Ford Ranger DIY Truck Bed Camper Build (For $100!!)

Рет қаралды 460,580

3 жыл бұрын

Remember to Subscribe for more camping content with this truck! Tons more plans for this thing.
Another video on the Ford Ranger build series.
Hoping to give this beaut a memorable last hopefully couple thousand miles.
After we managed to get some sort of a grasp on this truck as seen in the last video i decided to tackle the truck bed camper part of it.
I wanted to keep it simple and affordable and spent just around $100 on the 2 sheets of plywood, 2 2x4's and had some spare 1x3 laying around for some of the cabinet side framing. and posted a story on IG to see if some friends could hook me up with the foam padding and carpeting and they did! (i recommend doing this, saves you a good amount of $$)
Super excited on how this turned out and I'm excited to start putting it to use and bring it on some camping trips real soon.
Hope this helps motivate some of you to do this to your trucks as well and get out out there in the great outdoors to freeze your neutrons off this winter.
Stay tuned for some epic videos in the future with this truck!
Follow us on IG @smplbuilds
Intro clip graphic design by @debowskidesigns
Music 🎵:
Song: Flow
Musician: LiQWYD
Song: Apart
Musician: @iksonmusic
Song: Static
Musician: Jeff Kaale

Пікірлер: 586

@mav 3 жыл бұрын

party time. nice build

@SmplBuilds 3 жыл бұрын

The man himself! Haha. Appreciate that brother. Let's get everyone to turn their trucks into campers 💪🏽🤣

@dominico.7597 3 жыл бұрын

The man the myth the legend!

@krystalberry1599 3 жыл бұрын

Ford ranger is the best one ever

@outdoornate6421 3 жыл бұрын

I’m glad your doing what makes you happy man. Watched since day 1 and has made me make positive changes in my life and how I do things. Everyone has their calling

@krystalberry1599 3 жыл бұрын

@@SmplBuilds hi

@nohabloemojislosiento4930 3 жыл бұрын

Watching this made me realize how much I have been over complicating my build idea. Nice job.

@SmplBuilds 3 жыл бұрын

Haha yeah man nice and simple does the job. Thank you!

@JOSKERX 4 ай бұрын

leaf blowing in the dark is next level unneighborly lmao

@scottkrause9553 3 жыл бұрын

"I have very little wood working experience" Cracks out the cordless fuel jigsaw

@SmplBuilds 3 жыл бұрын

My brothers a carpenter, its his 😂

@jasonjr2500 3 жыл бұрын

@@SmplBuilds could you help me im trying do a diy camper on my f150 but i dont know nothing about what is the best way

@nickfeness 3 жыл бұрын

@@jasonjr2500 with a canopy or a complete diy camper?

@jasonjr2500 3 жыл бұрын

@@nickfeness I just need a idea on how to make a bed cap Into a little pop up camper but cant think of anyway to keep it sealed and also on how to support the sides.

@SmplBuilds 3 жыл бұрын

Jay nelson sells a detailed course on how to make one

@beverlyperkins6096 Жыл бұрын

Love it when guys say they have little woodworking skills but have every power tool imaginable 🤔

@shaunpadgham6947 9 ай бұрын

Looks good . I Think You Need A Flat Screen TV .

@jonnytaylor8215 3 жыл бұрын

Super cool, just a tip from a carpenter, to do a drop cut with a skil saw tilt the tool forward on the front of the table then use your thumb to pin the gaurd forward and then start the saw, slowly setting it into your wood

@SmplBuilds 3 жыл бұрын

Appreciate the tip man! You'd think having a dad and brother as a carpenter I'd be better... 🤦🏽‍♂️😂

@GoTerry 2 жыл бұрын

I've always loved those lifted Rangers with Extra Cab...

@joey5588 23 күн бұрын

Great build. Love how simple & budget friendly it is.

@macdaddyblues1 3 жыл бұрын

Ford Freakin Ranger!!!!!

@SmplBuilds 3 жыл бұрын

Yessirrrrr!! Hahah

@Drake-Turner 3 жыл бұрын

YOU BEAT ME TO IT

@Whoz71 3 жыл бұрын

I ain’t no stranger that’s a

@nicholeramirez1093 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome build dude! I have a similar set up in my Ranger! I have a high top tho, Highly recommended the high topper for head space👌. Get some LED strip lights for the cap roof that run off if usb and a dual port battery pack to run them. It will last forever!! And little usb fans are great too. Walmart has a few for summer time. Also recommend doing reflex insulation on the cap or carpet it. Cuz when you use heat, condensation will build up on the shelf where the cap meets the bed. And it also helps with keeping warm. Happy camping!! FFR life!

@64maxpower 2 жыл бұрын

I'm a older carpenter and my opinion is that you did a great job. Functional doesn't need to be thousands. Or low quality. Good work. I'll bet you could have ripped your 2x4s in half too.

@oldgoat1890 2 жыл бұрын

I just bought my first F150 in 50 years of driving. It was a last minute buy because I go deer hunting in WV every year. Your system does not leave enough room to haul necessities. I did not realize how much more I haul with a cap on the bed. The truck I bought has one of those roll over bed covers, level with the top of the bed. I had coolers, plastic tubs, water jugs, tent and all manner of stuff jammed under there. It has a short extended cab and I had that packed to the top too. I slept in the tent and was fine, even below 30*. I started looking for a cap when I got back. There is where the REAL cost comes in. I hope I don't have tp buy new, but a cap 8"-10" above the cab is hard to find. If you do a lot of cold weather camping, try putting a piece of that foil covered foam insulation under your bag. About 3/4 thick and wrap it in plastic. A little noisy till it breaks in, but warm.

@JhunM69 2 жыл бұрын

That looks good. You could still add two more layers of poly for better wood protection and shine and then some good wood wax and buff it real good... that way, it is completely sealed and has good protection from moisture.

@OutdoorsmanBushcraft Ай бұрын

Nice build for not having wood working skills… Nice truck too!

@ray5357 9 ай бұрын

I'm gonna do this same build for my Ranger. I've seen several camper builds for these trucks but this is by far my favorite. Great video, thanks for the idea!

@vinoman4329 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent build. I just got rid of my 26 footer and going back to tenting. Might do this for my truck but I use it a lot for hauling. I may do it with an enclosed trailer. Th only thing I’d add is a filler to make room for a second sleeper. I take the bride along sometimes. Good job. Enjoy.

@rhymeswithteeth 2 жыл бұрын

I bought a twin-size air mattress that I use in my Ranger when I'm out camping. That way, it's not in the way when I need to use the bed of my truck for other things. And, an air mattress packs down very small when not in use. Also, by using the air mattress, I have more headroom as apposed to having a raised bed. In the areas in front of, and behind, the wheel wells, I built fitted wooden storage boxes the same height as the wheel wells. Then, I put plywood across the top of the boxes, from front to back, so that I have one continuous flat surface that I can use. The plywood has hinged doors above the storage boxes.

@bazilwreckerloughead 2 жыл бұрын

Love the way that turned out, so supprising how much a strip of carpet 'classes' it up!

@nickvanherk2292 3 жыл бұрын

Great build 👍🏻 Love the magnets and the big hinged door. Now I just need a friend with all those saws ... oh yeah, and a truck 🤪

@SmplBuilds 3 жыл бұрын

Aahah thanks bro!

@micarmo1948 2 жыл бұрын

What a neat design! I love the narrow bed; it gives you enough space to move to the other end of the truck bed. Well done! 👍

@SmplBuilds 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Yup, works good for me 😁

@lalaurlalala Жыл бұрын

You should make that bottom panel into a bed extender

@ErikSandstrom 2 жыл бұрын

That's a great setup! I dig it. I would love to have something similar in my truck. But I've never done anything this complicated with wood just yet. Right now I've got a really simple system in my 07 Tacoma; I just have two 2x6's running across from bedside to bedside, with a thick plywood sheet cut to size on top. It's not glamorous but it works great for my fiancée and our dog. Only thing I don't love is having to use thin pull-out containers to store gear underneath. But it's really a pretty great & simple system. Just wanted to mention it in case anyone else here happens to have a Tacoma or any truck with similar slots in the bedsides to support lumber across.

@ImDippinIn 2 жыл бұрын

Having trouble visualizing this but appreciate it 👍🏼

@flowersafeheart Жыл бұрын

I think you're a better woodworker than you give yourself credit for. Whipping our a zillion tools and knocking that out in 12 hrs. Thanks for the inspiration! There are things I'd add (heater, fans, cooking, electricity, lights, simple toilet that stows away [you may be very grateful one day for it], water, insulation, sealing tailgate and where truck meets topper, heating, sink, some form of decoration, co2 detector, fire extinguisher, first aid and trauma kit, food, snow pants, warm jacket, cotton sheet for summer, blackout window covers, lantern...maybe even roof fan...didnt catch if truck has backseats for more storage and even as back-up place to sleep...hammock, awning, fold-up chairs and table for outside...roof storage or rack if needed) but my guess is over time you've added to this already. An idea I've seen is make it so a board can prop up on sonething in center to make bed for 2 if ever want that or if even you alone want more space.

