A tip to help slim down your kitchen: Go collapsible rubber. They make bowls, wash basins, cutting boards with strainer, and all kinds of other stuff that can collapse into itself and save you so much space. Collapse it and stack it, my man!
I bought a Chevy S-10 and then found a Leer camper top. 1st night it froze at -1 degrees. Could not find my truck keys. I searched every inch of the bed I was in. Then discovered the camper latch wouldn’t open. I made up my mind I would have to break the driver window. I kicked the camper window & shattered it. I busted the driver door window and still no key. Went back to the camper door and realized it wouldn’t open because it froze. If I waited another 10 minutes it would open. Found the keys stuck in the passenger door. Considered suicide. Settled on punching myself in the face
Slept in the back of a friends truck for about two months in the parking lot of a place I lost my job at....... He had his truck topper insulated with some spray on foam insulation and had some real thick roll in insulation on the floor with boards and carpeting on top. You could get two people in the back really easily.
I want to do the same thing as mav because I'm fresh out of high school and wanting to get a job then find a truck and a truck cap and go on the road and I have my dog to
I've done the same this summer with my old Mercedes Jeep - flatten the back out, bunch of rubber mats, coleman blow up bed, fridge, solar panel bungeed to the roof bars plumbed into the vehicle battery to save money. Had 2 weekends away and slept like a baby both times and the truck started on the button both weekends!! These american pickups have much more space in the bed. I like the idea of importing one!
Chevy avalanche works pretty well. Drop the back seats and open the bed to the cab. The panels over the bed work great. I put a memory foam pad down with a heated blanket and slept in 10 degrees wonderfully.
You got a great deal on your camper top. You need to put a rubber gasket between the tailgate and the bed where it closes, it keeps the dust out. Try looking at the garage door rubber gaskets at Lowes, Home Depot, etc. Even cutting a bike tire inner tube and trying it would be better than nothing at all. Just a thought. Good luck.
Been wanting to take my wife out on an overnight, we’ve done regular camping with friends, but as using my truck as a home base of operations is something I look forward to doing. Your channel has lead to many thoughts. Would love a cross country trip to places like Moab to see the scenery. Those two videos were amazing. Eye opening. Love your channel.
I listened to everything you talked about on truck camping so I would better understand what you did and planned to do in the future. It was very interesting and helpful. The more I watch the more I enjoy your program. I'm always looking forward to your next posting. Thank you Mav.
Great stuff mate 👍 One way to modify and make a bit of extra head space - throw the fridge on the back seat ( keeps it cooler and better insulated in the cabin of our ute anyway ) and then you can double stack the drawers on top of each other or ditch one draw and minimise what you’re packing....then you can drop the bed down level with the tub floor which gives you more headspace so you can sit up in there in wet weather etc 😉👍 Great video and keep it up mate, all the way from Sydney Australia 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺
Where your little window passes thru from the cab to your sleeping area, you can slide a bicycle tire innertube down btwn the back glass of the truck and the camper shell. Then inflate the innertube and it will create a water tight seal. Then you wouldnt have to worry about water and you could buy a dryer vent hose and run from your vent up front to the back to help warm up the bed of the truck.
I would do a vertical drawer setup on one side of the bed. More headroom and I think you would gain in storage space overall. Little less elbow room is all.
I actually used 1" PVC and a tarp. Used it for a few days in some bad weather. Worked out pretty well. Just put the uprights in the 4 corners of the truck bed then 45 then towards the center like an A frame. Simple and cheap
not sure if you ever did the rear window pass through but a buddy of mine did it by inflating a bicycle intertube between the cab and the shell around the window and made a super easy/cheap air-tight connection.
Got inspired by this channel. I remember watching this video when it came out and having so many plans. Since then I bought a truck. Put a sweet midrise topper on it and did the same deck with 2 drawers. I plan on doing a second dual batter too but luckily my second battery will fit under my hood, so I don’t have to have it in there with me.
My experiences have taught me a 6.5 dt bed is a must. Just upgraded to a Titan 6.5 foot from the frontier. Cannot wait to rig it up with the mx cap for extra headroom and a full bed platform for the wife and kiddo.
