DIY Campershell (kinda)

[KF5EQV]

It took longer than I expected, but I finally finished the framework for my homebuilt bed-shell.



(better pics when the sun rises tomorrow...)

Now I know what your thinking... "What kinda crazy damn redneck is this guy anyways?" lol, but hear me out...

I'm adding benches to the inside that fold up out of the way when not in use, so I don't cut down any further on the already small space in the stepside. I'm also drilling holes in the top of the 8 support beams (4 on each side) and will use tent poles to stretch across the top. These poles will support a tarp that will be stretched across the top of the wooden "shell" making a rain-proof camper shell.

The whole thing is built so that it will lift out easily with only two people. So it isn't permanent. Worst case scenario is I finish this project and hate it a month later, I can always reuse the lumber for something else. I'm pretty darn happy with the way it's turned out so far though. I should note the wood has not been treated yet, and will be getting some SPAR varnish soon. I'm also debating painting it, but I dunno...

Opinions?

[aaron_ariens]

Seams like a good idea, and it looks clean.

[03crewcabranger]

Looks well built. Post a pic from the rear to check it out better.

[Tom]

Looks professionally done, very nice!

[Ranger Sport]

Dude WTF!!

Usually that's the kind of idea that'd make me laugh my ass off, but you made it look great!

I'd say make the wook look at least one or two shades darker than it already is (it stands out too much as-is).

MAN i can't believe your model pulls off that look so well.. haha

[prestidigitizer]

Originally Posted by Tom

Looks professionally done, very nice!

x2

[edgeman4.0]

and what was wrong with searching craigslist for a legit camper shell? imo the wait to find one at a decent price would be better than driving around looking like the beverly hillbillies... how is jethro btw?

[KF5EQV]

I'd say make the wood look at least one or two shades darker than it already is (it stands out too much as-is).

I haven't stained it yet, literally just finished putting it together an hour before taking those pics. It will look darker after applying SPAR varnish and whatever paint/finish I decide on.

and what was wrong with searching craigslist for a legit camper shell? imo the wait to find one at a decent price would be better than driving around looking like the beverly hillbillies... how is jethro btw?

Lol, well call me an Okie but I like it. It was a fun project too, much more fun than just buying some old POS shell from craigslist and still having to repaint it to match the truck. Plus this way I have something unique and got to use my hands to build it.

As for Jethro and the beverly hillbillies... I don't really watch a whole lot of TV so I don't entirely get the joke. I guess they probably had an old 1920-1930 pickup truck? The wood sides were once a factory option on some Ford trucks you know.

Looks well built. Post a pic from the rear to check it out better.

Hopefully I will be able to get some better pics taken today. Thanks everybody for the compliments.

[FlyinRyan]

WOW. Normally I would say that is really redneck but you did a very nice job and I actually kinda like it.

Good Work!!!

[llynn]

I like it! I'd roll with it.

[richarddhoward]

redneck for sure! But when I moved to Montana for college that's what I did to increase my carrying capacity lol I'd rock it again if I had too, yours looks 50 times better then mine did. Good craftsmanship man!

[KF5EQV]

YouTube

[KF5EQV]

Finally got the stain and SPAR varnish on it.

[DisturbedESV]

I think it looks super clean

[joldtown]

As an avid camper/canoer, I'm digging it.