Want to Build A TRUCK BED Camper?? - Here's HOW!

Here is the full build of my truck cap camper compiled from start to finish! Hope it helps you to build your very own truck bed camper!
If anyone is interested this very truck is actually for sale! (See link). I plan to use the money to start a new build soon so hit subscribe to see the next build! Or help support my next build by checking out my website.
marketplace/...
Here is the full build of my truck cap camper compiled from start to finish! Hope it helps you to build your very own truck bed camper!
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Help support my work here - www.mainely-outdoors.com
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Materials used:
Kregs pocket hole screws: amzn.to/3oUnGpV
Drawer guides: amzn.to/3nSA887
Hinges: amzn.to/2XLjeOl
Roller Catch: amzn.to/3nMXRqk
Pre stain: amzn.to/38T7Tlz
Stain: amzn.to/3qpScbx
Lacquer: amzn.to/3bMtAFH
Tools used:
Kregs pocket hole jig: amzn.to/2KmipZ1
Circle saw: amzn.to/3nTd1u0
Rip saw: amzn.to/39ERYGz
Drill: amzn.to/3bRq8JZ
Dremel: amzn.to/2XO32vB
Carpenters Square: amzn.to/39AnS7e
Ruler: amzn.to/3nS5H26
Measuring tape: amzn.to/3nRHh8R
Belt Sander: amzn.to/38RTdTF
Sandpaper: amzn.to/2LYlwXA
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Follow me on:
INSTAGRAM:
mainelyoutdoors18
+
mainely.flies
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Contact me: Gmail: [e-mail]

[@freedomtowander]

The fact that you cut everything by hand, that alone deserves 10k likes! And you mentioned your new to woodworking? Your doing pretty damn good noob! I’ve been a carpenter for 15 years, I just eyeballed everything on my build! Great job!!!!

[@tonoy1956]

OMG THANK YOU!!!!! THANKS SO MUCH NICE BUILD😊 I HAVE A 2022 CHEVROLET COLORADO SHORT BED...WISH ME LUCK I AM 67 YEARS OLD... LOVE THIS❤😂

[@civstu]

Your soundtrack is awesome. No music, all building sounds. I wish more people would do that.

[@rosswallace2969]

Props to not giving up after day 1 with that hand saw

[@kkingquad]

For real. What a champ! I was about to offer my circular saw, lol

[@ilovefriedrice9891]

i stopped watching as soon as he pulled out the hand saw to cut striaghtlines when he had a skill saw lol

[@Gauge1LiveSteam]

As a woodworker, I think you did a great job. Hand tools, cold weather. Turned out great.

[@freedomtowander]

And he said he’s new to woodworking! But it looks like he has some cad experience… so he isn’t as inexperienced as we may have thought. 😊

[@later2672]

Great job with what you had to use. I bought jigsaw, dremel, old vibrating sander off Facebook market place the guy had all three tools for $20. I purposely bought them after watching this the first time. Prior to my build. Thanks for the advice. Also borrowed the neighbors hole jig, definite game changers. He saw me working and brought it over. I have very little wood working skills also. One thing the old guy next door suggested was to use small amount of wood glue on the pieces you know are not going to be removed. I use my Ford F-150 as a daily driver. Again thanks for video. I took a bit longer. Haha.

[@andyb921]

Dude, making a video of this had to take you forever. Much appreciated such a hands on vid bro. I’m inspired and about to do the same.

[@64maxpower]

I'm a carpenter and my opinion is your build came out Aces 10. Great job!

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Wow, thanks! I was definitely happy with it. the drawers gave me a headache thought 😂

[@Adam-jx7eq]

AWSOME build. Only thing I would change I'd the height of bed. Need to be able to sit on it without hitting head on roof of topper.

[@theguyinmaine]

Great job for what tools you had. When I was building homes, you would have had a job, no problem. I would have bought you a Bosch jig saw. One thing just for future reference, when you drill through with the speed bore, as soon as the tip goes through, start drilling from that side. It won't splinter the wood when coming through.

[@Dunton_Freelance]

Yo great to see more in Maine now

[@riverrightoutdoors]

Looked like a fun project. Great job on the build.

[@gov683]

Great job, good skills especially since first time, looks sturdy, comfortable, functional and 👍professional

[@davidcarter9144]

Awesome build.

[@lineupfunding]

Lots of great tips. Thanks for sharing!

[@burlmapleleafs]

Wicked job Great video and advice Thanks

[@roypaulcarter4654]

Very nice looks comfortable.

[@chrisdolin1859]

Bro you are awesome..!!!! Love the hand saw..!!!!!

[@EyesMindOpen]

I love it! Great video and I will have to binge now as a new subscriber. I love the fact you made the "counter space" higher than the bed.

