Handy Guide To Building Your Own Pickup Camper

Truck campers are a great option for those who want to explore the outdoors. They offer better fuel economy, are easier to drive, and can be taken further off the beaten path compared to other types of RVs. They also have the added advantage of being able to tow things like boats and Jeeps.

If you're thinking of getting a truck camper, it's important to consider the type of truck you'll need. A one-ton truck is usually the best option as it has the largest payload ratings and is equipped with the suspension and brakes required to safely haul a heavy load. You'll also need to invest in a good set of wheels and tires that can handle the weight of your truck and camper combo.

When it comes to suspension modifications, it's best to drive your truck with the camper mounted first to see how it handles before spending money on upgrades. Leaf springs, air bags, and lift jacks are all options to consider depending on your specific needs.

Loading a truck camper can take a bit of practice, but with patience and the right equipment, it can be a breeze. Remote-controlled electric jacks, for example, can make the process much easier and quicker. And don't forget to use a bed mat to protect your truck bed and prevent the camper from sliding around.

Whether you're an experienced camper or just starting out, a truck camper can be a great way to explore the outdoors and create memorable adventures.

Characteristics	Values
Camper Type	Pop-up, Hard-side, Hybrid
Camper Size	Short-bed, Long-bed
Camper Weight	1,500 lbs, 795 lbs, 1,300 lbs, 3,200 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 1,792 lbs, 3,290 lbs, 1,792 lbs, 1,876 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 1,876 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 2,000 lbs, 3,000 lbs, 2,200 lbs, 3,600 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,000 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 2,900 lbs, 3,600 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300 lbs, 3,394 lbs, 3,460 lbs, 3,300

Choosing the right truck

Payload Capacity: The payload rating, which can be found on the driver's side door pillar placard or in the glove box, indicates how much weight your truck can safely carry without overloading the frame, suspension, wheels, and tires. It is essential to ensure that the combined weight of your truck, passengers, gear, and camper does not exceed the payload capacity.
One-Ton Trucks: When selecting a truck for your camper, it is generally recommended to opt for a one-ton truck. These trucks offer the largest payload ratings for non-commercial vehicles and are equipped with the necessary suspension and brakes to handle heavy loads safely.
Tires and Wheels: Choosing the right tires and wheels is crucial for the handling and safety of your truck. Look for tires with a load range rating of E or higher, ensuring they can support the weight of your truck and camper. Additionally, consider upgrading to larger tires with higher weight ratings if needed.
Suspension Modifications: Most suspension modifications are not necessary until you have driven your truck with the camper mounted and identified specific issues. However, if you find that your truck sags in the rear, you may need to add another leaf spring or a set of Torklift Stableloads to correct the issue and improve handling.
Towing Capacity: One of the advantages of a truck camper is the ability to tow. When considering towing capacity, remember to factor in the tongue weight of the trailer against your truck's rated payload. Additionally, you may need a hitch box extension if your truck camper extends beyond the rear of the truck.
Electrical Connections: The umbilical connection, or "pigtail," provides essential running lights, brake lights, and turn signals for your camper. It also allows you to charge your camper's battery while driving. Ensure you have the correct receptacles and wiring in place for a safe and functional electrical connection.

Remember to consult the weight and dimensions of your specific camper model when making your truck selection. It is crucial to stay within the payload and GVWR limits for safe and enjoyable adventures.

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Turnbuckles and tie-downs

Torklift Tie-Downs and Turnbuckles

Torklift tie-downs are frame-mounted and installed with no drilling required in most cases. Their design incorporates four independent tie-down points that bolt directly to the truck's frame, ensuring a secure fit with no loss of ground clearance. The tie-downs have removable inserts and are nearly invisible when not in use. They are made from steel in the USA and come with a lifetime warranty.

Torklift offers a range of turnbuckles, including the FastGun, Derringer Handle, AnchorGuard Derringer, AnchorGuard, SpringLoad XL, Basic SpringLoad, and Standard turnbuckles. These turnbuckles feature quick-release handles, tool-free adjustments, and spring-loaded designs. They are constructed from stainless steel and aircraft-grade aluminium and come with a lifetime warranty.

Happijac Tie-Downs and Turnbuckles

Happijac tie-downs and turnbuckles are another essential option for securing your truck camper. They are designed to safely secure your truck and camper together, providing a stable and reliable connection.

