My Truck Cap Camper I Built With ZERO Woodworking Experience!! (One Week Build)

Welcome to Mainely Outdoors this time I wanted to show you guys the truck cap camper that I built all by myself with zero woodworking experience. I gathered inspiration from other builds here on youtube and brought it all together to make my perfect truck camper set up! In total this build took me 130 hours and just over one week to build it. I’ll be putting up a video showing you the step by step process in the near future so make sure you subscribe so you don't miss out. Thanks for watching and let me know what you think in the comments below!
If you want to get a sneak peek of how I build this check out my Instagram page @mainelyoutdoors18 (www.instagram....)
Jesse (Mainelyoutdoors)
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[@MainelyOutDoors]

The full build video is finally out! check out part one here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaPciYaqgNh8jpY and no long wait between videos this time next one will be out monday!

[@mertongerrish7958]

really nice . Good idea!! Like this channel. Keep up the good grouse hunting !!

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Should have another grouse video out soon

[@mertongerrish7958]

Love to watch you @@MainelyOutDoors hunt partridge!! I go up every year in some of the same areas we hunt for the last 20 years. SO MUCH FUN!!!!!!!

[@mav]

pretty damn nice setup there dude

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Thanks Mav! Your videos were a big inspiration for me starting this project.

[@LethallyReptarded]

Mavs a bit jealous I think 😂

[@Ambiguousmusicc]

You know your build was good when Mav comments

[@adrianagallegocastro3148]

Excelente video.

[@IBooDoopI]

I love how the ONLY bit of snow I could spot in this video was piled right in front of his license plate.. Love it!

[@pismoproductions3538]

I can see why you are very pleased with how your build turned out, because I am totally impressed! Love it!

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Thanks 🙏

[@everchevy]

I am a woodworker. I am quite impressed. I f I were younger I would copy your plans. One observation. Treated plywood on the bottom would prevent water damage. Nice back door also. The hidden metal shelve rocks.

[@arlenewolf5260]

Great Video! Stealth is no problem with that topper. Take the bottom portion of the rear hatch door and put on a custom wrap the color of the truck and topper. At a glance it will look like you have the tail gate in place. Put limo tint or put a see through wrap (you pick the color, match the topper / truck color or black) on the rest of the windows (the kind they put on bus windows). So, you can see out but it is difficult to see in. Also you can add black out curtins or reflectx. I had a Buddy Heater I used, but I tried a military ECWSS (Extreme Cold Weather Sleep System). They are supposed to be rated to minus 40 degrees below zero. I can attest the U.S. ECWSS will keep you warm as toast without any assistance from Propane or any other source.

[@jeffreyclement3564]

lol love the license snow. And love the door of the camper. I want one like that.

[@parsonsmarcus]

Great setup! One idea for that SUV style camper door is to hang up a little curtain rod close to the door and have a black out curtain that you can move and you could tuck away on a couple little mounts when you are getting out for the day.

[@arlenewolf5260]

Looks great. I would put heavy tint on all the topper windows. Also put one way window wrap on the back hatch so you can see out but others cant see in. Get some reflictx with velcro (for EZ on EZ off) to insulate the windows in the cold and block off wandering eyes. Also if it becomes necesary a luggable loo seat on a Homer bucket with trash bags. Also I would find a way to cary some water. Your build out is amazing. I gave it a thumbs up.

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Thanks! i figured i could always go back and make little fixes here and there still haven't done any urban camping just remote. I'll probably go with some sort of on of solution like you suggested when that changes though. As for the water. Right now I just cary a 3 gallon glass jug I refill with filtration system. Still trying to figure out a good way to incorporate it into the truck.

[@FreedomToRoam86]

I like your rationale for the plywood floor to preserve the stuff above it. Good idea! And very nicely done woodwork for first time.

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Thanks it was definitely a great learning experience it helped that I put a lot of thought into this over the last year. When it came time to build i knew exactly what I wanted the problem was often I didn’t have the skill to build it 😂 but it came together great!!

[@lillypatience]

Nice build! You might want to consider a hypervent layer under the mattress to prevent mold and mildew or drill some more holes in the storage lids to increase ventilation. :-)

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Thats a great idea! Thanks for mentions that

[@thegringobaker]

Just got my truck and have plans to do this type of camper too. I'm also in Maine... the Bridgton area. I have to make it such that two people can use it as a a camper... my wife isn't really into fishing, but she does like camping. I'm basically thinking of making the bed twice as wide, but hinged down the middle so that I can have the center aisle when I go out alone. When opened to a "big" bed, the hinged piece will cover the aisle and rest on a ledge on the cabinet side.

