How to Build a Camper on a Pickup Truck
- 1). Check on the towing capacity of your truck. You'll need this information to figure out how heavy your new pickup camper can be; but don't forget to factor in some extra weight to account for gear, food and people. You'll also need to determine the size of your pickup bed. Use a measuring tape to determine the height, width and length of the bed.
- 2). Purchase camper plans from a builder that specializes in homemade campers. These plans typically cost less than $50, and can be invaluable in helping you know what to do first, what materials to buy, and how much you can expect the project to cost. If you're looking to use your homemade camper a lot, don't skimp on this step. Companies such as Glen-L and RQ Riley provide camper plans for many sizes of trucks.
- 3). Obtain the materials needed to complete your particular project. Depending on your budget, your materials could include plywood, lumber of varying sizes, caulk, glue, doors, windows, and of course the tools you'll need to put those things together -- a drill, saw, hammer, and hardware.
- 4). Build your camper frame by assembling the floor, walls and roof. Typically, this step is done using 2-by-4's or other lumber -- and be sure to use longer-lasting, rust-proof deck screws.
- 5). Put insulation and siding in place over the top of your frame. During your frame building, you should have left room for windows and doors -- so now in the siding phase, be sure to cut matching holes. Your insulation and siding materials should be the lightest-weight possible, depending on your budget. Aluminum or fiberglass siding are the most expensive, yet the lightest materials to use, but if your budget does not allow for anything besides plywood, you'll have to account for the extra weight.
- 6). Position your door, vents and windows and seal them in with caulk. Use caution when applying these materials to ensure you're creating a wind and water barrier between the inside and outside of your camper.
- 7). Seal up the exterior of the camper. For a fiberglass or aluminum camper, this will include caulking the corners and then installing molding. For plywood, you can use caulk for the edges, but you'll need to seal the roof with paint-on tar to prevent leakage. Since aluminum molding is very effective for sealing corners of this type of construction, consider springing for the extra cost, even if the rest of your unit is plywood.
- 8). Wire the camper for lights, power, water, and cooking gas, if you think you can handle the job. If this is out of your realm, hire an electrician or handyman or get a friend to help.
- 9). Assemble and install interior features such as beds, table, sink, kitchen and storage areas. Install a finished flooring, such as stick-on tiles or laminate. Purchase or sew curtains to cover windows and doors.
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