DIY Truck Camper Build From Scratch - Part 1 (Framing)

แชร์
ฝัง
  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.พ. 2025
  • Over the months of the Covid-19 pandemic while being unemployed and itching to keep busy I recently came up with the idea to build a camper from scratch. To save on rent I'll be living out of my camper all winter, and use it for future road trips and adventures.
    FREE CAMPER DRAWINGS: hondro.squares...
    I managed to convince my dad to help me with the project so together we are taking the build head on working 8 plus hours a day. The goal is to get as much work done as possible and early in the new year we will drive 4000 kilometers across Canada.
    Products in my Camper:
    My interior lights: amzn.to/3BzNKMo
    My Exterior Lights: amzn.to/3w3BWky
    Renogy Dc-Dc charger: amzn.to/3w70vgc
    Fuse Box: amzn.to/3pXAgYW
    20 Gauge Wire: amzn.to/3GE36TT
    Similar Marker Lights: amzn.to/3GFb4fA
    Roof Vent: amzn.to/3bw356k
    Circular Window (Back door): amzn.to/3bAH460
    My Small Side windows (Must install inside out to keep locked): amzn.to/3nMvVor
    Magnetic Cabinet Catch: amzn.to/3CvNxex
    Water Jugs: amzn.to/3q0BYZk
    My Small Woodstove Fan (with thermometer): amzn.to/3CExs6u
    My Mini Woodstove: www.northwoods...
    Cheaper Woodstove option: amzn.to/3bykrzc
    AWESOME LOCAL UNIQUE HANDMADE WOODSTOVES: / ookpikoffgridcreations
    I built this camper with only these tools!
    The handiest tool ever!: amzn.to/3AR3nj6
    Best drill on the market: amzn.to/3ofi0cs
    The only impact screw gun you will ever need: amzn.to/3mbNcqB
    Everybody needs a Jigsaw: amzn.to/3ALMYfI
    The best skill saw: amzn.to/39NQtq2
    The best table saw I've ever used: amzn.to/3uiJuix
    The only Miter Saw I can recommend: amzn.to/3EXavge
    I'm gonna try and keep posting updates about this build, useful information and all of the above. I've learned tonnes about lighting systems, electircal, waterproofing and related van life/camper things so feel free to ask me anything. I hope this build will help you realize you too can tackle that diy project you've been thinking of, and there are still ways to have fun and keep busy in isolation.
    Catch me on insta: / hoondro
    Hope ya doing well, Drop a comment with any questions I'll answer them all.

ความคิดเห็น • 110

  • @robertgreen8106
    @robertgreen8106 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    hell of a shop

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Tour video coming this month!

    • @OOICU812
      @OOICU812 13 วันที่ผ่านมา

      I just started watching the video but stopped it to make that exact comment.

  • @larrychambers9540
    @larrychambers9540 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I have a 94 gmc , with a flat bed . Im gonna build an epic Larry's Potatoe Shack !!!!! lol. Watched you guys jammin . I know how to build epic stuff, but you gave me the confidence to go for it. Thanks

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      That sounds like it will be an awesome build! best of luck!! thanks for the kind words!

  • @TheeWanderingAlaskan
    @TheeWanderingAlaskan 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Took me a hot minute to find a decent framing video of someone who OVERBUILT their camper frame. You've solved most of my issues I just couldn't wrap my head around without a visual. This is exactly what I needed to find as I am not super experienced in carpentry. Done quite a bit, but never a camper or anything of the like. I think I am going to start building one for my military issued M35A3 vs buying one. I will be going off road and beating the hell out of it in a truck with basically spring ride only suspension, so it needs to be ridiculously overbuilt and withstand the vibration. Hope it's been working out for ya over the years now!

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I'm glad you found the videos and that they were able to help! Also Overbuild is right! I had no experience framing before this build so i'm confident you can get er done! The rig has held up structurally since the start! my only issue is the camper is too heavy for my truck so i do get a lot of sway on highways and bumps are harsh. I have airbags now and its a smoother ride but a still heavy for the wee tacoma. My only suggestions is keep in mind your payload and try and keep the weight between 50% - 75% of your GVWR! but i've taken my rig up bumpy logging roads, and chained up for snowy logging roads too. Wish you the best of luck hit me with any questions you might have!

