Very ice job. You will enjoy t. Clean and functional. The rounded corner windows greatly softened the rigid corners and really add to the appearance. Decent head room has appeal. I like it. Thank you for sharing.
truck caps just are not tall enough to stand up in. You just confirmed a similar idea I have in the planning stages. It was nice to see how it looks sitting on a truck. Very nice job. Thanks
Thank you so much for posting this! My daughter and I (plus my dog and her horse) are getting ready to travel from CA back to MI. I've been looking for exactly what you have for a while now!
Give yourself a pat on the back and give yourself the credit U deserve. Not joking I've built just about everything. Yours is the most simplified but most efficient design I've seen.
I am in the planning stages now, and your frame design is PERFECT!! The beam running the entire length of the side frame will give good support to the upper sleeping area. I am a rather "large" person (6'2", 200 + lbs) so my design is expanded out a bit from yours, but essentially the same. Thanks for the great ideas!!
I’m a carpenter and I think you did a really nice job. Well thought out and it looks pretty light too! I may build the same on my truck. My only concern is the rain hitting that plywood which will eventually delaminate.
I wanted to put a layer of fiberglass over the top to protect it, but chickened out. Ended up storing it inside when I want using it. Thanks for the compliment.
Little boat builders go through this debate a lot: use expensive marine plywood, or use basic construction plywood and encapsulate it someway. Fiberglass, though good, is messy and a lot of work. Here are a few techniques used to extend wood life. Exterior poly. Exterior house paint will go a long way to protect the wood from sun and rain. Easy to reapply and change. Houses been using it a long time. 2-part Epoxy boat paint. Fiberglass just the joints where rain gets between the plys. Replace bad panels as they fail - use good screws with good heads. Pre-seal all edges. Money saved buying construction grade plywood, wait till it fails and build another one.
Carpenter here too, I thought it was a pretty good build, efficient and looks good. She could always do PMF(poor mans fiberglass) and its fairly cheap, you tube vids to show how. It'd make that shell last for years.
Your lightweight, eye catching and well equipped camper looks to be very accommodating, whether for a few days or a few months. You've found that much sought balance between weight, bulk, practicality (on or off your truck) style and cost, and in doing so have created this elegantly simple, simply elegant travel cabin. Your build will inspire others to consider the benefits of a light yet strong design and to keep it simple, without missing out on comfort, hygiene and self contained practicality.
Just great work. I realize this was posted over four years ago, but, if you are still reading posts, are you still using it? And, did you ever weigh the topper?
Hmmm, never thought of posting my adventures! I’ll think about it. I really liked the camper. I have now moved onto building a skoolie. So I scrapped the camper out and used most of the wood in the bus. It’s a nostalgia thing. I’ll post bust videos as soon as I get it all done. Almost there.....
This was a pretty long time ago. Off the top of my head I would say $300-400(?) weighs about 300 lbs and build time was about two weeks? you might get a better answer by scrolling through the comments.
@@hollijacobs7858 thank you for responding. I've read the comments and now, with your info as well, I have a pretty good idea. You're very talented! ☺️
Looks great! You don't see many topper\camper builds like this. I am working on my own at the moment. I really think it is a much better way to go than a full on camper. I know this was 5 years ago but I don't see any vids of you using it. Has it all worked out ok?
I used it for three years (LOVED IT!!!), then I switched to a skoolie, got an offer I couldn’t refuse on the skoolie… sold that and built a camper in my horse trailer. 😆😆. But honestly, I miss my truck camper, I’m already planning another, I want to try to use foam. I’ll post videos when I build that. I’m going to use foam and PMF (poor man’s fiberglass). It’s just as much a challenge to me as it is a savings in $$.
@@hollijacobs7858 Mine is practice for a boat build, eventually (thus air, land and sea). That's why I'm going full on fiberglass. Otherwise I think I would do the PMF. First I'm going to enjoy the topper\camper for awhile.
I don't mean to be nosy but come June of this year I'm going to be forced to live out of my truck, how much did it cost for the materials to build your camper?
Hey I'm from Michigan too! Planning to sell both of my cars and buy a cheapish truck to build one of these myself, not for camping but as a home, always liked that borderline homeless lifestyle,
Cool, I would insulate it then. Coldest night was right at freezing. I did OK, but it wasnt easy getting out of that sleeping bag. I'll only use mine during the summer months. But I have spent 12 days in a row with it twice. It's surprisingly roomy!
Best set up I have seen to date!.......How wide and long is the bed and kitchen set up? Will do the same with my truck and will credit to your idea / topper/camper here on you tube.
The bed is 28 inches wide, just about the size of a sleeping bag, and the "kitchen" is about 18 inches deep. Both run the length of the truck little over 6 ft.
Great little setup and I was wondering if you had the plans for this build on the top by any chance? I really like it and would like the info on it if available. Thank You!!!
Would you be interested in telling me how tall it is from the bed to the roof top, the measurements of the rear door and the angle the side boards were cut at? The framing boards that rest on the bed of the truck going upward or did you just following the contour of the truck cab? Sorry to be a bother! But I do appreciate your reply
I tried to follow the angle of my truck cab, but I felt like I angled it in too far. I could have made it wider at the top. It was a little over 5 feet from the truck bed to the top, I could almost stand up. My goal was to use a full sheet of plywood on the side. So it was 4 feet from side rails to the top. The back door was a little less than two feet wide. Sorry, I can be more specific. I just kind of fitted it to the truck as I went. I don’t have the truck cap anymore, I used all the wood and parts to build a skoolie camper out of a short bus, video to come in the next couple of weeks.
OMGosh!! Holli Jacobs THIS is Exactly what i have been looking for.. i have watch alot of videos on making a home made camper,.. some where close .. but yours IS IT !!! omgoodness.. is there anyway you can give measurements??? or make one for me , lol.. no seriously i would love to have measurements and materials.. and I love all your compartments.. the only thing i would of done different would be to paint the camper a dark grey.. to off set your truck but be color coordinated.. other then that , PerFection !!!!
Sorry, I don't have measurements, I made it to fit as I went. Your not the first to ask me to make one! Haha. I thought about painting it, but I figured I would embrace the fact that it's homemade and put a pretty wood grain on it.
Very nice job¿the camper! Any plans to work from or did you just wing it¿ How is it holding up¿ Any tweeks? Was 8ft sheet a limiting factor¿ Well Done!
I made it too narrow at the top (but it deflects wind great), 4 feet for a whole sheet of plywood would be great. But then again I have all the room I need. Yes 8ft was the limiting factor, it kept it simple. I glued, nailed, screwed and reinforced the snot out of it. It is rock solid, even at 75 mph. I didn't have any real plans, just ideas from looking at others. 90% research, 10% construction! 😉
T1-11 is not a good option it's a made wood product the glue is a water based lots of swelling if any water gets in you can break or crumble it with your hands the constant movement from your truck will widen the screw holes your a lot better off with a plywood use a rubber deck paint on it and exterior silicone caulk on screws and edges it will last years . For about the same weight as t 11 you can use plywood, foam, craft sanded interior plywood you get insulation and extra strength in one
No measurements, sorry. I fitted it to my truck as I went. Also made sure there was room for the windows. Used lots of glue and super long screws. Also found the most warped 2x4 at Menards, to arch the top over the cab so it wouldn't hit.
Birch plywood, the pricy kind. I think it was a little thicker than 1/4 inch. So far it's held up to 75 mph driving. But the 2x4 frame is rock solid. I braced and glued and nailed and screwed the snot out of it. The roof is a thicker plywood with a rough grain texture on the inside.
I used a foam plumbing strip (tape) under the frame, then 4 aluminum truck cap C clamps, 4 bully clamps (attached to bed rail) and in the 2x4 pockets on the truck I bolted wood into them and bolted the cap to those. I does not budge.
I like it.. but I'd build it out to sit on the tail gate and extend it out over the cabin and beyond. You can inflate some bladder to support it over the cabin. I doubt that there would be any more drag. nice desing. what kind of wood did you use??
