Compact Pickup Camper - Vanlife without a Van

Lots of people camp in their pickup trucks, but some take it a step further by building out a sleeping and storage area. These builds are almost always done on long box pickups, but not today!
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With the help of Johnny from Crafted Workshop, we'll build a cabinet for my short box Honda Ridgeline with running water, usb charging, and plenty of storage.
Check out Johnny's video on this build
• DIY Pickup Truck Campe...
Here's our last collaboration
Mine • Kicker Ramp Cutting Bo...
Johnny's • Cutting Board Kicker R...
Supplies
Storage Battery amzn.to/2iFARL4
Metal Bowl amzn.to/2iFW7Rb
USB Panel amzn.to/2jMCZ7g
USB Fan amzn.to/2jfczqW
Carabiner amzn.to/2hUe6Gi
Growler amzn.to/2hKnNmN
Latches amzn.to/2zVH67w
Sleeping Pad amzn.to/2zXukFa
Sleeping Bag amzn.to/2hYw9Ln
Soft Topper www.softopper.com

[@TheLoamRanger]

Awesome ideas! I love me some car camping. Now I just need one of those frickn lasers...

[@hedemalmcarl]

Yeah i need one too

[@chefjuancarlos6195]

We all need one

[@robgindc1]

Nice! Also, Johnny: "I thought that was for the beer" - priceless! lol!

[@slaterfrei7665]

Also, Seth: “ITS A F*cking LASER”

[@billygibbs3222]

@@slaterfrei7665 Correction "F*cking Lazer"

[@bkxc]

Holy shit Johnny's shop is amazing!! Love this kind of stuff

[@DeadAnimals_]

BKXC nice to see you here 🙃

[@jacejontz2335]

Yeah

[@dirtlover1178]

?

[@landryjones9172]

Oooooooo you said a bad word

[@JMS_Hunter]

Boy I totally forgot about these old videos. They are still very good

[@jamesj5884]

“Vans blend in” *shows a giant tent on top of one*

[@tuckera1879]

It is still less obvious than a camper or rv

[@tuckera1879]

@@envy4847 actually I do see them more than you would think

[@whalen_007]

James Jarvis except for that

[@ralexcraft990]

For your information that is called a pop top

[@jc854R]

it’s just a hat!

[@seans2487]

I’d like to let you know that you are my favorite KZbinr and I don’t even mountain bike.

[@craftedworkshop]

Super fun collaborating with you again, dude! Camper turned out awesome, so cozy in there!

[@SethsBikeHacks]

I'm stoked on it! Now that we've done two collabs, it's time to step up the difficulty...

[@craftedworkshop]

I think we've got a few good ideas... :)

[@cohenl1236]

Hi Seth

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Your workshop is truly amazing! Great build.

[@ujenmaharjan9849]

great build buddy i liked it

[@MtbEnduroChile]

Simplicity is king! Inspiring video Seth!

[@diegoayala8603]

German, What are you doing here?

[@jimhavouski7603]

I find your videos so entertaining, very professional and love that you put all aspects of mtbing in not just riding.

[@mixflip]

Funny thing is....for me....I'm a camper who brings his mtb to get around the campsite vs the other way around.

[@andrewdaub2638]

He hasn’t used this once since he made so what was it for.

[@lml241]

I haven't seen him us it ether.

[@mjackdooley9053]

Andrew Daub IKR

[@brianpatterson8534]

Epic Master Andrew when he camps

[@maxhansen5595]

ik i wanna see him use it

[@frankieboi6020]

Max Hansen me too

[@airickp]

My love of MTB came from many years of camping at Davidson river in Brevard... I had my “cramping” down! I have been almost disappointed that one of my ridding biddies bought a cabin that since has become home base... still awesome to get together with old friends to ride and enjoy

[@livefreeandshred9818]

I'm in the process of doing this with my short bed tacoma. I will be getting a hard shell instead of the soft topper though. With a platform to sleep on and long drawers under for storage and counter space

[@Backroomsblackman]

Why not a long bed

[@sydandmacky]

That is some impressively good use of space! So rad!

[@simonwiggin7824]

Where's the bike going when you are sleeping? On your lap? 😅

[@Xhris4000]

Simao W bike rack

[@jameswilliams3552]

Come on... we all love snuggling up with our loved one ;)

[@matthewallen5590]

front seats?

