How To Make Your Own Truck Tent

How To Make A Homemade Truck Bed Tent

The experience of camping includes landscapes, tranquil moments, campfires, and time spent with family and friends, all of which are beneficial. Traveling to isolated regions is a favorite activity of campers who enjoy adventure. To have a successful camping trip free of glitches, one must be properly prepared and bring all of the necessary items. One of the most important aspects is the ability to sleep in a safe and comfortable environment. Camping tents are available in a range of sizes and styles, but they are not inexpensive.

You may create it by utilizing the roofs and the truck bed to ensure that you have a comfy sleeping environment.

It is becoming increasingly popular, particularly among families and groups of campers.

Furthermore, they are quick and straightforward to set up.

• All of the truck tents are not compatible with all automobiles.
• It is possible that it will not be cost-effective.
• The good news is that it is simple to construct a DIY truck bed tent.
• Whether you are a camper or want to sleep outside under the stars, a truck bed tent is a fantastic choice.
• Due to the fact that this is a relatively new invention in the market, there aren’t many firms producing them.
• As a result, making one from scratch is a fantastic alternative.

Let’s Look At How To Make A Homemade Truck Bed Tent.

Before you begin construction of your DIY truck bed tent, be sure to estimate the size of the truck’s cargo area. It has to be compatible with your car. Also, keep in mind that truck beds are available in a variety of designs. Some of the most common designs are as follows: The tents that are accessible with these are likewise available in a variety of designs and forms.

Material Required To Build Truck Bed Tent

• PVC pipes ranging in length from 6ft to 8ft
• A tarp of high quality, thickness, and size

• Set your pickup truck’s parking brake and drop the tailgate to prevent it from rolling away. It is preferable if you have assistance in setting it up. You would be able to do the task more quickly. Then, start by taking measurements of the pickup truck’s inside and outside. Make a mental picture of how you want your tent bed to look. Make a rough sketch of a diagram

• The PVC pipe will be able to fit into the four holes that run down the bed of the pickup truck. On top of the truck bed, we’d try to construct an A-frame or canopy structure out of wood. We can cover the entire structure with a tarp to keep out the rain.

• Begin by cutting the legs off of the pipes that will be inserted into the four holes in the wall. Approximately 1 foot length should be cut from them. The idea is for you to be able to sit erect within the tent, and it should also be compact enough to pack and put in a tent bag while traveling. The 45-degree elbow is going to be used to join the PVC pipes together. The 45-degree elbow and tee connection are fixed to one end of the 1-foot pipe using a tee connector. The tee connection may be used to support the frame of the truck bed since it attaches to the truck bed through four holes. Strong and solid construction is required for this structure.

• Remove all four legs and join them together with the 45-degree elbow and tee connection. Begin by inserting the legs into the four holes.

• One side of the truck bed should have a PVC pipe running through it between the two tee connectors. This will provide additional support and strengthen the structure. Moreover, it would be capable of withstanding adverse weather conditions.

• Carry out the same procedure on the other side of the truck’s bed.

• Following that, we would begin constructing the A-frame. Now, cut four sections of PVC pipe from the length of the pipe. Cut them to a length of around 3 feet. Now, using an L-shaped elbow clamp, join the two 3 foot long pipes together. Fix them to the truck bed’s basic structure using screws. Carry out the identical procedure on the other side of the building’s construction. Voila, your basic A-frame is complete. An alternate approach to the above is to cut the PVC pipe into two pieces of one foot and two feet length instead of three pieces of three feet length. We may insert a tee connector between the pipes that are 1 foot and 2 feet in length. Attach them to the frame construction on each of its four corners. Using the tee connector, we can put two pipes, each roughly 5 feet long, between the sides of the frame. This would strengthen the organization and make it more research-oriented. It takes a little more effort to cut the pipes, but the extra effort is well worth it in the end.

• Place the tarp over the A-frame at this point. Clamps should be used to keep it in place. Clamp it in place at the rear as well to prevent it from flying away. Make use of numerous clamps to ensure that it does not pop up. You have completed the construction of your own handmade truck bed tent. You may prepare for a camping trip by purchasing appropriate equipment.

Some Additional Tips About Making Truck Bed Tents

• It is not necessary to repair the pool noodle. When the wind is blowing, it would be beneficial to lessen the noise. When the wind picks up speed, the simple A-frame construction would become rather loud. Cut the pool noodle so that it will fit between the PVC pipe’s legs. This would aid in the reduction of noise
• You may also suspend lights from the ceiling
• Always use caution when conducting any of these tasks. You may also use a blow-up mattress on the bed to provide additional comfort.

• At this short post, you will learn how to make truck bed tents in your own home. It is simple to construct and requires just readily accessible materials. This trucktent is compatible with the Toyota Tacoma as well as all Ford pickup truck models. The construction of this tent does not need the use of specialized expertise. You may also incorporate your own creative ideas into the product to make it more helpful and visually appealing to you.

29 Best Truck Tent Diy

Camping in the great outdoors with a tent is a lovely experience to have while participating in your excursions. Rain, on the other hand, can have an impact on your comfort level throughout the fall and spring seasons, as spring downpours can result in a very damp and soggy ground, while the cold evenings of the fall can make sleeping difficult. Truck tents are a great option if you happen to own a truck or an SUV like me, as they allow you to cope with these unpleasant situations by elevating your tent off of the damp, soggy ground and onto a dry, level surface.

Benefits of a Truck Tent over a normal one

Making a decision between a tent, trailer, or swags may be a tough one to make, to say the least, because there are so many things to take into consideration. Car camping, on the other hand, has a number of advantages if you’re on the road and want to be mobile. Truck tents are not a new invention; in fact, they have been around for quite some time, and my guess is that you have already been across one.

