DIY Truck Camper

[@dannythcook]

You should make a video of you putting the setup on your truck!

[@ellerybice3787]

I suggest that your tailgate should have remained on the pickup. Added security, a place to sit and prepare whatever. The double doors could have been contained in larger frame that flips up. Does the top pop up similar to a 4 wheel camper model? Time to start on camper 2.0 A very Good job you have done here, please do not let my comments bring you sadness. Looking forward to your future build.

[@adgaffney23]

Yes. I kind of agree on the tailgate. Not necessarily the security part, but the missing a place to sit part for sure. There are quite a few things I’d change, weight/materials in particular. I’ll probably use it for a summer and then sell it off to build something else. I learned quite a bit I could apply to a new build.

[@terrilandry1313]

Wow!! I really like your camper!! It’s all you need, not over done at all!! Do you carry a port-a - potty?? That’s the only thing I would add!! Well done build!! ❤❤❤ blessings to you!!

[@Tommy-rr7ez]

That is the most perfect topper build ive ever seen. Thats what ive been wanting to do with mine. Its for sure the neatest, not clutered, and organized ive ever seen. I dodnt hear you but if you did please forgive me but it didnt look like you have insulation? The one thing i wouldve done for sure is i wouldve put a sliding glass window in the front to be able to see out especialy at night when camping! But you could put something like a backup camera or something to be able to see. Thank you so much for taking time to show us what you have done! Other videos have been very helpful but this is the one ive been looking for and i knew there was something different bout others i wanted to do but i just couldnt get a picture in my mind and then here you are. I sure do wish i knew how to do the fiberglass. Thank you my friend and i pray you and your wife has great camping!!!!

[@WilliamSpencer-mp5in]

Best truck cap dyi I've seen so far. Thank You for sharing you build.

[@adgaffney23]

Wow, thanks!

[@susanstrickland6774]

Really nice build. Everything you need to be comfortable and safe. 🙂👍

[@crittgolden]

Outstanding work and ideas!!! I love how simple yet solid it is. Thanks for sharing.

[@kabuti2839]

sliding doors are perfect for space saving. Great ideas

[@robertdavis3604]

Really impressive build. Super practical, but nicely finished. Thanks for the video.

[@kelliparker3107]

Love your hoodie!! Go griz! This is along the lines of what i want to do to my Tundra. I want to be able to hit the streams here in N.W Montana and not have to take my pull camper. Love your little mobile abode!

[@adgaffney23]

Go Griz!

[@seller559]

Great build. Love those windows and the counter space 👍👍👍👍👍

[@thetrailbuzzard]

You do nice work! I love it. Well thought out for sure. I like the idea of being able to stop and get a nights rest without the need for a hotel expense.

[@adgaffney23]

So true!

[@A_Betty]

Great build! Thank you so much for sharing.

[@MikeRodick-x2b]

nice build. i briefly considered building my own too, but couldn’t get passed the idea of leaks in the roof (have watched others who’ve built their own and ended up with leaking roofs), so i ended up ordering a cap.

[@philipbeyer9482]

Thank you! Best I’ve seen and kind of inspirational!

[@Richard-lj2lx]

This is a really nice build build. Simple and well thought out. I'm going to build something similar for my Tacoma. Thank you for posting this.

[@adgaffney23]

Glad you liked it!

[@StressLessCamping]

Nice job on the build. I like the way you've configured this including the power operation.

[@adgaffney23]

Thanks!

[@Ready_for_apocalypse]

Just seeing it and hearing the first 90 seconds is just about exactly how I’m planning on building my camper. Looking forward to the rest of the video now. Lol

[@BearHaven]

Hi Aaron, love the work you've done with your camper I'm going to be building something similar first of next year on a 1988 ford ranger which is in wonderful condition with a 7ft.bed I've watched a lot of other diy builds but yours hit it on the nail head for me. Because of the smaller area I'll have, I can incorporate a lot of your idea's into my on build. Thank you so much for the videos.

[@adgaffney23]

Thanks. Not doing a slide in style actually frees up quite a bit of space in the bed if you don't have to sleep side to side.

[@mlake07]

Nice job. I built mine also. A little more aero but mine is totally rustic compared to yours. I'm impressed and inspired to do another more along your lines (but taller). Do you know what your materials cost? The other thing I would suggest is a Propex propane heater. They're fully vented and thermostat controlled. I've been comfy in the low teens. Set the temp for say 55° at night and forget about it. But it's so nice to come home...say from a day hiking in the rain...and have a warm spot to live.

[@itsruf1]

@ 7:41- a tiny sink... fed by jugs?... to fill a water bottle. It drains in a jug? Maybe leave out the sink? The sink is hard to get to anyway.