I purcased 2 years ago an old Volvo V70 family car. I use it ONLY for work and this type of stuff, I am very long and I have a lot of place lying down behind in air matress and I have in my trunk 12 V which provides power for my lill fridge. You know people always ask me how do I have money to travel every weekend around in the country but they do not realise that all expenses I have are my foods and fuel. I dont spend on camping places or hotels..if you wanna travel you dont really need much, just a reliable vehicle.
I dont have such truck, i dont have any camping gear, but i am definitely inspired to do this camping. One day I will post my camping video. Thanks Mav
Digging the set up. Love the extra battery pack. Just put one on the cargo basket of my H3, now I'm inspired to wire it up like yours. I'm always worried about needing a jump while I'm in the middle of nowhere.
Mav I found your channel about 2 weeks ago and I've been watching a ton of your videos. Very informative and awesome vids. I'm definitely looking to build a drawer setup in my Toyota Tacoma.
my rig is almost like yours, same truck, ARE topper, carpeted and floor mat. also have the ARE basket on top. looking for rack for cab to install the rod holder and shower, and also wanting the stainless tailgate cover for cooking and prep. the next thing im looking to do real soon is the slide in drawers.
...some people do "motorcycle camping!!.... keep it simple!!! go farther!!! FYI: I use a closed-cell, foam, "pool-float" as a sleeping pad, and it works well as a kneeling pad, in my canoe, and adds a lot of extra buoyancy, (in case I tip it over)... it is firm enough to soften the rough, rocky ground, and it doesn't "leak" air, nor does it soak up water!!!....
Growing up in the 1970's we had a pickup with an aluminum shell. My dad built 3 benches to create sleeping space. 2 long ones down the sides creating a bed each for my mom and dad. Then a shorter insert connecting the 2 for me to sleep short way near the cab. I can't give you the dimensions as trucks are shorter and narrower now. There was enough space to put your feet down. Each bench unit had a hinged 3/4 or 1 inch platform that could be lifted to access storage underneath the beds. My mom sowed covers for the mattress top. It worked well.
I used to truck camp on all my fishing trips. Staying in a motel just isn't the same and I miss the freedom of sleeping right next to the river. I tried using a tent this last fall and a canopy will be on my truck before the next trip. I've had bears come into camp before but sleeping in a tent with bears was too vulnerable feeling for me. Thankfully they were only black bears this time. Have you thought about an awning on your roof rack and a camp chair to relax in until you go to bed? I used to sit up in the back of my truck when I started out but ended up doing the camp chair thing because my back would hurt after a while sitting in the truck bed.
Did the truck camping until the truck died and rotted out. My topper was a high one so you could sit up in the back with the tailgate down. Later we got a tent that hook to the back of the topper.
Been on the northern Ontario road a few months with my old F150. Constant work in process gettin the close to perfect setup, lotta downsizing to do still. Pumped to get your review on it! Thanks for your vids boss
He made a video about that, showing the complete design and build process! Just watched it yesterday, in fact 😁 Should be in his list of videos somewhere.
I watched the entire video and I don’t even DRIVE why am I watching this 😂 just curious I guess. Came from the gunshot video and you just seem like a down to earth guy.
Truck and cap definitely works good, but an actual van is where it's at in terms of space, and actual living. I personally use both... Truck for work and random weekend outings and the van for full time living and long outings. And yes, knowing how to build is rather essential if you want to be functional and comfortable. Helps to understand vehicles too, not really fun being stranded with mechanical issues out on the road :)) especially once your whole livelihood relies heavily on the wheels to keep spinning.
If you only need a few inches of additional headroom, why not get a bunch of 4x4's or 6x6's and rim out the box of your truck, setting the topper on top of the wood? Now for fun, how about adding 24" of height by rimming out the truck bed with a knee wall (where you could hide wiring, shelving, on and on) and setting the topper on top of that? Keep it under 13'6" total height and you are golden.
Hey Mav, thanks for sharing. This gives me a place to start. I have a 1997 Dodge Ram 2500 4 X 4 Cummins Diesel with an 8 ft bed and fiberglass topper. I plan to do a lot of camping in Utah.
