The bones are built and set! Rather than having 4 pieces of plywood for the deck, I am going to make it with 2, 1 will be 18 inches deep and I will drill a finger hole so I can lift it if needed. The other will fill the rest of the deck out. Will make and fit them this evening when it is cooler. I sure appreciate your simple design for the bones of this build. The entire system will have only 3 screws necessary to be removed to take it out of my truck bed.
Ed W. I wish I knew about truck camping when I was a kid. I just did normal tent camping but now I live out of my Tacoma full time so I guess I’m making up for lost time.
To run the board across you could have just cut the board in half then put a hinge connecting the two pieces together and turned it upside down so it doesnt bend when you put weight on it.
So very clever. Improvising genius. You and your wife both are so very smart. I love to see everyday what new idea you are going to teach us. Thank You for sharing all your great ideas!
Awesome Video. Were using my truck also, I built a camper in the back of my Nissan Frontier. My girl and I drove from New Jersey to California then north and back to New Jersey using the back of the truck. Using it most weekends still.
The most difficult part of this entire build was making a template for those notch outs at the back of the bed...took about 30 minutes of trial and error with some cardboard sheets to get it right. Once done it was a perfect match for the other side! Then I cut them out with a jigsaw. After the platform is finished I plan on taking an older Oriental style rug I have, cleaning it well, and then placing it over the platform for a cover! Will make a cool looking set up! Ha ha. Still getting some of my last gear in place for some truck camping this fall! And thanks for your kind comment!
Hi Mega Breyergirl! Yes, i seen that but that would have cost a lot more money. Also, I didn't want it to be permanent. If i were to make it permanent in back of the truck then i would make slide outs. Thanks for watching!
This is great!! Too funny- our family uprooted in 2016 also! We were headed to Cali from Ma... we probably drove past each other! Except come to find out we were driving in the wrong direction 😆 ...now trying to get back east! This is a fantastic idea 🤔 we are trying to figure out how to get the 5 of us (and our 7 goats) back to literal greener pasture. This could definitely work!
Man you are beautiful. I have the same truck and I am building a simple cabinet and sleeper with a solar panel and stereo system and I had to laugh when you were trying to get the wood in . I had the same frustrating experience tried doing a piano hinge and that was too wacky. Ended up making it sectional like you did. Was worried about the locking issue and you solved that too. Nice video and I wish you and your family great success in a new state . The drive I am sure was amazing love the states driven it a few times . :)
Nice video. I just bought a topper for my 1999 Toyota, Tacoma. ( the topper was pricey but worth the cost) I plan on doing some photo excursions with my truck this Summer. I like the indoor lock you have. I'm going to have to figure what kind of indoor locking system to install. Like you, I'm not interested in removing the topper anytime soon. Great video, thanks for sharing your conversion.
A trip across the country! I'm sure y'all made some great family memories. Great setup! I've slept in the back of a Toyota pickup with a camper shell, but it wasn't elevated like that. The truck bed got cold! :) So your "loft" bed looks like it would work great. :)
good job Leonard skinard glad you use you'r head one thing I would have done put some padding and carpet on the bottem and sides of the bed to keep you cooler and warmer it would keep the cold and heat under the truck from coming up though you'r sleeping bed glue in padding and cloth for camper shell like head liner in a car would helped to C😎😎L and we're all trying to get there live in a car lol🙂☺😊😆 😂😂🖒🖒
Love it, hope the move went well. We travel x2 in Ford Transit Connect...just 72 inches from from seat to rear using 9 coolers and two pieces of plywood on top with air-filled mattress on that. We sleep well since they are tall and get great gas mileage. It was fun to see fellow travelers. THe coolers work as great storage bins and easily slide from under the wood. Have you had issues with condensation? We have. Still learning. But isn't it great to save a ton of bucks and live with simplicity? thanks for your video.
Smart way to travel. Did you have a small camping stove and kitchen or did you eat in restaurants? Looks like you had a nice trip. How long was your trip to NC ?
