Bed Camper DIY - would love feedback

[Marshall]

I’m posting a very rough prototype of a DIY camper. I hope others may find the ideas useful and, selfishly, hope some wise members will point out flaws or suggest improvements before I get too far in the build.

My main criteria are minimal mpg hit, able to stand up, sleep 2 snugly, and to disassemble for easy removal and storage. Since we are used to tent camping and usually perform most functions outside we do not need built in cooking or bathroom facilities. I plan to add windows to the upper side walls and fabric awnings above the cab and tail gate extension that will attach with magnets and Velcro.

The base of the build is two 5/8 plywood side pieces bolted to the very convenient holes in the bed rails. Everything else is hinged or screwed to these. I use double folding doors and a separate top for the tailgate sleeping extension. Currently I’m using locking pulleys mounted on poles to raise and lower the top. I may add gas struts but this system is pretty simple, if not elegant.

My major concern is the ability to handle rain. I plan to add a fabic tent like bathtub floor that attaches to the inner walls allowing rain to drain down the outsides and through the bed holes. Will also add weatherstripping and drip edges at joints.

Thanks for your thoughts.

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[Mavster Mechanic]

Stuff like this I think you need to be in it for the fun of building it.

For a few bucks more you can have so much more utility with a pull behind trailer.

 

[Mavl-ous]

A fairing on the front would probably help with mpg. Since you've gone this far, doing PMF might be the ticket for weatherizing.

And @MavsterMechanic does have a good point.

 

[Bobkath]

Enjoy the camping where ever you go. I absolutely love the truck color, more than my pepper red.

 

[Cancunbadlands]

Heavy load
MPG killer

 

[Deleted member 45110]

I’m posting a very rough prototype of a DIY camper. I hope others may find the ideas useful and, selfishly, hope some wise members will point out flaws or suggest improvements before I get too far in the build.

My main criteria are minimal mpg hit, able to stand up, sleep 2 snugly, and to disassemble for easy removal and storage. Since we are used to tent camping and usually perform most functions outside we do not need built in cooking or bathroom facilities. I plan to add windows to the upper side walls and fabric awnings above the cab and tail gate extension that will attach with magnets and Velcro.

The base of the build is two 5/8 plywood side pieces bolted to the very convenient holes in the bed rails. Everything else is hinged or screwed to these. I use double folding doors and a separate top for the tailgate sleeping extension. Currently I’m using locking pulleys mounted on poles to raise and lower the top. I may add gas struts but this system is pretty simple, if not elegant.

My major concern is the ability to handle rain. I plan to add a fabic tent like bathtub floor that attaches to the inner walls allowing rain to drain down the outsides and through the bed holes. Will also add weatherstripping and drip edges at joints.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Since you were already used to tent camping

Is there a reason you chose the wood project over a tent type camping option that goes in the bed?.
The type that extends beyond back of truck and creates an added room?

 

[JasonDroninAround]

Coming from a guy that managed to make a roof top tent work inside the bed, I like what you have done. I like how it stays very close to the roof line and you can close the tail gate, and once it is set up, it seems very roomy. What I also like is that you seem to have plenty of space in it for camping gear while you are going down the road. That's the biggest drawback to my set-up, that there is not a lot of room remaining back there because the folded up roof top tent takes up so much room.

 

[Clarkdonbran]

 

[Cherokee]

Stuff like this I think you need to be in it for the fun of building it.

For a few bucks more you can have so much more utility with a pull behind trailer.

What ? No body packs a tent anymore ?
Sleeps four,
weighs eleven pounds, will fit in the back seat with four sleeping bags.

 

[Mavster Mechanic]

What ? No body packs a tent anymore ?
Sleeps four,
weighs eleven pounds, will fit in the back seat with four sleeping bags.

Can be cold.
And damp.
And not "quite" as bear proof.

But ya.

 

[Prickly Pear]

I finally broke down and got my wife the travel trailer she always wanted - sorta.

 

[Marshall]

Stuff like this I think you need to be in it for the fun of building it.

For a few bucks more you can have so much more utility with a pull behind trailer.

You are quite correct. Its the process not the outcome. Being semiretired it gives me something to puzzle over.

 

[Marshall]

A fairing on the front would probably help with mpg. Since you've gone this far, doing PMF might be the ticket for weatherizing.

And @MavsterMechanic does have a good point.

Hadnt thought of a fairing - good idea - I'll look into that.

I'm debating whether to use PMF vs just a good exterior paint. May go with PMF on the top and paint the rest.

Thanks

 

[Marshall]

Enjoy the camping where ever you go. I absolutely love the truck color, more than my pepper red.

Thanks. Yes we really like the green. My wife's call.

 

[Marshall]

Heavy load
MPG killer

Good point. I mocked it up using plywood I had lying around. If I go forward will probably make foam panels for the extension

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