While specific instructions for using turnbuckles and tie-downs may vary depending on the manufacturer and model, here are some general steps to follow:

Read the instructions carefully: Before using turnbuckles and tie-downs, carefully read the instructions provided by the manufacturer. This will ensure that you understand the correct installation and usage procedures.
Inspect the equipment: Before each use, inspect the turnbuckles and tie-downs for any signs of wear, tear, or damage. Ensure that all components are in good condition and functioning properly.
Position the camper: Carefully position the camper onto the truck bed, ensuring it is properly aligned and level.
Attach the turnbuckles: Following the manufacturer's instructions, attach the turnbuckles to the designated anchor points on both the truck and the camper.
Adjust and tighten: Adjust the turnbuckles as needed to achieve the correct tension and tightness. This will help ensure a secure connection between the truck and the camper.
Check for security: Once the turnbuckles are in place, double-check that all connections are secure and tight. Ensure that the camper is firmly attached to the truck and cannot shift or move during transport.
Transport with care: When driving with the camper attached, exercise caution and drive at a reasonable speed. Avoid abrupt maneuvers or rough terrain that could put excessive stress on the turnbuckles and tie-downs.
Regular maintenance: Perform regular maintenance and inspections of your turnbuckles and tie-downs to ensure they remain in good condition. Keep them clean, free of debris, and protected from the elements as much as possible.

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Towing

The umbilical connection or “pigtail” provides your truck camper with the running, brake, and turn signal lights needed to be legal on the road. It also provides an important connection to your truck’s alternator to charge your camper’s battery while driving. The six-pin receptacle for this connection is usually on the driver’s side front of the camper, though many pop-up truck camper manufacturers place the six-pin receptacle in the back. Due to this placement, truck camper owners will often install a standard seven-pin electrical RV receptacle on the driver’s side, front of the truck bed. But another perfectly acceptable option is to simply run an extra-long umbilical from the front of the camper to the seven-pin receptacle at the rear of the truck. Remember, only six wires are needed for a truck camper since the truck camper doesn’t have its own brakes (the brakes run on the blue wire).

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Wheels and tires

When it comes to your pickup camper, nothing is more important than your wheels and tires. They bear the entire weight of your truck and camper combo, so they need to be up to the task. If you plan on hauling a 2,000 or 3,000-pound truck camper, you'll generally want a light truck (LT) tire with at least a load range rating of E. However, not all Load Range E tires are created equal. Sizes and weight ratings differ, so you'll want to make sure that the tires you're considering can handle not only the weight of your truck but also the weight of your truck camper. The same goes for your wheels. And if you're upgrading your tires, you should also seek additional load capacity over the OEM ratings.

Keep in mind that the weight on the rear axle is evenly divided by each tire, so an axle with a GVWR of 6,200 pounds will come with tires rated for 3,100 pounds. The largest inflation value for Load Range E tires is 80 psi.

Proper inflation of your tires is vital. Refer to your truck's documentation and the door jamb sticker to determine the correct inflation rating for your tires. For example, the door jamb sticker for a 2013 Ram 3500 truck with LT275/70R18E tires calls for 60 psi for the front tires and 80 psi for the rear. These values are for hauling the maximum payload of the truck, so the tire pressure in the rear can be lowered if you're hauling less than the maximum payload or nothing at all. Make sure you check your tires regularly for abnormal wear and proper inflation, especially before leaving on each trip.

As for the size of the tires, that's a personal choice. Those who haul around long-bed truck campers, the heaviest campers on the market, swear by 19.5-inch tires (load range H) because of the stiffer sidewalls and how well they handle with the extra weight.

As for the type of tires to put on your pickup truck, it depends on where you live, the kind of roads you travel on, and where you like to camp. If you live in an area where winter ice and snow are the norm and you like to winter camp, you'll want to have a good set of stud-less snow tires to offer the traction you'll need. For those who plan on doing primarily highway driving and who live in a temperate climate, then a good set of all-season highway tires will be more than sufficient.

My preference is for a quality set of all-terrain (AT) tires. These work well for highway driving in all conditions as well as off-road travel and are an excellent alternative for those who don't want to bother with a specialized tire. As for specific brands, over the years I have purchased AT tires from several manufacturers, including BF Goodrich, Firestone, Nitto, and Michelin, and have liked them all and got excellent service out of each.

