We are a family of 2 adults, 2 kids.
I wanted to have a truck camper that does not look like a camper (city parking bylaws) and that can be removed by 2 people. I only care about sleeping, no cooking, no sitting, no bathroom, no shower in my camper.
Initially went the route of a truck canopy/topper and build 2 double bunk beds in there. One double mattress in the truck bed and the second double mattress on a wood frame bed above with 4 legs.
Height wise - kind of tight and claustrophobic.
Last winter, I decided to build a truck shell/canopy/topper from a steel frame, 47 inches high. Attached to the truck bed, on the bed rails with aluminum clamps.
Kept it light, about 70-80 kg, 2 people can take it down, move it in the garage.
Frame has tabs, where the skin can be attached with bolts.
Frame can also be used as a kayaks frame, ladder frame etc.
Skin is made of plywood: 2 sides, one front, one back and a roof. Skin is removable and can be attached to the frame with bolts in about 15 minutes.
I have not driven the truck with everything built on it, yet.
Looking for other suggestions, please, for the skin or water sealing the ends.
If I were to keep the plywood, should I just paint this with outdoor paint?
How about insulation glued to the inside of the skin? What option would you go with? Cheap and lightweight insulation...
My biggest concern is water sealing the frame, right now I used a closed cell sealer tape attached to the plywood where it touches the metal frame.
Thanks for help
I wanted to have a truck camper that does not look like a camper (city parking bylaws) and that can be removed by 2 people. I only care about sleeping, no cooking, no sitting, no bathroom, no shower in my camper.
Initially went the route of a truck canopy/topper and build 2 double bunk beds in there. One double mattress in the truck bed and the second double mattress on a wood frame bed above with 4 legs.
Height wise - kind of tight and claustrophobic.
Last winter, I decided to build a truck shell/canopy/topper from a steel frame, 47 inches high. Attached to the truck bed, on the bed rails with aluminum clamps.
Kept it light, about 70-80 kg, 2 people can take it down, move it in the garage.
Frame has tabs, where the skin can be attached with bolts.
Frame can also be used as a kayaks frame, ladder frame etc.
Skin is made of plywood: 2 sides, one front, one back and a roof. Skin is removable and can be attached to the frame with bolts in about 15 minutes.
I have not driven the truck with everything built on it, yet.
Looking for other suggestions, please, for the skin or water sealing the ends.
If I were to keep the plywood, should I just paint this with outdoor paint?
How about insulation glued to the inside of the skin? What option would you go with? Cheap and lightweight insulation...
My biggest concern is water sealing the frame, right now I used a closed cell sealer tape attached to the plywood where it touches the metal frame.
Thanks for help
Last edited:
