1986 GMC S-15
- Thread starter Andrew_S
- Start date
Andrew_S
Observer
^ Thanks. I wish we were getting out there more often though. Have a lot of missed time camping to make up.
Knocked off a few things today.
Originally built the bed tray not planning for actuators. Made some alterations to it today.
Fits great again and tips all the way up to the ceiling.
Also still drops down to turn into a bench
Got the switch panel made up.
Just mounted it with 4 small screws so we can have easy access to the back if something goes haywire.
Picked up the last of the gaskets I need.
Nicole started working on the mattress. Got it cut out for the actuators and now she's working on sewing up the cover.
Finalized the front plate for the lights and top box support.
Knocked off a few things today.
Originally built the bed tray not planning for actuators. Made some alterations to it today.
Fits great again and tips all the way up to the ceiling.
Also still drops down to turn into a bench
Got the switch panel made up.
Just mounted it with 4 small screws so we can have easy access to the back if something goes haywire.
Picked up the last of the gaskets I need.
Nicole started working on the mattress. Got it cut out for the actuators and now she's working on sewing up the cover.
Finalized the front plate for the lights and top box support.
Andrew_S
Observer
Got the harness put together for the actuators and switches yesterday.
2 momentary rocker switches, divided front/rear and a on/off master switch for power. I was worried about always having power to the switches if anything ever hit them or pushed them on by mistake that would be 300 lbs of crush or expansion at each end. I'm just going to pull power from my winch cable at the back for the time being until we sort of what we are doing for secondary power.
Once we decide on an interior paneling I'll hide all of the wire.
Just a couple more things to finalize and this thing is going back on the truck and we are going camping.
2 momentary rocker switches, divided front/rear and a on/off master switch for power. I was worried about always having power to the switches if anything ever hit them or pushed them on by mistake that would be 300 lbs of crush or expansion at each end. I'm just going to pull power from my winch cable at the back for the time being until we sort of what we are doing for secondary power.
Once we decide on an interior paneling I'll hide all of the wire.
Just a couple more things to finalize and this thing is going back on the truck and we are going camping.
Andrew_S
Observer
Nice little project this evening.
As soon as I put the lights up top I didn't like how they weren't centered vertically on the front of the camper.
So I picked up a piece of schedule 40 pipe and cut some coupons out of some scrap.
Rigged up this nice little fixture to weld them up.
15/16" risers
Pretty damn close to centered now. This is something that would have bugged me every time I looked it if I didn't do this.
The devil is in the details, and so is all of the super time consuming ********.
I also just wanted to add some links to really great resources I've found during this build.
These may help anyone else trying to source some of the more hard to find items.
https://www.geminigassprings.com/ - for any custom or off the shelf gas spring, Hank is great to deal with Super knowledgable and more then fair prices.
http://www.faucher.ca/04_Gaskets_and_Seals.html - great resource for handles, hinges, gaskets, etc Very reasonable prices imo as well
https://spep.com/ - Sierra pacific - just found these guys the other day. Super quality hinges, latches, etc. They legit have over 2400 different latches to choose from in their catalogue
https://www.firgelliauto.ca/ - for actuators and accessories - they were next day shipping, reasonably priced and quality too
As soon as I put the lights up top I didn't like how they weren't centered vertically on the front of the camper.
So I picked up a piece of schedule 40 pipe and cut some coupons out of some scrap.
Rigged up this nice little fixture to weld them up.
15/16" risers
Pretty damn close to centered now. This is something that would have bugged me every time I looked it if I didn't do this.
The devil is in the details, and so is all of the super time consuming ********.
I also just wanted to add some links to really great resources I've found during this build.
These may help anyone else trying to source some of the more hard to find items.
https://www.geminigassprings.com/ - for any custom or off the shelf gas spring, Hank is great to deal with Super knowledgable and more then fair prices.
http://www.faucher.ca/04_Gaskets_and_Seals.html - great resource for handles, hinges, gaskets, etc Very reasonable prices imo as well
https://spep.com/ - Sierra pacific - just found these guys the other day. Super quality hinges, latches, etc. They legit have over 2400 different latches to choose from in their catalogue
https://www.firgelliauto.ca/ - for actuators and accessories - they were next day shipping, reasonably priced and quality too
Andrew_S
Observer
Trying to figure out an easier system for removing and installing this set up. I think I'll be swapping this out for pulleys and some type of winch system. Maybe even another set of actuators?
