The Best Damn DIY Truck Camper Set Up You'll See

This is Nigel, my adventure truck. I'm doing a walk through of my set up hopefully you get some ideas off of it. I see alot of setups on here but I think they are too cramped or not utilizing the space better. Hope you like the video and you get something useful from it.
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@The_Nomedic

[@PackMom]

points camera at dog and says “this person needs to be able to jump in”... You are awesome!!!

[@jamesgizasson]

I don't remember when I first saw this video, but it inspired me. I already had a longbed pickup with a shell, so I started truck camping to test the waters. Then when the pandemic hit, I self-isolated for two weeks after a trip. It was tough, but I knew I could make it work.. I've been rent free since February! Just wanted to thank you for sharing your setup and experience! :3

[@michaelworczak543]

One veteran to another- thank you for your service. Readers should be advised you have a purple heart for being combat wounded. Bless you.

[@zackjackson5004]

This is exactly what I want. Perfect. Bike, kayak, truck, camping gear, just living out of my truck.

[@VJG213]

I have no idea what type of person would give this video a thumbs down. This is innovation! There are two types of pride (1) the type of pride you get when you build something with your own hands and (2) the type you get when you spend $800+ on a brand new set of the latest fancy drawer/camp systems/kitchens and show off to others just to get a pat on the back. I'm thinking the people that gave this video a thumbs down fall under the number 2 category. Good for you on your truck and your whole set up. It is awesome!

[@LoriCor-]

Great comment! Thanks :)

[@shadowdancer236]

Vassni Garcia.. well said, I think he's done a awesome job!!!

[@randygodbey2676]

Vassni Garcia you’re awesome!

[@steckieproductions3258]

I very much agree. In my opinion, people who dislike a video--ANY video--seem like haters. I think it's dumb to have a dislike button in the first place. True, it gives viewers an opportunity to express their distaste for the video... But it's REALLY hurtful to the person who made the video. .... This was a bit of a rant. I'll stop now ._. Still posting this tho

[@timscoviac]

And the pride that makes people feel they are better then others. Everyone is created equal and were all sinners needing repentance and forgiveness or we all end up the same. God doesn’t like pride

[@LarryVickery]

Cleverly conceived. "A place for everything, and everything in its place.". Happy travels to you. I am an envious geezer; tethered to my house, and my Queen doesn't let me stray much. She has daily health challenges, and I wouldn't leave home without her!

[@nativealaska]

thats sweet lol

[@5winder]

May God bless you with a way to travel with your lady.

[@harrybalsaq3362]

put her in a home

[@TheRosa63]

good for you loyalty to our mates is more important than whether we travel around or not.

[@eddieavalos280]

thats sweet man, wish yall the best and more adventures together

[@jackoshaw]

Got a useful tip for your dirty dishes: When my wife and I were younger, we did a lot of camping....... We found an old, antique dish pan. The old dish pans are metal and you can set them on your Colman Stove with both burners going on low... It keeps the water hot and you can wash the dishes and rinse them with your surplus water.. The Dish pan is also a great idea to wash up or take a good 'ol "Sponge Bath!" ....... For those that do not know what a dish pan is: It's a square enamel pan used years ago for washing dishes... Kitchens had hand pumps in the old days. You needed a dish pan....they still used the dish pan even after the house had plumbing because sinks had only one tub...... You can probably find one at an antique shop or E Bay.......... A lot of antique kitchenware is still very useable for camping..... We always had an qntique Waffle make that went on top of our Coleman stove. Made some nice Breakfasts with it!...........As far as mixing eggs or Pancake batter,,, Use your cordless drill with an old beater from a MIxer that you would use in a kitchen at home for making cakes.........

[@rawgage7]

Combat Medic huh? I saw the Purple Heart on your license plate but couldn’t tell what service. Thank you for your service brother and know you motivate this Marine! We love what you do and the camper is well designed. Keep improving and safe travels. Semper Fidelis!

[@crocodile1313]

I thought I saw a purple heart on your license plate. Amen brother, great truck and thanks for serving your country! CrocDoc--- USMC '87-'93

[@geraldfelthammer]

I see your plate has a Purple Heart emblem. If you served, thank you for your service. If you earned that Purple Heart, thank you for your sacrifice and bravery.

