Building a Simple/Minimalist Camper Setup in the Back of my Truck

[@williamthawley9251]

you bring back memories, bought a e100 ford van in 1976, built my bed, had unit with sink, overhead cabinet, and icebox(coleman) behind the drivers seat, the top of the bed lifted up that is where the porta potti was, with a curtain that would go around it for privacy, on the other wall built a full wall of cabinets for storage, half of the door was taken up with a counter where I could put a stove. carpeted ceilings and floor. it was already insulated. it had an outlet inside and outside to plug a heater into or electric stove. had a few other things done to it.

[@riverwolf314]

you are an absolute homie for making a simple budget friendly version of this for even lower income people to go off of. Thank you, sincerely.

[@yellowstonenaturerc8518]

Jonathan, that is great news thanks for the reply. If you make it to Yellowstone this summer maybe think about driving out the east gate to the Shoshone National forest and spend a night or 2 camping at Elk Fork Campground. I'll be the host and it has excellent fishing and hiking. You're invited!

[@pyrateratbat]

I love that your setup is constantly changing. We get to see different styles and methods of builds and real world use. Respect, Peace and Love.

[@deadred80]

Sorry about the mistyping I'm to lazy to go get my glasses off the table .

[@debbieherrera1605]

Probably a good idea to fill that cut in your tailgate with some waterproof stuff. So it doesn’t rust.

[@mtodd1972]

JB weld the crack. Sand and paint. No will be the wiser. Safe travels.

[@spincego3946]

I officially finished my build today! Exciting to see other ideas.

[@alphamale6097]

Hey this kid pre-drilled his holes and made straight cuts. I have hope for the newer generation 😉 Great job man it gets the job done and that’s all you need.

[@Tbpker22]

The truth is, Jonathan, that you really, really like to design and then build items from wood. Great to be creative and accomplish what you design. I know you will do such things again and again, and we are looking forward to seeing what you do next!

[@Mr-ur2rr]

I'm a Professional Carpenter, and I say you did a bang up job. You could of use those hinges to make lift up cabinets for the right wheel wells just saying more storage. But Great Job👍🏽

[@wallbanger6248]

Great new topper, I bought one for the 02 tundra I used to own from an older gentleman on Craigslist for $250…I couldn’t believe the condition it was in, it was a leer but almost identical to yours, it looked like brand new. Still to this day it’s the best deal I’ve ever made on CL.

[@freezinweasle1]

Great job young man. I have a Kodiak Canvas truck tent and have thought about setting up pretty much what you have done. At 64 years old, I like the minimalist approach. I cut a piece of plywood to fit the floor of my truck bed and have also cut the puzzle piece floor mats to go on top of that. I will be using a camping cot because although I wanted to build a bed as you did, the cot is just easier right now. Perhaps in the future. Thanks for sharing your build. Stay safe and God bless.

[@lawrencepeterson7219]

The sleep setup looks great! Simple, highly useful, and the side box is a nice touch. You're construction skills are definitely improving. Keep up the good work, Jonathan.

[@shosmyth1454]

I am not a expert on building but it seems you have really grown in your knowledge of doing things on your own for your Camper. I am so Happy for you! 🌺

[@emilinasosa9815]

Well build another box that cover your tire bump and could be your Kitchen and work area support! You’re amazing young man!!!!

[@TiyaBedford]

Thank you for doing this. Now I can build out my caravan. All the other people show it before then after thank you for showing step by step .I will be studying this one!

[@kjbl5594]

If you want your drawer to slide a bit easier, put some Johnson & Johnson Paste wax underneath your drawer where it slides on the truck bed!

[@trustonlyline4206]

Love it. You should glue then screw any items in the future. The screw acts as the clamp. The glue keeps things from squeaking too. You aren’t a real carpenter until your tailgate has a skillsaw cut in it. So you are officially a wood worker.

[@brunoportilla8175]

i like that you keep experimenting and always gaining more experienced every build

[@georgekerr8804]

Good job. Things to consider: Use 3/8 inch thick plywood and 3/4 inch boards for less weight. A Topper EZ Lift for more head room when parked.

[@garrett3055]

That lift sounds like a great idea

[@audiobagvideo]

I thoroughly enjoyed watching you put together your new temporary build in your truck bed. I can't wait to see your first adventure out in it!

