Hi there, I saw your vid. I've been truck camping since the mid 80's. Here's what I've learned & I'll pass them on to you. 1) Get stuff you need at a camping store for backpacking. It's small, compact, & light weight. 2)Get splash guards for your truck. It'll help keep you & your rig clean. They work. I know. 3) When parking for the night, park headlong into the wind. That way if a storm comes you won't have to worry about a side wind ripping off your camper shell. Plus, if anything comes bouncing towards the truck, since you have a slimmer profile, it might miss you. If it does hit, the front of the truck is reinforced. 4) Use bug spray on the interior doors & windows/ screens openings to help keep bugs out. Use wasp & hornet spray around & on your tires to help keep critters out. Basically, all points of contact on the ground. 5) An inch is a lot of room. Learn how to stack & get used to sand & dirt. Use floor mats to put your shoes on too 6)Air out your sleeping area every morning or often. In an enclosed space the air gets stale. 7)Use a small fan to circulate the air in your sleeping area. This will help prevent hot & cold spots from forming & help prevent condensation & mold & mildew from forming. 8)Use a solid hooded sweatshirt. Draw the hood tight when you sleep to help encapsulate body heat. It can double as a pillow/ dirty clothes holder/ gear carrier etc. I hope this helps. Great vid, thanks for sharing. Drive safe. 🤠
I have an old Ford Ranger with a cap already on it. Your method of building some storage off to the side and using the truck bed as your sleeping platform makes so much sense. With any cap you only have so much headroom and if the cap is cab high you run out of headroom fast. Using those foam floor mats as cushion and insulation seems like a crafty idea. Thanks for the ideas. I'm going to try a few out over the summer and see what works for me.
That's a really cool layout and design... I've seen to many with the raised bed area and slide out that it just seems like that is what you're supposed to do. BUT I also realize that reduced headroom A LOT. Your idea seems like a great compromise and still gives you a lot of room. Thanks for sharing!
This is a great job!! This is very similar to the idea I have for building my Jeep Cherokee XJ. I'll post a video when I complete mine. Also I'm located in Colorado Springs, hope to see you on the trail!
Great video, and much appreciated. I'm currently working on doing a similar project and I had similar issues with the other designs people do. This seems like the general build im going to do. Thanks again, happy camping
@The Guidebook Guy: At the 1:24 minute mark, "I didn't want to get the taller camper shell to fix the problem I've been complaining about, so I got a smaller one." Me: So, you ignored your [interior height] problem for esthetics? You're a genius. The fundamental distinction between aesthetics and esthetics is that "aesthetic" is used in British English, whereas "esthetics" is used in American English. FYI...
So far I haven’t really had to deal with it being hot because it usually gets cold year round at night here in Colorado, but we have slept in it down to 0 degrees with some reflectix on the windows and stayed relatively warm.
This is perfect I'm trying for a similar set up with a few tweaks but you answered all the questions I had. The quick in and out design is awesome. The creativity is much appreciated
I got them from Home Depot and they seem pretty durable to me. They are a pretty strong plastic from what I can tell. I wouldn’t stand on the middle of the lid or anything but they work well for storing my cooking stuff.
Thanks for the video. I’m doing something similar in my silverado however, I’m going more minimal and I’m just cutting out a shelf for either wheel well and zip tiring them to the tie downs.
if you use a plywood floor between the side stores they will not move; so you don't need the cables to fix them which give you more space in the cubby's. in the back of the bed you can glue a board against the back to keep the side boxes on there place. I glued thin carpet on the wood instead of painting it. much more comfortable;-). instead of nailing the tops of the boxes you can use hinges to make lids and use the maximum volume. the"s how I did it;-). gr.
Nice that sounds like an awesome build! We have changed this build around quite a bit from this original version over time and I think we finally have it exactly how we want it.
Emergency blanket or better sleeping bag cut open and cover the windows with it. Under your mattress and above, also to get added heat retention. When cold camping
Where did you get your foam for the sleeping area? I’ve seen people use futon mattresses, mattress toppers, etc. but those are all too pricey for me. Just looking for simple foam like that that I can put a sheet around
I actually got it off Amazon years ago for like $150 and used it as my bed for a long time in my apartment. I think it was a size full bed and I cut it into two pieces so it was easier to move around.
