Assess the towing capacity of your Toyota pickup by thoroughly reading the "towing" section of your owner's manual. Use the towing capacity information to choose a camper plan that will fit within your weight restrictions. Purchase truck camper plans from Glen-L or Butler Projects. Both have options that will fit a small or medium-size Toyota pickup. The $40 to $60 investment in ready-made plans will more than make up for the time and hassle you'll be spared by trying to figure out things on your own.
Purchase the needed materials for your camper, including lumber, hardware, windows, doors, vents, and caulking. Take stock of your tools and make sure your drill and saw are in proper working order.
Put the frame together. This will include framing walls that will attach to your floor and ceiling. Camper builders recommend you use rust-proof decking screws for this job, for a longer-lasting effect.
Put insulation into place and cover with siding. Since most Toyota pickups have a lighter payload than larger trucks, the siding is one place you'll want to invest in the lightest-weight materials possible. While some people with 1/2 or 3/4 ton trucks can use plywood for their siding and get away with a lower pricetag, lighter trucks need lighter materials such as aluminum or fiberglass.
Install venting, the door and windows. Be sure to caulk around each opening to prevent leakage.
Seal the camper's edges, using a lightweight molding material like aluminum, caulking, and roofing sealant, if appropriate for your materials. Keep a bottle of caulk around after you begin using the camper, in the event that you didn't seal an area well enough the first time.
Install interior elements such as electrical outlets and fixtures, flooring, furniture and bedding, curtains, kitchen features, storage areas and whatever else you come up with.