Milestone day,
Just over a min from parked to fully set up.
There is still a ton of things to do and wrap up, but it works! Not only that, but we can actually camp in it as it sits. Some more pics.
First time hanging out inside with it fully popped up and holy smokes we have so much room. I haven't measured but the vertical room has to be pushing 6'8". Nicole can pretty much do jumping jacks.
Bonus fruit picking. Love finding random fruit trees in the valley.
Milestone day,
Just over a min from parked to fully set up.
There is still a ton of things to do and wrap up, but it works! Not only that, but we can actually camp in it as it sits. Some more pics.
First time hanging out inside with it fully popped up and holy smokes we have so much room. I haven't measured but the vertical room has to be pushing 6'8". Nicole can pretty much do jumping jacks.
Bonus fruit picking. Love finding random fruit trees in the valley.
Andrew_S
Observer
Just to tie into that last post, some more random tree fruit picking.
Ended up picking 35lbs of plums and couldn't take anymore.
Random outing, fishing/canoeing/mushrooming.
Only caught one, but it was a beauty day. Completely forgot to take pics on the water.
Falls below the dam on the way to Mable lake.
On another note; I've been slowly collecting parts for the solid axle swap. I came across an absolute screaming deal on damn near a full package today.
ARB Dana 30 and 8.8 air lockers brand new in box. Both complete with 4.88 gear sets, brand new bearing kits, diff cover, etc.
In addition to that, a full truss kit, c gusset, etc and a straight dana 30hp. This stuff is all going to sit on a shelf until next spring while I piece together steering, brakes, link arms, and everything else. I had no intention of getting air lockers though, and am so stoked to find this deal.
Ended up picking 35lbs of plums and couldn't take anymore.
Random outing, fishing/canoeing/mushrooming.
Only caught one, but it was a beauty day. Completely forgot to take pics on the water.
Falls below the dam on the way to Mable lake.
On another note; I've been slowly collecting parts for the solid axle swap. I came across an absolute screaming deal on damn near a full package today.
ARB Dana 30 and 8.8 air lockers brand new in box. Both complete with 4.88 gear sets, brand new bearing kits, diff cover, etc.
In addition to that, a full truss kit, c gusset, etc and a straight dana 30hp. This stuff is all going to sit on a shelf until next spring while I piece together steering, brakes, link arms, and everything else. I had no intention of getting air lockers though, and am so stoked to find this deal.
Smileyshaun
Observer
By far the best build on this site
BlueLantern
New member
This!???
I’m building. 2001 blazer and Ian thinking about getting a welder and putting zr2 suspension on it so I can get a little lift and wider stance. BUT solid axle swap sounds good too. I was wondering what will all that extra weight do to me? Two hd axles underneath is a lot of weight for a small truck gram yeah??????
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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Andrew_S
Observer
I really appreciate that guys but there is definitely some way better stuff on this forum. Some absolutely unreal van builds and crazy campers.
You would have to swap the whole Zr2 frame to pick up any lift or wider stance. The rear has different leaf spring mounting locations that are dropped lower off the frame to lift the back, the rear diff is like 3" wider per side to give the wider stance.. I can't remember if the front uses wider control arms or if the frame is simply wider? Regardless, you would be further ahead to find a junk zr2 chassis and swap it. Either that or yeah sas. The axles add weight but not really in the sense you are thinking, the frame isn't necessarily carrying the weight of the axles. A lot of guys swap dana 60's under s10's, toyotas, jeeps etc. It involves a fair bit of fab work and thought.
Busy day Friday
Fully insulated minus the gates. The bedding and pillows fit absolutely perfect up top.
First overnight trip to sort out any remaining items. The truck does exceptionally well with the camper and canoe. We average 10L/100km on the high way and more like 13L/100km mixed bush roads/hwy driving. That's like 23/24 mpg and 18 mpg mixed. I wish the 3.4 had a touch more torque for the real steep hills but it pulls strong up them regardless.
We did a run up the Kettle river fsr for our first night out. It's been hot here so cue the endless swimming/camper pics.
Apparently camping has been crazy busy in our region these year due to covid. We definitely experienced this at every signed rec site we came across.
Luckily we found this absolute gem of a spot all for ourselves.
This thing is tall! Honestly though after spending the first night in it we are both so happy. There is so much room. We can both fully sit up in bed. Sleeping on a queen is just luxury too. The window positioning is absolutely ideal. It's so nice to use it and see some of these ideas and decisions in the real world.
There is a nice set of rapids just behind us in this pic which made for awesome white noise all night. We spent the entire evening skinny dipping and then warming up by the fire, then repeat.
Someone built a really nice little pool right at the edge of the beach by the site.
The next thing I want to do is build a nice chuck box and get rid of this tote.
We spent the next morning exploring some more sites along the river. This is exactly why I love being a smaller unit. I would dread exploring some of these roads with a bigger trailer.
Then a 9am swim to wake up.
Andrew_S
Observer
Explored winifred falls
swimming in/out
Fresh blueberries and huckleberries everywhere at the moment.
On the way to rainbow falls, unreal spot.
One of the best showers I've ever had lol. Nicole on the left for scale.
Literally picking lunch on the trail
Then a quick paddle up the shuswap river to finish the trip.
Hooked into a ton of these smaller bull trout.
Jam packed two day trip but man it felt friggin awesome to be out actually exploring again. We've got a lot of time to make up for in the woods after spending almost all summer building this topper.
swimming in/out
Fresh blueberries and huckleberries everywhere at the moment.
On the way to rainbow falls, unreal spot.
One of the best showers I've ever had lol. Nicole on the left for scale.
Literally picking lunch on the trail
Then a quick paddle up the shuswap river to finish the trip.
Hooked into a ton of these smaller bull trout.
Jam packed two day trip but man it felt friggin awesome to be out actually exploring again. We've got a lot of time to make up for in the woods after spending almost all summer building this topper.
Smileyshaun
Observer
I really appreciate that guys but there is definitely some way better stuff on this forum. Some absolutely unreal van builds and crazy campers.
You would have to swap the whole Zr2 frame to pick up any lift or wider stance. The rear has different leaf spring mounting locations that are dropped lower off the frame to lift the back, the rear diff is like 3" wider per side to give the wider stance.. I can't remember if the front uses wider control arms or if the frame is simply wider? Regardless, you would be further ahead to find a junk zr2 chassis and swap it. Either that or yeah sas. The axles add weight but not really in the sense you are thinking, the frame isn't necessarily carrying the weight of the axles. A lot of guys swap dana 60's under s10's, toyotas, jeeps etc. It involves a fair bit of fab work and thought.
Busy day Friday
Fully insulated minus the gates. The bedding and pillows fit absolutely perfect up top.
First overnight trip to sort out any remaining items. The truck does exceptionally well with the camper and canoe. We average 10L/100km on the high way and more like 13L/100km mixed bush roads/hwy driving. That's like 23/24 mpg and 18 mpg mixed. I wish the 3.4 had a touch more torque for the real steep hills but it pulls strong up them regardless.
We did a run up the Kettle river fsr for our first night out. It's been hot here so cue the endless swimming/camper pics.
Apparently camping has been crazy busy in our region these year due to covid. We definitely experienced this at every signed rec site we came across.
Luckily we found this absolute gem of a spot all for ourselves.
This thing is tall! Honestly though after spending the first night in it we are both so happy. There is so much room. We can both fully sit up in bed. Sleeping on a queen is just luxury too. The window positioning is absolutely ideal. It's so nice to use it and see some of these ideas and decisions in the real world.
There is a nice set of rapids just behind us in this pic which made for awesome white noise all night. We spent the entire evening skinny dipping and then warming up by the fire, then repeat.
Someone built a really nice little pool right at the edge of the beach by the site.
The next thing I want to do is build a nice chuck box and get rid of this tote.
We spent the next morning exploring some more sites along the river. This is exactly why I love being a smaller unit. I would dread exploring some of these roads with a bigger trailer.
Then a 9am swim to wake up.
no this is one of the best builds because your not building a 100k van to mostly stay at campgrounds your building and getting out more than probably 60% of the people on here
Andrew_S
Observer
^ Well thank you, I appreciate that.
One of the last big pieces arrived today,
I spent a lot of time researching this and trying to figure out the best route to go. I ended up settling on a planar 2d diesel heater. The quality seems to be quite high and the price is reasonable when compared to a few other makes. This is one of the bigger expenses in the whole build but definitely one of the most key pieces to 4 season camping.
