DIY Truck Camper Build - The Frame Pt1 ( How To )

Today I'm making a DIY Truck Camper / Utility Camper Shell. In this video I'll show how I designed, cut and welded the steel frame together. I'll talk about what my plans for the camper are and what is to come in the next part of this DIY Truck Camper Utility Shell project!
Thank you to Industrial Metal Supply for partnering with me on this project and supplying the metal that you'll see me using along the way!
www.industrialmetalsupply.com/
Thanks for watching and let me know if you have any questions you might have!
-Joe
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----------- DIY, Random Projects, Rainwater Harvesting, Welding, woodworking, outdoors... and whatever else I find interesting :)
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Homesteadonomics
HC 70 Box 4770
Sahuarita AZ 85629
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#DIYtruckcamper #truckcamper #truckcamperproject
Tags: DIY truck camper, truck camper, how to, truck bed camper, overlanding camper, mig welding, industrial metal supply, homebuilt truck camper, evolution power tools, shipping container shop, homesteadonomics, camper project, utility shell

[@sarahaugustine4185]

I love your videos because they are full of information, but more because you always explain what you are doing so well. Thanks.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you so much Sarah! I’m sure would prefer I talked less🤪 but I am glad to hear that you appreciate it😊🙏

[@rickcassell9613]

I wouldn’t expect anything else from a man that’s not afraid of taking on another great project! Well done can’t wait to see the finished product . 👍👍

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Rick! I so looking forward to this build and seeing how it turns out. I’ve got a picture in my mind….but until I see it in person it’s hard to know exactly how it’s going to turn out…. But I’m optimistic!

[@Asomesauc]

Knowing how you built the travel trailer I'm excited to see the results of this project.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! I am excited to see how it comes out too!

[@280zone]

Glad to see Industrial Metal Supply jumping in, don't forget to check out their scrap bins, LOADS of treasures for beginner welders. Looking forward to see the features of this build.

[@homesteadonomics]

That’s literally where I spend most of my time when I’m there…..wondering around the scrap room getting ideas for projects😂👍

[@outdooreng4973]

One of the best ever workshop channel on KZbin Because the simplicity Not too much crazy tools and equipment where most average people can’t afford them But you made it ,, well done Waiting for the next project ( truck bed tray) 😂😂😂 sound crazy but i am sure that idea in your head

[@homesteadonomics]

I greatly appreciate that! Just trying to do what I can with what I got😊🙏

[@DestinationDesert]

Love the new project. Overland tops are crazy expensive, so building your own is awesome! God bless!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you and yes they sure are! Quite a market out there that’ll pay a pretty penny for cool overlanding stuff. But I’m cheap which it why I’m building mine🤪 May God Bless you too!

[@branchandfoundry560]

@@homesteadonomics Why buy it when I can make it half as nice for twice the price!

[@markb.1259]

A+++ project Joe!! Here's an idea for you that will eliminate the need for you to build jack legs to store the box on. My Gpa built a stand that he stored his truck cap on. It was 4 corner posts that for all practical purposes had 2"X6" bed rails on top of left and right side posts. He'd back his pickup back to where the cap was right in front of the front corner posts, unclamp the cap from the truck's bed rails then he'd manually start sliding the cap off the truck rails, onto the 2"X6" wooden rails that were atop the corner post (bed rails). Put the clamps back in place to hold the cap secure to the storage rails and that's all. Come time to reinstall the cap, just back the truck up to the cap, and slide the cap forward onto the truck's bed rails, bolt them down and your on your way!! 🙂

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Mark! Sounds like your grandpa had a good setup made for his…. But the only problem is that I’m already welding part of the jack leg projects today🤪. Plus I want to be able to take it on and off in multiple locations

[@roseapple8786]

Mr. Joe, I have faith in you on this build. I have seen you do the travel trailer and that turned out awesome. Can hardly wait to see the finished product of this camper build. Thank you for sharing and God Bless you and your family. 🥰👍👍👍👍👍(🌹🐞🦂🌵)

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Rose! I am excited to get this to a useable stage and see how it turns out as well! May God Bless you as well🙏😊

[@waylonhartwell]

I would suggest welding in a piece of steel where your hooks will be to secure it to the truck bed tie downs so that there is a really good anchor point if you happen to be on rough roads when it's rocking back and forth

[@homesteadonomics]

It’ll have bed bolts, as well as hitch pins to 4 points on the bed rails as well as 4 ratchet straps anchoring it to the bed tie down points. But have also contemplated adding one of those ratcheting tie down systems as another alternative.