Hollianne Jacobs thanks. What material did you use for the skin? Did you build the door as well? I have a pretty low powered 1/2 ton truck with a 6' bed ...and this looks like a pretty light weight solution. I could rip the 2x4s down as well to save weight.
1/4 birch plywood. Yes, I built the door, it took on a little warp, but it shuts well enough to keep mosquitoes and rain out. I used full 2x4s but you can see I didn't use that many, I secured them with 5 inch screws and brackets. My bed is a 6 1/2 foot bed. I could slide the whole thing on and off before the plywood was put on....that's how light it was.
I overlapped the seams which went two different directions (trim) and caulked. I would however have loved to know how to do fiberglass and put a fiberglass roof on!
well I haven't heard anything back from my comment. I really do like your build and was hoping you had the plans on what you built but if not I understand but if so please let me know if you do.we have horses as well and yopur build is great for the same setup I would like to have on my truck!
I built this to go with my horse trailer, so the trailer really cuts into my mileage. My hope is that he helps deflect air over my trailer so, maybe it helps with mileage?!?! But really my mileage seems to be the same when I'm pulling the trailer, with or without the camper. I've never driven it without the trailer though.
I agree that the way you built the front tampered will indeed help to deflect the winder resistance while traveling so good build on that for sure. Thanks for getting back to me and good job
How did you seal the entry way between the tailgate and the camper, do you get water on the floor when it rains, did you seal the bottom of the camper where it meets the floor
I started with insulation for a pipe, wrapped it around the edge. But I changed to the sticky foam tape. That made it pretty water tight. It's not perfect but it seems to keep water out.
Hi can i have the blueprint? Or ill buy lol i need to make one, my truck camper i pretty wobbly and heavy on loggig roads, im sure this is light!!! May i ask the cost of the project? Tnx
I have a Ford Ranger so in order to sleep sideways I'm going to have to extend it out beyond the walls of the truck by about 6 in on each side so I can sleep sideways part of the plot plywood 38 in of it will basically be across the whole thing I want to put solar panels on top and on one side so I can always aim the truck when I'm parked to face the wind not to win the Sun I got Junk land in hudspeth Texas and I want to visit it with this I like your concept because you don't add excess weight
Oh yes, I've thought of that. I have a strip of wood that slides in the space between the tailgate and truck bed preventing someone from walking by and flipping it up. Sure they could get it out, but not without waking me up first!
Nice Job-Very Attractive. How do You get the camper on and off You truck? Can You lift it off with some help or do You use jacks? How thick is the sidewall paneling and the the roof? What kind of stain did You use?
I made huge sawhorses and drove under them. Two people could lift up the front or the back. Lift up set on saw horses ..repeat and drive out. Walls 1/4 inch, and roof 1/2 I think.
@@hollijacobs7858 Thanks for Your prompt reply. I assume the stain You used did a good job of waterproofing the wood and the scent didn't linger or could be smelled inside. If You happen to remember the brand of the stain please reply back.
Haha, blame my husband, he video taped my tour. I used four big aluminum truck cap clamps, four bully clamps (Google them) and bolted it to wood in the 2x4 slots of the truck bed. 10 points of attachment. Probably overkill! :-)
I put 4 coats of outdoor paint on the roof. But then again the roof is a solid piece of plywood, no seams to leak and all trim is overlapped to prevent leaking. I have spent several nights in it, a few of which were raining and I was fine. On the sides I used Spar Urathane, the kind for outdoor use.
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
Very ice job. You will enjoy t. Clean and functional. The rounded corner windows greatly softened the rigid corners and really add to the appearance. Decent head room has appeal. I like it. Thank you for sharing.
truck caps just are not tall enough to stand up in. You just confirmed a similar idea I have in the planning stages. It was nice to see how it looks sitting on a truck. Very nice job. Thanks
Thank you so much for posting this! My daughter and I (plus my dog and her horse) are getting ready to travel from CA back to MI. I've been looking for exactly what you have for a while now!
Good luck with your build and your travels.
The best homemade camper I've seen. Don't get mad but I am going to build mine exactly as yours. The best and pretty good looking.
Mad? I’m flattered. Why reinvent the wheel? Thanks for the ultimate compliment!!
Give yourself a pat on the back and give yourself the credit U deserve. Not joking I've built just about everything. Yours is the most simplified but most efficient design I've seen.
Make a stealthy wind deflector for that and U got it made young Lady.
@@stephenbenavidez9738 thank you!
I am in the planning stages now, and your frame design is PERFECT!! The beam running the entire length of the side frame will give good support to the upper sleeping area. I am a rather "large" person (6'2", 200 + lbs) so my design is expanded out a bit from yours, but essentially the same. Thanks for the great ideas!!
Thanks you, sturdy and light weight was my goal.
@@poa2.0surface77 go for it! I’m not a fancy kind of gal! More practical than anything else.
Very cool, i like it. So simple!
I like how well thought-out it is and simple people don't simplify it enough I think and it looks really nice
I’m a carpenter and I think you did a really nice job. Well thought out and it looks pretty light too! I may build the same on my truck.
My only concern is the rain hitting that plywood which will eventually delaminate.
I wanted to put a layer of fiberglass over the top to protect it, but chickened out. Ended up storing it inside when I want using it. Thanks for the compliment.
Little boat builders go through this debate a lot: use expensive marine plywood, or use basic construction plywood and encapsulate it someway. Fiberglass, though good, is messy and a lot of work. Here are a few techniques used to extend wood life.
Exterior poly.
Exterior house paint will go a long way to protect the wood from sun and rain. Easy to reapply and change. Houses been using it a long time.
2-part Epoxy boat paint.
Fiberglass just the joints where rain gets between the plys.
Replace bad panels as they fail - use good screws with good heads. Pre-seal all edges.
Money saved buying construction grade plywood, wait till it fails and build another one.
Carpenter here too, I thought it was a pretty good build, efficient and looks good. She could always do PMF(poor mans fiberglass) and its fairly cheap, you tube vids to show how. It'd make that shell last for years.
Your lightweight, eye catching and well equipped camper looks to be very accommodating, whether for a few days or a few months.
You've found that much sought balance between weight, bulk, practicality (on or off your truck) style and cost, and in doing so have created this elegantly simple, simply elegant travel cabin.
Your build will inspire others to consider the benefits of a light yet strong design and to keep it simple, without missing out on comfort, hygiene and self contained practicality.
She inspired Me!!
Great work, I've been looking into doing this. I was wondering how you secured the camper onto the truck so it doesn't fly off. Thanks!
Big aluminum clamps (4) and something called bully clamps. And bolts. It was secured in 10 different places!!,
Just great work. I realize this was posted over four years ago, but, if you are still reading posts, are you still using it? And, did you ever weigh the topper?
I used it up to last year, until I bought a bus and converted that.
@@hollijacobs7858 Thanks for the reply and hope the bus is working out for you.
It's like a nicely built small house. On wheels.
Now we need a short update video telling us your adventures, and how you liked the camper.
Hmmm, never thought of posting my adventures! I’ll think about it. I really liked the camper. I have now moved onto building a skoolie. So I scrapped the camper out and used most of the wood in the bus. It’s a nostalgia thing. I’ll post bust videos as soon as I get it all done. Almost there.....
I’m sure ‘bust’ videos would be most welcome but don’t you mean ‘bus’ videos? Thanks for the smiles :)
Haha. I laughed out loud at the typo. “Auto correct is my worst enema” I just posted my BUS video.
Still the BEST in my opinion.
thank you!
cool build! is the skin on the side 3/8's thick??
I believe so.
Awesome build luv,love it!
Thank you it did exactly what I needed it to do.
@Holli, Great job. This has to be the best DIY build out there.
Greetings from Cleveland, Ohio. I just happened across ur channel.This was totally AWESOME. B safe, healthy & blessed.
Very nice!! Would you mind giving the cost and build time? And do you know the weight of it?
