DIY Truck Bed Camper Build Tour | Building A Truck Bed Camper In My Toyota Tacoma 

I've been reviewing diy builds for some time now. Must have seen >100. Yours is the closest I've seen to "the dream". The optional double bed is a must. Great job.

You can put a netted storage system on the ceiling of the topper there for extra clothes or things storage. Love the build man!

simple, clean, and functional. perfect build

This is great! I People over-estimate the importance of being able to stand, being able to sit up straight is what really matters. I love it

Carpet the interior to prevent condensation dripping on your face all night. Reflective insulation like windshield visor material cut to fit in the windows will block any light in or out if you need to be low key.

Run 12V power back there to charge your phone and other items, also a 12V or rechargeable LED light with a red light function will provide light at night without compromising your night vision. Nice build.

I dont want something like this, I need something like this. This is amazing.

Make sure to have a CO alarm and a fire extinguisher in there, especially is using that propane heater.

More and more people are moving to the foot space X double bed functionality! I must say, it's making me reconsider the double drawer system I currently use. Great vid and nice truck!

Love the setup!

I've been obsessed with these builds lately, This one is so cool! Love it.

So stoked I came across your vid. Not many old mini tacoma builds out there. I've got an 04 with the xtra cab as well. Most builds on youtube are the new bigger version, so it's nice to see how much space you can get out of the smaller 6 ft. bed. Great build! THX

most practical set up I've seen... great job😊

I have the same camper, LEER 122, but it's for my GMC Sierra 1500. I got it for a very cheap price, though it was sitting for a while and infested with brown recluse spiders, the exterior looks great after a solid wash and polish. I'm redoing and fixing everything now. Got rid of all the spiders, ripped all the old carpet, cleaned and sanitized. Tomorrow, I'll be adding new carpet, got it from home depot, pretty affordable stuff. When all that is done, I'll most likely work toward building something similar to what you have. Great video!

Very nice. A little late for this build, but on mine, I raised the bottoms of the drawers about 1/4 of an inch so the full bottom wasn't rubbing on the case. It reduced the friction by a ton.

Truck Bed Camper Build; I've watched quite a few of these over the years as I've got a 3/4 Ton, '96 Chevy LB pick-up, with a recent Leer Legend Camper Shell, and all in excellent condition. My comment is not about your build, but more about all those builds I've seen which are missing a critical component: a thin aluminum sheet that comes in a roll, like Aluminum Foil, but not found in your normal hardware store. It was shown/described on a RU-vid video I saw a few years ago by a home contractor. Sorry, but that's all I can remember to help you locate it. What I found so interesting in the video was that this "Aluminum Foil" like material reduced heating costs by more than 50% when installed in homes he built! So I thought this could help tremendously camping out in winter, Alaska, and more. A well-presented video by you on this subject.

I have the same build but for the storage /counter top side I added hinges to the top for easy access and an compartment above the wheel well too. The hinged top was super handy for easy access specially in the back. and middle sections.

Looks Good. For your mattress, if you have not already make a cover for it. Also I have found that a Thick yoga mat underneath it is a game changer. You could spray glue them together...and then make the cover. Just some thoughts but great start!

Truck builds are tricky. I've racked my brain on mine on so many designs. I had the bed sideways which was fine, but I like yours with the optional simple extensions. I like having a U shape to sit. I would consider copying your design with these changes: I'm not sure if I need a wood floor as I have just insulated truck bed with Kilt and I have a Bed Rug (Best money I spent.), that would reduce some weight. The bed frame I would have complete access from top with bed slates on a frame that can fold up, again that reduces weight. And I would do the same flip up design on the side table. Reason being, I will be living in it full time and cannot slide out cooking gear, et all. I have a pass through window (again, money well spent as I had dogs that would go back and forth, sadly, they have crossed the rainbow).I will be taking the back seat out of my double cab Chevy Silverado and that will have my cooler that I can reach through for items, my "Closet" (a bar with hanging clothes, cuz I'm a girl), and tools, (yes, girls like me like tools)...extra water, and a toilet, (separates smell from sleeping area,(I had a garlicky dinner once and whew!!!) and I can climb through for emergencies/get aways (not gracefully, but can be done). Thank you for the ideas, I was stuck cuz I let my imagination run a lil too wild, hehe.