[@adgaffney23]

Kind of agree with you here. Sink was probably super unnecessary. Although it's not really in the way, and it was useful for filling up a bottle, brushing my teeth, rinsing a bowl, etc. Plus it's only a dog bowl and cost my all of $20 to put together.

[@fireball1518]

Wow!!! That's an awesome build!!! ❤ Great job!

[@jdmfh47]

very clean build

[@brngrose]

Neat design. Very nice work. Thank you for sharing.

[@adgaffney23]

Thank you very much!

[@michaelowens7639]

This looks comfy and affordable!! Kudos! I’ll be watching for updates

[@adgaffney23]

It was. Thanks.

[@aladrasullivan9018]

Curious to how much you spent?

[@timslawnmaintenance]

One of the best builds ive found so far.

[@robinburkey2466]

Super job! ,Thankyou for posting

[@adgaffney23]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@nurseelliott4256]

Nice work on your build. Looks really nice you should be proud

[@d512295]

Nice and neat open floor plan.

[@adgaffney23]

Thanks!

[@rsmith.182]

I watched your build video before this one and picked a many more ideas from this one as well. Is the fan a Max Air fan? Thanks again, I think I will watch your videos a few more times to see if I missed anything more. Great job!

[@justwastingmytime852]

Thank you sir for sharing I hope to see more videos of you of your travel

[@justwastingmytime852]

Travels

[@mikek.3965]

Great job Aaron!

[@adgaffney23]

Thanks.

[@hankcuccina5260]

A neat and tidy result.

[@slmjake]

Excellent attention to details sir and also building performance including the realities of humidity generation and control!

[@ThePlanet_L.I.]

Dope build 🙂👍🏾

[@lawrencemendez143]

Very well done! Thanks for sharing

[@adgaffney23]

Thanks for watching!

[@Uniden1100]

Looks like you are a engineer. Great design

[@Raykenn1]

Looks great 👍

[@thebasementstream352]

i really like the sliding doors i might use that on my build.

[@adgaffney23]

Just 2 simple 1/4” aluminum tracks from Home Depot back-back with 3-32 plywood for doors.

[@MonikaMundell]

Nice build. Looks fab.

[@theemeraldfox7779]

Except it's gonna kill him on fuel and loss of power on the truck,it's not aerodynamic at all

[@adgaffney23]

Lost about 3 miles/gallon in terms of highway miles.

[@OmarCastaneda-is3gz]

Great work boss ! I

[@JTADVENTURE2]

How much does it weigh? Excellent job on the build!!!. It’s amazing work you have done. Love the set up simple aw well as nice.

[@exoZelia]

Amazing nicely done

[@adgaffney23]

Thank you very much!

[@jonathanemocling3826]

Wow awesome build

[@adgaffney23]

Thanks!

[@davebenn4526]

Great job !

[@murraypratt302]

Excellent job Nice layout Was trying to talk the wife into doing the same this may convince her

[@JonnieShipbaugh-dc9wk]

Very nice, thanks for the demo. 😃

[@adgaffney23]

Glad you liked it!

[@dianaverhulst3407]

Humidifier or Dehumidifier? Sounds like dehumidifier to me. Nice build!

[@adgaffney23]

Yep. Sorry. Dehumidifier.

[@72151]

Great job 👏👏👏

[@adgaffney23]

Thank you! 😃

[@dannydanny5820]

Put a rack on truck top for air flow ,will look tuff storage

[@Chubbydippin]

Fantastic build. Curious how it affects your mpg and if you thought about more of a slope on the front for less wind drag? Maybe I missed this but did you have a small 12v fridge in there somewhere? Your design and skills to make it all come together is impressive. Thanks for sharing your build. Safe and happy travels. Lastly, what does it weigh when fully loaded?

[@adgaffney23]

I’d say it knocked a good 3 mpg off what I usually get over the entire 4000 miles. I’m going to work this winter when I pull it off an adding some type of airfoil to the front over part of the cab. Not sure on the weight. I’d guess 600 lbs with the top and components.

[@theemeraldfox7779]

I guarantee the resistance is phenomenal, it's not aerodynamic at all

[@joyceb.sachsesachse1242]

Great job , needs solar for 12 volt chest fridge

[@adgaffney23]

Yes. Might do that next summer.

[@blackspruceroutes]

Good job!! Thank-you

[@saintbyron5150]

Very nice!! Thanks for sharing.

[@jammyjames6273]

A very nice conversion. Did you take any build videos?

[@mnaseem33]

Nice work. Go Griz!

[@muggletoys4939]

That is one cool design. I like it very much.

[@adgaffney23]

Glad you like it!

[@zalleywaalley8227]

Very nice good job.

