Truck Top Camper - first time build review

Worthy Videos and Shout Outs:
Full build with CAD- • Video
Master of the Truck Top Camper - • DIY Truck Bed Camper B...
Simple build - • Simple Truck Bed Campe...
Medium build - • Truck Bed Camper - Eas...
Extensive build - • The perfect camping se...
Extra Good Ideas - • Adding More Storage to...

[@caliesv]

Shout out to all the fathers and husbands that only have a handful of hours for themselves each weekend! It might take us longer, but we will get the job done regardless! great build!

[@MIDNIGHTSUNALASKA]

I second that….on all accounts. I snagged a topper off from a Chevy 1500 that was given to me by a friend who no longer had a use for it. …so I’m retrofitting it to my ‘08 F 250 Super Duty. (The one with the suicide doors and a 6’10” bed…and the step tailgate). The topper/cap fits lengthwise, but isn’t quite wide enough to fit its drip-edge over my truck rails…so I’ll simply block it up (3/4” - 1”) so when it’s clamped it will cause the drip-edge to hover a heavy 1/8” above the truck’s bed rails. …runnin’ solo so that will take a weekend. …then there’s the wall I want to build just inside of the tailgate and rear topper window…with double doors on Jeep lift-off style hinges so that quickly pull them and still have full use of my truck bed for work, etc…. It’ll be my weekender for my outings, fishing and hunting, here in Alaska, and it will be mosquito 🦟 proof.😛

[@tortugalisa4748]

Neat, simple, comfortable, lightweight and easy to take out and put in. I love it so much 👍

[@thomas_thetank_tundra2514]

I’m married, I got kids, I got a fulltime job… lol. I feel ya my man!

[@mbux2]

I've seen probably 50-100 of these vids and this is by far my favorite; atemporary setup that could be used for extended periods of time with space and comfort. Great job.

[@theboston3386]

You must not watch enough. This video is sub-par. He only talks about the build and not show the build. He didn't show how anything works. Pretty lazy video.

[@acricucci6501]

​@@theboston3386 We must have looked at different videos. This video explains every detail of what he did & how he did it. One of the best I've seen out of roughly 60 videos thus far. If we could see the video of your build, it would help. Thanks.

[@insanity6829]

Chris, that's extremely rude. Its a person choice to watch or not.Obviously you had different expectations and that a fine but THAT doesn't make it a sub par vid! Stop the judgement of others...just move on until you find what you are looking.

[@theboston3386]

@@insanity6829 The world today: truth = rude, 😂

[@pesto12601]

@@theboston3386 I wouldn't go so far as to say he was lazy or didn't show anything... but I will agree that this a very minimal "build" and not sure how anyone can spend time in this thing bent over to move... seems like this is only good to sleep a drinking session off...

[@mitchwinder1204]

Don’t sell yourself short, that’s fantastic! Great job.

[@voodookitchenmama]

Thanks for the tip on locking the tailgate and topper window.

[@TMC_818]

You ended this video with a line that threw me off guard. “Check those guys out because they do a better job than me” How much better can a job like this get!!?? You did an exceptional job this build you did for your truck is a true masterpiece it’s like you thought of every possible idea and nailed everything on your bucket list. I love everything about this build and this video. Great job!

[@RavenDarkberryz]

I agree...neat job.

[@Bawkr]

True. Very great idea especially the table in combination. I wonder though, if sitting on the bed how the table would feel, seems almost good enough for a laptop. Really love the half bed setups. I have an idea in my head of a diagonal bed, in a 5ft pickup but It would obviously have some downsides still curious how it would play out.

[@wh8085]

@@Bawkr . . . . hiddy ! It says it's been 8 months since your comment and you mentioned a set up for a diagonal bed . Just an idea for you if you haven't tried anything yet. My last topper , I cut 2 x 8's long enough to fit across the bed rails of the truck bed. It wasn't quite long enough to lay across but I could sleep at a diagonal on it and I had all the room under it for storage . It was easy to take down if I needed the bed for some project too . Just a thought for you ! I'm about to do the same a new topper I have on my Ram 2500 . Happy camping !