[@tickytacky8078]

I had to go back but yeah. That's a purple heart plate. Nice catch. If that's his it's one more reason to respect our vets way more than they are. He might want to live like that... but he shouldn't have to

[@MikeMoskin]

@check ya chin He did say that he is a combat medic in the military, so it could be his plate.

[@recoveringsoul755]

He did say that he was in the military, and that he was a travelling medic, if I'm not mistaken, when he is showing the cab of the truck, and his first aid bag. Some people are travelling nurses. I wouldn't want to be doing too much travelling on the East Coast in the winter Plus, there is the name of the channel Nomedic, a play on words. So yeah, I'd say he's got some medical training

[@chadsteele1]

That's a great truck. Don't listen to the rest of these clowns. Nothing better than spending time in the outdoors. Cheers

[@panzerdragon1121]

C Steele Well, you could get a truck that works properly. Or a Bronco.

[@vaquero3578]

@@panzerdragon1121 his truck does work properly and he doesnt have a monthly payment. cant beat it.

[@gadgetmanhookup]

Good job dude...i've had new trucks and used trucks, one things for sure a used old truck won't take for ever to pay for or repo. You can have a motor or tranny rebuilt and boom you got a new drive train and no payments. Little dogs are great alarms and take up little space. I used to travel with a black lab, a roc/lab and a weimeramer (grey German hunting dog, spell check twisting my words) All do the same as my 10lb blue Chihuahua. Except he eats less, unless it's my human food😂. Haters are going to hate...keep your head up mate.

[@lindasue8719]

PanzerDragon he can drive what he wants. So can I, so can you. It’s not your business to judge.

[@scottwillie36]

Looks good. Military makes you appreciate the little things. I am a minimalist til this day. Thank you for your service.

[@thelthrythquezada8397]

14 years in, female and when I told my mom I was gonna live like this she lost it. Where as my dad former Marine is telling me to go for it.... We are the only animals on earth paying to live. Currently my rent and everything pertaining to this apt is $1490, this place is the most expensive storage unit ever. I spend 8 hrs at work 80 mins to and from work. 7 to 8 hrs sleeping and out on the weekend. 🤦 I am so over this type of living.

[@heronlyfriend]

Æthelthryth Quezada saw ur vids, we have similar-ish stories, wishing you the best!

[@CFSORENSEN]

This is a nice use of your space, money and time. I am setting up a van, and I am really impressed with how you have gotten everything you need in this even smaller space and it looks super comfortable and convenient to use. Thanks for the video.

[@davidhamblen5516]

Cool camper rig! Thank you for serving our country sir!

[@syntheticpolymer620]

"my philosophy with truck camping is.. I have to be able to afford it." He just won philosophy. It's a dead field now, philosophy is over.

[@joaolopes2788]

You can’t call a necessity a philosophy lmao yall fucking dumb...

[@montananomad5382]

Mine is, you got to WANT to survive!

[@LorddOfChaoss]

I GOTTA EAT TO LIIIIVVEEEE

[@glindacochran3081]

Love your setup. I got a lot of ideas from it. Thanks! Have fun camping!

[@ChrisRI1000]

I've seen a guy use saran wrap to avoid using too much water cleaning dishes. He would wrap the plate before putting food on it so he could just throw the wrap away rather than cleaning the plates. Also uses white vinegar and water mix in a spray bottle for pots and pans then wipes it clean. The vinegar sterilizes them as well.

[@wronggg]

Kris K Saran wrap idea is great, thanks!

[@vkrys1x]

Cool

[@veramon5696]

That is a great tip!

[@lurid_phaesporia]

good shit!

[@osborney1951]

Saran wrap is wasteful

[@myqalguluski1015]

You’re livin the life brother. Great setup dude

[@MrGattor33]

What a great setup, nice and simple and inexpensive! It's a bit too small for me but great ideas none the less. Happy travels and hope you have a great adventure. From a 3 time combat veteran I just want to also say thank you for your service doc!!

[@jackoshaw]

Thanks for posting this! When we were younger, My wife and I camped out of a 1963 Chevy Pickup... We took some great trips with that old Truck through Ontario Minn and Northern Michigan... Wish I still had it after all these years....