[@SunSalt100]

This is so inspiring. I just found this channel and I've been thinking about doing the same thing to my truck (chevy) for a long time. Just need to save some money for a top to my truck. Keep up the awesome videos!

[@JamesBrown-hv1xu]

Sweet! Please stay safe! And keep enjoying life! Glad to see your little lady back in your videos! Love your positive vibes and your hunger for adventures! PS Fill in that cut in your tailgate with some JB weld

[@piffy4094]

Looking forward to seeing your first trip with the new build. You're such a tease about the new camper! 😃

[@DigitalPetrol]

Very excited for the news and can't wait to see what's in store!

[@PeterBall-y9s]

Plastic folding saw horses, make really nice table/counters with leftover plywood

[@Yuksta89]

Inspiring stuff, many people want a camper and this eye opener and food for thought. “Beat status quo”, spending a bomb load of money on a camper van means you are firmly on the money go round. Great video been following this channel for a couple of years and as always makes you want get out there😀

[@gwendolynjordan9071]

Johnathan you did a great job on building your truck bed and storage compartments. Can't wait to see more of what you have in store for the build compilation for the back of your truck. Thanks

[@thedadmike]

Considering your available tools and resources, you should be proud of your build. Nice job. Thanks for the video

[@arlenewolf5260]

Fill the cut in your tailgate with a few layers of JB Weld. Smooth out the top layer with a squeegee and spray paint it.

[@myrnamontanez2089]

Wow, You did a Great Job, You Have a lot more Room, you made it look So easy, Again Great Job Jonathan 👍

[@sheilacaine3962]

I love it. Simple and neat. You have great ideas.

[@coleengoodell7523]

Great minimalist design. Looking forward to seeing your maiden trip.

[@JL-dj5ek]

Nice simple build. From the start, i already foresaw that u might cut the truck tailgate by using it as a cutting platform... just use anti rust stuff to cover it.

[@slapt3245]

I've seen a cool setup with chains and mini turnbuckles. Chains attached to the front corner D rings in his tacoma bed, and to part of the main framework. Pulls the entire system forward and slightly down. Loosen the turnbuckles to remove the chain hooks and the entire system slides out of his truck bed in one piece. Pretty neat.

[@zloungeact]

You can rub paste wax on the long drawer to help it slide in and out easy

[@88meemaw88]

Wow, Jonathan that’s going to be awesome. You’re so smart and have a wonderful attitude. Where there’s a will there’s a way. Just in time for Summer. 👍👍👍

[@raisethe3]

It's looking really good Jonathan! Looking forward to seeing the finished product.

[@GankTown]

Post it

[@rebeccakaminski8967]

This was great to watch this guy put together a simple but functional structure.

[@debraroth4724]

Great start on the build out! If things start to slide around while driving you can attach 1x2 firing strips to the bottom of an item and let them sit in the groove on the floor. Keeps things sliding left and right when driving. I would have set the bed box down into a groove to make sure it doesn’t slide too. I plan on adding a full floor sheet with carpet to my build in the future (including my tailgate) so its comfortable crawling in and out of the truck.

[@lulehmberg601]

Hi Jonathan, that is so nice,well done! Fantastic ,would love to have it.I wish more cars or trucks like urs would be here over in Germany. Its just perfekt, i love it and im looking forward til the next video. Have a good start into the week. Greetings from Germany, Silke☘👋

[@michaelreyes2883]

Simple, functional, versatile. Great idea!

[@yellowstonenaturerc8518]

Ahh, one of the best comments ... simple and right to the point! I can't help to wonder where Jonathan will be in another year.. lol.

[@alanduff2205]

Great attitude on getting things done.

[@bencoutts8953]

this is an awesome tutorial! i did a build similar to this a year ago and i think i’m goin to do it again soon i’m my 02 tacoma awesome vid can’t wait to see what comes next 🤙👍

[@lukegray3169]

This is a very practical build! Im excited to see the ventures you do with this new setup!

[@RutherfordTony]

You did an awesome job and you should be proud. Enjoyed the video!

[@angiebega2444]

I bumped into this video again and i think its pretty cool i have watched alot of camping life videos and i think its cool and minimalist car life videos i think its pretty cool

[@caddycraft6823]

i like the bedbox! nice and basic...gonna use this. but mine will have a hinge where the wheel well is. Enjoy every adventure!

[@jagervolant7871]

That into the tailgate was hilarious 😂

[@MAJJJJJJ]

Thanks for the tutorial on your truck build. It gives me great ideas on a build for me thanks

[@joshslama1515]

Glue some leftover carpet scraps on the bottom of the drawer and it slide great on your bed floor

[@nightfancyjess9454]

I love this idea! Thank you for sharing!

[@jakemarlow8998]

Can't wait to see your new camper.

[@thomascronquist1604]

I like your build style. Your not over thinking on how to trick out the bed.

[@yitbosadventures63]

Cool build using what you can and making it your own... Thanks for sharing!!!!

[@michaelciceraro7707]

You did a fine job. You should be proud of your accomplishment. Don't worry about cutting the tailgate. That was a learning experience. Get a little Bondo and sand it, should be alright. Great video.

[@Michael85338]

I really liked the explained detail build in action even if is simple! I liked the previous queen camper! can't wait to see the new camper to come about! I know you put in alot of work in what you do! stay blessed jon

[@asl.talkinghands7529]

Great job I have a truck 2001 Toyota..Soon to be done. Thanks for the Tips

[@JimmyVYouTube]

Looks great JY!

[@patdirvin6786]

Dude you must be a master carpenter. Very impressive

[@noahdepasacreta5718]

I love the effort you put into your builds, from the slumber queen to this, carpentry doesn't seem to be your strong point but your making it happen non the less! I've been doing carpentry for years, and I really enjoy watching your build videos! throw some poly or some sort of sealer on the wood if you can, it may warp and twist even in the short weeks you're using it, that drawer may be harder and harder to pull in and out. the other thing you can do is go the Home Depot and ask if they have any smashed up roles of ice and water shield or rubber roofing (because its expensive) you can take that and line the bottom of your aluminum bed for both easy clean up for spills and a bit of a dampener when driving and the build bounces around. you can also spray paint it for color

[@dianayount2122]

Can't get skills unless you practice, right? Probably doesn't help that he is working in a parking lot. Do you think the sealing of the wood with the poly would be the cheapest solution, for time being?

[@Austin-ui8in]

Thanks for the tip about the cutting guide. I just added one of those to my Home Depot cart in case I need to rip some wood planks. Seems like you are making a lot of good progress with a minimal amount of tools. keep up the good work!!

[@emmanuelbaker7645]

Hurry and make more videos!!!!! I just finished watching all of your videos. I need more!

[@rustynailmendlesohn8710]

Wow Jonathan, your channel is like must watch old time TV shows like Dallas or Knots Landing. If you miss an episode you miss a lot of developments LOL. Glad I saw today's. Really excited for the surprise new camper shell coming up. !!!! :):)

[@kamcheng120]

Hey Jonathan. Great video as always! To get your corners straight with each other I would recommend using 90 degree right angle clamps. They will hold the pieces of wood together for you while you drill which is also a plus apart from getting them perfectly angled with each other. I had sent this comment before with an Amazon link but I think KZbin deleted it due to the embedded link. Keep up the great work! 🙂

[@maryk790]

GREAT BUILD INGENIUS

[@KeywordManagement]

Nice simple build...well done.

[@luiscaceres8119]

Simple and Perfect! Nice

[@elleemann]

Been building out my 07 Tahoe. Interesting to see how others do their builds 😁 Thanks

[@Ray-Willey]

I put my bed on the right side also! I have tryed both and the right is my side.

[@tracymartin8721]

Great build let the adventures begin 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@wastelandgarage7837]

I've been here, since the beginning. I am proud to see your still going! I sold my slide in camper and canopy as well, honestly bed caps are the way to go. Try and get a slim pop up slide in camper. There pretty dope. I recently bought a 1968 hi lo camper but quickly realized that towing sucks even more now with the gas prices now and days!

[@aaronakiyama]

Love the truck. I have a white '02 and the back of mine is also set up for camping out of. Way more convenient than tents; especially in poor weather. I'm just a bit north of you near Tacoma.