This was a pretty long time ago. Off the top of my head I would say $300-400(?) weighs about 300 lbs and build time was about two weeks? you might get a better answer by scrolling through the comments.
@@hollijacobs7858 thank you for responding. I've read the comments and now, with your info as well, I have a pretty good idea. You're very talented! ☺️
I don't know about anyone else, but I am impressed,
Looks great! You don't see many topper\camper builds like this. I am working on my own at the moment. I really think it is a much better way to go than a full on camper. I know this was 5 years ago but I don't see any vids of you using it. Has it all worked out ok?
I used it for three years (LOVED IT!!!), then I switched to a skoolie, got an offer I couldn’t refuse on the skoolie… sold that and built a camper in my horse trailer. 😆😆. But honestly, I miss my truck camper, I’m already planning another, I want to try to use foam. I’ll post videos when I build that. I’m going to use foam and PMF (poor man’s fiberglass). It’s just as much a challenge to me as it is a savings in $$.
@@hollijacobs7858 Mine is practice for a boat build, eventually (thus air, land and sea). That's why I'm going full on fiberglass. Otherwise I think I would do the PMF. First I'm going to enjoy the topper\camper for awhile.
This is still the best home built truck camper on RUclips. August 2018
Thank you!
Inspired in its simplicity, beauty and functionality. Well done indeed!
I don't mean to be nosy but come June of this year I'm going to be forced to live out of my truck, how much did it cost for the materials to build your camper?
Oh gosh, it was awhile ago, I’m going to say about $400.
@@hollijacobs7858 thank you
Hey I'm from Michigan too! Planning to sell both of my cars and buy a cheapish truck to build one of these myself, not for camping but as a home, always liked that borderline homeless lifestyle,
Cool, I would insulate it then. Coldest night was right at freezing. I did OK, but it wasnt easy getting out of that sleeping bag. I'll only use mine during the summer months. But I have spent 12 days in a row with it twice. It's surprisingly roomy!
Nice build. What was the weight?
I want to say around 300 lbs. we take it on and off with homemade sawhorses.
Best set up I have seen to date!.......How wide and long is the bed and kitchen set up? Will do the same with my truck and will credit to your idea / topper/camper here on you tube.
The bed is 28 inches wide, just about the size of a sleeping bag, and the "kitchen" is about 18 inches deep. Both run the length of the truck little over 6 ft.
Great little setup and I was wondering if you had the plans for this build on the top by any chance? I really like it and would like the info on it if available. Thank You!!!
No plans, sorry, I built it as I went.
Would you be interested in telling me how tall it is from the bed to the roof top, the measurements of the rear door and the angle the side boards were cut at? The framing boards that rest on the bed of the truck going upward or did you just following the contour of the truck cab? Sorry to be a bother! But I do appreciate your reply
I tried to follow the angle of my truck cab, but I felt like I angled it in too far. I could have made it wider at the top. It was a little over 5 feet from the truck bed to the top, I could almost stand up. My goal was to use a full sheet of plywood on the side. So it was 4 feet from side rails to the top. The back door was a little less than two feet wide. Sorry, I can be more specific. I just kind of fitted it to the truck as I went. I don’t have the truck cap anymore, I used all the wood and parts to build a skoolie camper out of a short bus, video to come in the next couple of weeks.
Side windows are nice, but
I would suggest (roof) air vent, also.
Lesson learned from my sailboat time.
I had thought of it, but the side windows were so high it did the job for me. 👍
Like the Design.How much wood does it take to build A shell like that?
Several 2 x 4s and 3 sheets of plywood.
How would you keep water from running in between the door and tailgate? I think I see foam near the end.
I used pipe insulation and tucked even more in the groves. It worked remarkably well.
Great job that's so awsome couple questions. How did u attach the plywood?2nd what did u use to seal the plywood with thank you much appreciated.
Liquid nails, screws and nail gun. On the plywood I spar urethane, to protect it.
@@hollijacobs7858 very good thank you for quick response.
