TRUCK CAMPER BUIILD PART 1: How to build the bed platform - Start to Finish

[@indygal6552]

Holy cow, that's the most organized garage I've ever seen! Loved the build!!

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Lol. Thanks👍🏻

[@shadaksharicr]

The workshop is well maintained Kudos to the owner for the hardwork keeping it that way...

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@esiebert7625]

Sweet miter saw setup with a long bed and that Delta dust collection thing is huge. For wiring Wago lever nuts are a game changer, also go to harbor freight and get a cheap hot knife, makes cutting foam super easy.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks Eric. Good idea on the hit knife👍🏻

[@desertqwest]

I love your attention to detail. I'm looking for a new rig to set up for my hunting/fishing/camping and I really enjoyed your ideas. I like to spread out a bit when I sleep, so maybe a bit wider of a bed for me. I really like the cabinet and the way everything is wired up and easily accessed from bed. Oh, I have such a long way to go, but the journey is always half the fun.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thank you👍🏻

[@nelsonamoreno6841]

Very good idea 💡 you make that bed in putting in your cabinet truck 🚛 , great job

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks Nelson👍🏻

[@rollin2727]

Nice to see you back in the shop. Look forward to you trying out the new truck with the bed.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks Trevor👍🏻

[@stevesmith-sp8xv]

The drawer makes so much sense. If I ever get rid of my undercover swing out tool boxes, I'm gonna build a bed like this one. Great job.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks Steve👍🏻 I’m hoping it will come in handy

[@AlexRodri27]

Have a leer 100xr coming for my tacoma and this is the first thing I’m building once my topper comes in. Great video and also love your workshop you got.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thank you bud👍🏻

[@larryshepler8946]

Great video Brian! Can't wait to see the first camping video.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks Larry

[@larryshepler8946]

@@BrianWatersOutdoors Will you take Pig on your first camping trip in the new rig?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

I planned on it tomorrow night, but the weather is looking terrible with possible tornadoes and hail. So I’m gonna let her stay safe with her mom tomorrow night

[@WanderwithWill]

Yeahhhhhh! Looking good bro! Love the lights! I’m excited for the first video!

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks William👍🏻👍🏻

[@trooper2121]

Brian, absolutely loved this video. Glad you are getting things started. God Bless my friend

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks Trooper👍🏻

[@flipzout100]

Very nice. The lack of sawdust in the shop is impressive, very good investment. Jeez those storms last night!

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

It got crazy. Power went out, alarm was going off….nuts

[@RyanVlogs_1]

You definitely win the prize for the ultimate garage/shop! 👍🏼 that’s awesome

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Lol. Thanks bud👍🏻

[@malcolmneal3857]

I really like that you put the bed on the passenger side. Looking to see how you like it that way. That is definitely different from everyone else that I watch on KZbin. I am impressed with the color of the frame. Have a great week

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks Malcolm👍🏻 I have a couple of reasons I put it on this side this time, and I’ll explain that in my final “reveal” video once the cabinet is built and I can show the finished build

[@malcolmneal3857]

@@BrianWatersOutdoors can’t wait to see the final reveal.

[@saintbyron5150]

I can’t wait to hear “why”. I’m a slide sleeper, on the left, heart pumps out to the left. So it just makes sense to me to sleep head in on drivers side. Wife says I still snore!

[@PGcutty]

Nice build. Your shop always makes me drool. Great job on the vid!

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks Paul👍🏻

[@rwstarke]

I don't see a lumber stretcher though.

[@Hoseman7777]

Great build! I plan to follow your lead. And your garage looks amazing! May I make a suggestion, if you need to level out your bed, have you thought about taking some blocks with you to drive up on? That might be easier than utilizing the furniture levelers. Just 4 scrap 2x6’s about 10” would probably be perfect. Or you can get plastic ones. You could keep them stored under your bed in case you need them.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks, and good thoughts on the leveling blocks👍🏻

[@saintbyron5150]

Looks great, thanks for sharing. I’ve been too lazy, still just throw pad in and go.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks👍🏻

[@elebron6215]

Awesome wood working skills, that looks clean, awesome job.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thank you Eddie👍🏻

[@claytonscheiber3493]

Looks good. I like the drawer on the end. That's a great idea to store all your handy, needed stuff.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks! Thinking it will come in pretty handy hopefully

[@dannycook9433]

That is every man’s wet dream garage… Well done Sir!

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

😂👍🏻

[@366drew]

Looks awesome the lights are cool as well it’s a pleasure to watch your vids thanks Brian 🦅🇺🇸🦅

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks Drew👍🏻

[@belavet]

Looks nice. Any reason why you didn't make a much deeper drawer? I feel like there's a lot of potential to reclaim space under ~2/3 of the bed.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

I use the other space for large/bulky items like blankets, buddy heaters….things that would not fit in drawers. Also, a bigger drawer box = more weight

[@AGPPGA]

Nice build! I know you’re excited to test it out tomorrow. Cheers!

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Yessir

[@randymayer9494]

Very nice! Was wondering if bed top was 3/4 plywood? And if you had a link to the bed rug? Thanx

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

I did use 3/4 ply for the top. There is also a link to the BedRug in the video description👍🏻

[@TheDouglash]

Nice build. How did you glue the carpet to the sides and camper shell? What glue did you use?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Sides are held in with heavy duty Velcro

[@tommanning7337]

Dude!!!! Your shop/garage makes people who are extremely organized look unorganized lol!!!!!! 😎👍🏻👍🏻

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Lol. I do have a problem

[@tommanning7337]

@@BrianWatersOutdoors hahaha nope! I don’t see a problem at all! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@jayh9504]

Quality build looks awesome! I can’t wait to see how the first sleep goes! Enjoy brother!

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thank you Jay! Will find out tomorrow if the tornadoes and hail stay away!🤞🏻 weather is looking pretty bad for my first night out

[@DV77737]

Amazing. Nice work sir, you have creative ideas love the setup

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks so much

[@CDGrinch]

Nice new rig 👍 looking forward to the buildout videos👍

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks👍🏻

[@kensantiago132]

Nice video. Nice music. Thank you for your knowledge.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thank you👍🏻

[@grantbell1973]

Looking forward to the first camping video. Bed looks great

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks Grant👍🏻

[@jamesandersen9024]

The bed looks good and the drower is a nice touch

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻

[@ironboyz4872]

Hey Don. I just build my truck bed setup after watching a bunch of videos for ideas. I was inspired by your builds because I wanted alot of room and wanted my bed to be easily removable. Got a question on your power box you have sitting in the back. What is it ? Does that supply all your power for the lights and charging stuff ?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

It’s a Goal Zero Yeti 1000 x. It does power everything, but it’s way more than you really need.

[@clarencewiles963]

Thumbs up 👍. Is that a spray in bed liner. I like it. I see you don’t have much saw dust. Your shop is well done 👍

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

It’s a BedRug Bedliner. Looks like carpet bits it’s not. And has padding!

[@shaunpadgham6947]

Good Job on The Build ...👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks Shaun👍🏻

[@wjwallnuts7786]

You've got me thinking...I looked at triFold foam mattresses. Torn between your setup and using the 4 or 6 inch trifold. Did you consider those and choose the solid foam for a reason?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

This foam I chose was just east to cut to size and honestly, not sure what type of tri fold mattress you are referring to.

[@deborahadams5737]

Bryan I’m a big fan of your channel. Love the new truck especially what you’ve done to it the bed is awesome can’t wait tell I see it completed!…ps my name is Randy and it shows it’s from my wife KZbin it’s something I have to fix and put it in my name lol

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks Randy👍🏻

[@chriscarpenter727]

Did you say why you chose to put the bed on the other side of the truck bed? It looks really good. Good idea to add the drawer at the end.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Hey Chris, good eye😉 I did put it on the passenger side this time for a few reasons that I’ll go over on my final “reveal” walk through video once I get the cabinet built and wiring complete.

