The ultimate truck camping setup. A truck camper shell build for full time living in the wilderness

If you're in the market for a truck camper shell build, then you've come to the right place! In this video, we'll walk you through the steps needed to build a truck camper shell that will let you live full time in the wilderness.
This truck camper shell build is the perfect solution for those who want to live full time in the wilderness. We'll show you how to build a truck camper shell that is both sturdy and comfortable, perfect for driving long distances and exploring the great outdoors! This truck camper shell build is the perfect solution for anyone who wants to live off the grid!
Here are the products:
Fan
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
Cargo Net:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Fridge:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Solar Controller
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Solar Panel
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...

[@tommy.32221]

Love the set up. For the small gap between the cab and topper go Walmart and buy a cheap bike tire tube and work it in the gap in a circle around the pass through window. Then inflate as much as you can to tighten it and it will seal tight for you.

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Great idea!

[@GlockNinja]

Love the tall cap with the glass door and lift gate.

[@tylerlane7105]

one of the cleanest simplest camper builds i've seen. great job.

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Thank you! Tried to focus on less = more and be very deliberate in what items I picked for the build.

[@Noahgoeting]

I literally spend all my time watching truck camper builds and I promise this is by farrrr the nicest, cleanest, and thought out builds I’ve ever seen. Great work!👍

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Thank you!

[@graysonho]

This is exactly what I’m looking for. Thx a lot!

[@daveybernard1056]

I like that pressurized water tank!

[@mikeknoll2865]

Best I,ve seen on the. Tube.

[@southhillfarm2795]

Intelligent use of space and a great shell with that door. But a long bed is the only size that I think makes sense for this use.

[@ArbitraryLifestyle]

Agreed. It drives me mad that Toyota doesn't make the Crewmax with at least a 6-foot bed!

[@LJUNGBERG3]

@@ArbitraryLifestyle what are you thinking these days? We’re you disappointed with the re-design? There is 6.5 with CM now as you prob know

[@robertoventura4034]

Love it! Living the life!

[@talktolee]

Same with some of the comments. Love the setup! You certainly have an awesome configuration! Subscribed! Love the clean config.

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Thanks for the sub!

[@greym6436]

Awesome vid! Dig the system. Im currently working on a less is more system for my 1stgen tundra build

[@debmann5168]

I am buying a Tundra and want to outfit it to camp in until I get a trailer (probably when I retire). Your set up is really inspiring and well done. I came across your video almost a year later so I'm sure you have your new window coverings done, but I thought I would mention for my current SUV, I used a heavy tin foil to form a perfect window template to cut reflectix and then used black felt on one side and a designer fleece pattern on the other. I used spray adhesive and it worked well. I did have to let them sit outside for a few days to make sure the smell dissipated, and it did. After cutting the material, I tested them along the way to make sure the fit was snug. They stay in place all by themselves (the felt and fleece tuck them into the grove of the window edge/frame). They provide insulation and complete block out.

[@falconhead2862]

Very impressive setup. From the single battery solar setup to the T track being used overhead and along the bed. I really like that inconspicuous solar panel. I'd love a setup like this. Thanks for sharing!

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Thank you!

[@wanderingbox7971]

Sweet setup love the camper shell ✌😁🛵

[@anthonycoffey816]

Your truck's overall design & layout was the nail in the coffin for me as to getting a Tundra for my next vehicle, Very clean & organized.

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Thanks. I think you will enjoy the tundra. I hear that they are eliminating the V8 next year... so if you are looking for that... might want 2020 or older. It's a super comfortable and capable truck... it can feel a little big on the trails and in the woods so keep that in mind.

[@DSKim-ej5uf]

Thank you for choosing me like this because there is your channel in the videos listed on my KZbin. In difficult times like these days, your channel is steadily growing, so that your dreams come true and share the joy. Work even harder and be strong. Fighting! A KZbinr will always have to work hard to be loved by his subscribers. I think in my own way that each and every work in the channel that I do in my life on KZbin is to be loved a little more by the subscribers who support me. I am so happy that you enjoyed it. Oh, I really like it.

[@micheleobrien64]

Love the buffalo check curtains!❤

[@KphOutdoors27]

Best setup !

[@coachferg62]

I just put an ARE on my 2017 F250 Lariet with an 8’ bed. All I can say is wow. I like what you have done with your rig. I want the deck, but will have to wait for $$$ to get it. You have done great work. I’m inspired to do more with mine. Thanks for the video.

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Thank you! Wow with an 8' bed you could build an entire house. That would be awesome.

