DIY Truck Bed Camper Build Tour | Building A Truck Bed Camper In My Toyota Tacoma

Giving you a full tour of the Tacoma's truck bed camper setup we built at home! Drop your tips and recommendations down in the comments section!
FULL MEASUREMENTS BREAKDOWN VIDEO HERE: • Truck Bed Camper Build...
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#truckcamperbuild #truckcamping

[@andrewmansker9074]

I've been reviewing diy builds for some time now. Must have seen >100. Yours is the closest I've seen to "the dream". The optional double bed is a must. Great job.

[@ConnorLee]

Wow it’s an honor

[@Bound2BeatU]

Watch mav’s diy build its better in my opinion.

[@Exp101_]

@@Bound2BeatUhe’s got an f150 though

[@Bound2BeatU]

@@Exp101_ that is true

[@outdooraussie6355]

I agree... awesome setup. 👍👍👏👏🍻🍻

[@ian_in_a_subaroo]

You can put a netted storage system on the ceiling of the topper there for extra clothes or things storage. Love the build man!

[@exoZelia]

This is great! I People over-estimate the importance of being able to stand, being able to sit up straight is what really matters. I love it

[@deoccupyhawaii6268]

Carpet the interior to prevent condensation dripping on your face all night. Reflective insulation like windshield visor material cut to fit in the windows will block any light in or out if you need to be low key.

[@ConnorLee]

Any recommendations on material for carpet and adhesive?

[@clayrobbins7669]

@@ConnorLee I believe marine carpet is the go to for things like this

[@perkybass4970]

@@clayrobbins7669 also seen "trunk liner" fabric as good to glue to fiberglass shell interiors.

[@davidprattdo]

Run 12V power back there to charge your phone and other items, also a 12V or rechargeable LED light with a red light function will provide light at night without compromising your night vision. Nice build.

[@ConnorLee]

🤝

[@theemeraldfox7779]

​@@ConnorLeea solar panel on top of the camper shell,doing this when I do my build soon

[@STODAKINE]

What about adding a 12 volt fridge freezer? How do you cook?

[@dataender96]

simple, clean, and functional. perfect build

[@tjhoss6729]

most practical set up I've seen... great job😊

[@ConnorLee]

Thank you! Really appreciate it!

[@Lemurs]

This build is A1

[@ConnorLee]

Thank you! Means a lot

[@NateOBrien]

Love the setup!

[@thomaslawson177]

More and more people are moving to the foot space X double bed functionality! I must say, it's making me reconsider the double drawer system I currently use. Great vid and nice truck!

[@ConnorLee]

Thank you!

[@that1kidjr]

I've been obsessed with these builds lately, This one is so cool! Love it.

[@markstaley6757]

Thanks for the video. So far the best utilization of space I have seen. Y'all did an excellent job!

[@KranM3006]

Love your setup man. Really inspiring me to build one in my Tacoma

[@stevemarks5349]

So stoked I came across your vid. Not many old mini tacoma builds out there. I've got an 04 with the xtra cab as well. Most builds on youtube are the new bigger version, so it's nice to see how much space you can get out of the smaller 6 ft. bed. Great build! THX

[@ConnorLee]

Thanks for watching and I appreciate the support man! Gotta show these first gens some love too

[@goonies_never_say_die]

Make sure to have a CO alarm and a fire extinguisher in there, especially is using that propane heater.

[@ConnorLee]

Good looks on the fire extinguisher. I keep a CO alarm but I’ll add the other to my kit

[@stefankolb3454]

I really like the simplicity of the wood setup, good ideas build in and looks pratical.

[@iamnotafraid]

I have the same camper, LEER 122, but it's for my GMC Sierra 1500. I got it for a very cheap price, though it was sitting for a while and infested with brown recluse spiders, the exterior looks great after a solid wash and polish. I'm redoing and fixing everything now. Got rid of all the spiders, ripped all the old carpet, cleaned and sanitized. Tomorrow, I'll be adding new carpet, got it from home depot, pretty affordable stuff. When all that is done, I'll most likely work toward building something similar to what you have. Great video!

[@ConnorLee]

Love it! How did you end up adhering the carpet back on? Also did you do it in one piece or multiple?

[@iamnotafraid]

@ConnorLee I still haven't done the carpet. It turns out they don't sell the type I wanted. The type they do have does not stretch at all. I've kinda put it off for now, but I'll do it eventually with the correct material haha. Contact cement and/or super 77 or super 90 by 3M can be used to adhere it to the shell.