  • @DBeck-kz5hx
    @DBeck-kz5hx 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Did you guys want stir fry or..... 😂 what a sweetheart!

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      haha nothing like moms cooking!

  • @laurieedeburn2449
    @laurieedeburn2449 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    ....looking good....loving your character build.... shared

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Awesome thank you so much!

  • @margemargie9891
    @margemargie9891 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    they must have been super-charged Tostados your Mama made seeing how fast you worked....thanks for video!

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      haha the tostados were incredible thats for sure

  • @germanguillen8652
    @germanguillen8652 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I recommend you go with those who do business advertisements. The material they have is white plastic sheets, they are 8 feet long by 5 wide, so you have enough material to line your camper inside. It is super light and resistant. I congratulate you on your design 👍

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks! I have thought about doing that before. It's called 'Fibreglass resistant board' here in Canada. However, you need a special blade to cut it, and it's not cheap. Honestly, I like having my studs exposed so I can mount things and add hooks wherever I like. Glad you enjoyed the video!

  • @glennredwine289
    @glennredwine289 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The curved roof is pretty cool but seems more complex. But thanks for the ideas about the corners with the flashing.

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @happykamp789
    @happykamp789 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Shoe box. Great job on the camper and the video..

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks! Glad you enjoyed!

  • @nutsbolts7974
    @nutsbolts7974 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nice Job!

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you!

  • @billblecher9215
    @billblecher9215 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Really looks good but it sure going to be happy

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      thanks ! ya weight is our only issue

  • @ableFarmer-kl7vb
    @ableFarmer-kl7vb 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    That's fabrication is always a painstaking process especially in uncharted waters but so worth it

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      haha you got that right. It's a long boring process at the start.

  • @Pat132
    @Pat132 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nice 1 Hondro, you and Johnny boy doing a grand job, cany wait tae see it finished, hope yer all well. 🥃

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks Paddy were doing well, hope you’re all good in Scotland

  • @steveroberts1292
    @steveroberts1292 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Dude, that thing is going to be bombproof but heavyyyyy.
    Might need a bigger truck or put it on a trailer to tow.
    Good luck!

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      thanks! and right you are sir, heavy but strong!

    • @DirtyBeardsAndMetalShavings
      @DirtyBeardsAndMetalShavings 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Gotta let us know how heavy at a weigh station.

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@DirtyBeardsAndMetalShavings I'm weighing it this week!

  • @KurtKoster-s6t
    @KurtKoster-s6t 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Damn dude nice shop,2x4 heavy built,👍

  • @blakerunyan4756
    @blakerunyan4756 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Took me 3 months to build a wobbly table! This is next level, hope everything works out too.

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      haha thanks dude! i bet that table is worth a million bucks

  • @TruckHomeSwitzerland
    @TruckHomeSwitzerland 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    dude thats amazing work! excited to see more videos of the build. cool to see you work with your dad all day. my dad and i built a truck camper for my dodge dakota last summer in around 11 days.. and we really worked our asses off i tell ya ;) having to build in a short timeline helps you staying on it and be busy all the time! thanks for sharing dude and i'm looking forward to see the end product. greetings from switzerland ;)

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Wow man thats so cool! really neat project to do with your dad! 11 days is sooo short that's really impressive! I'm posting part 2 today and got lots of more videos coming! Glad you enjoyed!

  • @Northwoodscamper45
    @Northwoodscamper45 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    2x4s increase weight but it will be sturdy....nice job thinking thru the problems that come up

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      thanks! definitely a but heavy but sturdy for sure (I hope)

  • @ConnorDoc
    @ConnorDoc 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I interested to see how you used that type of sheet metal. Post part two!

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      working on it asap!

  • @timtim-ef7xu
    @timtim-ef7xu 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Subscribed. I know your on a tight schedule but I would like to know details eventually. That thing looks sweet.

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      thanks! im gonna be uploading lots about this thing soon, its hard to film a build but im stoked to share how far its come, ill be sharing lots from light wiring, to wood stove install so stay tuned!