It amazes me how tiny this thing is. Really looking forward to hooking it up here soon and trying it out.
One of the last big pieces arrived today,
I spent a lot of time researching this and trying to figure out the best route to go. I ended up settling on a planar 2d diesel heater. The quality seems to be quite high and the price is reasonable when compared to a few other makes. This is one of the bigger expenses in the whole build but definitely one of the most key pieces to 4 season camping.
It amazes me how tiny this thing is. Really looking forward to hooking it up here soon and trying it out.
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Just found your thread. Amazing build.
Really like the Alaskan style pop up. Hard sides really make sense in our BC climate. I have been researching different options for a hard side pop up so we can get winter use out of a build. Will be interesting to see how your unit handles condensation and thermal bridging.
Really like the Alaskan style pop up. Hard sides really make sense in our BC climate. I have been researching different options for a hard side pop up so we can get winter use out of a build. Will be interesting to see how your unit handles condensation and thermal bridging.
Andrew_S
Observer
^ Thanks. Bridging will 100% be an issue. Just on the couple of cooler nights we spent in it you could see a bit of condensation building up on the exposed aluminum members. I'm hoping the dry heat from the diesel heater will alleviate this a fair bit. We are also working towards skinning the entire interior with a removable soft material so we can keep an eye on it. Will definitely update this more as we move into winter and start camping in it when we are ice fishing. I'm really looking forward to seeing how everything performs in the -20's and -30s.
We did our first big trip in the camper this weekend. We hit backroads Thursday and didn't get back onto asphalt until Sunday afternoon. Here are some photos.
Adams lake
Spent far to long trying to find a place to camp the first night. Ran into this small community. It's cool to see the local equipment just sitting in the middle of the road. This cat looked like it was getting a new set of tracks.
We actually drove right through a small forest fire (40 hectares) that was happening on the west side of the lake. I never thought it through but unfortunately all of the guys/girls fighting the fire were camping in the nearby rec sites, therefor everything was completely packed. We ended up just pulling over on the side of the road at a small rec site and calling it a night. Not quite the golden spot we were looking for, but good enough.
The next morning we went for a 12km+ paddle on Adams lake and up Adams river. Couldn't believe we were the only ones out on the lake.
Nicole's back was bugging her this trip so she just slept in the canoe like this.
Paddling up/down the river.
We then went exploring through momich provincial park.
This may be on of the nicest beaches and rec sites in the area.
We don't see a lot of snakes in BC, so I was stoked to find this little garter snake.
Well over 100' out in perfect sand and only waist deep.
We set up camp for the night at stukemapten lake at this beautiful 1 spot rec site.
Just as soon as we popped the top it started to rain. So nice to just be able to hang out with the doors open and listen to the rain.
Thimble berries are in full bloom right now.
Quick paddle after the storm. Had the lake all to ourselves both days, with a few loons.
Morning camp coffee set up
We did our first big trip in the camper this weekend. We hit backroads Thursday and didn't get back onto asphalt until Sunday afternoon. Here are some photos.
Adams lake
Spent far to long trying to find a place to camp the first night. Ran into this small community. It's cool to see the local equipment just sitting in the middle of the road. This cat looked like it was getting a new set of tracks.
We actually drove right through a small forest fire (40 hectares) that was happening on the west side of the lake. I never thought it through but unfortunately all of the guys/girls fighting the fire were camping in the nearby rec sites, therefor everything was completely packed. We ended up just pulling over on the side of the road at a small rec site and calling it a night. Not quite the golden spot we were looking for, but good enough.
The next morning we went for a 12km+ paddle on Adams lake and up Adams river. Couldn't believe we were the only ones out on the lake.
Nicole's back was bugging her this trip so she just slept in the canoe like this.
Paddling up/down the river.
We then went exploring through momich provincial park.
This may be on of the nicest beaches and rec sites in the area.
We don't see a lot of snakes in BC, so I was stoked to find this little garter snake.
Well over 100' out in perfect sand and only waist deep.
We set up camp for the night at stukemapten lake at this beautiful 1 spot rec site.
Just as soon as we popped the top it started to rain. So nice to just be able to hang out with the doors open and listen to the rain.
Thimble berries are in full bloom right now.
Quick paddle after the storm. Had the lake all to ourselves both days, with a few loons.
Morning camp coffee set up