[@stevendgrissom1968]

Your getting ready to bug out is what i take from this build bubba. Nice job.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! And yes, I do like having multiple functions for each project. Camped for fun and also for work stuff…..but also just in case the sociopaths in gov succeed in creating a dystopia that we all know they want….then I got a bit of capability to bug out somewhere 😊👍 Kinda joking about all that stuff but also kinda serious🤪

[@Dbagind40]

Another high quality project on a high quality video as part of the highest quality DIY channel on KZbin! Can’t wait to see the final result!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you very much! I’m excited to see how it turns out too!

[@danghita4386]

Another great project is born today, I can barely wait to see it all done!!!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! You and me both!😁🙏

[@tomleonard6177]

That thing is going to be sweet. Maybe even for if you're driving and the weather sucks and you see it'll be better later. Nap time!

[@homesteadonomics]

Yes indeed! 😴 😂👍

[@danielfisch655]

All I can say is wow and thank you for sharing.

[@azranger4]

Hey ya Joe! Always great to see my fellow Arizonian brother working on another sweet project! Hope you and the family are enjoying life! Cant wait to see the finished work, storage rack/hunting camper. Always your #1 fan up in Northern AZ. 👍 God bless ya..

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Ron! I’m definitely looking forward to seeing how this comes out. And you may just see this roaming around in 5bs/6a as my daughter got drawn for a youth elk hunt this fall. Of course we will also bring the trailer too since this thing isn’t going to fit the whole family. But it’ll be on the truck for the hunt!

[@azranger4]

​@@homesteadonomics hey again Joe, thanks for the message, that was really nice of you to take the time. I really liked the horse pad you used for the bed of the truck, that stuff looks super sturdy! Thats great that your daughter was picked, i hope you guys all have a great time, and get one to boot. Looking forward for your next videos Joe! Stay safe!

[@lorenmeyer5290]

WOW that will be a great camper! So much better than wood frame's! Love watching you building all these great projects!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Loren! These are probably my favorite kinds of projects…. Where you gotta think, modify, figure out, etc… during the build. And kinda design as you go. Should be a fun process and quite a few videos worth of the series will be coming 😊👍

[@alextrezvy6889]

Appreciate this kind of music!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@diegovoutoff2869]

beatifull project ,greetings from Argentina.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! Cheers to Argentina 🇦🇷 😊🙏

[@upstatecre8]

Man, I have been a fan of your channel for a long time. I am also a pretty crazy truck camper fan. I’ve owned probably four truck campers that I’ve bought used and then I’ve gone through and manipulated them to meet my needs. I literally put myself to sleep thinking about truck camper builds. Super stoked to see how you’re going to build this out to be your own.

[@rmbarnes672]

That's serious motivation for sure.

[@homesteadonomics]

Oh wow! You are definitely a committed truck camper fan for sure! And I mirror you on the “thinking about truck campers” as you fall asleep….haha. That’s been me the past few weeks. But I do hope this doesn’t disappoint as I’m already minimizing space quite a bit in order to make it a bit sleeker and a better traveler. So I’m sure when I do use it on a camping/hunting trip I’ll wish I had more room…..haha. But it still should be fun nonetheless!

[@upstatecre8]

@@homesteadonomics the cool thing is it’s your plan….I am eager to see what you do. I hesitate to suggest that because you are one of the more intelligent DIY creators on KZbin but I really am interested in seeing how you insulate the project. Thank you for all the contacts you put out there!

