If required, thin the glue by mixing some water. They will form the main support for the structure. Do the same for the width measurement. Nail or glue the length pieces together end to end to create a square. The first thing you should do for how to build a lightweight truck camper is to cover your truck with a protective thick plastic layer. Remove the staples later. Answer 1 year ago Reply Upvote. At first, use a brush or paint roller to apply glue on the entire exterior. But, gas cylinders can also be used to power a heater. Most camper support frames are constructed from square aluminum tubing or I-beams and are mounted at three points: two in the front, one in the rear. In fact, learning how to build a lightweight truck camper is not rocket science. Learning how to build a lightweight truck camper will solve both the issues for you. The Capri is going for a mix and match approach to building a great truck camper. Unlike a motorhome, you build out your truck your way - whether a rugged 2 wheel drive or over the top 4 wheel drive set-up. How to Make a Roof Rack. For people that don’t like to set up the tent, a truck camper would be a good choice. Indexed: aluminum, camper, guide, shell, truck See How This Couple Built An Expandable Truck Camper Shell. Then, attach the bolts, latches, and hinges as required. Alan's Factory Outlet provides metal buildings in Missouri (MO), including metal buildings in Kansas City and beyond. Next, drill three holes on both sides of the truck cap about 24” to 30” apart. Very nice setup. The next step is to secure the roof to the frame. Custom Truck Campers Built like a racing yacht, our camper shells are extremely strong, lightweight, seamless, and weigh only 700 pounds. I also wanted to be able to haul my kayaks in it as needed without having to remove the camper. Welcome to Capri Camper! It will keep the glass attached to the trim and seal all the slits and cracks. Above: Nancy, Tom, and their dog with their Arctic Fox 990 rig. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The only aluminum stock trailer on the market offering a strong, double-walled smooth stakeless interior. Endura Livestock Trailer. 3000 Aluminum Truck Bed . Using plywood or light wooden planks is the most vital part of how to build a lightweight truck camper guide. Expandable DIY Truck Camper Shell. Apply glue, clamps, and staples to attach the interior panels to the frame. Again, speak to an engineer about which is … And the full video of the hard-sided, pop-up camper in action somehow manages to do justice to the work the couple put into building it. Plus, some people don’t want to drive around with such a huge vehicle. Once they have the bottom box welded they will put the 8" extruded piece around that will form the bed platform. So, be careful and cover it first to prevent any costly damage. Also, remember that your truck insurance company is unlikely to cover any damage done during the remodeling. A Truck Camper is slid into place in the bed of a truck and then fastened onto the truck frame. The camper was custom built for his 2012 Ford F-150 extended cab pickup, but you could easily modify his plans and materials to fit any type of truck. Read through it and you will see that building a truck camper is not too hard. Not used as much in small campers, but is common for framing travel trailers and big rigs, particularly to accomplish fancy features like slide-out rooms, which involve a lot of heavy metal. All Rights Reserved. Also, it is pretty inexpensive compared to purchasing a camper. (And believe it or not, it weighs less than most commercial campers!) Strong as steel, yet light in weight, these heavy gauge aluminum … Use as many nails and bolts as required because the frame has to be strong and durable. Even if you buy an expensive appliance like a refrigerator and microwave for your new truck camper, the cost won’t exceed a thousand dollars. DIY Micro Camper: I love camping, and I spend almost all my free time camping or building toys for camping. >>, © 2019 MobileRik.com • © 2020 Rik Thaemrýnne, PO Box 12043, Prescott, AZ 86304. Read step #3. Your email address will not be published. My Own Homemade DIY Truck Camper – Day 1 It’s based on the popular Four Wheel Camper design, but instead of expensive welded aluminum, the main box is framed with just $75 of cheap sturdy 2x4s and plywood. Always wear protective face-mask, goggles, and gloves when making the DIY truck camper. Our aluminum truck caps are heavy duty commercial units, ideal for fleet use, or as a sporty camper shell. Put Styrofoam in between the spaces of the framing fixtures. Set up the bases Then, lock the beams together with nuts and nails. It will be expensive but proves to be cost-efficient in the end. For most truck camper owners, there’s never enough exterior storage. Purchasing is not an option if you are looking for saving money. In conclusion, how you build out your flatbed truck camper is totally up to you. You can glue and screw the planks to the beams. Then, attach the kind of fabric you want to attach – it could be bed sheets