14 replies to this topic

[iame58]

Here is my camper shell conversion. 
I first tried the standard bed platform, it did not work well for either storage or headroom given the fact that I have a small Ranger pickup with a cab high Leer shell. My latest attempt is working well though! Rather than storage underneath that is hard to get to, I am using shelves for storage above and sleep on the floor. I built 8"w hardwood shelves for both sides mounted above the bed rail and secured with the 4 canopy shell bolts, then one 22" deep removable shelf for the front that hangs on the side shelves. 4) 4" cushions store well under the front shelf and using a Bedrug on the floor. The front shelf and cushions pop out in seconds leaving the pickup for hauling and other purposes. LED lights, 12v outlet, window fan switch all in one pod unit in the rear. I also added a simple awning that is easy to set up or take down in a couple minutes. Couldn't be happier with this set up for simple camping. 

Please, feel free to post your camper shell mods.

 

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[iame58]

[iame58]

[iame58]

[Ted]

Prior to our camper we used a Toyota pickup with a carpet kit. Fortunately our shell was higher in back so we had more room than a cab high shell. I like your set up. But with the bed between the wheel wells and shelves above it, it seems like it would be crowded for two people. You must be traveling solo or have a very friendly/tolerant partner.

[iame58]

Thanks....yes, I was concerned about the narrow wheel wells too, but it seems to work okay for the two of us and it is nice to be able to sit up. It is just for an overnight or two now and then, not an extended vacation.

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Hey,if it works for you and it looks like it does,than the most important thing is spending time out in the "wilds".

Makes a simple easy to deal with camping unit.

Your "awning/tent" cover on the rear gives you at least some weather protection.Have you thought of using a pop up shade/rain shelter,like the ones used at farmers markets?

You could get carried away and add a small 50W solar with battery and a Truckfridge cooler.

Just some thoughts.

Have fun Frank.

[iame58]

Some good ideas, Frank. Thanks. I had not thought about using one of those shelter tents, inexpensive, easy to set up and provides a good place to put things (always a problem storing stuff!) while camping. We are headed out to the Olympic Peninsula (WA) next week for a couple of days, might have to grab one of those tents at Costco.

[Edgewood]

We use a Kelty Carport on the back of our truck and back of our Four Wheel. It works better then a awning in the snow and provides protection to the door from the weather. 

 When I spent a lot of time in the back of my truck I used a simple shelf board that spanned the truck bed rails. It could slide close to me when sitting up to make a great cooking surface or a place for a light and book. Just slide it away when more room is needed.

[Accrete]

Looks like a nice platform setup.

 

I wanted to share what my wife and i did for our TACO (now sold) as far as a camp setup. We used something called a Sportz Tent (link to their website) Here is an image of our TACO with the tent (we slept on a platform similar to yours under the canopy) :

 

 

 

Lastly, a link to a page on my domain that details our platform bed setup . . . a sample:

 

Cheers,

Thom