So I’m not building a truck camper, but I’m researching ideas for side storage cubbies. This video really gave me some good ideas. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you. Glad to help!
Woaaaw i really love the minimalist approach of your build. + You can still use your truck bed for daily use. Nice job.
Thank you!
Hi there, I saw your vid. I've been truck camping since the mid 80's. Here's what I've learned & I'll pass them on to you.
1) Get stuff you need at a camping store for backpacking. It's small, compact, & light weight.
2)Get splash guards for your truck. It'll help keep you & your rig clean. They work. I know.
3) When parking for the night, park headlong into the wind. That way if a storm comes you won't have to worry about a side wind ripping off your camper shell. Plus, if anything comes bouncing towards the truck, since you have a slimmer profile, it might miss you. If it does hit, the front of the truck is reinforced.
4) Use bug spray on the interior doors & windows/ screens openings to help keep bugs out. Use wasp & hornet spray around & on your tires to help keep critters out. Basically, all points of contact on the ground.
5) An inch is a lot of room. Learn how to stack & get used to sand & dirt. Use floor mats to put your shoes on too
6)Air out your sleeping area every morning or often. In an enclosed space the air gets stale.
7)Use a small fan to circulate the air in your sleeping area. This will help prevent hot & cold spots from forming & help prevent condensation & mold & mildew from forming.
8)Use a solid hooded sweatshirt. Draw the hood tight when you sleep to help encapsulate body heat. It can double as a pillow/ dirty clothes holder/ gear carrier etc.
I hope this helps. Great vid, thanks for sharing. Drive safe. 🤠
Thank you for all the info I will have to try these.
Great tips! I'm very excited to start truck camping
@@cheese4cheese303 It's a lot of fun. You're GOING to have fun with it. 🤠🤠
@@the.guidebook They work. Have fun. 🤠🤠
I love this clean,
no nonsense approach
to truck camping.
Great job.
Thank you so much!
Your video was very well done and , full of great ideas. Thanks for posting !
Thank you!
I have an old Ford Ranger with a cap already on it. Your method of building some storage off to the side and using the truck bed as your sleeping platform makes so much sense. With any cap you only have so much headroom and if the cap is cab high you run out of headroom fast. Using those foam floor mats as cushion and insulation seems like a crafty idea. Thanks for the ideas. I'm going to try a few out over the summer and see what works for me.
Thank you! I like how minimal it is and really like the head room so hopefully it works for you too.
@The Guidebook
What headroom do you speak of? It's only a cab high camper shell, not a raised camper shell.
That's a really cool layout and design... I've seen to many with the raised bed area and slide out that it just seems like that is what you're supposed to do. BUT I also realize that reduced headroom A LOT. Your idea seems like a great compromise and still gives you a lot of room. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you! And yea I really wanted to keep as much space as possible.
I love the simplicity of this, thanks for some great ideas!
Thank you I was trying to make it as simple as possible.
Thank you for this one Dude!! i took your idea and just finished off my side storage.
Nice! I’m glad it helped.
Great video. Projects are only as complicated as we make them - and this was is ultra efficient. Lots of good experiences and memories to come!
Thank you!
This is a great job!! This is very similar to the idea I have for building my Jeep Cherokee XJ. I'll post a video when I complete mine. Also I'm located in Colorado Springs, hope to see you on the trail!
Thank you and that sounds like a great platform for a vehicle build out those jeeps are so capable.
The Springs. I was all over old gold camp road in the early 80s. Then I went back and the tunnel was collapsed. Sup up with that?
Great video, and much appreciated. I'm currently working on doing a similar project and I had similar issues with the other designs people do. This seems like the general build im going to do.
Thanks again, happy camping
Thank you!
me too,i dont want to loose the headspace.
Well done! I like the simplicity, and I like how you maximize the headroom. Have fun camping!
Thank you!
Very useful. Pull out the bed and you have your truckbed back. Lots of storage. Nice.
Thanks that’s what I was going for.
Thanks for sharing 👌 👍 This is awesome
Thank you!
Awesome build. Love the approach!
Thank you!
Pretty neat!
Thank you!
Sensible and practical.. thanks for sharing
Thank you!
Love your design
Thank you!
Agree 100%,, plenty of head room and getting in on your knees, no stress. Do the same and find it ideal.
It is definitely nice having all the extra space!
get some acorn nuts for any bolts sticking out, they will keep you from tearing up your legs on the threaded ends sticking out
That’s a good idea thank you.
@The Guidebook
Guy: At the 1:24 minute mark, "I didn't want to get the taller camper shell to fix the problem I've been complaining about, so I got a smaller one."
Me: So, you ignored your [interior height] problem for esthetics? You're a genius.
The fundamental distinction between aesthetics and esthetics is that "aesthetic" is used in British English, whereas "esthetics" is used in American English. FYI...
👌🏾 nice. subbed. 💪🏾
Great video. Just getting some useful ideas for when I start my camper journey
Thank you!
good luck in any kind of real heat or any kind of real cold weather minimalist. blessings. coming from a 35 years of truck and can living. blessings.
So far I haven’t really had to deal with it being hot because it usually gets cold year round at night here in Colorado, but we have slept in it down to 0 degrees with some reflectix on the windows and stayed relatively warm.
This is perfect
I'm trying for a similar set up with a few tweaks but you answered all the questions I had. The quick in and out design is awesome.
The creativity is much appreciated
Thank you so much! I’m glad it was helpful.
@@the.guidebook
Also your yellow totes are thoes the 2pk from Costco? If so do they feel durable?
I got them from Home Depot and they seem pretty durable to me. They are a pretty strong plastic from what I can tell. I wouldn’t stand on the middle of the lid or anything but they work well for storing my cooking stuff.
Great video ,I did something different from the norm that everyone goes for too but different from yours I love your ideas,really good stuff ✌🏻&❤
Thank you!
I love your design! Unfortunately my situation involves me being 6'4" with 3 dogs
Dang you would need a truck with an 8’ bed an I still don’t know if you would have the room for three dogs.
Sweet lay out extra storage for food cooler, clothes and shoes, bathroom etc
Thank you!
God bless you bro. Loved your simple setup.
Thank you so much!
Thanks for the video. I’m doing something similar in my silverado however, I’m going more minimal and I’m just cutting out a shelf for either wheel well and zip tiring them to the tie downs.
Nice that will be real minimal and light good idea.
if you use a plywood floor between the side stores they will not move; so you don't need the cables to fix them which give you more space in the cubby's. in the back of the bed you can glue a board against the back to keep the side boxes on there place. I glued thin carpet on the wood instead of painting it. much more comfortable;-). instead of nailing the tops of the boxes you can use hinges to make lids and use the maximum volume. the"s how I did it;-). gr.
Nice that sounds like an awesome build! We have changed this build around quite a bit from this original version over time and I think we finally have it exactly how we want it.
If only I had a dollar for every time you said "you know" 🤣 But jokes aside, good video and ideas for inspiration!
Haha I feel the same way when I go back to edit the video. I also start every sentence with “so” which I didn’t realize before.
Emergency blanket or better sleeping bag cut open and cover the windows with it. Under your mattress and above, also to get added heat retention. When cold camping
Thank you for the ideas. I’m in the process of adding some insulation to the windows now and it will be in part 2 of the truck camper build video.
Thank you for the info. Very different. “ 🙏 “
Thank you!
Where did you get your foam for the sleeping area? I’ve seen people use futon mattresses, mattress toppers, etc. but those are all too pricey for me. Just looking for simple foam like that that I can put a sheet around
I actually got it off Amazon years ago for like $150 and used it as my bed for a long time in my apartment. I think it was a size full bed and I cut it into two pieces so it was easier to move around.
@@the.guidebook Thanks!
Diff to see....so dark but great ideas!!
I will definitely be working on the lighting in the videos. I had assumed that because I can see fine that the camera can too.
What length truck bed do you have??
I have a standard bed it’s about 6.5’ long.
how many gallons are your bins?
I’m pretty sure they are either 5 or 7 gallons I took off the stickers so I’m not 100% sure.
Any idea what the height is of the wheel well
Mine are about 9.25” tall.
@@the.guidebook nice. Thanks
No problem!
Thanks for the idea. I don't want a taised bed , becouse i want to be able to sit up,
That was the same thought I had. I felt like it looked cramped in all the builds I saw with the raised bed.
LIKES AND SUBBED YOUR CHANNEL!
Thank you!
Those carabiners will be fine….
They started bending right away so I switched them out lol.
Volume too low!
Thanks for letting me know. I have gotten a microphone since then so hopefully it’s better in the future.