DIY Truck Camper

My wife put her bike and our two kid's bikes in the back of my truck. Didn't strap them correctly. Her bike and one of the kid's bikes flew out the back on the thruway. Whatever bungee she did manage to tie down correctly kept them attached to the truck but they got dragged 400ft. It put some nice scratches on my tailgate and blew out the bike tires.
We're talking maybe 70 pounds max, and these bikes were strapped down (not too well) but they still got blown out the back.

Imagine the force of an oncoming wind gust at 40 mph added to the wind resistance of a vehicle going 75 mph ...we're talking Cat 1 hurricane force. Over secure your shit.

 

Another thing you need to consider is how it's anchored.
If you ever look at your basic choke strap the tag will say it's limits depending how it's anchor.

Good example of the difference rigging properly can make.

 

Almost complete

 

Looks nice and all, like one of those Tiny Houses, but I still wouldn't want to be behind you on the freeway

 

What about Murphy's?

Crap is going to happen.

I do graphics for a concession trailer mfg and the place used to build rvs. Mostly everything was overbuilt, but kept it light and simple. They made mostly everything from aluminum and steel but most rv interiors are 1/8 wallpappered lauan. I've also seen some name brands with 3" straps going on the outside of the bed down to c channel mounted to the underside of the frame.

Probably should of put some metal joist hangers on the more critical points. Imho.

 

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Aerodynamic go to hell.

 

The skylight...

 

I like it man!! I think I would bolt it straight to the bed... but the whole thing is awesome and it's different!! Might be a project for me in the future!! Except my 2.7 would hate it lol

 

Awesome DIY man! Can't wait to see the final results.

 

Now all you need to do is hoist it up into a tree!

 

Already loaded and 3 days into our trip. Averaging 14mpg and 0 issues.

 

Have a good and safe trip. Post pictures along the way. Happy Thanksgiving!

 

We have an instagram page where we will be doing the majority of our posting. Feel free to follow. @bamboo_bungalow

 

Do you have an "on board" crapper... you know the kind that looks like a cooler with a basement..?? That would be nice..!
Have a safe and fun trip man..!

 

I don't do instagram, but I'll look out for you on the news and on the 'Things that make you say WTF!' thread.

Good luck.

 

Awesome man safe travels.... I'm interested to see a couple inside pics!!

 

Holy crap....good luck! If I see you coming I'm getting off the road ASAP!