Homemade bed cap ideas!?!

8 MPG? Just guessing

 

I'd just find a canopy. Lol.

 

I did something similar once helping some family move.

Haha mine was far more ghetto with it being just a big'ol rectangle box made of mixed-matched wood that took up the space of the bed (was flush with the cab height though). Was chained in place by ratcheting straps to the 4 bed anchors. Only needed it to last the 7-8hr drive haha.

Now I just have the same similar kind of setup to keep my tool box chained to my bed (using ratcheting straps), since I have a bed cover, and didn't want to drill holes in the bed frame. Surprisingly they held up very well, and are taut even after rain/sun via using straps on two of the bed anchors.

Honestly looking forward to seeing how your setup ends up just to see how it goes. Sure it may look screwy, but dangit if it does the job, stays safely in place, and saves you money then I'm sure we all can learn a lot more than just buying another camper.

 

Dont make something the wind might blow off and hurt someone . GL .

 

no offence to the OP, but when I saw the pictures I heard Jeff Foxworthy in my head saying “you know you are a redneck when ...”

 

Ideas on how to finish it? Uh, well... I wouldn't finish it. I applaud your efforts. I think the concept is amazing, and I support your creativity. Like the other folks have said, you aren't going to build something better, or cheaper, than you can buy used. Of course, none of this matters if you have truly custom needs that cannot be satisfied with a commercial cap.

To answer your questions:

1. You need a safe way to clamp this to your bed. The clamps needs to be designed to prevent your cap from falling off front to back and side to side. Large c-clamps are common for this purpose. Given the size of your setup, I would recommend drilling and bolting. THINK ABOUT THE LIABILITY! If you hurt someone with that cap, you will be fucked. No lube, no permission, no fun - straight fucked.
2. Think about weight. Tacos are mid-sized trucks. These are not designed for heavy bed loads. You may need to consider some heavy duty suspension to handle a heavy duty camper. Checkout some of the solutions the overlanding folks on TW use. Dakars HDs with an add-a-leaf typically solve most folks heavy bed weight problems. I think 2x4s and sheeting is going to be too heavy to make it worth your while. I would recommend aluminum tubing and fiberglass sheeting.
   
3. I also think that with the smaller engine in this truck, and the type of cap you are building, you will get worse gas mileage from your i4/v6 than a full-sized truck with a v8. This can be mitigated by using lighter materials, and making your design more aerodynamic. The best example of caps that minimally (though still do) effect gas mileage on tacos are the leer 180s, and the ARE mx series caps. I would base your design off these. Meaning, do not have a huge flat surface behind your rig to create drag (notice that long-haul truckers use the angled sheets of aluminum to reduce this), and keep the cap at or just above the roof line of your truck.
4. If the over the cab over-hang is necessary, you will need a lot of reinforcement to prevent that from tipping forward and hitting the cab of your truck. Again, not a recommended design.
   
5. That cap will get hot. You need a pop-up latch in the roof with bug netting, consider adding a solar powered roof vent. Make sure you have windows and a sturdy door.

Bottom line: If you really want a walk-in custom camper that makes sense for a taco , I would start with an existing leer 180 or ARE mx, and then build a jack system or hydraulic system with elevates the cap once you are parked (these caps weight 150lbs by the way - at least mine does). I would design the walls such that they are made from heavy waterproof nylon that elevates with the jack/hydraulic mechanism. The setup then minimally effects fuel economy, would be compatible with stock suspension, looks professional, and easily setups once you arrive at your destination. This would make a great argument for having an air compressor on your rig, which you could use to lift the cap with the flip of a switch. If you use some heavy duty toggle clamps (some people call these latch clamps) you an secure the cap while moving, and easily release them once parked. These caps also allow you have roof racks, so you can use/make roof top boxes to carry your extra gear.

Given your current situation. I would cut down the height, spend as little as possible to get it functioning, spend what is necessary to make sure it safely attaches to your truck, and then start saving your cash to begin a more elaborate plan to build the ideal setup.

EDIT: Here is the solution https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2HxThCyzOY add some waterproof nylon to expand with the lift, and you are good to go.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcRB_9jdgwU

 

You too?

I thought I was the only one.....

 

Well yeah, it's a Chevy.

 

I was really sad when they discontinued the Econoline. I’ll have to make my next topper from a Sprinter Van. Uggh.

 

I know your pain...

 

Also, this is a fine option to consider too:


...Another design element you may want to consider. Build the cap yourself, but make a hing roof design to get he height you need when you get to camp. I'm sure you can make something like this work with wood supports and aluminum/fiberglass siding. Obviously something like this will be the lightest option, but likely on the more expensive side, if bought instead of made that is.

 

More inspiration:

https://gearjunkie.com/lightweight-pop-top-truck-campers
From another TW diy member: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/diy-gfc-wedge-camper-replica.604686/

 

I prefabbed an a frame for my ranger one year to take to the bike races. I was young and stupid so after an hour of cutting all these 2x2 into a frame and mocking it up I was off to the races. Once I got there the guys with the pop up campers were up and running in no time. Me on the other hand... I was getting made fun of because I'm screwing all these pieces together for like 2hours. Covered it with this massive tarp. Even made my self a little "garage area" for my pit bike. Funny part was that it stormed bad and everyone ended up parking their bikes in my " garage". The next year my grandfather felt bad for me and got me a truck tent. That thing set up in 3 minutes. Now I own a trailer.

 

What is holding this "structure" to the bed of your truck? Why PT 4x4's, not helping. No, just no. Take it off and get a used cap or rent a trailer and please do not harm anyone else traveling on the same roads.