While early models were a pain to put together, modern ones have become considerably more practical and simple to strap on and construct. Of course, every style of vehicle is accompanied with a comparable model of tent.

Truck box gives more protection than any other fabric!

Now, while a standard tent is constructed of water- and fire-resistant materials, they are rendered ineffective when the wind is present. One of the most significant aspects of truck tents, apart from the fact that they get you off the ground, is the truck box (side metal panels) that shields you from the harrowing winds. It should come as no surprise that the back box of the truck blocks the wind far more effectively than any type of cloth could ever do. Your camping experience will be much improved if you have a sturdy piece of metal to protect you from the wind and a long-lasting Napier cloth to cover your sleeping bag.

Convenient

Another advantage of using a truck tent is the ample sleeping area you will have on your truck bed, which is ideal if you are camping with your wife, children, or even a dog. For those of you who have vehicle liners loaded with ridges, I would recommend investing in a thicker sleeping pad to keep you warm and comfortable at night. Despite the fact that it has a truck liner with ridges, my compact sleeping bag is surprisingly comfy to sleep in at night.

DIY Truck Tent Ideas

Normal tents may be set up in 10-20 minutes depending on your level of skill and understanding; truck tents, on the other hand, aren’t that tough to put up either. Make sure you choose a level camping spot and that your parking brake is engaged. After lowering the truck’s tailgate, attach each strap to the truck’s underbody and arrange the tent-polls into each area, starting with the bottom portion. After that, simply place the polls into the sleeves of the correct color and you’re ready to go.

Having a solid shelter against the elements, a huge comfortable room for relaxing, and, last but not least, having your vehicle with you, ensures that you have a greater storage facility for your stuff.

Related

Consider the following scenario: you and your girlfriend are getting ready to go camping. It will be just you and her under a million-star sky in a remote location away from all the noise and worry of everyday life. Everything appears to be in order. It appears to be great until it begins to rain. Despite the fact that rain might add a little more beauty and tranquility to the scene, things can quickly turn unpleasant out there! Though you might be tempted to abandon your camping or fishing plans, you should think about outfitting your vehicle with a tent that can protect you from floods instead.

We shall have a wonderful floating tent as a result of this.

For those who want to purchase a ready-made truck tent, the following top-selling models are recommended:

Best Ready-made Truck Bed Tents

Designed in the style of a tunnel, the inside of this tent has an inner dimension of 8 by 5 feet, which is ideal for two adults. It is simple to set up the pop-up frame, despite the fact that it adds weight to the device. With five mesh windows and a rear window that enables access to the cab, ventilation is not a problem in this vehicle.

In other words, whether you’re camping in the woods or tailgating at your next football game, the Kodiak Canvas truck bed tent will make your truck bed camping experience spectacular. Pros:

• 2 additional gear pockets
• Extremely spacious
• High-quality material
• High-quality construction
• Excellent ventilation
• Long-lasting

Price may be found on Amazon.

Guide Gear Truck Bed Tent

Camping does not have to be prohibitively expensive. With the Guide Gear truck bed tent, you can enjoy all of the benefits of a high-end tent without having to spend a fortune on one. Setup is a snap with this simple-to-use and lightweight tent, which pops up in minutes and is extremely portable. The waterproof polyester structure keeps you dry even in wet conditions, and the integrated gear loft and storage pockets make it even more convenient to store your belongings. If you’re a first-time camper or an experienced veteran, this cheap tent is an excellent choice for any outdoor adventure.

Napier Backroadz Pop Up Truck Bed Tent

In situations where you require a place to sleep but do not wish to give up your truck bed, the Napier Backroadz truck tent is the ideal option. The simple-to-assemble tent is roomy, with a maximum height of 5.2 feet (1.6 meters), and it is designed to accommodate most pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles. This tent, which is made of polyester taffeta and is quite durable, will give you with a comfy spot to sleep while you’re traveling. Features:

• Window meshes
• Gear storage
• Lantern holder
• Rainfly
• Storm flaps

• Waterproof
• Simple to construct
• Long-lasting
• Has additional gear storage. A one-year warranty is included. Available in five distinct sizes
• Constructed with high-quality materials

• Instructions are difficult to comprehend
• Tent poles that are brittle
• I am unable to open or shut windows.

Price may be found on Amazon.

Napier Sportz Pop Up Truck Tent

A home away from home, the Napier Sportz truck bed tent provides you with all of the comforts and conveniences of your own home. With a wide D-shaped entrance, a rear window into the cab, two mesh windows, and built-in air vents, this tent allows in plenty of fresh air while keeping the pests at bay, making it ideal for camping. The color-coded poles make for simple assembly, and the sewn-in floor offers a restful night’s sleep for the entire family. In addition, on hot days, the back awning gives pleasant relief from the sun.

• Large, easy to put up, with a sewn-in floor and excellent ventilation.

• Tailgate straps of poor quality are more expensive
• Awning clamps of poor quality are more fragile.

Price may be found on Amazon.

How to Make a Truck Tent?

The moment has come to learn one of the reasons why truck manufacturers incorporate four holes on the side of their trucks’ backs. There are four PVC pipes that will go into the holes and serve as feet for your roof, which you will need to complete this project.

Tip 2: Make your plan A look like an A

In the shape of a “A,” such as the letter “A,” would be the most appropriate form for your tent. The four feet must be used to construct the initial layer, which must then be joined together by horizontal pipes. You will need two more pipes that are the same length as the side of your truck’s rear, four 45-degree elbows, and four T connections to complete this project. Connect each 45-degree elbow to a foot, and then plug the T connection into the elbow that was connected to the foot. Next, connect every two elbows to the lengthy support pipe with a hose clamp.

In addition, you will never be alone.

You should now be able to view the lower part of your A.

In order for us to have the real full shape of an A, it must first be triangular, which it is.