[@adgaffney23]

Thanks

[@TweetWithTheTeaTv]

Amazing job

[@adgaffney23]

Thanks!

[@d.collier_8280]

Outstanding job. I really appreciate your video, inspires me to continue with I’ve been thinking about doing for my truck. I am interested in seeing how you wired in your 7 pin connector to charge your power bank. Also, how much trouble is it to remove, when you’re not using it? God bless

[@adgaffney23]

Made a video to show what I did. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJ2kpHmipMx4n6s

[@CMF_1]

good ideas here. I also look for ideas from ENDGAMe and Element Life as well. Cheers

[@andrewmeitner4818]

Great build! Any pictures of the build?

[@adgaffney23]

I'm pretty terrible about taking pictures and video while I'm working. I'll try and put something together with what I have.

[@tommccall4005]

Very nice!

[@adgaffney23]

Thanks!

[@Gofast49442]

Thanks. I don't think I would have the patience 2 do it

[@terratrails3792]

outstanding build sir.

[@adgaffney23]

Glad you like it!

[@itsruf1]

"porch lights" ? Is there a link to the porch build?

[@adgaffney23]

Yep, porch isn't a good term, I agree. More like overhand. It serves a purpose of keeping some of the elements off the door, and was any easy way to wire the rear lights.

[@DBeck-kz5hx]

Did you make the doors or buy those? I really want double doors like that on my camper so I can still use my truck as a truck. If you got any links to the door or hardware that would be awesome. A detailed video on the doors would be even better. Subbed.

[@adgaffney23]

Yes, I made the doors. 3/4 plywood with large voids cut away filled with blue board insulation. Inside and outside are covered in 1/4 plywood. Just painted, no fiberglass or epoxy. Hinges are just stainless steel door hinges from ace. There's a lip on the inside with foam weatherstripping that the doors seal against, and the right hand door has a vertical seal on the back that the left hand door seals against. Doors were probably the most time consuming part of it, but I really wanted a wide entry (over 48" wide.) Plus pre-made Teardrop style doors are super expensive. www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q349BFJ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1 www.amazon.com/dp/B0787DZDHT?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

[@SuperHddeuce]

That's pretty snazzy

[@johnwessinger2395]

Do you have any plans for this build? It is really nice n I would like to build something like this if you do. If so, please let me know n I don’t mind paying for them if need be

[@adgaffney23]

No plans, but I made this quick video m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/raPLkpaAbKeVpdU

[@goober7127]

I really like your design and layout. Is there any way that you could get into more detail about the construction materials and frame design? Diagrams of the structure.

[@adgaffney23]

I'm pretty terrible about taking pictures and video while I'm working. I'll try to put something together though.

[@slmjake]

I am curious as to why you decided to keep it a truck cap versus building a "tub" and entire slide in? I assume this keeps the weight down and enables easier loading? It would be neat to see more videos on weight and maybe the fiberglass skinning approach and your planning phase details and drivers for design

[@adgaffney23]

One reason was time. I wanted to go visit my daughter in Montana at college and only had a month to get the project done. Another was I didn’t want to buy tie downs, etc. or lose the space around the wheel wells. Going modular seemed like the best route. I can load and unload it by myself and turn it back into a regular truck pretty easily since all of the “furniture” are just individual components.

[@paulsenecal98]

After scouring youtube for about 2 years trying to find ideas to build a camper for my toyota tacoma, this by far is the best design I've seen. Great build!

[@adgaffney23]

@@paulsenecal98 Thanks. I’m happy with now it turned out.

[@aladrasullivan9018]

Full tub adds a lot more weight as well

[@hamiltonharper]

Great build! Glad you were able to enjoy it here in Montana. Curious, where did you find that 12v dehumidifier?

[@adgaffney23]

It was a small 110 dehumidifier I had laying around the house. It had a 12 volt transformer that was rated at 12 volts. I cut off the 110 plug and soldered on a simple 12 volt adapter from radio shack and then plugged it into a 12 volt port on the Bluetti. Seemed to work perfectly and drew about 35 watts.

[@hamiltonharper]

@@adgaffney23 Interesting. I'll have to find something similar because condensation is an issue on my setup

[@tuckerandi]

Just subscribed looking to build something similar

[@MikeConner88]

What is the length of your truck bed?

[@jdstead]

Wait, is that a Montana Grizzly flag @ 1:29?? Go Griz!

[@larryparson9609]

De- humidifier not humidifier semantics Thanks Nice build thought out😊

[@adgaffney23]

Yes, thanks. Noticed that before I posted it and just didn't feel like re-recording.

[@itsruf1]

Show a video removing that thing. And where it stores.

[@adgaffney23]

Didn't make a video of it coming off. Took about 15 minutes.

[@mitchwinder1204]

Any thought to adding a screen at the rear?

