Ultimate DIY 4 Season Truck Bed Camper | My Chevy Silverado Truck Bed Camper with Propane Heater

Walkthrough of my heated 4-season truck bed camper setup. This DIY setup was designed for simplicity and comfort with options to sleep 1 or 2 people. I go over the project motivation, selection of truck topper, modifications made to the truck, the camper furniture and layout, the Propex HS2000 heater setup, and misc ramblings.
Drop a comment if you want more videos detailing specifics of this build.
Follow my photography page over at:
/ calebplumleephotography

[@fire58372001]

Hi there Caleb, I saw your vid. I used to have a '95 Chevy Silverado that I drove in 48 states & 2 foreign countries. I've been truck camping since the mid 80's. Here's what I've learned & I'll pass them on to you. Some of this you may already have, do, or know about. 1) Get stuff you need at a camping store for backpacking. It's small, compact, & light weight. 2)Get splash guards for your truck. It'll help keep you & your rig clean. They work. I know. 3) When parking for the night, park headlong into the wind. That way if a storm comes you won't have to worry about a side wind ripping off your camper shell. Plus, if anything comes bouncing towards the truck, since you have a slimmer profile, it might miss you. If it does hit, the front of the truck is reinforced. Also, when cooking you're in the lee & the wind will blow the smoke & odors out of your rig. 4) Use bug spray on the interior doors & windows/ screens openings to help keep bugs out. Use wasp & hornet spray around & on your tires to help keep critters out. Basically, all points of contact on the ground. 5) An inch is a lot of room. Learn how to stack & get used to sand & dirt. Use floor mats to put your shoes on too 6)Air out your sleeping area every morning or often. In an enclosed space the air gets stale. 7)Use a small fan to circulate the air in your sleeping area. This will help prevent hot & cold spots from forming & help prevent condensation & mold & mildew from forming. 8)Use a solid hooded sweatshirt. Draw the hood tight when you sleep to help encapsulate body heat. It can double as a pillow/ dirty clothes holder/ gear carrier etc. I hope this helps. Great vid, thanks for sharing. Drive safe. 🤠

[@cordell6937]

I’m a 61 yo newbe planning on a tri-state pheasant hunt in December. I know it can get real cold in Montana and the Dakota’s so all tips are appreciated.🤠

[@MSWcryptoworker]

Amazing info and I’m an old woman going to be traveling in my truck.

[@tom_olofsson]

Simple design well executed. Thanks for sharing.

[@tom_olofsson]

5’11” and 185# is a normal sized American. You can probably buy clothes right off the rack at any store you walk into. Tall and fat guys can not.

[@bluesteelworx]

I had a 2011 chevy truck like yours. It had a spot for a 2nd battery under the hood which I put in and ran an inverter off of. I also put a disconnect switch on the ground cable to isolate the 2nd battery and not drain the main battery. When it got low I just started the truck and turned the switch on to charge the second battery. Worked great.

[@brettelizabethspore]

Would love to see more about your sealing process for the truck topper. And your heat system.

[@Terry4413]

Nice build! The thing I didn't see was a smoke, CO, gas leak detector. In that small space things go bad very quickly. It would be $50 well spent and could save your life.

[@calebplumleeoutdoors]

I have one installed now to be extra safe. I'll go over it at some point!

[@petergiers8515]

P

[@rjohnson5120]

Yeah, CO was the first thing that came to my mind. I know nothing about those heat exchangers but a tube leak or contaminated make up air would spell the end. So would a fire. Two CO monitors of different brands and meticulous maintenance and regular leak checks would be mandatory for me. I'd look into a catalytic heater, gypsum board fireproofing, and down comforter. Save the heater for the morning when you wake up.

[@jwall62]

Mr Buddy's are not dangerous, but they do produce moisture.

[@drcoolit]

very useful video -- I have an ARE too (w/ side doors, barn-door back doors (no tailgate) -- I like your setup and I think I'll use this as a design to use for my own topper! equally useful in this video is your report of how well this works as temp lodging -- I live in MS but have property in ND -- ca 1600 miles between these points. having something like this would almost make the cost for diesel fuel (for the truck engine) almost free (if based on possibly 5 nights motel lodging). you're right though about the Propex HS2000 -- they aren't cheap.

[@MotherMartini]

Yes! He said "mini hotel room"! That's what I did with my rig since comfort is not to be ignored. Thanks Caleb

[@chrislivesinreality8245]

You can get a much cheaper diesel "parking heater" that works the same way ( heat exchange), and it will run off a very small amount of less flammable diesel instead of propane.

