Whether you’re interested in rebuilding a truck camper or are just along for the adventure, this series of 10 videos is sure to entertain you along the way. Throughout the summer of 2020, Tara and I completely gutted, rebuilt, and remodeled our 2003 Sunlite Skyhawk truck camper. Join us for the ups and downs as we delve deep into this project. Along the way we’ll encounter ugly water damage, rebuild an entire corner of the camper, completely demolish the old cabinets and furnishings, strip the paint, repaint the camper both inside and out, install a new electronics system including solar and lithium ion batteries, and build a new cabinet system for the camper. There aren’t too many campers available that will fit in the back of our Toyota Tacoma, but we found this camper on craigslist in July or 2020. Our end goal was to have an exploration vehicle out of which we could overland, backpack, boondock, and free camp. We currently live out this camper full time and are making videos of our adventures.
Episode 1
Highlights: Cabinet removal, appliance removal, deep cleaning.
Episode 2
Highlights: Demolition day, installation of truck airbag suspension system.
Episode 3
Highlights: Finding and repairing water damage in the corner of the camper.
Episode 4
Highlights: Repairing holes in the wall (from the refrigerator), painting & priming the interior of the camper.
Episode 5
Highlights: Painting the exterior of the camper, caulking and sealing the seams of the camper.
Episode 6
Highlights: Removing bulky AC unit, installing a maxxair fan, caulking and reinstalling windows.
Episode 7
Highlights: Installing DC electric fuse box and wiring, installing jack stands, beginning to build out cabinets.
Episode 8
Highlights: Continued cabinet progress, wiring in the solar system and Jackery power station.
Episode 9
Highlights: Installing a kitchen sink, building a working copper faucet, installing a water foot pump, finishing the cabinets, installing drawers, testing
Episode 10
Highlights: Finishing touches, truck anchor build, loading the camper on the truck, final touches.
Our Favorite Tools & Appliances From This Build
This list represents just a few of the tools and appliances we used in this truck camper renovation. These are affiliate links so if you purchase any products you’ll be supporting our content. Thanks!
- Diesel Heater: https://amzn.to/2URYS4e
- Dometic Fridge: https://www.dometic.com/en-us/us/products/food-and-beverage/coolers/electric-coolers/dometic-cfx3-45-_-220582 (Use code “backcountrybanter” for free shipping!)
- MaxxAir Fan: https://amzn.to/36Tsg1w
- Jackery Explorer 1000 Power Station: https://amzn.to/33bbuZi
- Jackery SolarSaga 100W Panels: https://amzn.to/3jcLDpq
- Butyl Waterproofing Tape: https://amzn.to/2GWv3f7
- The BEST Caulk: https://amzn.to/3nKdLmL
- Canvas Waterproofing: https://amzn.to/30UMtQJ