All that is left is to connect each pipe to a T connection and then join them together using the 90-degree connector that was previously mentioned. Voilà! You’ve created the ideal A form skeleton for your ideal back truck tent, which will serve you well on your voyage!

Tip 3: Adding more strength will do no harm

On rare days, the wind and rain might be so strong outdoors that your skeleton will be unable to keep you safe. But keep in mind that there is no going back from this – you have been planning this with your girlfriend for a long time, and you may not have another opportunity like this again. So, let’s get back to business as usual. You may make your skeleton more stable by cutting the four top pipes in half and using the resulting eight shorter pipes to support your skeleton. Then purchase two extra-long support pipes as well as two more T connections.

1. Before you reattach your top to the 90-degree connections, make sure your top is completely dry.
2. You will get an additional support line as a result of this.
3. There!
4. Because it looks nicer today, you may even consider doing it this way when the weather is nice and clear outdoors.

Tip 4: Cover yourself

Your skeleton now appears to be in excellent condition. Everything is in place, with the exception of one thing: the tarp, which is a huge sheet of thread made of flexible, waterproof, and water-resistant material that will give your tent its tent-like appearance: the tarp. Make certain that your tarp will fit precisely, and that it is neither too huge nor too short. Most importantly, make certain that it is performing its function, which is to protect you from both rain and the wind. Finally, to ensure that your tarp remains firm and does not fly away, secure it with four clamps in the front and four in the rear.

Tip 5: Get rid of the noise

Now that you and your girlfriend are out in the middle of nowhere in the middle of the night, inside your tent, you are relishing the peace and alone. In any case, the wind becomes stronger, and the tent starts moving and vibrating, emitting an extremely loud and unpleasant noise. We do, however, require an additional piece of unexpected material, namely a pool noodle, in order to prevent this from occurring. Pool noodles will be used as an extra layer to protect the tent’s four feet, preventing them from coming into touch with the edges of the holes in the ground.

Now, cut it into four small pieces and use them to cover each foot.

That’s precisely what we’ve been looking for to make our dream vacation a reality.

Tip 6: Be precise

Despite the fact that it appears difficult, building your tent will not be difficult if you pay close attention to the details. This means that you must use extreme caution while purchasing your construction materials. Remember! Everything must be exactly aligned, and it will be. In terms of the construction or the journey, we don’t want to run into any negative situations. That is why, before beginning the building, double-check that the parts will fit together correctly, just as in a Lego game, before purchasing them.

There is no water, no breeze, and no noise.

I’ll leave you with a list of the components you’ll need, as well as Amazon links for some of them, so that you don’t have to go out and get them yourself.

While the concept is to utilize 1-inch pipes, it is still dependent on your truck’s mounting holes, therefore I’ll leave the final decision to you.

Items to build your DIY truck bed tent:

• A Pickup Truck, to be precise. PVC pipes, 4 x 10 feet in length
• Tee fittings (eight in total)
• 2 x 90-degree angle fittings are required. a total of four 45-degree angle fittings
• 1-piece water-based noodle set 8 x clamps are required. Tarp

FAQ

Truck bed tents are a convenient and portable alternative for anybody who likes camping or spending time in the great outdoors. In addition to being simple to set up and store when not in use, they are lightweight yet strong enough to withstand the elements on your outdoor adventures. They are a fantastic investment!

What is the cost of a pickup truck tent?

The price of a pickup truck tent ranges from $100 to $550, depending on the features and other options you choose to include.

Can I use a truck tent on the ground?

Truck tents are a convenient method to transport items on the back of your truck, and they are equipped with tent pegs that you can use to hold it up while you are driving. Don’t be concerned if there isn’t enough space for them or any other stakes nearby while parking because many people simply lay their mushrooms down flat instead! – Asen is the proprietor of Camper Life and the primary contributor to the site. Since 2018, he has been traveling the country in his RV full-time. Camping in the wilderness, fishing, and spending time with his family are some of his favorite pastimes.

As a result, Camper Life is one of the top resources for finding information on RV traveling and living in general.

15 Homemade DIY Truck Bed Camper Designs

Take your fishing, hunting, and camping experiences to the next level with these 15 finest DIY truck bed camper designs, which will let you to turn your vehicles into enormous camping luxury on a budget. Yes, these DIY truck bed camper ideas will prevent you from having to deal with the tedious task of setting up camping tents and from having to sleep on the cold tent flooring. Thehomemade truck camperproject gives all of the specifics on how to transform the backs of your trucks into sumptuous beds and comfortable sofa sets so that you and your family can enjoy camping without having to go through the hassle of tenting.

If you are perplexed about how to utilize wood to construct the pleasant homes on the back of your truck, you can get all of the solutions right here.

Even if you hire a professional to alter the rear of your vehicle to function as a truck camper bed, the cost of purchasing and maintaining a truck bed camper might be too expensive.

Start building your own truck camper:

Consider building your own truck camper at home on a budget; most of these handmade truck bed camper projects need woodworking skills. These camper ideas will cover anything from creating an entire cabin to simply beds and sofa sets, and they will provide step-by-step directions for every project. Glue the 2×2, 2x4s, 1x4s, and other types of pine or timber wood boards together to construct the frames first, and then sheath them with plywood to finish the project. Installing windows, bespoke storage choices, and doors are the next steps.

Installation of the box type beds is simple if you are working within the car, and you may use plywood or other wood boards of your choosing.

Long, slender drawers should be stuffed into their undersides. There are a variety of approaches that may be used to accomplish this. View the many options by taking a quick tour of thisDIY truck bed camper designs, which will have you saying a huge wow.