[@Jammer411]

Best most educational video I've ever seen on truck cap living. Thank you.

[@calebplumleeoutdoors]

Wow! That's very flattering! Thank you.

[@flowersafeheart]

You weren't rambling. It's your channel so you get to talk about whatever you want. This is super valuable content many of us would love to hear more about. For one thing, I really appreciate the bed having size options where it can essentially be a couch too. And that you sealed the topper to the truck. One suggestion is changing bed top to slats or other shape for air flow cause that helps prevent mold under mattress.

[@OleGuy55]

Your mindset for usage, no need to be a cabinetmaker, and safe operation, I find to be “spot-on. Covered the basics, warm, dry and safe. Time & usage will reveal further things we can spend for. 😀

[@steveparr7816]

I've watched a lot of truck topper builds, really like your design. And the extra boards for nightstand/extra bed space seems very handy to have. Nice job and thanks for the video.

[@rossfornaro5912]

You can hook up the battery to the truck with a selonoid. It will charge only when the ignition is on. Great build thanks 😊

[@Shilohii65]

One small thing to consider. Your 2/3 and 1/3 removable floor/extended bed portion. On the rails, had you cut an angled slot in the top rail on both sides, slightly back from the front of the truck bed, and added a small stopper piece of wood low on each side, the piece which you refer to as your night stand would become an angled back for reclining, which might be good for reading on a day when you’re waiting out a rain storm, or waiting for a sunrise or moon rise, etc. Something other than lying flat or sitting upright. Just a thought for flexibility.

[@calebplumleeoutdoors]

Now that right there is a fantastic idea!! 👏

[@scottsimpkins350]

Your bed pillow makes a nice back rest too😂

[@exrhodie1234]

Outstanding video, thanks! I'd love to see a video on how you set up the heater. That setup looks amazing. I have my F150 set up in a similar way also with the ARE shell, but still use the Mr. Heater Buddy but it causes a ton of condensation. Great job!

[@newlifely7849]

A bed and heat that wont potentially kill you while your sleeping. Awesome e set up.

[@MR_JESTER556]

If you are worried about draining your truck battery by hooking up your auxiliary battery to the truck, you could look into a battery isolator, I believe is what they are called. It basically allows your battery to be charged by the alternator while the truck is running, while at the same time preventing the system from drawing power from the main battery.

[@calebplumleeoutdoors]

Thanks! I did look into this since you suggested it... kinda... I quickly decided it was more than I wanted to deal with for the moment. I may start investigating again this spring though!

[@jakespeed23]

Thank you for the vid this was the most helpful camper build for my needs that I have seen so far.

[@gwgrote5]

This is a simple yet brilliant build-out. Thx for taking the time to show us. Happy Camping! 😎

[@fredberres2516]

Like some others, I’d like to see some exact dimensions for your build. Just a pencil sketch with measurements would do. Awesome build!

[@troycummins4819]

Awesome DIY Caleb and the heat exchanger setup is nothing short of brilliant. You were not rambling; you were explaining your work in great detail - thanks for sharing.

[@twodogstudiomt]

You could put your nightstand board in front of you when you’re sitting and you can have a table/desk

[@RolandoNispiros]

Love the heater setup.

[@freddyperezmusicentertainment]

Great video, simple, well in a way, but simpler than most, thank you !!

[@garyhoward2490]

Well done. Only th ing I would change, is the twin bed. I have a very similar set up, but with a queen mattress, that pulleys up to the ceiling. Easy, and tons of room to carry stuff. Only drawback is, I have to unload stuff, to lower the bed. But.... I have an EZ up cube, to move stuff into. Sets up in a few minutes, and provides a lot of space. We are dirt bike people, and like our set up. It's so much better when you can get out to the boonies, and still have a comfy bed, for two. 😉

[@matthewlockhart3226]

I really enjoyed the video and your build. I have a similar mindset as far as camping and just getting out there. Unfortunately I have to drive 4-5 hours to get anywhere that's good for camping, kayaking, backpacking, etc, so a set up like yours would enable me to get to where I want to be and still have a nice place to sleep before starting the adventure. Yeah, I'd be interested to seeing some more about the specifics of your build.

[@rwrootbeer]

Organized clean build very nice and nicely done 👍

[@johnvsf]

Nice setup. Thanks for sharing!

[@02051970sonny]

Sweet build like the place for fishing rods. And the heater

[@stevesmith-sp8xv]

I would definitely be interested in a build video. I've went from a "desktodirtbag" build to a bed platform with under bed storage. Looking to build a short cabinet.

[@gary-fp8rw]

I like everything you done. I would like to see more. Thank you for this video.

[@robertparker3580]

nice setup,that heater looks nice,the whole layout. looks great!

[@rubberdiscoduck]

This is a great video really help me a lot especially the heater part

[@gorillahd9247]

Excellent video and a well thought out setup.

[@YoungGunzBass01]

I like it. Well thought out. Not too complicated.

[@MarioTheMusicMan]

Hey Caleb, this is a great build. It’s well thought out and practical. I’m building a similar one for my truck this weekend. Thanks for the walk through of your setup.

[@justinshorb2897]

This is perfect. Definitely interested in doing this in my own Silverado!

[@johnnyd676]

Excellent setup, I plan to build one very similar. Its a perfect layout and design. I love it, Thank you , thumbs up buds.

[@calebplumleeoutdoors]

Thanks! I'm thrilled every time it helps!

[@hellobobby]

Simple yet effective. Loved the video -- great job on the build.

[@calebplumleeoutdoors]

Thanks!

[@carlmartin6166]

Awesome job,liked the simple layout and propane heater idea.also loved your photography,safe,enjoy,and tight lines

[@calebplumleeoutdoors]

Aww! I love it when anyone finds and enjoys my photos! Thanks for checking it out!

[@ajsmotorcyclingstuff1110]

Great job! Thanks for sharing.

[@navymark101]

Looks great my friend. As I type this I'm making plans to go to Home Depot today so I can start the build. I have a RAM 2500 with a LEER Topper and I'll be doing something like you did. Thanks for sharing.

[@wileytw55]

Nice job. I've been watching a ton of vids about doing this, taking ideas from all. Really like the idea of a heater. I'd like to be able to sleep in ski area parking lots so I can ski on the cheap. Fellow Montanan!

[@bucklundie]

Nice setup and heater system.

[@rachelleigh20]

Appreciate these videos. Thank you!

[@darillfow]

NIce if I was you I would do it all over again and make it more nicer since you got the experience of how it works now. I would try to at least relocate that propane to the back of the truck connecting it on the outside. If you see some of the outlander vehicles and get the ideas of the propane strap on the outside you'll see what I mean. Fix the heater to where it will blow out on the side and not on the top, you need the space on table, unfortunately your heater is taking up your table spot. I like the bed, the bed is good. Might want to invest in pure shine battery so you don't ruined your engine battery. Just throwing some ideas out there. Have a good day my friend, thanks for the wonderful video! :)

[@perrythorvig6446]

Slick heater setup.

[@Shilohii65]

Great ideas all around. I’m going to reference your heater suggestions/ideas, as they are the best yet.

[@Lowlitstudio]

Great video. I've rennoed a bus, with heat and solar and I lived in it two years. Just sold it, and I'm back to pick up truck livin

[@Kiwifella]

nice setup this is the design ive now chosen to do works great!! awesome work im about to kit out my Ford Ranger

[@robwainwright5387]

Great setup, I am also one that likes a basic setup. I have a VW T5 transporter powered by a 2.5 lit 5 cylinder diesel. I've been wanting to do a camping setup but mostly find very nice but heavy and too many things in the van. Yours is great, well done and thanks for the video. You have inspired me to do pretty much the same thing.

[@HBJFishing]

I’ve always wanted one of those.

[@taylorjackson7908]

Slick setup !

[@321southtube]

Great explanation, design and video

[@Quietshow]

Very nice build!

[@fred4513]

OUTSTANDING!!! That was not a ramble ! That was a education ! Could you please do a video in-depth on the heating system please ? Your topper is very much thought out and planned. Your knowledge shows in the build. Not just another bed and box build ! Thank You for posting it ! 👍👍👍

[@buttscooter420]

This is exactly what I'm looking to build! Would love to see how you built it!

[@calebplumleeoutdoors]

Will do!

[@mikeelder6298]

Put a fan in there, circulate the heat. It'd not only be more efficient, but also a more even temperature.

[@calebplumleeoutdoors]

A fan isn't a bad idea, but the Heather's forced airflow does a pretty good job at circulating already!

[@MIDNIGHTSUNALASKA]

I like the heat exchanger.

[@Marx-Lennon]

This is a great video. Thank you for posting. I would love to see a more in depth vid about how you sealed it or just a more in depth video in general. Love the lay out. I plan on doin this to my Colorado.

