Ford Ranger DIY Truck Bed Camper Build (For $100!!)
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 15 дек 2020
- Remember to Subscribe for more camping content with this truck! Tons more plans for this thing.
Another video on the Ford Ranger build series.
Hoping to give this beaut a memorable last hopefully couple thousand miles.
After we managed to get some sort of a grasp on this truck as seen in the last video i decided to tackle the truck bed camper part of it.
I wanted to keep it simple and affordable and spent just around $100 on the 2 sheets of plywood, 2 2x4's and had some spare 1x3 laying around for some of the cabinet side framing. and posted a story on IG to see if some friends could hook me up with the foam padding and carpeting and they did! (i recommend doing this, saves you a good amount of $$)
Super excited on how this turned out and I'm excited to start putting it to use and bring it on some camping trips real soon.
Hope this helps motivate some of you to do this to your trucks as well and get out out there in the great outdoors to freeze your neutrons off this winter.
Stay tuned for some epic videos in the future with this truck!
Follow us on IG @smplbuilds
Intro clip graphic design by @debowskidesigns
Music 🎵:
Song: Flow
Musician: LiQWYD
Song: Apart
Musician: @iksonmusic
Song: Static
Musician: Jeff Kaale 
Авто/Мото
party time. nice build
The man himself! Haha. Appreciate that brother. Let's get everyone to turn their trucks into campers 💪🏽🤣
The man the myth the legend!
Ford ranger is the best one ever
I’m glad your doing what makes you happy man. Watched since day 1 and has made me make positive changes in my life and how I do things. Everyone has their calling
@@SmplBuilds hi
Watching this made me realize how much I have been over complicating my build idea. Nice job.
Haha yeah man nice and simple does the job. Thank you!
leaf blowing in the dark is next level unneighborly lmao
"I have very little wood working experience" Cracks out the cordless fuel jigsaw
My brothers a carpenter, its his 😂
@@SmplBuilds could you help me im trying do a diy camper on my f150 but i dont know nothing about what is the best way
@@jasonjr2500 with a canopy or a complete diy camper?
@@nickfeness I just need a idea on how to make a bed cap Into a little pop up camper but cant think of anyway to keep it sealed and also on how to support the sides.
Jay nelson sells a detailed course on how to make one
Super cool, just a tip from a carpenter, to do a drop cut with a skil saw tilt the tool forward on the front of the table then use your thumb to pin the gaurd forward and then start the saw, slowly setting it into your wood
Appreciate the tip man! You'd think having a dad and brother as a carpenter I'd be better... 🤦🏽♂️😂
Awesome build dude! I have a similar set up in my Ranger! I have a high top tho, Highly recommended the high topper for head space👌. Get some LED strip lights for the cap roof that run off if usb and a dual port battery pack to run them. It will last forever!! And little usb fans are great too. Walmart has a few for summer time. Also recommend doing reflex insulation on the cap or carpet it. Cuz when you use heat, condensation will build up on the shelf where the cap meets the bed. And it also helps with keeping warm. Happy camping!! FFR life!
I've always loved those lifted Rangers with Extra Cab...
Excellent build. I just got rid of my 26 footer and going back to tenting. Might do this for my truck but I use it a lot for hauling. I may do it with an enclosed trailer. Th only thing I’d add is a filler to make room for a second sleeper. I take the bride along sometimes. Good job. Enjoy.
That looks good. You could still add two more layers of poly for better wood protection and shine and then some good wood wax and buff it real good... that way, it is completely sealed and has good protection from moisture.
I'm gonna do this same build for my Ranger. I've seen several camper builds for these trucks but this is by far my favorite. Great video, thanks for the idea!
Love it when guys say they have little woodworking skills but have every power tool imaginable 🤔
That's a great setup! I dig it. I would love to have something similar in my truck. But I've never done anything this complicated with wood just yet.
Right now I've got a really simple system in my 07 Tacoma; I just have two 2x6's running across from bedside to bedside, with a thick plywood sheet cut to size on top.
It's not glamorous but it works great for my fiancée and our dog. Only thing I don't love is having to use thin pull-out containers to store gear underneath. But it's really a pretty great & simple system.
Just wanted to mention it in case anyone else here happens to have a Tacoma or any truck with similar slots in the bedsides to support lumber across.
Having trouble visualizing this but appreciate it 👍🏼
What a neat design! I love the narrow bed; it gives you enough space to move to the other end of the truck bed. Well done! 👍
Thanks! Yup, works good for me 😁
You should make that bottom panel into a bed extender
I just bought my first Ranger yesterday, it’s a 2008 Sport edition 5 speed, only 2wd but I’m not looking to send it in mud or anything so I should be fine. But I like your video a lot! Inspired me to make the back of my truck similar. I watch @mav a lot and you remind me of him in a sense. Subscribed dude good luck in your journey!