As for locking the camper shell from the inside, buy a small vise grip needle nose locking pliers and lock onto the rod after you turn the inside handle...you will see where when you play around with it a bit. If someone were to fool around with the handle, this set up should give you enoujgh time to grab your hornet spray or pistol should they eventually get the back window open...all you need is a bit of time...if you have some self defense plan! If you don't then why even lock it? While they are messing with it, you can blind them with your cree led flashlight! That may be enough to scare them off without having to deal with them violently.
I have seen a dozen or more build designs for the Tacoma and I like yours the best! Simple, easy to put in and take out...and I already bought the same roller tubs you got! Ha ha. I like the cross member idea and only needing 2 sheets of plywood...that looks like 3/4. Is it or is it 5/8ths ? Thanks! I am gonna build this as soon as the weather cools down this fall!
Mike Howard oh you’d love my build then! I kept it super simple! I did make sliding drawers but they aren’t sliding on anything. I just sprayed the bottom with silicone spray.
New sub. Saw you when U visited Art and Bri. I'm in the Long Beach area and admire your decision to get out of here ;o) How are you adapting to the weather?
Hello LBC! Weather is taking some time to get used to. we feel it rains a lot! but the locals say we are in a drought! But hasn't been too bad it doesn't get too hot, too cold. I like this weather much better than Cali weather! thanks for asking!
Hi Diego, I am 5'7". The bed is 5'. A longer bed would be better of course. I was a little curled up but I also was with my wife and child. We slept good! Thanks for watching!
Black mold and mildew boards (ply-woods are very dangerous for human especially to a child). I would spend $100 and buy and some new boards not spending $100 for these "unwanted kind". Sorry for commenting but kids are important.
Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean the platform shelf sections, I meant the plywood pieces that you reference at 1:46, running from lip to lip. At 2:01, you're shown struggling to get the plywood into the back of the truck.
I just did a 9000 mile cross country and through the interior. Epic indeed.
The bones are built and set! Rather than having 4 pieces of plywood for the deck, I am going to make it with 2, 1 will be 18 inches deep and I will drill a finger hole so I can lift it if needed. The other will fill the rest of the deck out. Will make and fit them this evening when it is cooler. I sure appreciate your simple design for the bones of this build. The entire system will have only 3 screws necessary to be removed to take it out of my truck bed.
Mike! You are awesome man! Sounds good! thanks!
Awesome. Your sweet little girl will never forget that trip. Thanks for sharing.
I remember when I was a kid going camping like that. It was some of the best times of my life.
Ed W. I wish I knew about truck camping when I was a kid. I just did normal tent camping but now I live out of my Tacoma full time so I guess I’m making up for lost time.
I use the same plastic totes under my sleeping platform in my 2014 Tacoma. They work great.
To run the board across you could have just cut the board in half then put a hinge connecting the two pieces together and turned it upside down so it doesnt bend when you put weight on it.
Hi Jacob, Have you tried it before? That might work! thanks!
So very clever. Improvising genius. You and your wife both are so very smart. I love to see everyday what new idea you are going to teach us. Thank You for sharing all your great ideas!
Thanks Sonya!
Sonya Gregory very smart! It saves so much money! I just moved into my Tacoma full time!
You could cut a small oval for a hand grip in the rear platform pieces to make it easier to access the storage below.
I used to drive across the U.S. 6X a yr. I camped out a lot in my truck, I loved it.
What fun...welcome to NC! We actually did this back in 1984 when we lived in FL and camped in NC, at Cades Cove. It sure was fun when we were younger.
Nice setup. These "Teeyota" Tacomas are really set up nice in the bed.
NATSCHKE FAMILY ADVENTURES right! I love living out of my Tacoma full time! Best truck ever!
I decided to 'leave' pretty much everything! loaded up the Honda, Left Dallas and ended up in NC. I moved on but I will never forget the adventure!!!
Nice! thanks for watching Karen!
Karen Weber what a fun adventure! I’m doing the live out of my Tacoma thing right now too!
your videos make me smile.
