Truck Top Camper - first time build review

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[@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.😛

[@thomas_thetank_tundra2514]

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

[@mitchwinder1204]

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

[@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...

[@tortugalisa4748]

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

[@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.

[@mrs.onyango6504]

Dude you did a really great job!

[@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.

[@voodookitchenmama]

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

[@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

[@bibsoutdoors4786]

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

[@chiphill4856]

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

[@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!!!

[@sstimac]

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

[@thevanman4498]

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

[@outdoorguinea71]

Fantastic setup

[@terryt-rexhanke746]

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

[@CBAmakingAusername]

Great. Looks nice and roomy

[@AndrewA6]

Excellent build!

[@MegaHalftrack]

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

[@starvingrtist8714]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@charlesbrimmer7756]

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

[@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 💯⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@andrewwales3693]

I am 62, have a gmc sierra. Soon to be a widower, traveling to the places we would have gone to. Great ideas, nothing fancy, you did a great job.. thanks

[@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!

[@TheJoepeanut]

Decent enough brother have fun

[@jamesbass9797]

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

[@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.

[@Andrew-er5cf]

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

[@jacoblouis5478]

Great job brother.

[@slickslabmcknabful]

Simple. Effective. Modular. Easy. Excellent execution!

[@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.

[@vince4316]

Great idea with the ladder for the tailgate!

[@kjames8299]

Love your window making abilities

[@broncoKING24]

Great build!

[@jonnyt16]

Great setup. Have a Bedrug bedliner too and I love it, one of the best upgrades I made to my truck. I'm a cot guy but I managed to find one that works perfect for me. You can see it in a few of my videos. If I had a topper that was a little taller (mine is standard cab height) I would have built a system like yours. I really like CrazyQuady's setup as well. Good stuff.

[@elcachanilla1759]

Awesome! Can't wait to see it all in action 🤙

[@joeinfantryman]

Perfect setup, thanks for sharing. I've been hunting for a reasonably priced shell for months-ridiculous prices.

[@mattempey1539]

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

[@jjanson50]

Brilliant! I love the simplicity of your setup. So many builds are way beyond my skill level and budget. Thanks so much.

[@mariagarito]

Great setup. You gave me lots of ideas to get started. Thank you!

[@jessp9693]

Nice build! I've done essentially the same thing with my truck used mainly for the hunting season. Thanks for the vid!

[@junosmith8099]

perfect man. the exact set up i needed inspiration for ☝🏽

[@krokatoamonster7365]

Great build and content! Keep up the great work!

[@maec8560]

Awesome video! I do some extended living in my Tacoma every few months and am always looking for improvements! I also want something that can be temporary if needed and this is the best I've seen for it. I've seen so many of these videos and you have an awesome build that's very approachable, compared to lots of overlanding folks. Great job man

[@lonesomekennels5047]

Definitely one of the best set ups I've seen. Neat and efficient. Good job!

[@publicroyalty760]

AMAZING BUILD! Definitely going to take notes!

[@jimmyc7803]

great build. Looks simple but we can tell a lot of time went into this.

[@markbarnett7313]

Nice little set up, looks great for a weekend.

[@tonytnlvsn6659]

This is an amazing build. Simple, clean and well thought out!! This is one of my favorites, great job!!

[@ricksters11]

Nicely done! I like the simplicity and easy take out of your setup!

[@marliesyanke4580]

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

[@skeetsoutdoors7753]

Cool build! Keeping things simple! Awesome!

[@sonmydful]

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

[@paulabear101]

Great job buddy! Giving us plenty of ez useful ideas. Thx

[@madelineschultz3666]

Thank you for this video! Im looking to convert my dads nissan pick up but needed ideas that arent super permanent. Beautiful job!!

[@namelessghoul3087]

i love the simple, convenient, practical setup man

[@jbeez31]

Hell ya bro. Great thinking. I love your setup. There's no over thinking and complications. I needed your ideas for for my quick and easy project.

