Titan with custom carbon fiber camper

[Home Skillet]

Hello everyone,

I have been lurking on EP for a while and finally decided to show up for real. I thought I might introduce myself by showing off my custom build.

I have been building a carbon fiber, built-on camper for my 2006 Nissan Titan. This project started in May of 2010 with design and specs and actual construction started in October of 2010.

The goal: A light-weight, tough, hard-sided, self-reliant, pop-up camper that would allow me and my capable Titan to go anywhere.

The construction is carbon fiber/foam laminate all hand built with a skim coat of polyester filler/primer and then professional auto quality primer, paint, and clear coat.

It has been a heck of a journey so far (and I am only half way done), but totally worth it.

Some of you may have been following me over at hookedupfilms.com, but I wanted to introduce the project here in hopes of some input as I move into the interior and systems part of the build. I really respect this community and its aggregate knowledge.

Here are some pics of the build so far. Enjoy!

 

[murryconst]

That is very nice

 

[chris_the_wrench]

I've been checking on your build occasionally through your blog. I'm planning a similarly constructed although slightly bigger unit of my own.

I'm looking forward to seeing how your materials and construction technique have worked for that cantilevered section where the bed will be!

What size is the c channel that runs the length of the camper?

Keep it up!

Thanks
-Chris

 

[alexrex20]

nice build. you must have a really big oven.

 

[Home Skillet]

What size is the c channel that runs the length of the camper?

-Chris

The C-channel is 1"X4" engineering grade. And then it has 4 crossmembers that run between them they are a "T" shape 1/8" aluminum bar.
I think it is cool how so many of us are taking on the task of making a better off-road ready camper.

Home Skillet

 

[Home Skillet]

nice build. you must have a really big oven.

Nope(even though at times when my wife was mad about the mess the whole house felt like an oven), but I used West Systems resin with 207 Hardner which is perfect for slow, strong cures without an oven.

 

[fishy_frontier]

Very nice camper so far. Looking forward to more progress.

 

[JCMatthews]

Moving your thread to the pop camper section might get you more feedback. Looking great by the way. How do I find the link to your blog? I'd love to see more.

 

[Home Skillet]

JCMatthews,

Thanks for the move, I wasn't sure where to post.

I also wasn't sure if it was OK to post a link, but here it is

HUF Adventure Camper