Love your setup man. Really inspiring me to build one in my Tacoma

Rig hanging exterior brackets off the sides for exterior cook counters and a drop in sink. Then make a rain and sun tarp system rolled up on the side. Use telescoping painters poles to create an awning

I love your build probably going to try and mimic it. I'm a hiker and have always stayed in the backcountry, but I'm learning as I get older that setting a day aside to hit a campground for a hot shower is nice, or having the option to avoid a bad weather day isn't so bad. Thanks for sharing it's very cool.

I've got same 1998 Tacoma SR5 manual v6 & same bed shell topper (in forest green) w/3" lift, and exact same alloy wheels.. I do not want any other truck. Don't want a Ford, Ram or Silverado. I took off every decal and love the stealthy look.

Super clean setup, this is great! I'm very jealous of that tall bed topper.

The Tacomas from that time period are the best! I’ve had a couple and I miss them

Thanks for this video. I'm finalizing design for a quick conversion camper set up in my F-150 6,5 foot bed. Based on your video, I'll put a bench box all the way forward between my side boxes, and keep the bed fill-in piece on the floor. I'm using a tri fold mattress, which will prop-up across the front like a small couch on the forward bench box and side boxes. Love your simple cubbies. For your rear facing right side box opening, I'd just add a small wood piece across the floor to keep items from sliding out, and maybe a removable bungie above that.

As for your tiny storage area door, do a top slide out with a hinge down. Think folding pocket door.

Nice shell . Have the same one on my 2019 tdr sr5 red on red . Nice job on the inside

You could use a roll top breadbox (cover only) to enclose the storage on the right side. It would be more structural than a curtain and give you chance to work on a cool router project

Nice work. Just a thought on the passenger side cubby, I use old plastic battery boxes to hold room stuff, straps, tire chains, automotive additives, a roll up table, cat trowel and maybe a window brush scraper combo( might not be necessary down in Tennessee). On the other side I built in a scabbard for a couple telescoping awning poles, and a boy’s axe, along with extra oil, antifreeze and a full sized shovel. Fishing pole can go up in the overhead along the LH wall maybe. Food for thought, my set up isn’t as permanent as my truck gets used for everything, hauling, camping, business stuff. Keep an eye on your coolant levels, and the radiator- they sometimes leak at the tank to core seams. Good luck

OUTSTANDING!!! You have absolutely nailed it ! K.I.S.S. Simplicity at its best ! Make a cover door for the end of that counter and used small magnets to keep in place, and a handle or pull of some type? 👍👍👍🤠

Love the simplicity of this setup. I sooo want a long bed….i have the short bed full four door tacoma. Great job!!

Dude thank you for taking the time to research and share about the Leer 122. Very helpful. Great video. Edit: fully legit comment section. Sagacity, wisdom, community.

Love it. I just bought a 2004 Tacoma TRD Off-road. Your design is perfect. Got to study the video more. Trying to figure out how you attached or secured it to the bed of the truck.

Best overlander yet ! I'm building a 95 ram 4x4 , short bed single cab ,campershell .an overlander you can sleep in and go anywhere .

And for extra ventilation use some small pieces of wood in the shape of cap opening attach a screen to the wood . Obviously only when glass is up

Nice setup. I’ve camped in my Tacoma with a 6’ bed. I’ve done it and I’m 6’2. My topper isn’t a tall one like yours which isn’t optimal. One thing I did was take the rear seats out of the double cab. Saved 85lb and added storage. Your rear seating area is smaller. One other thing I did was add a Yakima box on top of the topper.

I think I have landed on this design if im going to build one. Seems to be a nice, easy to build, and well laid out plan. Room for one easy, and sleep room although tight but possible for two. I think I would want extra sleep pad under me though when the matress is laid out for two. Thanks for the idea on this set up!

Ive watched several simple builds but yours is the best basic one. Thanks!! Good Luck!!