@ray5357 9 ай бұрын

You gotta remember this is a little Ranger not an RV lmao... but those are good ideas. Maybe if you used good space management

@donaldanderson3249 2 жыл бұрын

Everything is better built not bought. Its the pride of a good job 👏 👌 👍

@SmplBuilds 2 жыл бұрын

I agree. Thanks!

@milehigh_onthefly Жыл бұрын

Your build gives me a lot of great ideas for my own. Nice job!

@BCbuddies 2 жыл бұрын

Thinking of doing the same thing with my ranger, I did a little camping in it already and refletix tape on the windows helped with temperature and carpet on the ceiling helped with that also and condensation

@shaunramos9878 2 жыл бұрын

nice build man. Reminds me of the old carpet kit my uncle had in his f150 from the 80's!

@outdoornate6421 3 жыл бұрын

I just bought my first Ranger yesterday, it’s a 2008 Sport edition 5 speed, only 2wd but I’m not looking to send it in mud or anything so I should be fine. But I like your video a lot! Inspired me to make the back of my truck similar. I watch @mav a lot and you remind me of him in a sense. Subscribed dude good luck in your journey!

@SmplBuilds 3 жыл бұрын

Congrats on the Ranger. Yeah that dudes got some awesome videos. Appreciate the kind words!!

@walkingwormfood9628 2 жыл бұрын

Dude, that looks great. Thanks for taking the time to make the video.

@SmplBuilds 2 жыл бұрын

No problem 👍 thanks!

@qanononabong8491 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for filming this (most critical video) with the leaf blower in the background.

@thankyoualways 3 жыл бұрын

This is so awesome! I am so happy for you!! I hope my build comes at least close to yours!!!

@martingatavaski1351 3 жыл бұрын

Keep watching MAV!!!! Great stuff!!

@justtanja7327 3 жыл бұрын

This was Awesome and helpful for my own Spring camper shell build. Thanks for sharing.

@SmplBuilds 3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@mymai2792 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the video ...much appreciated! May I kindly suggest no music in background of future vids... everday working sound is fine. You did a great job on the build - like the magnets, pull out drawer, lift up door in bed. Awesome.

@SmplBuilds 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!!

@z333mik 3 жыл бұрын

This thing looks so rad! This is the start of something big, keep at it! Will be doing this very very soon as well !

@SmplBuilds 3 жыл бұрын

Appreciate that! Love to hear it 👍🏻

@smathe3 3 жыл бұрын

The leaf blower stuff was funny as hell. I concur!

@SmplBuilds 3 жыл бұрын

Ahahah glad you enjoyed it 😂

@kiruti5498 3 жыл бұрын

Your dream come true! It looks sooo cool

@SmplBuilds 3 жыл бұрын

Exactly hahah just mini version 😂 Thank you!

@nathanchastain3561 2 жыл бұрын

Bro I’ve watched a ton of these videos, but I dig yours the most.. nice job!

@SmplBuilds 2 жыл бұрын

Appreciate that man!! I really couldn't find any others that fit all my needs either. Hope this helps with your build 👍🏻

@dangerman7231 9 ай бұрын

Looks awesome. Not overbuilt and removable. Have fun

@dp91c 3 жыл бұрын

Add a strip of wood running down your bed and one on the other side of the gap and cut some 3/4 ply to cover the gap. When not in use slip it under your bed pad. It works great for if you have company with you. Portable buddy heater will heat that good too. I use one in my off road camper. Nice build man.

@SmplBuilds 3 жыл бұрын

I've been thinking about doing that thanks for the tips! And I appreciate that man 👍🏻

@georgesaylors8614 Жыл бұрын

I’m gonna start mine tomorrow after watching this video. I’ll send you the results.

@joewyatt2407 Жыл бұрын

Hey man, congratulations on your build, great achievement for do little money. Hope you’re having loads of adventures!

@lilJerald1 3 жыл бұрын

Lowkey making me think about making my tacoma a camper lol nice work my guy

@SmplBuilds 3 жыл бұрын

Do ittt! Haha thank you 🤝🏻

@rubenfelan7712 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! This is what I've had in mind to do. Sweet!

@SmplBuilds 3 жыл бұрын

Glad to help man!!