[@annblack5576]

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

[@TruckHomeSwitzerland]

good job man, thanks for sharing and explaining all that..love the simple set up, everything's there what you need for a camping trip. your video gives me good ideas for a future project, thanks

[@ajsmotorcyclingstuff1110]

Nice job! I have the same truck and looking to do the same. Looking for a topper now. Thanks for sharing.

[@timothysmith5060]

Nice set up !! Simple , straight forward- effective… and affordable!!! Great job !!

[@timterrill6318]

That's perfect! Love the simplicity and versatility of it. Thank you for sharing.

[@bomberworld1153]

Great Job. Love how well it looks and how simple it can be taken down and be put back together. I am going to do this some day as well and I'm for sure going to steal some of your ideas.

[@CampOUTLife]

Great job... enjoyed the video. Planning on setting up my truck soon and you gave me a couple of ideas.

[@Lumberjack-drummer]

I love that simple set up

[@geraldvillarreal1630]

Hey man, you nailed it! I’m going to use your ideas.

[@johnlong7504]

Thanks for your few little tips!

[@Silverbllt]

Love this build, simple but very functional! This is the way I want to build my truck whenever I get around to it, haha.

[@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.

[@luismc75]

This is so simple, so minimalistic and so charming. Love the setup, not a bachelor here so I wish you to have plenty of time to enjoy your setup.

[@deanmatheny5089]

Nice fairly simple build, you did a great job!

[@longislandforester859]

Awesome video! This idea is the exact same idea I’ve been looking for, I’m buying a Ram for my house/snow projects and would still need to use the bed, but also need it for camping and sleeping at work Thank you!

[@michaelmirenda3867]

Awesome video. Clean setup for a removable setup and travel !

[@homeontheroad018]

just getting back to your set up i do like that table its perfect fit and looks right in place nicely

[@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 !!

[@tinadaniels401]

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

[@tvz111284]

Man, give yourself more credit!! This is such a great and minimal setup!! Great job!!!

[@scottloftin1730]

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

[@chillywilly3397]

Nice job. Looks great!

[@TheLyon301]

Really smart set up. Obviously took some time and effort to put it all together but it looks perfect for little getaways and looks easy to breakdown when it’s time to go to work

[@kristopherkingston6309]

dude this is amazing!! I'm just getting started on truck camping adventures. this is a good reference video for me. thanks.

[@MarkieDcomics]

This looks wonderful

[@giosanchez90]

Great job, got everything you need in there and still have a usable truck!

[@wsmaga]

This is a perfect set up. I’d def do this if I could find a topper for my long bed T100.

[@Isaiah_317]

awesome build man simple yet smart

[@lockeshop]

Got some GREAT ideas from your vid. Thanks! Awesome! Love the light table idea and locks inside.

[@Lakanen263]

Cool set up thanks for sharing.

[@xandersycuan345]

You did a great job! I really like that almost everything is removable.

[@ginagill8816]

This is great what you have done to your truck. Nice clean and simple to use when you need it.

[@kdavid62]

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

[@teddyflynn2495]

Great build! Very practical! Thank you for positing this video! Great job!

[@commonsensepatriot9450]

Great job! Keeping it simple.

[@zenmaster814]

That's awesome. Congrats, sir.

[@PollyHistor]

Simple. Clean. Brilliant!

[@J10on4ds]

Simple and to the point good job!

[@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

[@SchroederUSMC]

Hey cjones6string, good video. I appreciate that you gave a quick overview, without an hour of details. This is good for us that actually do this and have seen this type of build a hundred times. I appreciate that you are doing this on your spare time and budget with the stuff you have. Many of your observations were similar to mine: e.g. velcro the curtains / reflec-tex. Too many of us make this a full blown "Project", spend a lot of time and money, and then don't get as much use out of it as we expected. I went a different route due to camping as a couple, but agree with your "keep it simple" and functional method. This is a good camping for a weekend vehicle, not a built rock-crawling bug out survival video for extended living.