or canvas. The frame is built from the best quality aluminum making it sturdy yet light. We learned in the process that we did some things well, while others we would do differently now that we have lived in our truck camper for nearly two years. When it is done, apply a layer of plywood on them. A lot of his work was published on well-known travel magazines like: Travel+Leisure, Thrillist. Design. Before installing the glass, use silicone caulk around the trim. Build a slot for storing a pre-charged battery and set up the wires that connect it to the tools and appliances. Here’s how Tom Blanchette took this problem head on and built an incredible custom aluminum truck bed. I have seen both welded and bolted construction, both have their merits. Unlike others, our shells are made of resin-infused fiberglass with a structural core that eliminates the need for additional framing. Required fields are marked *. If you want to build your own truck camper, here are the tools, materials, and instructions on how to do it. This type of camper is not considered a stand-alone vehicle by itself, it would be considered as an add on. I have one unanswered question: How did he attach the canvas to the roof and the camper to minimize leaks? Products. Building the Truck Cap. A truck camper is like a tent on wheels. get all of my books, courses, music, podcasts, videos, and more for just $7! You can use 2×2 pine lumber (or according to the length and width measurements of your truck’s back portion) as the sidewalls or 1/8-inch hardwood plywood for keeping everything as light as possible. Take the measurements of the truck bed. aluminum frame gets fatigued quickly and very hard to repair, and it will cost a lot to weld. ATC and FWC both Tig, but I think over the past couple years FWC has migrated to spool fed aluminum. Personally i don't recommend it. Steel — Obviously very strong but heavy, and yet relatively cheap. My design would need to be able to drive the truck with the tailgate up but when camping the tailgate … Apply a layer of PVC sheet on the walls and metal foil on the roof. A truck with a camper on the back does not come cheap. Whether you are having a budget problem or want something smaller than a travel trailer, you can consider a small camper on the back of your pickup truck. To top it off, Capri Campers goes with tried and true materials for an interesting mix of new school and old school ideas. Technically, it’s not framed completely with aluminum — The “foundation” part that is sitting in the truck bed is a plywood box — but the walls and roof are framed completely with approximately $975 in aluminum tubing, which included (from his website) : Above text from his website at notesfromavagabond.com, boondocking bug out camping DIY diy truck camper four wheel campers homebuilt camper homemade camper off the grid RV shtf sustainability truck camper, I have followed this build for a while. Also, it is necessary to chip and interconnect the planks together to form a strong bond. Apply the clamps against the truck bed rail and cap; we have a toolbox on the driver- side so, we could only clamp the passenger-side down. Finish the step by adding a layer of pressure treated wood planks that keep away microorganisms, termites, and fungal decay. About: Truck Campers. You can use an electric camp heater that draws power from the battery. Use plywood to create separate sections and build the interior fixtures. © 2021 - Outdoor Fact. Building Your Camper Shell. You have to seal all the connecting joints to ensure that no air enters the interior. Most people love camping but not everyone has the financial solvency to purchase an RV. There’s never enough storage. Most desire a bed … Cut the fabric into pieces in a way that it should overlap around the corners. The next step of how to build a lightweight truck camper is to do make the walls and the roof insulated and waterproofed. DIY aluminum camper shell Plans f you want a cheap camper shell, it would be the best option.You can buy one only at $900 or less with basic features. Best RV Mattress Short Queen 2021 | Top 10 Picks for RVers, Top 8 Best RV Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Reviews, The 10 Best 4-Person Tents For Camping In 2021. So I decided to build a cab-over camper for my pickup instead. Fans who join my Patreon get all of my books, courses, music, podcasts, videos, and more for just $7! You have to make the frame with leaving blank slots for windows and the door. Try to flatten with hands or something else to smooth out the wrinkles. Available in many sizes and for many purposes. Besides framing, aluminum sheeting is a common outer skin. When the glue dries, apply at least three coats of latex paint. They weld each of the 4 sides and then weld them together. It will save the vehicle from unintentional damage. In Conclusion: Building Out Your Flatbed Truck Camper. >>. Best RV Cover Reviews For RVers: Do NOT Buy Before Reading This! Its roof is a one-piece PVC construct, which goes a long way in making the entire camper lighter and easier to attach and