[@trishrobbins9942]

Wow, just wow.

[@micheleobrien64]

That has better water pressure than my house!😯

[@Jesusisgod444]

Great set up!

[@SouthernCali619]

Amazing set up I might be attempting something similar after watching this

[@johnberry8117]

Nice set up, that skid plate camera is cool! Good use of space n that cap looks good n works great 👍!

[@jaredtonycampbell]

The wireless relay system with the garage door buttons is such an amazing idea. I need more information on how to get this going for my tundra.

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

I’ll do a write up

[@timothysebastian6185]

Great job!

[@TheEighteenclan]

What a dream build!! Awesome job. I'll be working towards this build.

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Thank you. Let me know how it progresses

[@geoffreybywater518]

Looks great nice and clear

[@TheWaterPORT]

Looking good JP!

[@boondocksoverlandandoutdoors]

Pretty slick what you did there with the wifi transmitter! 👌🏽 I have the same camper shell for my FGT and super stoked to start my overland build! Definitely gonna have a lot more room then my 4th Gen 4Runner! Great vid, and sweet setup brother!

[@renezozaya4294]

I’m pretty impressed with your set up looks good

[@eduardoprats]

After months of research it is My favorite setup.

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Thank you!

[@katokhaelan4881]

Absolutely brilliant. You're an inspiration, brother

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Thank you so much 😀

[@normnilsson7208]

excellent job !

[@tblack7191]

That’s an awesome setup!!!

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Thank you!

[@LesFishingMoreCatching]

Cool Build. I had a 2016 Tundra TRD Pro, and a 2012 Trails Team FJ. Now I have at 2017 4R TRD Pro that I'm building up lol. I like how you setup that relay for the off road cam using the garage door opener.

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Thanks! Happy to share how I did the garage door opener relay....

[@Girlsontop21]

Awesome!

[@calebrasak6941]

What a great build out!

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Thank you!

[@transistor281]

this is so awesome. I have a 2006 dodge 2500 megacab that I do nothing with. This definitely rings new hobby to me.

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Thanks. Check out the Ram G56 video.

[@panchooutdoors4816]

Perfect video for 1.5x speed playback. Nice truck!

[@zanado11]

WOW!! Nice build, creative and functional.

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Thanks. It’s working pretty well.

[@rogerdavies6226]

wish I had come upon you a few days earlier, You have done a lot of the thinking out process for me, I am kinda back to square one. Am doing a build out in an xterra.

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Xterra is a great platform! Ping me if you have any questions!

[@robertgarcia7824]

It's a great setup

[@PSModernKitchens]

Great video…

[@jacobcram1]

Dude! Good vid.. I thought the camper shell set up was badass, but the rock camera set up is ingenious!

[@bennyssocalfishing8936]

So sick man! I have a leer shell and a bed in my Tundra too but yours is dialed in.Great setup!

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Thank you!

[@stevog44]

Very cool setup dude👍🏻

[@stevebarrios6086]

I would love one of those WiFi kits!! Good job on your build 🤩🤩

[@johnwilliams640]

Nice set up. Good job

[@_westcoastcanine_]

Yes sir... got a 2016 PRO. love it and love seeing your build. Can tell you put thought into the truck. Didn’t just throw some cheap crap on there. 💨🌲❤️🐕

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

How many miles you got? I’m around 12k and hope to get 400k+ on this truck if they don’t outlaw gasoline!

[@_westcoastcanine_]

Right now sitting at just over 18k. Something like 18,600. Garage queen for 4 years

[@NishantVarghese]

wow! well done sir!

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Thanks!

[@EverydayJ1786]

Awesome setup ! 👍

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Thanks!

[@David_a_journeyman_curmudgeon]

Very sharp

[@bmoore3199]

I just purchased that same camper shell for my Dodge Ram 2500.

[@jonnyt16]

Very nice setup. Very sophisticated. Love it.

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Thank you?

[@ADKMan]

I really like your set up! Very nice!!

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Thank you! It's working out really well. Still need to find a good option for trash storage when I'm out.

[@rolandandSamm11]

Nice looking tundra. I have the same color on my tocama. Looks like my truck on steroids. Love what you did to your truck.

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Thank you!

[@erickirn622]

Outstanding video! Thank you for showing me your rigg!

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Glad you liked it. I’m enjoying building it out and adjusting the camping configuration

[@Sig721Tau]

@@BigSexyBeastAdventures You didn't talk about the lighting at all. Are they LED..?

