Truck Camper DIY Interior Build: Goals vs End Results in my Topo Toppers Mesa Pop-Up Camper
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 2 авг 2024
- I still have a few little details to finish up, and some longer-term modifications I may still get to eventually, but for now my DIY interior build-out of my Topo Toppers Mesa wedge camper on my Nissan Frontier is largely complete and functional. In this Expectations vs Reality video, I will revisit the initial list of ideas I shared 9 months ago before starting to work on the build, and see which goals I met, and which I did not.
Playlist of the entire camper build series:
• Topo Toppers camper bu...
Video overview of the Topo Toppers Mesa:
• Introducing a new camp...
Links to virtually every item of gear I use:
softroadingthewest.com/gear
Intro: (0:00)
Insulation: (0:41)
Wall covering: (1:10)
Floor: (2:06)
Modular/removable: (2:35)
Organized, accessible storage: (4:34)
Standing-height counter: (6:15)
"Couch" / nap spot: (7:09)
Lighting & electrical: (8:21)
Heat: (9:16)
Conclusion: (10:56) 
Авто/Мото
So, yes, I did try poking and deflating the wallpaper bubbles immediately when it started happening, unfortunately the bubbling actually stretched the vinyl so it will no longer sit flat where it once did, and leaves wrinkles where I push the bubbles back down. It's not re-adhering well anyway...it wants to lift back up in the same places. It's a low-priority issue since the insulation is technically functional, but I cringe when I see it in each new video I film. 😆
Would having a tub of "Damp-Rid" or similiar mosture absorber open when you run the Heater Buddy work? Or do you think it wouldnt be up to the task? Also, I have seen people use the little backpacking stoves attached to the coleman 1lb propane bottles. I don't know how effective it is, but I have seen it done as a last chance fuel if you need it.
Maybe put a fun sticker from where you've been at those wrinkly locations?
@@rock283 .. You are correct, KOVEA make the adapter for 1 pound coleman tanks. It is my go to for car camping, very efficient.
I thought about the "damp=rid" idea as well. wonder if it would help on a weekend. great minds
You are one of my favourite overland RUclipsrs because it’s relatable the budget nature and the fact you do it alongside a real world career. Not saying being a full time RUclipsr is not a profession but it takes you in a different direction where you have to build the aspirational stuff using provided products that the actual people who would use it properly will never be able to afford.
Breaking news: Guy finally uses that bit of wood he's been keeping in his garage
Joking aside I love how this build turned out. It's giving me ideas for my Tacoma build
LOL, you're not wrong :-)
It's a great build, perfect for a one-man outfit. Well done Donald!
One of your best qualities is your resourcefulness! People need to learn this going forward in our world today Don....great build!
Great follow up video to your build, I actually think this is the most valuable video in the series. So many folks give a product review the day they bought it, with no actual use. So your after use thoughts are excellent. And as others have said, I enjoy your thrifty DIY work.
Awesome overview. You covered more content in 12 minutes than most guys in 60. Thanks for a very clear, concise, to the point overview of your setup. And thanks for showing not only what works well but also what needs further refinement. 👍
When I take a 12 min nap it ends up being a 12 hour nap
This has been a fun series to watch. I had no idea you could wire up your electrical system w a power supply like that. I really like that set up and it's easily removable if needed.
Yeah, it's probably way more comfortable than the forester. I like the way you set up the truck.
Excellent work. Budget, functional, and looks good. You hit the trio on the head!
Donald , as far as the off gassing goes in your insulation, check and see if like a sewing pin , and popping it would allow the off gassing to escape without taking it all apart. It would also keep it from causing real damage to the insulation. Kinda like trying to pop a blood blister or something lol
I tried poking and deflating the bubbles immediately when it started happening, unfortunately the bubbling actually stretched the vinyl so it will no longer sit flat where it once did, and leaves wrinkles where I push the bubbles back down. It's not re-adhering well anyway...it wants to lift back up in the same places. It's a low-priority issue since the insulation is technically functional, but I cringe when I see it in each new video I film. 😆
Been following you for quite a while. I've built many things for my rig that have been inspired by simply watching your videos.
I want to give you a shout out. What about? The fact you don't say things like "remember to like and subscribe as it really helps the algorithm".
I really dislike it when I hear that from content creators. So, thank you for allowing us to find/follow you based on your own quality content and own merit.