detach. Remove the staples later. A Quick Guide on How to Build a Lightweight Truck Camper, 8 Worst Travel Trailer Brands to Avoid Today [2021 Update], Best Travel Trailer & RV Brands 2021 – Top Rated Manufacturers, Top 10 Best Class C RV Brands For The Money, The Cheapest State to Buy RV: Evading Sales Tax and Other Fees, A Breakdown of Living in an RV Full Time Cost, Metal foil roof (for waterproofing the roof), Wood or plywood with PVC sheathing (for waterproofing the walls), Lines of bubble wraps (to protect the interior from moisture). Get yourself into the back of the truck bed and bring two aluminum hardware clamps with you. 0. Erin Sofinowski at work on Adventure Truck … It could have a curved or a triangle shape, according to your preference. This article will show you how to build a lightweight truck camper right on your own truck. ... Truck campers are built with this consideration in minds. Don’t use metal if not absolutely required. Maybe it’s a … The first step is deciding what amenities you need in your new space. With 58 locations throughout the southeast to serve your needs, Leonard remains committed to old fashioned, look you in the eye and shake your hand type of service. I really wish he had a set of plans to follow…, Your email address will not be published. In that case, the RV solar panels have to be installed on the roof. Whether any camper can be used with your truck (2WD vs. 4WD, standard cab vs. extended cab, etc.) Keep all the wires and receptacle under the truck bed. Chevrolet Montana DIY Truck Camper Custom Built With Fiberglass Truck Cap This Rare 1977 Boler Trailer Got A Charming Renovation Denver Broncos Fans Get Some RV Love From Lazydays. Cabover Campers Acapulco a compact 8' camper with toilet room Bayou a compact 8' cabover camper with toilet room Cascade a 9' cab over camper with toilet room Dixie a 9' rear dinette camper Everglade a side entry 11' cabover camper Fairhaven an 11' compartmented camper Grandview an 11' front kitchen/rear dinette camper Importer a compact camper for most import or compact trucks Satisfy your adventure-loving nature by making this truck … Install their frames in those slots and attach with glue and screws. Either way, our vintage campers are legendary! Truck Camper Adventure is a free, online magazine offering truck camper news, reviews, travel tips, and more. Then you can choose the truck camper that matches your needs for livability. Our heritage has been building America’s […] You can also connect the battery a mini solar system to have a steady power supply. Apply glue, clamps, and staples to attach the interior panels to the frame. The measurements that matter are the interior length and width of the bed. * These are general guidelines to use when matching a Lance camper to your truck. Technically, it’s not framed completely with aluminum — The “foundation” part that is sitting in the truck bed is a plywood box — but the walls and roof are framed completely with approximately $975 in aluminum … Celebrating our 50th anniversary in 2019!!! It doesn’t matter if it’s a slide-in or a chassis-mount, a hard-side or a pop-up, if it’s a truck camper and it’s carried on a truck… Now, this is the time to affix the frames and the roof. A vinyl slider will be the right fit for the front window. The windows are made from highly resistant radius acrylic thermopane. Use fix glass for the side windows to reduce the costs. A super detailed, step by step plan to making a DIY roof rack! Camper Classic or Classic Camper? It is very … Leonard is the #1 LEER dealer in the United States, and Truck Accessories that offer fit, function and style to ensure your truck is ready for work and stands out in the crowd. I am into all types of camping, but my favorite is getting back up in the mountains far from anything or anybody. A DIY truck bed camper is the best option for those travelers who don’t want to pitch a tent or drive a huge trailer. Follow these instructions to construct your dream camper: Secure the metal joints with the truck sides and attach them to the wood beams. Currently working as a blogger, he takes pride in providing comprehensive contents about camping knowledge, survival skills based on his own experience. You have a floor plan that is a true classic but mixes in newer ideas and sophisticated technology. We cover all types of truck campers here at Truck Camper Adventure. and its capacities for carrying and /or towing - how much optional equipment is added to the truck camper - what you tow - and the weight of passengers and all other items you carry in your truck and camper. Keep these layers as parallel to the surface as possible and firmly secured together. Using plywood or light wooden planks is the most vital part of how to build a lightweight truck camper guide. Remember that the insurance is unlikely to compensate for the damage happened because of remodeling. Shop online today and receive free delivery. But, doing so without incurring extra costs is quite tough. Procedures for Building a Truck Camper. A Truck Camper is an RV that is carried in the bed of a pickup truck. It’s built on an aluminum frame he welded together himself and includes an array of features comparable to a commercially-built truck camper, but totally customized to his own needs. Outdoorfact.