Buy motion detection lights and install them at the floor level also install a portapotty.

Bro this is awesome😂my wife is gonna hate me when I’m not home at nights

Finally found a “good” camper shell for $100, for my 2002 F-150 Super Crew cab, just on Saturday.This is not the best truck however it was very cheap. The bed is only 5’ 6”, I am 5’10”. Very simple and looks structurally strong. I just got the same heater at Costco for $70, it came with the adapter to attach to the bigger propane tank. I am starting my build February 22nd. Will review all your videos on this truck. Thanks, sleep well, cheers from Utah.

I have built over twenty like topper campers. the current one is the right side cabinet was built around the housing two blue water containers. (12 gal) , the end of the cabinet is solid , about 10 inches in I have a door to store two big blue water containers out of site. has a hole in the top so I run a tiny 12 volt water pump in the water tank to shower and use water for cooking etc. the reason for the door access 10 inches in was so you have the bed rail to hold up the end of the bed. Nice simple plan you have, but you can get real creative. I have had offers for my slide in tacoma topper campers over $4 k I am 77 year old and we did this stuff back in 1960's when ford F 100 was twin I beam suspension with split rim wheels. history repeats it's self nothing new!

If you take reflective aluminum foil insulation and pine the inside of the topper you can dampen round sound and or any echo while keeping heat in for those colder nights

Best & simplest layout I've seen yet! Great job!!!

I really like the simplicity of the wood setup, good ideas build in and looks pratical.

Great build. The high rise toppers definitely help. I’ve got a Jeep Gladiator and being 6’2 with a 5’5” bed… makes it difficult to camp in the bed. I build a drawer system for the back. No high rise toppers are being made.. yet. I don have the ARE topper. Look forward to checking out the rest of your videos.

Connor, well done sir! I have a Tacoma and a smaller fiber glass shell. I have put a twin mattress in the back when I was commuting for work. It worked pretty well. Hard to cancel out the traffic going past. I like your set up very much. Especially, all of the storage space. Thanks much. Dusty Morrison, Southern California.

I’ve built a bunch of campers and this type of setup is definitely the best setup to have. I will say, my buddy drives a Tacoma and he had a build similar to this built with 3/4” plywood. Ended up ruining his rear suspension and he had to upgrade to hold the weight. The build itself is to crazy heavy but it will be heavy and heavier when loaded up. Just try to build everything possible as light as possible. I like to use 1”x2” and 1”x3” for building frames and covering with thin ply. Makes it a lot lighter and stronger. However, it is a shit ton more work. But the build looks clean! Good job

Awesome set up. I’ve spent many nights camping in the back of capped Tacomas but I was younger and I just slept in the bed with some blankets.

One of the best builds ive seen,getting ready to do my build to my 92gmc 8ft bed..thanks for the tips!

one of the best and most simple builds. Looks great! can't wait to do my own sooner than later.

This is a very smart economical built. Love the creativeness around your own. Can taste that you are satisfied and it opens the door of future convenient improvements and out door excursions. ( Camp a lot here in South Africa, sleeping in my little camper🎣 with bed extender) Good luck, it looks perfect to me.

You have really perfected a simple way to achieve a maximal layout. Nice job for sure. I'm thinking about this layout for my truck.

I really like this build. I’ve been truck camping for work in the back seats of my f250 since last summer. I really like your design thanks for show casing

Clean and simple taco.. can’t go wrong

you could superglue magnets and small metal plates to the top to hold your curtains!!

I have a green 1999 Taco, V6, SR5 king cab. I also have a bed system something like your and a popped up cover that's made by Leonard. Actually, I named my truck Leonard. Nice truck and nice video.

This looks simple but extremely smart use of space!

Superiority & Comfort all in one, real nice job 👍

nice build. for the back cubby door, maybe a magnetic removale wood door

Excelente ,extraordinario, magnífico vídeo la marca Toyota en todas sus versiones todo terreno son espectaculares, Saludos from Chile Latam 🇨🇱. ADIOS.