[@c.shoefish]

That's a sweet set up. I do something similar in my OBS Chevy. I travel a ton for hiking, camping, fishing and hunting. Having a place to stay (comfortably) is such a game changer and money saver.

[@richardcanfield2741]

Superiority & Comfort all in one, real nice job 👍

[@marcusalancate1782]

Best & simplest layout I've seen yet! Great job!!!

[@ConnorLee]

Tyty!

[@fordrangeroverland4945]

Super clean setup, this is great! I'm very jealous of that tall bed topper.

[@lorenadelarosa1415]

My husband built ours like yours, we love it very functional and practical...good job...

[@williamkenyon9858]

Love the simplicity of this setup. I sooo want a long bed….i have the short bed full four door tacoma. Great job!!

[@ConnorLee]

Thanks William! Simplicity was in mind for this

[@Dusty11408]

Connor, well done sir! I have a Tacoma and a smaller fiber glass shell. I have put a twin mattress in the back when I was commuting for work. It worked pretty well. Hard to cancel out the traffic going past. I like your set up very much. Especially, all of the storage space. Thanks much. Dusty Morrison, Southern California.

[@ConnorLee]

Ayyy cheers Dusty and happy truck campin!

[@TJGAUTHIER]

Very nice. A little late for this build, but on mine, I raised the bottoms of the drawers about 1/4 of an inch so the full bottom wasn't rubbing on the case. It reduced the friction by a ton.

[@curtishouser7173]

Awesome set up. I’ve spent many nights camping in the back of capped Tacomas but I was younger and I just slept in the bed with some blankets.

[@pl5861]

That is so awesome. I'm gonna work with that for my own build.

[@souldiarrhea]

one of the best and most simple builds. Looks great! can't wait to do my own sooner than later.

[@ConnorLee]

Thank you! Best of luck on your buildout

[@donniemusick1056]

I love your build probably going to try and mimic it. I'm a hiker and have always stayed in the backcountry, but I'm learning as I get older that setting a day aside to hit a campground for a hot shower is nice, or having the option to avoid a bad weather day isn't so bad. Thanks for sharing it's very cool.

[@ConnorLee]

Thanks for watching and happy adventures!

[@user-hw6hb4rk9t]

Now you are ready for an Alaska road trip.

[@dead_fox]

Love the setup! Brilliant use of space. All of the cars I’ve owned are small Japanese coupes, but recently I’ve been meaning to get a pickup instead, and the other day I was telling my girlfriend that it would be sick to do like a camping setup on the bed but that I had no idea how, and this is great inspiration, thanks!

[@supernova7754]

Ive watched several simple builds but yours is the best basic one. Thanks!! Good Luck!!

[@ConnorLee]

Thanks a million! I do like how it’s setup a lot. Still never done examining and looking for improvements! Thanks for swinging by the channel friend

[@theemeraldfox7779]

One of the best builds ive seen,getting ready to do my build to my 92gmc 8ft bed..thanks for the tips!

[@ConnorLee]

Enjoy the build! You’ve got a few more feet than me! Lots of room for activities

[@tayloraverett3138]

Love how simple your double bed is!

[@ConnorLee]

Simplicity was the goal and IM very happy with how it worked out! Thanks for watching!

[@Kactapuss]

You have really perfected a simple way to achieve a maximal layout. Nice job for sure. I'm thinking about this layout for my truck.

[@Leon-lp9fl]

This is a very smart economical built. Love the creativeness around your own. Can taste that you are satisfied and it opens the door of future convenient improvements and out door excursions. ( Camp a lot here in South Africa, sleeping in my little camper🎣 with bed extender) Good luck, it looks perfect to me.

[@jdiazpdx]

I really like this build. I’ve been truck camping for work in the back seats of my f250 since last summer. I really like your design thanks for show casing

[@ConnorLee]

Happy to share it! Thanks for watching

[@Travelingman724]

The Tacomas from that time period are the best! I’ve had a couple and I miss them

[@ConnorLee]

Couldn’t agree more with this!

[@buildadventure404]

Looks Good. For your mattress, if you have not already make a cover for it. Also I have found that a Thick yoga mat underneath it is a game changer. You could spray glue them together...and then make the cover. Just some thoughts but great start!