[@calebplumleeoutdoors]

I'm planning on it! I'm just terrible at getting vids out. I didn't expect anyone to find this one! 😳

[@user-hw6hb4rk9t]

Interesting, and a good idea.

[@CleoCoal]

Just found your channel liked and subscribed. Always looking for ideas for my build yours is nice and simple.

[@danielbortner9646]

Thank you for the info , I for one would like to see a video in great detail about the battery and heater set up , thanks again!

[@wastelandwarrior9738]

Dude i get this is a year old video but its amazing. Im now getting everything i need to build mine. I have. A Z71 im gonna build like this. Thanks!!

[@Zoofactory]

Michigan welcomes you - Both Peninsulas!!

[@cheewaiwan2269]

Good job 👍👌😊

[@edwardmorell612]

Great build. I would love to see how you sealed everything. I’ve never been able to get mine to seal completely, and I’m getting tired of water leaking in.

[@michaellind3653]

use a lot of structural caulking, and I mean a lot, saturate what you are going to seal to and the part that will be added then make sure you see caulk oozing out all the way around, if you don't, that means you have a spot that lacks caulk. I used to build commercial window and wall units and that is how we guaranteed our windows didn't leak.

[@wctyre49]

That is a very nice set up you have,my intention is to build a similar set up in my own truck.But I do want the high top cap .

[@Adam-jx7eq]

Solar to charge your battery. That way your always charged up on sunny days. Or have switch to charge house battery while driving. And turn off when parked so you don't drain your truck battery. Also to mention Chinese Diesel heaters work really well. At very low cost. And there pretty cheap.

[@frankfijer3531]

I like it very simple set up .I'm from philippine

[@terryqueen3233]

Very nice and simple build. It doesn't get much better than that. I just found this channel because I'm looking for certain or different ways to set up the back of a truck as I am getting close to doing mine. I love the way you set this up it's very simple and looked as you know I said looked pretty easy. I would like to know how you did your power and your heater. I like that heater I have see where a lot of people have been using diesel heaters and I really do not like the smell of diesel and I they say you don't smell it but I know that I would so you've done yours with propane and I would like to know the cost and show me the installation and that goes the same for battery and electronics installation. I know this was 9 months ago and I looked down through your videos and didn't see where you have made one yet. I'm sorry but I ramble on the way you do when I'm doing a comment so bear with me. I am planning on getting an ion battery and having a solar panel to keep it charged when it is setting and I would like for it to charge that battery when I'm driving. I'm actually planning on living in this truck full time. Since my wife has passed away 3 years ago I just don't need this big 3-bedroom house anymore and I used to before I met my wife live out of a backpack and I know you know how that feels so living out of the back of a truck would be luxury compared to that, plus you're a little more mobile. Before I met my wife that is basically how I lived. In my younger years I walked all the way across United States and now I'm 71 I don't believe I can do that again, LOL. So I really would like to see how you did the Heat and the power. You said you were an engineer so you may be able to help me out with the solar. If you don't want to show how you built yours as far as heat-and-power goes just let me know and I'll keep looking. Sorry this was so long but I had a lot to say. Think about it. Stay vigilant!

[@FreedomToRoam86]

I've never seen that kind of heater just running off propane, only diesel. Thanks for sharing, bro - Definitely going to look into that for my next truck!

[@calebplumleephotography]

It's a bit more expensive up front, bit it's been worth it to me!

[@Jks-rx4ov]

@@calebplumleephotography do you have a link for the heater?

[@calebplumleephotography]

@@Jks-rx4ov I cannot seem to get it linked, but if you search for: Propex HS2000 You will find it!

[@MadDogg2023]

Look just like the heater that was in my semi sleeper bed.

[@chriswhite2151]

You could fold the front window of the topper down to horizontal and use it for a dining table!

[@calebplumleeoutdoors]

Not a bad idea? Maybe I'll show my "dining table" arrangement in another video!

[@derdooshen1955]

would love to see video on sealing

[@MrBluoct]

Great set up and presentation! Thanks! So… When’s The Next Update? 🤙

[@CowboyTroysatx]

awesome video ! I wanna see more ! I wanna see more about the 3D printing you mentioned and about preparing for a trip like that. also I want you to make some fishing videos ! that'd be cool 😎 Keep doing what you're doing !

[@calebplumleeoutdoors]

I didn't do 3d "printing" for this build, but I did MODEL it in 3d... maybe I should make a video about that!??

[@calebplumleeoutdoors]

Also... you wanna see fishing vids!? I'd be up for that!

