Truck topper build DIY

[SivvyB]

Im considering building my own topper, removable. Saving a lot of money, rather than pay over $500-$1500. What are some considerations to keep in mind, for my topper build. Mainly storage, possibly winter camp in it. BTW, my job uas plenty of scrap lumber laying around so I basically get lumber for free, but the windows and hardware, will be out of pocket.

 

[kroppr77]

Insulating the bed, and making sure any leaks are covered is the most tedious part imo. You also have to make sure your tailgate, and where the topper door is functions seamlessly and is properly sealed. Without that it will continue to leak and allow dust in.
I use my truck for work primarily, and for that reason I won’t ever get my set up to being completely air tight and clean. I recognize what it is and use a lot of totes, and sleep on something I can pack up and put away if I want to.

 

[SivvyB]

Insulating the bed, and making sure any leaks are covered is the most tedious part imo. You also have to make sure your tailgate, and where the topper door is functions seamlessly and is properly sealed. Without that it will continue to leak and allow dust in.
I use my truck for work primarily, and for that reason I won’t ever get my set up to being completely air tight and clean. I recognize what it is and use a lot of totes, and sleep on something I can pack up and put away if I want to.

That leaks i totally looked past that. im looking into the seam fillers from Amazon, great reviews on YouTube. But as for heat, the diesel heaters you can attach with a heat vent works amazing in a fishing vessel for the fishermen in Alaska. Wondering if I can rig it up for the topper.

 

[nphunter]

You can buy toppers all day for $100 on the FB Classifeds with missing rear windows or slight damage. I would start there. A friend has a full sized tall aluminum topper with a door on the back that he tossed in his scrap pile. So many of them around that don't fit today’s trucks. I would personally go this route and modify it to your liking. Wood will be more expensive heavy and harder to waterproof than buying a premade used topper and modding it.

The first 6 things on the classifieds when I search canopy are chepos. Worst case you could make some wood bed adapters to raise the topper up or just watch for a tall one.