Thanks S.B. :)
Hi..... Jason, thank you for sharing your video homestead chicken farmer garden 👋 bye 👋 bye 👋 bye 👋 bye 👋 🐔🐓🐥🌱🎥👍👍👍
Nice. I just built mine the other day for camping. I was unaware of inside compare locks. Thanks for sharing will get me one. Good Luck!
Awesome. I'd love to hear more about how you began to set up your homestead and living space once you arrived in NC.
Thanks SimpleHealthyLiving! pretty sure we will be talking more about that in future videos! thanks!
really great and simple design. Im using a mini van. when the seats are down you have just as much room as a pick up
Awesome! Thanks Dennis! Did I see you at the Homesteaders of America Conference!?
Dennis Alan City Boy Homesteader mini vans are great and much warmer! I live out of my Tacoma and it gets pretty cold in the bed of my truck.
Yes and they are growing well getting ready to plant some others broccoli for one in the beginning of March
Awesome Video. Were using my truck also, I built a camper in the back of my Nissan Frontier. My girl and I drove from New Jersey to California then north and back to New Jersey using the back of the truck. Using it most weekends still.
Awesome! Yes, we still use it too! How long did it take you from jersey to california? thanks for sharing and thanks for watching!
Very innovative , and anytime y'all want to go for a road trip, you can put it back together and hit the road!!!
Hi Tara! oh, yes for sure! thanks!
The most difficult part of this entire build was making a template for those notch outs at the back of the bed...took about 30 minutes of trial and error with some cardboard sheets to get it right. Once done it was a perfect match for the other side! Then I cut them out with a jigsaw. After the platform is finished I plan on taking an older Oriental style rug I have, cleaning it well, and then placing it over the platform for a cover! Will make a cool looking set up! Ha ha. Still getting some of my last gear in place for some truck camping this fall! And thanks for your kind comment!
Yes, I agree! those notch outs take some effort! Sounds great Mike!
Mike Howard I use cardboard too
exactly how I got my start in camping. Love them yota's!
Jo Jo taco life! I love living out of my Tacoma!
You should have built some slide out drawers for your underneath storage. Great project!
Hi Mega Breyergirl! Yes, i seen that but that would have cost a lot more money. Also, I didn't want it to be permanent. If i were to make it permanent in back of the truck then i would make slide outs. Thanks for watching!
This is great!! Too funny- our family uprooted in 2016 also! We were headed to Cali from Ma... we probably drove past each other! Except come to find out we were driving in the wrong direction 😆 ...now trying to get back east! This is a fantastic idea 🤔 we are trying to figure out how to get the 5 of us (and our 7 goats) back to literal greener pasture. This could definitely work!
"Teeotah" Tacoma... lol ;)
Wade Lewis hilarious! I love him! Tacoma’s are the best... I love living out of mine.
nice , easy and simple but useful love it
Dude Rider you’d love my build on my Tacoma then too! It’s super simple and very cheap!
Great way to camp on the road. Really appreciated the music at the end.
Man you are beautiful. I have the same truck and I am building a simple cabinet and sleeper with a solar panel and stereo system and I had to laugh when you were trying to get the wood in . I had the same frustrating experience tried doing a piano hinge and that was too wacky. Ended up making it sectional like you did. Was worried about the locking issue and you solved that too. Nice video and I wish you and your family great success in a new state . The drive I am sure was amazing love the states driven it a few times . :)
COOL! : ) Yes Sonja Gregory I agree with everything you said. Creativity is a wonderful thing
Nice video. I just bought a topper for my 1999 Toyota, Tacoma. ( the topper was pricey but worth the cost) I plan on doing some photo excursions with my truck this Summer. I like the indoor lock you have. I'm going to have to figure what kind of indoor locking system to install. Like you, I'm not interested in removing the topper anytime soon. Great video, thanks for sharing your conversion.
After watching this vid 3 times I finally caught that you used 3/4 " plywood! Ok, I am set now to get my materials!
Mike Howard how exciting! Did you get your build done? You should check out my build.
simple and easy, very good idea. I will try it on my tacoma. thanks a lot.
thanks Frank!