[@Chrissvarietychannel549]

I think you done a wonderful job on your truck camper. You have everything you need and then some.

[@yooperland1]

God bless you and thank you for your service! Great job! I bet you have more fun, less worries and more experiences than the folks with high dollar rigs that are lucky to use them 1 or 2 weeks a year. Enjoy Gods great outdoors!!!

[@e91zach35]

This makes me happy, you and your dogs chillin!!

[@scoutingamerica1910]

Nice & creative job! Love your shoe rack idea for additional pockets! You might want to read up on your carbon monoxide detector… it needs to be about shin high! Not above your head!!! People make that mistake thinking this gas rises. It doesn’t!

[@brokeniris3880]

thanks for your service man

[@dinebonte4014]

Safe travels! I just purchased a shell, so your ideas were very helpful!

[@mobiltec]

You can get a rubber grommet at the auto parts store for that thru-hole so the wire will be protected from that sharp metal. Thank you for your service from a fellow veteran.

[@jacktough]

+1 on the grommet!

[@jacktough]

--and the gratitude for service!

[@LoriCor-]

God bless you all for your service.

[@peterpiper487]

WOW!! MUCH better than all the fancy builds I've seen. I'm not one to spend a fortune and use complicated equipment to build a simple truck camper. I don't see any need for so much power since I have not owned a cell phone in over 14 years. I use my laptop for EVERYTHING. I even text people from it. There is no need for high-powered crap that just wastes your time. You have the best set-up for my needs that I've seen so far. Best of luck to you, doc!!

[@michaelcarrier8564]

They make a battery tender that shuts off battery before it gets to low so u can still start truck if u wanted to leave your inverter plugged in. Great job by the way

[@tammieparrishmiller3669]

With all the van conversions I've watched, this is the first time I've seen actual bubble wrap instead of reflectix and I love it! It covers what you need covered and still let in the natural light. That's awesome! I think I would live in this truck with no worried at all. I'm planning a van or cargo trailer conversion soon. Really do like what you have done with your truck camper! Hope you're still having a great time out there!

[@denaleesdreams]

Great set-up! Your bed must be comfy by the way your little dog nested in it! lol! Have fun seeing the country! And Thank you for your service!

[@TheNomedic]

haha thank you!

[@leolion1688]

From One to another, thank you for your service. Thank you for the video, it has given me some different and better ideas about fixing my truck up. I am re- thinking the layout of my truck. Thank you again.

[@TheNomedic]

update: I did seal up the hole for the wire with a rubber grommet.

[@TheNomedic]

carbon monoxide is on the floor

[@brandonshackelford5096]

+The Nomedic cool set up but move your camera slower so we can see everything. this video your in a hurry and its all a blur

[@TheNomedic]

+brandon shackelford yeah my other videos get better....i wish i did a better job on this one didnt think it would pick up like it did

[@brandonshackelford5096]

just letting you know so you dont waste your time bud. what are your other videos under? very cool set up and super easy. thanks for the tips

[@djhenyo]

Is "thing" your favorite word?

[@uwdawn11]

Thank your for your service! Great tour of your truck set up. You condense so much in such a small place. Affordable and every krook is used wisely. Excellent.

[@tullahomaC]

Great set up! Thanks for your service from an Air Force Vet! I really like how you included the CO and smoke detectors.

[@20DYNAMITE06]

Your idea for using that closet organizer shelf for your stove is awesome. I'm totally going to poach that :)

[@cynthiastarling3106]

Damn! I'm going to have to steal your idea when I do my truck. Great build.

[@Alicia9745]

Your decodes crack me up! "Thing" = Awesome kitchen idea! You have some really good ideas. I may incorporate a few. There are so many great vids on how to insulate your truck bed, van, etch so you don't feel the cold metal. I look forward to the updated ones as you improve your set up. Thanks.

[@cliffordmorrell7250]

Great set up. Great ideas! From another Combat Medic.

[@hermelindazepeda5627]

You got some really great ideas. Thanks for the video

[@nickbyrd1027]

Really like this set-up! Simple, practical, and effective. You seem like an awesome dude, love the dogs! Safe travels!