[@freeshrugs63]

Nice video and beautiful build. I spent 2 months in the desert in winter in a short shell. Many hours of darkness and cold every evening. I get claustrophobia so I'm glad that I had a no build inside but I sacrificed storage space under the bed. I think my compromise is going to be a 5-inch storage height so I can still sit up. I have to be able to move it so I can sit up fully in the floor while waiting out a sandstorm! I appreciate the good drawer ideas.

[@stolidoli]

One of the better videos on this subject that I've seen. Nice build!

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Thanks!

[@h2foo841]

Outstanding build and setup. You mentioned possible water damage on the underside of the floor board. On my trailer floor underside, I'm using roofing paint (not the tar) it is Henry 587 Dura-Brite White 100% Acrylic Reflective Elastomeric Roof Coating. Works great, has totally sealed the floor on river crossings, etc. If and when you pull the unit out of the bed, may be worth putting some on.

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Thats a good idea! Thanks for the tip! so far Ive seen no water damage but when i do have to replace it i'll re do it with marine plywood and probably coat with that roof coating.

[@Screenwriting]

Nice setup. If you could do it again, would you go for another walk in door or the conventional topper with a tailgate? I'm having a hard time deciding. Thanks!

[@sherrymuzykazekestravels6793]

I love the simplicity of this build and you did a great job!

[@jamesj9744]

I always like to camp in my waders too, bro. Good job! It's almost as cool as wearing spurs in the airport.

[@chrismorgan3886]

I like the creative use of snow! ;-)

[@H.pylori]

Hi, youtube recommended this. This is a very creative project. Well done! Very functional. One big correction, however...you do have good woodworking skills. I am the one with 'zero" woodworking skills and could never do this in a million years. Thumbs up!

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Hahah I learned alot during this project thats for sure! I ran into all kinds of problems but im glad i did it and am pretty happy with the final product! thanks for watching!

[@conradmarconi8096]

Nice work. One suggestion is another set of drawer slides on the big drawer. Especially with the weight being extended with the cooking shelf. Best of luck.

[@marleyzxv1787]

One of the best builds I've seen..

[@falkharvard8722]

What a brilliant little conversation. As a carpenter, well done

[@MainelyOutDoors]

thanks! turned out way better than I expected

[@LearnMYOG]

First time seeing a floor. Good idea

[@reyflores4606]

Nice camper build. You can add limo tint to your back glass door for more privacy. Or a wrap with the pin holes.

[@jamesmason210]

Great project. Great ideas.

[@kylerenton9119]

Amazing video. I’ve been thinking of doing this myself. Did you find it added a lot of weight to your truck? Changed fuel economy? Curious

[@eladionunez2032]

That's better than a top tent. Pretty cool.

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Thanks! cheaper than most too

[@77confusedzombie77]

Always enjoy seeing people's setup. Well done

[@MainelyOutDoors]

thank you!

[@edrose9941]

New subscriber and your neighbor. We live in Lamoine on Frenchman's Bay so not far as the crow flies. I look forward to watching the rest of your content; I found you while I was looking for grouse videos. I love to fish, bird hunt (especially waterfowl) and will be grouse hunting for the first time this year. I hope to cross paths sometime. You make tremendous videos and you're very relatable. Best of luck with your endeavors here!

[@commonsensepatriot9450]

I have the same topper on my Gen II Dodge with an 8ft bed. I have a 6ft, 3 drawer setup which holds everything and is at fender well height. That allows me to have an 8 inch memory foam mattress and still sit up. I love the extra bed length for the extras and getting dressed. Nice setup 👍

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Jealous I wish I had an 8' bed.. sounds like a great set up!

[@MainelyOutDoors]

you should post it I'm sure people would like to see it

[@commonsensepatriot9450]

@@MainelyOutDoors We have a camping trip planned for a few weeks from now. I'll see if I can get my setup on video and post it.

[@markc2080]

Nice job. You have given me some ideas for my Ford Transit connect conversion. Nice use of pocket holes as well.

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Glad I could help

[@danrcockerham]

Great video.....right to the point without any theatrics! Nice job!!! Have you considered placing a removable carpet runner between the bed and cabinet?????

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Great idea! Ive concreted it but never really bothered . I Just sweep it out every now and then

[@bradmitchell1774]

Slick set up. Lots of good ideas. I'm converting a SpaceKap for the same purpose.

