How she looks in Sept
I plan to use this forum to update my friend Thomas on the completion of the build of his camper van "Jackur" that he intends to take south for a year.
I have built one RV and a few boats and love the use of epoxy/wood for just about everything. Epoxy is expensive, but bought in bulk, I use it for everything from cradles to bathtubs. My last build, "Shachagra" was much bigger, but in many ways less of a challenge than the van. Rated at 52K, I had few weight considerations for that project. My family of 5 lived in her and traveled Europe and Asia for 16 months.
This construction is foam core epoxy and wood, primarily poplar, and ash in areas that need major strength. I mill my own wood, so I'm relieved of much of the expense.
Here is a shot of Shachagra
Thomas and another friend Bill have been here for 10 days working and we have a good start. We had delusions of finishing in 10 days but the heat coupled with the cooler full of cold Mikes Classic Margaritas resulted in two of the musketeers departing with about 3 months work left to do. We have cut and modified the top, built the sliding bed, roofs and hard sides. I guess I should explain what we're planning. A pop top that had a bed that slides out the back with its own roof, and accordion style hard sides. if you are not familiar with the style, its because I made up that phrase. I'll add a video to clear up what I'm talking about.
Here is a drawing of the top open.
How the sides support the top.
The bed that slides out the back
This is the method to build the bed, roof and sides. Foam, poplar spacers with plywood glues to both sides and encased in fiberglass.
Top off the van
Last edited:
