​If there is one thing I have always wanted to do, it would be creating the ideal homemade truck bed camper to easily travel by my trusty car and breeze through cities without having to worry about lodging.
Sure, it's a bit small, but it does the job in keeping me well-rested without the worry about checking in or finding a comfortable place to stay. With everything I need in the small area at the drink of my truck, there's no reason to pack or set up a tent anymore. I have the freedom to go wherever I want!
Want to know how? Keep reading ...
So if you're wondering how to make the homemade truck bed camper suitable for your future travels, here's an easy guide on how to start.
How to Build a Homemade Truck Bed Camper
A homemade truck bed camper doesn't require the fancy tools or skills. You just need knowledge on craftsmanship and the right guide (like this) to follow! So here's the best way to create that truck bed camper you've always wanted
Before that, here are the things to prepare:
- 2x4 wooden blocks
- Whole plywood platform sheets (to fit your truck- You will need to measure the exact space with a tape measure)
- Plywood
- Nails and screws
- Circular saw for cutting the wood according to your measurements
- 18 gauge nails
- Pallet pieces
Now, follow these steps:
1. Create the base of the platform
With two long pieces of wood (Make the measurements take up the middle area of your truck). Nail smaller legs (about six inches in height) to the two long pieces, while nailing another five pieces of wood in the middle, lengthwise.
These are crossmembers and will help give a base for the drawers and a bed frame.
2. Apply the plywood platform
Sawing it according to the length of your wooden base and truck. Install the bed and its base in the middle of the truck, adding side sheets (measurements will depend on your truck's width) and small legs to support the sides.
3. Cut out the drawers using plywood
That is 3/4-inch thick for the bottom, and half-inch for the sides. Use one-inch screws and gauge nails to attach the sides and the bottom to create a drawer.
It should take the shape of a long open rectangular box, measured according to the depth you want for your drawers and the height of your bed base (which is about six inches).
4. Attach the fronts of the drawers
Using pallet wood and tacking it on with a Brad Nailer. You can opt to paint the bases or decorate it however way you see fit. Add a single mattress or sleeping bag on the middle, and you're ready to go!
May you want to know how to choose the best air mattress
This will only take one person to do and a whole day's work. You can use extra plywood sheets and wooden blocks lying around.
For those who are a bit hesitant on doing it themselves, you can ask for help from your loved ones who are familiar with creating DIY projects like these or are skilled in woodwork.
With only four steps, this is probably the quickest and easiest DIY homemade truck bed camper one can do. Plus, it's effortless to assemble and remove.
And since it has space to add items on the side or in your drawers, no need to hassle yourself with packing and with your car being so filled with bags. All in all, it's an easy project that anyone can do.
But remember:
This is only good for one person, and though it's easy, the wood may not be able to take on heavy weights and multiple people.
Even with that in mind, I would still recommend this guide for any solo traveler who dreams of visiting various counties and states with just his car.
Only taking one afternoon and basic equipment and wood, there's nothing else you need to worry about after, but to decorate it if desired.
Tips on Maintaining Your Truck and Traveling With the Bed Camper
Wondering how you can manage and utilize your homemade truck bed camper once you have created it? Here are some tips to follow:
- Make sure that once you have your truck bed camper, you continue to clean and maintain it after every trip. Ensure that your truck is in tip top shape before and after leaving your home to avoid any mishaps or accidents along the way.
- Always keep safe when camping in your truck, parking only in secure and well-lit areas with people around you. Lock the doors and try not to pack a lot of unnecessary valuable items.
- Keep in mind that you have to maintain a weight limit to avoid wearing down your truck. When adding items or the mattress in your truck, ensure that your vehicle can take it and it won't have a hard time running.
It's best to pack light and only bring the essentials, also investing in a lighter mattress for sleeping. You can even opt to use a sleeping bag!
Conclusion
When it comes to traveling around states, you won't need to fly or constantly search for motels and pit stops where you can sleep in.
As long as you have a safe parking spot, you can camp in and watch the stars right by your homemade truck bed camper. Easy to make and with tons of benefits, it's the ultimate DIY project every traveler will love doing!
I hope that this article teaches you how to effectively make your own homemade truck bed camper to upgrade the way you travel. So what are you waiting for? If you've always wanted to have a small camper on your own, try using this guide today!
If you have any questions or would like to share your experiences with making or using a homemade truck bed camper, then comment down below. I would love to hear what you have to think.
learned a ton from this article.
thank you 🙂