Congrats on the Ranger. Yeah that dudes got some awesome videos. Appreciate the kind words!!
I bought a twin-size air mattress that I use in my Ranger when I'm out camping. That way, it's not in the way when I need to use the bed of my truck for other things. And, an air mattress packs down very small when not in use. Also, by using the air mattress, I have more headroom as apposed to having a raised bed. In the areas in front of, and behind, the wheel wells, I built fitted wooden storage boxes the same height as the wheel wells. Then, I put plywood across the top of the boxes, from front to back, so that I have one continuous flat surface that I can use. The plywood has hinged doors above the storage boxes.
Love the way that turned out, so supprising how much a strip of carpet 'classes' it up!
Thinking of doing the same thing with my ranger, I did a little camping in it already and refletix tape on the windows helped with temperature and carpet on the ceiling helped with that also and condensation
Ford Freakin Ranger!!!!!
Yessirrrrr!! Hahah
YOU BEAT ME TO IT
I ain’t no stranger that’s a
Great build 👍🏻 Love the magnets and the big hinged door. Now I just need a friend with all those saws ... oh yeah, and a truck 🤪
Aahah thanks bro!
Looks good . I Think You Need A Flat Screen TV .
Great build. Love how simple & budget friendly it is.
I'm a older carpenter and my opinion is that you did a great job. Functional doesn't need to be thousands. Or low quality. Good work. I'll bet you could have ripped your 2x4s in half too.
I just bought my first F150 in 50 years of driving. It was a last minute buy because I go deer hunting in WV every year. Your system does not leave enough room to haul necessities. I did not realize how much more I haul with a cap on the bed. The truck I bought has one of those roll over bed covers, level with the top of the bed. I had coolers, plastic tubs, water jugs, tent and all manner of stuff jammed under there. It has a short extended cab and I had that packed to the top too. I slept in the tent and was fine, even below 30*. I started looking for a cap when I got back. There is where the REAL cost comes in. I hope I don't have tp buy new, but a cap 8"-10" above the cab is hard to find. If you do a lot of cold weather camping, try putting a piece of that foil covered foam insulation under your bag. About 3/4 thick and wrap it in plastic. A little noisy till it breaks in, but warm.
nice build man. Reminds me of the old carpet kit my uncle had in his f150 from the 80's!
Your build gives me a lot of great ideas for my own. Nice job!
Thank you for filming this (most critical video) with the leaf blower in the background.
Love this. Throw in some basic camping gear, a streamlined food preparation setup, and you can go pretty much anywhere with it.
thanks! i agree 👍
This past Monday, I just bought me a 2005 Ford Ranger 4x4 Supercab with a camper shell on it already. And now I find this video! Perfect! Now to see if I can afford the lumber...
Nice! Haha yeah unfortunately it'll probably be much more expensive now
@@SmplBuilds Yeah, I'll be lucky to be able to afford toothpicks and popsicle sticks.
Nice build for not having wood working skills… Nice truck too!
I have a 96 Jeep Cherokee that I've been looking to do some storage in the back you gave me some great ideas, nice build.👍👍
Thanks!!
I like it. I'm currently looking towards getting a shell for my F250 and building out something like this. I would need to have the other side built as a second bed, but I don't think it will be drastically different than what you have done here.
Definitely like the shelves/cubbies idea. I am thinking along the lines of elastic mesh netting, though, instead of the cutouts.
Go for it! That would be awesome. Yeah as long as you have some storage 👌🏼
Those tires are chunky! Looks awesome man nice work on the build. Inspirational for surr
Looks awesome. Not overbuilt and removable. Have fun
Keep watching MAV!!!!
Great stuff!!
Hey man, congratulations on your build, great achievement for do little money. Hope you’re having loads of adventures!
This thing looks so rad! This is the start of something big, keep at it! Will be doing this very very soon as well !
Appreciate that! Love to hear it 👍🏻
Throw a little propane heater up on that shelf when it gets cold and your set for colder temps while out boon docking . good build thanks for the tips .... Have fun !!
Thank you!! 😁
Finally a small truck build!
This is so awesome! I am so happy for you!! I hope my build comes at least close to yours!!!
You did a good job on the Camper Build. I want to do the same thing on my Tacoma. I just bought a topper for it.
Thank you for the video ...much appreciated!
