New Four Wheel Camper owner

[Northern Explorer]

I've had a few people ask about my wind fairing. I used a piece of scrap 1/2 inch plywood. It measures 48 inches by 11 inches. Since I used scrap wood, 11 inches was as tall as I could make it. It's attached to a Yakama crossbar using 3 U-bolts with fairing stirps acting as extra bracing. I then coated it with spray can bed liner.

If I was to make it again I would make it about 15 inches tall so that it extends all the way up to the roof level. I would also consider coating it with fiberglass and maybe using thinner plywood.

I have never scientifically tested how much it helps with fuel economy. I would guess about a 1 mpg increase in mileage. In addition to the gas mileage benefit, it also helps deflect branches to the roof of my camper rather then having them slide inbetween the cabover and the truck roof.

Here are a couple of pictures.

 

[Kodachrome]

I just finished mine an hour ago, need to dull it down so it does not blind people at certain times of the day. It cost me about $180 in materials but looks nice, has storage and works great. I may or may not use the cut outs for if the latch access sings in cross or tail winds.

 

[Kodachrome]

The inners are made to store light items like my window cleaner...

 

[Northern Explorer]

That's nice. It should hold up a lot better then wood.

 

[ljb0904]

Great write-ups. Thanks for posting all your mods. You're giving me good ideas for my buildout.

Cheers!

 

[Northern Explorer]

Great write-ups. Thanks for posting all your mods. You're giving me good ideas for my buildout.

Cheers!

No problem.

 

[washington taco]

Latest updates?

 

[Northern Explorer]

Latest updates?

It's up on saw horses with a big ugly tarp over it in my driveway waiting for spring to arrive. I might put some external foam board insulation on the lower part that's hidden by the truck bed this spring when it warms up.

 

[Northern Explorer]

New LED lights

edit to original post on this subject

I decided to replace the outside light that I installed in post number 16 of this thread.

There were a few things I didn't like with my original light:
1. Used to much power (55 watts)
2. Single mounting point made it twist easy when hit by branches
3. Driving beam pattern was not good for lighing up the camping area
4. Was not waterproof

I ordered two LED flood lights (model #7790BM) from here.
I installed one in the location of my original incandescent light.

I couldn't find a clean/hidden way to run the wire in the same location on the other side. So I decided to put it here instead.

Both Switches are to the right of the thermostat. I also installed a much needed towel rack.

I'm really happy with these lights. The flood beam pattern lights up the campsite evenly and they are super bright. At only 9 watts each that will really save on my batteries.

 

[Northern Explorer]

Propane Bay Insulation

I had a lot of bubble wrap insulation left over from my refrigerator project. Thought I would put it to good use.

Idea stolen from someone??? at Wander The West

It would be nice to have this insulated from the factory on the inside.

 

[Overland Hadley]

Looks good.

Ever feel the need to insulate the bottom wood section of the camper?

 

[Northern Explorer]

Haven't felt the need but you can never have to much insulation. I still have a lot of the same insulation left over so maybe.

 

[Jeff Wanamog]

Like this?

I did the entire bottom and sides with 1/2" rigid foam. Make sure you purchase the correct adhesive. First picture was taken before it was completed.

Jeff

 

[Northern Explorer]

That looks good. I will seriously consider something like that.

 

[Deltarat]

edit to original post on this subject

I decided to replace the outside light that I installed in post number 16 of this thread.

There were a few things I didn't like with my original light:
1. Used to much power (55 watts)
2. Single mounting point made it twist easy when hit by branches
3. Driving beam pattern was not good for lighing up the camping area
4. Was not waterproof

I ordered two LED flood lights (model #7790BM) from here.

I installed one in the location of my original incandescent light.

I couldn't find a clean/hidden way to run the wire in the same location on the other side. So I decided to put it here instead.

Both Switches are to the right of the thermostat. I also installed a much needed towel rack.

I'm really happy with these lights. The flood beam pattern lights up the campsite evenly and they are super bright. At only 9 watts each that will really save on my batteries.

Hey Northern, Tried your link for the flood lights (http://www.furneauxriddall.com/shop/acatalog/LED_Work_Light.html#a7790BM_281_29)
and get a 404 Not Found error. I really like the lights and would like to order
some for my camper. Could you possibly correct the link and re-post??

Thanks