I love you man! God Bless you and your family! Great Job!
rock on brother !!!!
very clever!
A trip across the country! I'm sure y'all made some great family memories. Great setup! I've slept in the back of a Toyota pickup with a camper shell, but it wasn't elevated like that. The truck bed got cold! :) So your "loft" bed looks like it would work great. :)
Hi, yes it was fun! We added a thin layer of foam like for a mattress on top of the wood and then our blankets. So, it was cozy! thanks for watching!
This guy is like the Fred Armisen of South California hahaha
good job Leonard skinard glad you use you'r head one thing I would have done put some padding and carpet on the bottem and sides of the bed to keep you cooler and warmer it would keep the cold and heat under the truck from coming up though you'r sleeping bed glue in padding and cloth for camper shell like head liner in a car would helped to C😎😎L and we're all trying to get there live in a car lol🙂☺😊😆 😂😂🖒🖒
We use C Clamps to hold the top
Beautiful memories
Great set up bro! nice video man! got the same set up on my SOnoma truck ex long bed...perfect!
Tony Ramirez thanks bro! Sounds nice!
Yes, trying to keep it simple. Thanks Patricia!
I bet that was one epic journey.
what a great story
great story
Love it, hope the move went well. We travel x2 in Ford Transit Connect...just 72 inches from from seat to rear using 9 coolers and two pieces of plywood on top with air-filled mattress on that. We sleep well since they are tall and get great gas mileage. It was fun to see fellow travelers. THe coolers work as great storage bins and easily slide from under the wood. Have you had issues with condensation? We have. Still learning. But isn't it great to save a ton of bucks and live with simplicity? thanks for your video.
Just discovered you guys, and think you're great! Subscribed. Great video!
Awesome amount of storage
flon57 literally I did a very similar build and I have almost too much storage.
"You could probably do this a little cheaper if you went with not-so-good plywood." Thanks for the tip big dog.
love the Dillon music dude right on
Watched twice or so, well done!
I love Toyota Tacoma 's great truck's
mark davis the best trucks ever!
Smart way to travel. Did you have a small camping stove and kitchen or did you eat in restaurants? Looks like you had a nice trip. How long was your trip to NC ?
Hi Cleo, we took a stove with us and made most of our food. We took our time and did the trip in 9 days! Thanks!
Awesome setup!!!
As for locking the camper shell from the inside, buy a small vise grip needle nose locking pliers and lock onto the rod after you turn the inside handle...you will see where when you play around with it a bit. If someone were to fool around with the handle, this set up should give you enoujgh time to grab your hornet spray or pistol should they eventually get the back window open...all you need is a bit of time...if you have some self defense plan! If you don't then why even lock it? While they are messing with it, you can blind them with your cree led flashlight! That may be enough to scare them off without having to deal with them violently.
Mike Howard that’s what I did too! A little sketchy Bc I live out of my Tacoma full time.
Hornet spray does nothing to people... Doesn't even sting. Stick to a gun, mace, or a bag of sand if nothing else.
Great job! Perfect space for sleeping/camping. I really enjoy your style of videos. Thanks again. Blessings....
Thanks for following Renee!
Your Truck is pronounced Toy-ota Toyota !
rugerron67 oh, ok. thanks for the reminder! :)
Awesome story! Would you travel like that again given the chance?
Hi Ashley! Definitely!!!
thanks for vid. some gt tips. love the photo of you 3 posing at the back of the vehicle :)
Rona's Roadshow such a cool build! Very similar to mine! Aka simple and cheap!
Where did you find those totes?? They seem to be a perfect size. I have a Toyota Tacoma. My wife and I are doing something similar.
Target. I bought the totes first and then made the platform around those measurements. thanks!
Couldn't fit plankes.... Fits 2 plankes later in the video no problem 😂😂😂
Fred Armisen? Is that you?
How do you all fit in the bed? Do you leave the back open? Planning on doing this with my fiancee in a 5 ft bed
I like that neat. Kansas
How much was the snugtop?
yes you do what you have to young spirit and freedom
So how did you fix the issue of getting that plywood in the bed without taking your camper off? Did I completely miss that?
