Pop up Project: The Skamper Camper

[Zmanfj40]

Got a pop-up camper for use on multiple vehicles. It's a 1992 Skamper 072S model(7'4") We have a full size Ram 3500 shortbed, my son has a 1st gen Tundra, and I also have a couple 1st gen Tacomas that it could go on. It had water damage on the ceiling and was cheap so it fit right into my budget, lol! My wife said just get it even though I really wanted no extra projects at the time.
I have lots of irons in the fire right now so it's a slow process. As of right now the roof is removed and I have cut new 1/2" plywood to double up and replace the ceiling framing and rear panel where the HECO mounts are located.

Sent from my SM-N981U using Tapatalk

 

[Zmanfj40]

The center seam is where the roof leaked. I'm in the process of rebuilding the ceiling. Probably using "Through the roof " to form a seal on the center seam and possibly run "Eternabond tape" on the top. I aslo plan on using a roof sealing coat any suggestions on what to use on aluminum tops?

Sent from my SM-N981U using Tapatalk

 

[Zmanfj40]

I took out the rear board tonight and will be replacing only that for the sides. It's just the most structurally important piece since it carries the load of the torque on the lift mechanism. The hardest part is trying not to destroy the corner caps which replacements don't exist anymore.

Sent from my SM-N981U using Tapatalk

 

[aok13]

Hello Zmanfj40, found your post, I also bought a 072s last fall ($100) and thought I'd ask some questions. so here goes. when you removed the rear wood piece, at what sorta angle was the corner brackets at? was your roof fully opened when you took the roof off? what is the measurement of the rear piece,(1"thick?) what would you guess the weight to be? (if you were underneath it, could you lift it?) I just redid mine, and its heavy. thanks.

 

[Zmanfj40]

The roof has to be fully upright to relieve the torque of the HECO system for removal. From that point it can be disconnected. Leaving the roof raised (by blocking or straps)you can lower the HECO lift.


Sent from my SM-N981U using Tapatalk

 

[Zmanfj40]

The corner brackets are at a slight angle when removed. The back piece of wood was 1" thick (2 -1/2" pieces glued together) the height is 3 1/2" of all the sides, there is a 1" layer of foam that is between the board and ceiling.

Sent from my SM-N981U using Tapatalk

 

[Zmanfj40]

When removing it was waterlogged and took 4 people to take it off safely, mostly due to the awkward position of being fully raised to disconnect the HECO system. I don't know how much it weighed. You can see a slight angle on the bracket but it might have moved over the years.

Sent from my SM-N981U using Tapatalk

 

[Zmanfj40]

Made some progress today, replaced the back piece that the HECO mounts to, the original was in bad shape. The hardest part has been removing the original sealing compounds and cleaning up the surfaces for reinstall.

Sent from my SM-N981U using Tapatalk

 

[aok13]

hey zmanfj40, thanks for the reply. some of the repairs i've seen online are a real mess, me all I had was just the aluminum trim and one broke corner piece. I did a lot of research here and online to get a starting point. I believe my side pieces are 4 1/2. I gotta get pics loaded. good luck w your repair, I'll keep an eye on your build.

 

[Zmanfj40]

Some completed roof work. The framing is 2 15/32 plywood cut into 3" strips and glued together forming a near 1" frame. I added the two cross sections for a more rigid roof. Also added a small brace for a potential ceiling mounted shelf above the couch/ bed area. Wired in for a fan in the vent as well.

Sent from my SM-N981U using Tapatalk

 

[Zmanfj40]

Some ceiling pics, wiring using existing wies as the were in great shape. Added for fan. Upgrading to LED lighting as well. Pretty simple.

Sent from my SM-N981U using Tapatalk

 

[Zmanfj40]

Working on the inside while it was all apart decided to change it up a bit. Using BIN 123 as primer 2 coats, then a primer/ paint top coat it turned out ok. New hardware was added as well, got rid of the old gold color.

Sent from my SM-N981U using Tapatalk

 

[Zmanfj40]

For the kitchen I chose a FRP panel from the Depot that was durable and easy to wipe clean. The butcher block counter top was also from Depot I'm re-installing the stainless sink but upgrading to a 12v water system with a new faucet. The stove works fine but don't know if I need three burners, I might just use a Coleman stove so I save counter space and can easily cook outside or inside with the same stove.

Sent from my SM-N981U using Tapatalk

 

[Zmanfj40]

The new ceiling, this was the original problem that needed to be addressed. It's what started it all! Major holdups including, extreme plywood prices, adhesive shortages, insulation shortages, and final selection of ceiling material kept this from completion. Now it needs new running lights,then flipped over for vent installation and roof sealing.

Sent from my SM-N981U using Tapatalk

 

[Zmanfj40]

Adding some electrical upgrades, 12v water pump, and a porta-pooper (might get a fancy one some day).

Sent from my SM-N981U using Tapatalk