[@kcribari]

Dude thank you for taking the time to research and share about the Leer 122. Very helpful. Great video. Edit: fully legit comment section. Sagacity, wisdom, community.

[@perkybass4970]

Thanks for this video. I'm finalizing design for a quick conversion camper set up in my F-150 6,5 foot bed. Based on your video, I'll put a bench box all the way forward between my side boxes, and keep the bed fill-in piece on the floor. I'm using a tri fold mattress, which will prop-up across the front like a small couch on the forward bench box and side boxes. Love your simple cubbies. For your rear facing right side box opening, I'd just add a small wood piece across the floor to keep items from sliding out, and maybe a removable bungie above that.

[@yeeeeyee]

And its a manual.. what an awesome truck and setup

[@barrackobama3804]

This was a well thought out platform. Thanks for sharing

[@rtshort]

Looks really nice. For a small truck, you have utilized the space very, very well.

[@ConnorLee]

Thank you! Still some minor tweaks to utilize more space but I’m really happy with it thus far

[@garyelliott2670]

Very nice setup, love the storage!

[@CynicalDad81]

Self built, very versatile! Love it!

[@ConnorLee]

Thank you!

[@jordyangkawidjaja745]

This looks simple but extremely smart use of space!

[@ConnorLee]

Thank you!

[@franl5585]

Great build here; love it. Motivates me to do it, too! Thanks for posting. Looking forward to your experience using it. Enjoy!

[@ConnorLee]

Thank you! Stoked you’re enjoying it!

[@fred4513]

OUTSTANDING!!! You have absolutely nailed it ! K.I.S.S. Simplicity at its best ! Make a cover door for the end of that counter and used small magnets to keep in place, and a handle or pull of some type? 👍👍👍🤠

[@ConnorLee]

Ooo I like the magnet idea. That would a super sleek way to do it! Much love to ya!

[@garygerard4290]

some good ideas there, thanks

[@jannyoh1056]

super cool setup! thank u for sharing the topper

[@yessahboy]

Clean and simple taco.. can’t go wrong

[@ConnorLee]

Couldn’t agree more

[@rbljackson]

I think I have landed on this design if im going to build one. Seems to be a nice, easy to build, and well laid out plan. Room for one easy, and sleep room although tight but possible for two. I think I would want extra sleep pad under me though when the matress is laid out for two. Thanks for the idea on this set up!

[@youcanshootnow]

That is an awesome setup man, you really thought things through for capable and function

[@ConnorLee]

Thanks! Definitely took inspiration from others, but Im really happy with how it came out

[@larryprice7928]

Use a magnet for your door I like your set up

[@prioritymaleman]

wow great build! efficient and easy living. well done!

[@ConnorLee]

Thanks Jim!

[@denisestarr2314]

Best overlander yet ! I'm building a 95 ram 4x4 , short bed single cab ,campershell .an overlander you can sleep in and go anywhere .

[@victorventura1956]

Sweet setup

[@horrse]

Great ideers. I'm going to incorporate some of them into my build.

[@davidness8477]

Truck Bed Camper Build; I've watched quite a few of these over the years as I've got a 3/4 Ton, '96 Chevy LB pick-up, with a recent Leer Legend Camper Shell, and all in excellent condition. My comment is not about your build, but more about all those builds I've seen which are missing a critical component: a thin aluminum sheet that comes in a roll, like Aluminum Foil, but not found in your normal hardware store. It was shown/described on a KZbin video I saw a few years ago by a home contractor. Sorry, but that's all I can remember to help you locate it. What I found so interesting in the video was that this "Aluminum Foil" like material reduced heating costs by more than 50% when installed in homes he built! So I thought this could help tremendously camping out in winter, Alaska, and more. A well-presented video by you on this subject.

[@istanbulbeyimiz]

shining Brian

[@321southtube]

Very Very cool. Just got a new truck and looking around for ideas. This build is simple and has a realistic common sense feel to it. Well done....I'm stealing some of your ideas.

[@ConnorLee]

I can’t take credit for my whole build. I definitely too ideas from other but that’s what this platform is all about. Sharing what works and what doesn’t haha! Best of luck on your buildout. Drop me any questions if they come up!

[@nathanoaktreesun1047]

nice set up bro! got me wanting build in my truck. thx

[@davesi56]

Perfect build! Enjoy!

[@ConnorLee]

Thanks David!

[@ApocalypseDreamCatcher]

Great job! I love all the options you have for sleeping and storage. Well designed!