[@slmjake]

I kove your cielling finish. What is it?

[@adgaffney23]

It was a piece of prefinished 1/4" ply I had laying around the shop. Think it originally came from kitchen.

[@aladrasullivan9018]

Man the drag on that square thing will kill your gas mileage 🤷‍♂️ other than that,awesome build!

[@sodobson]

Damn nice

[@adgaffney23]

Thanks

[@ericw7608]

Go Griz!

[@supernurse43]

Awesome ❤

[@adgaffney23]

Thanks!

[@lilrusty6720]

Excellent!!

[@adgaffney23]

Thanks.

[@spal3907]

perfect

[@itsruf1]

Why insulate the sides? That was a waste of time/ materials. But huffing 3M 90 was fun.

[@adgaffney23]

(1) Because I had a bunch of insulation laying around, (2) because it keeps heat out in the summer and contains it in colder temperatures (kinda the point of insulation), and (3) insulation is amazing at blocking noise.

[@je-fq7ve]

house hold windows are ungood in an accident. Imagine broken glass flying 65 MPH.

[@itsruf1]

Why hide your cords/ tools? Those are to have priority meaning fat reach. Also organized to find in the dark.

[@aladrasullivan9018]

Lol nobody wants to be tripping all over that!

[@itsruf1]

Why hard wire a reading light or usb? Or any light these days? Stick-up lights are every where and any guy with tools has many 12v 18v 20v 24v from tool kits. So if you walk 50' in the dark you're telling us you don't have a portable light? I have USB on several tools.

[@adgaffney23]

This one I really disagree with you on. Pretty tough to switch stick up lights or "wire" them in parallel.

[@theemeraldfox7779]

Bruh it took you 5 weeks? Ive built these in 3 days,secondly its not at all aerodynamic, the resistance is gonna be phenomenal and cost you alot of fuel 🤷‍♂️

[@adgaffney23]

Wow. Three days. That's amazing. Difference between you and I is the whole job thing. As far as fuel goes. Nope, it's not aerodynamic. Cost me about 3 miles/gallon.

[@itsruf1]

Why own a pickup truck if the bed is getting used for a children's playhouse?

[@talesofthebobber1506]

What flavor of haterade you be drinking lmaooo!

[@adgaffney23]

Actually's it's a truck again. The camper part is eating up space in a corner of my shop.

[@itsruf1]

I hope there are no union guys considering a build. They brag they are worth $50+/hr yet will spend 6 months labor and a few grand materials because a real camper was $6k used- $20k new but nickle d!@k factor and hard headed drives decisions. A home build is worth $0 but a used camper returns the $6k. I refuse to believe there are no campers in short drive let alone a 2 state drive. They are are sold at every exit especially MI, WI, MN, NE, Dakotas, Running Horse (that will never be finished) has used stuff, Stuckys, World's Largest Ball of Twine Souvenires, Piggly Wiggly, DollyWorld, Grace Land RV, all Bass Pro, Sikeston, Mo where they throw dinner rolls at you, ...

[@joesalemi2414]

Yeah but you cannot buy a camper like this anywhere. This a proud build. Tune in.

[@fishhunt2212]

Possibly the dumbest comment I’ve ever read

[@adgaffney23]

I spend about 1/4 what a new topper would have cost. As far as time goes, it's the kind of thing I enjoy spending time on. Also, it's not worth $0. I've built and sold many, many things in my life. Certainly won't get the cost of time out of it if and when I do sell it, but I guarantee I won't lose any money. In the meantime I had fun and only spent about $1500. Didn't have $6000-$20,000 grand lying around.

[@RedSandAdventures]

Very nice job 🙂👍. Liked and subscribed. Check out my topper build. Very similar build

[@littlebittathisnthatfirear8048]

Truck rides like shat bet that

[@itsruf1]

I hope you at home Popular Mechanics readers have enough sense not to drill/ bolt your homemade thing into a nice truck and truck bed rusts next year then no camo-wearing Skoal-chewing bro-country listening high school kid will want it.

[@adgaffney23]

Kinda curious why six 3/8 holes in the top rail will cause the truck bed to rust away any faster than it will anyway. After drilling, the cut edges were painted. When the camper's not on, which it isn't now, all of the holes are plugged from the top and then completely covered by the tonneau cover rails anyway. Have you ever looked at the underside of a truck bed rail? It's full of holes. Thanks for the concern though. Since I'm not planning on selling it anytime too soon (at least not before it naturally rots away like every other GM bed does) I won't lose too much sleep over it.

[@JohnMurphy-dw6ml]

Beautiful job, where did you get the trifold mattress from?

[@adgaffney23]

www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0BLZ7J34C?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

[@kev1347]

Fantastic!