[@Bawkr]

@@wh8085 bed rails, the top of the fleet side or? I'm not picturing this in my head. For now I've kind of abandoned the thought of living in a vehicle need a house to keep my ebay store / storage going. If I figure out how to day trade properly though I will not need the ebay store so that may be an option for me.

[@stacic314]

see, this is exactly what i was looking for. simplistic and easy to take out when you need your truck, throw in couple jugs of water, maybe a small jackery or similar and hot water kettle, looks perfect! personally wouldn't even bother with wiring lights, battery LEDs are easy.

[@FBI-eo9yx]

I like this something that can easily be taken out and stored away but also comfortable enough were you can actually somewhat live in

[@davidbreen4353]

very impressive!! that was one of the easiest set ups i have seen yet. here i am worried about affording a class B or C to travel in. HA! all i need is a pick up with a topper. thank you for the tour. very impressive!!!

[@mrs.onyango6504]

Dude you did a really great job!

[@starvingrtist8714]

Beautiful set up, I've watched HUNDREDS of camper videos, this is among the top percentile.

[@chiphill4856]

No need to bad-mouth your work! A lot of people would love to have this truck! Great build!

[@thevanman4498]

The bedrug does it for me and makes it look warm and cozy, nice simple build.

[@sstimac]

Everything you need and nothing you don't. Best build I've seen.

[@outdoorguinea71]

Fantastic setup

[@ColoradoCamperman]

First off, great job on the build! You shouldn't down play the work you did by saying it is crappy, you did an excellent job! You can tell you spent a lot of time on the build and did a lot of research. I really appreciate the fact that you are someone who uses their truck for something other than camping. Like you said, so many guys out there have videos of these great builds but then you can't use your truck for anything else! I also appreciate the fact that you are a married man who has kids (me too). Your setup is much more practical than others and still has all the creature comforts you need. Thanks for the video!

[@MegaHalftrack]

Well its about time! Awesome build…from one working dad with a family to another!!!

[@brendak.44440]

From a woman's point of view. You killed it. ☢️ All can come out to use on your job. Lights really nice, love the ladder, You got the basics covered. Heat. bed., cooking . Safety. Never forget to test your alarm before using your Big Buddy, 🔥🔥 . Carpet with padding. Excellent. ❤️ And you should give yourself more credit , Great job Sir 💯⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@bibsoutdoors4786]

YEAH!! Now, let's see some camping videos!

[@pnwoutdoorlife2720]

Finally a guy like me, married with kids that works. Nice little set up. I was gonna do something similar but decided I’m gonna build my own camper here soon. Good video thanks for sharing

[@Andrew-er5cf]

Your story is what gives me hope....you are a doer. Hard to find nowadays.

[@CBAmakingAusername]

Great. Looks nice and roomy

[@terryt-rexhanke746]

I’m with you, I’m married and have very little time, this is an awesome setup!

[@AndrewA6]

Excellent build!

[@rabidhellhound9714]

I love the full on, totally decked out, "has everything you need AND the kitchen sink" videos. But I also love the simple ones like this too for beginners or people that can't/don't want to have a permanent setup. This was great for giving me simple, tame ideas to get started and see if I like vehicle camping before buying thousands of dollars worth of materials to build a massive rig.

[@thetinysideoftiny7625]

I've been researching build / no build truck camper setups extensively and I keep coming back to yours! I don't have the space to store a big wooden build. Your build is simple, orderly, supremely functional. Nicest minimal build I've seen on youtube. Thanks for posting brother!

[@slickslabmcknabful]

Simple. Effective. Modular. Easy. Excellent execution!

[@kjames8299]

Love your window making abilities

[@Xboomer1]

I like it... simple and does the job...

[@39FORTYWATER]

I like the look and feels cool. Simple

[@Oh_You_Know_]

I love the commentary on all the research you did and how you couldn't find exactly what worked for you and how you had to come up with solution. I am having the same thoughts as you as I am working on my set up currently. Literally no set up is alike, we gotta do what we need to do to make it work. Copy catting can only be so successful lol

[@richardherrington2852]

I like everything you did and have nothing negative to say about anything you did. Keeping everything simple is oftentimes the best way to do things.

