Diy truck bed camper questions/ advice

[Nedearb02]

Hello, I am planning on building a cab over camper for my 2010 Silverado 2500 Extended cab. I have decided on a 2x2 frame. Glued and screwed. Most likely 2x4s ripped down. Xps foam insulation. I was planning on doing poor man's fiberglass as the skin but found a supplier near me that has aluminum sheets.
My new plan was to do 1/4in ply, varnished for waterproofing. Then aluminum sheets over that, screwed around the edges to allow for airflow, with butyl tape under the seams and edges. Finally aluminum trim over the seams and edges with some screws and adhesive.

This is my first time doing something like this and it's pretty cold near me right now so I was worried about PMF curing properly. If anybody has any suggestions they'd be greatly appreciated

 

[rruff]

It should work if you do it well!

The wood won't be waterproof no matter what you put on it, if there are penetrations... and will rot if it gets wet and doesn't dry out quickly. The more penetrations, the more likely to have leaks I think, especially on the roof.

The Titebond that is typically used for PMF recommends ~50F+. There may be another glue you could use... don't know.

 

[Ozarker]

Think this over two more times, then make it as light as you can. Take pics and post, that way you'll have build supervisors here giving contradicting information.
Best of luck....

 

[ITTOG]

Unless the aluminum is very thin you don't need to put it over plywood.

 

[Fly fisherman]

Hello, I am planning on building a cab over camper for my 2010 Silverado 2500 Extended cab. I have decided on a 2x2 frame. Glued and screwed. Most likely 2x4s ripped down. Xps foam insulation. I was planning on doing poor man's fiberglass as the skin but found a supplier near me that has aluminum sheets.
My new plan was to do 1/4in ply, varnished for waterproofing. Then aluminum sheets over that, screwed around the edges to allow for airflow, with butyl tape under the seams and edges. Finally aluminum trim over the seams and edges with some screws and adhesive.

This is my first time doing something like this and it's pretty cold near me right now so I was worried about PMF curing properly. If anybody has any suggestions they'd be greatly appreciated

Don’t let people scare you off a wood frame camper. Wood can get wet and dry out, still be just as strong. You can‘t let it stay wet, rot will develope. Some of these composite camper get water intrusion and they fall apart. Just check the chalk twice a year, and store indoors if possible. The butyl tape is fantastic stuff.

I framed mine with 1x’s. Framing is a lot like Bundutec framing.
Covered with 0.030 aluminum, 2mm oak panel interior.
I use it in the winter in Colorado as a base for mixed alpine and ice climbing. I stay warm and dry. Good luck with your build. You are going to save a ton of money.