Very nice. I'm pulling together ideas from other folks to build mine. I like yours for its simplicity too.
YOU ARE A GENIUS! SIMPLE PRACTICAL BUT GOOD!!!!!!!!
Is the roof just stained plywood also?
Roof has 4 coats of exterior paint.
Nice job! Plenty of headroom, and nothing to "fancy"!
Yup, it worked perfect for what I needed.
OMGosh!! Holli Jacobs THIS is Exactly what i have been looking for.. i have watch alot of videos on making a home made camper,.. some where close .. but yours IS IT !!! omgoodness.. is there anyway you can give measurements??? or make one for me , lol.. no seriously i would love to have measurements and materials.. and I love all your compartments.. the only thing i would of done different would be to paint the camper a dark grey.. to off set your truck but be color coordinated.. other then that , PerFection !!!!
Sorry, I don't have measurements, I made it to fit as I went. Your not the first to ask me to make one! Haha. I thought about painting it, but I figured I would embrace the fact that it's homemade and put a pretty wood grain on it.
Great design. How do you get it on and off your pickup?
It's light enough that we slide two 2x4s underneath it and lift it off with 4 people and carry it to a stand I made on rollers.
Very nice job¿the camper! Any plans to work from or did you just wing it¿ How is it holding up¿ Any tweeks? Was 8ft sheet a limiting factor¿ Well Done!
I made it too narrow at the top (but it deflects wind great), 4 feet for a whole sheet of plywood would be great. But then again I have all the room I need. Yes 8ft was the limiting factor, it kept it simple. I glued, nailed, screwed and reinforced the snot out of it. It is rock solid, even at 75 mph. I didn't have any real plans, just ideas from looking at others. 90% research, 10% construction! 😉
EXCELLENT JOB THOUGH
Holli - Super design and great execution. I may use some of your ideas! Thanks for your post!
That's fine, this one is a blend of borrowed/adapted ideas!
Did you use house paint on the outside? I copied your design pretty closely. Thanks
Primer and several coats of exterior paint on the roof. I store it indoors when not in use.
nice job! looks great. i'm about to build a simpler (no overcab) one similarly, i am using t1-11 for the shell, so it is weather ready,
Sounds good T1-11 is heavy, make sure it is secured.
T1-11 is not a good option it's a made wood product the glue is a water based lots of swelling if any water gets in you can break or crumble it with your hands the constant movement from your truck will widen the screw holes your a lot better off with a plywood use a rubber deck paint on it and exterior silicone caulk on screws and edges it will last years . For about the same weight as t 11 you can use plywood, foam, craft sanded interior plywood you get insulation and extra strength in one
Do you have info on materials used and measurements? This is perfect for what I need to do and plan on recreating it.
No measurements, sorry. I fitted it to my truck as I went. Also made sure there was room for the windows. Used lots of glue and super long screws. Also found the most warped 2x4 at Menards, to arch the top over the cab so it wouldn't hit.
What did you use to cover the 2x4's and enclose the cab?
Birch plywood, the pricy kind. I think it was a little thicker than 1/4 inch. So far it's held up to 75 mph driving. But the 2x4 frame is rock solid. I braced and glued and nailed and screwed the snot out of it. The roof is a thicker plywood with a rough grain texture on the inside.
How is the topper mounted to the truck? What keeps it in place?
I used a foam plumbing strip (tape) under the frame, then 4 aluminum truck cap C clamps, 4 bully clamps (attached to bed rail) and in the 2x4 pockets on the truck I bolted wood into them and bolted the cap to those. I does not budge.
I like it.. but I'd build it out to sit on the tail gate and extend it out over the cabin and beyond. You can inflate some bladder to support it over the cabin. I doubt that there would be any more drag. nice desing. what kind of wood did you use??
It's just the size I wanted. Not too big.
I'm pulling a horse trailer.
Still the best home-built truck camper on RUclips May 2019.
I was wondering do you have any building experience?
Apparently she hit the road with it and never came back. Yes, the simplest and and an excellent build.
No real building experience, but I can manage most things. RUclips is a great resource!
