Measure the inside of your pickup’s bed for the exact length and width; cut four pieces of 2-by-2 lumber to match the length, and four pieces to match the width. Cut the length pieces to allow the tailgate to close. If you want a floor in your camper, cut 2-by-2 lumber to the inside measurements between the wall pieces for floorboard bracing. For example, if the bed is 5 feet wide, cut the bracing pieces 57 inches, and space them 1 foot apart when attaching them to the frames.
Using two of the pieces cut the length of the bed and two cut the width of the bed, attach them with nails, screws, glue or metal plates to form a rectangle the size of your truck’s bed. This is the top of the frame. Create the bottom of the frame the same way, but do not attach one of the width pieces.The missing width piece is where the tailgate is located.
Determine the height of your camper shell and cut four pieces of 2-by-2 lumber to that length. For example, if it is 4 feet high, cut the pieces 45 inches, allowing 1 1/2-inch each for the top and bottom frames.
Attach the four shorter 2-by-2-inch pieces at the corners of the two frames you built, creating a rectangular box that matches the length and width of your truck’s bed.
Cut plywood sheets to match the length of the top and floor of the camper, the sides and the front. You’ll create the back wall in the next step. Nail and/or glue the plywood to the 2-by-2-inch frame. If you want windows in the camper, cut openings in the side or sides, as directed per the window instructions. Chalk or otherwise weather-proof around them.
Determine the size of your door, then build the back walls. For example, if your pick-up is 62 inches wide and you want a door 3 feet wide, you need to build two walls, each 13 inches wide. Build and attach them on either side of the back frame. Cut the remaining plywood 36 inches wide, and the appropriate height for your door. Cut 2-by-2-inch pieces to match the size of the door, and attach them to the interior to create a frame. Attach the door to the camper shell frame with hinges. You can affix a simple door handle, hasp or lock to the door.
Paint the walls and roof of the frame with water-proof sealant; let it dry and paint the shell whatever color you want. Chalk or otherwise seal the interior where the walls join the roof and floor. Slide the camper shell into the truck bed, and secure it by drilling six 3/8-inch holes, three on a side, through the plywood, floor framing and truck bed. Use six ¼-inch-by- 2 ½-inch bolts, lock washers and nuts. Once attached, these will hold the camper in place.