@bucklundie 2 жыл бұрын

Nice job! Hope you’re enjoying the build.

@chriskaneoutdoors7587 2 жыл бұрын

I have a 96 Jeep Cherokee that I've been looking to do some storage in the back you gave me some great ideas, nice build.👍👍

@SmplBuilds 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!!

@Carson_ppg 2 жыл бұрын

Those tires are chunky! Looks awesome man nice work on the build. Inspirational for surr

@BrianVonClick 2 жыл бұрын

Love seeing those TSL Thornbirds!

@ronaldrobertson2332 3 жыл бұрын

This past Monday, I just bought me a 2005 Ford Ranger 4x4 Supercab with a camper shell on it already. And now I find this video! Perfect! Now to see if I can afford the lumber...

@SmplBuilds 3 жыл бұрын

Nice! Haha yeah unfortunately it'll probably be much more expensive now

@ronaldrobertson2332 3 жыл бұрын

@@SmplBuilds Yeah, I'll be lucky to be able to afford toothpicks and popsicle sticks.

@SlapthePissouttayew 2 жыл бұрын

Looks great! Considering doing this myself. Thanks!

@SmplBuilds 2 жыл бұрын

Yw!

@giraffes_suck 3 жыл бұрын

Nice! May be able to drill a hole somewhere to run an extension cord maybe get a battery powered fan, definitely stealing this idea

@SmplBuilds 3 жыл бұрын

Cool idea

@nintendogamer5472 2 жыл бұрын

This should be factory on all ford trucks, very useful when your Ford breaks down every other day. 😆

@brad425_ 3 жыл бұрын

Great video, I want to see more about this build in the future.

@SmplBuilds 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Got some more videos planned for it in the future for sure 😊

@lalonnie948 2 жыл бұрын

Great job with the woodworking.

@abevand Жыл бұрын

😀Great idea, simple DIY for almost anyone to make!

@EnriqueReyesJrREALTOR 3 жыл бұрын

Cool, simple, utilitarian. Have fun.

@SmplBuilds 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, will do!

@timmoore7110 6 ай бұрын

You did a good job on the Camper Build. I want to do the same thing on my Tacoma. I just bought a topper for it.

@gorillahd9247 Жыл бұрын

That turned out great!

@christianmojica1635 3 жыл бұрын

I love how the safety glasses went on after a close call, I’m guilty of it too

@SmplBuilds 3 жыл бұрын

Those friendly reminders 😅

@JabboRemus 3 жыл бұрын

Looks mean AF dude! Glad you made a video.

@SmplBuilds 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks man

@wildjake3137 3 жыл бұрын

Very inspirational build!

@SmplBuilds 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@riverphilip3486 2 жыл бұрын

Looks awesome!👍🏼👍🏼

@reidbennett3586 2 жыл бұрын

Love this. Throw in some basic camping gear, a streamlined food preparation setup, and you can go pretty much anywhere with it.

@SmplBuilds 2 жыл бұрын

thanks! i agree 👍

@vikingoutdoor3179 3 жыл бұрын

Very good turnout for the budget. Nice video sir.

@SmplBuilds 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! 🙏🏼

@luiscaceres8119 2 жыл бұрын

Simple and Perfect!

@krudbag 3 жыл бұрын

hey this is right same ideas i had for my build, thanks for the video and some more ideas.

@SmplBuilds 3 жыл бұрын

Glad to help! 👍🏻

@Preston_Wood 2 жыл бұрын

This is actually a really good idea for camping or if you’re getting tired of spending money on hotels/motels.

@massboy11 2 жыл бұрын

Very cool. I've been looking for basic build ideas for small trucks..(I have a 16 Frontier Ext King Cab) Nice Job.

@SmplBuilds 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!!

@Sirskibumsalot 3 жыл бұрын

Throw a little propane heater up on that shelf when it gets cold and your set for colder temps while out boon docking . good build thanks for the tips .... Have fun !!

@SmplBuilds 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!! 😁

@carrollkanipe2716 2 жыл бұрын

Nicely done, simple and lightweight. I feel your pain on cutting large panels on the table saw!

@mtnbound2764 Жыл бұрын

that turned out great!

@mustangmarty8491 3 жыл бұрын

Turned out really good, I'm thinking about doing the same things you gave me an idea ..thanks

@SmplBuilds 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Thank you!

@blakehansen5515 3 жыл бұрын

I like it. I'm currently looking towards getting a shell for my F250 and building out something like this. I would need to have the other side built as a second bed, but I don't think it will be drastically different than what you have done here. Definitely like the shelves/cubbies idea. I am thinking along the lines of elastic mesh netting, though, instead of the cutouts.

