?
I saw your "Short" (pun intended🙃) which reminded me of a First Class airline suite. I've been wondering why no one did a build going diagonal. I am impressed with your personal design and attention to detail. I know this is an older video/project, but wanted to comment.
New sub here! Best video for a truck camper setup for the short bed tacoma!!! Would you be able to share the measurements for your setup? I’d really want to copy this build and go solo camping with my Taco.🙏🏼✌🏻🔥
Nice setup, mind if i ask what wheels, shocks(height) and tire setup are you running. I got camper shell with prinsu racks on both cab and shell with couple of gun cases from HF. Just wondering what suspension to go with and what would be the ideal height with the extra weight? Thanks
Great build and I will be following closely. If all goes as planned I'm buying a Tacoma later in the fall when the dealer gets them in and will be looking on doing the same. If I do I'll ber doing a video and will link your build on my little channel as well if you don't mind.
Not a bad support system and the final product looks really nice but out of curiosity, is there a reason you didn't just cut to size and lay two 2'x8's across utilizing the built in slat "shelves" on either side of the bed? This eliminates the need for any vertical framing and thus allowing you full access to the bottom or "storage area" under your plywood sleeping platform
Did you use spray adhesive for the carpet before folding and stapling? What did you use for cutting thick foam pad? Any suggestions or better ideas after actually doing? Thank you . Love your thought process and ideas - I subscribed months ago after running across your work! Kerry
Too bad you didn't record the exact measurements for someone that's not as carpenter handy to copy and paste a similar build. Great video nonetheless 👏
Thank you for your design ideas. Do you have a blueprint of your design? I'm struggling with the full space I need to use. I have a RAM 1500 with a 5'7 bed, so I need to modify accordingly. Any assistance would be helpful. Thanks
Hey man, really nice set up. I’m getting my smarcap installed in a couple of days. I have a stock suspension with the icon added leaf and as it is its already sagging a bit with the weight of RTT, temporary rack and sine camping gear. Can you share if you did anything to your rear suspension to accommodate all the added weight? I assume you constantly have most of it always on the truck. Im planning on getting a decked drawer system too
Excellent build! I am just starting mine in my Tundra so I appreciate learning from yours! By chance do you have a link for the topper clamps? I just bought a used top that only had C clamps. I need same as you with the rail system. TIA!
Man, this is awesome. I'm getting ready to do my build and this is a great alternative to the truck bed extension module that I do not have time for. Can you tell me what thickness of plywood you used and what method you used to fasten the pieces and boards together?
Nice setup. Question i have is going down gravel roads i somehow get a little dust find a way in and lightly coat things. With the trunk carpet does it get covered and such?
Fantastic build. I like your design and thankyou for sharing. I'm a little confused though. You said it was just for when you go out camping alone. But during the segment you kept saying, many times, "we" are gonna do this and "we're" gonna sleep here. Is this just for one person or are you planning for two to occupy the camper?
I actually subbed because I saw your early Tacoma videos about a year ago and ended up unsubbing last month due to no Tacoma videos, just saw your post on budget overland and now I’m here again lol
Nice build. Be sure to leave a window open slightly for ventilation. People have went to sleep in cars and not woken up due to no ventilation and asphyxiation. That will also prevent condensation from forming on the roof of the camper. Great use of available space though!
Really, Throw a couple of end tables, partial board type. Or just a cot. Use a doubled over two inch foam pad . Two by 4s way overkill.😮kiddy recliner for long sits.
@@KayakUSA1 I thought your tag was an Alabama one, you still use your Tacoma camper shell set up & did you get ac going in it. I have a 2020, i think I’ll set mine up like yours. Thanks for the videos, I live down here on the Panhandle in Florida! You serve? Me too retired Army!
