Lightweight & Affordable DIY Truck Camper Build in 12 Days

[@DevinTheRVDude]

RV technician here. I would highly recommend talking the aluminum angle off and put butyl putty on the back. Those screw heads will leak water into the camper and rot it. Looks good!

[@todgunter]

Nate, I suggest installing an angled wind deflector on the front of your new camper. It will help improve your fuel economy dramatically.

[@LoveDogs___3]

Right. That's what stuck out to me. Maybe he's rich. 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@markconger8049]

Nate, I spotted a security issue. The door hinges are facing outside where the pins can be removed. The solution is a different type of hinge that has a set screw(s) preventing the pins from being removed. Easy swap. Commonly used in hurricane prone areas where doors opening outward is essential.

[@MrCoryb77]

Those outward swinging hinges are called N.R.P. None Removable Pins and usually come in pairs. That's a great idea you have a totally worth mentioning.

[@virongreene5146]

Nate, weigh your truck empty with a full tank of fuel. Then, when the camper is complete, load her in and hit the scales. I would love to see what the totals will be.

[@LarryeWhite61]

Very heavy I'm sure

[@fromfieldtofork934]

Considering I have a topper bigger then his on a heavy half chev similar to his I can tell you my fibre glass canopy from 80’s weighs just as much it’s probably 3-400 pounds lol. Was a bitch to put on.

[@fromfieldtofork934]

Strongly considering building one to suit my needs instead of buying a shitty one with no insulation from 90’s for 500$

[@fromfieldtofork934]

I’d also like to know how heavy this was

[@igorrosales1799]

@@fromfieldtofork934did you end building one? I want to build it too, just like the video

[@john15yt]

MPG with and without the camper is always appreciated!

[@elizabethbrundagemediajour150]

Great to see Nate working on a camper project and having his Dad help. Travel, video production work, family and surfing !

[@davidwolfe7777]

Nice to have pops helping!👍

[@shanemerrill-facio1704]

So lucky to have your Dad help…enjoy every minute of it !

[@CodyAyars]

Hey Nate, nice truck camper build. I hope you will add on an air vent on the roof with a vent cover so when it rains you can keep your air vent open for ventilation. Look forward to the finished product!

[@mrchitlin6255]

His relationship is his business. Nate is the channel. Always was always will be.

[@LoveDogs___3]

What are you talking about??

[@SUVRVing]

Looks awesome. Congrats! I'm excited to see what you do with it from here!

[@noyopacific]

Hi Tristan @SUVRVing ! I guess it should be no surprise to see you here supporting a virtual cousin Nate. 👍

[@ElwoodAndersonNV]

Good job! It looks like you have it well insulated. The vertical front wall above the cab is going to cost you some gas mileage loss. A 45 degree slope would have saved you half the loss. If you're a slow driver and stay off the 80mph interstates, it will help a lot with that problem. The load on that wall goes up as the square of your speed. (The force at 80mph is 4 times that at 40mph) Make sure the box is fastened securely to the chassis and the tail gate is locked securely when you're on the highway. There will be a lot of force on that front wall.

[@Edward_Cornell_NY]

Best video in years man! So glad you are back!!!

[@CarrieMtn]

Nate you make it look so easy. I blame you for my disillusioned set of planned projects. Seriously- you’re doing a great job- thanks for sharing the process.

[@edwardarsenault4440]

Awesome I would love to build one myself. Great to see you back in your element.

[@igorrosales1799]

Did you build it? I want to do the same

[@samanthadodd8112]

Thanks for taking us along on the build. It looks great. Thanks dad for the help.

[@GiggleFishy]

I always love some New Yankee Workshop mixed in with your travel and surfing videos. This turned out so much better than I thought it would when you started. Love the windows. Very fun to watch the process. I hope that you're able to get out to surf and golf now that you're back in Florida. Looking forward to the next steps in your new travel vehicle.

[@Skitaddahee]

Great build, must be a relief to have it buttoned up. Now you can take your time and do the fun finishes, excited to see future updates.

[@topcheese2889]

Dads are awesome

[@stevemerrigan185]

Better get some saw horses next time

[@adventureswithgnomie6553]

Making the most of it - always striving for a better solution.