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

@@Sig721Tau Yes. The lights in the shell are rope lights up top with an adhesive back that ARE installed at the factory. Really efficient LEDs. The light I put on the rear door that becomes the overhead light when the hatch is open is a Ridgid Scene light. It's a 2x1 LED with low current draw. Here's a link: www.rigidindustries.com/led-scene-light-led-scene-light.html so far I'm pleased with it but need a few more nights out using it to have a final opinion.

[@micheleobrien64]

Oh that engine sounds sweet!😊

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Gotta love the 5.7

[@wyzurd]

Short people get to have all the fun

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

I'm basically a forest gnome

[@mrwhon]

So awesome!

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Thank you! It’s been working out pretty well so far. I posted a video this week from a recent trip.

[@mrwhon]

@@BigSexyBeastAdventures I have tundra as well. Love your set up!

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

@@mrwhon Which model do you have? I love the Tundra. I had a Tacoma first and the extra room is awesome in the Tundra.

[@TheGodlessfate]

Could you do another solar break down and a review on how you like it or what you’d change?

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Sure. I’ll put that in queue

[@barrydeacon3551]

With no tailgate: makes things rather tight inside. I’d go with tailgate and camper hinged glass flip up door. Also I would find some type of rubber tubing to put between cab and cap… put air in tube… allows you to use pass thru window when camping!!!! Otherwise : nice unit ( I was using a tube I bought at RV store 50 years ago. Worked fantastic then) 👍 B Deacon Manitoba Canada 🇨🇦

[@sanjuan4942]

Hey just saw this and subscribed - suggestions links to product’s you mention would be really useful!

[@arlenewolf5260]

Well some nice folks did a hit and run to me (a while back). Over 8K in damage. The truck was repaired perfectly, but I did not trust it so I replaced it. 2022 Silverado crew, 3.0 Duramax, 6'6" bed. Started over again. Leer truck height topper & Bedrug. Had to pick it up in Fl. No dealers here in Tn would order the 6'6" bed for me.

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Sorry to hear that. I think If I do another truck camper build I would do a long bed. I even considered something like a F350 with an 8’ bed. You could build a whole house in the back of one of those.

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

That and it would be really cool to have a diesel

[@arlenewolf5260]

I had a friend with an 8' bed. His happiest day was the day he got rid of it. With the crew cab and the trailer hitch, he always had to park it far away from the stores, etc... With the 1500 crew cab and the standard 6'6" bed I can comfortably park it and sleep in it (without sleeping sideways). The BedRug bed liner contours to the groves in the metal bed floor and you can sleep on a flat carpeted surface. We are Older and retired. Incase of emergency breakdown I keep 2 ECWSS (Extreme Cold Weather Sleep Systems) for the wife and I in the winter months. @@BigSexyBeastAdventures

[@wvoutdoorsman5326]

Nice setup👍

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Thanks

[@elchrispr7873]

More!!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Thanks! Have a trip coming up this weekend to a trail race in Arkansas and hope to post a video of camping in the tundra

[@tjoiner2366]

That's a awesome set up. Only thing I thought of was bed space for family children or wife. Just in case

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

I have a tear drop I tow when the fam comes with. It has a rooftop tent as well. There is a walk around video of it out on the channel.

[@nishithacharya7735]

wow thats an well built setup.. realy liked it.. waiting for more adventures..wth love from India🇮🇳

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Where in India? I’ve been to Kullu, Manali, Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, and Hyderabad... love trekking around India!

[@talontd3727]

This has to be one of the most thought out and most fuctional truck camper videos I've seen yet. Awesome job!

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Thank you!

[@evanm.2300]

Very nice truck and engineering u put behind it 🤘✊🏼

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Thanks 👍

[@timrust3123]

Interested in how you did the solar panel after I saw your video I decided that I will going to get a MX walkthrough door and use your setup I like the idea of power station and the fridge running off something other than the truck battery

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

I did a video called stealth solar setup. See if it answers your questions and. Ping me back

[@amandamcgruder5074]

Very nice setup 👌

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Thank you

[@rickwatson1000]

I really like my DECKED draws, great IDEA !

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Do you get a squat from your drawers?

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

meaning... do you notice any suspension sag

[@dalephillips8250]

@@BigSexyBeastAdventures Do you have to drill in the bed when installing "Decked" drawers?

[@j.patrickbewley5053]

Dale Phillips no, they just attach to existing points. I’m a no drill build so far

[@dalephillips8250]

@@j.patrickbewley5053 Thanks for the info sir..I also have Tundra TRD PRO and trying to decide between hard bed cover or Bed Cap. Also considering decked system too.

[@ES-mq9ox]

Thanks for the pair of videos on your truck cap setup-you've given me several great ideas for my truck! ! I just found your channel today and then subscribed. I am strongly considering getting that same MX walk thru door canopy for my 2007 Dodge Bighorn. Have you looked at the AMP Research PowerSteps for your truck? We bought our truck new in 2007 with the two full length steps already installed by the dealer and they have been Fantastic! Not one single problem with them in 13 years and they work so nice for getting in and out. I haven't really done any serious off roading, so I'm not sure if that would be an issue or not? I just hope that I haven't jinxed myself but I'm taking a chance anyway-lol. Thanks again-I will be looking at more of your vid's soon-take care.

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

I thought about the amp research. Ended up adding the Slee tundra sliders which will be in an upcoming video. Thanks for the sub!

[@MichaelMiller-by8io]

Rad beard dude!

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Thanks!

[@erichp1329]

Thanks for sharing your build. This is exactly what I had in mind and I'm glad I found your video. Any issues with the camper while off-roading?

[@kennyr143]

Hello my name is Ken, I built a similar truck cab camper and addressing your window covering, I have now made 2 sets of covers, so maybe you can learn from my mistakes. You will not need reflectix on your windows. If you use a good quality marine canvas with edging. Sunbrella is a good brand. Does not stretch. I see you have a carpet interior. Velcro works great. I found if you use 1 1/2 inch Velcro all the way around, it makes it much easier to position. This is where I made my mistake. I only used a few tabs of Velcro. Took to long to get a good grip to support the weight. If you use a grey color of canvas, you will not notice anything hanging in your windows from the outside. You would be able to see reflektix and if you sandwich, becomes heavier. Keep it light One layer of canvas stops air flow and condensation problems. By the way, I have an industrial sewing machine so I just stapled it all together then did the sewing. Hot glue works well too. Just keep your reveal clean. Any questions, ask. Have a good day.

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

This is awesome advice. Thank you. You wouldn’t sell me a set of covers would you? I could send you measurements.

[@kennyr143]

Hey fat Wookie i would not be interested in sewing. Very time consuming. I have found that if you staple the canvas to a few tabs of Velcro, hang the material over the window and trace the outside dimension with a piece of chalk this gives a much better fit. Just remember to add about 2 1/2 inches to the outside dimension. Remember if you staple, make sure your staples are out of the way of stitching area. You should be able to find someone local. Not sure what part of the world you are in. Couldn’t make out your license plate. I’m in Colorado Springs, Colorado. USA best Regards

[@fire58372001]

I have a Tundra too, I've gone camping in mine also I love it, but my girl has a drinking problem. ;) Drive safe.

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

14 mpg?

[@fire58372001]

yes about that

[@connormccafferty5288]

nice rig

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Thanks!

[@Stevenowski]

I suggest that you buy a Wiggy's sleeping bag if you want to be warm and dry. Made in the USA, no harmful chemicals either. They're not the cheapest in price, but they are the best in quality. As of April 12, 2020, since are specially priced. 🇺🇸

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Grand Junction CO! I love my Wiggys.

[@WillN2Go1]

The under truck camera is brilliant. My first thought was, why not a couple of lights underneath. Then you could travel rocks in poor light. But a couple of 'headlights' underneath would just flatten out the image in the camera. What if you positioned them to side light boulders near your front tires. Fiddle with the lights to get the maximum usable 3D images of the rocks upcoming. Good truck. I'd be interested in getting a Tundra or Tacoma, but that double cab is a real deal breaker for me. Sure a slightly extended cab would be great, but that's a lot of space that isn't in your front seat and it isn't in the back. Thanks

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

I know...a crew cab with the 6 foot bed would be perfect! Come on Toyota!

[@evanm.2300]

Everyone always regrets those step up bars when off roading. Its crazy the amount of people. Just have the family jump in lol or get rick sliders that stick out a little

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

the SLEES are awesome replacements!

[@nomadismileseeker6611]

Yeah, that’s a bad ass set up and as a Toyota tundra, owner myself, I applaud you. But it’s all fun and games until those cheap seals on those side windows start leaking. They will if you spend any time in direct sunlight or in freezing temperatures.

[@stevewoods8116]

THANK YOU !!!!!!! Most of the electrical is over my head but I have a son in law that could do it for me. LOVE THE WATER TANK!!!! Room temperature shower, or add a kettle of boiling water to get it a little warmer. Could you put a heat pad on the water tank? what would it draw in power? or how long would it take to go from like 40% to 80%?