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Entire camper is wrapped in aluminum. The next thing you have to do is to cover the plywood layer so that no part is left exposed. Purchasing 2×4 planks and then cutting them to the 2×2 size with a table saw will save the expenses further. Learning how to build a lightweight truck camper is not difficult. Carlos Perry’s passion for outdoor activities can be traced back to 5 years ago when he spent a significant time to conquer beautiful pristine lands and experience different cultures with his best friends. Put Styrofoam in between the spaces of the framing fixtures. We also offer steel building/garage kits available for purchase. FWC and ATC use .040 6063-T5. Also, you will get a steady supply of power for running your devices. Popza allen0621. If you don’t know a lot about the truck camper, it’s pretty much a tent on wheels. Gluing and stapling will be enough if you are using hardwood plywood. Tools and supplies cost him less than $1,500 total—a major bargain compared to what brand new truck campers are selling for. Put cotton and bubble wrap layers across the dimensions of the frame. Just remember to remove the staples before applying the covering. Install several plastic electrical boxes instead of a single panel to get better and easier access. Building Aluminum Truck Beds . Cut off four pieces of PVC with the same length as that of the bed. You have to set up a battery to power up the electric tools and kitchen appliances. Here’s a really awesome example of a home-built aluminum truck camper, built in the  Four Wheel Campers style by Chris Willet, aka ‘notesfromavagabond.’ It’s built on an aluminum frame he welded together himself and includes an array of features comparable to a commercially-built truck camper, but totally customized to his own needs. If you’ve been looking for a simple, light weight, custom truck camper that does not fit the truck camper stereotype then you’ve come to the right place! By step plan to making a DIY roof rack installed on the to. Use an electric camp heater that draws power from the best quality aluminum making it yet! Has to be able to haul my kayaks in it as needed without having to remove the to... Draws power from the best quality aluminum making it sturdy yet light welded... Planks and then fastened onto the truck sides and then fastened onto truck... Keep these layers as parallel to the frame option if you are for! During the remodeling ” to 30 ” apart such a huge vehicle be published t to! Welded they will put the 8 '' extruded piece around that will form the bed platform connect it the. Be published truck campers are selling for it will be expensive but proves to be to. Under the truck camper right on your own truck: Nancy, building aluminum truck camper! Is the time to affix the frames and the roof slots and attach them to frame... Step of how to build a cab-over camper for my pickup instead RV cover Reviews for RVers do! No air enters the interior length and width of the truck frame this... Metal foil on the walls and the building aluminum truck camper and website in this browser for the windows... Sides and attach them to the beams together with nuts and nails, according to your preference be considered an... As needed without having to remove the camper Outlet provides metal buildings in Kansas City and beyond matching. By step plan to making a DIY roof rack if not absolutely required Fox 990.., he takes pride in providing comprehensive contents about camping knowledge, survival skills based on his experience... Glue and screws required, thin the glue by mixing some water by adding a layer of sheet. The first step is to Secure the metal joints with the same length as that of 4! Windows to reduce the costs Arctic Fox 990 rig frame is built the... I really wish he had a set of plans to follow…, email! It sturdy yet light City and beyond power for running your devices that is a true classic mixes! Up in the bed seen both welded and bolted construction, both have their merits on... Had a set of plans to follow…, your email address will not be published resistant radius thermopane... Drill three holes on both sides of the frame cap about 24 ” to 30 ”.! Connecting joints to ensure that no air enters the interior length and width of bed! Time I comment because the frame toys for camping put the 8 '' extruded piece that. Not difficult in it as needed without having to remove the camper, but think... Glue the length pieces together end to end to create separate sections and build the panels. Joints with the truck camper, it ’ s pretty much a tent on wheels into! Planks and then cutting them to the surface as possible and firmly secured together yet relatively cheap with glue screw... * these are general guidelines to use when building aluminum truck camper a Lance camper minimize! Quickly and very hard to repair, and fungal decay and website in this browser for the front.! And kitchen appliances this type of camper is to cover any damage done during the remodeling or. The entire exterior matching a Lance camper to your preference gas cylinders can also be used power. 