ITTOG's Truck Camper Build (was 6' x 12' Trailer Conversion)

1

1000arms

Well-known member
ITTOG said:
Without windows it was $1,300. That is for 36' of 5' wide Sunbrella. I expected the material to cost that much by itself. We will add windows later in the year when he doesn't have so many boat jobs.
Click to expand...
36', 12 yards, of 60" Sunbrella fabric, at about $40/yard is about $500. Depending on your sewing skills (or willingness to learn), the $800 more spent might be well worth it to you, especially if you can soon put your camper to use. https://www.sailrite.com/Fabrics/Marine-Fabric/Popular-Collection/Sunbrella-Marine,Sunbrella-Plus

Then again, you have given yourself quite a hands-on education, and might just want to sew it yourself to be able to easily fix, and modify, the fabric of your camper.
 
ITTOG

ITTOG

Well-known member
1000arms said:
36', 12 yards, of 60" Sunbrella fabric, at about $40/yard is about $500. Depending on your sewing skills (or willingness to learn), the $800 more spent might be well worth it to you, especially if you can soon put your camper to use. https://www.sailrite.com/Fabrics/Marine-Fabric/Popular-Collection/Sunbrella-Marine,Sunbrella-Plus

Then again, you have given yourself quite a hands-on education, and might just want to sew it yourself to be able to easily fix, and modify, the fabric of your camper.
Click to expand...
I fully researched doing it myself and came to the conclusion I wanted to pay someone else to do it for primarily two reasons. First, I didn't want to learn sewing and two, it would take me a lot longer than a professional. I also thought I would wait to make my final decision until I got a bid or two on the project. In the end, it was cheap enough that it made sense to let someone else do it. Kind of like an oil change.
 
ITTOG

ITTOG

Well-known member
It squats the truck about 2.5" so I am going to purchase the HD RoadActive Suspension system. I usually tow a trailer that also squats the truck a bit so I will definitely need the additional support.
activesuspension.com

Ford F-150 Pickup (4WD) 2015 - 2020 HD

Kit includes an easy to install RAS HD Spring for each rear leaf spring. RoadActive Suspension kits are designed to strengthen the rear leaf springs for towing or hauling without negatively affecting unloaded ride quality. This kit will reduce rear bounce and squat when loaded while...
activesuspension.com activesuspension.com
 
1

1000arms

Well-known member
ITTOG said:
I fully researched doing it myself and came to the conclusion I wanted to pay someone else to do it for primarily two reasons. First, I didn't want to learn sewing and two, it would take me a lot longer than a professional. I also thought I would wait to make my final decision until I got a bid or two on the project. In the end, it was cheap enough that it made sense to let someone else do it. Kind of like an oil change.
Click to expand...
:unsure: ... Hmm, based on your bloody early posts, are you sure you aren't just scared of learning the sewing machine by exsanguination? ... :cool:

Kidding aside, quite logical, and I hope you are soon enjoying your camper! :)

In case it isn't obvious, I'll mention that I am still impressed by your courage and honesty in posting photos of your small-angle grinder wounds as a warning for other people.

www.merriam-webster.com

Definition of EXSANGUINATION

the action or process of draining or losing blood… See the full definition
www.merriam-webster.com www.merriam-webster.com
 
ITTOG

ITTOG

Well-known member
1000arms said:
:unsure: ... Hmm, based on your bloody early posts, are you sure you aren't just scared of learning the sewing machine by exsanguination? ... :cool:

Kidding aside, quite logical, and I hope you are soon enjoying your camper! :)

In case it isn't obvious, I'll mention that I am still impressed by your courage and honesty in posting photos of your small-angle grinder wounds as a warning for other people.

www.merriam-webster.com

Definition of EXSANGUINATION

the action or process of draining or losing blood… See the full definition
www.merriam-webster.com www.merriam-webster.com
Click to expand...
Ha, glad you included a definition. I can't imagine a sewing machine mishap as bad as the grinder.
 
1

1000arms

Well-known member
ITTOG said:
Ha, glad you included a definition. I can't imagine a sewing machine mishap as bad as the grinder.
Click to expand...
You are welcome. ... I've seen a sewing machine punch holes though a US quarter. The operator did it as as a warning demonstration to keep body parts clear. ... At least you didn't wind up with any holes punched through your bones! :cool:
 
ITTOG

ITTOG

Well-known member
I have been trying to get ready for installing the weatherstripping for the roof but have not had success with an adhesive. I have tried two adhesives, one being 3M Black Super Weatherstrip and Gasket Adhesive. I have also tried two different types of VHB tape. All stuck to the metal/paint fine but do not stick to the weatherstripping. I can easily pull the weatherstripping off, leaving just the adhesive on the metal. Anyone know of an adhesive or vhb tape that works with silicone rubber.

High-Temperature Rubber Seal, Surface-Mount, Hollow, Plain Back, 1-1/4" Overall Width

www.mcmaster.com

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.
www.mcmaster.com www.mcmaster.com

Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Tapatalk
 
Last edited:
ITTOG

ITTOG

Well-known member
Anyone know how to get these to self install? Hopefully this will stop the sagging when using the camper and the trailer. I bought the HD set since I will usually use both at the same time.

PXL_20230709_202657322.jpg
 
ITTOG

ITTOG

Well-known member
I ended up getting a tape with two different adhesives on it. I can still remove the weather-strip from the metal but it is difficult now. I think this is going to work.

www.mcmaster.com

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.
www.mcmaster.com www.mcmaster.com
 
ITTOG

ITTOG

Well-known member
Time: 4.5 hours
Total Time to Date: 399 hours
Rework: 0 hours
Total Rework to Date: 90 hours (not part of time above)
Current Weight: To be weighed, but at least 735 pounds

Work has been slow this summer with family events and the heat impacting my drive to work on the camper. It is much more fun to go on the boat or Sea-Doo's than it is to work on the camper. Temperatures for the past four weeks have been hovering around 102F and the heat index around 115F. However, I did get a few things done this weekend. I added 1/4" plywood to the cabover. At this point it is just lying in there and not affixed to anything. Underneath it is 1/5" of foam. As you can see I did not deck the flip up bed portion. I also didn't deck the camper floor. Not sure why I didn't buy enough wood for that?
PXL_20230723_144934530.jpg

The tape from McMaster-Carr appears to be working. I have now installed all of the weatherstripping for the roof. I need to add some silicone at the joints but otherwise I am done.
PXL_20230723_152651398_resize.jpg

PXL_20230723_162303485_resize.jpg
 
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