My wife just gave me a smile at the nap comment. I too take a 12-15 minute nap after lunch. Lol
great video. love the truck build, your custom touches are really nice, and the fact that it didnt cost $100k is really nice too. not everyone, can afford the expensive "overland gear" so often shown by others on youtube.
Very Very nice set up.
Nice setup. Thanks for letting us see. FYI, this is the approximate setup I have arrived at, in my head.
Interesting to hear someone talk about the benefits of a short (less than 20min) nap! It's so refreshing and helps you maintain solid mental health!
Really loved the build series, very interesting and on a realistic budget, not everyone has $$$ backers, merry Christmas to you Donald and your family 🎉❤
I'm really impressed with all that you were able to accomplish with this build all on your own. Great job!
I love how interior turned out
It looks great Donald. It fits you, it’s a result of many trials and errors and an accumulation of many efforts. Great job
Impressive build Donald!
Wonderful job!
That’s dope! Glad to see good customization
Its tough to beat the Buddy/Jackery/electric blanket set-up. I also put a 12v heated seat cover on my camp chair. No more cold lower back while sitting by the fire!
I love how you've built up the camper. Especially the pantry with dual access.
Love it !!!! Turned out amazing. Safe travels
You put a lot of thought into your camper build. Very nice!!!
Overall you did pretty great on your goal and amazing repurposing of items you already had.
I think your overall layout is great and the kitchen area in particular has great flow.
The clips showing your old setup really highlight the massive improvement over your previous setup.
My only concern is the longevity of some of your electrical work. Time will tell.
Enjoy your new rig and thanks for sharing.
Sean
thoroughly enjoyed the thought process and build. well done.
Great build out.
Fantastic job👍
Turned out very nice. 👍
Looks beautiful. Perfect set up. Well done, Donald!
Have nice holidays!
Good job mate. Enjoy it and keep on adventure!!!.
Love the build so much, that kitchen setup is 😙👌
Practical, simple, beautiful. Great work, Donald!
👍😊👍 Awesome! Nice work, looks great and super functional.
Awesome! You are quite the diy'er. I think that build will provide you with years of enjoyment during your many adventures.
Thanks for this series Donald, I just watched the whole thing in one sitting. I am doing a project next year similar to this and some of the ideas and techniques you used in this series is going to help me alot!
I love that you share your failures as well as the awesome adventures, never would have considered the off gassing,, have an awesome Holiday and a prosperous new year!
Such a practical build, thanks for sharing! Hope to run into you on the trail some day. 👍🏻
Your DIY skills have grown a ton. Gotta hand it to ya. Legit.
You've done a real nice job. Best way to build, through your experience.
Can't wait to see what you create for heat.
Looks great. Looking to do some similar things to my truck (longer term) and watching your videos over the years has been really helpful!
Love the build, exactly what I've been thinking of doing as well, just switched sides.
Pretty nice build man 👍
This is awesome. I appreciate showing the reality of what works/doesn't work. That and from the lens of being resourceful and very diy minded. Subscribed!
Really enjoyed watching this build come to life. Even better is that you really use it. Nice recap of the individual projects. Good job, Donald. Well done.
I'm going to be building out a Radica Moonlander next spring and this series of videos has really helped me visualize how I want to do it. Thanks Donald!
I'm still taking notes. My Topo Mesa delivers in early March. A blank canvas to make into something that is just for me. The first big project I've done since the Shasta started almost eight years ago. I can hardly wait to jump in. 👍
I'm quite looking forward to seeing what you do with it Bob!
HI DONALD 👋
THANK YOU 😊 HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT MERRY CHRISTMAS 🤶 🎄 🎅 HAPPY NEW YEARS DAY TOO 🎉 🙏 BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! ENJOYED ❤GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS ON YOUR ADVENTURES 🙏 THANK YOU 😊
Happy Holidays David, thank you for always watching. 🙂
Excelente vídeo 👏👏👏👏👏👏
Nice re-cap of your build-out. I'm debating the diesel heater conundrum now. Lots of trade-offs if you don't use it as fuel in the rig. Appreciate the work you put into your content.
You did a nice job on that. very thoughtfully laid out for your needs. I like the little touches that you added (rounded corners, lots of lighting, easy access to the power and air, etc). Well Done. I wish many years of happy usage for you. 👍
I really like your current set up. The only thing missing for me would be the ability to stealth camp. I like to pull into highway rest areas for the night when I'm covering long distances. However, based on your needs this is pretty perfect. Well done, Donald!!
Great job! I've enjoying watching the evolution of your camping setups and your videos! Can't wait to see what you come up with next as you continue to fine-tune everything. I am also staying away from propane and diesel for heating. I have a 350 watt ceramic electric heater with a programmable thermostat. I'm hoping that will work well for me. Thanks again for sharing your journey so others can benefit
Well done
Great build Donald. The topper is a great idea. We really don't have many options over here in New Zealand.
Gosto muito dos seu vídeo eles são de grande utilidade para nós que gostamos de overlanding.
Nice job on the build and video!! I just purchased a Super Pacific and I am planning my build. I was thinking the same thing regarding only building out the two sides of storage to keep weight down.
Great work. Super design, considering the size restrictions. Its nice seeing someone not just throw money at build. Enjoy
I really like how this build turned out. Perfect configuration for both inside and outside use. I really like how you can access things from the outside of the truck, as well as inside. Nice work! - Heather
Thanks Heather, happy holidays to you both, hopefully we'll cross paths in 2024. 👋
Nice build Donald! Built on experience and a low cost budget (for a camper).
looks great and I like the way you made the kitchen area. Not a fan of the burner on the steal table but that is my opinion and it is obviously working for you so there you go. I am sold on the Topo Topper but need to save some $$ before that happens. Still using a contractor cap on the truck with one side door being the kitchen under the awning and the other side for gear storage. Thought about getting a wedge tent and making my own Topo topper but lets be realistic....I would rather have the real thing. Happy Holidays and be safe out there.
You sure did a great job with everything! It looks great!
Also- Cory and I are super jealous you can take quick 12 min naps. 🤣
Bravo! Fantastic video and beautiful build, buddy. If you'd like to try, you can pinhole those bubbles and let the gas out to still utilize the current covering. pinhole or slice. I have to say that I've been staring at the back of my truck for a while and haven't been too sure on how to build it out. You are inspiring me to go simple and effective. Your layout is brilliant. Thank you for sharing. Keep on Campin on!
I just read that you tried to pinhole it. well.... maybe it's a good spot for a sticker now?
Your best build yet. For your walls, have you considered self-adhesive tile squares? Not as high an R value but will provide some insulation, sound deadening, resistance to condensation, and will not need to be covered with wallpaper.
I can't wait for my Mesa Topper on 6.5 bed Tundra. More rooms to play around but you did well with a smaller real estate.
That will be SUCH a nice space on that truck!
Great summary of your build! A thought about trailers, I bought a Harbor Freight folding trailer that stores nicely out of the way when I'm not using it. Not sure what the prices are right now but mine was about $500.
Damn! You have quite the set up. I just bought a nissan frontier and am looking at the the Topo Topper. I am a motorcyclist so I'll be towing a utility trailer with motorcycle in tow. This setup you have here is perfect. Very nice work! Only problem I have with the Topo Topper is that I live in Pennsylvania....it's going to make for a long trip to get the Topper for me. I suppose I could pay the $1500 for them to ship it to me. I don't know what I'll do. Maybe a trip out to the California could work too. I'm also torn between the Mesa and the Badlander.
With the bubbles in your walls try a pin to make a tiny pin hole and then squeegee over the bubble to force the air out. Be [Artie t and may just work for you. 😊. Love your channel! Cheers
So many people don't realize the power of a good nap! :)
Fantastic job, my truck bed is a cave in comparison.
I've been using utility trailers for years. Beats having to have a pickup truck for hauling things. Like your build! good job! See you on the trails! George.
Haha, I'm sure you have! I expect you to pull a trailer behind your trailer! 😂 Thanks George!
@@softroadingthewest Funny that you bring that up. I can tow a trailer behind my larger teardrop build. Just for such emergencies.
@@swidahooverlanding2867 Ha! I was totally joking around but I should have known! 😆
Hey Donald, thanks for all the good videos and info. I know you said you've decided against the diesel heater, but honestly if you get a chance to reconsider, I love mine off of amazon, it's a Chinese one, they've come a long ways and are fairly inexpensive to purchase and fairly inexpensive to run, they're much safer than the Mr Buddy Heater (I have one for backup heat) and provide a constant dry heat which actually helps dry out moisture from cold and rainy days. Plus you can customize the install, or by the unit all-in-one and set it up to run outside the vehicle for even more safety. Yes it does require one more storage container of fuel but they use so little that the container doesn't have to be very big and you can easily pick up diesel at most gas stations when you fuel up. Just my 2 cents.