    • @wildwoodtop
      @wildwoodtop 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      wave catalytic burner yo

  • @sleepyglaciers1416
    @sleepyglaciers1416 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    worlds heaviest camper made with 2x4 and plywood

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Haha, I never said it was perfect 😂 just here to make my mistakes publicly

    • @OOICU812
      @OOICU812 13 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Built like a tank.

  • @fastdadgarage-northsouthch4418
    @fastdadgarage-northsouthch4418 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    That garage is fantastic! How is the finished weight? I always forget to figure something

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Can't beat dad's Garage! It's about 1000 pounds but once its on the truck next day or so) I'm going to get it weighed.. ill post that in an upcoming video

  • @Rainman673
    @Rainman673 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I am trying to figure out how you mounted your jack stands.Did you just bolt them to a stud somewhere .Do you have any videos of that part of the build

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      In this video at 12:20 I show us mounting 1 or 2 of the jack posts. Each post is mounted with one 6 inch lag bolt at the stop and a U-bolt in the middle. Both the lag bolt and u-bolt are Mountain into a reinforced stud (usually 2 or 3 studs drilled together to create really strong mounting points)

  • @amandiiitaa123
    @amandiiitaa123 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    hi! I am writing to you from Chile, I wanted to ask you what kind of wood do you use? thank you very much, great job

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hey! Thanks for the comment! I just used standard framing wood here in Canada, which is usually pine, that is for building the structure

  • @Skateryanproductions
    @Skateryanproductions 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Dope build, can't wait to see it completed!

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      thanks my guy!

  • @dreamlookautodetailingauto3353
    @dreamlookautodetailingauto3353 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Nice build! Good time spent with pops!
    Wow, heavy indeed! Especially for a Tacoma. What was the dry weight when finished. Without water, wood stove, clothing, etc...just camper. Curious?

    • @dreamlookautodetailingauto3353
      @dreamlookautodetailingauto3353 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Hello?😉... how long & wide is the sleeping area? What is the bed length of your tacoma? Thanks!

  • @amandiiitaa123
    @amandiiitaa123 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    friend, could you tell us how it went with the camper? it worked? didn't it break? how's it going?

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      She’s still standing! She had a couple problems but all is well!

  • @timtim-ef7xu
    @timtim-ef7xu 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The plywood floor looks glossy, what was put on it? Also, was there fluid applied protection put on the framing wood as well?

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I put three coats of varnish on the floor! I didn't put anything on the framing wood. Sorry for the delay on the content I have my next video coming out today so stay tuned!

  • @clipvue222
    @clipvue222 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    How cold does it get in British Columbia

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  ปีที่แล้ว

      it depends where you are of course but most of the winter is below freezing. Probably averageing -5 to -10 degrees for most of the winter in southern BC

  • @strokerace5468
    @strokerace5468 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nice build. I’ve been debating on one for my Tacoma. I am curious do you think the framing would be sturdy and doable if you were to frame the shell with 2x2’s?

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks! That’s awesome man! I definitely think it with be better with 2x2’s but honestly any diy camper this size is gonna be heavy, I’d recommend keeping it smaller to save more weight if possible

  • @OnlineSlotEnthusiasts
    @OnlineSlotEnthusiasts 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hello there, my name is Ryan! I’m trying to build something similar with my dad. Do you have any blueprints of the frame that you could share with me? I’ve watched all of your videos and was inspired to build one for my Tacoma too. You rock dude!

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Heck ya man! Go for it! Send me a picture of the progress or when your done over on Instagram. I have a couple photos of my drawings I just pulled up, I can send them via insta if you shoot me a message or give your email (send it over insta for privacy if you’d like)

  • @jonasoutdoors
    @jonasoutdoors ปีที่แล้ว

    What is the length of the part that hangs over the front?

  • @ChronicSurfer
    @ChronicSurfer 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What type of lumber did you use for your framing?

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      2 x 4 I believe it was standard framing lumber/pine I would recommend using more 2x2 than I used.

  • @coryhisey8431
    @coryhisey8431 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hey buddy, how's the build going? Will there be another build update video?

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Build is going well! yeah im working on a full series! im in the middle of the next video right now hope to post it soon!

  • @Horizon___Adventures-909
    @Horizon___Adventures-909 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    A headache huh? Jeeze are your truck is small. I was thinking on building mine but my truck is a 8 foot bed😂😂😂 idk should I wing it?

