3 DIY Truck Camper Builds - Review & Guide
Hello, my DIY truck camper friends!
Prior to Shaka (my Sprinter van), I owned a 4x4 Tacoma for two years. At that time I experimented quite a bit with the best ways to make the truck livable out of a camper shell. I built 3 different DIY builds and also tried a roof tent. Each had its pros and cons… all very functional but very different tradeoffs.
To avoid what I did, designing and building three different campers - find below a breakdown on each and a guide on how to build one for yourself.
Single Cabinet (Build # 1)
A simple bed and a one-sided cabinet with a sliding countertop for access from the outside.
PROS
Fully sit up & hang out
Organizes essentials
Sleeps anywhere
CONS
Minimal Storage
Narrow Bed (Tight for 2)
Overview: This design is best for a weekend warrior who values hanging out in the back of their camper. In my opinion, this works best if you have a double cab, as more gear can be stored in the back seats. My guess is if you have a single cab or access cab, this would be tight on storage and if you used the space in the bed for storage you will be constantly moving gear just to lay in bed - which is not convenient, but doable. Just something to consider.
The reason I first built this as is is that I wanted to be able to chill in the back and not just lay down. The reason I moved to a new design is that I wanted more integrated storage and somewhere to leave my surfboards.
Platform with Pull Out Drawer & Two Cabinets
(Build #2)
Platform with a pull out drawer/ surfboard storage, and two cabinets with outside access.
CONS
Lack of flexibility
Permanent Structure
Can’t sit up
PROS
Sleep anywhere
Zero Setup
Organization
Overview: This design is best for a full-timer or weekend warrior looking for maximum storage with maximum accessibility. This was designed for a shell with windoors, but could be modified for one without by making the accessibility interior facing for the cabinets. You also can modify the drawer to full size if you don’t have surfboard storage requirements.
I built this design for maximum storage and outdoor living capability. The reason I moved to a new design is that I wanted to have a larger bed, extra sleeping for friends and more versatile storage (to haul things outside of outdoor gear when not in use).
I put together a 14 page PDF build guide on this build, just enter your email below and I’ll email you the PDF!
ROOF TENT & Platform with drawer (Build #3)
CONS
Roof Tent Requires Setup
Gas Mileage
PROS
Best Basecamp
Most Versatility
Most Storage
Overview: This was my favorite design of them all and perhaps the most simple. In my opinion it was the best basecamp when set up and offered maximum flexibility, storage and accessibility. In the big pull out drawer I’d always have my camp kitchen essentials, and use the other half as a pantry. Extra gear was stored in bins that I could put on top of the platform when it was time to go. I also would put my Yeti Cooler in the back, which opened up the back seats for more people or other gear. I would leave my mattress pad inside in case I needed to sleep in town. When fully set up, this build was a bunk bed (two beds) and an excellent camp kitchen. Versatile and comfortable.
I hope that helps you in your DIY truck camper building! As always, let me know if you have any questions and if you enjoyed it, feel free to leave a comment!
-Ryan