Custom aluminum gladiator camper. Vagabond Vault

[dubs chops]

Hey guys and gals,

Quick backstory, Me and my some love exploring backroads and camping/fishing. We had started a youtube channel about a year ago to spend time together, (I film and do the lion share of the work and he edits the videos.) We had a 1983 toyota 4x4 deluxe with an 8' bed and a factory Brahma camper that was awesome for camping in. Well it was just a little to short in the cab and I'd get pretty cramped on longer drives.

fast forward to now and we have a gladiator Rubicon, Problem was the bed was too short to camp in and be able to be enclosed. (I Don't like tents) I have trouble sleeping when a bear or drugged out meth head lurking in the woods are only a piece of cloth away from my head. Hence we like hard sided campers.

We designed and drew up our camper in sketchup and then had a friend make us a cut list. Decided the first step was to build it out of cardboard before spending $1400 on aluminum. Here is the first video in the series. Please subscribe if it even remotely interests you all.

Custom Jeep Gladiator Camper video # 4.5 insulation and electronics

In this video I show off some of the electronics, and go over the insulation and how we picked everything out. We mount a few shelves and stay covid free!

youtu.be

 

[jmnielsen]

Does this have anything to do with Vagabond Outdoors?

 

[dubs chops]

Nope, just a name I came up with for the camper.

 

[AeroNautiCal]

If you'd have made your proof of concept mock-up version out of Coroplast, you could've actually gotten some time to practice camping with it, as the structure would be able to last a while.

 

[dubs chops]

OK, Finally took a minute to get the second video in the gladiator camper build put up. Hope you all subscribe because the actual aluminum version starts SOON!

 

[dubs chops]

If you'd have made your proof of concept mock-up version out of Coroplast, you could've actually gotten some time to practice camping with it, as the structure would be able to last a while.

I actually thought about Chloroplast, But there is no way I would have driven down the highway with it lol.

 

[dubs chops]

Got a bit more done! Had the aluminum cut at a laser instead of hidef plasma due to lead time.

 

[LyLCamp'R]

Very interesting we have something in common... A cool Gladiator and great project, if you have interest, I have a post in the Jeep forum. Keep up the good work it looks very nice!

 

[dubs chops]

Got the latest video up.

 

[zb39]

Looking very good. keep it up!

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

What is the estimated weight?

 

[dubs chops]

What is the estimated weight?

Should be under 550lbs fully dressed

 

[dubs chops]

For never having welded aluminium before, I'm a pretty happy camper (pun intended)

 

[dubs chops]

I know I will lose a little room to insulation, but I am amazed by how much room is in here.

 

[Herbie]

It looks cool, but it seems like nearly 100% of the camper weight will be aft of the axle. Any concerns about this?