  • @Colorado-overland2020
    @Colorado-overland2020 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hey man great build I just have a question. Have you ever taken your truck on the beach with the camper if so how did it do?

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you! I have never driven it on sand just yet, But I took it up a few different logging roads in the winter and it did just fine! I have some shots posted in the intro of my camper walkthrough video that show it on a service road, hope that helps

  • @kenmackenzie8432
    @kenmackenzie8432 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love the build! I also built a truck camper for my tacoma and from one rookie camper builder to another I have a couple questions for ya. Do you have an IG I can follow?

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Sounds good! hit me with any questions!

  • @AndreasSippus
    @AndreasSippus 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What will be the weight of it when it's finalized?

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      The weight is posted in my most recent camper walkthrough video!

  • @jessebruno1880
    @jessebruno1880 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    How hard was it to insure it?

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I don't have it insured. I just decided if anything happens, I'll fix it myself.

  • @LusAhc724
    @LusAhc724 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is great! I take it you are going to be putting your camper in an F250/350 or 2500/3500 truck with a diesel?

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      thanks! its going on a half tonne lol... not ideal but will be interesting

    • @billlolah9154
      @billlolah9154 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Air bags 600 bucks that will help

  • @williamklein6749
    @williamklein6749 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Did you ever get a total weight?

  • @nateh6713
    @nateh6713 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Any measurements you could provide for other DIY’rs?

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      It's tough to provide measurements because at the end of the day every truck bed is so different. My camper height is 6 foot 6" at the highest point on the outside. it is 80.5 inches wide. The floor is 6 foot 8" to the door, and the deck is an additional 16". The full length of the camper from the back wall to the end of the cantilever is 12 foot and 4". I hope that helps!

  • @zacharymeder4638
    @zacharymeder4638 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    This video is awesome! Really hoping to do something similar in the future. How did you plan out the construction of the frame? any resources you would recommend?

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Honestly I created my own drawings and followed my own kind of building plan. At any point if something seemed unsupported or not that strong I would add more framing to the area.

  • @pegasusteam
    @pegasusteam 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Looks super heavy

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      its between 1000-1100 pounds

    • @pegasusteam
      @pegasusteam 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Oh not too bad then. Good job.

  • @NeighborBones
    @NeighborBones 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    wow really nice ! Can i borrow ur dad?!

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks! Haha unfortunately I’m gonna need him

  • @NovaSupernova
    @NovaSupernova 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Good music choice. As a guy that has built 6, you are twice as heavy as you need to be using 2x4's instead of 2x2's.

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I learned that the hard way. This was my first build, and I made the series so that people could learn from the things I did right and wrong haha. I would use 80% 2x2 next time around

    • @NovaSupernova
      @NovaSupernova 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@HondroB AWESOME! My next build will be from wood I harvested myself from a property I own. I bought a sawmill and want to build 100% from my own material. Cheers.

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@NovaSupernova That's so cool!! make sure she's dry before you start building hahah, wouldn't want it to warp on you after you build it. Good luck! Sounds like a super cool project!

  • @paulman54
    @paulman54 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    tostadas fursurrrreeeee

  • @emeraldfox7175
    @emeraldfox7175 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    My God how much does that monstrous thing weigh!

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      we did the math and at the end of this framing part it was about 650-700 pounds

  • @timerickson7056
    @timerickson7056 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    you are overbuilding it can save the truck in a rollover

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Honestly, never thought of that! Thanks for watching!

  • @NovaSupernova
    @NovaSupernova 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    And I'd bet everything I own that by the time you are done, that will be way over 1000 pounds. Closer to 3300.

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      i'm just here learning the hard way lol

  • @LastChanceTinyHouse
    @LastChanceTinyHouse 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    dude, your build is gonna weigh a ton, jesus, all the 2x4's are not necessary. you could have cut the weight in half by using 2x2's and once the wall panels were up it would have been rigid enough to be at the strength you wanted.

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      these are the things you learn on your first build, but at least i can say its built strong

  • @supernova7754
    @supernova7754 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    stay still a bit....making me nauseous...otherwise very cool

    • @HondroB
      @HondroB  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I have to work on that! I struggle to sit still sorry :(

  • @chimo1961
    @chimo1961 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    STOP MOVING