1. DIY Truck Bed Camper

The teardrop campers are fantastic, although they might be difficult to park when there isn’t much room for another car. Consequently, choose for this pickup truck with a cab over the camper that is likely to give all the amenities of a teardrop cabin, plus you can build it yourself. Build the truck bed camper’s frame out of 2×2 and 2×4 wood slats to fit the truck bed. Cover it with the hardwood plywood to keep it from being seen. Finally, just cover the camper with old curtains, bedsheets, and canvas before painting it to give it a stunning appearance.

Instructables has more information.

2. Build a Truck Bed Camper for Under $400

No more painting or putting up tents; instead, go for thisDIY truck bed camper that will cost you less than $400 to build. Adding a bed to the back of the truck will be a lot of fun, and that is exactly what this project is going to be. Simply empty the rear of your vehicle and devise a strategy for what will go in the bed. Build the frame with two longer built-in drawers out of 1/2″ plywood and make it completely by hand with the 1/2″ plywood. Paint the bed in the color of your choice, and then top it off with a foam bed mattress for luxury comfort and support.

Details may be found at boundfornow.com.

3. Truck Bed Camper with Storage

Sleeping on the ground when camping is a major pain in the neck. It is possible to freeze to death during the fall season. So, by constructing this DIY truck bed camper, you can wave goodbye to too-difficult camping while also enjoying the comforts of home. It provides incredible storage capacity in the shape of three built-in drawers, and it is quite simple to construct out of 2x4s, plywood, and other wood board materials. You will receive free video lessons on how to construct it from beginning to end like an expert.

4. Handmade Truck Bed Camper

It is almost impossible not to fall in love with the additional sumptuous features of thisDIY pickup truck bed camper truck. The goal of the project is to add a storage-friendly bed to the back of the camper, where you can relax whenever you want. There will be no need to set up a tent as a result of this. Simply use 2x4s to construct the bed’s structure, and then padding to cover the surfaces of the bed. Don’t forget to finish off this truck bed with a bed mattress that is quite comfy. It has ample storage space on the underside to accommodate all of your essential belongings.

roamlab

5. Inexpensive DIY Truck Bed Camper

It is almost impossible not to fall in love with the additional sumptuous features of thisDIY pickup truck bed camper. Build a storage-friendly bed for the back of the camper, where you may unwind at any time of day or night. There will be no need to set up a tent because this will be accomplished automatically. The 2x4s are simply used to construct the bed’s frame, which will later be cushioned on all sides.

Keep in mind to finish this truck bed with a bed mattress that is both durable and incredibly comfortable. Ample storage space is provided on the underside for storing goods that are often used. Read on for more information roamlab

6. Building a Truck Bed Camper

The current camping experience, which is a lavish one, necessitates the use of a camper truck bed, which should give incredible sleeping comfort without the need to set up tents on the ground. Say goodbye to difficult camping and hello to camping wherever the wind takes you with this DIY truck bed camper. It comes with a rear compartment that contains all of the sleeping accommodations. They include bespoke storage compartments and sliding out drawers incorporated into the underside of the cabinetry to keep your necessities secure and organized.

More information may be found here.

7. How to Make Truck Bed Camper

You will like this incredible transformation of a camper vehicle into a little house with a full kitchen and bathroom at the back. The entire beautiful cottage may be built at home with wood and other natural materials. Build the frame of the bed camper out of 2x6s and 2x10s wood slats, and then sheath the frame with plywood to complete the project. Install the insulation and cover the cabin with a cloth to keep the elements out. Finish it off with vinyl siding to give it a slatted appearance that is second to none.

More information may be found here.

We’ll walk you through the process of converting your truck bed into a habitable camp on a budget step by step.

8. Build Your Own Truck Bed Camper

Get free instructions on how to construct your own DIY camper truck bed by visiting this page. Upon arrival, you will receive the building instructions for a whole wooden cabinet with a beautiful bed fitted inside it. First, construct the structure of this camper bed out of 2x2s and 2x4s, then sheath it with plywood, install the windows and doors, and last, attach the fiberglass to the frame and sheathing. Finally, you may paint the entire truck bed camper in order to give it a stunning appearance and appeal.

preyonadventure.com.

9. DIY Wedge Camper

You will undoubtedly fall in love with this DIY wedge camper, which is both functional and visually appealing. Build the frame of the wedge camper out of aluminum extrusions, and then you may sew the camper together at your convenience. This wedge camper is equipped with the greatest hardware system available for easy opening and shutting, and you will also receive a complimentary hardware list when you purchase it. After that, all you have to do is assemble the base frame and transport the complete system to your campsite, where you can experience camping at its finest.

tacomaworld

10. Truck Bed Camper Shell

The built-in seats of this bed camper shell, which is the coolest camping vehicle ever, will make you fall in love with it immediately. All that is required is that the seat frames be constructed from wood of your choosing such as plywood, and they may also have bespoke built-in storage choices. Make the chairs more comfortable and add reflective insulation to keep the camper from being too hot or too chilly too soon in the day.

Don’t forget to secure the window treatments to the windows. One of the most beautifully rebuilt truck bed camper shells available. Here are the specifics on how it all began.

11. DIY Truck Bed Build-out

With the dual-functional behavior of this build-out truck bed, you will undoubtedly fall in love with it, and it is sure to impress all of your camping buddies. Easy to convert from a bed into a stylish bench or couch seats, all of which include secret storage compartments on the underneath. Lifting the hinged lids reveals a mystical storage place that may be found within. It takes 2x3s and 2x4s of pine wood to build this truck bed, as well as pine plywood, plywood underlayment and piano hinges to finish it off.

Cindy Giovagnoli’s website has further information.

12. Homemade Truck Bed Camper

Are you hooked to hunting, fishing, and camping? This truck bed camper allows you to do it in a fun and convenient manner without having to deal with the hassle of setting up tents and beds. This vehicle will transport all of the amenities necessary to allow you to enjoy camping and hunting in the comfort of your own home. Simply construct the two enormous cabinets with the built-in sliding out drawers shown in the illustration. There’s an artificial grass carpet included, and the bed has been completed with the addition of an air mattress.