[@celesteredding1550]

Johnathan, you're great at woodworking. Don't short change yourself 👍🏽

[@lovinglife4962]

🙋🏽‍♀️Good Morning Jonathan ❕Yep I’m still here binge watching and you’re doing a great job 👏🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@masonstruckadventure9368]

Dig the build pretty pumped to see it in action. Can't wait. Thanks

[@deniseroberts460]

Thanks for sharing your handyman work. Everything looks great. Anticipating the next video. 👍🏼👍🏼✌🏻

[@maxineoliver7404]

You're keeping it simple for this truck van build-I like it!👍I'm looking forward to what's to come in the(very) near future!🤔🤗See ya soon!☕

[@mtk8020]

Good job on your build. Sleeping platform are the best. Be careful, they can become to be a money pit. I love mine. Safe travels.

[@johngirsch5819]

Congrats Jonathon, great job. You are creative, I give you credit, you are always trying to improve.

[@TTVAN]

HEY, JONATHAN, I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE NEW CAMPER!!!!!

[@overland_panda]

Good stuff dude! So glad you’re keeping the first Gen tundra! Great to see these trucks get used and loved! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@janiemelgoza166]

I think you did a great job, I will eventually be doing something like that myself ❤.

[@JonnyDIY]

Sweet new camper! Great build too. Look forward to finding out new camper, maybe pop up!? 🤔

[@horsenaround2000]

I loved loved your video!! And Tess! Yay 😀 so great to see her again.

[@pnwoutdoorlife2720]

Another excellent video my friend. Nice simple little build. I look forward to seeing the first camp trip with it.

[@milonetzler67]

So glad to see you did your build. I am impressed by how much your confidence has grown in your handling of the power tools and building out your truck bed. Great job bud! Looking forward to seeing the next build and excited to hear of the new camper coming up in the near future!

[@benelliott8980]

Before I got my truck camper I did something very similar to this, it’s actually in my profile photo lol, only issue I find is that your really only going to use it for sleeping theres not much room to do anything else but lay down and if it’s raining and you are stuck inside it can be boring

[@mrshaneyt43]

Perfect build Jonathan. Simple was definitely the way to go & as long as it works for you why go over the top. Especially with the prices of everything at the moment.👌

[@WAwoodsman2]

Only thing i would have done differently is glued all the joints. Makes all the difference in the world in respect to rigidity. Awesome video!

[@johnmiller4282]

Great job, perfect is the enemy of getting her done!

[@Ohiogirl419]

Excellent job kiddo. Just bummed no coffee drinking 😂☕ WOOOO!!!

[@JonathanYentch]

Plenty coffee woos to come 😅

[@b0daddie]

I've put a lot of thought into how I would make a setup. Instead of making an entire drawer and being limited to using it only when its open. I would make the top on a hinge and gas struts so I can access while inside the camper.

[@yellowstonenaturerc8518]

hmmm, I thought that was great idea. .. Now how about 50/50 because if he was outside then he would have to jump up into the truck sooo, 25% pullout and the rest inside lift? or full lift and 25% pullout? we could work together and build him something spectacular ... lol

[@b0daddie]

@@yellowstonenaturerc8518 well the other side would be a kitchen/shelf that would be wide enough for a stove so under that could be a pullout for a kitchen

[@knittingnana2939]

Love your kitty. Good to see Tessa .

[@antn8387]

I hope your channel blows up, you deserve more subs, bro

[@graffix11us]

Nice build! Good use of space and materials.

[@donpace6405]

I think you did an Awesome job you did it all on your own really loved your video

[@jimbrown4180]

Looks great bed storge slide out !!! Foam bed table beside u next curtains or black out windows .happy camping

[@carylfontaine3640]

BRILLIANT build!! Fix your potential rust spots or cuts asap. Good job, enjoy..

[@jaredgamble3250]

thank you for this video bro! can't wait to start building mine this spring!

[@leoalaniz8519]

Enjoy your videos ! Nice set up and good idea on adding the extra piece of plywood to have a flat surface to sit.Check out the Moonlander Campers- it’s basically a custom made camper shell for your truck ,heavy duty aluminum and extends beyond the width of your truck and it’s a high top topper with a loft ,I believe they are based in Colorado .