[@pamm2230]

When you add your window reflectors in black still keep the curtains. There will be times you can use both depending on the situation. Possibly add some velcro circles to the reflectix and the curtains.

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Thats a good idea on the velcro circles.

[@ericwoodall8337]

We are shopping for a truck cap, and we love your build. If you had to back and pick a cap again, would you still go with this particular unit? I saw in one of your other videos you mentioned that you gain internal bed length if you go with the full rear entry door. I did not know that!

[@denahom]

Thank for the comprehensive video. This is the set up I’m looking for. Do you have an opening for exchange of gasses for the candle lantern. I want to heat the back bed, but I’m looking for other options. Thanks!

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

I keep the camper shell windows open about 1 inch. I also added a 12 volt carbon monoxide and propane alarm in the shell

[@VinnieVan]

Man Im just blown away with the simplicity of this build, at the same time so genius. Maybe Im just not small detail minded. I have a 17 Silverado Crew cab and have become uninterested in continuing past the bed platform I built for it. This has given me new excitement about finishing it out, I am curious where to find or how to build this endo Skeleton track system. That is the biggest thing for me, that and the solar setup. Thank you!

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Thanks! My endoskeleton is from ARE that I ordered with my shell. That being said... have you looked at the modular extruded aluminum kits on amazon?

[@VinnieVan]

Big Sexy Beast Adventures I have not. But I going to now! Hooe you and your boys are really enjoying the trip. That Idaho river was everything! Thanks man.

[@J.Young808]

RSG sliders are good.

[@Vendeevictores]

This is minimalist to perfection. Great video. I’m looking at the MX series. My local ARE dealer said they do not offer the HD internal frame option anymore. Is this actually the case? Still no water issues? Thank you.

[@levt2156]

Maybe use a couple of small bungee cords to hold your back hatch lower to serve as a more useful awning?

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

That's a good idea. I bet that would slow down the runoff

[@kl0an]

This would be a fun video to watch when your out with a few buddies at a camp.. Everyone take a shop every time he slaps something is talking about.. You won't make it past the sleeping bag if you're drinking some fine Irish Whisky..

[@rogelioespinoza7852]

Fantastic video, great presentation, finally someone who has thought it out a little more thoroughly, and likes a clean presentation. You make it a desirable living space. I'm eager to see, as you put more videos of the tundra and to see what you do with the aluminum t-slot rack in the shell. I'm very interested in the solar controller you're running, I'd like to look into it. What's the make and model of that unit? If you wouldn't mind sharing.

[@rogelioespinoza7852]

I missed someone's comment on your video where you pointed out the solar controller, thank you, I don't want to make you repeat yourself, lol.

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

No worries. Thanks for the comments. The exact model is victron bluesolar 75/15 MPPT

[@dominica2765]

SWEET SET UP . JUST BOUGHT THE SAME RIG . ITS A BEAST . GOD BLESS .

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Thank you. Congrats on the new rig. I am super happy with the Tundra. I’m a huge Toyota fan and like the Tundra way better than the TRP pro Tacoma I had before. Don’t you love the 5.7! I can believe it’s going away in 2021.

[@dominica2765]

@@BigSexyBeastAdventures YES I DO . HAVE A SUPERCHARGED 4CYL 4X4 2014 REG .CAB I GOING TO BE SELLING . GOING FULL TIME ON THE ROAD SOON . THAT IS WHY I WENT WITHE THE PRO . HAVE A GREAT DAY .

[@atasfong]

Hi, thank you for your post, subscribed! Thinking doing the similar setups on my crew max, question on the rear door, how do you like it so far after these time, do you miss the rear gate for step out and down? I’m in my sixties so I like steps. Thanks for your inputs.

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Tailgate is handy as a table... but walk in door is way easier to close up at night for sleeping. They make some receiver hitch steps that you could get to help with in and out

[@E97x]

nice omega seamaster

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Good eye! James Bond 50th anniversary

[@calebvasquez1]

I want one.. A camper thing for my F150 Fx4

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

I’m a big fan of the shell vs roof top tent. Much better gas mileage and just solid

[@tfries72]

This is great very minimal it also gets you to go outside more often I would assume good stuff. I’m assuming there is more room in the truck bed in a tundra vs a Tacoma?

[@BigSexyBeastAdventures]

Yes. I had. A tacoma before and really wanted to do this in the Tacoma... But there. Just wasn't enough room

[@lenward474]

Great video,rig. Worth a separate video on the rock cam setup,great idea.