13. Cheap Homemade Truck Camper

Make your camping experience more interesting with this inexpensive DIY truck camper. Crafty pinewood planks like as 2x4s and 1x4s may be used to construct the general structure of the camper bed and other inside features such as a kitchen or seating. Finish by wrapping them in plywood and then covering them with a mattress. Organize your spice jars and other necessities with unique built-in storage choices, and design the underside of your bed to accommodate your camping gear as well. Instructions for watching the video from beginning to end may be found hereyoutube.

14. Easy to Build Truck Bed Camper

By constructing this truck bed camper, you can take your camping experience to the next level. To the back of the bed, an unique storage-friendly bench seat has been installed, which is clad in plywood. Build the frames out of 2x4s, 2x6s, and 1x4s, and then add padding to the seats to provide the maximum in sitting comfort. These chairs are enhanced with a mystical element. They may be used with a center panel to create a stunning bed as well. More information may be found hereyoutube

15. Simple Truck Bed Camper

Get free video tutorials and advice on how to construct a beautiful camper truck bed right here. Build the slatted frame of the bed out of 1x4s and 2x4s, and then place the underside of the long slender drawer into the bed, and then cushion it up for the utmost value in comfort. The lengthier built-in drawers on slides will assist you in storing all of your camping gear and will provide excellent protection for your accessories. One of the most beautiful camper trucks ever built by a private individual.

How to build a travel trailer from scratch?

Find out how to construct your own camper trailer at home! Create an affordable handmade DIY camper trailer using these simple plans for your next road trip!

Conclusion:

Camping has evolved, and today anybody can enjoy comfortable camping at any time of the year thanks to these DIY truck bed camper designs, which are specifically constructed camping vehicles that have all of the comforts of home. These concepts will enable you to construct benches, kitchens, and beds within the trucks, as well as provide you with free blueprints and plans for the construction of larger wooden bed campers that can be loaded with all of the luxurious living amenities.

These DIY truck bed camper ideas will be much easier to park than those teardrop campers that must be towed to a predetermined location for storage.

PVC Truck Tent Camper (Quick and Easy)

Seasonal outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and swimming are encouraged. The lovely scent of the rivers and flowers in bloom, as well as the sharp crackling of the bonfire, make for an unforgettable experience. The last thing you want to be worrying about is how much money you might have to spend in order to get out there and do something fun. The search for an affordable camper shell or cab-over camper can be time-consuming, especially when you’re working with a limited budget. In the meantime, why not make a simple bed cover out of PVC tubing and fittings to keep yourself comfortable?

1. Whether you need to bug out or cover your truck bed fast in inclement weather, this shell will be ideal for those looking for a low-cost yet functional truck shell solution.
2. 2.) Five ten-foot lengths of one-inch Schedule 40 PVC pipe are required.
3. In addition to the above, you’ll need a huge, thick tarp that’s at least 12 feet by 16 feet (you might get away with a lower size but this is the size we used and it worked wonderfully on a short bed Dodge pickup truck).
4. 6.) This is an optional step: The tailgate cables are held in place by two 2CCable Clamps.
5. Measuring from one arch to the next.
6. The front hoop will be held in place by these parallel bracing, which will also hold the back hoop.
7. This may be a little difficult, and you may require the assistance of two persons.

As seen in the figure, you’ll want to make sure that the bracing are evenly spaced so that the tarp can be laid down easily.

For this section, I utilized a tarp measuring 12 ft.

It was a perfect fit, but you could definitely get away with using a smaller tarp as well.

If you want to make things as simple as possible and aren’t concerned about the weather, you may even use a bug netting or a lightweight tarp.

In order to fasten the flaps and loose places, about (10) 1 inch Snap Clamps are required.

In another version, you may design a beautiful covered entryway to your home.

As a whole, this is a simple and economical method of building an arched bed camper out of PVC tubing and fittings.

Check out the entire video by clicking here.

Good luck with your construction! If you require any assistance or would like to place an order for pvc components, please contact us or visit our online shop. 530-272-3382 Maker of the Snap Clamp, Circo Innovations, Inc. (530) 272-3382Build, grow, and protect with the Snap Clamp.

Building My Primitive Camping Truck

In fact, if any of you guys follow my blog or have seen any of my previous instructables, you would have figured out that I am a rather enthusiastic camper by now. Camping in a more natural setting is something I enjoy doing. For example, no air conditioning or heat, sleeping in a sleeping bag or cot, and sleeping in a tent. In addition, I enjoy going exploring and 4wheeling whenever the opportunity presents itself. That being said, this is simply a basic guideline for how I constructed my current camping setup, not a detailed blueprint.

In the meanwhile, I drive the vehicle on a regular basis and utilize it almost everywhere.

Yes, I do sleep in the bed of my truck in the parking deck during my breaks, and it is really comfortable.

Step 1: Choosing the Correct Truck

Consequently, when it came to selecting the vehicle for this construction, I was quite particular about what I wanted. After all, it would have to be able to transport me around town on a regular basis while still being tough and capable of transporting me to isolated locations. As a starting point, here is a general list of the criteria I used when searching for my truck: -within my budget range (remember, I was a college student?) -small and compact in size -manual translation (incase the battery died I can pop the clutch and start it) -coated with a carbed (easier for me to work on in the field) -6ft bed (needed sufficient carrying space) (wanted adequate hauling space) -4wd-capable/reliable -good gas mileage (depending on the vehicle) To be quite honest, meeting the criteria I had established proved to be more difficult than I had anticipated.

To be honest, it was nearly hard to find a dependable carbed truck in my budget range.

4 cylinders with a manual transmission.