[@bradmitchell1774]

Ideas for your glass. Either a darker tint, or take a pic of an empty truck bed and have a one direction vinyl decal made to cover the glass (like the ones on city buses sometimes for advertising). You can see out, but it just looks like an empty truck bed when someone glances at the back of the unit from outside. Cheers!

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Ohh yeah thats is a great idea I’m going to have to look into the vinyl decal. Thanks for mentioning that!!

[@kristieingram2039]

Great build for someone with no experience but I always say common sense is the base for all knowledge.... I would definitely put some kind of shade on those back windows while driving but that's just my opinion 😅 We carry the oven and cook top that's run by propane it's been a blessing on camp trips plus the buddy heater as we are cold weather campers

[@robincarternoble]

Looks great man. Enjoyed all the build vids too. I'm building out my truck too so I like all the ideas KZbin gives me. Subscribed.

[@sherryberardino6032]

Pretty nice simple setup , never seen a door like that ,safe travels,

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Thanks 👍

[@paulwilliams2024]

This is superb . Excellent wood work

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Thanks a lot! still a work in progress though

[@gusreid8868]

Very nice job. Great video, you should be proud. Know you are. I’m looking to do similar for Dodge RAM with shell but want to be able to remove all. And need sleeping for my 2 cuddling chocolate labs. Enjoy !

[@travelwithsatijeet1899]

Love from Jammu Kashmir India 🙏❤️

[@jamesrupe443]

You could add rod's to the sides and bottom of the SUV cab door and you could hang long curtains for privacy and extra room.

[@RJV-uu2jm]

Looking good man. I'm thinking about a similar concept for a cross country trip one day. Couple tips from general woodworking though, I'd definitely clear coat the floor with sealer to protect it. Also if you're interested, they sell smooth wood moulding in various widths to cover exposed raw cuts on the plywood. It's a good idea to protect yourself from splintering wood as it ages.

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Thanks 🙏!! I actually did put some coats of lacquer on everything but it was a spray on and I might redo the heavy traffic areas again soon. And thanks for pointing out the wood trim I actually didn’t know that existed 😂 that will really clean up the look and feel of everything

[@RJV-uu2jm]

@@MainelyOutDoors you're welcome. I've actually had deep splinters get infected while on the road. It's no fun.

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Yeah, when the nice veneer wood comes off of the plywood it and be a pretty nasty splinter got a few of those through a glove when I was working with it.

[@MapleMarmite]

Really nice set up! I see there’s some extra support rails on the side of the bed and cabinet - to add a panel for a double bed conversion, I take it? I think I would get a roll of the limo tint privacy film and put on the back door. As well as making it a little more stealth it would help keep the sun out in the summer and stop the heat build up. 👍🏻

[@gregflores8959]

You have hidden carpentry skills! Excellent work!

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Thanks I’m happy with how it turned out even it’s quirks

[@jim.h]

Very nice build. If I could lay in the back of my truck, I'd do a similar thing. One modification I would suggest is to literally cut the back drawer in half and make two shorter drawers to help with organization.

[@normanlim5071]

Very nice set up. Good Job!

[@MainelyOutDoors]

I'm glad you like it

[@paultennis9569]

Nice build. Maybe tint the back entry door or attach velcro strips and buy cheap material to it for privacy. Good luck

[@patgenier1965]

Nice build. Simple. I like your Shelf on the passenger side with the cubby holes. I/m about to head to Ontario for work this week . From Alberta. Truck camping in my 2012 Tundra Its an on going kinda morphing build. lol I think Ill borrow your cubby hole cabinet idea. Cheers. Thanks.

[@LandonWills]

Hey man this is awesome! I love it! Not trying to rain on your parade but I would suggest getting a piece of stainless steel for your cutting board. Galvanized Metal is known to be toxic. Not sure if that matters to you but just some food for thought. Other than that I’m really impressed with your build

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Yeah I’ll probably swap it out with that at one point but for now I just use a cutting board.

[@Cryton1]

Cool set up. Would love to see a video with you and Mav

[@MainelyOutDoors]

So would I! 😂 tell him to make a trip to Maine I’ll show him around

[@amitachalal85]

Nice project. Cant wait to see it in action.

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Won’t be long now

[@stevejeffrey11]

that's a sweet truck canopy!