[@blackrockbrewing5141]

You're selling yourself short. This is one of the best reviews I have seen, and one of the best builds. I totally agree, I just camp on the weekends, and usually just in the summer, so I want everything to come out so I can use my vehicle for actually hauling stuff and getting some work done, much like your build. Thank-you for sharing.

[@Enjoywatchingyoutube8227]

Thanks something simple and looks good with all you need . Enjoy

[@mattempey1539]

Dude this is a perfect setup for a truck that is multi-tasked.

[@ADayInTheLifeofLori]

Great job, and you turned a bargain into something awesome!

[@living2learn138]

Finally, a setup that wont requires shelling a ton of money into. I love your setup man, thanks for your sharing.

[@dovelyden]

Well done. I’ve seen hundreds of these videos and I like your approach to just picking out the basics with the added benefit of being able to move it in and out because of family life. 👏

[@outdoorenthusiastenl4907]

I finished by build out last year. I kept it simple too. I’m really happy with it. Great video!!! Great build out!!! Enjoy!!!

[@aaronspeasl5731]

Simple but effective. My kind of build. Thanks for the ideas!!

[@midnightrunkennelbeth7629]

Not to sound like a broken record, but just like everyone before me said; Excellent build!🎉 Super that you told us the real time frame because you're a married, working Dad 👍🏼😁. Simple is best. PLUS you have a tailgate ladder, that I've not seen in other pickup builds, your method of locking the tailgate and cap/topper is great 👍🏼🎉. Your pickup is like mine; both a work truck, and a traveling truck. 🎉 Happiness to you and your family 🙏😁🎉

[@charlesbrimmer7756]

See you watched MAV. Great guy to get ideas from.

[@TheJoepeanut]

Decent enough brother have fun

[@haroldbaker5051]

Perfect setup for a weekend fishing and camping.

[@homeontheroad018]

I have spent 6yrs with 9 different builds and I had a few nice ones but I must say yours being simple is top notch. Enjoy

[@yamahasuperbike2202]

Cozy, simple and perfect. I love it. 👍

[@jamesbass9797]

I think you did pretty damn good myself. Good job!

[@vince4316]

Great idea with the ladder for the tailgate!

[@marliesyanke4580]

So practical and clean, that beach chair is a great idea.

[@degraham9198]

You have an organized mind, and that shows. Kudos.

[@ADKMan]

I kept mine simple too! I use the truck to haul things!! I’m married, work full time….12 hours shifts…but it’s nice to just get out for a day or two!! Looks good!

[@scottphillipy9831]

Nice build, watch the videos and use what works for you, nice job. Happy adventuring. Thanks for sharing.

[@georgepetrin1334]

Nifty and simple--makes getting away easy, staying away comfortable, and returning enjoyable.

[@dianecranker6026]

Simple yet functional. I'll be sharing with my Son.

[@sonmydful]

excellent job jerry rigging that back window with the plexiglass and handles

[@emeraldfox7175]

Out of the tons of videos I've watched,yours is the most practical video I've seen!

[@awesomeegp]

Very good job. Simple and effective. I really like it!

[@tinadaniels401]

I think you did a great job. I'm a no frills needed woman. Like the simplicity

[@saltymarine]

Nice thumbnail, I plan to look at your video, with tomorrow morning's coffee !! Two days later: Coffee was good this morning and your minimal build is a winner !! Thanks for posting the video !!

[@scottloftin1730]

Nice job. Simple and not fancy. Perfect. Who need a bunch of fancy crap to enjoy camping in the woods.

[@bonbon19141]

Good job on the build. I've seen a lot of these related videos and this is probably the most realistic one for your average Joe wanting to get up for the weekend

[@Luckwatchero_Outdoors]

I like the way you did to your truck, simple but you have everything you need.

[@berlindonut5444]

Nice! Good use of space and the plexiglass adds more security...