[@admk69]

I admire Gods Gentleness, that this man reflexes well. :)

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you….i am little more than His servant😊🙏

[@RETard-me4mj]

That design is slicker than snot! Can't wait to see the finished product.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! I’m looking forward to seeing it all finished ad well. And then I’m going to take a nap in it after a long day of fishing in the mountains 😴😊

[@branchandfoundry560]

Another great useful build, Joe! Hey, instead of clamping that horizontal piece & having it shift when you cut out for the door, just tack it in place & cut the tacks once you get the door opening framed in. Tacks won't allow shifting and don't get in the way or snag your pants & gouge your shins like clamps. Best, Andrew

[@homesteadonomics]

Yeah that would be better for sure. But the ‘inside my head voice’ said “use clamps so you can take them off real quick during that clip and walk through the doorway 🤪

[@NoClocks.NoCalendars]

As as long time metal fabricator myself, the only thing I would have done differently was to extend it to the edge of the laid down tailgate. Except for your very nice tailgate stairs, the stairs are taking up valuable interior space that can be better utilized with a different camper access. But hey, that's just me. 👍😀😊

[@JB-mf1zc]

Thanks Joe for sharing I'll be watching!! God Bless!!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you JB! May God bless you too!

[@jimcollins9316]

Love your videos!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Jim!

[@jgutzman7]

Excited for this project! Loved the camper series.

[@homesteadonomics]

thank you! This should be very similar type series... at least 8 or so videos long. I'm excited!

[@cleokey]

Great job! Sounds like our grand dads had the same sayings regarding the 'sharp stick' 😅 . One more was "better than a slap in the belly with a wet fish." There's an old saying I advocate, ... paraphrasing ... some who are so worried about doing a task perfectly, never complete the assignment ... others complete the assignment and consider it perfect. 😊😊

[@homesteadonomics]

Haha… I like that one!😂 And I also like that last saying too! This one surely won’t be perfect…. But it’ll be just fine for me😁🙏

[@LeeDrew]

That’s a great addition to your Bigfoot hunting kit Joe. 😉. As always it is a pleasure to watch what your creative mind has designed and then your building skills that turn the concept into reality.

[@homesteadonomics]

Haha…thank you! But I’ll call it my Nephilim hunting rig instead🤪 Thanks for checking it out Lee! Always enjoy hearing from you and also the wonderful family you’ve fathered😊🙏

[@JohnRaySalazar]

This is super cool! This is what KZbins for! Appreciate all your hard work and for letting us watch your process.

[@lorenbush8876]

It looks good so far.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Loren! Lots more to come!

[@JohnThomas-gj2zg]

Doing it the way you want it and that is all that matters looks great .

[@johnstewart6500]

Awesome! Looking forward to the rest of the project.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! I haven’t been this excited for a project since I built the travel trailer😊🙏

[@lorettamcgee969]

Great video, Joe! Really like seeing your building/problem solving skills that gives you huge satisfaction that you built it yourself!!!😊

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Loretta! I love figuring these kinds things out😊🙏

[@blackberryhideout5793]

I give it two thumbs up! And- I like the use of the RV baggage door!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Sis! Your thumbs up are some of my favorite 😊

[@Jasonoid]

Looking forward to seeing the tilt up roof :) Going great so far!!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! That’s going to be a tricky one because I only have a vague idea of what I’m going for….but I think I’ll figure it out….i hope🤪

[@samhill3496]

Interesting build. his just popped up so I'll follow you through the build. Heck of you skinned it in carbon fiber right now you would have a heck of a build and be in the dry. Good thinking on the cantilever down force. Lot more then that people think. Also good thinking on the gas cans and maybe propane bottles. Now what about water storage, potable and grey/black water? The seven gallon jerry cans with water and an on demand pump will fit right in with the gas cans as well. I don't need everything at 68 yrs. old but a few things yes. I have motorcycle tent camped and truck camped with simple shells, homemade wooden covers etc. all my life. You have a good one coming up now. Maybe a raised floor area behind the side frame out of walkway with slide in/out. So many things/choices available that were only dreams a few years back. Solar panels and battery storage is a must, simple nd affordable now and that stealth ability to stay where ever you can and want. Independence. Like the straight cab with 8 foot bed. You don't see as many of those. People want to use so much cab 4 door space. Can't understand it. You live in the camper, why not make it big and like ours, close the tailgate. Good design on steps. Saw some like that before. Most pull the tailgate off and flush the camper with the bed, all wrong to me. Next time. Hope your channel grows.

[@remi111c]

Awesome project mate!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you very much! I’m thinking it will be a series of about 8 or so videos. So lots more to come😊🙏

[@skiphosr2004]

Soooo, beautiful works!

[@5phutsangtao-iQ]

The house on the car is very beautiful, I like it very much👍

[@joelsmith4709]

Looking forward to seeing the rest of this build!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! I am looking forward to to seeing how it turns out as well! 😊🙏

[@tomtruesdale6901]

Camper looking great so far. Just a couple of things, check the direction of your window openings so that rain can't enter into them. I was going to suggest that you hinge the folding doors on the toolboxes to lower down for a worktable but you have a lifted truck so that would not work. If you hinge them at the top, maybe place low profile lights on them to help luminate the sides of the tuck when open. Have you considered some kind of roll out shade for both sides of the camper to offer shade when you are on a jobsite? You are going to have a heck of a rig with this truck/camper towing the camping trailer. Great job.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Tom! Yes I am going to make sure the windows have the sliding section on the leeward side. Especially since I’m pushing their limits with them being angled in slightly. And to the point on the work shelf on the compartment doors. I had considered that but will likely do them ‘flip up’ for a couple reasons. 1- the doors are rejects from a RV company and are aluminum clad but foam core and aren’t super strong so I don’t think I’d want to set a bunch of stuff on them. And also upper hinge acts to divert more water away from upper seal so, at least in theory, they will be more water tight with the doors flipping up. And for the shade… that is definitely something that I want to add. Can never have enough down here!😅

[@Lurchtacular]

You about lost them booger pickers with that angle grinder. Be careful, my guy. I love your channel. It'll be hard to keep making content if you can only count to 7 bro lol

[@homesteadonomics]

When it got pinched in the door opening cut? Nah… that was just securing the wheel with a nice solid stop🤪 Thanks for watching 😊🙏

[@bmorrison0070]

Sounds like a fun project. I really enjoy a project that is a bit free form in thinking and can change as you go along. Very creative that way. Cheers from eastern Pa.

[@homesteadonomics]

Most definitely! These are the kinds of projects that I enjoy the most for just that reason😊🙏

[@scottminshall6420]

Looking good Joe! You all stay safe out there with the craziness going on. looking forward to the new content.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! And yes there is so much craziness going on that part of me wants to add a turret on top of this thing 🤪😂

[@thomlindgren6253]

Great video. Reminds me of building balsa wood and tissue paper airplanes as a kid. Being able to build something to your needs rather than following a generic plan really solves some in-thought of problems. The can storage on the right rear is a great example of that. I was trying to figure what you built it asymetrical and you answered that without me having to ask the question. Thanks for sharing and looking forward to more on this project!

[@homesteadonomics]

Oh I loved those planes! I once built one with the 3d body/wing and the glued on thin tissue paper and I was so proud of it. And it had a rubber band propellor drive and actually flew quite well! Of course I destroyed it by launching it off the roof and it has literally gone maybe a 150ft before a breeze slammed it directly into the street. Oh I was so sad😭😂

[@thomlindgren6253]

@@homesteadonomics I know, I built a Fokker tri-plane. The Red Baron’s plane. It probably sat as just a balsa wood skeleton for a month or so because the framework just looked so interesting. Kind of the stage your camper is at the end of video one. Eventually you move on to the next stage but it did teach me to really love the journey!

[@wdwtx2.0]

Always nice to have a good supplier/sponsor. 👍 Looks like a nice project. It's definitely better than a poke in the eye with a stick. Keep 'em coming brother.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! And yes, most things are definitely better than a jab in the eye with a sharp stick🤪

[@bdubz5150]

Same frame in aluminum, would be bad ass too!

[@homesteadonomics]

Sure would!😊👍

[@ivonivan1169]

Huge waste of money to save 25lb onna frame

[@kaurkoop]

Knowing your skills, its going to be awesome!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! I’m definitely looking forward to seeing how it comes out!😊🙏

[@user-ex7je8mt9q]

Nice and economical design .wood more expensive here in our place.good job

[@John5ive]

awesome. if you ever wondered why you have 500k+ subs, projects like this are why!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you John! 😊🙏

[@treepop1550]

Excellent presentation and skills and inspiring ! Time for me to start some projects(need a break from remodeling)with all of the tools I've been collecting for the last many years !!! Thanks and have a great day !!

[@DesertOwlForge]

Looks great. Can't wait to see the finished project.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Tim! I am looking forward to seeing it as well!

[@greenwolf401]

Really looking forward to seeing the progress of your project 😊

[@robertweigandt9449]

Great job man it looks awesome!!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you so much Robert!😊🙏

[@Montana_Outdoor_Adventures]

Subscribed. I love camper builds!!!