[@freddysflyz]

That look so awesome. Congrats on the build! 👍👊👊

[@markanderson235]

You should add a face board on that cutting board which would give you an edge to pull it out

[@ryanhowell4492]

Beautiful Video

[@MyLittleFarmhouse]

That’s an awesome setup 😍💕👍🏽🇦🇺

[@gunsandrotors8704]

You could coat the bottom of your floor with flex seal then no water intrusion worries at all.

[@KYLETHEPYRO]

Holy crap! That's beyond awesome! Phenomenal work man!!

[@nmolinaro62]

Glad I found your channel. Great setup for your truck camper. You gave me some new ideas. New subscriber.

[@billiamc1969]

Well done man...stealth is the best

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Thanks glad you enjoyed I’ll probably make a cover for the windows soon to make it a little more stealthy

[@ry2456]

Amazing find on that canopy. I would like to buy a "grandpa" canopy(high rise) for my 2019 ram 1500 but they don't seem to make them yet for my truck. I also have a 2000 f150 that I haven't found a high top for either(used). Like your setup and may borrow some ideas if a canopy becomes available.

[@MapleMarmite]

Haha - that’s the kind of cap that was on my truck when I bought it. A few people called it a grandpa truck when the cap was on but I just get ‘cool old truck man’ when the cap’s off. I never really understood the grandpa bit, I figured it was the age of the truck but I guess it’s the style of cap! I like the cap myself - I used it to keep snow out in the winter but I’m turning it into a camper cap this year.

[@gailjohnson6670]

Nice build..Thank you for the video..Have a blessed day..

[@tinapa7898]

Great set up. 👌 your personality and looks reminds me of someone hosting a HGTV show. I would like to call it "Truck camper renovations" Lol.

[@MainelyOutDoors]

That would be cool!

[@bonnienklyde918]

Looks great compfy too

[@reax2237]

Nice setup. I built the exact same except my beds not so high, I leveled it with the top of the wheel well so I can sit up and cook or eat off the other side as a table. Thanks

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Awesome I was thinking about doing that but I needed the extra storage space

[@dsteresamary6654]

Too good video sir. Thanks for share you video.

[@MainelyOutDoors]

No problem!

[@jazzman5598]

Really love what you’ve done with the place!

[@MainelyOutDoors]

😂 thanks

[@Max37-l7b]

Cool setup

[@jamesgunter7699]

Great job.

[@MrJILWAYA]

Very nice one man👍🏻👍🏻

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Thanks I’ve definitely been enjoying it!

[@RevBTB]

howdy from boothbay harbor. I love this super cool build!

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Thanks!

[@MariafromthePhilippineIslands]

Very functional set up.

[@great3danesmom]

This is great. I want something like this for me Toyota Tundra. But I don’t have any experience building things. I’m looking forward to your video on how to build it. Thanks!

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Neither did I 😂 but it turned out pretty good just wasted a lot of time doing things the hard way and redoing them the right way when I didn’t measure it correctly. Just go for it only cost me the lumber and my time. Over all it was a great learning experience I’m glad I took on. Still trying to get around to making that video but one day I’ll find the time to finish it. Too busy camping in my truck and fishing right now.

[@ericwiitala5407]

Very well thought out and efficient. Great job! 👍

[@marka.9988]

You should buy some curtains for the windows to keep the heat in on cold winter days and for some added privacy

[@chlebowg]

Reflectix between the window and curtain

[@edwardperkins85]

Seriously ZERO woodworking experience? Dude you drilled pocket holes! I have SOME woodworking experience and this looks challenging lol. Completely amazing job by the way, well done!

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Thanks can’t say I didn’t make my far share of mistakes 😂 a lot actually! But I learned a lot. I cheated too I used a pocket hole drill kit to make them

[@gt_outdoorexcursions]

Very similar to my set up except I made my bed low enough to sit on upright, many mornings before fishing it's dark and I'm in there trying to boil water for oatmeal and coffee and sitting up right was a game changer. I put a rack up top with a cargo topper I got off craigslist that I throw all the wet stuff and closet stuff in. You are definitely gonna have some fun with that!

[@MainelyOutDoors]

I did consider doing that but I decided to go with the extra storage figuring I’ll spend 90% of my time out of the truck. But after using it for a few day I can see what you mean on a rainy day sometimes I might want to spend more time in there. I was think I could make a seat on the floor where I could sit up and relax if I need to escape bugs or the weather. We’ll see though it’s still a work in progress

[@stephenasbridge878]

Tight lines!