[@donutdude7561]

Amazing build I’m sooo inspired

[@onthepath501]

I'm a Floridian and I'm freezing just looking at that lmao

[@gregmason6824]

Well done!

[@skullcrusher0328]

Great job. Jess

[@nflmanjs]

Awesome build Sir, enjoyed watching start to finish. Happy camping.

[@ryanreeder5897]

To each their own for sure but I appreciate your ingenuity towards a system that best fits you. Good video and thanks.

[@jeeprubicon6650]

Great job. I liked what you said about just doing things in order to learn. Don’t be afraid of mistakes. We learn from our mistakes, and I’m a genius.

[@wushock92]

Impressive build. I even subbed to the channel, partly because I have a brother that lives in Maine now. Happy Camping

[@ruckuswethepeep4384]

Brother you did a good job. Making it work with what you got.

[@wildbrookies]

Very nice job Jess!! Amazing video for us all too! I wish I had done something like this back in the day. Thank you! Yet again! Love all your vids man!

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Glad you enjoyed it! I've actually got a band new build filmed just need to edit it. I got a new truck and needed to make a another build. I'll have a video out soon explaining what happened to the old one.

[@macsmith2092]

I really want to do something like this in my truck. Thanks for sharing!

[@peteowens3033]

Cool! I have a similar size of truck, bed length and camper top so this is helpful. Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@Living-on-a-Lake]

You make it look easy.

[@Kiwifella]

Awesome video currently kitting out my Ford Ranger thanks for the ideas and tips!

[@CampingRuss]

Very impressive buddy great job I know you put tons of work into that video I passed it on to a friend of mine that’s looking at building something in the back of his truck it will definitely help him out for not doing a lot of woodworking great job ok 👌🏼🔥🤠🔥Camping Russ out

[@stephaniesimmons-ashorobi3314]

A wonderful detailed build. Thank you for the education.

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Yooper05]

Great job. Hope you are enjoying.

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Thanks I was but i've actually got a new build coming out in a week. The old truck was getting to rusted and unreliable

[@minnesoso]

i really appreciate your pacing, and comprehensive approach. well done and thank you for sharing.

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Glad it was helpful!

[@barrydeacon3551]

Very good build!!!! You have lots of storage with easy access. Helps when shell is higher👍 Good start: still have insulating? Curtains? Wiring? Heat source for cooking/sleeping? Be nice to see final build👍B Deacon Manitoba Canada 🇨🇦

[@leobrotherton2398]

Great job. I personally like your explanation on all the details Very comprehensive and helpful. I was surprised that you didn't have a jigsaw. That would have been very helpful with many of those cuts. All the same really nice job. Thanks for sharing. 👍

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Me too probably should have picked one up but the saw was nice to warm me up 😂 glad you enjoyed it should have the new build up this week

[@bencuraza6503]

YOU Give me Hope that I could Possibly do Wood Work. Great Job‼️Thanks for Sharing‼️👍👍⬆️

[@mostee77]

Very nice work thank you very much for sharing

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Thanks Mostafa! I’ll have another new build out in a week or so

[@leijathomas1408]

Nice job. Hope I can do that someday.

[@BeasoreBilly]

Everyone I know who has built one of these sees it as a continually project. They are constantly adding, removing, or changing elements. I bet you will have some updates as you customize it. Nice start.

[@RobboElRobbo]

i have the exact truck and same style topper. thanks for the video!

[@MainelyOutDoors]

No problem 👍

[@user-my3ff5lj6m]

I like how you covered your license plate.

[@whitepineoutdoors2362]

Yes!

[@cherylperkins6253]

You did a great job!! I am considering transforming my SUV into a camper, this gave me some great ideas.

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Glad it was helpful!

[@AanMLCK88]

Persiapan yang begitu matang sekali, aku suka itu.

[@bduals207]

Everytime I watch one of these truck bed builds, makes me so happy I bought my 7.3 ford Excursion. 8x4 interior rear cabin. Id have a hard time sleeping in a 6ft bed. Came carpeted too no wheel wells no bs. Came with a bench seat I can turn into a bed. Speakers and heat in it too. Best part is when I pull up to the beach, the massive rear windows give me a great view. Also works great when I want to watch some traps from the road. Or I can seat 8. Plus when I fill up its cheaper then gas CURRENTLY and I get amazing MPG!

[@MainelyOutDoors]

That’s awesome might have to consider going that route on my next vehicle my buddy made a build in a 4Runner and it’s great but maybe a bit short

[@frh-freerangehuman]

Nice build out. Only thing I might consider is contact cementing the sheet metal to the wood to keep buckling down and also help keep food juices etc seeping under

[@MainelyOutDoors]

That’s a good point

[@lalo2641]

Thanks! good ideas

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Glad it helped!