[@liquidSpin]

Guess u didn’t watch the whole video. The bike minus front tire stays inside on the other side of the sleeping bag upright. Guess the front tire goes in the front cab or bottom of the trailer cabin.

[@byronpratt9697]

liquidSpin what about when he has multiple bikes

[@pulsartech2945]

This video actually helped me out ALOT. I was discriminating against trucks with a small bed but now i dont have to! Thanks again!

[@beemtb6996]

Can’t believe I’m seeing this now! I’ve bugging the hell out of my wife telling her we need a camper van, but now I see possibilities with my ram 3500. Thank you 🤙

[@nestorluvsher]

Looks up Last Line of Defense. He's second most recent video is with a guy who lived in his ram for a bit

[@SilverScarletSpider]

Wouldn’t it better to sleep in a folded down passenger seat? This is a great video! Thank you for showing off your Honda Ridgeline!

[@rekamniar]

johnny is the shiznit. those tools are a stuff of envy

[@craftedworkshop]

rekamniar thanks man!

[@RixterNow]

rekamniar serious envy. Holy Cow, I’ve not seen that much woodworking tech in anybody’s home before

[@craftedworkshop]

Rixter thanks man, I love my shop!

[@ritawilson8762]

Great job. Love all the different ideas we come up with. Mine has a sink too. I camp and kayak. About to be 69 years old.

[@artifexmusic]

a f*cking laser to carve out logos. amazing.

[@sambrush2409]

No it a fucking lazer

[@capenelson1560]

Fellow Ridgeline and softtopper owner... Love the idea. Not sure I'll make one as I love my hammock, but definitely versatile.

[@middywashere]

hell dig it dude, hearing you walking about camping and builds like this is just as interesting as mountain biking

[@SethsBikeHacks]

Thanks dude! I was a little worried

[@alexolesky]

Seth's Bike Hacks you find a way to make videos about riding without hands the most entertaining 2 min of my life

[@CLKlasse]

This is totally different that any other build I ever seen; removable kitchen modal, soft topper, computer aided design and cnc machining!!! On a 2017 Honda pick up with pressurized beer growler as water source!!! Totally different than everybody else's doing.

[@ErikHansenProductions]

K I’m all about the bike and hacks stuff but this was super entertaining to watch and fun!

[@paulaschnizer3826]

great idea and build. I have a Tacoma with a Best Top Topper and this would be perfect!

[@dottow3854]

Please do more stuff like this🙏🏼

[@jayn8392]

I used to have a ridgeline. Great little trucks, but I can't imagine trying to live out of that tiny bed haha. You sir are a wild man.

[@christopherwayne5114]

Jay N To be fair, he’s like 5’4”. I’ve got a highlander hybrid which is surprisingly roomy but it’s a pain in the ass to sleep in, even with the back seats down and an inflatable mattress haha

[@RickyScoles]

Simple yet awesome....good video Seth

[@CoolEyeColorado]

Sweet set up. I am looking at not only buying a Ridgeline, but being a dirt biker and avid Colorado outdoorsman, I need a place to sleep. Vans are great but can’t go as many places. A truck and the bed are perfect. Have fun and thanks for posting video.

[@Spintechfilms]

Honestly feel you dont need all those fancy woodworking machines, done all my work with just a jig, chop, table saw, and my drill Really love the minimalist-ness of the build tho

[@fwrdr]

This is the best by far. Low impact for visits, travels, exploring.

[@LDaniel_BDuce]

It’s so sad seeing drama in these past videos. But, nobody really dies if people still think about them. So technically, as long as his videos stay on KZbin. Drama will never die.

[@carlmiller8737]

This is one of my favorite videos. It didn't have any riding but making a riding weekend more enjoyable is great!

[@ZiggZagg11]

Its a good start... But now you need solar panels, porta pottie, 12v compressor refrigerator, LED perimeter lighting, air conditioning... Just saying... You are now going to have to step it up... Yes, I have been watching too many how to live in your van videos... 🤔

[@SethsBikeHacks]

I've been down that wormhole!

[@alexolesky]

Well it’s pretty amazing anyway, also that you can stuff a bike in there

[@alexolesky]

Seth's Bike Hacks you should do a video where you go back to Fort Lauderdale and ride some trails, and in that awesome park you used to ride street in. I remember when you did joyriding rental bikes

[@antoniobmw]

you forgot toilet and a pool

[@Richard1976]

ZiggZagg11 just get a mercedes camper 😇 kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXLHYp55g7V4f68

[@eBikerHowie]

Very cool. I've been cramping for years. Lots of room in the bed of my Ram 1500. Enjoy the new digs.

