Well, as most of you know I bought a camper shell for my truck while back, with intentions of building a platform that would allow me to not ever have to set up a tent again.. Today, my dad and I built it. :)

Started with this, and yes there are no windows in the camper at the moment, took them out so my buddy could tint them.


Built the side supports, the boxes up front are only for stability. It's the only bed space that will be wasted. As you can see, my spare is pushed all the way up, with a rope tied around it, so that when I do need it I can just drag it out. I built it just big enough to fit 3 of the black carquest totes behind the tire for all my gear.



Coolers and such will just sit on top and strap down during the drive.


Along the sides, I'll be able to slide fishing poles on the right side, and the left my hi-lift jack or whatever.


The back 2x4 that you see just slides into place for when I don't have 3 totes under the platform to support it. With it there I can only fit 2 totes.


Another view


I did the top in two pieces thinking the smaller piece towards the tail gate would hinge, only to find out that I didn't think that all the way through when it hit the bed rail... D'oh.


All in all, I'm happy with it. It's a little crowded, but it doesn't leak, I don't have to set it up, I"m off the ground, I'm warmer, and I can pull off a trail anywhere I need and crash for the night with ease.


I'd love to get the spare tire out of the bed and I have ideas, but just no time/money before Moab. So this will do.

We have a carpet kit under our shell (one of the old style platforms, not bedrug) and the only issue is hradroom to sit up in bed. Nice build, watch your head and enjoy.

KE6IRJ wrote:We have a carpet kit under our shell (one of the old style platforms, not bedrug) and the only issue is hradroom to sit up in bed. Nice build, watch your head and enjoy.

Yeah, that's my biggest issue with it, as I'm 6'3 but it'll do until I can get a trailer

Looks nice Daniel

Cant wait to see it in person. Looking good.

For your tire... Does it not fit under the truck any more?

fatbob309 wrote:Cant wait to see it in person. Looking good.

For your tire... Does it not fit under the truck any more?

The stock tire fits under the truck, but I have a full size spare that I like to keep with me when I'm camping/trail riding. I really like the "Hitch Gate" http://www.tiregate.com/hg_series_0.shtml But, it's way to expensive and I don't have time to build my own before Moab. I may look into building one or just building a custom rear bumper with a swing out tire carrier this winter.. dunno though.

nice Daniel. Air mattress or padding?

sweathog wrote:nice Daniel. Air mattress or padding?

I have never once had good luck with air mattresses, so we will have a pad, and then a 3 inch memory foam mattress topper that'll go on that. It'll fold up easy enough to make room for coolers and such, and be nice and comfy for nights

Well, if the truck is a rockin', then don't come a knockin'!!! LOL.

Nice setup. What about a small roof rack for stowing the spare and jerry cans?

Hate the look of roof racks on truck cabs... only rack I wouldn't mind is on the shell, but I'm afraid that'd be to much weight for the fiberglass? My spare is heavy.

Looking really good buddy. Great solution and execution.

Can I snuggle with you later?

alanzona wrote:Can I snuggle with you later?

Looks good. But Alan has made me speechless.

alanzona wrote:Can I snuggle with you later?

Bob might get jealous... I dont' want to cause any drama