[@ConnorLee]

Thanks so much!

[@dez9090]

Any videos on how to? Great job 👏

[@mikeromero7642]

Outstanding setup my friend. Thanks for sharing.

[@ConnorLee]

Thanks Mike, really appreciate it! 🤙🏼

[@outdooraussie6355]

Mate, well done. It's great! 👍👍👏👏🍻🍻

[@jonascabrera8230]

I have the same build but for the storage /counter top side I added hinges to the top for easy access and an compartment above the wheel well too. The hinged top was super handy for easy access specially in the back. and middle sections.

[@ConnorLee]

I’m liking the sound do the hinge top. Would give me access to literally everything below

[@kcribari]

Oh nice idea. I am gonna do this.

[@phillipwright3130]

Sliding compartment needs hinge top if bad weather outside u can have access to the cooking items from the inside.Nice design.Wouldn’t hesitate to use it.

[@Barkley1974]

This is a great build!

[@SuperCinemaCraft]

This is exactly what I’m building just ordered the tall topper

[@aztrails1]

Very clever design. Nice work Dude.

[@ConnorLee]

Cant take credit for all the design features as I was surely influenced by others but thank you!

[@ronjerris1942]

Looks great, I'm loving it.

[@ConnorLee]

🙏🏼🤘🏼

[@mikepauly4855]

Conner your build is awesome keep campin bro

[@ConnorLee]

Thanks Mike!

[@MrKeenaz]

I truly love this build of yours. Good luck with your adventures buddy. 🇦🇺

[@ConnorLee]

Thank you kindly!

[@AmericusMaximus]

Nice work.

[@travispowell2471]

Nice setup. Clever use of the space

[@ConnorLee]

Thank you! Cant say they were all my original ideas, but it has turned into a really neat use of space!

[@davidpoffenbarger3686]

I have a similar set up in the back of my Chevy long bed and look at other build outs for ideas I might want to add to mine. I add a motorcycle hitch hauler for my dual sport motorcycle and I've been all over in it. Economical way to solo camp/ride and have used it more than expected. Thanks for the vid....

[@ConnorLee]

Motorcycle would be soooo cool. Hell yeah man!

[@stevemikel4966]

Nice work. Just a thought on the passenger side cubby, I use old plastic battery boxes to hold room stuff, straps, tire chains, automotive additives, a roll up table, cat trowel and maybe a window brush scraper combo( might not be necessary down in Tennessee). On the other side I built in a scabbard for a couple telescoping awning poles, and a boy’s axe, along with extra oil, antifreeze and a full sized shovel. Fishing pole can go up in the overhead along the LH wall maybe. Food for thought, my set up isn’t as permanent as my truck gets used for everything, hauling, camping, business stuff. Keep an eye on your coolant levels, and the radiator- they sometimes leak at the tank to core seams. Good luck

[@dave-d-grunt]

Nice build. Always some other idea will come up.

[@TrantGouchey]

i wanna buy a 1st gen tacoma and do this so bad. so bad ass man well done

[@onlyinparadise4613]

Nice build! Great ideas 💡

[@ConnorLee]

Thank you!

[@black_widow_overland]

Great build. The high rise toppers definitely help. I’ve got a Jeep Gladiator and being 6’2 with a 5’5” bed… makes it difficult to camp in the bed. I build a drawer system for the back. No high rise toppers are being made.. yet. I don have the ARE topper. Look forward to checking out the rest of your videos.

[@perkybass4970]

Set up a way to sleep diagonally, like a bed down one side, and a board platform with a cushion at the back end.

[@ImTheDudeMan471]

I've got same 1998 Tacoma SR5 manual v6 & same bed shell topper (in forest green) w/3" lift, and exact same alloy wheels.. I do not want any other truck. Don't want a Ford, Ram or Silverado. I took off every decal and love the stealthy look.

[@ConnorLee]

I hear that haha I love my Toyota. It’s been a dream of a truck and so easy to work on too

[@panzermensch4136]

I dont really know what to say..this is just awesome =)

[@ConnorLee]

Well thank you!

[@later2672]

Finally found a “good” camper shell for $100, for my 2002 F-150 Super Crew cab, just on Saturday.This is not the best truck however it was very cheap. The bed is only 5’ 6”, I am 5’10”. Very simple and looks structurally strong. I just got the same heater at Costco for $70, it came with the adapter to attach to the bigger propane tank. I am starting my build February 22nd. Will review all your videos on this truck. Thanks, sleep well, cheers from Utah.

