VanDweller inspired camper

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keithej2

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Hello All, I have been lurking/reading the forum for some time. Last fall it inspired me to build a tiny camper in the back of the pickup. I tried to imagine living in a tiny space and think about how to best use it.

I went to the John Day area of Oregon this week and got to sleep in it for several nights at campgrounds. My original plan was to sleep on the top level but after bumping my hands and feet on the inside of the canopy (cap/camper shell), I tried the lower level and liked it much better.

The only thing I didn't love about it was no heat and temps in the high 30's. Didn't actually get very cold (good bag and fleece clothes) but if part of me got uncovered, I would wake with cold hands or ears.

For any of you who haven't visited the John Day Fossil Beds area, there are a lot of BLM and inexpensive campsites if you don't want to stay in the state park. I was there so early I hardly had any neighbors at either of the state parks I visited (Sunday-Thursday). Here's a link to some of the my photos if anyone is interested. https://www.flickr.com/photos/keithej/sets/72157644584450132/

Photos of my tiny camper attached to this post. I love reading many of your posts. I'm going to replace my sleep mat (wider self inflating) next time and may try some boon-docking on my next trip in September. Maybe one of these days I can retire and spend some real time on the road. It's nice to know people can do it relatively cheaply.

Thanks for the ideas and good luck to you all!

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Wow! Nice job on using a small space to the max. Everything looks so tidy. Something insulated underneath you will definitely help with the cold. Good luck on your next adventure.
 
Nice set-up!

Reminds me of a cold night I spent in TN freezing in my topper/camper, when I finally got up at 9am it was like 20* warmer "outside". Good times!
 
Love your truck camper! I had a long bed Chevy truck with a topper that I configured the same way, except one side had my fishing poles attached to it. Spent many a night at the beach in that truck and appreciated it when a storm blew in; better than a tent! I miss ole Blue!

Great photos also. Thanks for sharing those. Enjoy your journeys!
 
Nicely done. Surprisingly efficient and roomy.

It looks like you have good room on the bunk.
For my minivan, I figured 16" off the floor would give room enough to sit up and even stretch -- with the total height of 45" to 48" --
which limits my underneath storage, but adds to comfort.
 
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