Step 2: Converting the Bed Pt1

For this reason, I made the decision to line the bed of my truck in order to convert it into a camping setup in preparation for the conversion. I didn’t want something too harsh because I had herculiner on my other vehicle, and it was rather rough when I got it. For a change, I chose to use duplicolor bedliner with kevlar fibers in it instead of regular bedliner. It turned out to be a fantastic design that worked well in practice. The finish was beautiful and long-lasting, without being overly harsh.

If it were a true camping gear, I’d line the bed with a carpet or something similar to protect the mattress.

Prior to applying, the bare minimum of preparation work was completed. I just sanded the bed down, washed it, and taped off the areas I didn’t want the liner to touch before putting it together. After wiping down with acetone and allowing it to dry, add three coats of liner.

Step 3: Converting the Bed Pt2

Now comes the exciting/expensive part. Purchasing a camper top is a great idea! As a result, I opted to go with a soft top for my construction. This is more of a personal preference than anything else. I just really like the aesthetic of soft tops, and I believe it gives a more tent-like or fortified appearance. It’s not quite as water-resistant as a camper shell, but it’s about as excellent as any tent I’ve ever used in terms of durability. I ended up purchasing one from a TTORA member in my neighborhood.

When camping, it gave a comfortable area to set up a cot and sleeping bag for the night.

Step 4: Setting Up Rear Lighting

As a result, camping in the woods at night might be quite dark at times. As a result, I decided to install some lights at the rear of the camper roof. I decided to go with some LED lights that I acquired off of eBay and those are more often utilized for rock lighting than anything else. They do an excellent job of lighting up the back of the truck at night so I can find everything. They are also water resistant and operate on 12 volts of electricity. Perfect for what I’m looking for. I mounted the lights on a toggle switch towards the rear of the bed so that I could turn them on and off without having to get out of bed in the middle of night.

Step 5: Getting a Cot

As a result, one of the primary motivations for purchasing a 6ft bed was to accommodate a soft top. They are only typically found in 6ft bed layouts, which is unusual. However, the second purpose for the 6ft bed was so that I could sleep comfortably in it. After all, it’s only a bed, right? Anyway, I was talking to a buddy of mine about sleeping arrangements over dinner one night, and it turns out that a 6ft coleman cot fits exactly within the 6ft bed. So off I went to Walmart in search of a cot.

It makes for a really comfortable camp bed.

Step 6: Building a Roofrack for Additional Storage

In order to avoid having to put my tools and other stuff in the cab while on the road, I needed a location to store them somewhere else other than the bed. As a result, I constructed a quite simple roofrack. It is constructed from EMT Conduit that has been welded together and then attached to the truck’s gutters. NOTE: When welding galvanized metal, be sure you grind down the zinc layer and use a decent mask, otherwise you may become very ill very quickly.

Step 7: Comms, Navigation and Other Electronics

The following items are not photographed since they are part of a camping setup, but they were included because I wanted an alternate method of communication as well as a way to communicate with other individuals who could be in the same group as me when out and about. Believe me when I say that occasionally, no matter which carrier you choose, you will not have mobile service in the highlands.

As a result, I decided to install a CB radio. I purchased a Cobra 29 with a weather scanner in order to keep track of the weather. In addition, I purchased a Garmin navigation device to be mounted on the dash and erected a power inverter for 120v electronics to run on battery power.

Step 8: Conclusion

So, that’s the gist of it, really. Sure, there are a few items I’ve overlooked here and there, such as tires, a lift, bumpers, and so on. I didn’t include them since I didn’t believe they were very relevant to the aim of the tutorial. I hope you appreciate reading about it as much as I did. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the vehicle build or anything else. So here’s a quick and dirty summary: I’m a broke college student trying to make ends meet. Camping is one of my favorite pastimes, and I wanted a nice, dependable truck to do it in.

It’s convenient to be able to travel, park, and set up camp in three minutes before retiring to bed.

In addition, the bed is comfortable and level.

Also, for those who enjoy off-roading, keep in mind to tread lightly!

Be the First to Share

Honestly, I was a little perplexed as to why there would be a market for truck bed tents when I first heard about them. I couldn’t figure out what the point was of erecting your tent in the rough bed of a truck rather than on the ground. As it turns out, truck bed tents are becoming increasingly popular for a number of very good reasons, including convenience, comfort, and ease of use. This list of three reasons should be appealing to everyone who enjoys camping, especially for those looking to go camping for a short weekend getaway.

1. These six truck bed tents will become your greatest buddy when it comes to being spontaneous.
2. Camping should not be discouraged by inclement weather or inconvenient sites.
3. You’re elevated above the ground in a watertight shelter that’s totally enclosed.
4. The Dyrt PRO, which allows you to locate campsites from your truck even if you don’t have mobile coverage.
5. In lieu of utilizing pro, I might drive back out to where cell service is available.

1.Kodiak Canvas

Image courtesy of Amazon The Kodiak truck bed tent is a favorite among individuals who are familiar with and enjoy truck bed tents. First and foremost, it is constructed entirely of 100 percent cotton duck canvas and coated with breathable, water-resistant Hydra-Shield technology. This tent may be used effectively in a variety of weather conditions, including high winds, heavy rains, light snowfall, and humid temperatures, and the interior remains dry and mold-free throughout. There are five windows, two internal gear compartments, mesh screens, and a rear access door that allows you to go into the truck’s cab without having to get out of the truck.

The Kodiak is available in two lengths: normal (5.5 to 6.8 feet) and long (7.2 to 8.2 feet) (8 to 8.5 feet).