I have seen a dozen or more build designs for the Tacoma and I like yours the best! Simple, easy to put in and take out...and I already bought the same roller tubs you got! Ha ha. I like the cross member idea and only needing 2 sheets of plywood...that looks like 3/4. Is it or is it 5/8ths ? Thanks! I am gonna build this as soon as the weather cools down this fall!
Mike Howard oh you’d love my build then! I kept it super simple! I did make sliding drawers but they aren’t sliding on anything. I just sprayed the bottom with silicone spray.
Were did you find those double door slide in tubs
New sub. Saw you when U visited Art and Bri. I'm in the Long Beach area and admire your decision to get out of here ;o)
How are you adapting to the weather?
Hello LBC! Weather is taking some time to get used to. we feel it rains a lot! but the locals say we are in a drought! But hasn't been too bad it doesn't get too hot, too cold. I like this weather much better than Cali weather! thanks for asking!
lastniceguy1 I’m in San Diego! Do you truck camp too?
5ft bed?
Dat teeyota have a 5 or 6 ft bed
Ingenious... Smile. ,, Ninette Bird- The Caribbean Wife.
I like it.
We’re can I buy that in door camper locks
What size mattress do you run?
Great video, what is the length of the bed of your truck?
5 feet
What size is your tacoma bed?
Coool set up bro. Did you take a stove?
Fermo! Yes, we took a stove and went to grocery stores and made most of our food along the way! Thanks man!
cool
Great idea! Hopefully 2018 will bring a similar trek for our family. Did you already have your property before you left California?
Hi Sandra, yes we did! All the best to you!
Roof top tent for you and your family. Then when you go camping "overlanding" you'd have more storage and off the ground with no clutter!
This was such a good idea. We had a great time camping across the country too. Did you guys record any of it by chance?
Didn't really record video. Just pictures! Thanks
You are so tall how did you sleep in that?
Hi Gail, actually i'm not that tall. 5'7" and it wasn't that bad! thanks for watching!
4 door regular cab?..
Very good!
How tall are you?
Can you sleep well? I mean, if you along have no problems with the measures of the truck?
Hi Diego, I am 5'7". The bed is 5'. A longer bed would be better of course. I was a little curled up but I also was with my wife and child. We slept good! Thanks for watching!
Not on the subject but how are your seed plants doing ? I hope well
They seem to be doing ok. nothing growing yet! did you start any yet?
This guy is weird, I like that shit.
This is perfect, cause I'm a lazy dude.
Where ya moving to? Can't believe you're leaving your little homestead :(
Hi Plant Bee, watch it from beginning to end and you will see! :)
Sew The Land SoCal, sounds less buggy than NC! We will be watching and wish you the best!
Yeah! Thanks Plant Bee! Thanks for tuning in!
So now you have been here a year do you like it so far and how did you end up choosing nc may I ask ?
Hi Mountain Mama, we love it! We may explore that in another video. Thanks for following along!
Black mold and mildew boards (ply-woods are very dangerous for human especially to a child). I would spend $100 and buy and some new boards not spending $100 for these "unwanted kind". Sorry for commenting but kids are important.
I agree, Paul Lee these boards were already over a year old. They were new when we did use them. Thanks for the comment!
you like wes anderson, dont you?
How did you fit the two planks into the bed? You were saying that the camper shell was causing issues?
the plank is cut into four sections. thanks!
Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean the platform shelf sections, I meant the plywood pieces that you reference at 1:46, running from lip to lip. At 2:01, you're shown struggling to get the plywood into the back of the truck.
i just cut them a little shorter then what they needed to be and fit them in.
@@SowtheLand Okay. Thank you!
Come on man Teeyota?
what, you don't like Teeyotas?
@@SowtheLand No but I like Toyotas, I have a 2004 Toyota Tacoma. But I was never much for Teeyotas...
Truck camping with max storage:
th-cam.com/video/ziZJ4Ghvuug/w-d-xo.html
Let's dump the music
TEEEEEyota
Hillbilly style