I like the idea of you taking the windows behind the backseat away and be able to either climb or take stuff out from the backseat and or use the backseat for chilling Netflix, eating or whatever if it rains outside. Like SledOrFish said maybe getting an awning for your truck sitting outside with chairs and table and maybe also getting a roof cargo box for additional storing
I know u said u dont wanna spend money but the eztopper looks like an amazing invention. Thinking of buying that for my truck to do an over landing setup.
hello, i am old and i am just getting into this- my topper is on order from ARE-- they have an HD model where you can put a truck tent on top of the topper-- i am glad that i knew, when ordering mine to have it carpeted--- thanks for the overview--
I'm looking into car camping myself here soon and hopefully in the near future and I've been working on my car lately to create something for car camping. I have a small car. I like your videos and been getting some ideas as well as from other people's videos too. I'm hoping to do some videos, videos on car camping, and how to fix your small car up for car camping too. Im into camping, fishing, rafting, swimming, and anything outdoors.
You should check out those refillable propane canisters. You can fill a big tank for cheap at a propane supplier and then refill your smaller cans. You need an adapter i believe
This channel gives me a sensation of comfort, especially before I go to bed
Same!
Same
Weird that I feel the same way!
I’m literally in bed right now
FUMANFUMAN same
A tip to help slim down your kitchen: Go collapsible rubber. They make bowls, wash basins, cutting boards with strainer, and all kinds of other stuff that can collapse into itself and save you so much space. Collapse it and stack it, my man!
I bought a Chevy S-10 and then found a Leer camper top. 1st night it froze at -1 degrees. Could not find my truck keys. I searched every inch of the bed I was in. Then discovered the camper latch wouldn’t open. I made up my mind I would have to break the driver window. I kicked the camper window & shattered it. I busted the driver door window and still no key. Went back to the camper door and realized it wouldn’t open because it froze. If I waited another 10 minutes it would open. Found the keys stuck in the passenger door. Considered suicide. Settled on punching myself in the face
Brutal, frustrating experience I’m sure but think of this great story you now carry around to share with everyone! 👏😁
Bro this story had such a twist man I laughed my ass off 😂😂
always open the tiny rear window
I’m working hard on my goals so I can get a truck camper like this. I will have a truck camper like this soon❤️
You gotta love just staying home during quarantine watching Mav!
Rather be camping then staying at the house
I do but gotta go back to work 😢
Tb tbh
Kenny Phun fuck it just live off the land and pocket money
Momo C. That's exactly what I do, I have my own garden where I grow tons of stuff
Slept in the back of a friends truck for about two months in the parking lot of a place I lost my job at.......
He had his truck topper insulated with some spray on foam insulation and had some real thick roll in insulation on the floor with boards and carpeting on top.
You could get two people in the back really easily.
This is my dream now after watching your channel for a couple weeks anyone relate?
lol i thought it was me alone
@@javi4pf193 Nope! Me too!
@@michaellemaster5087 lol😂😂
hahah yep. Starting to build my storage drawers today. Going to try and make it exactly like Mav's here - so stylish, so chique
I want to do the same thing as mav because I'm fresh out of high school and wanting to get a job then find a truck and a truck cap and go on the road and I have my dog to
Great job. I'm done same I'm 64 yrs old when from a pop up slide in truck back to camper topper. René Clewiston florida ☕😎
Mav, I've been following you for a while now and you inspired me to build out my truck for camping! Thank you! Hope you see this comment brother!
these genuinely make my days better man. you and Field Days, both you are the best man.
Things that make a nice night: blanket, Mav video, stable wifi = perfect night
I've done the same this summer with my old Mercedes Jeep - flatten the back out, bunch of rubber mats, coleman blow up bed, fridge, solar panel bungeed to the roof bars plumbed into the vehicle battery to save money. Had 2 weekends away and slept like a baby both times and the truck started on the button both weekends!! These american pickups have much more space in the bed. I like the idea of importing one!
Chevy avalanche works pretty well. Drop the back seats and open the bed to the cab. The panels over the bed work great. I put a memory foam pad down with a heated blanket and slept in 10 degrees wonderfully.
Finally I’m here for mav!
Best UA-cam channel.
I love the outdoors and fishing. It’s so relaxing watching him.