[@ConnorLee]

Heck yeah man!

[@user-br1pg6wv2b]

Bro this is awesome😂my wife is gonna hate me when I’m not home at nights

[@ConnorLee]

😂

[@ladytrader688]

Truck builds are tricky. I've racked my brain on mine on so many designs. I had the bed sideways which was fine, but I like yours with the optional simple extensions. I like having a U shape to sit. I would consider copying your design with these changes: I'm not sure if I need a wood floor as I have just insulated truck bed with Kilt and I have a Bed Rug (Best money I spent.), that would reduce some weight. The bed frame I would have complete access from top with bed slates on a frame that can fold up, again that reduces weight. And I would do the same flip up design on the side table. Reason being, I will be living in it full time and cannot slide out cooking gear, et all. I have a pass through window (again, money well spent as I had dogs that would go back and forth, sadly, they have crossed the rainbow).I will be taking the back seat out of my double cab Chevy Silverado and that will have my cooler that I can reach through for items, my "Closet" (a bar with hanging clothes, cuz I'm a girl), and tools, (yes, girls like me like tools)...extra water, and a toilet, (separates smell from sleeping area,(I had a garlicky dinner once and whew!!!) and I can climb through for emergencies/get aways (not gracefully, but can be done). Thank you for the ideas, I was stuck cuz I let my imagination run a lil too wild, hehe.

[@ladytrader688]

Update: I’m trading the Chevy for a Sienna cuz truck died in mid of road… again… and Chevy can’t find the issue so I’m done. Now I will have to flex my brain for different build.

[@fastxsam]

As for your tiny storage area door, do a top slide out with a hinge down. Think folding pocket door.

[@ConnorLee]

Ahhhhh I see what you mean

[@chm779]

Amaizing

[@BabyBlue.23]

Nice setup bro. Looking @ a 1st gen Tundra to replace my notoriously unreliable Bronco and this seems like a perfect fit. The best part is that you still retain the flat bed in the back! Super unique!

[@ConnorLee]

Thanks man! I’m really happy with is functionality!

[@mostee77]

Great job

[@mikeecker146]

Nice setup. I’ve camped in my Tacoma with a 6’ bed. I’ve done it and I’m 6’2. My topper isn’t a tall one like yours which isn’t optimal. One thing I did was take the rear seats out of the double cab. Saved 85lb and added storage. Your rear seating area is smaller. One other thing I did was add a Yakima box on top of the topper.

[@kkratzer11]

Been living out of my truck for a few years now and about to start up a rebuild. I’m impressed with your setup! Gave me some good ideas. Thanks man

[@ConnorLee]

Stoked to hear that and I wish you the best of luck on your rebuild!

[@woodsman335]

How do you keep cool during the summer?

[@ConnorLee]

@@woodsman335 I didnt have this wooden setup last summer but I have a solar panel, deep cycle battery and I hook up a fan and leave the screened windows open. Fan is the savior

[@woodsman335]

@@ConnorLee nice way to do it! Thanks for responding.

[@kkratzer11]

I just follow the weather!

[@jimpetway8216]

Awesome , great 👍 job !

[@banihex]

This is the BEST build I have seen by far. I would love a blueprint or cut list if it exists. I have a Nissan Frontier with a 6 ft bed and I would build out the left side exactly, then I'll be able to determine the width of the right shelf. Thanks for this!

[@ConnorLee]

Truck Bed Camper Build Breakdown With Measurements | This Will Show You How To Build Your Own! kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6CmdmmCo9aYbcU

[@RolandoNispiros]

Awesome setup!

[@ConnorLee]

Thank you!

[@fyrstwaffen8952]

Very similar to mine, I think you will love it...

[@noonster55]

Love it. I just bought a 2004 Tacoma TRD Off-road. Your design is perfect. Got to study the video more. Trying to figure out how you attached or secured it to the bed of the truck.

[@ConnorLee]

I built the floor to be pretty darn tight fitting in the truck bed and then I pocket hole screwed the frame down to the floor wood

[@michaelpack4210]

Very nice 👍 I like it !!

[@ConnorLee]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@alengomez4818]

Dude that’s sick I have the same truck. But with a 2” lift

[@ConnorLee]

🤘🏼🤘🏼