[@lalo2641]

@@MainelyOutDoors working on a side box to put weed eater and trimmer

[@mabooo256]

You deserve more subscribers great job 👏 👍🔫

[@GlixDesigns]

I would have used that piece of foam you used to cut and a area rug to make the floor space more comfortable

[@robertc.petersonjr.7877]

resistant., you should GLUE then SCREW. To hold/ keep the boxes together. I also suggest GLIDERS for the slide in/out drawers. Lots easier that way.

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Probably but it held up fine for the last three years. I sold it now and will have a new build out in a week or so

[@charlesschroeder2252]

I m just getting started on my build out. Yours is great. Doesn't all that 3/4 plywood add a lot of weight? Does it affect handling and mileage?

[@user-zi7ov4dz6i]

nice video. what did you do to prevent leaks where the cap meets the truck bed

[@area351]

Love the concept. Not sure why you used the hand saw so much instead of the circular saw?

[@SamSam-ke9zy]

You can cut out the top over the pull out drawer so you have access when the hatchback is down. Just a suggestion. But the lid doesn't have to be full size, maybe 80% of the drawer.

[@MainelyOutDoors]

That’s a cool idea!

[@melissacarson9047]

I just threw a futon in the bed of my pickup. Storage in low profile totes underneath. Sofa and bed (for 2) in one. Bungee cord keeps it from sliding around. Boom, done.

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Nice! Thats a great way to get going!

[@Psalm144.1]

The floor does add some insulation too.

[@lweleven3423]

UK truck beds in the UK are only just over 4ft so we are unable to do this to trucks , wish I could do this , only choice is roof rent or ground tent or trailer which is a pain

[@AndrewGrey22]

I've been trying to move to Maine forever but I am on SSI and can't afford it. And I don't vote like New York does. Maybe some day.

[@dirkbogarde7796]

failing makes you a wiser and humbler human being. It enriches you, wether you appreciate it or not. Failing is part of growing and reflecting upon our actions. 🕉

[@RBG-tr9ce]

What would stop me is all that snow ! I'm from central Texas, when it snows I don't go outside except to get firewood. The only thing I'd do different is park closer to the shop so I wouldn't have to walk back and forth so far.

[@gus473]

Formerly lived in NE Tarrant County, and Texas ice storms are much worse than a few inches of dry, fluffy snow and 10° F weather up North! 😎✌️

[@SteveBottoms]

Has you thought about or had any wear issues of the platform/box edges against the metal frame of the truck bed? That's my only concern about building something in-bed... Thanks!

[@airlandsea]

I see you are selling this but can you do the one year update first? I'd love to know what you would do differently now. I'm in the process of building my own topper\camper and I like a lot of your interior layout and function. Sorry to see it go but assume something better is coming.

[@Hard_7_Iron]

Hmmm not a blue print. A CAD model. But it looks creative. I see the weather helped you out. I shoulda bought a longer bed. 😮

[@unknownindividual731]

You mentioned leaving the grooves in the floor open so any rainwater that gets in could still drain out at the tailgate. But after you're all done, how are you going to go back and seal the underside of that floor that will be exposed to that moisture. Just asking for a friend.

[@tylerfarmer8806]

Idk why I thought you already had put these in a single video. Either way it’s still a good video the second go round. Hope you can get the F150 up and going with a build here soon

[@MainelyOutDoors]

I did but I still go questions about where the rest were so I figured I’d put this one out there since I already put in all the work. I’ve got a plan for the new build just need a cap still

[@sturobinson742]

I have been looking at different builds for the past couple of months. My goal is to be able to spend a couple of days with my grandchildren when they go camping (they are ok with it) Ha Ha. I also plan to take a stealth trip each year to visit my children and my other grandchildren and their extended families in Illinois. I purchased a 2016 Chevy Colorado two years ago, actually NOT with this project in mind. Here's my big challenge.. The bed is only 5.00 ft long and I need to find a topper. I looked at cab over slide in's but even the stripped down ones for a 5 foot bet were expensive. So back to my project. Did you get around to doing a video with all your "stuff" on board. I will be really interested in that.. Thanks again for your most interesting build it is one that I at 77 think I can handle. Regards Stu

[@MainelyOutDoors]

I think that will be a great use of your truck. Working with the 5' bed might be difficult so id actually recommend building more of a solid platform rather than the segments to give you room to lay horizontally. Here is the over view of my build kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqndYYFuZtyVf80

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Good luck! what ever you end up with im sure you'll enjoy the freedom that a truck camper offers and a great way to go visit your family!

[@sturobinson742]

@@MainelyOutDoors Thanks for your comments. I begin my project next month. I need your wishes of good luck.