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Suspension modifications

When it comes to suspension modifications for a DIY pickup camper, there are several options to consider. Here are some detailed instructions and suggestions to improve the suspension of your DIY pickup camper:

Understanding the Basics:

Before making any modifications, it's important to understand the components of a suspension system. The suspension system includes the truck's wheels, tires, springs (coil and leaf), shock absorbers, and linkages that connect the chassis to the axles and wheels. These components directly affect the truck's handling, braking, and overall driving experience.

Assess Your Needs:

The type of suspension modifications you need depends on your specific setup. Consider the weight of your camper, how often you use it, and the terrain you typically drive on. Common issues with pickup campers include rear sag, sway, and body roll. Assess which of these problems you want to address first, as it's recommended to make one modification at a time to determine its effectiveness.

Leaf Springs:

Adding leaf springs is a popular modification to correct rear sag. Leaf springs provide improved ride quality and better spring travel compared to other options. They help distribute the weight of the camper more evenly, reducing the stress on the rear axle. You can either add an additional leaf spring to your existing setup or opt for a custom spring pack.

Timbren Suspension Enhancement System (SES):

The Timbren SES is a popular choice for addressing rear sag and sway. It consists of hollow rubber springs that mount over the rear axle. These springs engage when hauling a heavy load and disengage when the load is light, providing added reinforcement only when needed. Timbrens are relatively easy to install and maintain, making them a cost-effective solution.

Hellwig Helper Springs:

Hellwig offers steel helper springs that install on top of your existing leaf springs. They provide additional support and come in different capacities ranging from 500 to 3,500 pounds. Hellwig helper springs are available with either a progressive or constant rate, allowing for automatic adjustment based on the load or providing the same amount of support respectively.

Airbags:

Airbags are another option to correct rear sag. They are easy to use and adjustable, making them suitable for side-to-side loading adjustments. However, they can create too much roll if overfilled and are not ideal for off-road use. Airbags lift the weight above the leaf springs, which may unintentionally affect the side-to-side sway.

Sway Bars:

If you're experiencing excessive sway or body roll, consider installing a sway bar. A sway bar, also known as an anti-roll bar, is a wide U-shaped bar that wants to remain parallel. It works as a torsional spring, keeping the truck level during cornering. Hellwig offers sway bars specifically designed for trucks hauling campers.

Shocks:

Upgrading your shocks can significantly improve the ride quality when carrying the extra weight of a camper. Consider self-adjusting shocks like Bilsteins or KYBs, which adjust based on the force applied. Alternatively, manually adjustable shocks like the Rancho 9000 allow you to change the dampening based on the weight you're carrying.

Torklift StableLoads:

Torklift StableLoads work with your factory-installed overload leaf springs, engaging them sooner to prevent sag, sway, and improve control. They are a good option if you want to maintain your truck's original ride quality when not hauling a camper. StableLoads are available in both permanent and quick-disconnect versions, allowing for easy disengagement when not in use.

Remember to assess your specific needs and make modifications one at a time to ensure the best results. Each modification has its advantages and considerations, so choose the ones that align with your DIY pickup camper setup and driving requirements.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of a DIY pickup truck camper?

A DIY pickup truck camper can be tailored to your exact needs and preferences, and it can be a more affordable option than buying a pre-made camper. You can choose the features and amenities that are most important to you, and you can save money by using readily available materials and doing the work yourself.

What are the essential tools and materials needed to build a DIY pickup truck camper?

The essential tools and materials will depend on the design and features of your camper, but some common tools include power tools such as a drill, saw, and screwdriver. As for materials, you will need wood, metal, or composite panels for the structure, as well as insulation, windows, and a roof. You will also need electrical components, plumbing, and appliances if you plan to include those features.

How do I choose the right truck for my DIY pickup truck camper?

When choosing the right truck, consider the payload capacity, suspension, brakes, and tires. The truck should have a high enough payload rating to safely accommodate the weight of your camper and all your gear. Look for a truck with a strong suspension and brakes to handle the extra weight, and consider upgrading to heavier-duty tires to support the additional load.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when building a DIY pickup truck camper?

Some common mistakes to avoid include not properly securing the camper to the truck, not considering weight distribution and payload limits, and not allowing for proper ventilation and weatherproofing. Take the time to plan and research before beginning your build, and don't skimp on essential materials or rush through the construction process.