[@justadddirt]

Right on👍🏻good to see another steel framed truck camper, makes me feel a little less crazy for doing that myself 😂

[@homesteadonomics]

Haha… yes! I can definitely weld aluminum…..but it’s about working with what you’re confident with. And for me, the marginal weight savings of aluminum doesn’t outweigh the ability to efficiently make hundreds and hundreds of welds in this type of frame work. Versus me fiddling with my spool gun hundreds of times😂

[@justadddirt]

@@homesteadonomics see for me I can’t weld aluminum and I was confident on framing at wood. But felt more at home with steel. Not saying I’m a welder by any means but enough to get by and not fall apart down the motorway 😂

[@ishtarlopez6203]

🎉Woot woot! 🎉 DIY Joe!😊 Shoutout to my peeps U of A Bobcats, Diamondbacks, Padres, and Sun Devils! Game on Joe, that looks awesome! Can't wait to see the finished project. Of course with a woman's touch 😏(shout out to your honeybuns hee hee hee)😅. God bless and be safe! P.S. Btw, any live videos coming up sometime?😅 by popular demand of course😁

[@homesteadonomics]

Haha…well I’m not a pure UA bobcat…. As I also did part of my time at NAU so I consider myself a LumberCat😂 And as for the livestream….dang when I did that last one I said I’d do them monthly🤦‍♂️. So the answer is YES! Soon… maybe in the next couple weeks😁👍

[@FredMcIntyre]

Awesome stuff Joe, looking forward to the rest of the build series! 😃👍🏼👊🏼

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Fred! Me too! 😊🙏

[@virgilpurcell399]

First time on your site. Nice work! Problem I see is no venting on your square and rectangular tube. I don't know your climate, but if your temperature range is above and below freezing those tubes become reservoirs for condensate water. I have deconstructed structures similar to yours with a torch and had to drill holes to drain the black nasty water out of the tube before I could cut with the torch. I hate being negative Nellie, but you need to vent those tubes. I've been doing this kind of stuff for years.

[@nickharrington6326]

awesome start! How about camper shop box for a name? An awning and fold down work bench on the side would be useful for dirtier jobs and putting a small outdoor kitchen!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! And the ‘camper shop box’ will be in the running for naming rights! Ad for a fold down bench of some sort, that is definitely something I’m thinking of. And shade options too.

[@nickharrington6326]

@@homesteadonomics Sweet! been watching for years, so i know however it turns out it will be multi functional and inspirational !

[@stephenellis3430]

Really nice truck camper project. Enjoy your building projects. I like the way your designs in your head come to reality. 🇺🇸

[@stephenellis3430]

Your idea of exterior lighting. Is very valid. You can’t have enough lights. Makes the camp safer and more pleasant.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Stephen! I’m very much looking forward to this build…. And speaking of lights I’m actually figuring that out right now as I’m online looking for them😁

[@jfkusa123]

Might be worth having the door be able to swing in. I chuckled to myself thinking about closing the tailgate with someone inside the camper. Hahaha

[@homesteadonomics]

Haha…. Believe it or not I’ve thought about that a lot😂. Getting trapped inside. But there not enough room to have a swing in door. But I’ll have something figured out to keep it from getting closed on me. And if not….ill be able to open the tailgate by hand via the door window or just crawl out the pop top.

[@dsmmike95]

I dont have a welder or the skill to do what your doing but i was looking at trying a foamy camper soon

[@homesteadonomics]

Those foamies are super cool and if you check out teardrops and tiny travel trailer forum there are lots of folks who build them off harbor freight or northerntool trailer kits. I think you’d have a great time AND the advantage is that they are incredibly light weight and insulated from the start!

[@philiptaylor2567]

Cool project! I'm looking forward to following this build. Everything you make is exceptional quality

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! I greatly appreciate that Philip! I am looking forward to to seeing how it turns out as well! 😊🙏

[@davestewart9146]

Wow this is an awesome project 👍😁

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! I’m definitely excited for this one!