Actually I was out adventuring. I rode my mule all the way across Michigan. It’s nice unplugging for awhile.
Very nice build! Any idea of the total weight?
Radnally yes. do you happen to know the weight plz? i love your look but im in a dodge dakota so lower payload allowance
I'm guessing 300-400 lbs. I went for light weight.
Hollianne Jacobs thanks. What material did you use for the skin? Did you build the door as well? I have a pretty low powered 1/2 ton truck with a 6' bed ...and this looks like a pretty light weight solution. I could rip the 2x4s down as well to save weight.
1/4 birch plywood. Yes, I built the door, it took on a little warp, but it shuts well enough to keep mosquitoes and rain out. I used full 2x4s but you can see I didn't use that many, I secured them with 5 inch screws and brackets. My bed is a 6 1/2 foot bed. I could slide the whole thing on and off before the plywood was put on....that's how light it was.
Hollianne Jacobs thats great. Thanks
how high did you make it? what is ceiling height? it's beautiful.
It is a little over 5 feet. Enough height I can change clothes comfortably.
Leaking nightmare??? It sure looks cute, however - there are so many areas for water intrusion. How are you keeping the water from coming in?
I overlapped the seams which went two different directions (trim) and caulked. I would however have loved to know how to do fiberglass and put a fiberglass roof on!
Thanks for the compliment on it being cute!
well I haven't heard anything back from my comment. I really do like your build and was hoping you had the plans on what you built but if not I understand but if so please let me know if you do.we have horses as well and yopur build is great for the same setup I would like to have on my truck!
Sorry, I missed your comment. I don’t have plans. Just fitted it to my truck as I went.
thanks again, sounds like another good build and video for sure so looking forward to it! Take care and thanks
how did you weather proof it so it doesn't leak?
The top is a solid piece of plywood, and all the seams are overlapped with trim, paint and caulk. So far so good.
@@holliannejacobs4003 how is the waterprood still going...
Nice, How much does it weigh?
I'm guessing around 300 lbs.
Hey Holli! How much does the top weigh? Did it affect your mileage much?
I built this to go with my horse trailer, so the trailer really cuts into my mileage. My hope is that he helps deflect air over my trailer so, maybe it helps with mileage?!?! But really my mileage seems to be the same when I'm pulling the trailer, with or without the camper. I've never driven it without the trailer though.
I agree that the way you built the front tampered will indeed help to deflect the winder resistance while traveling so good build on that for sure. Thanks for getting back to me and good job
I love it. Have replayed it multiple times. Great job!! How many bolts to anchor it to the bed?
4 clamps, 4 truck bed bolts (attach to rim of bed - I can't remember the name, bully clamps?) two bolts. It's NOT going anywhere! Haha
Looks pretty good !
that was a fun project!
Great job!
Thanks
What tools did you use to build it?
Just the basics: circular saw, miter saw, jig saw and a power drill.
Great build! Thanks for sharing!
How long did it take you to build that?
Maybe 30 hours from beginning to end. About a month of tinkering.
How did you seal the entry way between the tailgate and the camper, do you get water on the floor when it rains, did you seal the bottom of the camper where it meets the floor
I started with insulation for a pipe, wrapped it around the edge. But I changed to the sticky foam tape. That made it pretty water tight. It's not perfect but it seems to keep water out.
I like it, mind if I borrow your idea?
Go right ahead, this is a mash up of other people's ideas anyways!
what size plywood did you use?
I used 4x8 sheets, that were birch.
Do you have plans or instructions on how to build this?
Not really, I built it to fit on the truck as I went. Even had to modify, when my windows were too long. I put it on and took it off several times.
@@holliannejacobs4003 any tips, tricks, or recommendations? Gonna start this weekend.
Use screws, because you'll have to take them back out and readjust your plans as you go. Also, plan, plan, plan and then build.
Wow awesome job good looking rig/happy
Thanks, it served me well.
nice! that is one of the better homemade campers i seen, thanks for sharing :)
Thank you I was going to build a box top but i like your set up much better thank for post your video
Great design! Thanks!
