Building a Bed Topper / Camper Shell...

Ok, i think this may be a really stupid idea, but i'm starting to think in earnest about making my own camper shell. Anybody done this? Looking for lessons learned - from fabricating or living with some of these design features...

From what i've read, it sounds like making your bed totally dust and weather proof is a difficult job at best... and what i've missed most not having a shell is the lack of security when making town stops or leaving the truck at a trail head with more gear than i want to shove in the cab. I've been running a rack and RTT so the access to the bed is limited a bit anyway.

Then i saw the shell/camper from go fast campers and i really like the way it totally opens up so you can get into the bed. (but i don't think i need all that cross bracing!) And, they've got a 3 year wait. I'm slow, but i can make something faster than that.


So, i'm thinking about one of two directions. Either a frame like they've made and sides that can totally open up:

Or, something more traditional with set in doors:

The panel direction i think will be much easier to fabricate. BUT, it could get wonky in the corners... it might not be as structurally strong, and the panels might be more susceptible to being pried open or otherwise molested. Probably a little less weatherproof... though i'm not really trying to keep the weather out.

Set-in seems stronger, more likely to stay square and tight, slightly less molestable...

Both ideas would be pretty blockey and sharp edged. My access to a big brake is limited at best so making rolled corners or a 'tented' roof might be beyond my fab capabilities. And, i'll be sticking a RTT on top anyway. I'm wondering if all the sharp corners and flat panels with make tons of wind/road noise.

Any thoughts/input welcome!

Thanks for reading!

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Some notes for the future:
nice chmsl: https://www.evilmanufacturing.com/lights/2005-toyota-tacoma-third-brake-light-baja-designs

 

I can’t get the link to copy but search diy wedge camper. A member on here built a Go fast campers replica that looks sweet

 

I love the idea. I can't offer much help beside armchair feedback but I'll keep an eye on the thread to see where this goes.

 

I plan on building something like your second design. My largest concern is how to make to corners of the shell strong and visually acceptable considering the limited tools I have.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/diy-gfc-wedge-camper-replica.604686/

 

I think that this is the link you were referring to:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/diy-gfc-wedge-camper-replica.604686/

Oops. I wasn't fast enough.

 

I like that you're showing it on an Access Cab. They just don't get the love they deserve.

 

You guys are awesome. What a great thread! Still reading...

 

Totally!

 

I think i'll be using an angle grinder, hand drill with step bit, chop saw, and mig welder for almost all of this. The "heavy lifting" i'm planning on getting done for me - cnc plasma cutting the big sheet metal pieces, and if i can find a local place with a big brake that will do the few bends i'll need with out it costing an arm and a leg, i'll incorporate some little bends... But... yeah... it could get crazy. I've been turning over some custom hinge and latch ideas to help keep it super clean, in which case i imagine using just about every tool i have.

The piece i'm really struggling with is what RTT to get. I have a 2 person Tepui, but the weather-proofness has us wanting to upgrade.

 

Starting to look for parts...
Found these folks that make brackets/latches/etc: https://www.starcraftparts.com/categories/193/Gas-Props-Struts
eTrailer also has some latches: https://www.etrailer.com/p-PLR7011S.html
Siraweb https://www.siraweb.com/handle-covermaster-g-400
Strike for rods (clever...) https://www.siraweb.com/handle-561-64

 

I just finished up my frame this weekend.

 

Cool! For some reason your pics aren't loading...

 

Think i fixed it

 

I can't wait to see what this turns in to!

 

Here. I can contribute for a brain storming session because I want to do the same.

Also this guy did a great job on documenting his build. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/diy-wedge-camper-gfc-replica.604686/

 

Oh as well OP if you domt like the tented portion, turned mine to a camper by putting in some bed drawers creating a sleeping platform. Two birds stoned at once. More on my build thread with the actual construction of it all.

 

@Manfred Never has a handful of photos made me resent needing to go into work today as much as these.

 

Oh man its winter here too, how do you think i feel

 

OK - little update - i gave up and just bought a GFC, so no DIYing for me on this one... am moving on to other projects. If anyone wants my prototype rack, it's up for grabs (FREE!) you just have to be in NorCal to get it. Posted here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ent-frame-bed-rack-free.738948/#post-26304438