Turning a Truck Topper into a Custom Camper Cabin | Truck Camper Build

Watch me transform this truck topper into a custom camper cabin using simple tools and supplies. I didn't work off any plans and created as I went. It has a fan, lights, locks, and a seven foot pull out kitchen. Join me on this adventure and gain the inspiration to do the same! Cheers!

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

What would you build to adventure in if you could build anything?

[@travelinman482]

A Nissan Frontier Pro-4X in Baja Storm color with a 4Wheel Camper Project M model.

[@TinyGoHomes]

Subbed. I was talking about building something for so many years. With the crazy rent prices I decided it was time and I just did it. Snagged a tent trailer that was converted to a flat bed for 500$ and went to town. I went from paying 1200+ to 500 all inclusive and I now live out of my tiny home trailer on a farm under a covered slip with Ethernet, wifi, shore power and water tap 15 feet away. It will pay for itself in the first year of me living in it. Its only 10x6 but it’s like a mini cabin so it feels like home to me. Definitely don’t be afraid to build your own stuff. 🤙

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Sweeeet!!! Love hearing this. Well done at making your own way. Cheers!

[@glindacochran3081]

That’s a great set up! At 71 years old, I have decked my truck out to camp in it. It’s never too late. Enjoy your adventures!

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thanks so much! I appreciate your kind words. Enjoy your adventures!!

[@ToddMatthewSmith]

Beautiful!

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

I love hearing this!! Happy adventuring!

[@deepsea5107]

The second wall/entry door is brilliant! Well done on your build!

[@barrypowell829]

That’s a functional truck camper. The ones that rv dealers sell, slide in, are not cheap! Great looking camper.

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thank you for your comments! It is very functional and fun. Thanks for watching!

[@samsears9588]

This proves you can do what you want to do nice job.

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thanks! It was great fun to build!

[@ManMeetsWorld-te9vi]

This is awesome! I planned on converting a van, but I'm having a really hard time finding one on my budget that someone doesn't sell right away. I started thinking maybe I'd convert a truck, and this is the best build I've found so far. Good job.

[@SteveRobReviews]

Your a thinker Woodsy , well designed . Love it 👍

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thanks @SteveRobReviews! It was fun to build!

[@64maxpower]

I'm always amazed how people with little or no experience can build. Search amazing projects. It took me years in my trade before I knew what I was doing

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thank you so much for your kind words!! 💜

[@roam4fun853]

Nice! Literally ALL u need.

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

It works great! Thanks for watching!

[@therealtashiro]

Great Job! Thanks for sharing cute Woodsy Woman! 👍🏻🇺🇸🍻

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thanks for watching!

[@TMD22385]

I have been an amatur wood butcher for 45+ years and have many more tools at my disposal than you did. I couldn't have done a better job. I made a mini camper to travel in my topper last spring. I went for function over aesthetics when I built it for a last minute trip. I did a midwest to west coast 6200 mile trip in 30 days in the summer and it worked out great. I love the ease of driving and being able to go places that I couldn't pulling a trailer or in a motorhome. I feel better about the gas mileage and also enjoy being a little more stealth at times. My only complaint with mine is, as a 68YO, i'd like to ditch the tailgate and put in double doors like you did for easier access. Just step on the back bumper and get in. Mine is a work in progress as I'm sure you will tweak yours as you use it too. Good job and enjoy your adventures in it!

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thanks so much for you very kind words! I love to hear you are out adventuring and your trip sounds amazing! Cheers to you and your adventures!!

[@user-dm7tc1gu5y]

Youare an incredibly talented individual ! Thanks for sharing your vision !

[@henrykoning9461]

This looks awesome and it is what people just need . Enjoy your truck

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thanks so much!!

[@spannerworks2864]

Great job. Well done. Thanks for sharing your build. 😃

[@Winniebago]

Looks great! Absolutely love the "back door"

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thanks so much for your kind words. Happy adventuring!

[@ptonpc]

Looks like a good build. Here's to many adventures!

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thanks for watching! Happy adventuring to you!

[@dright1817]

Awesome job Let the fun begin

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thank you!!

[@wayneappl5381]

Dang Girl, Nice Job!!!!!!!

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thanks for watching!

[@vivianfelten7502]

Beautiful build! Thanks for sharing your process with us. Very inspiring.

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thank you for your kind words and for watching!

[@donnamoore7554]

Congratulations. Enjoy the fruits of your labor. You did a great job. Your photos are great. Thanks for sharing. ❤

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thank you so much for your kind words. Happy adventuring!!

[@funonvancouverisland]

Bad ass! Great job, now let the adventures begin!

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thanks so much for your kind words!!

[@lewisrountreeiii2937]

Well done and thank you for sharing this adventure with us!

[@johnbilsky1153]

Not too shabby! Ya done good pilgrim. The cedar shakes were an excellent idea. Cheers.

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thank you! I the shakes as well.

[@OffGridBackcountryAdventures]

Nice work, looks comfy!

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thank you! It is. Cheers!

[@ricksantiago702]

Oh my GOSH! I love that you did that and it is awesome! I have a 2020 TRD and trying to figure out what slide in or pop up or even trailer I want , now you’ve even confused me more 😂😂. Seriously that is so awesome , congratulations and happy camping. You’re amazing

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thanks so much for your kind words! I can completely relate to being confused about what step to take next. I hope you’re able to settle on a solution that brings you joy. Happy adventuring!

[@allonesame6467]

Creative, beautiful, original! Thank you for sharing. Slainte!

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thank you for your kind words! Cheers.

[@Rich-wu7sf]

And with a drill and jigsaw. What an outstanding job! What could you do with a few more capable tools; WOW! We will look forward to what you have for us next. Thanks!

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Hey there!! Thanks for watching and for your kind words. Isn’t is amazing what you can do with simple tools?! I have a lot of little and big projects in the works. Happy to have you along for the ride!

[@TomwithaDream]

That slide out kitchen is great. I have a Taxa Tiger Moth and it's biggest claim to fame is its slide out kitchen. So great that setting up camp takes seconds and you're ready to make a meal or a hot beverage.

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

It IS so great! I have an awning that pulls out over my kitchen as well so I can easily cook in inclement weather. Thanks for watching!

[@TomwithaDream]

@@TheWoodsyWoman Yes, I saw the awning and it reminded me of one of the most costly things I put on my trailer, a free-standing easy-to-deploy awning over the kitchen!! It definitely improves the cooking in rain or morning fog/dew.

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

@@TomwithaDream they are costly!! I hope you get out to explore this season.

[@1aleckman1]

I think you did a great job. Have fun, and I'll be looking forward to more videos. Have a great day!

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thanks so much for your kind words!! I’m glad to have you here! I have some more videos coming out soon about the truck camper. Cheers!!

[@johnnybk20]

Your video came up and it looked interesting. I want to build a camper for my old truck. I watched the video and went to your channel. You knocked it out of the park with the views on this video. 📹👍

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thanks for so much! It was a lot of fun to build. I hope you get to do the same!

[@MS-ut8fd]

Looks good, I have a similar set up in my 2000 Tundra with a cathalitic radiant heater on one side and a sleeping platform on the other.

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Very cool! Happy adventuring!

[@carolekjellander8917]

Beautiful and brilliant! I admire your creativity, hard work and adventuring spirit!

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thanks so much for your kind words!!

[@carolekjellander8917]

@TheWoodsyWoman Sure thing! I'm a fellow Nomad just nearing completion of my minivan build here in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Hope to see you on the road sometime! 😊

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

@@carolekjellander8917 very cool! I lived up in that area for about a year. It’s beautiful!

[@carolekjellander8917]

@TheWoodsyWoman It has been a nice chapter in our lives. Shortly, hopefully this week, my son and I are moving to Eugene, Oregon, for a few years of adventuring there. 😊

[@samhill3496]

Great job. Ypu are out enjoying it. The whole idea. Glad you left the tailgate and topper window in place. Security and dirt. Great looking job inside. Thw sidevout cooktop is good to keep smell down inside . Maybe a diesel heater in a box you can attach detach on the rear. Not a hard project. Simple Living Alaska site has that. Take care

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thanks for your kind words! I, too, am glad I left the window and tailgate in place. Enjoy your adventures!

[@danschaefer6124]

That is just wonderful to see u build insulation was a great job and the T&g wood, the slide out cook top great job, Great way to travel…🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟. 👏👏👏👍

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thanks so much! It was a fun project to build and certainly the way to travel. 😉

[@tombremer514]

Hay... Great build. Simple, but everything that's needed. Nice video editing also. Congrats

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thanks so much for your kind words!

[@stephenfreid6200]

Great Job...

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@freeinFL]

AWESOME!!! I got a wonderful warm feeling deep inside watching this. Thank you ☺️ you’ve got an off road overland vehicle! A mini earth roamer 🤗

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thanks for watching! I appreciate your thoughtful comments.

[@alandowney4458]

That's an awesome little setup you have. Great job.

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thank you!!

[@heckster8017]

Wow Woodsy that's a great build and much more affordable than a contractor topper with barn doors. My shell came with carpeting and I was living in AZ at the time so there was no need for insulation. I did a similar build with a 9" tall( shorter camper)carpeted U-shaped platform with a center section that pulled out of c channel supports to allow for taller cargo, the rest was storage. Enjoy your build and happy trails!

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Very cool!! I hope you’ve had some great adventures with your truck. And thank you for your kind words!

[@Chubbydippin]

You and your build are amazing. Bravo!! Hoping for many safe a happy adventures for you. Thanks for sharing

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thanks so much for being here and watching!!! I appreciate your kind words. Here’s to many more adventures!

[@jackiegammon2065]

The inside of the camper looks great; I love all of the wood! It is well planned out and looks comfy!! Photos are beautiful as well from one Maine woman to another HA! Thanks for sharing!!

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Sweet! Thanks for the kind comments. I love the wood as well and wanted it to feel like a real cabin in the road.

[@jackiegammon2065]

It does indeed feel like a cabin, especially on those cold fall/winter days! Thanks Again!

[@tgretch7704]

Amazing, just amazing!!!

[@stevefulcher8031]

Excellent job !! I would love a in depth tour of the camper. Once again, amazing job !!

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thanks so much! I’m working on putting together a tour of the inside and will post it soon.

[@charliewarren8712]

Looks great.

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thank you!!

[@dennismcdermott1224]

Love the build! In my opinion,the only thing it needs is some blue paint for you that camper top. You can probably just brush it on.

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

I certainly need to do something to the camper top. Still thinking about it! Thanks for your thoughts!

[@Masterhughesproductions]

simple and effective minimal cost good job

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thanks for your kind words and for watching!

[@danrt52]

Nice setup, you also got some great fall shots.

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thanks so much! Fall is beautiful around here! Thanks for your comments.

[@rnroutside621]

That turned out awesome! i hope mine comes out half that good

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thank you!! Good luck with your build. Have fun with it.

[@vinniedimodica8705]

Very clean and nice-looking build. I like the inner wood doors and etc. I like that feature as it gives me that pseudo porch feeling.

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

I like it too. Thanks for watching and for your positive comments!

[@matthewkelly4396]

Nicely done...congrats...matt

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thanks Matt!!

[@shysummertime]

This is sweet! I just got a truck and want to start converting it

[@patco132]

Nicely done indeed!

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thank you for watching!!!

[@mitchwinder1204]

Wow! Nicely done. One of the best I’ve seen on here in a while.

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Awe! Thanks so much for you kind words!!

[@joespeno51]

Amazing build !

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thank you for watching and for commenting!

[@2tmx54]

Looks great. I just watched a truck camper build and he made a Dutch Door so that nobody could come along at night and shut the tailgate and lock him in his camper. I couldn't tell if the slide-out door clears the tailgate when it isn't extended.

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thank you! My Dutch door doesn’t clear the tailgate but I am able to open the windows on it to get out if need be. Thanks for watching!

[@stephengibson2869]

You have done a great job with your own camper build. Everything has a purpose and place. Well done and well thought out. 👍🏞🌄💯🙂

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thank you!! I appreciate your kind words!

[@stephengibson2869]

@@TheWoodsyWoman, You are very welcome. I have the back of my truck built for camping/living stealth too. It's a Leer cab level canopy with factory tinted windows and carpet lining. You've done a great job with your canopy/camper, safe travels and take care 🙂

[@scottduckworth3911]

This is great!!!!!

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thank you!!

[@agentofficerthomasa.porter107]

GREAT BUILD👍ENJOY YOUR JOURNEY & SAFE🚙☁☁☁TRAVELS ! aways, Tommy🤠

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thanks so much! I appreciate the warm comments.

[@martingindulis5310]

Great job kid great job.

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thanks for your comment and encouragement. Cheers!

[@gagetman69jeffhebert32]

Very impressive . Nice build you did great

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thanks so much for your kind words. I’m glad you are here. Happy adventuring!

[@SeeCoryRun]

Great setup! It looks like you can still close the tailgate and glass when traveling, then they make a great platform and canopy when all setup for camp. Very cool use of space, thanks for sharing!

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thanks for your kind words! They do close and make a great porch and roof when open! Happy adventuring.

[@evandrocristofolini4397]

Hello! Congratulations ! Inspire me ! Hugs from Brazil !

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Hi to Brazil!! Thanks so much for watch and for your kind words!!

[@bubbalovesoatmealadventure108]

Well done 👏

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thank you!!

[@boondockingamerica]

Great build.

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thank you!!

[@ern48]

Nice build. I see lots of great ideas, well done!

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thanks so much for you thoughtful words! And thanks for watching!

[@scottthejeepguy7499]

I really dig the rig, nice job, and thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday’s.

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thanks so much for your kind words! A happy holidays to you too!

[@DavidLuster-fb3ld]

Pretty cool! 😎

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thanks!

[@aRVeesBlog]

wow very interesting content friend

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thank you!!

[@aRVeesBlog]

welcome@@TheWoodsyWoman

[@bettycox1227]

I love your coffee pot

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thank you! I love it too!

[@rubenroybal2890]

I love it, great job.

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thank you!!

[@wookieeshideout1216]

Nice work!

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thank you!!

[@beancountingzombie]

Nice job!

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thank you!!

[@meko8017]

Love the build! You did an amazing job. I’d just be worried about being inside and someone closing up the tailgate…

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

I haven’t had any trouble so far and I could get out the side windows if need be. All good thoughts. Thanks for watching!

[@theemeraldfox7779]

Thats a very awesome build luv,amazed 👏

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thanks so much for you kind words! Happy adventuring!

[@user-hv9ks2hf6f]

Nice job 🙌

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thanks so much for you encouraging comment! And thanks for watching!

[@chrislonsberry1974]

Nice build! Great job!

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thank you!!

[@darinbell6982]

Very nice!

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thanks so much!!

[@georgeelder8415]

Definitely a, "daddy's girl", for sure! This is a most outstanding build! Have you made plans for rooftop solar/canoe/kayak???

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thanks for your kind words! I actually taught myself everything I know over the past few years. 😊 My original design has solar and I may still add it. I do have bar on top and could hold a kayak, if wanted…. Just haven’t done it yet! Thanks for watching and happy adventuring!!

[@kirkbrookhouse217]

Looks like you are in Maine. Nice job

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thanks for watching! Yes, up in Maine!

[@MSchumacherfan]

Awesome 👏🏻

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thank you!!

[@jacklundy6130]

VERY COOL

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thanks so much!!! Glad you are here!

[@carlisleh]

im inspired ⭐

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Love hearing that!! If you build something, please come back and share it!

[@Raykenn1]

Nice work 👍

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thanks so much for watching! I appreciate the positive comment.

[@NATURALEZAVISTA]

...te quedó muy bien 👍. Y que bonitos paisajes 😃.

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thank you!!

[@MsBlueRajah]

Beautiful build, so inspirational!! Any ida what weight overall this build added to your rig?

[@MichaelMMcKenzie]

nice setup the build is an adventure in itself. was that shell built for a Tacoma, i noticed the 2x on the bed rail. i am currently trying to mount a topper that fit an s10 on my long bed Tacoma and i am using 2x6 on the bed rail to accommodate the different bed sizes and i think it will work. it will make a small shelf on the inside of shell.as well thanks for sharing.

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Hi! It wasn’t built for a Tacoma and I had to rig it up a bit. It took me a while to figure out exactly how to make it happen but getting a tight fit was worth it. Best of luck to you on your topper!! Cheers!

[@cjam3660]

looks nice in the end,, just asking , did everything get sealed ? being no unsealed air gaps between metal and insulation or lower inside of truck bed walls and wood that was installed...Just saying, not assuming you didnt...Yea! my expeirance not doing so as I started out truck and van camping - when it wasn't sealed it brought mold and sickness,, only takes one season and you have to strip it all out and redo it all over...lol. usueally during long winters your doing that about half way through ax your getting sick from it...Mattresses are a huge mildew /deep mold collector, I always keep a plastic cover on a mattress of its Inna van or a truck camper, if not , you will be replacing it.. Thanks for sharing...nice set up

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Hi! Thanks for your comment. I did get everything sealed and I empty the truck when not in use (bed, kitchen, etc). I’ll be working on some maintenance soon to keep it up. One of my concerns was mold. But so far so good! Cheers.

[@heidiq2777]

Love this video, thank you for sharing. Did you keep track of your expenses for this build? I'm curious...

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Hi there! Thanks for your kind words! You j ow, somewhere I have the receipts but haven’t tallies it together. If I do tallying it one day, I’ll try to share it!!

[@LinsaySunderman]

I like your wooden doors, but how do you open and close the canopy door and tail gate from the inside when the wooden doors are closed?

[@rebeccadees]

Very unique build. Where did you learn your carpentry skills?

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Hi there! I took a basic woodworking class a few years ago. Since then, I've taught myself what I know by trial and error! I love learning new things and working with my hands. Do you build? If you aren't already subscribed, I'd love to have you join the community... my hope is to build a place where we can learn from each other! Happy adventuring to you.

[@rebeccadees]

@@TheWoodsyWoman no I don’t build plus I’m 72 so I enjoy seeing videos like yours.

[@tiffanygarcia9918]

❤❤❤❤it.

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thank you!!

[@t-bonefletcher1902]

I have a fiberglass topper on my 2nd Gen Tacoma, and I’ve thought of building it out for a while. Really like the interior door you’ve created. I might do the same to increase ventilation and keep the bugs out. Did you beef up the rear suspension, too?

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Very cool! Good luck to you if you build it out! I didn’t add anything to the suspension. It’s not too heavy and seems to be okay with my truck. However, I may choose to add a bit more in the future depending on the type of adventuring I’m doing. Cheers!

[@robertchang1932]

Mujer muy valiente

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thanks for watching!

[@Dynamic_Photography]

Where did you get such a large metal camper shell? I've only been able to find the small fiberglass ones, what fives? That seems the trick is the size of thee shell from day 1.

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Definitely helps! I found this topper by chance through a conversation I was having with a guy at a hardware store. I hope you’re able to find what you are looking for!

[@freedomtowander]

Hey! Great job I am thoroughly impressed with your work! I’m persuing the same project for about 6 months now! Same insulation and everything! Have you had many opportunities to use it? And would you like to consult / collaborate on a project? I’m sure my subscribers would love to see this project and I can help give you a little more exposure to my subscriber family! This is all about a shared goal, hope, freedom, and escape from the pseudo reality we are stuck trying to liberate ourselves from. Your photography is brilliant and beautiful! Your truck is minimalist and efficient, and I would like to see if we can grow our brands through mutual partnership! No weirdo stuff, I have an amazing girlfriend that I will never betray, however she is camera shy and needs girlfriends! Would you consider a friendship that is symbiotic to our goals? No strings attached? Great job! Cheers either way! I will remix and repost a short with flattering commentary for all the amazing effort you put into a beautifully executed project! Thank you

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Hi! Thanks for your kind words. It’s great to hear you are working on your own project! I’m not partnering with others currently but may be open to doing so down the road (no pun intended). 😁 Best of luck to you on your build and adventuring and thanks for being here!!

[@nathanprachnau2609]

Great job. Is it an ARE or LEER trades Topper?

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

You know, I don’t know what brand it is. It’s very old. I don’t believe it’s either of those topper brands.

[@greenketogoddess2295]

What kind of trucker camper did u have intially?

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Hi there! This is my first one. 😊

[@greenketogoddess2295]

Sorry i meant truck topper the metal park?

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Hi! Honestly I don’t even know! It was given to me. I wish I knew so I could help you out!

[@thunderrode1744]

Hi whatcha up to hope all is well sending up prayers 4 healing and unspoken and 4 everyone and bless great healthy peaceful safe journeys travels and happy camping and happy day everyday in name of the Creator God and Yeshua/ Jesus and the Holy Ghost Amen much honor and respect keep walking tall always and keep praying and keep on keeping on pushing forward one step at a time and cool cool video and wow ur tiny cabin/cmpr wow awesome job very cool 🚌🌅🌌⛺🌄🏞🏖 👍👍💪🙂👍👍

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@ADPGlobalNews-p2g]

That is cool, and to make it by yourself? it's even better.

[@TheWoodsyWoman]

Thank you for your kind words! I did make by myself and it was sweet!