[@jameelwillson-imamdin8630]

Hey Seth You should make a few videos with your race bmx on a proper dirt bmx pump track!

[@troubledsouls574]

I turned my SUV into something to camp in. I can fit a bed easily and everything I need. Extra stuff in my roof rack shell. Cool video.

[@propwash66]

I'm sitting in my camper drinking my coffee watching KZbin about mountain biking getting ready to go ride

[@SethsBikeHacks]

+2dogsbiking the life!

[@alexolesky]

I start my ride watching KZbin videos, it’s a magical thing

[@badlama1878]

2dogsbiking lucky

[@CANControlGRAFFITI]

Marin Mountain Biker internet videos are magic.

[@brandonfuchs5854]

That's a sick, super minimalist, setup! My only suggestion is ditch the bowl and get a bucket. It won't look as "pintristy" but just for the ease of emptying and lack of spillage!

[@mixflip]

Where can I buy that pressurized growler? That was cool.

[@justaakaliandireliamainwil9997]

Idk

[@andrewoliver0]

It’s in the description

[@robertlayton8156]

Awesome! Just bought a 2022 BE ridgeline and I'll probably go with this exact simple set up considering how small the bed is. Thanks man!

[@kozamtb5045]

Seth, when are u going to do another video on the backyard trails.

[@rikscarpino6958]

I customized my pick up truck last year for surf trips truck camping and anything else that we want to do, your corner cabinet is great. This summer I’m going to install one for our camping needs. Thanks for the wonderful idea. Enjoy your travels😎

[@crayx48]

Hey Seth! Great work with this here channel! I love your unagitated way of presenting, love how you spice your videos with good portions of humorous bits as well as I like listening to your voice in general. Besides the entertaining value, the most important thing about your videos for me is that they got me back into mountainbiking, which I had mostly been doing as a kid and not continue as a teen. Just like with watching skiing videos in summer makes me look into the sky wondering when the first snowflakes would fall, your MTB videos catalysed the wish to make my wheels spray dirt into my face. So after watching nearly all of your videos by now and continiously riding more and more I am now asking myself how I could've kept all that fun from me all those years. Well I am back at it now and the feeling of my own skills improving with about every ride is highly addictive; thanks for getting me back into riding! :)

[@wigit2216]

i never thought i would say this but, this is a awesome honda ridgeline. my inner truck guy wants me to hate it but it makes so much sense for that situation. the under bed storage is weird but practical.

[@Flyers2929]

Awesome! But what do you do with your bike when you are sleeping?

[@SethsBikeHacks]

lock it up, or cuddle up with it

[@clutch182]

Brandong13 a bike rack would be good for that, I seen in the last picture he still put it in the back but then it would get pretty dirty.

[@Flyers2929]

Maybe for you but Id already be curled up haha

[@RideAlongside]

Exactly what I was thinking. It would be cool to see something cnc'd out of wood for the bikes. A foldable wood bike box that can go outside the truck and have a cable lock running through it so people can't see what awesome types of bikes are in there would be rad. Maybe it would double as a table or something. Van life is super appealing. I would need a big van with my family of 4 tho. Enjoy your vids Seth.

[@alexolesky]

Seth's Bike Hacks you might want to give it a little bike bath before you cuddle with it

[@clayster89]

Most professional looking woodshop I've ever see.....so clean!

[@cacheney08]

Seth: Thanls for riding with me Me: Has never rode a mountain bike in my life

[@bridgetmcclure-jones3952]

Totally ACE guys! You rocked a tiny space making it livable 👍😊

[@miyabe_k195]

Bruh, the only solution is a semi truck with a 40 foot container on the trailer with a Mazda miata in the back of the container 😂

[@myes344]

Forget the truck just sleep in the trunk of miata

[@leanmeangreenbeanmachine3347]

How bout just a pickup with a Morris Mini in the bed?

[@wesworld98]

WHY DO I WANT A SEMI TRUCK NOW?

[@heji2743]

Not a Miata but instead something less gau

[@unknownricecake3036]

*M* iata *i* s *a* lways *t* he *a* nswer

[@BMad-we6qf]

Awesome. We have been talking about alternatives to tent camping for years and this spring started thinking about an easy pickup bed option. So pleased to have found something that is customizable, easily installed and doesn’t look like the big homemade plywood box.