[@steveneugene339]

Well done , old school thinking .

[@scottygoodwin4276]

Hey Nigel, Nice set up. Thank you so much for your Service. God Bless.

[@whtwolff658]

You got it going on & gave me many ideas. I love your little people companions, my boxer mix owns a F150 she lets me drive lol. Thank you for your military service! Enjoy your journey and be safe...

[@CrowdControl123]

Great rig, man! One thing the shit economy is doing for us, is forcing us all to be more creative! Thanks for your service!

[@antiquecatfishing7068]

Combat medic... Thank you for your service to our country. It’s folks like yourself that make it where we can be able to boon dock and live the simple life of our choice...

[@odahithedubious2017]

Nice setup on a small budget. As time goes on, you can improve and add to it. You may want to get a larger inverter (more watts) that should charge your higher-drain items faster. The bubble wrap is a great idea, light weight and easy to remove and replace. I thank you for your service, from another old geezer/veteran. I'll be checking out your two month update next. Good job.

[@TeddyParker]

I love all your "things". Definitely like that style of building. Very efficient. And you wouldn't shed a tear if you had to tear some stuff down and rework it like these people who turn brand new vans into interior decorating projects. A man, his dogs, the open road. Beats the hell out of a cubicle and apartment complex.

[@Spreadsomekindness]

This is amazing and thank you for your service.

[@crocodile1313]

Amen!

[@gordaro2828]

T’was a simple build until you said Medic. From Canada, here and respect your profession very much. Great build and Hi from a Coast Guard guy.

[@HemiVic66]

Buy a 2.5 gal carboy from uline about $15.00 and spray paint it flat black. Leave it in sun and you will have hot water for dishes

[@PaulLadendorf]

Hot water is totally unnecessary for dishes but would be great for a shower.

[@monkusbee]

Really neat! Just shows you don’t need to buy brand names to have fun!

[@Tman0517]

I would highly suggest a solar panel setup, for one panel and control unit is 190 on amazon, witch you hook up to a large 12v car battery and you'll never have to waste gas and start the truck

[@TheNomedic]

a solar system to run the heater/AC unit I want would take up too much space for panels and too many batteries to keep it running 8 hours a night

[@Tman0517]

+The Nomedic would suggest a inverter generator then, check out home depot, ryobi makes a good one for a decent price

[@TheNomedic]

+MrTONYTHEDRAGON please watch update 6 this video was a year ago. Nigel no longer looks like this

[@Tman0517]

+The Nomedic I know lol I just subscribed and started watching the updates

[@brentfoster9138]

This strikes a nice balance between comfort and simplicity. I like that all the materials can be easily replaced on the fly at any wal mart or Lowe’s 👍 from 🇨🇦.

[@jmac5058]

Dude there's a squirrel in your bed .

[@theadhdagenda_668]

jmac5058 it’s a dog

[@linwoodmsmithiv5888]

@@theadhdagenda_668 r/whooosh

[@51-FS]

Thats a cat

[@lilj3467]

Omg you guys (or girls) are so dumb that's obviously an elephant

[@audkay9287]

dude how do y'all not know what a lizard looks like?

[@debrandw246]

Really nice setup. Well done. Plus nice and cozy for your furbabies. Very impressive. Thank you for showing us.

[@wholbrook1991]

nice setup man, I'd prefer a don't rape me gun

[@passin.timeintx8571]

wholbrook1991 that was my idea, too, WHEN I get on the road BUT a couple of Van Dwellers said not to fire a pistol/gun inside because it affects your hearing. So my second choice is Wasp Spray or mace. Wasp spray hits at least 20 feet away in more of a stream and isn't as likely to catch you with back spray. When I DO find a camper of some kind, I'll be ready. I have a lot from earlier camping days but a lot of it is too heavy to handle by myself as was the 5th wheel I sold for that reason. Still looking for something with enough space for a young, active (2 in Sept.) 93 lb Rottie, a small dog (11 lbs), a cat and me. :)

[@pingpongstar11]

YOU don't have TO do this every TIME you write A sentence.