You got a great deal on your camper top. You need to put a rubber gasket between the tailgate and the bed where it closes, it keeps the dust out. Try looking at the garage door rubber gaskets at Lowes, Home Depot, etc. Even cutting a bike tire inner tube and trying it would be better than nothing at all. Just a thought. Good luck.
Dude Mav I just started watching you and I don’t think I’ve ever fallen asleep so relaxed
Time Capsule coming back and watching your old stuff , congrats on 2mil
Been wanting to take my wife out on an overnight, we’ve done regular camping with friends, but as using my truck as a home base of operations is something I look forward to doing. Your channel has lead to many thoughts. Would love a cross country trip to places like Moab to see the scenery. Those two videos were amazing. Eye opening. Love your channel.
I listened to everything you talked about on truck camping so I would better understand what you did and planned to do in the future. It was very interesting and helpful. The more I watch the more I enjoy your program. I'm always looking forward to your next posting. Thank you Mav.
"Can of soup I don't want to open right now" Hmm I'm going to use that expression Mav, thanks!
Great stuff mate 👍
One way to modify and make a bit of extra head space - throw the fridge on the back seat ( keeps it cooler and better insulated in the cabin of our ute anyway ) and then you can double stack the drawers on top of each other or ditch one draw and minimise what you’re packing....then you can drop the bed down level with the tub floor which gives you more headspace so you can sit up in there in wet weather etc 😉👍
Great video and keep it up mate, all the way from Sydney Australia 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺
Some excellent thinking there.
Where your little window passes thru from the cab to your sleeping area, you can slide a bicycle tire innertube down btwn the back glass of the truck and the camper shell. Then inflate the innertube and it will create a water tight seal. Then you wouldnt have to worry about water and you could buy a dryer vent hose and run from your vent up front to the back to help warm up the bed of the truck.
I would do a vertical drawer setup on one side of the bed. More headroom and I think you would gain in storage space overall. Little less elbow room is all.
thats a good idea
I actually used 1" PVC and a tarp. Used it for a few days in some bad weather. Worked out pretty well. Just put the uprights in the 4 corners of the truck bed then 45 then towards the center like an A frame. Simple and cheap
Enjoy your videos, very respectful and polite young man down to earth.Keep up your good work and adventures .Thank your parents they a good job.
One of the best channels on youtube, its wholesome and super fun to watch
not sure if you ever did the rear window pass through but a buddy of mine did it by inflating a bicycle intertube between the cab and the shell around the window and made a super easy/cheap air-tight connection.
i watch mav at like 1 in the morning, is straight comfort
Starting my truck camping life Thursday. Thanks for all the tips!!
Love bingwatching this helps to escape from a busy hectic life
I'm a 50 something year old woman and you make me want to do this!
Blessings to you Miss. Cain ❤️
Yea. But get a hiboy campershell
This dude is a beast and you can’t change my mind
Had an 87 F150 in the 90s Cut down a 4 drawer dresser in front. 8 ft. bed was common back then. Good memories.
Got inspired by this channel. I remember watching this video when it came out and having so many plans. Since then I bought a truck. Put a sweet midrise topper on it and did the same deck with 2 drawers. I plan on doing a second dual batter too but luckily my second battery will fit under my hood, so I don’t have to have it in there with me.
I hope Mav knows that his videos are the best
2 best things combined
Nature.
Motorhome.
Boom your set.
starting my car camping adventures in less than a month. you’re my biggest inspiration and awesome guide
My experiences have taught me a 6.5 dt bed is a must. Just upgraded to a Titan 6.5 foot from the frontier. Cannot wait to rig it up with the mx cap for extra headroom and a full bed platform for the wife and kiddo.
Didn’t even realize u were at 170k! Been here since the beginning. Pretty cool to see the growth. Congrats man!!!
200k!
I' m a big fan! Mav is quite a smart young man. Very well-spoken too.
I did car camping, with tents, with visiting teacher from Spain, all over the Southwest Desert area. First time, I never knew about it!
Never noticed Mav has a breakdown 22 ruger in the drawer of his camper bed.
