GCecchetto
Adventurer
You folks are all much too kind. I'll be posting some new photos next week as the roof starts coming together.
The Dirt Sherpa Build
- Thread starter GCecchetto
- Start date
GCecchetto
Adventurer
Spent Wednesday afternoon, Thursday, and Friday in the shop fabricating the roof frame. Wednesday I assembled the template fixture, Thursday was mostly spent re-laying out all the framing on the template because i had to re-template the camper. It has been so wet here for so long the plywood, even though it was on my porch under the roof, had swollen up so much the the template was a 1/2" longer than it was originally. Friday was hardcore fab all day long. Here are some photos of the fun.
Fitting and welding the bottom side.
Some detail shots.
Flipped over and ready to weld the top side.
Welding the top side.
So, the roof frame is finished. If the weather cooperates today, I'll test fit it to make sure everything is good before proceeding with the electrical. Hopefully I'll get word soon that another order has come in for the Noble Select fiberglass panels so I can get my roof panel made.
Fitting and welding the bottom side.
Some detail shots.
Flipped over and ready to weld the top side.
Welding the top side.
So, the roof frame is finished. If the weather cooperates today, I'll test fit it to make sure everything is good before proceeding with the electrical. Hopefully I'll get word soon that another order has come in for the Noble Select fiberglass panels so I can get my roof panel made.
SLO_F-250
Explorer
GC,
Looks great! Nice work. One thought.... I was talking with Marty of All Terrian campers and he mentioned they add foam insulation in the exterior frame to help with condensation. I have noticed in my 90's Hawk that I get condensation along the perimeter frame of the roof. I plan on trying to get some foam in there to help.
Recently when I was camping in the snow I got lots more condensation which turned to frost. It was pretty annoying as it melted when it warmed up... Food for thought on your build. Im sure you have thought of this already as your project is amazing! Keep it up.
SLO
Looks great! Nice work. One thought.... I was talking with Marty of All Terrian campers and he mentioned they add foam insulation in the exterior frame to help with condensation. I have noticed in my 90's Hawk that I get condensation along the perimeter frame of the roof. I plan on trying to get some foam in there to help.
Recently when I was camping in the snow I got lots more condensation which turned to frost. It was pretty annoying as it melted when it warmed up... Food for thought on your build. Im sure you have thought of this already as your project is amazing! Keep it up.
SLO
GCecchetto
Adventurer
Hey SLO. I have thought about trying to thermally break the the aluminum fram from the exterior, but I think it will be hard to do in any effective manner. Did Marty mention the product they use or how effective it is? I think the best solution would be to wrap the outer fram with a material that is resistent to conductive transfer of heat/cold.
On another note, the tent from my camper is in good condition and is insulated. Your camper looks like it has the same cabover extension as mine so the tent might fit. Let me know if you are interested.
GCecchetto
Adventurer
Here are a couple of pics of the test fit of the roof on the camper. Seems to fit like a glove.
AeroNautiCal
Explorer
GCecchetto
Adventurer
Thanks AeroNautiCal! I hope it continues to go smoothly.
SLO_F-250
Explorer
I cant remember the product but I think it was just standard spray foam from like Home Depot. I could be wrong. That is what I am going to try. Im interested to see what you come up with. Condensation around the edge is a known issue.
Looks like the roof fits like a glove! Nice work! :bowdown:
GCecchetto
Adventurer
Been a long time since my last post. I'm still in a holding pattern waiting for Crane to get another order for the fiberglass I need for the roof. Haven't been terribly motivated but have gotten a few things done to keep busy. The new front window I bought was the only white framed window in the camper and I decided I just couldn't leave it that way. Took it apart and had the frame powder coated black, all is right in the world again.
Here's a shot of the window installed.
This weekend I am installing a new suspension in the truck. King Racing with adjusters so I will be able to fine tune the ride when the camper is on. Also had Deaver Spring build me a custom set of long travel leaf springs for the rear for the added weight of the camper. I post photos later.
Here's a shot of the window installed.
This weekend I am installing a new suspension in the truck. King Racing with adjusters so I will be able to fine tune the ride when the camper is on. Also had Deaver Spring build me a custom set of long travel leaf springs for the rear for the added weight of the camper. I post photos later.
SLO_F-250
Explorer
X2! Whats up GC?!
Backroad Explorer
Adventurer
GC :iagree:
P.S. Pics Please if you've been out.
P.S. Pics Please if you've been out.
Powagoneer
New member
Very impressive work! Skimmed the entire thread and it gave me some really good ideas. Really like the aluminum frame design vs wood and fiberglass. Waiting to see the roof!