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As the lead photographer at MeatEater, Seth Morris has spent years traveling the world documenting hunts, fishing trips, and backcountry adventures from behind the lens. That time in the field—often in remote, demanding conditions—has given him a deep understanding of what actually matters when you’re living out of a vehicle. Add in the fact that Seth is a serious hunter and outdoorsman himself, and you get a camper setup that’s built from experience, not theory. Every decision is geared toward efficiency, durability, and the realities of camping, hunting, and fishing out West.
The crux of Seth’s setup is the camper shell—a raised fiberglass topper. The extra height adds much-needed headroom, making the space far more livable for extended trips. Windows with screens bring in daylight and airflow, which is clutch when you’re camped for multiple days or dealing with warmer temps. It’s a simple foundation, but one that immediately transforms a truck bed into a functional shelter.
Inside the camper, Seth built a custom bed platform and storage system from wood. The platform provides a solid, comfortable surface for a mattress, while the space underneath is a large drawer. It’s mounted with heavy-duty slides to easily access gear, food, water, and all the essentials that pile up on long trips. Instead of wasted space, everything has a purpose. It’s a straightforward, DIY approach that strikes a balance between comfort and organization.
For food storage, Seth relies on the Dometic CFX5 electric cooler, a tried-and-true option for extended travel. It functions just like a fridge or freezer at home—set the temperature you want and let it run—only in a more compact and durable package. As long as the battery remains charged via the truck or solar power, food stays cold or frozen indefinitely.
Water duty is handled by Dometic’s water jug paired with their electric faucet. The jug itself is rugged and simple, but the electric tap steals the show, combining a pump, battery, and faucet into one self-contained unit for instant water at the push of a button.
When it comes to cooking, Seth kept things refreshingly modest. A classic two-burner folding camp stove gets the job done, whether he’s cooking solo or feeding a couple of people at camp. It’s reliable, easy to use, and packs away neatly when not in use. No overcomplication—just a proven setup that works everywhere from roadside pullouts to deep backcountry camps.
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16 Comments
The use of a classic two-burner folding camp stove is a refreshing choice, it’s great to see Seth prioritizing simplicity and reliability over complicated systems.
The Dometic water jug and electric faucet combination is a great solution for water duty, the instant access to water at the push of a button is a luxury that can’t be overstated.
The fact that Seth’s setup is built from experience, not theory, is what makes it so compelling, it’s clear that he’s thought through every aspect of the design with careful consideration.
Seth Morris’ decision to use a raised fiberglass topper for his truck camper shell is a game-changer, the extra headroom it provides makes the space much more livable for extended trips.
I’ve considered a similar setup for my own truck, but I’m concerned about the weight and potential impact on fuel efficiency.
I’m skeptical about the durability of the wood used for the custom bed platform and storage system, has Seth taken any measures to protect it from the elements?
I’ve seen similar setups use a waterproof sealant to protect the wood, maybe Seth has done something similar to ensure the longevity of his build.
I’m impressed by the attention to detail in Seth’s setup, the fact that he’s a serious hunter and outdoorsman himself has clearly informed his design choices.
As someone who’s also spent a lot of time in the field, I can appreciate the importance of considering the realities of camping, hunting, and fishing when building a truck camper.
The use of solar power to charge the battery for the Dometic CFX5 electric cooler is a great way to reduce reliance on the truck’s power system, it’s a clever way to extend the life of the cooler.
Seth’s DIY approach to building his truck camper is inspiring, it’s a great reminder that with some creativity and resourcefulness, you can create a functional and comfortable shelter without breaking the bank.
I’m curious about the Dometic CFX5 electric cooler, how does it perform in extreme temperatures and does it require a lot of maintenance?
I’ve used the Dometic CFX5 on several long trips and it’s been reliable, but I do make sure to keep it well-maintained and clean to ensure optimal performance.
The custom bed platform and storage system Seth built from wood is a great example of efficient use of space, the large drawer mounted with heavy-duty slides is a clever solution for storing gear and essentials.
Seth’s emphasis on efficiency, durability, and practicality is a great reminder that when it comes to building a truck camper, it’s the little details that can make all the difference.
I’m excited to see more DIY truck camper builds like Seth’s, it’s a great way to showcase the potential for creativity and innovation in the outdoor community.