I purcased 2 years ago an old Volvo V70 family car. I use it ONLY for work and this type of stuff, I am very long and I have a lot of place lying down behind in air matress and I have in my trunk 12 V which provides power for my lill fridge. You know people always ask me how do I have money to travel every weekend around in the country but they do not realise that all expenses I have are my foods and fuel. I dont spend on camping places or hotels..if you wanna travel you dont really need much, just a reliable vehicle.
I dont have such truck, i dont have any camping gear, but i am definitely inspired to do this camping. One day I will post my camping video. Thanks Mav
Digging the set up. Love the extra battery pack. Just put one on the cargo basket of my H3, now I'm inspired to wire it up like yours. I'm always worried about needing a jump while I'm in the middle of nowhere.
Went truck camping with a truck tent worked fine needed more padding. After seeing this I need to get a hard top. Thanks for the tips.
Mav I found your channel about 2 weeks ago and I've been watching a ton of your videos. Very informative and awesome vids. I'm definitely looking to build a drawer setup in my Toyota Tacoma.
alw feels nice to come back here and see how it all started!
I’ve been watching you all quarantine I definitely would love to do something like this!
my rig is almost like yours, same truck, ARE topper, carpeted and floor mat. also have the ARE basket on top. looking for rack for cab to install the rod holder and shower, and also wanting the stainless tailgate cover for cooking and prep. the next thing im looking to do real soon is the slide in drawers.
...some people do "motorcycle camping!!.... keep it simple!!! go farther!!! FYI: I use a closed-cell, foam, "pool-float" as a sleeping pad, and it works well as a kneeling pad, in my canoe, and adds a lot of extra buoyancy, (in case I tip it over)... it is firm enough to soften the rough, rocky ground, and it doesn't "leak" air, nor does it soak up water!!!....
I really love this channel man, it's just so relaxing to have a drink and watch a mav video
I rock the mid rise camper shell, totally worth it man cool video keep on trucking!
Growing up in the 1970's we had a pickup with an aluminum shell. My dad built 3 benches to create sleeping space. 2 long ones down the sides creating a bed each for my mom and dad. Then a shorter insert connecting the 2 for me to sleep short way near the cab. I can't give you the dimensions as trucks are shorter and narrower now. There was enough space to put your feet down. Each bench unit had a hinged 3/4 or 1 inch platform that could be lifted to access storage underneath the beds. My mom sowed covers for the mattress top.
It worked well.
Nice
2:55 that rubber duck really brings the place together👌🤙
I used to truck camp on all my fishing trips. Staying in a motel just isn't the same and I miss the freedom of sleeping right next to the river. I tried using a tent this last fall and a canopy will be on my truck before the next trip. I've had bears come into camp before but sleeping in a tent with bears was too vulnerable feeling for me. Thankfully they were only black bears this time.
Have you thought about an awning on your roof rack and a camp chair to relax in until you go to bed? I used to sit up in the back of my truck when I started out but ended up doing the camp chair thing because my back would hurt after a while sitting in the truck bed.
Bugs?
@@1kdez Can always put a screen in.
Did the truck camping until the truck died and rotted out. My topper was a high one so you could sit up in the back with the tailgate down. Later we got a tent that hook to the back of the topper.
Great job mav I slept in my mazda 3 yesterday and went walleye fishing at night.
As a toyota ASE tech i like seeing the wiring, im doing a similar thing in my small pickup camper but with a solar panel as well
Get a screen repair tool and put a sliding window for a pass through. Nice rig enjoy and have fun. Also did the truck cap camping for 21 years .
A battery powered fan is a must have for night time when we're in the truck.
You have great presentation and philosophy. I got an 03 Ford explorer sport 2 door I want to travel/ camp in this winter. I enjoy your ideas.
Mav im going to remember this for when i get a truck. Thanks for making these videos keep of the good work and stay safe.
Ima get started on a camping truck 🛻
Been on the northern Ontario road a few months with my old F150. Constant work in process gettin the close to perfect setup, lotta downsizing to do still. Pumped to get your review on it! Thanks for your vids boss
Would love to see how you built the drawer system with turf on top. Also the metal plate across the tailgate!
He made a video about that, showing the complete design and build process! Just watched it yesterday, in fact 😁 Should be in his list of videos somewhere.
