The SHapeSHifter, a work Vuck (vantruck), expedition camper jig.

[Vandit]

Dude, this is awesome work! The final product looks great! I just finished building a wooden step stool for my nephew that I was feeling pretty good about until I saw your posts. I probably need to avoid this thread in the future if I want to preserve my own ego.

Absolutely love both of your builds. Looking forward to see what you've got for us next...

 

[Bikersmurf]

The one thought that comes to mind is if the 6 aluminum brackets bolted to plywood will be strong enough to stand the test of time. I realize your deck is quite light, but I am used to seeing the box mounts on theyttt bottom of mine that are 1/2”x3” flat stock welded onto 2.5” channel that is at least 5/16” wall. It might even be 5/8”x3” (I’m not inclined to go check in the middle of the night). I’m well aware that plywood can be strong, but with a load on rough roads I’d worry about possible failure.

I’d personally go with thicker angle for the mounts and have a backing plate to sandwich the wood in the middle off. Am I just over thinking it?

 

[gatorgrizz27]

Nice job so far. I like the concept, I’ve considered doing something similar down the road with an F-350/450/550 flatbed plus removable camper. It’s easier to justify if it doubles as a work/tow vehicle than just a toy. Water tanks and batteries could live in the side boxes with quick connects.

Are you worried about frame flex damaging the bed when off road? I didn’t see if you had used flexible mounts or not.

 

[iggi]

Slick build so far!

 

[CaptainBuilt]

I love this. I'm on the hunt for a cab chassis van myself. Great work!

 

[Pinnacle Campers]

The one thought that comes to mind is if the 6 aluminum brackets bolted to plywood will be strong enough to stand the test of time. I realize your deck is quite light, but I am used to seeing the box mounts on theyttt bottom of mine that are 1/2”x3” flat stock welded onto 2.5” channel that is at least 5/16” wall. It might even be 5/8”x3” (I’m not inclined to go check in the middle of the night). I’m well aware that plywood can be strong, but with a load on rough roads I’d worry about possible failure.

I’d personally go with thicker angle for the mounts and have a backing plate to sandwich the wood in the middle off. Am I just over thinking it?

I don't think you are over thinking.
Depends on the use scenario, as for keeping a 400lb blob on the back I think they are more than enough. For an ambo everything is overbuilt.
As I mentioned, "I also plan on using this to mess around with various types of captured spring type mounting systems, evaluate chassis flex, etc."
I think the backing plates are definitely justified, and if the weight of the flatbed goes up significantly (or in the case of a camper box) something other than aluminum would likely be necessary.

The camper box will likely have a very different type of mounting system. In fact I'm 90% sure I want the box attached to the cab with the rear frame rails captive spring mounted with some sort of (manual or auto) lockdown system for non off road use.
It would likely be a "rail on rail" system where the frame rails of the camper sit directly on the frame rails of the chassis more evenly distributing the weight (and giving a lower floor height). IMO all of the pivot type mounting systems place the floor of the box to high off the ground.

I will get into more about that later, when the camper box starts I might have this thread moved to a different section at that time.
B

 

[ujoint]

Looks great!

Just curious, any specific reason you chose the van cutaway over a 4x4 pickup? Seems like building a flatbed pickup would be easier than building the van + adding 4x4?

Asking because I'd like to do something similar someday, and would be happy to know what I'm missing van vs truck.

Somehow I missed this entire thread!

Be prepared to answer this question A LOT. Ha.

 

[Pinnacle Campers]

Chassis now for sale, not 4x4 but could be easily,

https://boise.craigslist.org/cto/d/boise-2011-ford-e350-cutaway-chassis/7857758571.html

2011 E350 Cutaway chassis Project truck: Almost 4x4

2011 Ford E350 cutaway chassis Project truck “almost 4x4” Located in Boise, Idaho 83712 $24,000 TLDR: This was a former ambulance with its box removed, a cab back installed and a makeshift plywood flatbed. F350 axles have been installed and it is a good running RWD truck. To make it 4x4...

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