I've only just discovered your channel and wonder how it turned out and IF you stuck with it or changed your plans. My Concerns - Here in Australia, one of the things that I've noticed is what I call 'death by corrugations'. Essentially this is off roading & long trips on heavily corrugated roads, and have that jack hammer feel as you try to find that 'sweet spot' to minimise the vibrations. I've seen people take caravans down these outback roads, only for everything to start falling apart on them. I'm not saying your build will do that. And I'm guessing the suspension on your Tacoma will handle most rough tracks. But is it a consideration?
Nice design and use of space.
Something I would make note of regarding the 2x10 boards, and all the vertical plywood. Keeping them solid is A LOT of extra weight for no reason. If you cut "windows" throughout the lengths of these vertical areas, you can removed over half the weight of each piece of lumber.
I made a fridge platform to set in place where my Tacoma passenger rear seat location was out of 3/4" plywood. After removing a lot material along the vertical areas with radiused and routed "windows", as well as a few along the actual surface area of the platform itself, it came out super light, but every bit as strong as it needs to be to support my 37 qt ARB fridge.
These "windows" also allows me to easily pass items under, or through the windows with ease.
So, especially the 2 x 10s in your build, evenly spaced radiused windows cut out and edges rounded with a router will greatly reduce the weight of said lumber without compromising the required support that they need to provide.
Great idea!
I second this. Its the only flaw in this guys build ( which im copying almost exactly) but yea 3/4 seems like over kill, but then agian im worried about thieves in my area so ill be fastning the frame to the back strap points, and make the bed hinged to fold onto the bed space so i can still hall stuff with half the bed. LOVE this video.
I have a 21 Tacoma 5ft bed also and I thought my dreams of camping from the bed was a bust. Dude your video has saved my dream. I will be building this. I’m a short guy 5’8ft so this will be perfect. Now I can haul my boat around camping from my truck.
That is one of the most efficient setup I’ve seen so far. I am definitely going to copy this one.
Quick tip : don’t forget to install the curtains on the windows on the shell, that way no sunlight get into you inside
Dude. You just help me solve a year long quest to figure out how to complete my truck bed camper. Epic
I’ve wanted to build out my 2nd gen Taco but haven’t been able b/c of the length. Then it dawned on me, sleep on the diagonal like I do in my hammock.
Lo and behold about a week after the light bulb went off, I found this video!
Thank you!
You can do it! Thanks for watching and I’m happy my video helped 🤙🏼
My 2023 Tacoma short bed is 5 feet 7 inches. I’m 5’10 inches and sleep diagonally too.
Next time can you lay on the platform? I wanted to see if you fit and what it would look like
Me as well.
If you use the Pythagorean theorem 4.5^2 + 5^2= c^2 it comes out to around 6 foot 3 diagonally so it would fit an average sized adult
Really?.... This is for fun. With that response. I would say you are educated beyond the viewers' intelligence. That's a cool formula....
@samasplund66
@@donniehelmly4920 BOT
Brilliant.
I've done the diagonal setup and it works awesome and I'm 5.11 tall with the same bed size in my Ford Ranger. I've got a sink with running water, lights and power back there. Its a good stealth camper.
Make sure to give yourself plenty of room to sit up in there.
Heck yeah man! I'm gonna try to build mine out with as much stuff as possible but keeping it practical and usable!
@@KayakUSA1 you're gonna love using it. I've done all kinds of camping and it's now my favourite. No setup required and can camp virtually anywhere.
Awesome 👍 I think it's looking good
Thank you! Cheers!
Thanks for this video. You motivated me to do something like this and I Just finished building a super similar setup, with the carpet lined plywood and storage underneath. Came out awesome! Subscribed 🙏🏼👍🏼
Awesome!! Glad to hear it man, Thanks for the support!
That's a sick little set up bra 🤘🇺🇸
Gotta say man im digging the idea!!! looks good!
Thanks!!
Dude! This is killer! I love it
So so giddy good I’m going to take my truck to Tijuana to get this done.
That’s why I would get an Access Cab to get the 6’ bed because my 5’10” frame would fit. Plus I like the look of the Access Cab lifted.
That shelf is a very good idea. I think I am going to do the same thing. Thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
Awesome build
Thanks!
I really like the camper set up. Nice use of such a small area.
Thank you!
You’re welcome.
This is an S tier video, well done and thank you for the design I'll be doing it too though I think I'll be using a twill softopper
Glad to help, thanks for watching! 👍🏼
Bad ass build. I have a 6’ bed and trying to figure out how I can incorporate something like this and still be able to use my bed to haul stuff around.
I bought a 5.7 bed truck and im 6foot. I can sleep at an angl. But this build was on point for what i need! Thank you !
Glad I could help!
omg thats ffreaking bad ass man thanks for sharing im looking for something like this myself for out of state hunting
@kayakusa should mount a pistol holster under the cup holder shelf nice work
Very good idea! Thanks man
Super great job 👍 you really thought this out . Turned out great 👍
Thank you very much!
Pythagoras smiles upon you
A clever build. Very inspiring.
Very nice set up I will copy it my bed is six feet. Good work bro !
Thanks 👍
Excellent video! I subscribed, you have great ideas, and do nice finish work. I have a 6-1/2’ bed to work with, and bought a pre-owned like new Leer camper shell today, it even matches my Silverado color. The build will be for me at 5-11 and my 5-3 Wife and 2 small dogs. I think the diagonal cut like yours would work good. I really like the idea of that empty bed level flat space.
You might want to consider insulating your shells roof, if you haven’t yet…I’ll have to check out your other videos.
Thanks.👍
Thanks! Good luck with your build 👊🏼
This right here!!!! Love it! I’ve been looking for something just like this for my short bed Tacoma. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful! Be sure to subscribe for more updates 👍🏼
PTL Nice Thanks Got Same truck different color dark er color hopeing a cot might work
Good build
Awesome build. I wished I found your video prior bought bam bed.
First time subscriber and viewer. I’ve been thinking the same thing for my 24’ ford maverick. My bed is 54” long x 52” wide with a diagonal measurement of 73”. I’m 5’7” or 67” tall. And like you, I want to overland camp with the tailgate up and shell door closed, inspite of the weather or critters. I’ve checked so many blogs and haven’t found anyone doing something useable. I want to sleep flat on my back and straight too. The lack of information has been discouraging. Thank you so much for motivating me to continue to find an answer. Looking forward to more of your camping tips
Thanks for the kind words! I’m glad I could help you out 🤙🏼
Very nice job.
Thank you!
I used a piece of plexiglass and a pvc collar to run exhaust out of the camper shell. cut your plexiglass to the size you want, then use a whole hole saw for the size of pvc needed to clamp exhaust tubing to. Epoxy the pvc in place or use collars on both sides to hold it in place. I used one collar and cut it down to keep things a bit more flush.
I actually just finished mine today! Basically the same way you said 🤙🏼
sick man, love it
Love your setup. I'm going to use this video to setup my 2nd gen taco. Where did you get the bed carpeting? Thanks again for your effort.
Did you drill and peg the 8” length of plywood. It was hard to see that portion in the video.
Yes, I used jointer biscuits 👍🏼
Slick setup
Professional and perfect from my view!👍
Thank you very much!
One of my top 5 projects you’ve done, looks great!
Thanks! Mine too!
Dude thanks for making this! I have a little Mazda and I needed some motivation and Ideas to implement something like this. I’m 6’2” and I can’t sleep straight in my bed.
Looking to do my truck. It’s a 5.5 bed and this is a great idea 👍
Looks awesome !!!!
Thanks Man!!
Glad I found this video.. this is exactly the build I'm going for my truck. still looking for the camper shell though
This is awesome
Thanks!
Nice job
Thanks!
Get a kreg jig! You will love it
That’s cool as shit man!!
Thanks man!
Go to Any Hobby Lobby for your Curtains
as a 5'4 2018 tacoma short bed owner
I probably don't even need the diagonal sleeping position. But this!! THIS I am doing.
I just need $3000 for a paint matched topper :')
I can't stop thinking about this build and little ways I'm going to tweak it to work for me.