[@wrylife57]

This is a great "no-build" build. You solved a lot of problems--I never did figure out how to lock myself in, your idea almost makes me wish I still had my pick-up so I could do that. I love replacing the back window with plexiglass. great job all around.

[@SuperPangloss]

Nice simple utilitarian build....thanks!

[@rexg2985]

We like how you utilized space by using a net on the roof inside. Great video!

[@briansimpkins985]

absolutley perfect set up. cozy not too expensive or time consuming have some space and mostly everything is where u can see and easy access

[@thomasbennett4284]

The shout you did for Mav, but he actually redid his truck.

[@jacoblouis5478]

Great job brother.

[@phillipadams4738]

Love this. So many builds are just so heavy in cost.

[@SeaOfLuv]

I really like the simplicity but efficiency of this build.

[@johnydsmithson6834]

Awesome. Simple and spacious, all one guy needs.

[@sherizuech6562]

I bought fleece fabric because you can't see through it, used iron on hem after cutting to size then used Velcro squares on the shell and corners of curtains. Works great! I don't want anything permanent in my truck either and I don't want any holes drilled into my shell. I bought a couple of battery operated lights and 3m taped those one on each end of my shell ceiling. Those work great for my needs as well.

[@turtleiscoolaj]

Wow my guy. You have a setup that’s simple and functional. I found your video more informative than most out there. Please post a night out review on what you find mostly overkill or wish you hads

[@limpek001]

The beach chair is a good idea. Some models can extend to a cot which can sleep another . Most guys sit or lie on the bed which is not the best for their backs.

[@GilSolanoREEGT]

Best build and build video I've seen in my 3 days of rabbit holeing. Thanks man!

[@uol1051]

Thumbs up for a variety of reasons, starting with the plexiglass. I know how tricky it can be to cut, (and it ain't cheap). Your build is innovative and practical. Well done.

[@annblack5576]

Finally an idea for a build that I can do. Great job!

[@mictheflash]

Thanks for sharing, great video 👍 it's good that you are real and honest, especially about how long things took to do.

[@miriamanderson6146]

Great! It’s neat and minimalist although has the necessary stuff.

[@messenger144000]

Excellent design!!!

[@AdventureeX]

Love the bed design.

[@ryveralexander8511]

Great job! Your family blessed to have you, and vise versa !👌

[@markbarnett7313]

Nice little set up, looks great for a weekend.

[@devildogcrewchief3335]

That was an excellent build if you ask me...simple yet effective.

[@fyrstwaffen8952]

SIMPLE BUILD, LOOKS GOOD!

[@kdavid62]

I'm in the same boat you are, job,wife and kids. I love my F150 man cave on wheels

[@seniorLu48]

One thing you really helped me in figuring out how to lock my camper from the inside, that was a really great idea. TY.

[@touluevang3471]

Love this. Simple, clean, and still have bunch of room.

[@broncoKING24]

Great build!

[@xtrekkmpr2016]

Regarding your comment about how every little thing takes so much time. True! Been down that road so many times, and as my dad used to say, A 20 minute job is only one broken bolt away from a two day job😀

[@ginacardarella]

It's great just something to get you fast on the road finally that's all the matters great job

[@Arcturian1111]

Awesome video. I learned a lot from your ideas. FWIW, I used harbor freight anti fatigue cushion mats that lock together, you get 4 for $10. I adhered them to my tailgate, so it saves my knees when climbing in.. You can also use these on the whole bed too. I love your light kit idea with respect to the hitch harness

[@Winch_Offroad]

I’m going simple too, this helped me a lot!

[@AC-jh3pn]

Very solid . Affordable doable build.

[@wayneg8990]

this is a very good vid. learned some things. i bought a Shell last fall and will now start doing some of the things YOU showed Thank You

[@PollyHistor]

Simple. Clean. Brilliant!

[@hattrick-df4bo]

Awesome job!! 👍

[@tomgerth5224]

really enjoyed... going to Alaska in a few years, planning a build.. yours is common sense and cost effective! thank you!