[@jacobparker3476]

Nicely done. I like that you put the bed on the passenger side and installed a drawer at the end. Hope your trip goes well. Looks like around 7:00 pm. you're going to get storms. Looks like it's going to miss me. #brianwatersoutdoors

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks Jacob. I ended up cancelling. Did t want to leave my wife and kids home with all the severe weather. Back at it next week

[@etiennesprangers1953]

First time subscriber and really enjoying your channel Brian. Can you confirm the height of the bed, I couldn't find that in the video.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thank you👍🏻 I believe it is close to 10” high. Just as high as my wheel wells

[@doyourbest999]

looks like a solid spot to get some rest

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@MikeBabsBC]

I like that a lot! What was that board material that you used for the face of the frame, I think I missed you mentioning it. I just finished my camper shell (posted the video a few days ago) and am no researching how I am going to build out the interior. I love what you did here, Tha KS for the ideas!

[@sultana.6375]

Great and simple but elegant electric and woodwork. I have a question about the lights above in the leer camper shell. You have four lights on each side, are they factory or did you install them yourself after receiving the shell? Thank you.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

I installed the ceiling lights myself. Input a link in the description where I got them👍🏻

[@sultana.6375]

@@BrianWatersOutdoors wonderful. Thank you

[@DerekFowler1973]

Happy for you, bro! I know you're ready to get back out there truck camping again. I hope you enjoy it.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Can’t wait! Had to cancel my first trip tonight because of severe weather….until next week👍🏻

[@DerekFowler1973]

@@BrianWatersOutdoors I understand. We are gonna have bad weather tomorrow here in South Georgia. Hope you and your family stay safe!

[@packopoms05]

Looks comfortable and functional, but even more important, it looks awesome 🙂 Wish I had your skills!

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thank you Lisa

[@richardspengler1794]

It's not skills it's patience and a lot of cool beverages out in the garage!

[@morenocoronado404]

Very cool Brian, I'm going to try to build this platform, can you please tell me the length that you cut everything L x W x H. please I would appreciate it . Enjoy your camping trip safely. And thanks for the video blessings .

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

My dimensions won’t really help you because it’s built specifically to my truck. The height is around 9” to clear the wheel well, 30” wide and about 74” long

[@morenocoronado404]

@@BrianWatersOutdoors thanks a lot for the info, appreciate it 👍

[@petemontes3337]

It looks really nice and comfortable..!

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks Pete!

[@davidrochon6941]

Nice garage an awesome carpentry skills to book..

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks David👍🏻

[@jonhoban9462]

Is the new truck a 2500?Can’t wait for the exterior lighting video…

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

No, it’s a 1/2 ton

[@OffGrid_office]

Great Start! , are you going to add any small cabinets on the other side?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Oh yeah. The cabinet is the biggest part of this build and will take the longest with the drawers and all the wiring/switches. Hopefully have it finished in a few weeks👍🏻

[@OffGrid_office]

@@BrianWatersOutdoors cant wait to see it !!

[@inferidii]

Stupid question , when you put it in the truck bed , how do you fasten it on the truck bed so it doesn't move ? If screwed is there a way to install one without drilling holes in your truck bed ?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

The wood on the bed “grips” on the BedRug enough that it does not slide around.

[@drdt4]

Awesome build. Looking forward to more.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks👍🏻

[@markwaits3864]

Great build video. I am not sure how you tapped the light wires into the power wires. Is this done via a special connector? Thank you.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

I’ve got a link to the wire taps I used in the description if that helps?

[@markwaits3864]

@@BrianWatersOutdoors that was the ticket I needed. I am all caught up with the technology now. Thank you so much.

[@victorgallie6556]

Looks great! How high is the bed? Thanks

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks Victor. It’s around 9”. Just to the top of my wheel well

[@thebigempty_5792]

Man, I have a Tundra with the 6.5 foot bed and camper shell. It's carpeted and I have a full bedrug. I'd love to have this exact platform set up. Ever thought of taking orders and making a few "kits"?? :D

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Lol. Thanks, but I haven’t really thought about that “business opportunity”😂👍🏻

[@shawnsullivan9986]

Looks great! Any reason behind you putting the bed on that side vs last time?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

I have a few reasons why input it on the passenger side this time. I’ll go over that and a lot of other things undid in more detail on the final video once everything is done👍🏻

[@garrelsisson]

That looks awesome!!! Still looking for a shell for my 2015 f150 so I can get started.. if I had $4k I could just go buy one lol

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@frankhunt5018]

It looks great, but you forgot the dimensions. Also, how did you make the drawer, that looks like the most difficult part to me?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

I’m making a follow up video to go over everything in much more detail when everything is completed and I’ll talk about the exact size of the bed

[@toddgrace7259]

Hey Brian, what do you think about ripping 2x4 in half and building bed base?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

You could do that. I just used 2x3’s, but 2x2’s should be enough if you brace in the right places 👍🏻

[@richardspengler1794]

Brian every screw you used utilized the kreg jig!

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Lol. It did. But……you could still build it without the jig😉

[@kfvernon73]

Did you consider making the drawer long to use more of the space there? You mentioned the top being hinged several times but didn't show so I assume this will be in future videos.... can't wait.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

I did, but in the end didn’t want all the added weight of a huge drawer box, longer and heavier drawer slides, etc…. The top is hinged, and I’ll do a full, deep dive walk through over everything in detail once I get the cabinet built and this thing is done👍🏻

[@nefarious_kaos6737]

What do you use as a ac or to cool your down doing the summers hot days

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Great timing👍🏻 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpCmdpSEo7eIqcU

[@randlecarr3257]

Lid is hinged, correct? What do you put there normally… I’d imagine stuff you don’t normally need access to like jumper cables, tire chains, tow strap, etc…?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Yes. I keep all my camping stuff under there. Heater, electrical Hook up cords, propane grill, blankets, fishing gear, etc….

[@johnmark1582]

I love your grey fabric lining (roof and floor),did you do that yourself? Looks very nice, tried to find a video on it but didn't see any. That would make a good vid

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks John. The floor is a BedRug Bedliner, and the headliner was installed by Leer who manufactures the topper👍🏻

[@seymourwrasse3321]

what's the material you used to block the spaces between the risers/legs that you mounted the lights on? nice build

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

I’ve always called it hardy board, but not sure the “technical term” for it.

[@seymourwrasse3321]

@@BrianWatersOutdoors it may be the right name, thanks for the info, can't wait to see your build progress

[@lynnwebb2936]

What type of carpet do you have in the bed of the truck and where did you get it.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

It’s called a “BedRug” Bedliner👍🏻

[@brianbarens5734]

Nice, coming along quickly!

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks Brian

[@roseericson3828]

That looks great! This is dumb but I don’t understand how you did the wiring……I got everything else. My friend from work and I are going to make something similar for her truck. How do you splice into the wire? Thanks this is a great build!

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

I put the “wire taps” in the description if you want to check those out. The directions on the link will be far better than what I can write in this comment😉

[@roseericson3828]

@@BrianWatersOutdoors thanks

[@jakemcclellan8399]

Looking forward to seeing all of your build on the truck bed camper. Thank you for all you have done for me Jake McClellan The Oregon Boy 👦 #brianwatersoutdoors

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks bud👍🏻👍🏻

[@lala_looksnacks]

great video!! your bedrug liner is that placed just on top of your truck bed or is your truck bed lined with something else example spray-on or plastic liner?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

It’s just on top of the truck ( held on with heavy duty Velcro)

[@treyezell36]

Great job 👍 & you explain it so well I even can understand 😉

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks Trey👍🏻

[@bobbiby139]

Looks great, Nice Job!

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thank you Bob👍🏻

[@Steve-Goff]

Did your bed start off on the driver’s side but then get switched to the passenger side? It looks awesome. Does the mattress ever move around while you’re sleeping

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

It did. I totally forgot I was switching it up on this truck. Just turned it upside down and switched sides and we were good to go👍🏻

[@TCraigoo]

Brian, how is your mattress holding up? Particularly with regard to moisture in the bed of the truck. I have been debating getting goto foam or or doubling up some Wakeman pads that are waterproof. Any thoughts on this or how to keep moisture and eventual mold off of the foam?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Hi Thomas, it's holding up fine for now. My other mattress in my previous truck held up fine too, with no issues with mold.....yet

[@rwstarke]

Looking good!! Is it square? I see you made it 3" wider in case you get wider in your old age. 😃

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Lol, yes it’s square👍🏻👍🏻😉 and the extra 3” is for growing room😂

[@CamGray-o7h]

What do you use to cool or heat your camper?