[@ordovice1]

For the cabinets under the bed, install some gas shock struts to help keep it lifted up when it's open ..

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Yes I definitely need to do this. Its kinda a pain having to hold it with one hand

[@angelapalmieri3883]

Love what you did to the truck...great job

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Thanks 👍

[@chrisroy1613]

Tint that back door/window...great setup man

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Thanks! I'm going to wait until I have to do more urban camping. I kinda like the extra light that comes in to help wake me up in the morning

[@Truth-and-the-life]

I use a short stool for sitting. My bed is not quit as wide, giving me a little more floor space.

[@benjamincarter9726]

Hey there, fellow Mainer and new subscriber here. I just had a Leer truck shell installed on my Tundra with the intention to set up a little camper similar to yours. I’ve noticed a little water leaking in along 2 corners. Wondering if you or any of your viewers have had any similar issues? Not sure if these shells are expected to be 100% water tight? Keep up the good work, enjoy your content!

[@jK-yj2tl]

In my Toyota bed/ there are two drain holes forward on the front side of the bed that needed to be covered, to drain holes in the pockets above the wheel wells that needed to be covered, also drain holes in the forward hatch with the latch door had to be covered… Had to keep the door off that hatch since it use the holes to close, and lastly, huge drain holes in the inverter box by the tailgate had to be closed and sealed. The gap between the top rail, and the bolt down area of the bed had to be polled and insulated as that was easy, access to the wheel, wells with air flowing easily into the top or… Sealed the entire length with a gasket and then replace the top rail. And finally made a gasket for the tailgate to prevent air movement and dust movement. That pretty much sealed the leak problems which were abundant on a new truck bed.

[@stephencarroll8537]

What I'm looking for..I fly fish too...great sit up👍

[@UnitedPebbles]

any cons? if money is not a problem, what would you do differently??

[@ethanphelps9478]

really enjoyed the vid, sweet setup! you got a steal on that cap!! - fellow Mainer

[@chrisjones8515]

Put a vanetian blind on the back door or a shade....or flat black spray it 3/4 way up the glass!🤔

[@ljaysperspective1775]

Looks great nice build. The rear door and windows can always be tinted if need be. 👍

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Definitely! Haven't done it yet the extra sun in the morning helps me wake up and get down to the river

[@ljaysperspective1775]

@@MainelyOutDoors lol yeah i would def need that also to wake up. Good point.

[@kimberlyferrier1312]

Great job. Using pocket holes makes woodworking so much easier. I wanted to let you know about a product I want to try if i make a camper on a utility trailer. Flexx-gard rubberized coating. It might be great to put on the bottom of your sheet of plywood.

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Yes ive been considering that or maybe a rug would be nice

[@MrBrewner]

Very cool! Would love to have a cap on my truck for that very reason. You could tint that back window pretty easily.

[@johnafagerquist8235]

Nice job! I hope you get many years of use out of it. Actually, I'm sure you will. You've got my imagination going on overdrive now. I have got to make me one of these!

[@andywilson7650]

Nice setup, can't wait to see the build video.

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Thank you! I hope to get around to it soon

[@cali_misfit1387]

awesome rig bro. i’ve always wanted to do this with a Van. I live in the mountains so id need a 4x4. and money lol

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Worth it if you ever get the chance! Such a great way to travel!

[@cali_misfit1387]

@@MainelyOutDoors i agree. i’ve been looking for a good van or even truck that i can build up. Once it’s done i’ll go visit my pops in Montana. Go through Nor Cal, Oregon, Washington and Idaho. Fishing all the way lol

[@tomballard4794]

Very nice. Maybe you can tell me why are all the cap campers low profile and not high in the back?

[@MainelyOutDoors]

I dont know the answers to that im assuming it to keep a flat profile for mounting things on the roof but thats a guess. Really wish this one was raised up a bit though

[@feliciabacon9923]

This is awesome!! Can't wait for the video to see how you built it!

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Thank you 🙏! I hope to have it up soon!

[@Grumps2_4]

You should put some kind of leg system to support your food storage/cooking surface. It'll help save wear onyour drawer guides.

[@Adam-eats]

How do you like those dryft waders?

[@nickw4898]

An idea for your small door on the right of the opening above the junk drawer, chiseling in or routering a small inset and then gluing in small magnets can be a good way to keep non-load bearing doors shut!

[@MainelyOutDoors]

That’s an awesome idea!! it’s just getting to the point where friction won’t hold it anymore too. Thanks for mentioning that!