Like having the top bed platform on a folding hinge somewhere down the middle, to fold up and use the underside as 'table space'. This would create a narrow aisle (which with the bed down would just be slot-storage accessed from the front of the bed per usual for camp chairs/stove/etc.) for a small chair to sit in against the back of the bed, as well as transport my bicycle standing upright as usual around town, without the camping setup being in the way.
I'm tempted to do this as well, with a softopper, and during the work-week or not camping, throw my tonneau cover on to hide it all. Slightly cheaper and less permanent option.
Nice job. I just finished my Tacoma set up (long bed) but this vid was worth watching just for the use of the bed rails to make a night stand. Guess I’m not finished anymore😂
Thank you Matthew McConaughey
Well , Alright Alright Alright…
@@KayakUSA1 lol
How did you attach the shelf in the corner?
I like it. Did you get AC installed?
I want to build this exact set up. I'm a lineman and I'm out of town during the week and hat staying in hotels, I rather pocket that money and build this set up and stay in this and go to a gym and shower during the week. I would love a video about how u ran your wires for the power set up and ac unit. I saw the back seat set up video. I rather not mess with a roof top tent if I can avoid it. I'm 5'9" as well. Thanks for this informative video by the way!
Where did you order the carpet for the bed from?
I noticed you used biscuits to join the two pieces of ply together. If you had to do it again, would you use dowels instead or did the biscuit joint bond together well enough to last long term?
I have a nissan frontier short bed that i want to turn into solo camper. Probably not as fancy as yours but i like your ideas. Good video
Awesome build! Anyway you could provide dimensions for the build?
I saw your "Short" (pun intended🙃) which reminded me of a First Class airline suite. I've been wondering why no one did a build going diagonal. I am impressed with your personal design and attention to detail. I know this is an older video/project, but wanted to comment.
Thanks man, it was a very cool setup 👍🏼
New sub here! Best video for a truck camper setup for the short bed tacoma!!! Would you be able to share the measurements for your setup? I’d really want to copy this build and go solo camping with my Taco.🙏🏼✌🏻🔥
So do you fit?
looks really good. But your missing the most important shot! you in it with the tailgate shut.
Nice setup, mind if i ask what wheels, shocks(height) and tire setup are you running. I got camper shell with prinsu racks on both cab and shell with couple of gun cases from HF. Just wondering what suspension to go with and what would be the ideal height with the extra weight? Thanks
Great build and I will be following closely. If all goes as planned I'm buying a Tacoma later in the fall when the dealer gets them in and will be looking on doing the same. If I do I'll ber doing a video and will link your build on my little channel as well if you don't mind.
Not a bad support system and the final product looks really nice but out of curiosity, is there a reason you didn't just cut to size and lay two 2'x8's across utilizing the built in slat "shelves" on either side of the bed? This eliminates the need for any vertical framing and thus allowing you full access to the bottom or "storage area" under your plywood sleeping platform
Hey mate, do you think two average height people could sleep in there?
There would have to be some serious snuggling involved…. 😂
Do you by chance have a bed that would fit that way? Or like know a place
Is there a materials list for this section?
Where did you get the carpet liner ?
amzn.to/48kdmy4
Did you use spray adhesive for the carpet before folding and stapling? What did you use for cutting thick foam pad? Any suggestions or better ideas after actually doing? Thank you
. Love your thought process and ideas - I subscribed months ago after running across your work! Kerry
Question… what specific product did you use to cover the top piece?
Car trunk liner from Amazon ( speaker box carpet ) 👍🏼
Too bad you didn't record the exact measurements for someone that's not as carpenter handy to copy and paste a similar build. Great video nonetheless 👏
Thank you for your design ideas. Do you have a blueprint of your design? I'm struggling with the full space I need to use. I have a RAM 1500 with a 5'7 bed, so I need to modify accordingly. Any assistance would be helpful. Thanks
Hey man, really nice set up. I’m getting my smarcap installed in a couple of days. I have a stock suspension with the icon added leaf and as it is its already sagging a bit with the weight of RTT, temporary rack and sine camping gear. Can you share if you did anything to your rear suspension to accommodate all the added weight? I assume you constantly have most of it always on the truck. Im planning on getting a decked drawer system too
I love what you did, Great video! , question where did get the clamps? do you have a link? i will really appreciated !