[@lemzilee6061]

to be fare this might not work so well for someone who's not 5'4

[@zarkfuckerberg4545]

Lemzi Lee just get a slightly larger pickup.

[@SethsBikeHacks]

Alex is 5' 10" and uses the same sized sleeping pad. If you're a giant then you ain't sleeping in a short box pickup.

[@lemzilee6061]

im 14 and im 6'2 so idk how well that would work

[@sapinva]

Yeah, with that truck the tailgate would have to be down. I used to have a shell on a 6'+ bed and it was really tight, even diagonally. The first few times I'd take off my knuckles in the middle of the night when turning. Dropping the tailgate isn't so bad compared to waking up with condensation running down the sides of your shell, unless of course you are paranoid about bears, or the toe monster.

[@JogBird]

fair

[@eamonkelly9007]

You've inspired me! I recently bought an f350 with a fiberglass top. My son would love this.

[@SuperSpeederCarl]

Awesome cabinet I just always thought you drove a real truck for some reason

[@chikinstrippin891]

Very cool! I use a softopper as well, but in addition to that I recommend a bedrug and a low cot to get you off of the floor of the bed.

[@calebsherman886]

"I like how i did that whole sketchup model and I haven't even referenced it once." lol

[@jonhardy7131]

I like the direction this show is taking.

[@griffinporphy6566]

Do a bike check on the diamondback hook

[@emilyvbr1878]

This is one of the coolest truck camper setups I've seen so far

[@sleepdeep305]

"You know it's about to go down when Johnny busts out Google Sketchup." Lol, best thing I heard all day

[@bullseye0112]

Hes got amazing toys to build with. I love your do it yourself attitude Seth. I have an idea for laundry on the road

[@meloanda6372]

Been doing this. Vanlife without a van and life🤣

[@skyusable]

I am super jealous of the under the bed storage that the ridgeline provides. I got convinced to get a hard camper shell for my Frontier for the upcoming trip. I am not a huge fan of the fact that I won't have a place to store it when I will be using the truck during the summer to haul my dirtbikes etc. I think after my cross country trip I will sell it and go for a soft shell like you did. Much easier to put on/off when I will be going on dirt biking trips.

[@shaanrakhra5483]

It's funny how Seth had a sink before Alex had one in his van which he lives in full time. 😂

[@santiagohills3321]

Back in the 60s my dad raced motos in the Mojave. He welded up a frame for the bed of his 67 Chevy, then threw a tarp over it when he got to camp. Trailers and RVs have their place, but for how much they cost to own and operate, and considering how clumsy they are, a motel or rough camping is a better option in 90% of situations. The truck bed is a great option, sleeping in the back is something I’ve missed since switching to a family friendly suv that isn’t quite big enough.

[@seanholby4088]

6:00 the Visio Racer intro song 😂

[@samvhell9104]

Yeah !

[@TH3C001]

I'm glad I'm not the only one, I love that guy's channel.

[@samvhell9104]

@@TH3C001 Me too !

[@effortlessproductions]

Yes bro I’m glad I’m not the only one 😂

[@Madmun357]

Great video. I spent 3 months last year in the back of my Tacoma with a camper top, a few nights in a tent, and about once a week in a motel. I will say this...a hard top doesn't offer all that much security.

[@tim1499]

So where does the bike go when you're in the back?

[@VAX1970]

I thought that, what's to stop it being stolen? Perhaps it goes in the cab?

[@mtb4l673]

He’ll have to buy another bike rack

[@daylightsensor8695]

The opposite corner of the shelf-sink-compartment-thingy

[@RickyScoles]

Tim D. The front seat

[@natehowell793]

His trailer

[@_sacredseven_]

I have a 2011 but this is a perfect set up. So low maintenance. Need one of those soft toppers!!

[@fawningz8736]

lmao the music was simply nailogicals intro music

[@mrvwbug4423]

I thought I heard Visio Racers theme in there too haha.

[@ReadObituaries]

I KNEW I RECOGNIZED IT!

[@samvhell9104]

@@mrvwbug4423 Yeeeessss !!!

[@elizabeth779]

I was thinking that ahah

[@tortron]

That soft topper is exactly what I want. Have been looking at aussie canvas tray tents but never seen this one before

[@jojodroid31]

"You know it's about to go down when Johnny busts out Sketchup" lmaoooo google sketchup xD

[@alexanderturan5544]

This is really a great minimalist idea! But as I watched you helping Alexander witch his van, I would only wish that you would build your own super van with all kinds of cool gadgets! That would be so cool!