May I kindly suggest no music in background of future vids... everday working sound is fine.
You did a great job on the build - like the magnets, pull out drawer, lift up door in bed. Awesome.
Thanks!!
Bro I’ve watched a ton of these videos, but I dig yours the most.. nice job!
Appreciate that man!! I really couldn't find any others that fit all my needs either. Hope this helps with your build 👍🏻
This was Awesome and helpful for my own Spring camper shell build. Thanks for sharing.
Glad it was helpful!
Lowkey making me think about making my tacoma a camper lol nice work my guy
Do ittt! Haha thank you 🤝🏻
Dude, that looks great. Thanks for taking the time to make the video.
No problem 👍 thanks!
Nice job! Hope you’re enjoying the build.
I think you're a better woodworker than you give yourself credit for. Whipping our a zillion tools and knocking that out in 12 hrs. Thanks for the inspiration!
There are things I'd add (heater, fans, cooking, electricity, lights, simple toilet that stows away [you may be very grateful one day for it], water, insulation, sealing tailgate and where truck meets topper, heating, sink, some form of decoration, co2 detector, fire extinguisher, first aid and trauma kit, food, snow pants, warm jacket, cotton sheet for summer, blackout window covers, lantern...maybe even roof fan...didnt catch if truck has backseats for more storage and even as back-up place to sleep...hammock, awning, fold-up chairs and table for outside...roof storage or rack if needed) but my guess is over time you've added to this already.
An idea I've seen is make it so a board can prop up on sonething in center to make bed for 2 if ever want that or if even you alone want more space.
You gotta remember this is a little Ranger not an RV lmao... but those are good ideas. Maybe if you used good space management
Nice! May be able to drill a hole somewhere to run an extension cord maybe get a battery powered fan, definitely stealing this idea
Cool idea
Add a strip of wood running down your bed and one on the other side of the gap and cut some 3/4 ply to cover the gap. When not in use slip it under your bed pad. It works great for if you have company with you. Portable buddy heater will heat that good too. I use one in my off road camper. Nice build man.
I've been thinking about doing that thanks for the tips! And I appreciate that man 👍🏻
Everything is better built not bought.
Its the pride of a good job 👏 👌 👍
I agree. Thanks!
Your dream come true! It looks sooo cool
Exactly hahah just mini version 😂 Thank you!
Cool build! I'm going to do this to my 81 F100 so I can go fish/camping in it. I think I'm going to get rid of the topper clamps and bolt it to the box though. They look like something evil could happen in the middle of the night. Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks bro! Haha yeah definitely want that top to be secure 😬😂
This is actually a really good idea for camping or if you’re getting tired of spending money on hotels/motels.
Awesome build I have a 95 that I have been thinking about building what are the measurements like how wide is ur sleeping platform an ur countertop looks like you have good floor space also.
Very cool. I've been looking for basic build ideas for small trucks..(I have a 16 Frontier Ext King Cab) Nice Job.
Thank you!!
Nicely done, simple and lightweight. I feel your pain on cutting large panels on the table saw!
I'm gonna do this for a year then buy and RV and renovate the inside myself, will save alot of dough over the years!
Yeeeah man sounds like a good plan to me! Haha
The one issue with the 94 was the A/C would leak and be useless so it would only blow hot air which was fine for winter but miserable for Summer
Love seeing those TSL Thornbirds!
The leaf blower stuff was funny as hell. I concur!
Ahahah glad you enjoyed it 😂
I think there could be a business out there that can make these inserts. I know truck beds are all different but there must be a way to make universal set ups for people that dont have the tools or space to work and just go out and buy a finished bed and cabinet set up that you can just throw in the back and be done. I think I would buy one. Nice job
Great idea! Thank you 😁
Thank you so much! This is what I've had in mind to do. Sweet!
Glad to help man!!
Great video, I want to see more about this build in the future.
Thank you! Got some more videos planned for it in the future for sure 😊
Great video. Just Bought a topper for an older S15. I may be doing this soon.
Lets goooo 💪🏽
Nice build. I like what you did. You will fine tune it as you go. After about the third trip out you will find what you need to do if any. It will be awesome.
Thank you! Thats the plan 👍🏻
I love how the safety glasses went on after a close call, I’m guilty of it too
Those friendly reminders 😅
Cheap diesel heater run exhaust under the bed of the truck you'll be warm for a buck a night
Not bad at all. Making the most out of the old Ranger. 👍 I just sold my 97 XLT. I miss the thing....
Appreciate that!