[@seymourwrasse3321]

what is the piece of equipment hanging from your shop ceiling ? is it HVAC?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

It’s an air scrubber/filter for sawdust

[@seymourwrasse3321]

@@BrianWatersOutdoors I'll have to look in to one of those , my shop is about the same size as yours

[@toddgrace7259]

Looking great, sure that drawer will be handy, can't wait to see finished product but then again is it ever finished 😀. #BrianWatersOutdoors

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

It never is! 100% correct👍🏻

[@seymourwrasse3321]

you changed sides with your bed? was there a specific reason, I start my build this spring and have been debating which side to put mine on?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

I did. I have a few reasons that I’ll go over when I do the final build video 👍🏻

[@seymourwrasse3321]

@@BrianWatersOutdoors as we used to say in the old days, I'll stay tuned in, thanks

[@jeffincabo]

Looks great Brian !

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks man👍🏻

[@michael_mc_gowan]

Nice platform. Just curious, did you consider putting in grill/rangtop you could pull out?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks, and, no. Didn’t consider that. Too heavy, and cumbersome and I honestly prefer just carrying a small propane grill with me.

[@trevormangus7832]

Absolutely love the setup ❤ great videos

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks Trevor👍🏻

[@briant179]

Man I can’t wait…great job!!!

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks Brian👍🏻

[@rlucerin28]

Did you install that fabric on the bed and topper?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

The topper came from Leer with the headliner. The truck bed, I put a BedRug Bedliner in it myself. It looks like carpet, but it’s not. They are fantastic

[@rlucerin28]

@@BrianWatersOutdoors gotcha! It looks good. Looks cozy with the bed and lights already.

[@scottevans5038]

Good job looks great.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks Scott👍🏻

[@meandgodzilla]

Great build! How long are those drawer slides?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks. 18” slides

[@rafaelzamudio217]

What do you suggest for a short bed? I am waiting on my camper shell and my bed is 5' 8". I am 6 so the length is going to be 4 inches short... thoughts? Thanks Brian!

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

I had a 5.5’ bed in my last camper setup. Check out this video for what I did kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHXEcqtsl8R4fs0

[@rafaelzamudio217]

@@BrianWatersOutdoors Thanks! The answer is so simple but makes so much sense.

[@fordtrbo]

Brian, great looking build. Checked out your foam on Amazon and wanted to ask you is it very firm? I purchased a trifold bed and it was extremely firm and uncomfortable. Having lower back issues I am looking for some foam that will give a bit, not rock solid. What is your experience with your new foam?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

I don’t have any issues with my foam. I find it to be fairly comfortable. More plush would be the medium density foam. I got the high density stuff

[@fire58372001]

Looks good Brian. A lot of thought went into this. What color is your truck? White or silver?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thank you. It’s silver

[@dhan7072]

Man looking great!

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Cheers🍻🍻👍🏻

[@thebandit6415]

thanks Brian I’m building a mini version of what you did

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@harlantaylor3436]

Do you have plans or parts list for the cuts? Would love to do the same to my truck.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

No, sorry. Just built this piece by piece without plans

[@loverjoeyable]

Simple and nice and meet

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks👍🏻

[@johndingmansr.5895]

Nice woodshop!!!

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks👍🏻

[@budcat2]

on the bed level, I think getting the head up would be the place to concentrate on a solution.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻

[@dalemciver7118]

Nice Job 👍👍👍👍👍

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻

[@jimmylankford8065]

What size and kind of screws did you use to build frame?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Mostly 3” pocket screws

[@yeahhicks3567]

Nice work man

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks👍🏻

[@clintgilchrest1019]

Looking good....👍

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@danieljlopez8233]

What the measurements on everything you cut I have the same truck