[@chriswatkins6222]

Personally I would have some cubbies on the passenger side to maximize space cuz there is about a 3-4” left in the back right corner

[@michaeldrupp5870]

Great job considering you're not a carpenter and used a handsaw. I'd have bought a cheap jigsaw after 1 cut.

[@andyb9994]

I dont care how old you are NO sympathy!!!! The cop handled that well 💯

[@buckchase1]

it seemed in one of your vids, that something happened to your GMC, and I think you said that you'd tell that story later. Do tell, as I have one like it.

[@homesteadedman4784]

Nice build. What cad program are you using? Thanks

[@2onthehunt]

It looks to me like sketchup.

[@MR_JESTER556]

Is this all 3/4 inch plywood?

[@blueschild61]

How long does it take to remove if you want to do some truck stuff?

[@jacobb6313]

What software are you using to design?

[@seancosgrove792]

I've been told it's impossible to keep water out of a truck bed. Won't all that wood mildew?

[@kevinthomson6324]

How far is the hardware store. The time you spent making just some of those cuts without a jig saw you could have went and bought one and still finished faster.

[@freedomtowander]

If ya don’t hate her you lacquer😂

[@jenniferbrissey3228]

🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@jeromeknasinski3862]

How much weight did you add with all that heavy plywood?

[@MainelyOutDoors]

it was about 200-300 pounds

[@johnswanson3741]

Guess it is ok if you are only going to be sleeping in the back. There is no room to move around if you are in the back with someone else. Hope you didn't make the mistake of building it for a 5' 6'' long box!

[@TaterChip91]

"Today we're going to be building a camper that many have been banned from competition."

[@kandacepatterson7965]

Wonder how much it weigjed?

[@MainelyOutDoors]

It was about 230 pounds I believe probably could have got away with using 1/2 sheets

[@kandacepatterson7965]

@@MainelyOutDoors thank you so much..sorry about my typing and spelling..it was late at night.

[@MainelyOutDoors]

​@@kandacepatterson7965 No worries Im dyslexic so I hardly noticed 😂

[@elskeletor3566]

The great thing about this is you can get rid off most of your Bills by living in your Truck.

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Very true!

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Pays its self off fast when you dont ned hotels as well

[@carolxavier4388]

Why no insulation on floor?

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Not sure. never even crossed my mind actually. I just had a bigger sleeping bag when need It. Not sure it it would have done much with how much heat was lost with the windows but it wouldn’t have hurt thats for sure.

[@kennyrogersrocks]

you certainly could of used that foam you were using to cut on for the floor

[@Auxbeam]

Hi Do you need some great lighting for your car to help you better driving, off-road. We're the pro auto lighting manufacturer for nearly 20 year and we're looking for sponsorship!

[@drivanivan]

I'm confused why are you cutting almost everything with a hand saw if you have a table saw?

[@MainelyOutDoors]

it wasn’t functioning quite right and the guide was bent so it pinched everything I put thought it. Probably could have used it but I felt more comfortable with he saw

[@lucasm2741]

This thing is very very heavy

[@peterpiper487]

Why do truck camper builders always put most of the weight on the driver's side of the truck? Be careful taking a left turn at high speed is all I can say. Shouldn't the weigt be on the opposite side of the driver instead of the same side? He gets into the cab to drive and puts even more weight on the same side. It's a very nice build, looks great. I'm just concerned about weight distribution.

[@davidschlarp1606]

Wait so you had a skill saw the whole time?🤦🏻‍♂️

[@puddlesjumper]

Way too much weight & too thick plywood in my opinion. Better to frame it out in 2x2 cover everything in quarter inch plywood reduce your weight by a couple hundred pounds which translates into gasoline and truck maintenance cost. The money you'd save on the wood you could have bought yourself a jigsaw or two or three. LMAO. Anywhere you need a drawer slide run a 2x4.

[@MainelyOutDoors]

I mean it’s a pick up 😂

[@kennyrogersrocks]

hope you got a few bucks from this video to invest in some basic tools... a good ol' $40 jigsaw from crappy tire would of saved you alot of effort and time.

[@MainelyOutDoors]

I’m stubborn 😂

[@damonpearson3034]

i'll send you a cheap jigsaw. It pains me to watch you put hundreds of bucks into that build without spending $35 on a cheap jigsaw.

[@katiejames9864]

Dude do you know they make power saws these days.

[@petebradt]

At 68, that's too much work. I'll carpet the shell, add some insulation under the carpeted roof, and BUY these things. At 68, time is of the essence and this takes too much fucking time. Besides, wood weighs too much.

[@dirkbogarde7796]

Respect. this would be too complex for me. 🪵 🇺🇸 🤲