[@flyontop]

Glad to see your progress and moving forward. Best wishes.

[@a-a-ron2336]

Let's gooooo 🎉 Glad to see Florida treating you well ✌️

[@Raynor88]

I'd use a piano hinge for the door. Even with the door locked someone can just pop the pins on the hinges and get in.

[@raymonddriggers]

Where is your hot wife at Raynor?!!

[@rickm8456]

Wow. Great video, Nate! Nice to see you starting anew. i’m happy to be watching you again

[@livingsimplytosimplylive6817]

The building is coming along nicely.

[@cargotrailerkenny]

I love it. An added joy to that sort of project is you have an integral bond with it from now on as you use it in the future. Can't buy that kind of satisfaction.

[@Treepole]

A Year is Not a long time .... Great work Like it a lot ...

[@justinlyle7831]

Turned out great. I've always wanted to build something like this, obviously a camper shell style would save weight. I've thought I could install some sort of a brace across the lower back end of it for loading and unloading, take it off once it's bolted down to the sides of the truck bed.

[@RobertJLessard]

I like it! I've followed all of Dave's builds and he's definitely the man when it comes to track camper builds.

[@bernardl4441]

Building this in 12 days is impressive. Wish I had those skills. Can't wait to see how you finish it out and all the adventures to come!

[@barbarashirland9078]

VERY high quality operation you have there. It was a pleasure to watch. Thank you.

[@KoolHikesAT]

You are making great progress on your latest project. 🚗

[@katnerd-Glen]

I have a Chevy Silverado single cap with an 8' bed. Been thinking about making a shell that can double as a camper but I was going to use aluminum tubes for the frame.

[@Mason_Dixon]

Im building a camper shell. in the bed of my old pickup. For camping and ish and we'll there is no doubt i've just got to have a desk.

[@CMF_1]

Think my son and I saw you at a Starbucks in FL Don’t want to interrupt your day - nice work

[@joshuaclewes1883]

I love Friday uploads 😁

[@FreeMissions]

I'm glad to see this channel going.back on the road!!

[@Swimdeep]

I would add a solar exhaust fan. Low profile and sucks out condensation, odors, and with window open, will creat a cross breeze.

[@ulyssesfraire]

Aaaaah! Good job!!! I would love to be able to do something like this with a pop up roof that extends above my truck roof for added space!

[@HobbsHorror]

I actually had a great time with this one lol ! Always a pleasure to see what you have going on! Love the details on the artwork and the review!

[@Sprintervan1]

Hi Nate!! What’s up with Shannon and the property in New Mexico?

[@riseabove3133]

We’re pretending that never happened.

[@PHN-2024]

I can’t wait for Nate to Paint in Big Graphic Letters “ROGUE” on the front and back of his DIY Camper. In all seriousness it’s Good to See Nate working a passion project. I would have preferred another Hi-Ace Japanese Camper Van for Nate just to see him Driving on the opposite side in the cab. Be Well, Bye…

[@seller559]

The “wings” are my big concern on these campers. I prefer to flatbed the truck then spread out the floor plan. More space and more stable in my opinion. Great video 👍

[@joemeyers3127]

Inspiring to see your project come together. Good luck with the rest of the work.

[@boo-zp4lh]

Excited to see how it turns out...😎👍

[@delandbrooks3291]

A slide in makes better sense. You can slide it out onto a pair of sawhorse or bring it to the ground on blocks. Gives you a place to store your gear.

[@thefinancialneurologist]

Hey Nate! Great to see the evolution of your videos. I first subscribed in 2016, but KZbin suddenly popped this video in my recommendation. I still have a saved video of when you responded to my comment on camera in the original Honda Element, something about a lapel mic.

[@zm694]

Very cool Nate. Good to see you back in action.

[@TimmyCramer]

San Diego is calling your name! Spots up and down the pch and taco shops galore! Nothing better than a man enjoying his freedom. Keep kicking ass brother!! Timmy C Arizona

[@ThrifterPicker]

Is he moving there?

[@joelincolnlincoln6315]

He's lived in sd n surfed worked in pb. I think he likes florida because it's more vast than Southern Cali.

