I'm in the process of deciding what to do along these lines. Actually a Micro RV for photography trip is what I'm looking to make, but I want it reasonably bear proof as I like exploring grizzly bear country. My plan is to totally replace the back bed with a small RV back. Right now I'm leaning towards doing a mini truck version of
this build. I like the hard sided pop up back they did. My back would be a bit narrower than theirs. I had explored other ways of doing a hard sided pop up but rejected them. I also thought of using my pickup bed with a topper, but rejected that too. Not enough height for sleeping in the back. Because of the photography and often taking photographs at sun rise and sunset I figured sleeping in the back was a must. I don't want to be setting up and tearing down tents in the dark.
Another option I explored for awhile was to make both sides open up with gull wing doors. Much like the sides on this
utie back.
Weight is the big issue. The standard 1/2 ton mini trucks only have a 1700-1800 lbs carrying capacity including you and fuel. Because of the rear axle design, don't go over it. If you want to go long miles without fuel depots you almost have to have a trailer to carry the fuel weight. Most of the trips I can see my self doing I won't need a trailer, but there are a couple up into the more northern parts of Canada that I would want the extra food, fuel and spare parts I could put on a trailer.