This blog post details everything you need to know while considering building your very own KIT camper. Considerations include frequently asked questions, how to source materials, etc.
Chances are if you landed on this blog post you are highly considering building your very own KIT camper. Building a DIY camper can be extremely rewarding, but also extremely frustrating if you are not fully prepared before starting your build. KIT campers is dedicated to helping support you throughout your entire build and part of that support is being as straightforward about what we offer as possible.
1) KIT Campers DOES NOT currently sell kits. This means that you will have to source ALL of your own parts and pieces to complete your build. We do offer The Classroom which provides you with a DIY build guide including a bill of materials, recommended vendors, and assembly guide as well as direct access to myself to ask any questions that you may have throughout the entire process.
2) Everything within The Classroom is currently tailored for a 2nd generation LONG BED Tacoma, this means that if you have any other vehicle, you will have to customize the BOM to accommodate the type of truck you have.
Note: Within the Classroom I plan to work with others who have different types of trucks to customize the BOM. Once those are complete they will be readily available to anyone who has access to the Classroom!
3) If you are interested in building a camper the main measurements you will have to take are as follows, the width between bed rails, the length of the bed rails, and the height to clear the cab. Like the picture below:
From your new measurements you will have to tweak the bill of materials accordingly.
4) **Disclaimer! This is an advanced build! While I tried to design the Camper to be as straightforward as possible without welding or sewing, the assembly and forethought required is still VERY HIGH! We are dealing with 400lbs of metal pieces that may be moving up to 70mph down the highway! If you do not assemble the camper correctly this could be highly dangerous, not only for you but for fellow drivers. The bottom line is that if you do not feel 100% confident in your build then I do not recommend you actually build it or use it!
Camper Stats and Recommended add ons
The camper as I have it built:
Cost of materials ~$4300
Weight of camper 414lbs
Assembly Time 20 days spread out over 10 weeks
Planning plus assembly weeks to months
Recommended add-ons
1) Bed rail stiffeners - There is a lot of weight on the bed rails of the truck and if you do ANY off-roading/Overlanding then you could get considerable flex in your bed rails.
2) Sumo springs - sumo springs are variable compression airbags that sit between your rear suspension and truck bed. They provide an extra level of stiffness in the rear so driving is a little more responsive.
As I receive more questions regarding the camper, I will continue to add to this blog post. If you have any other questions I haven't addressed, please leave a comment below!