Hi all, long time listener, first time caller.
I'm not exactly the target audience here - i'm not looking to overland specifically but, you folks seem to put a lot more thought into your builds than most sites, and have far more information about DIY builds using foam core composites so i thought you were probably a good place to get some questions answered.
I'm looking to build a motorhome off a cab/chassis frame using primarily foam core composites - probably something like 1" foam with FRP and glass. Thinking maybe luan or ply on the inside both for the "look" and screw retention, but of course that'll add to weight but also allow for easy additional modifications/additions in the future without having to glass something up so :shrugs: decisions, decisions, right?
The reason i'm building is for weight and aerodynamics - so i plan on using a stitch and glue method to combine the unique shapes together. I have this fantasy of incorporating mild hybrid 48 or 72v features as well, essentially like torque assist - normally, the gains wouldn't seem worth the effort, because the extra weight of the batteries, but if i'm going to have a big house battery anyhow (which i plan on) then it seems to make sense to investigate that.
of course that opens the whole can of worms on controllers, how to approach it, cost, etc. so who knows how that'll actually shake out.
now, the loose plan right now is to get a late 70's early 80's cab/chassis of a cargo van, transplant a more efficient powerplant (possibly the good ole 4BT with a 6 speed OD of some sort and appropriately geared rear end) and build out the motorhome embracing aerodynamics (within reason) with the main shell being composite exterior and probably interior as well. i plan on essentially making the frame of the chassis a flatbed and i'm assuming that i can't get away with no framing - so, probably some kind of aluminum framing in addition to the fiberglass panels. (or possibly building ribs into sections of the panels?
i've seen a number of builds on here that seem to take a similar approach, but, mostly truck campers, so, I'm not sure how much of a difference a motorhome shell will make. i'm assuming framing will be needed at the very least around heavy load areas, like the holding tanks and batteries (which i hope to mount between frame rails and cover with a belly pan)
anyways, that is probably enough rambling for a first post so - thanks for having me!
I'm not exactly the target audience here - i'm not looking to overland specifically but, you folks seem to put a lot more thought into your builds than most sites, and have far more information about DIY builds using foam core composites so i thought you were probably a good place to get some questions answered.
I'm looking to build a motorhome off a cab/chassis frame using primarily foam core composites - probably something like 1" foam with FRP and glass. Thinking maybe luan or ply on the inside both for the "look" and screw retention, but of course that'll add to weight but also allow for easy additional modifications/additions in the future without having to glass something up so :shrugs: decisions, decisions, right?
The reason i'm building is for weight and aerodynamics - so i plan on using a stitch and glue method to combine the unique shapes together. I have this fantasy of incorporating mild hybrid 48 or 72v features as well, essentially like torque assist - normally, the gains wouldn't seem worth the effort, because the extra weight of the batteries, but if i'm going to have a big house battery anyhow (which i plan on) then it seems to make sense to investigate that.
of course that opens the whole can of worms on controllers, how to approach it, cost, etc. so who knows how that'll actually shake out.
now, the loose plan right now is to get a late 70's early 80's cab/chassis of a cargo van, transplant a more efficient powerplant (possibly the good ole 4BT with a 6 speed OD of some sort and appropriately geared rear end) and build out the motorhome embracing aerodynamics (within reason) with the main shell being composite exterior and probably interior as well. i plan on essentially making the frame of the chassis a flatbed and i'm assuming that i can't get away with no framing - so, probably some kind of aluminum framing in addition to the fiberglass panels. (or possibly building ribs into sections of the panels?
i've seen a number of builds on here that seem to take a similar approach, but, mostly truck campers, so, I'm not sure how much of a difference a motorhome shell will make. i'm assuming framing will be needed at the very least around heavy load areas, like the holding tanks and batteries (which i hope to mount between frame rails and cover with a belly pan)
anyways, that is probably enough rambling for a first post so - thanks for having me!