[@seymourwrasse3321]

I have been looking for a topper like that, they are almost as hard to find as a unicorn, I would eve get a service style one with the back doors, also hard to find and screaming expensive. The biggest hard part of getting a used topper is, when I was a young man there was a long bed and a short bed, a fleet side and a flare side, and all were basically the same dimensions. now every truck size is different and companies change size with every new model . So you got lucky, great set up

[@calebplumleeoutdoors]

It's sooo hard to find used ones! Gotta get lucky! That was the hardest part by far!

[@sandyschneider6792]

I am very interested in how you sealed the truck topper. Thank you

[@sandyschneider6792]

Me too!

[@user-my3ff5lj6m]

Thanks for sharing Caleb. I would like to know how do you cook, wash your dishes, pots and pans and where do you use the bathroom!

[@breezyridgeranch]

I would like to see how you built the boxes and bed frame

[@kennethsalyers3809]

enjoyed your show going to check it out .

[@toffwood]

Great setup, thank you very much for showing us! Definitely interested in the software you're using and how you sealed the tailgate. I'm actually building something very similar right now 🙂

[@calebplumleeoutdoors]

Wow this video blew up... I will try to share more about the layout/planning/modeling!

[@emj159753]

Thanks for the detailed tour! I just bought a topper and want to replicate a build similar to yours. I am very interested in how you sealed the entire setup. The topper I bought (for $200!) has worn seals, so I'll have to replace all of them. I'll keep an eye out for more videos!

[@calebplumleeoutdoors]

I need to film more I think! Sealing was a bear and it's a common question. I'll work on it!

[@nivid01]

Good simple setup mate! Need to seal those roof rack brackets up ASAP mate before the roof carpet is completely rotted and destroyed!

[@outdoorstudios2022]

Hello thanks for sharing

[@FredHarris-du2pe]

Fold down window is also a makeshift table as well

[@mfranklin36]

Love the setup, I am just in the planning stage of my build, I am building out my 2015 Chevy Silverado crew cab. I did not even think of a heater but now I am. Could you go over how you routed the intake and exhaust a bit more as well as how you sealed the camper. Thankyou. Also how did you fill up the holds on the side of the bed just under the rails.

[@calebplumleeoutdoors]

Woah... this video blew up more than I thought it would! I'll make another to go into more detail

[@ern48]

Super nice camper build and well thought out. I would however cut off or change those long roof rack bolts and put plastic covers on the nuts, they'd make a heck of gouge in ones head (ouch!).

[@bobstewart4342]

I been looking for a heater, this seams good. I need to check into it.

[@cregp72]

Looks great looked to see if you had any follow up videos on this set sadly you haven’t made any hopefully you will.

[@wastelandwarrior9738]

Ikr wanted to see a update

[@leerodriguez902]

Thanks

[@dj-nr8nm]

tried the buddy heater, woke up fighting for air, don't do this, awesome build

[@dugrut1325]

the gas heater is a great idea, maybe better than the oil furnace but the cost is through the roof. $1200+ in Canada

[@tuckerandi]

New Subscriber here hoping to get a truck cap for my truck and doing something like this for quick on the fly camping for my dog and i , great build very pratical and useing the space great.

[@Hondalife]

Beast

[@MrKim-kv2vv]

I usually talk to much😂 Sweet set up. Exactly what I need for my Tacoma 🙋🏼 Revisited: your rack system on the cab, are you comfortable with the hold down system? I’ve seen videos where some (universal) racks fall off highway speeds…🤷🏼‍♂️

[@remingtonruger]

If you ever build another one, to attach things securely try Velcro... When I built mine I went down to the local hardware store and bought their most aggressive Velcro, and it worked great, I really did not want to drill holes in my truck bed so that's what I settled on... Just something to keep in mind...

[@calebplumleeoutdoors]

I didn't drill any holes at all to fasten the furniture in! I'll have to me a video showing how that works!

[@remingtonruger]

@@calebplumleeoutdoors I would love to see that...

[@rbljackson]

great video and concept. What I may have missed and am curious about is how did you secure it to the sides of the truck? I like the simplicity of it.

[@36PawsPNWC]

Great video!! Thank you for sharing. I would like to know how to set up the heater. Also, how about an air conditioner fir the summer. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your consideration. Enjoy and safe travels.

[@calebplumleeoutdoors]

More videos coming!

[@denahom]

Great build, you put a lot of thought into this. Where did you purchase your mattress? Also the heater? Thanks!

[@MSWcryptoworker]

I’d like very much if u could do a video on the intake and outtakes from the heater. Also could u provide details of the heaters manufacturer or distributor. Please.