After looking for a commercial built camper and only finding campers that weigh 1000+lbs. I've decided to build my own. My Tacoma only has a 1300lb. load capacity and after passengers and gear that doesn't leave much. I want something smaller than a full cabover but more than just a shell. I've been camping this summer and sleeping in the back with the Leer shell and the 6' bed isn't long enough for me to sleep in comfortably, being 6'1".
After searching endlessly for home built camper plans I stumbled on a link to this site. Home built plans from shells to 5th wheels.
http://www.glen-l.com/campers/glenlrv.html
I purchased the "Importer" plans from Glen-L and am very satisfied with this product. The plans and "build manual" make this look easy. Very detailed construction and simple steps. Included is a full size blue print of the upper side layout, around 11' long, layout diagrams for cutting plywood panels from 4' x 8' sheets to limit waste, and bill of material includes lumber sizes and fasteners used. Information on installing electrical, lp, and water systems.
My plan is to build a modified version of the importer. Shorter height wise, 5' tall instead of the 6' the plans call for. This would be tall enough to sit in. A small cabover section for extra storage space and 80" long cabin so I don't have to sleep corner to corner (which I do now with just the shell arrangement). A fully finished Importer dry weight is 700lbs. So by cutting down the size and not putting in all the interior cabinetry and equipment, I'm hoping to keep it under 500lbs.
Coat and boot closet will be left open at top. Commode with be enclosed in a cabinet with lid that raises and door hat swings out on front. I'll have a small seating space next to the sink cabinet. I found a place to make custom size cushions that I'll use for the couch/bed which just slides out to convert from couch to bed. Just taking ideas from the Aliner popup trailer. This could easily be set up with a full size bed.
Keeping this light so no power system or holding tanks. Battery operated led lighting, water supplied for sink supplied by gallon jug under sink with hand operated pump/faucet.
I may upgrade some of this stuff later though.
Now some build photos.
After searching endlessly for home built camper plans I stumbled on a link to this site. Home built plans from shells to 5th wheels.
http://www.glen-l.com/campers/glenlrv.html
I purchased the "Importer" plans from Glen-L and am very satisfied with this product. The plans and "build manual" make this look easy. Very detailed construction and simple steps. Included is a full size blue print of the upper side layout, around 11' long, layout diagrams for cutting plywood panels from 4' x 8' sheets to limit waste, and bill of material includes lumber sizes and fasteners used. Information on installing electrical, lp, and water systems.
My plan is to build a modified version of the importer. Shorter height wise, 5' tall instead of the 6' the plans call for. This would be tall enough to sit in. A small cabover section for extra storage space and 80" long cabin so I don't have to sleep corner to corner (which I do now with just the shell arrangement). A fully finished Importer dry weight is 700lbs. So by cutting down the size and not putting in all the interior cabinetry and equipment, I'm hoping to keep it under 500lbs.
Coat and boot closet will be left open at top. Commode with be enclosed in a cabinet with lid that raises and door hat swings out on front. I'll have a small seating space next to the sink cabinet. I found a place to make custom size cushions that I'll use for the couch/bed which just slides out to convert from couch to bed. Just taking ideas from the Aliner popup trailer. This could easily be set up with a full size bed.
Keeping this light so no power system or holding tanks. Battery operated led lighting, water supplied for sink supplied by gallon jug under sink with hand operated pump/faucet.
I may upgrade some of this stuff later though.
Now some build photos.
