Bed Camper DIY - would love feedback

[Mavster Mechanic]

I'd like to see what trailer you get that can be slept in for the wood and tarp he spend money on.

For a few bucks more:
$9499 Labor Day Sale
Hot & cold running water
Kitchen sink
Stand up shower
Flush toilet
Microwave
Stove
3.3 cubic foot fridge with ice tray.
Fireplace & heater.
Air conditioner.
Electric awning.
stand up living space
Sleeps two adults and two kids and their dog.

No splinters. But admittedly lower mpg.

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[Weland]

Hi Marshall

YouTube is full of various DIY videos

I'm thinking about about using aluminum frame and panels described by Dualex. Frame is brazed with a torch, and attached to the bed rails using cap clamps. His version has a rooftop tent.

I'm thinking about a wide body version like the Radica Moonlander ML or MLX (sleeping sideways) that has minimal moving/ leakable parts.

Debating whether to start with a shell with minimal options ($8-10000 / quick start), or build it all from scratch (note that indenting the bottom of the sides unblocks the side mirrors)

It would add approx 10-15 sq ft drag, which would be less than a trailer at 40-50 sq ft.










https://www.radicaproducts.com

.

 

[scotty]

For a few bucks more:
$9499 Labor Day Sale
Hot & cold running water
Kitchen sink
Stand up shower
Flush toilet
Microwave
Stove
3.3 cubic foot fridge with ice tray.
Fireplace & heater.
Air conditioner.
Electric awning.
stand up living space
Sleeps two adults and two kids and their dog.

No splinters. But admittedly lower mpg.

For a few bucks more:
$9499 Labor Day Sale
Hot & cold running water
Kitchen sink
Stand up shower
Flush toilet
Microwave
Stove
3.3 cubic foot fridge with ice tray.
Fireplace & heater.
Air conditioner.
Electric awning.
stand up living space
Sleeps two adults and two kids and their dog.

No splinters. But admittedly lower mpg.

Thats nice. Where did you see that at? I imagine if you only camp about 3 times a year I would stay with the self made unless flex money is at hand. Thanks for reply.

 

[wax87]

Do you need it to be that tall?

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

For a few bucks more:
$9499 Labor Day Sale
Hot & cold running water
Kitchen sink
Stand up shower
Flush toilet
Microwave
Stove
3.3 cubic foot fridge with ice tray.
Fireplace & heater.
Air conditioner.
Electric awning.
stand up living space
Sleeps two adults and two kids and their dog.

No splinters. But admittedly lower mpg.

If you want a tour around where you're camping, you don't have to break Camp every time.

 

[Mavster Mechanic]

If you want a tour around where you're camping, you don't have to break Camp every time.

We rented a few of the large Class C motorhomes prior to buying a TT.

TWO things we didn't like about the class C's:

8 MPG
and

Once you are all leveled and set up and sometimes attached to utilities, you are disinclined to go to town for that one item you forgot, to get ice cream, or to sight see within x radius.

Having the Maverick separate from the TT is helpful. And it gets 16.5 MPG worst case. Usually 18 MPG. Occasionally 20 MPG towing.

 

[Marshall]

Hi Marshall

YouTube is full of various DIY videos

I'm thinking about about using aluminum frame and panels described by Dualex. Frame is brazed with a torch, and attached to the bed rails using cap clamps. His version has a rooftop tent.

I'm thinking about a wide body version like the Radica Moonlander ML or MLX (sleeping sideways) that has minimal moving/ leakable parts.

Debating whether to start with a shell with minimal options ($8-10000 / quick start), or build it all from scratch (note that indenting the bottom of the sides unblocks the side mirrors)

It would add approx 10-15 sq ft drag, which would be less than a trailer at 40-50 sq ft.










https://www.radicaproducts.com

.

Thanks for the video links. Working with aluminum is outside my skill set. (Plywood and screws are pushing the envelope a little) I felt the sideways approach would hurt mpg too much.

Good luck. Please post your progress.

 

[Marshall]

Do you need it to be that tall?

The fold up sides allow me to just stand up on the bed floor (I’m 5 11 although shrinking disturbingly fast). I think that is important when trying to cook, change clothes etc during bad weather or bugs. My wife doesn’t like the look folded up but does like being able to stand. I considered building a platform over the wheel wells with storage underneath but that would have made it really tall!

 

[urwatuis]

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

Build it with foam and PMF and it will be light weight and insulated.

 

[urwatuis]

For a few bucks more:
$9499 Labor Day Sale
Hot & cold running water
Kitchen sink
Stand up shower
Flush toilet
Microwave
Stove
3.3 cubic foot fridge with ice tray.
Fireplace & heater.
Air conditioner.
Electric awning.
stand up living space
Sleeps two adults and two kids and their dog.

No splinters. But admittedly lower mpg.

I like the refer LOL

 

[Prickly Pear]

She's a lucky lady, but I'm not one for glamping.

Well...the topic was "Bed Camping..."

 

[Cherokee]

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

But ya.

Yep I’m cool,
Tuff, don’t get cold, damp means no dry skin.

Bear ! Really ?
There’s actually people out there who don’t know how to deal with a bar ?

Campers, we called them, “Turtle People”
:’P
"Aging is the aggressive pursuit of comfort" is a concept popularized by experts like Gary Brecka, suggesting that constantly seeking physical and mental ease accelerates aging and weakens the body. Modern life often encourages this by promoting sedentary habits, temperature control, and avoidance of discomfort.

I ain’t skeert no Sir :’P

 

[Dave O]

My dad back in the day loved building DIY campers on the back of his pickup trucks, me not so much I rather drive the camper and flat tow the Maverick

Did you consider building a cab over for the sleeping area that would free up lots of space?

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