DIY Truck Camper

I've been building a truck camper for my 3rd gen tacoma that my girlfriend and I will be taking on a 3+ month road trip around the country. These are some pictures of our progress. Keep in mind I have 0 carpentry experience and am just kind of winging it.

 

For someone with 0 carpentry experience it looks pretty good.
How much weight are you expecting the camper to weigh when you are done?

 

I was going to say, that SOB looks heavy! Great work though.

 

Whats your weight on that, and how much in materials are you going to end up spending?

 

I expect the camper to end up weighing around 1000-1200lbs. I am getting super springs installed to increase the trucks payload to 2000lbs. I am still able to lift the camper up to my waist on either end and I am not very strong so it can't weigh that much as is.

 

I have spent around $400 so far

 

Weight will definetly be a concern. Especially having that loaded and in your truck for 3 months. The Tacoma isn't known to have the best springs and can't hold a lot of weight. People complain about their 200lb topper cause sag after a month or so. I have a feeling you're going to be beyond capicity

 

Sub for progress.... def get some ride rite airbags!!!! I like it a lot though

 

Just by looking. Wild guess. I might be able to make something like that with the wood from 10 2x4 and 5 sheets of 3/8 plywood. Maybe 200 pounds? So far.

 

You have a truck.

 

Skip the super springs and put in some Dakars w/ overload! Carpentry and design looks great, I'm interested to see the finished product!

 

Looks nice but geez, can you say 9mpg?

 

must weigh tons, pretty cool tho

 

Cool idea, but why didn't you just buy one of those tent things for the bed, or are you worried about bears and possums.

 

The fact that you won't have to set this up every night!!! In bed campers are way overpriced!! Just my opinion anyways

 

Looks great. I plan to do a similar build in aluminum with a more aerodynamic roof.

 

I'd opt for airbags over new leafs. Should be able to handle the load better.

 

I'm guessing it's about 700lbs as is. I didn't do the tent set up for convenience of not having to set up and also because we are roadtripping through the Rockies and Northwest through the winter. I was concerned about heavy snow fall damaging the tent.

 

I've built and repaired campers over the years, this seems a little overbuilt.
Most of the smaller size campers use a lot of 1"x2" in the build, with some heavier materials in key load points.
We would frame the roof, sides and other pieces, 1st, then we would lay down glue on the frame and nail the paneling to what would be the inside, followed by routering it to size, including window openings.
By doing it that way, it gives greater strength, while reducing the weight.
when all the panels are assembled, we would run some wiring then add insulation, I recomend the foam style as it doesn't hold water if you had a minor leak.
I don't know what type of exterior you are using, the old way used aluminum, I have seen the newer ones have better materials...
Good luck with the build!

 

I am a carpenter looks great to me. Only thing i would have done is frame it in steel would be lighter and strongwr. Great jop Op.