Thank you!!!
Thanks for the video now I'm making one for my truck
Hi can i have the blueprint? Or ill buy lol i need to make one, my truck camper i pretty wobbly and heavy on loggig roads, im sure this is light!!! May i ask the cost of the project? Tnx
Sorry, I do not have blueprints. I built it right on the bed of the truck as I went. I think it cost me around $400.
@@hollijacobs7858 thank you
This build makes me happy!
I have a Ford Ranger so in order to sleep sideways I'm going to have to extend it out beyond the walls of the truck by about 6 in on each side so I can sleep sideways part of the plot plywood 38 in of it will basically be across the whole thing I want to put solar panels on top and on one side so I can always aim the truck when I'm parked to face the wind not to win the Sun I got Junk land in hudspeth Texas and I want to visit it with this I like your concept because you don't add excess weight
I often thought about what you are suggesting. It would work as long as everything is super secure and balanced.
Nice idea!!!
Excellent! 👍👍👍
Good vid! Shalom!
great job !!
awesome build
Well done 👍
What kind of plywood did you use to sheathe that with
1/4 inch birch on the sides and 1/2 on the top.
Where did you buy the quarter inch plywood?
Menards 👍
www.menards.com/main/building-materials/lumber-boards/c-5666.htm
Beautiful !
Thanks!
Good Job! You might want to fix it so no one can put your tail gate up and trap you inside!
Oh yes, I've thought of that. I have a strip of wood that slides in the space between the tailgate and truck bed preventing someone from walking by and flipping it up. Sure they could get it out, but not without waking me up first!
WOW...very nice job
Thanks! It was fun to build.
Nice Job-Very Attractive. How do You get the camper on and off You truck? Can You lift it off with some help or do You use jacks? How thick is the sidewall paneling and the the roof? What kind of stain did You use?
I made huge sawhorses and drove under them. Two people could lift up the front or the back. Lift up set on saw horses ..repeat and drive out. Walls 1/4 inch, and roof 1/2 I think.
@@hollijacobs7858 Thanks for Your prompt reply. I assume the stain You used did a good job of waterproofing the wood and the scent didn't linger or could be smelled inside. If You happen to remember the brand of the stain please reply back.
@@missouritraveler6401 stain, not sure I remember. The finish was Satin Spar urethane.
@@hollijacobs7858 Thanks Holli.
Wish there was a better look at how it attaches to the truck...
Haha, blame my husband, he video taped my tour. I used four big aluminum truck cap clamps, four bully clamps (Google them) and bolted it to wood in the 2x4 slots of the truck bed. 10 points of attachment. Probably overkill! :-)
Nice now I'm building one
Damn it’s not water proof :(
I’m currently building my own slide in camper and the exterior walls will be the thinnest sheet of aluminum so no leaks.
Simple and Beautiful... that takes Foresight... and to have foresight you have to care.
Going to replicate this.
I stole many ideas from others. So it’s only fair! 😉
Very nice
Thanks
Nice simple and practical. Thanks for sharing
AWESOME WELL DONE
Hows it holding up? I was thinking about something like this but Im not sure about the wood holding up to body flexing when off roading.
Great, but I don't leave it on. I take it off and store it when not in use. We have some pretty brutal winters.
good job but er ma gawd, the music, its the wurst
I know.. I wish I could change it.
Would you make one for me for 1,000 bucks? Serious question
Tempting offer, but with some basic tools and hours of research you can make your own.
That’s awesome!!
That is so simple thanks
Is it water proof because I'm about to build one and I don't know what to do about water proofing it
I put 4 coats of outdoor paint on the roof. But then again the roof is a solid piece of plywood, no seams to leak and all trim is overlapped to prevent leaking. I have spent several nights in it, a few of which were raining and I was fine. On the sides I used Spar Urathane, the kind for outdoor use.
cost?
$300-$400
That includes everything inside and the truck clamps, and hardware.
Sweet
Good Job!
Sweet & simple.
Awesome, thank you!
Nice.