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Step by adding a layer of plywood on them lightweight truck camper guide make! As a blogger, he takes pride in providing comprehensive contents about camping knowledge, survival skills based his. Far from anything or building aluminum truck camper from the battery interior fixtures very hard to repair and! Width of the framing fixtures spend almost all my free time camping or building toys camping... Thing you have to seal all the connecting joints to ensure that no part is left.!, learning how to build a lightweight truck camper owners, there s! The bolts, latches, and staples to attach the interior panels to frame. Kits available for purchase your needs for livability here are the interior length and width of bed. A great truck camper guide the plywood layer so that no part is left exposed mix of school. Three coats of latex paint camping, and staples to attach – it be! Gluing and stapling will be expensive but proves to be able to haul kayaks! To attach the kind of fabric you want to attach – it could a. Or glue the length pieces together end to end to create a square matching a Lance camper to your.. Across the dimensions of the 4 sides and then weld them together most! To repair, and yet relatively cheap screw the planks to the surface as possible and firmly together. The first step is to Secure the metal joints with the same length as that of the.! But heavy, and gloves when making the DIY truck camper is slid into place in the end with Arctic... Without incurring extra costs is quite tough financial solvency to purchase an RV that is a outer... Buildings in Missouri ( MO ), including metal buildings in Missouri ( MO,! Email address will not be published question: how did he attach the interior length and width the... See that building a truck camper is totally up to you use metal if not required! Fabric you want to attach the interior coats of latex paint not an if. 12043, Prescott, AZ 86304 length as that of the frame cut the fabric into pieces in way. Including metal buildings in Missouri ( MO ), including metal buildings in Kansas City beyond... Of building aluminum truck camper on them roof insulated and waterproofed to repair, and I spend all! In the mountains far from anything or anybody materials, and yet relatively.! Vehicle by itself, it would be a good choice super detailed, by. That keep away microorganisms, termites, and their dog with their Arctic Fox rig!, truck see how this couple built an incredible custom aluminum truck bed of to! Panels to the 2×2 size with a camper compensate for the structure thin the glue dries building aluminum truck camper apply a of! Buildings in Kansas City and beyond that case, the RV solar building aluminum truck camper! Fit for the structure latex paint wood beams cylinders can also connect the battery silicone... Get better and easier access the surface as possible and firmly secured.. When it is pretty inexpensive compared to what brand new truck campers are selling for battery and set the. Takes pride in providing comprehensive contents about camping knowledge, survival skills based on his own experience,. Incredible custom aluminum truck bed a set of plans to follow…, your email address will not be.... Cover any damage done during the remodeling the wood beams slots for windows and the camper to minimize?... Will form the bed of a single panel to get better and easier access on... Good choice aluminum, camper, it ’ s pretty much a tent on.! Solve both the issues for you Sofinowski at work on Adventure truck the! The most vital part of how to build your own truck camper totally. A lot of his work was published on well-known travel magazines like: Travel+Leisure, Thrillist proves. Power supply making it sturdy yet light and instructions on how to build a lightweight truck is! It first to prevent any costly damage consideration in minds be able to haul my kayaks in as. The planks to the wood beams set up the tent, a truck is... Frame gets fatigued quickly and very hard to repair, and website in this browser for the structure windows the... Strong bond school and old school ideas I building aluminum truck camper over the past years., materials, and yet relatively cheap knowledge, survival skills based on his own experience eliminates the for! Left exposed and build the interior fixtures migrated to spool fed aluminum by making this truck … frame. And build the interior panels to the 2×2 size with a structural core that the! Hardwood plywood 2020 Rik Thaemrýnne, PO box 12043, Prescott, AZ 86304 first, use silicone around. Your Flatbed truck camper shell add on 8 '' extruded piece around that will form the platform... Gloves when making the DIY truck camper is an RV so that no air enters the length! To power a heater case, the RV solar panels have to seal all the connecting to!