[@fionaplaysoa3662]

honestly think you should consider a hardshell for that security. imagine how a dude feels when they pass by your truck while youre away.

[@fionaplaysoa3662]

do check out SnugTop or Bel-air Shells, they have some seriously good shells

[@patricialavino7278]

I have a Ridgeline that Idw to give up. I’m thinking of taking out my rear seat area and putting a hardtop, probably custom-built camper. Idk if I want the camper to cover the truck or stop just before the trunk. I’m not brave enough for the soft-top, but I am glad to see someone else using the Ridgeline.

[@luiseutebach2700]

I love your videos😍😍 Sorry for my bad English. I'm from germany😂 One question where can I buy your stickers 😂

[@misterbulger]

my Titan has the same tiny bed and I'm 6'3" so i feel ya on the diagonal. I even sleep in a regular bed diagonally too! I have a hard shell topper on my bed and i open the hatch and tailgate and drape a tarp over it for a little "vestibule" area and easier climbing in and out. I've used a pesticide sprayer (new of course) for my pressurized water. You can take a full shower with one of those! I definitely need to build a little cabinet though good video and have fun.

[@ohyeahjosiah3722]

What kind of CAR is that

[@bencekiss392]

Honda Ridgeline

[@kappablancA]

the beer tap sink solution is really nice! no need fancy installation just pick up the bowl and empty it outside

[@PopEye2384]

Why do your friend have oreos stuck to his earlobes???

[@plutoplatters]

cause it's cool ?

[@Jenns228]

Leave people alone wtd

[@k.whiking4372]

That corner cabinet is a really neat idea.

[@masobreuh542]

My ex is a 4:01

[@atticus2581]

LOL NICE ONE!

[@EManas-jn8ec]

XD

[@dwaynetheshrekjohnson7026]

Haha

[@alexdoggett7167]

Twitch_MTB ha

[@charlesridgway]

MasonBreuhl lmao

[@dmcintyre15]

I love the mix of Biking and Woodworking!

[@norwegianmountainbiker236]

"Its a fkn lazer" Seth 2017

[@TTarlov]

Very cool! I just picked up a softopper myself and love it. I can fit dirt bikes in the back of the truck and then pull the topper over them. Can't do that with a hard shell.

[@rawvoltage251]

“F***en laser”

[@mrvwbug4423]

Just needs some fricking sharks now hehe

[@fredletstravels]

I have that battery! It’s completely brilliant...also the solar panel they sell really charges it easily.

[@sajidaparveem9029]

Do you have kids

[@robbiejohnson1429]

I love the growler as a water storage faucet.

[@adriennekavanaugh7031]

5:13 that’s what she said

[@BIKINGWITHBOBO]

dude, this turned out so sick! after all... who doesn't want to mountain bike and camp?!? and it's Drama approved! just need a toilet situation hanging off the tailgate and you're all set. ;)

[@macspeirs5098]

creeper van

[@marcoepifani2475]

@isaac i think it was a joke bro...

[@olliequorn7499]

Isaac simmer down pal

[@alvaroferruzo1260]

As an architect and being used to SketchUp and laser cutters, its really nice to see how fascinated is Seth with these

[@willard4]

2:29 uses google on an apple device lol

[@jacobalten]

I just found your channel. The setup is awesome. I have a car. I have recently decided to do more mt. bike riding. now I really want some kind of outdoorsy vehicle... just outstanding.

[@Tomzzzzzz]

#vanlife can be ridiculously expensive and take a long time to build out, so I like your easier and less costly version! I'm thinking of doing something similar with a Subaru Outback. Would like to see more videos on this topic!

[@pollux3685]

My additions: more usb hubs, a small container for the sink to drain to, and some bins instead of just open space underneath. Oh and the battery would have a solar panel. And maybe a plastic covering on the countertop. Just personal preferences and wants.

[@wellshep]

Guys this is awesome. Love the creativity and simple answers to the short bed truck. I searched several sites before I came across this one. Took me about 2 seconds to subscribe after the video. Great job!

[@CreekCat1]

This is fantastic. I need a vehicle that I can use for work; use for camping; pack my bike and kayak and have room for my toddler grandson. This is neat and it may work.