[@jaystewart9947]

Looks great Joe. I’m liking where this is going! I’m always impressed with your skills, attention to detail and fore thought/planning. For instance, the planning and allowing room for your tailgate ladder. Anyway, my eyes are peeled and looking forward to the next installment. Oh, and our dad’s had similar sayings, “it beats a sharp stick in the eye”. 😄😄

[@homesteadonomics]

Yes it is! And thank you! I’m very much looking forward to this build…. And working on the removal/installation “jack legs” today… stay tuned! 😊🙏

[@jaystewart9947]

@@homesteadonomics not sure if you’re familiar with Overland Under Budget (KZbin channel) but he built a pretty cool system to off load his self built camper. If you’re looking for ideas anyway

[@jeffcoon9506]

Looking forward to more videos on this. Looking good 👍

[@dustman96]

Nice work yet again. Looking forward to learning how to weld aluminum.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Dustman! I’ll be doing the pop up roof out of aluminum😊🙏

[@carlosandrade7439]

Now that is a strong skeleton! much stronger than the junk being sold commercially. amazing job.. Liked and subscribed

[@dgoose83]

Nice video Joe!

[@catgynt9148]

Another great video presentation. Thanks for sharing your insightful thoughts and construction. Good seeing your use of a builders’ square rather than a bubble level. Looking forward to seeing the successive episodes. Question, will you be adding solar panels to recharge an external battery box or “generator” unit? Wishing you and your family a blessed week filled with gentle seasonally appropriate weather and restful evenings together. Peace brother

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! Yes the large square really helps in keeping everything square……also diagonal measuring to ensure it’s truly square. Although I didn’t show that…haha. As for a solar panel….yes I am going to probably get a Renogy 100 or 200w to charge a Bluetti power bank that I did a review on a while back. And that’ll power the lights, etc for use on the road.

[@catgynt9148]

@@homesteadonomics I remembered your review but not the brand. In addition to lights you can recharge batteries for cordless power tools. Your posts provide an honest review. Take a page from UPS and FedEx fleet maintenance and add translucent roof panels to illuminate the interior without using lights in daylight. Looking forward to seeing your review of furry kids. I admire how you and your spousal unit are raising your daughter. You are a blessing in many lives beyond your family. Peace brother

[@leonardofurlan7034]

Sensacional!!! Que trabalho incrível 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻👏👏👏👏

[@kevinritchie9227]

Even if it doesnt do exactly everything you want it to do, it will do more than a purchased one because you built it with what you want to do in mind. We all know it will look good...and probably gray...lol

[@homesteadonomics]

“Probably gray” 😂. And you’re probably right😆 Well, aluminum is natures gray so it will definitely be that!

[@stevenkennedy]

Outstanding project can't wait for more vids!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Steven!

[@espnmk]

Absolutely Brilliant Joe this build is going to have exactly what you want and what you need. Custom! great idea with ladder that upgrade from the dealer is about $500.00 piece of plastic, lol... Thanks for Sharing!

[@jeffwilson1535]

First time seeing your videos. I subscribed. Really anxious to see you continue this build. Great job.

[@benjaminreinhardt259]

Looking sharp. Interested to see where this goes.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! I am looking forward to to seeing how it turns out as well! 😊🙏

[@ArtBeHereNow]

need some triangle gusset plates inside the corners of that cantilever overhang

[@homesteadonomics]

I meant to address that in the talking segment. I have thought about that but generally sheeting adds most of the sheer strength that I gusset would add on an open structure. But who knows. It’s not painted yet🤪

[@stuartkorte1642]

Shaping up and some good ideas. Did you consider an aluminum frame like the tailgate ladder?

[@homesteadonomics]

Yes I did. But if I was doing it with aluminum I’d probably use 1/8 wall as my spool gun does better on thicker stuff and in that case the weight savings would be negligible compared to the 14ga and 16ga steel tubing I used. Also, steel is a bit more forgiving. But I will frame the pop roof out of aluminum.

[@jacinto042568]

What a good project, I have in mind to build something similar for my Tacoma. The bad thing is that I have to do something very light because of the recommended weight limit of 1400lbs or something like that in bed.

[@kennethhudson8013]

As usual,!😊 awesomeness

[@johnstephens1965]

Looks amazing. I have been toying with a similar idea.😊

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you John!

[@ferky123]

Low Buck Garage is making a camper for the back of his KEI truck.

[@homesteadonomics]

Oh cool…I’ve always thought those were kinda cool little kit trucks!

