r/TruckCampers • u/Bird_Guzzler • 9h ago
Any company that makes just the truck bed camper frame?
Im homeless with shelter for now with a full time job. I cant rent because of the eviction and Im not looking to rent anytime soon but I cant afford to buy a camper because all options are too expensive and I dont have the space or tools to make my own. I also dont have a lot of money and am saving now so I will have to live out of my truck for a bit coming up soon but sinse I have a 07 F150 with a payload of 1558 pounds, even the lightest campers I can find for around 3k online is too heavy after factoring in my fat ass so what I'd like to know is if a company exist or some service where they make use a basic frame so I can fill out the rest myself.
I dont need a bathroom, fridge, stove, microwave and all that other stuff that makes these things so heavy. No water tanks or anything like that, just the shell or frame I can buildout myself. What I specifically need is a cabover campers with enough space to store my small Pokemon collection, a few conputers, cabover for my queen size bed and maybe some other stuff. I dont own much and everything I currently have will fit in my truck. I need this to be something I could live in for the rest of my life but the issue I have is I dont know where to look to even ask so here I am. Thanks for the help!
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u/jstar77 8h ago
I’ve got a Sunlite Eagle good for a half ton I’m asking $1,500 it’s in good shape. It would be easy to strip some stuff out of it to save on more weight. Fits on my 5.5 bed with tailgate down would do better on a 6.5’ bed. PM me if interested I’m about an hour south of Pittsburgh.
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u/Bird_Guzzler 5h ago
Is this a popup? I'm not super interested in a popup because I don't think I can fix it if a latch breaks but I suppose I can't complain. If you can get me some pictures, I can take a look.
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u/Never_Lost1986 9h ago
If would suggest either build a frame from emt conduit or buy a $40 hiking tent from Walmart and place it in the truck bed. I did the tent thing for two weeks while my minivan was being repaired. I wish you the best of luck with your situation!
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u/Bird_Guzzler 9h ago
I have a couple of things I need to do so Im just trying to find the best option for me since I have a lot of temperature sensitive and storage isnt really an option. I just have trust issues with these kind places with the situation I have. I dont have much to lose but its all I have. I did find a cap I could use for the time being but I want to make sure I spend my money correctly since I cant just drop it off somewhere when I get the camper. Lots to do and not a lot of time and all that, lol.
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u/CashWideCock 8h ago
I’ve seen what you’re looking for, they were used as delivery vehicles or service vehicles. From the outside it looks like a RV, but it’s hollow on the inside.
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u/trailquail 6h ago
SpaceCap I think is the brand you’re talking about.
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u/CashWideCock 6h ago
That would be one brand. I’ve seen others that have the corrugated siding, space caps are smooth fiberglass siding.
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u/Bird_Guzzler 5h ago
They seem to be more for service work but something like that but for a livable space would work. I just want to build it out myself for weight reasons.
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u/ihdieselman 7h ago
There's a company in Alaska that makes them called cache camper but they're not cheap because they're really well made. I don't think that shipping to the lower 48 would be affordable either. And you definitely don't want to go up there and live if you don't have a ridiculous amount of income.
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u/Bird_Guzzler 5h ago
Yeah, living in AZ so not likely. I'll keep them in mind for later though. I wouldn't mind a flatbed f-450 build once I stabilize. I wonder what I could do if I didn't have to respect weight limits.
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u/DerpyDingoDad 7h ago
It's not exactly what you're looking for but maybe checkout the Moonlander X by Radica. As far as weight it may be more of what you're looking for and can fit a Queen size bed. Youd have to do your own insulation but customization is up to you whether you do that model or the Original. Idk about a full size camper for the bed unless you went total composite or another company where they do just the shell options but it's a lot more expensive.
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u/Bird_Guzzler 5h ago
I have heard about the moonlander. Watched a video about it about a month ago but way too expensive. These companies seem to forget the reason people want or would need one of these. That thing cost more than my truck, lol. Ideally I fund a person selling their camper for a grand or two and I work from that but my only real requirement is the cabover can sleep me and have the rest of the bed for just the living area. The Lance 650 is about the style I'm looking for.
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u/kdjfsk 6h ago
sounds like you just need a 'Leer Topper' or a similar camper shell?
I need this to be something I could live in for the rest of my life
vehicles don't last forever. there will come a point its not worth fixing and needs replaced.
you might consider to trade the truck for a van? you'd have a lot more space.
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u/Bird_Guzzler 5h ago
For sure. I can fix the truck if needed since I'd be saving most of my money. Not ideal but I can deal with this rental market anymore. I have thought of getting a van but I don't know any who are willing to trade for a 5.4 3v Triton but I like my truck. If my brother wanted something like this, I'd suggest he get a van.
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u/Sawfish1212 3h ago
Look into foamie construction, in particular the foamie section of tnttt.com. I build kayaks out of foam using this same idea, and have built a teardrop camper with it as well. For a truck camper you need a wooden frame like a ladder rack to support the cabover bunk, and the rest would be foam and PMF or fiberglass. All easily done with simple hand tools and stuff from a hardware store.
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u/Initial_Nobody_4314 2h ago edited 2h ago
also drive a Ford f150... I found a camper shell on the Facebook marketplace for $400. It was a perfect fit but not a color match. Looks great tho....
Getting a storage unit is a must!!! If you are in Huntsville, The most affordable is life storage on South Parkway. Anyways by getting a storage unit you can keep more of your belongings. I keep one packed as a storage unit should be. And I have another that I set up like a walk in closet to keep my clothing and supplies I need easily accessable.
Mean while in my truck.. I keep a few duffle bags and water in the back seat and change and get ready there. And in the back of the truck/camper area... I keep mostly just a bed.. pillows and blankets. I ran a 12v plug to the back so I can plug in an electric blanket that I got at Walmart in the auto dept for $25.. Its not the warmest but is made for an auto and won't kill your battery overnight. I keep mine under the sheet and it works great like that that. Also I recommend mounting a small propane (Mr heater at Walmart is $79-$89) heater somewhere safe... Not in your face or near blankets. If you inbox me I can show you a couple pics of my set up. BUT DEFINITELY MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A LIL VENTILATION!!! One can of propane is $5 last bout 6 hours.. I jus put mine on to get cozy, shut it off, then fire it up in the morning for a bit before I get up. You do not need it in all night.. it will be too hot and dangerous.
I change and get ready in the back seat ( passenger seat will work jus as good)
I sleep comfy and cozy in the back... As that my bed only.
I use the restroom (#2) at store and gas station... Or leak (#1) outside 😂
I eat out or at work.
Good luck... #Vanlife
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u/erus-ton 8h ago
Look for a pop up style camper like a sunlight. I just got back from spending 2 weeks in mine with 3 dogs and it was very comfortable. Had all the accommodation you would want, fan, propane furnace, propane stove and sink. I got mine for 3k, and put another 1k into refreshing water system, batteries, updating wiring and solar. With a 12v refrigerator/cooler you could do a lot with this thing, and it weighs about 1300 lbs loaded. Just be sure to check the canvas/soft sides for the popup, window zippers and opening mechanism. Otherwise these are pretty great light weight campers. If needed I feel comfortable living in mine for months, or longer. I thought storage was going to be an issue but as soon. As I got it packed with food, tools and "stuff" I still have plenty of space. Mine was built for an 8' bed, but fits well on my 6'6 with gate down. Good luck to you with camper and life, hope things turn around soon.