Cool! If I were to add something it would be a double bed, a stove and some water for showers, hand washing, cooking and so on
Camping not living
Best use so far of a Pickup truck conversion. Still plenty of storage space, and a horizontal surface to get things done ( cooking, a laptop )
Also being able to sit straight means you can actually live the thing and not only sleep.
May l suggest making a overnighting video with the truck?
Thats what i thought too. Thank you! And i plan on it, just need to fix a few more things on it first 👍🏻
Looks great! Considering doing this myself. Thanks!
Yw!
Great job with the woodworking.
Very good turnout for the budget. Nice video sir.
Thank you! 🙏🏼
Hell yeah😉👍 I Wana do this to my truck..gotta find a shell😉
😀Great idea, simple DIY for almost anyone to make!
I got a 98 s10 and been thinking of doing the same thing minus the bed only because I’m a bigger size I need the extra room but I’m also going to open the camper to my rear cab and but you should invest in one or two solar panels on the roof of the camper and a few batteries so you could have light and power for a tablet run a radio or a heated sleeping bag for the winter
Cool, simple, utilitarian. Have fun.
Thanks, will do!
Throw some carpet on that fiberglass topper inside to help with the moisture in the cold and it might help insulate it a little. I have a fiberglass topper on my 07 Dakota and it doesn’t have side windows and I’m going to buy some of the truck bed carpet or trunk carpet material like what comes on pre-carpeted toppers
Awesome idea! Been wanting to do something like that. Thanks! 🤙🏼
Between Mav and CrazyQuady, you can pick up a ton of little neat ideas for truck bed setups. CrazyQuady’s has more convenient, ideal little creative ideas here and there that add up to make it a great setup while Mav’s has the nice battery setup and pull out drawers and all. I personally like CrazyQuady’s setup, but I like Mav’s content better but not by much. They’re both pretty equally good Channels.
@@leviwyatt5921 mav was definitely inspiration for the start of it never checked out the other one. I'll check it out, thanks!
hey this is right same ideas i had for my build, thanks for the video and some more ideas.
Glad to help! 👍🏻
Dude ! I'm looking for a topper for my truck right now so I can do this 😂 this looks so cool
You won't regret it! 👍🏻
Turned out really good, I'm thinking about doing the same things you gave me an idea ..thanks
Awesome! Thank you!
I’m gonna start mine tomorrow after watching this video. I’ll send you the results.
Wicked coo. I have just the back end of a 4by4 ranger that I pull with my mini van and been thinking about doing this. That way I can have my bed in the van and my bestie that goes with me because I need get in and out of wheelchair.. she can have the trailer to be comfy in. Just got to find someone to build it for us
may I suggest solo, off-grid camping and you'll get 100K subscribers in no time! Congrats on a great build!
Its in the plans! Thank you! 🙏🏼😁
You definitely should shortened one those shelves to have a place to be able to sit straight up or in middle at end build a little low profile wooden chair, definitely bad carpet color choice, good luck keeping that clean lol, but I still love your initiative and respect that your even doing this, also sorry I commented before the end of video before you said you were putting a chair in middle, that be very important when weather is bad
Great project, great job. Jersey strong Bro - Morristown. Maybe I’ll run into to you at Stokes SF someday.
Thanks man!! 💪🏽
Looks mean AF dude! Glad you made a video.
Thanks man
94 Ford Ranger XLT was the best, high suspension, beastly 4x4 great all around truck. Sadly sold mine last year needed the money
Sounds like i need one of those lol! 4x4 is giving me problems and i have no blinkers whatsoever...
Good job,boy congratulations.Look good.
Thank you Ramon!
Simple and Perfect!
That turned out great!
Very cool ive got my build started also going to be a blast
Sweeet! Love to hear about everyone building these 👌🏼
Two pieces of wood positioned correctly connected to the bed and the other connected to the same height on the other side of your table cabinet thing would allow you to take out the bottom part of the floor and slide it in to the same level as your bed to take it from a single person bed to a duel person bed and back again without taking away any storage
Working on doing this to my truck in the next month or two!
Very nice, I have a similar build, except I don't have the storage units on the right and laid the foam mattress directly on the floor instead. Very useful if you have a gf or need space for 2.
Thanks!!
Very inspirational build!
Thanks!
I’d add a roof vent and get an accordion seal and take the back window if the truck out and the front window if the shell and have a pass through
Never thought of that, thats a sweet idea!
I’m finna buy a frontier in about a month n a half and it’s only single cab so it still has teeny back seats but only 2 door I’m thinking of making a bunk out of the back to camp weekends or getting a bed topper like you got and making a camper.
that turned out great!
nice build about to do the same in my ranger