Small Truck camper build

[suckerforamoneypit]

Hello
I know this inst a pop up camper build but I just though it would be best here, seeing as almost all the info I got to build it so far has came from this section. As for the camper I really didn't want a over cab or a pop up, just something small and simple. I plan to use it for short 2-3 day camping/skiing trips for 1 maybe 2 people, so I wanted something easy to load and would keep me warm in the cold winters. I looked around for months trying to find the right fit and found that I just couldn't afford what I wanted. So I am trying my hand at a build, here are a few pics of what i got so far. i"m starting on the interior next before I cover in the back. But I'm 100% new at this so if anyone has any input or can see anything I should do would greatly appreciated
Thanks

 

[SuperCal]

That looks really cool :clapsmile I was thinking of doing pretty much the same thing but with all the projects I have going at once I knew I'd never finish it. Good luck with the build and keep us posted...

 

[Overland Hadley]

:lurk:

 

[brianjwilson]

That looks like a fun project. I've been wanted to build my own camper for some time, but don't really have the space to work on it or the cash up front for materials and appliances.

What are you going to cover the exterior with? I think I would run a thin liner inside of the frame, dow foil backed foam for insulation and a basic aluminum siding to keep it lightweight.

 

[suckerforamoneypit]

well I couldn't afford to just put all the money right out as well but what I'm doing is only taking $50 a week to buy what I need for that one day. I only work on it Sundays so I wont get bored and give up. what I did so far is 3 Sundays for about 3-5 hours a day and about $120can. I find doing it this was keeps money in the pocket and all I can think about all week is getting back to do some work.

For the outside I'm kinda stuck, I got a black truck so I wanted a glossy black finish on the camper. I have been looking at replacement cargo van fiberglass sides. They are light weight and look really good in gloss black, but the price would be almost as much as the camper. The gold would be to keep away from siding and have a smooth finish. If anyone knows other products that come gloss black and in sheets 4x8 or larger Id love to hear about it.
thank

 

[eugene]

I've been thinking of just using fiberglass thats sold in automotive stores for bodywork and painting it on top of wood. Seems to me it would be easy to fix when it gets scraped rather than tearing open like traditional aluminum siding. Using a thinner wood myself.

 

[ExpoMike]

Actually go to a boating supply store as they will have stuff more specifically for "glassing" wood surfaces then the auto body stuff, which is typically for glassing over fiberglass body panels. There are MANY different types of fiberglass cloth, matting, resin, etc. and you want to get the right stuff for your application.

Looks good and good luck.

 

[Overland Hadley]

x2 about a boat shop. A wooden boat place would be best.

 

[nucktaco]

ive been considering doing the same thing. still trying to decide whether to do a cab over or not. ill be following this for sure.

 

[Deleted member 9101]

x2 about a boat shop. A wooden boat place would be best.

West Marine carries every single thing you need.

 

[suckerforamoneypit]

Well I had the day off work so I though I do A little wok on the camper, but more so window shopping. I filled in the roof with cross pieces, 2 pounds of 3 1/2 screws for the framing, and 1 pound of 1 1/2 in screws for the sheets. Even with the back left open and the studs missing after all the hardware everything tighten up so much. i could even work on the roof with no flexing or bending. I still have scrap pieces on the back to keep everything straight wile building. so when I frame in and use a good pice of 5/8 play on the back I shouldn't have any problems with durability or sitting on the roof for a view.

As for my smooth cheap easy finish, I think I found it. I went to a plastic store today with just about anything you want in 4 x 8 sheets. They had one product that was 3mm thick and it was foam between two sheets of aluminum. Really nice stuff came in black and white but at about $80can a sheet its a little out of my price range.
But they also had polypropylene( I think) witch also came in white and black. sun resistant, and only $25 a sheet. The black don't really look that bad, not as much gloss as the aluminum but with the right compound and a few hours buffing I'm sure I can do better

 

[pods8]

But they also had polypropylene( I think) witch also came in white and black. sun resistant, and only $25 a sheet.

Just a heads up I think polypropylene is rather hard to get any glue/adhesive to stick to so if you went with this you'd have to rely on fasteners. Maybe you were planning to already but figured its worth mentioning. Also this may cause problems if you need to caulk any seems.

 

[F3X]

But they also had polypropylene( I think) witch also came in white and black. sun resistant, and only $25 a sheet. The black don't really look that bad, not as much gloss as the aluminum but with the right compound and a few hours buffing I'm sure I can do better

You might check the CTE (expansion rate) of the material, it may just grow a lot under the sun to pop off the wood no matter how you fasten it. Just FYI not set in stone.

 

[suckerforamoneypit]

well I set out to do some interior work on the camper and found that the guys started painting for me. Thought you guys might get a kick out of it!

 

[suckerforamoneypit]

You might check the CTE (expansion rate) of the material, it may just grow a lot under the sun to pop off the wood no matter how you fasten it. Just FYI not set in stone.

Thanks for the info, cte?? something I would have never though about. I did ask the guy about it and he said the only problem with temperature is it might crack easier in cold. As for attaching the panels, I was told nothing Will stick to it. so my only option would be hardware.

I did get out to do a little work today, Ran some wire for lights and entertainment system, also framed in the back, but im stuck on a door design now. I wanted something a little different so I though of a pull up door with a gas shock and weights to help open it. I tried to make a pic of what i am thinking but my paint skills suck. so if any of you guys can tell from my horrible drawing what I'm trying to do and have any input please let me know. My big worry is leaking, If you can see from the drawing i am going to use big trim around the door.
Thanks for all the help so far