[@ConnorLipke]

If he had bigger dogs, that'd be all he'd need. I just bought a van to convert and am bringing my Rottie and GSD with me.

[@ConnorLipke]

+PassinTime - I bought a 1991 Ford Club Wagon XLT, I have 2 100+ lbs dogs, and I'm 220 myself and there's more than enough room. Look for a Second gen Ford Van. Mine is near 20 feet long.

[@ConnorLipke]

Being 220 isn't going to magically protect from a knife, or multiple people. I also wouldn't be willing to part with my dogs.

[@MapleMarmite]

Nice old truck and some good ideas in the camper build. Watched this a few years back but revisited it as doing a build of my own now. Hope this guy is still doing well still camping with his dogs. 👍🏻

[@cindywilson6520]

Thank you for your bravery and your patriotism. Your fur babies are absolutely adorable! I think what you do with your truck your camper is absolutely fabulous been to a few camping trips we're even though we had the big RV most uncomfortable thing... I like your style!. I would caution using Febreze I've heard so much about it causing sickness in animal whether this is true or not I quit using it I just use baking soda mixes and things like that just thought I'd bring it up for you may peace be yours on your travels may you find goodness and comfort and I'll keep you in my prayers so you don't have to use that knife..lmao! But it is something to think about a lot of sick ass people out there!

[@belove2222]

I love that you have your furbabies! I am saving and planning my own nomadic life and have 3 small ones that I absolutely take with me every travel i take and cant wait to be fulltime myself

[@llkoolbean4935]

I like how you refer to your adorable dogs, this person. Great set up.

[@montanawhite5699]

I noticed that too :)

[@ireland66613]

Cool brother I'm using 2006 dodge Dakota. Make camper shell for it.Thank you for your service brother.

[@bryansober2293]

Very nice. I really like that cap I wish mine had a door like that.

[@markheiman1550]

I camped like this for many years. It's a lot of fun. I have a 5th wheel now, but still enjoy roughing like this from time to time. Great video.

[@NeverEndingRoadTrip]

Great video! Gives me lots of ideas for my own camper.

[@dereksuddreth8672]

I have a 97 Ram Sport 5.9 Liter, same body style. It has 300,386 miles and is still going strong. You have a great set up! For an Army Combat Veteran who's probably used to sleeping in a hole, you definitely have an upgrade, like home away from home. Thanks for your sacrifice Brother. Where did you find your ARE bed cover and how much? I like that you can use the full door as a awning...

[@roberthillsjr.3729]

You did a damn good job on all of it.

[@thelthrythquezada8397]

Omg I love it! Super simple. Mad dope!. I wanted an electric cooler but NOPE, that seems better. But I am in FL anyone else using a regular ridge living in a hot climate, how are you fairing?

[@DnD_Adventures6966]

Thank you for your service brother

[@TheGodofstone1]

Great idea is to add a second battery a place for it in all trucks. And hook up a ac/Dc converter adapter under the hood so u do not need to run your truck to use it u can hook up a electric heater and even portable small ac or fan. U could purchase a lithuim camper battery that will also fit under the hood and only connect to charge out.

[@henrythinks]

Do you know once you find the pos+ and neg - on your laptop and wire it into a cigarette lighter plug you can plug it directly into a 12 volt lighter and not use the inverter which draws alot of current to run and convert dc to ac. Laptops have a built in voltage converter and regulator circuit to bring the input voltage down to the required voltage the computer needs for it;s electronic circuits which is 5 VDC. Don't waste your batteries on converters they are power wasters unless you have to..

[@cipscards4005]

I love the truck and all your ideas that you came up with to show us all we don't have to be wealthy to go camping. Thank you for serving

[@cavemandancer]

Your a god damn modern Pioneer. Nice Job!

[@diannew6066]

Great set-up and you have some really unique ideas! Love your dogs too!

[@Rocko6716]

great job safe travels, and no texting driving, wear your seat belt ,

[@BusaDan86264]

2 batteries tannin series and a solar panel will save you money on ice and food that goes bad you can get a fridge run lights and all kinds of other things like a blender for mixed drinks in the summer

[@XDM50]

Great setup! I love the "Don't Rape Me Knife". LOL :D Thanks for sharing. Peace, Duane

[@TheNomedic]

thanks lol

[@HDTRVER]

I think they'd get the point. :)

[@retiredguyadventures6211]

I have a "don't rape me" 9mm...