The characteristics are the same as before, and the sizes are adjusted correspondingly. Purchase Now for $369

2.Sportz Truck Tent

Image courtesy of Amazon The Sportz Truck Tent is a lightweight, airy, well-ventilated truck bed tent that is ideal for hotter climates. It is one of the best alternatives for lightweight, breezy, well-ventilated truck bed tents. A built-in floor, back awning, huge entrance, and rear window provide lots of cross-breeze and comfort while sleeping two people peacefully in this tent. It has 5 12 feet of head room, and it can accommodate two people comfortably. This tent is far lighter than the canvas tent that was previously reviewed (nearly half the weight, at 25 lbs.).

There are six distinct sizes available for this series.

3.Guide Gear Compact Truck Tent

This image is courtesy of AmazonJust because you have a smaller, more compact truck does not rule out enjoying the benefits of truck bed tents. Image courtesy of Amazon Designed exclusively for smaller trucks, this tiny truck tent from Guide Gear sleeps two people comfortably while providing access to all of the same amenities found in bigger, larger truck bed tents. You’ll have plenty of ventilation with three mesh windows and a huge entrance in this tent, which is made of polyester and treated with a waterproof coating for the body, ceiling, and floor.This tent is a good alternative for smaller truck beds.Buy Now: $79

4.Napier Backroadz

Image courtesy of Amazon A truck bed tent with nearly 5’6″ in headroom, the Napier Backroadz tent is one of the most large available on the market. The setup process is also really straightforward, which is a feature that has been mentioned often in all of the reviews online. Additionally, there are two mesh windows for ventilation in addition to a huge entrance, and there is even a flap in the tent for charging gadgets through your cab window for added convenience. You’ll be completely sheltered from the elements if you have a whole floor.

Even though it comfortably sleeps two people, this tent will fit easily behind your seat in the cab of your truck, allowing for the potential of a spontaneous camping excursion to take place whenever you like.

Purchase Now for $169

5.Rightline Gear Truck Bed Tent

Image courtesy of Amazon The floorless design of this 2-person truck bed tent provides for a simple and quick set-up. This tent is water-resistant, strong, and spacious enough to accommodate two people and their belongings. It also includes a spacious doorway, gear storage pockets, and a sky view vent, which is a magnificent ventilation feature with the added advantage of being able to observe the night sky.

In addition, there is a detachable rain fly to provide further protection from the weather. The Rightline Gear truck bed tent series is available in eight different sizes to accommodate your needs. Purchase Now for $179

6.Milliard Truck Tent

Image courtesy of Amazon The stability and longevity of this sturdy, ripstop-grade cloth are the most often mentioned benefits in customer reviews of this tent. An integrated floor, storage compartments, a lantern hook, and mesh ventilation screens have been added to the door and window frames, among other features. This 2-person tent was designed with the intention of fitting into ordinary truck beds with a length of 6.5 feet. As is often the case with truck bed tents, you should double-check the dimensions of your truck bed tent before purchase to ensure that it will fit your vehicle.

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Rooftop tents are unquestionably amazing, and there’s no denying it. Rooftop tents, on the other hand, are prohibitively expensive, making them out of reach for the great majority of people. Furthermore, just because you spend a substantial amount of money on a rooftop tent does not imply that it will include all of the features you desire.The solution is to bring your own. Make your own rooftop tent out of tarpaulin. Non-stop savings in cash that can be used to fund future adventures, a DIY rooftop tent is the ultimate way to personalize your adventure rig and make it precisely what you’ve always dreamt of.Not sure how to build your own rooftop tent?

Don’t be concerned.

Some of the greatest DIY rooftop tent videos and approaches available are listed below:

1. Patrick Remmington Method

Patrick Remmington’s approach for building a DIY rooftop tent provides you the opportunity to build your own hard-shell shelter on the top of your automobile. Using plywood, the floor and top of the tent are both hard and protective surfaces, which are created by pressing the plywood against each other. You then connect the tent to gas springs, which allow it to open and close automatically when you arrive at camp. This allows for a rapid and simple tent setup when you arrive at camp.

While Patrick does not provide a step-by-step technique for building a tent, the fundamental principles in his methods may be used to the construction of a shelter of your own.

That’s all there is to it.

2. 410 Expeditions Method

410 Expeditions takes us on a tour of “Project Pytheas,” a hard-shell rooftop tent that they built themselves. 410 Expeditions began by hiring a local fabricator to pre-cut and bend metal for both the top and bottom of the tent, which was then assembled by 410 Expeditions. Then he enlisted the help of a friend to weld the tent’s hinges and gas springs into place. After completing the basic shell, he proceeded to construct the tent walls by repurposing a bug net from a standard tent. As a result, 410 Expeditions was able to save time on sewing by just purchasing a low-cost tent that can be pulled apart and attached to your rooftop tent shell instead of making their own.

The sleek design of 410 Expeditions’ rooftop tent is an excellent starting point for developing your own ideas for your own rooftop tent construction project, even if the company does not explicitly demonstrate how to construct one.

3. Nick K’s Method

Nick K demonstrates how to construct a hard-shell rooftop tent from the ground up in your own house in this video. He gives a comprehensive supply list, making this a fantastic resource for anyone who aren’t sure where to begin their project. This design, developed by Nick K, employs 3/4-inch plywood and corrugated plastic to construct the top and bottom of the tent, as well as gas struts to make it simple to open and shut the tent when you arrive at camp each evening. In the end, the tent’s body is comprised of 600 denier waterproof fabric that has been affixed to the tent frame using Velcro straps.

It’s possible to get nearly all of these supplies on Amazon or at your local hardware store, making this a great alternative for folks who don’t have a lot of spare time to go out and look for difficult to come by materials at specialist stores.

4. Tagayak TV Method

If you want to see a step-by-step demonstration of how to construct a rooftop tent at home, this video is for you. In an interesting twist, Tagayak TV’s technique is based on Patrick Remmington’s design, but it provides you with additional information about how to complete the process from beginning to end. Building the top and bottom frames out of plywood and 2×4 boards is the first step in this project’s construction. The top and bottom frames are then joined together at the back with the use of a hinge.

