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.

 

[LongWayAround]

I have seen some really nice looking diy truck topper/campers.

If I were building my own, I'm not putting windows in it. That's just too much extra work. You could hinger the side panels above the bed rails for similar function.

Then again, there's a few guys around here with full on cabins diy'ed to their vehicles...

There's at least two of the Subarus running around.

 

[kroppr77]

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.

Insulation is to reduce the condensation more than anything. Otherwise it’ll get fairly wet in there.

 

[naked wombats]

Weight is going to be your biggest challenge with wood.

The DIY teardrop camper guys do a foam core with canvas soaked in titebond 3 for the skin.

 

[JRMiller]

I highly, highly recommend what nphunter said.
It'll end up being %1000 easier repairing an actual topper than building and maintaining you own.

 

[Seaskihunt]

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.

I've been rocking my diesel heater in my truck bed setup for a few years now.

Get yourself one of the magnetic ports for your hot air hose. Super slick and easy to pop the hose on and off.

Since you're doing a heater, you'll have a battery of some sort.
Get a 100aH or bigger LiFePo4.
Mine runs my heater, lights, and small 12v fridge for 7 days when I'm not budgeting for power. I can add a few days to that if I'm even semi careful.

Get a small towel for wiping up condensation/water from boots/etc.

Have a way to black out any windows.

Any other questions ask away!

EDIT TO ADD-
misread your post.
definitely just buy an old topper and modify it to fit your needs.

 

[Seaskihunt]

My old setup before I got a fiberglass topper and set up the magnetic hose port.

 

[mad_angler]

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.

What exactly are you considering?

Are looking for something like this:


or something like this:


omething