Which ones?
I couldn't tell for sure, did you screw the platform down to the 2 by 10?
Yep 👍🏼
Excellent build! I am just starting mine in my Tundra so I appreciate learning from yours! By chance do you have a link for the topper clamps? I just bought a used top that only had C clamps. I need same as you with the rail system. TIA!
Man, this is awesome. I'm getting ready to do my build and this is a great alternative to the truck bed extension module that I do not have time for. Can you tell me what thickness of plywood you used and what method you used to fasten the pieces and boards together?
Nice setup. Question i have is going down gravel roads i somehow get a little dust find a way in and lightly coat things. With the trunk carpet does it get covered and such?
Not at all, I have most of the little cracks and opens covered and sealed up 🤙🏼
How do you close it all up when you're in there, and just as importantly, how do you get out? 🤷
I can turn the lock open and closed from the inside of my camper shell.
@@KayakUSA1 ahhh.... Gotcha. And then reach down to the tailgate 👍🏻
Fantastic build. I like your design and thankyou for sharing. I'm a little confused though. You said it was just for when you go out camping alone. But during the segment you kept saying, many times, "we" are gonna do this and "we're" gonna sleep here. Is this just for one person or are you planning for two to occupy the camper?
I say “we” a lot when I’m talking about filming trips and adventures. What I usually mean is myself and “you”, the viewers/subscribers 👍🏼
I didn't see any diagonal measurement in the comments?
I actually subbed because I saw your early Tacoma videos about a year ago and ended up unsubbing last month due to no Tacoma videos, just saw your post on budget overland and now I’m here again lol
😂, Well, welcome back! I’m planning more Tacoma videos as we speak 🤙🏼
Nice build. Be sure to leave a window open slightly for ventilation. People have went to sleep in cars and not woken up due to no ventilation and asphyxiation. That will also prevent condensation from forming on the roof of the camper. Great use of available space though!
Thanks man!! Great tip as well 🤙🏼
Been watching from the beginning and you come a long way from drinking beer and burping on camera! 😂😅
😂 Don’t remind me.. those videos are so cringe to me now… lol
That's pretty ballsy buying stuff off Facebook marketplace.
Around here, I'd need a civil standby to make sure I don't get jacked.
WDE
Bro where you located? I wanna pay you to build me one !
Man bro that’s great work! I have to go with Decked bc I am just not as skilled or have all those tools and know how… fantastic engineering👍
I appreciate that!
Really, Throw a couple of end tables, partial board type. Or just a cot. Use a doubled over two inch foam pad . Two by 4s way overkill.😮kiddy recliner for long sits.
You live in Alabama?
Yes sir
@@KayakUSA1 I thought your tag was an Alabama one, you still use your Tacoma camper shell set up & did you get ac going in it. I have a 2020, i think I’ll set mine up like yours. Thanks for the videos, I live down here on the Panhandle in Florida! You serve? Me too retired Army!
Yes sir, Sweet home Alabama! I changed my truck setup a bit. I'm an Army Vet as well 👊🏼
😱 promo sm
I've only just discovered your channel and wonder how it turned out and IF you stuck with it or changed your plans.
My Concerns - Here in Australia, one of the things that I've noticed is what I call 'death by corrugations'. Essentially this is off roading & long trips on heavily corrugated roads, and have that jack hammer feel as you try to find that 'sweet spot' to minimise the vibrations.
I've seen people take caravans down these outback roads, only for everything to start falling apart on them. I'm not saying your build will do that. And I'm guessing the suspension on your Tacoma will handle most rough tracks. But is it a consideration?