I watched the entire video and I don’t even DRIVE why am I watching this 😂 just curious I guess. Came from the gunshot video and you just seem like a down to earth guy.
Same
Same
I’m so early that he hasn’t even slept yet
I love that you take safety first
Reflective tint is the key for those back windows.
Truck and cap definitely works good, but an actual van is where it's at in terms of space, and actual living.
I personally use both... Truck for work and random weekend outings and the van for full time living and long outings. And yes, knowing how to build is rather essential if you want to be functional and comfortable. Helps to understand vehicles too, not really fun being stranded with mechanical issues out on the road :)) especially once your whole livelihood relies heavily on the wheels to keep spinning.
Impressive truck with the four doors. ❤️
This is something I would like to try out one day.
If you only need a few inches of additional headroom, why not get a bunch of 4x4's or 6x6's and rim out the box of your truck, setting the topper on top of the wood? Now for fun, how about adding 24" of height by rimming out the truck bed with a knee wall (where you could hide wiring, shelving, on and on) and setting the topper on top of that? Keep it under 13'6" total height and you are golden.
Literally just got a cap for my truck today! More so to help me with my move to Florida...but this too!
Almost 200k subs grind don’t stop maverick
I wanna be able to do this someday. Currently, I'm busy chasing other goals. Hope I do it before it's too late.
you should look into getting an awning to hang outside the truck
Hey Mav, thanks for sharing. This gives me a place to start. I have a 1997 Dodge Ram 2500 4 X 4 Cummins Diesel with an 8 ft bed and fiberglass topper. I plan to do a lot of camping in Utah.
This vid makes me want to truck camp even more now
11:09 he missed trying to grab it 😂
Hi Mav. I enjoy your videos. One nice thing is they are family friendly. Keep up the good work!!
I have a suggestion for you, you should try putting both drawers on top of each other so it would give you more space to sleep.
I like the idea of you taking the windows behind the backseat away and be able to either climb or take stuff out from the backseat and or use the backseat for chilling Netflix, eating or whatever if it rains outside. Like SledOrFish said maybe getting an awning for your truck sitting outside with chairs and table and maybe also getting a roof cargo box for additional storing
I know u said u dont wanna spend money but the eztopper looks like an amazing invention. Thinking of buying that for my truck to do an over landing setup.
hello, i am old and i am just getting into this- my topper is on order from ARE-- they have an HD model where you can put a truck tent on top of the topper-- i am glad that i knew, when ordering mine to have it carpeted--- thanks for the overview--
City life ok but sometimes I just wanna go in the woods by myself and enjoy nature, it’s peaceful
I'm looking into car camping myself here soon and hopefully in the near future and I've been working on my car lately to create something for car camping. I have a small car.
I like your videos and been getting some ideas as well as from other people's videos too. I'm hoping to do some videos, videos on car camping, and how to fix your small car up for car camping too.
Im into camping, fishing, rafting, swimming, and anything outdoors.
Hey keep up all of your good work I love your videos i just bought a truck to make a truck camper love your vids keep up everything stay safe
GOT MY TOPPER TODAY!
Wow. First video I've seen on your channel. This is so cool. Reminds me of stories I heard growing up about what people did in the 60's.
Nobody talking about Mav's rubber duck😂
NotDumd I saw that
Lol
Hi
Mark my words. I will buy a truck and start traveling and truck camping!
Fun fact! My sister Mavs favorite road trip snack is deep fried frogs legs!
“I think I have a tick on me hold on” 😂😂
Ahh yes camper Vw mk4 gti. Maybe a wagon, that’d be dope. I’m reality I have a old 02 ranger out back looks like a perfect candidate
You should check out those refillable propane canisters. You can fill a big tank for cheap at a propane supplier and then refill your smaller cans. You need an adapter i believe
I'm working on my beater f150 . I have a bed and frame in the back seat for now until I get a shell
You’re awesome bro. Been hooked to your videos!
If only I had a full size bed I would make a set up just like this, mine is a bit different but still very functional and great
I Love Your Truck Camping Videos Man! I’d Love To Get A Truck & Try It Out.
mav before bed is so therapeutic….