This post may contain affiliate links or mention our own products, please check out our disclosure policy.

See How This Couple Built An Expandable Truck Camper Shell

This post was updated on March 15th, 2024

Tyler Thompson and Erin Sofinowski decided to take a year off work to do some traveling. For about three months the couple spent building one of the best DIY truck bed campers you will ever see. Not only is this airy living space adjustable, but their step-by-step guide is also available online.

Their Adventure Truck 2.0 has a handmade camper shell.

truck
Photos by TylerThompson21

The shell opens for additional headroom and sleeping space.

camper shell

The couple originally had another truck with a regular camper shell and a pull-out kitchen.  Their Adventure Truck 2.0 has been making waves on Reddit for the creativity and over 50 photos of the entire build process.

camper shell

Sign up for the newsletter today!

Please enter a valid email address.

An error occurred. Please try again later.

× logo

Thank you for subscribing to the Do It Yourself RV newsletter, keep your eye on your inbox for updates.

Tyler Thompson and Erin Sofinowski built the camper for about $6,000.  The main portion of the shell was actually built from a standard aluminum topper for a mid-size truck. The topper was extended to include a cab-over portion.

camper shell

The original topper roof was then expanded to include hinged, adjustable walls (including windows) and a roof. Sheet metal was then fitted over the entire frame and insulated with rigid foam insulation.

camper shell

The interior of the camper shell was fitted with a tongue and groove fir ceiling, LED lights, and a ceiling fan.

camper shell

Plywood was used for the walls and bamboo for the floor. The tiny camper has a kitchen with a handmade butcher block countertop and sliding cabinet doors made of red alder wood.

The main bed slides over the top of the kitchen and tucks away during the day.

camper shell

camper shell

The main bed/lounging area has vented storage underneath for clothing and the battery compartment. The battery box includes all the electrical components including a battery isolator, voltage meter, fuse box, ground strip, and inverter.

Most noteworthy, the main bed is located in the cab-over area and can be slid away and rolled up when not in use. Other details like fairy lights, throw pillows, and handmade curtains add a touch of home to this road-worthy space.

Cooking can be done inside next to the sink…

camper shell

…or outside on a fold-down table.

camper shell

The kitchen includes a sink with a soap dispenser sunk into the counter. In addition, the kitchen has space for fresh and grey water, a stove, and a drop-down table for food prep or work.

Cooking is done inside the main kitchen or outside on a fold-down table at the back of the truck. The couple is also able to use the top of the shell to store sports and outdoor gear, and the back of the truck can hold additional jerry cans for water or fuel.

You can see their full step-by-step guide on Imgur. If you like their build, also check out This Homemade Truck Camper




1 thought on “See How This Couple Built An Expandable Truck Camper Shell”

Leave a Comment

Welcome! Please follow these guidelines:

  • Be kind and respectful.
  • Keep comments relevant to the article.
  • Avoid insults, threats, profanity, and offensive remarks.
  • Refrain from discussing gun rights, politics, or religion.
  • Do not post misleading information, personal details, or spam.

We may hide or remove comments at our discretion.