[@MJ-ge6jz]

You mentioned 12v solar, I'd go with 24v for cost savings in wire and connections. Use a step down converter for 12v accessories. Or an Anchor solar generator?

[@thrillmanmayo]

Awesome mate! Get some tamper-proof door hinges with non-removable pins.

[@garyi8608]

You did a very nice job building the camper. Might want to some how get more ventilation in the camper especially when it's hot?

[@sneakersonfeet9045]

Nate been with you since the early days….you are very talented! Great job!

[@rocklagueux792]

Looking good brother

[@emiliodilonardo4295]

Not sure how i stumbled across your video but i am glad i did and i’m now subscribed. Great Job!

[@mithrafan]

Nate, loved this video. Your tenacity is really inspiring. All the best

[@MrSafetyForever]

What an amazing solution and a light weight! Take Care

[@mayploy6869]

i love it and i was thinking of doing something similar but turning the truck into a flatbed and building on that for maximum space efficiency. excited to see the rest of the build.

[@adriennestearns5549]

Great job Nate! Personally I would want more windows but I understand wanting to be stealthy. I have been with you since the old days in the Element in Nola! You are an inspiration!

[@FloridaNativeMike]

Nothing stealthy about a big wooden homemade box on the back of a pickup truck.

[@mikeglasgow9618]

Maybe add 4 fire extinguishers. You won't be able to egress those windows. One other thing that confuses me is ,are you leaving the tailgate on.? If you're asleep and some joker shuts your tailgate,,, how will you get out ?? Just curious. Nice build so far. Wind resistance is another factor as previously mentioned.

[@frankies-1389]

16:25 I believe he is testing that situation, "joker putting the tailgate up".

[@dar1652]

Put a hinge on the end if the roof and two hydrlic lifts. You can raise the roof 6" screen in the difference.

[@rajanikumari3672]

Think about sticking roof rack on the cab of the truck & mounting a roof box to stop wind drag on the front wall & might work as a wind deflector to help with gas mileage.

[@brettcox7941]

Cool project. Acquire some saw horses and stop working on the ground. Measuring,cutting accuracy is compromised working on the ground. Not to mention the decrease in efficiency from repeatedly going from a standing position to kneeling.

[@deborahdore5921]

Wow I'm impressed

[@DanielJBaer]

You need an Escape Hatch somewhere in your camper. Even a large window would work. You only have one way out in case of an emergency. Just looking out for your safety. Love the videos. I have been watching a long time now. I'm not sure how long you have been filming.

[@CMF_1]

After your trip up the East cost- how is weather tightness ? Any thoughts about an awning for increased outdoor space ?

[@cinnamon--girl]

I enjoyed this video and love what you have created! You are such a creative person, Nate. Looking forward to your next video.

[@CalvinRRC]

Sick as hell. I could see myself doing a build like this one day. As custom as it gets.

[@igorrosales1799]

I can help you, and then you can help me building mine like this one

[@LivesoundUK]

Wow Nate, I love it. Can't wait to see it finished and videos of you travelling in it 🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@jeffwrinkle575]

This was fun to watch and see how it came together. Can't wait to see the next build and update video. Have to ask... Where will the guitar and surf board go in the new build?

[@ElementLife]

Thanks, Jeff! Guitar fits nicely under the bed, surfboard will hang on the front wall

[@BUCKSHOTSTV]

This is bad ass! I wanna build something like this for my 1985 gmc s15 4x4 long bed! 450 pound ls would be perfect for my little truck!

[@Spangocico]

Been here since the overnight beet shifts. Glad your still going.

[@lesleyhughes3174]

Like so many of us

[@mkudron1]

This is a pretty cool build.I think maybe the only thing I would have done differently is framed in 2 places for windows on each side wall.Even if you didn't use them now you would be framed in and you could pop themin if it turned out you're really needed more air.

[@bonniepwtf]

Really enjoyed this, seeing you enthusiastically creating your vision. I can't wait for the next one! Your little visitor did a quick change act for a second there😂🐾

[@nevrstopdrivin]

Super cool. Lightweight and practical. Transferable to your next truck as well. The interior should be cozy. You mentioned air conditioning. Any heat? Maybe I missed that.

