DIY Topper extension set up for sleeping in a DCSB

Has anyone built one of these or something similar to it?

I'm looking at camper shells for my DCSB and am leaning toward a Century Hi-C or Snugtop Hi-Liner.

We have a regular tent that we normally use but it's getting old sleeping on the ground with my bad back. This seems like a cheap alternative for my 10yr old and I to use on our hunting trips. I'd really like a GFC or similar but they are out of reach for us financially.

He sells his build plans for cheap if anyone's interested. He also has about 10 videos on his build process. FWIW I am not affiliated with him in anyway but like his idea.

 

Thinking about doing this or something similar. Watching to see the responses.

 

I’m still visualizing how I am going to build my “canopy camper” but I’m going for more of a Van life set up. My idea is small drawers over both wheel wells, and being able to fold the bed into a couch on the drivers side. If you’re sleeping in it during hunting season than I assume you’d want to have some way to provide a little insulation or have a heater

 

We cut slots in the back and the bottom of a new $30 Walmart 2-pole dome tent and put it on the back of our open topper - drape the tent floor under the tailgate and part of the roof over the opened back window and the zippered door and mosquito netting flap door stays next to the open tailgate. It works well.

 

Got any pictures?

 

We also built an inexpensive expanding platform that has storage underneath and extends from 4-feet to 6.5-feet for sleeping.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/build-a-shortbed-deck-that-extends-from-between-4’-to-a-6-5’-bed-in-a-weekend.539080/#post-17388634

 

I dont but need to. Will do!

 

Please!

 

I will- we haven’t used it for awhile as desert camping without mosquitoes has been nice. The platform sure gets a lot of use, we love that thing as now with the RTT, my truck sleeps 4- just like my old Westfalia VW did.

 

I figured on making reflectix panels and using velcro to put them up when it gets cold. The winter temps in the desert aren't too bad here and we sleep in zero bags. I have been considering a deck and storage drawers like others have built and then buying one of these.


https://www.softopper.com/camper-tent