Nice build on the perfect truck to do so. I would stain and polyurethane all the wood for moisture resistance and longevity. It's weird how most solo truck campers always seem to put the bed and large pull out drawer on the driver's side. 98% of the builds if seen do this. I personally would build all of that on the passenger side just for weight balancing reasons. I'd usually be driving alone and because of that my weight on driver's side and bed weight on passenger side would balance the weight a little more evenly. Just a thought. Great job and layout.

That's a sweet set up. I do something similar in my OBS Chevy. I travel a ton for hiking, camping, and fishing. Having a place to stay (comfortably) is such a game changer and money saver.

Great ideers. I'm going to incorporate some of them into my build.

Great job! I love all the options you have for sleeping and storage. Well designed!

Very Very cool. Just got a new truck and looking around for ideas. This build is simple and has a realistic common sense feel to it. Well done....I'm stealing some of your ideas.

Have a damn love hate relationship with these videos. Each one gives me ideas on how I could better my design. It's been like 8 months and not a single thing built yet 😂😂. Killer setup man.

Stick on carpet squares for the camper shell helps with the heat and cold also roof vent

Self built, very versatile! Love it!

I remember watching this video probably 2 years ago when I got my ol f150. I have this truck now haha. 1995 toyota tacoma 4wd v6 excab in white, picked up for $2200!

Love how simple your double bed is!

I had camper shell that had bad struts on the glass, and I waited a whole year to fix it - I used vise grips to hold it up. When I finally fixed it, I regretted not doing it on day one! haha

Cool man! Maybe curtain for the cubby then a piece of wood on the tailgate for when it's closed.

You could add a bowel as a sink then a bottle with a spout. You could also make a back part that pulls out eith a door that would add more room in the back

Super efficient setup 🔥

My husband built ours like yours, we love it very functional and practical...good job...

And its a manual.. what an awesome truck and setup

Conner this is one heck of a conversion👍I have an 88 Chevy s10 with 6' bed and this would be perfect. I'm determined to make my bed about 18" wide slat boards that will double when pulled out. I just got a FREE High Top Leer Cover that needs painting, but has the carpet on walls so I will have some insulation and I can velcro stuff to it. It looks white but used to be gold. I think someone was sanding it to repaint. A couple that just bought a house near Hanging Rock Park had this left by last owners. I got lucky 🤗 Oh and love your attitude.

Nice setup bro. Looking @ a 1st gen Tundra to replace my notoriously unreliable Bronco and this seems like a perfect fit. The best part is that you still retain the flat bed in the back! Super unique!

That is an awesome setup man, you really thought things through for capable and function

Nice build! Great ideas 💡

I have a similar set up in the back of my Chevy long bed and look at other build outs for ideas I might want to add to mine. I add a motorcycle hitch hauler for my dual sport motorcycle and I've been all over in it. Economical way to solo camp/ride and have used it more than expected. Thanks for the vid....

Use a magnet for your door I like your set up

Dude that’s sick I have the same truck. But with a 2” lift

Mate, well done. It's great! 👍👍👏👏🍻🍻

Really nice setup

That is so awesome. I'm gonna work with that for my own build.

Love the setup! Brilliant use of space. All of the cars I’ve owned are small Japanese coupes, but recently I’ve been meaning to get a pickup instead, and the other day I was telling my girlfriend that it would be sick to do like a camping setup on the bed but that I had no idea how, and this is great inspiration, thanks!

Great build here; love it. Motivates me to do it, too! Thanks for posting. Looking forward to your experience using it. Enjoy!

Thanks for the video. So far the best utilization of space I have seen. Y'all did an excellent job!

Looks really nice. For a small truck, you have utilized the space very, very well.

Been living out of my truck for a few years now and about to start up a rebuild. I’m impressed with your setup! Gave me some good ideas. Thanks man

Conner your build is awesome keep campin bro

This build is A1

Lookin good...big up your dad, drive er easy!! Merry xmas!!

Very clever design. Nice work Dude.

Nice build! I just bought a 1999 Tacoma today and this is the configuration I was planning on.

Put a Tambour door on the end of your new unit. Will look sharp!

Nice setup. Clever use of the space