[@Jax4umalta]

Love the new build, but sad to see that Shannon‘s not involved. I hope all is well with both of you.

[@neil3147]

Great video!

[@reneeweiss238]

Looks great and what an exciting adventure! I’m looking forward to your future build videos. 😊

[@stevekunz6573]

Can’t wait to see the finished product.

[@ChristinaColoradoan]

Nate, thank you so much for sharing this.... I have a friend who has a pickup with a shell but it's no longer serving him well. He wants a box truck but doesn't have the funds at the moment so this would be a great solution for him. Perhaps you could provide a rough estimate (prices differ depending on where you are) so maybe we can plan something out this summer and get him hooked up. 💯🌞

[@Talaria567]

Excited to see your electric setup

[@pnwoutdoorlife2720]

Looks good. I’m currently building a small truck camper myself. Due to time and $$$ it’s probably going to take a few months but should have the build video up in my channel once it’s done. Thanks for sharing

[@RonInAVan]

Looking good, can’t wait to see it finished.

[@andrewmeitner4818]

Dave certainly builds nice campers

[@lynnef3297]

Good to see a build video again. Its looking good.😁👍

[@DeerheartStudioArts]

All the best, Nate! Still subscribed to your channel because your life is interesting.

[@DonnaBlackney-bp8il]

Love the music and the doggies 😊 Excellent build!

[@slapstickdome9797]

Don’t get to close to the doggies. Like Shannon they will disappear.

[@b0daddie]

Ryobi? A man of class I see.

[@bertandbuckscott7808]

Good job, young man!

[@UMAG-Productions]

I'd love to see more build footage...hyper speed leaves me feeling like I missed so many of those ahha discovery moments. I'd watch a longer version video if you put one out 👍🏻

[@Chris-b4w8t]

This is awesome thank you so much for the inspiration

[@paulhendo8726]

Good camper

[@blandinelekens8215]

Very cool video. Happy for this n3w project/ adventure. Best wishes and safe travels. 👍🏼✌🏼

[@cherylfisk7698]

I am not a carpenter, but what you have built so far, seems well done!! I have to ask, since you are building this yourself. WHY did you build it so "short" inside? If weight was the concern, use lighter construction materials on the lower half of the base, which would be supported by the bed of the truck. Again, I am no expert, but I really enjoy watching videos of unique house builds and the creativity and ingenuity in the different and very unique settings and houses of any structure (on the side of a cliff, on different bodies of water, and on and on) these people create. One show on tv I love is called "Extreme Homes". Extreme in locations, builds or structures they create. And/or with the building materials used for the builds. It is from watching all the different KZbin channels, or tv programs/shows etc. where I have learned about lightweight building materials. Bottom line, my thoughts or ideas don't matter.I wish you all the best in your endeavors. Be safe. Be happy and enjoy your life to the fullest.

[@braaap690]

Nice job! Looks solid.

[@maxineoliver7404]

Lovethe project!Happy Easter!!🤗🎉🎉

[@BigHeinen]

You've probably already thought of this but a 12v fan in an upper corner somewhere might help dissipate condensation from your breath and skin moisture. Just a thought...

[@BlueKhaos76]

Hey Nate,,how are you boss? I met you some time ago when you still had the Element and was still with Antine,,,I have followed you for a long time and I can only hope going forward that you find happiness and after all the places you have been ,,in the future maybe at some point you consider settling down,,,I know that your lifestyle is your own and near the end of this video you seem a little overwhelmed,,but determined to live as you like,,and I totally am right there with you,,I just want you to be happy and maybe someday I can see you again,,,stay safe Nate. Thank you for all the videos and sharing your journey.

[@lesleyhughes3174]

Many of us OGs here. What will be, will be. Whatever Nate wants and needs is hopefully how it will turn out for him. Can only wish him well.

[@AshleyAriesK]

Cool! Been wondering if any1 does this & it looks pretty damn good!

[@cooltrkin]

Thats cool, have you ever thought about using Kemlite for the inside of your walls? Im building a semi reefer trailer that also has Kemlite wallss. Im building it into either a Moble Abode or a tiny home. Mine is going to be kinda both.