[@civedm]

That's awesome man! I'm working on converting my truck now. You're dogs are so cute too.

[@lionlocVanDwellington]

You need to buy yourself a "don't rape me Glock" much more effective lol great video btw.

[@TheNomedic]

haha yes I do

[@IETCHX69]

+motoprepper yep, show the guns.

[@lionlocVanDwellington]

+IETCHX69 I got some gun reviews on my channel

[@tammiemiller121]

Looks like you have all the comforts you need. You actually did a really nice job on your shelving. I'm married to a union carpenter who is a perfectionist and yours looks every bit as nice as something he would have made. Love yer doggies! You guys have fun and stay safe!

[@NoCommercialPotential]

I haven't searched the channel yet, but I'd be curious to see what you have and consider important in that med bag. i had a 99 durango with the monster motor. Loved it. Camped out of it (inflatable twin mattress worked perfect).

[@TheNomedic]

a twin would be too wide, but I did upgrade to a 5inch foam cushion to go on my cot. I've been getting alot of requests to see my aid bag. I'll probably do a video on it soon

[@artemisiagentileschi2400]

Love everything about this video, from the build, to the adorable dogs he treats so kindly, to the veteran medic. Thank you for your service good Sir!

[@csssevierco]

Great set up. Semper Fi!

[@RG-wy1ol]

Awesome video you and the pups look super comfortable.

[@cloudwarrior1921]

"This is the don't rape me knife." LOL

[@crossgrainwoodproductsltd9230]

JR, first of all,Thank you,thank you, for your military service. Your brave, young and the whole world is in front of you. You've shown you can travel light, with all you need on a budget. Really a great setup, and as a wood worker,I'd say that is a fine build for the size camper you have. Have fun while your young and not strapped to a mortgage or monthly bills. Enjoy and I look forward to the next adventure. ~Dolly

[@TheNomedic]

thank you, ive got a buddy that will help me revamp it this spring.

[@911hgl]

A man with wanderlust that loves dogs is my dream man...♡

[@reallyhappenings5597]

Did you have an AVM?

[@d.vargasm]

I love this setup. I can't wait to see more videos and check out updates

[@Ironlakgrafff]

the bubble wrap is genius. cool vid man

[@vickiwalden]

+A More Yes it is isn't it? I live in a 5th wheeler and used it all winter on my windows. Love it cuz you can just pull it off and put it up at will when you want to look outside. Win win.

[@gbear34]

Props. I have always respected the DIYers... Your setup is better than any you could buy. Happy camping!

[@dipinsyrup]

good stuff man im going to check out your channel an thanks for your service!

[@MrNitro39]

I’ve got a 2014 Tundra and now I’m wanting to build mine. Thanks for some great ideas

[@evanleclaire]

Glad to see you have your woobie ;D

[@mikemartin8194]

You should get a 12 v cooler. You already have the setup to plug it in. Also a solar panel

[@josephpacelli3341]

this would save me lodging costs when I do storm chase

[@carterhagan1812]

Joseph Pacelli h

[@ricketyroy]

Don't rape me knife, haha! I really like your cargo net idea. I was trying to think of how I wanted to set up a cargo storage in my truck top camper and yours looks great. Also, I have the same 3-pack of lights. I put up additional velcro in the bed and on the shell so I can move them around anytime, even on the outside. They work great. Thank you for your video.

[@IntoTheMystery13]

dogs are people too! nice rig man!

[@lwoodstock1]

I'm a vacation camper/angler with two dogs until retirement next year. I plan to do Red Cross volunteer work from my minivan/camper. I love your cooler bag, other ideas, and your two cute "persons." Thanks for sharing...

[@tygamer1326]

Are you gonna add some insulation besides bubble wrap?

[@jmrichsonsr]

Just found this. Great job. I enjoyed it. Most important though is thank you sir for your service to our country. It is because of guys like you that we an all enjoy th freedoms we have and tour this great and beautiful country anytime and by any means we want. Happy trils.