Once the structure is complete, it’s time to begin stitching the tent body together from the inside out.

However, Tagayak TV recommends practicing on waste material before working with the canvas you intend to use for your tent.

5. Camping Colorado Method

In this video, we will lead you through the process of building a rooftop tent at your house step-by-step. Although Tagayak TV’s approach was inspired by Patrick Remmington’s, it provides more detailed instructions on how to complete the process from beginning to end, which is a unique feature. The top and bottom frames of this design are made of plywood and 2×4 boards, and the design is built from there. At this point, a hinge at the rear of the top and bottom frames is used to join them together.

Once the structure is completed, it’s time to begin stitching the tent body together from the inside out.

This is the most challenging step for many people, especially if they are not confident in their DIY sewing abilities.

It also has some excellent recommendations for other ways to personalize your DIY rooftop tent, such as adding reflective material for insulation and inserting vents in the frame for ventilation during the summer months, making it a useful reference video if you want further inspiration.

6. Raise Them Wild Method

Rooftop camping is demonstrated in this video by Raise Them Wild, who uses a Jeep Cherokee to demonstrate their technique. Construction of a tent platform was completed by the Raise Them Wild team using 3/4-inch plywood, 1/16-inch aluminum sheets, and scrap steel from an old bed frame. Then they attached hinges on the side of their vehicle, which will be utilized to deploy support beams for the underside of the platform while the platform is in use. What makes Raise Them Wild’s set-up distinctive is that they haven’t really constructed a rooftop tent for the event.

In this way, it is an excellent option for folks who do not want to waste their time constructing a tent body, however it is not a complete DIY clamshell rooftop tent solution in itself.

7. Jeremy Adventures Method

When it comes to building a DIY rooftop tent, Jeremey Adventures’ approach is very straightforward, especially if you already have a roof rack installed to your truck or SUV. Jeremy basically buys a Kamp-Rite Overside Tent Cot with a Rainfly and then attaches the entire setup on the roof of his Land Cruiser’s pickup truck. This is a really quick and simple method of making a rooftop tent that saves you from having to spend a lot of time constructing one from scratch. With Jeremy’s solution, all you have to do is figure out a way to attach the tent to the roof of your vehicle using simple clamps that you can make out of materials that are readily available at your local hardware store.

8. Apocalypse Auto Method

This video from the video game Apocalypse Auto provides you a fast overview of all the procedures you’ll need to do in order to construct your own rooftop tent. To begin, you’ll need to build a bigger platform on top of your car out of particle board and 2x4s, which you’ll then attach to the roof rack. As a further step, you’ll construct a sturdy frame for the tent out of 2x6s and 1x1s, which will allow you to adapt the platform to fit your vehicle’s roof rack. An additional piece of particle board and barn door hinges will be used to construct the tent’s lid in the following stage.

If you wanted to use gas struts instead of springs, it would be simple to include them into this design.

Final touches included a conventional large camping tent that draped down to the tailgate of a vehicle, allowing for easy access to the rooftop tent from the ground level.

9. Nomad Design House Method

Using this video, Nomad Design House demonstrates how they stretched a roof rack and constructed a rooftop tent for the top of their vehicle. They devised a straightforward extended roof rack for the top of their vehicle and then contracted with a local welder to put everything together. After that, they simply attached two pieces of plywood and a cheap pop-up tent to the rack before heading out on the open road.

In spite of the fact that there isn’t much DIY involved in this approach, other from building your own extended roof rack, it is a straightforward way to create a multifunctional platform at the top of your car that can be utilized with a variety of different tents and other accessories.

Why make a DIY rooftop tent?

To begin with, let’s consider why someone would prefer to construct their own rooftop tent rather than simply purchasing one from the internet. The following are some of the most significant advantages of building your own rooftop tent:

Potential cost savings

As previously said, rooftop tents are a costly investment. Some of the most expensive hardtop versions may easily cost you $4,000, but a “cheap” soft top will cost you at the very least a few hundred dollars more. While it is true that you will have to invest some money to construct a DIY rooftop tent, the materials cost of $100-400 will be far less than the cost of purchasing one from a factory.

Customization

When you purchase a rooftop tent online, you are forced to accept whatever the manufacturer chooses to provide for you. In spite of the fact that you may surely experiment with making some alterations to your tent after it has been delivered to you, you will not be able to select every single element of a rooftop tent when you purchase it commercially. Alternatively, if you construct your own rooftop tent, you will be able to entirely personalize it to match your specific requirements. This includes incorporating more storage, selecting the mattress you’ll be sleeping on, and incorporating other crucial aspects into your home away from home.

Disadvantages of a DIY rooftop tent

While creating your own DIY rooftop tent may seem like a fantastic idea, it’s vital to remember that it isn’t all rainbows and roses in the end. Here are a few of the drawbacks of building your own rooftop tent.

Time and effort

Making your own rooftop tent can be a cost-effective way to save money because all you need to purchase are the supplies. However, keep in mind that you will be compensating for those savings by devoting your valuable time to the building process. Construction of a rooftop tent may not be the most efficient use of your available time if you’re a busy person with little free time. Instead, it could be more cost-effective to simply purchase one rather than renting one.

Frustration

The process of creating your own rooftop tent can be time-consuming and frustrating unless you’re really competent at construction or enjoy a challenge of any kind. Because there are no pictogram-style instructions available for creating a DIY rooftop tent, if assembling anything from Ikea gets you so angry that you want to rip your hair out, it may be wiser to just purchase a commercial rooftop tent instead. Following that, there will be car camping. Roof Top Tents from Front Runner Tents (Owner Review) Is it safe to sleep in a roof top tent when there are bears around?