[@hassanbouchama3393]

Very good syper job

[@TrevorChenier]

Amazing

[@tomas5376]

Nice build!👏👏👏👏

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@Casalreal268]

Muito show parabéns pelo projeto 👏👏👏👏

[@eva2k0]

Subbed to see where this goes!

[@WA-eg7ft]

Getting a bit more gray Mr Joe So for when you remove the rig, built a platform for it sit on. You won't need to raise or lower so far each time. I once had my brother build me one for my 8 foot Lance overhead camper. My camper had the drop on the rear that yours doesn't so he built it to set the campers full weight and the tail end to remain off the ground by 6 inches. Kept it safe and stable even usable off the truck. PM me if you need clearer information. Be well.

[@rahalati]

Excellent work, can't wait to see the complete project. I am a DIYer and have a GMC truck and always wanted to do the same. This is a great inspiration for me. My problem now is I am very new to stick welding, any tip or help will be appreciated

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! For a project like this I’d highly recommend a wire feed setup. Either MIG or flux core. And if you have done a lot of projects before I’d practice on some smaller projects first like a bench or table with the same size material you plan to use in the camper/trailer to get your settings dialed in and then… well, got for it! I think you’ll greatly enjoy the build process! Oh yes, if you haven’t checked them out go take a look at the forums at teardrops and tiny travel trailers. Really great forum with lots a people’s builds to check out!

[@littlegriffoffgridalberta6837]

Good start Bud ! I work better with wood :) Looks like you have a plan for the finish that's what I have to say once I have started :) I built one a couple years ago, Now I know what changes I'll make when I do the new one :) I sloped the sides on mine too !

[@fandrade9]

Nice Work! I am very corious about how support legs are gonna be, and also how will be the process for lifting up and unload the truck camper. I cant wait to see!!

[@homesteadonomics]

I’m literally working on that today!😊🙏

[@fandrade9]

@@homesteadonomics great! I will be following your steps in two month from now!

[@christiangarber4740]

I’m a plumber and I just started welding but the cordless bandsaws cut the steel tubing like butter compared to the angle grinder.

[@jordankelly2535]

Hey hoping to start a welding course soon. Any advice on what type of welding I should be focusing on for a project like this? Thanks for the inspiration!

[@DrLoveQc]

Nice project. I wonder why the width isnt up the wheels archs to sit secure between, the upper section not wider a bit up to the tires width, and the section ovrr the roof has such a huge gap between the roof and the section. just having a roof basket on my suv a bit too high and too near the windshield it was making noises and vibration like crazy. I would make it almost touching the roof with a rubber mat under that part so it doest scratch. Also I would go up to the tailgate and put a swivel ladder or detachable ones...but that is just me. Since it is "custom" I would make it to the exact size of my bed truck to take every inch I get get of interior space. Can still create a space for gas jugs on one side, open air if needed for ventilation. Still great project and I am jealous for sure of your skills, free metal and truck 😅

[@homesteadonomics]

Thanks for checking it out! All good points and I can definitely see the advantages for sure . I guess my thinking was that I’d have a built in compartment by adding access doors for those front areas of the bed. That way I wouldn’t have to build a separate cabinet…. Just use the little access door 12:00 And for the ladder…. I show a clip of my tailgate ladder project that will be reinstalled at 13:14 Thanks for watching 😊🙏

[@joni4757]

The thing that I started thinking is why not just get a van? Here in finland vans are much more common for many of the reasons you said you are building this thing.

[@homesteadonomics]

Because this is the vehicle I have and own. I can haul dirt, rocks, hay, pull my travel trailer, etc,…. And then this can simply slide in for camping for jobs. But to your point, a van would also be great for work and camping and I’d love to build one out. But unfortunately the current economic conditions set forth by all the globalist puppet politicians is not making things any easier😭😂

[@efrainhernandez8714]

waoooooo great job greetings

[@mpokastutichannel]

Woww cool brother ❤🎉

[@rosemaryus-ct6151]

pretty damn cool. makes me miss my truck. i love things that are multi use. i wonder if u will still be able to pick it up urself and put it in the truck when it's done? is it meant to always stay in the truck? i'm impressed with ur planning and execution.

[@odeean]

I built a similar camper/shell for my ute mainly for work. I did it 100% aluminium using rivets. Steel always ends up rusting.