@SmplBuilds 3 жыл бұрын

Go for it! That would be awesome. Yeah as long as you have some storage 👌🏼

@TouchTheSparrow 3 жыл бұрын

Great video. Just Bought a topper for an older S15. I may be doing this soon.

@SmplBuilds 3 жыл бұрын

Lets goooo 💪🏽

@nolinovio6748 3 жыл бұрын

may I suggest solo, off-grid camping and you'll get 100K subscribers in no time! Congrats on a great build!

@SmplBuilds 3 жыл бұрын

Its in the plans! Thank you! 🙏🏼😁

@brocklewis6462 Жыл бұрын

Not only is this the best build video I’ve seen but it’s also in a ford mother fuckin Ranger! Following this tutorial exactly. Thanks a million

@ramonperez6767 3 жыл бұрын

Good job,boy congratulations.Look good.

@SmplBuilds 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Ramon!

@th3bl4cksmith77 Жыл бұрын

Heck Yeah! just made my day

@magatexan126 2 жыл бұрын

Working on doing this to my truck in the next month or two!

@merrillplimpton4188 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome build

@Ralphieisthegreatest 2 жыл бұрын

Cool build! I'm going to do this to my 81 F100 so I can go fish/camping in it. I think I'm going to get rid of the topper clamps and bolt it to the box though. They look like something evil could happen in the middle of the night. Thanks for sharing!!

@SmplBuilds 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks bro! Haha yeah definitely want that top to be secure 😬😂

@dillonsaggese9750 3 жыл бұрын

Looks sick man!

@SmplBuilds 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@fernandohermosillo3069 2 жыл бұрын

Finally a small truck build!

@JCinLapel 2 жыл бұрын

Great job man

@lustrevision 3 жыл бұрын

Great build!

@SmplBuilds 3 жыл бұрын

Hey thanks Uncle Johnathan!!

@homsandwitch4488 3 жыл бұрын

Dude ! I'm looking for a topper for my truck right now so I can do this 😂 this looks so cool

@SmplBuilds 3 жыл бұрын

You won't regret it! 👍🏻

@dcctv8534 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome build I have a 95 that I have been thinking about building what are the measurements like how wide is ur sleeping platform an ur countertop looks like you have good floor space also.

@southernjustice615 Жыл бұрын

Hell yeah😉👍 I Wana do this to my truck..gotta find a shell😉

@jasonsmith3726 23 күн бұрын

Should have used your jigsaw when you used the old school hand saw. I’m sure you have learned from that by now. Nice build and for someone with limited woodworking experience you have all the professional tools

@led8541 3 жыл бұрын

Very cool ive got my build started also going to be a blast

@SmplBuilds 3 жыл бұрын

Sweeet! Love to hear about everyone building these 👌🏼

@angelogarciajr5356 3 жыл бұрын

I think there could be a business out there that can make these inserts. I know truck beds are all different but there must be a way to make universal set ups for people that dont have the tools or space to work and just go out and buy a finished bed and cabinet set up that you can just throw in the back and be done. I think I would buy one. Nice job

@SmplBuilds 3 жыл бұрын

Great idea! Thank you 😁

@leviwyatt5921 3 жыл бұрын

Throw some carpet on that fiberglass topper inside to help with the moisture in the cold and it might help insulate it a little. I have a fiberglass topper on my 07 Dakota and it doesn’t have side windows and I’m going to buy some of the truck bed carpet or trunk carpet material like what comes on pre-carpeted toppers

@SmplBuilds 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome idea! Been wanting to do something like that. Thanks! 🤙🏼

@leviwyatt5921 3 жыл бұрын

Between Mav and CrazyQuady, you can pick up a ton of little neat ideas for truck bed setups. CrazyQuady’s has more convenient, ideal little creative ideas here and there that add up to make it a great setup while Mav’s has the nice battery setup and pull out drawers and all. I personally like CrazyQuady’s setup, but I like Mav’s content better but not by much. They’re both pretty equally good Channels.

@SmplBuilds 3 жыл бұрын

@@leviwyatt5921 mav was definitely inspiration for the start of it never checked out the other one. I'll check it out, thanks!

@jamespatterson1433 3 жыл бұрын

Nice build. I like what you did. You will fine tune it as you go. After about the third trip out you will find what you need to do if any. It will be awesome.

@SmplBuilds 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Thats the plan 👍🏻