Hey Donald, you might be able to peel the vinyl wallpaper off, paint the pink foam, and then re-apply new vinyl wallpaper, rather than replacing all the insulation with foil backed. The paint should form a sort of vapor barrier and provide better adhesion.
If it's off gassing, I doubt paint would help, it'd leech through eventually even if you used the best. Oil based primer is the best at preventing any penetration, but that may damage the foam. I'd replace it or just live with it. Maybe try to poke holes in the bubbles and re-adhere it.
I would even try using a pin to put a very small hole in each bubble and see if you could press the air out before peeling anything up.
@@farstrider79 a couple of coats of latex would stop the offgassing
@@invisiblebike99 I tried poking and deflating the bubbles immediately when it started happening, unfortunately the bubbling actually stretched the vinyl so it will no longer sit flat where it once did, and leaves wrinkles where I push the bubbles back down. It's not re-adhering well anyway...it wants to lift back up in the same places. It's a low-priority issue since the insulation is technically functional, but I cringe when I see it in each new video I film. 😆
Better do a test piece before attempting that. The solvent in paint may melt the foam.
I know the Propex heaters are a bit on the expensive side, but that is how I have decided to heat my spaces. I am currently working on putting together a 'suitcase' model of a Propex heater that I can use for heating the inside of the canopy, and venting outside the vehicle. I also have a Shiftpod tent where I intend to use it. As an installed unit, this thing looks like it would be a real space saver, particularly if you got the unit designed for use while exposed to the elements.
As a 'suitcase model', like I am doing, it takes up a lot of room in the 30 X 18 X 17 inch weatherproof box, which will most likely be transported outside the vehicle on my hitch rack. The plan is to be able to store all of the heater parts and a small 10 to 20 lb tank in the box as well.
A person could easily reduce the size of the box if the propane were carried separately. For someone committed to sleeping in a RTT or the bed of a pickup the Propex HS2211, is an external unit, built to be mounted and exposed to the elements, such as underneath the pickup and routing the heat ducts into the tent or canopy.
At around $1200, it is not an easy pill to swallow, but solves the issue of excess condensation and the problems that arise from that kind of moisture, plus having reliable heat on demand.
My buddy Jason has run a Propex in his van for some years now and I've been impressed with it.
I love watching all your videos.. But I think you need to make a video on a review of how your wheels and tires have been and your suspension has been over the time you've owned it if has sagged.
Or still In the same position, an overall review and a little bit more detail. What size tires are you running with the wheel that your running sizes?
Is it handling and doing what you thought it would be.
How is it? How is the vehicle itself? Any Motor issues maintenance a video of all that would be awesom.
I use a Wave-3 Heater in my Adventure Trailers Atlas Topper. Running at low is usually more than enough for me. I only use high at 3,000 BTU when the weather dips below 20 degrees. For whatever reason, maybe because it's a larger volume of space, but I don't get any major condensation issues with the Wave-3 heater. Then again I usually have a chance to air out the camper about an hour or so before we break camp in the morning so I'm usually pretty good.
The Wave 3 is one of the options I was looking pretty closely at. Glad to hear it has worked well for you.
7:18 Naps are the best 👍
Haha you are correct. After all these years of Ice fishing I have that name drilled in my head
I would bite the bullet and mount some rails on the roof. But I'd mount something like thin Unistrut, and only need to drill 3-4 holes per rail. Or the safety rails like those used in school bus floors.
This video was amazing, I'm buying a ford maverick tomorrow and am thinking about adding this to the back of my truck. I was wondering about the kitchen on the side of the truck vs a pull out from the back and why you went with this vs that, also how do you get around when your in full camp mode do you bring a bike or any other options or do you have to break down completely and then go?
Just a suggestion Donald. Have you tried using a straight pin or small needle to put a small hole in the middle of the bubbles and then using the little scraper to smooth out the bubbles. It may work. It might save you from ripping it all out.
I tried poking and deflating the bubbles immediately when it started happening, unfortunately the bubbling actually stretched the vinyl so it will no longer sit flat where it once did, and leaves wrinkles where I push the bubbles back down. It's not re-adhering well anyway...it wants to lift back up in the same places. It's a low-priority issue since the insulation is technically functional, but I cringe when I see it in each new video I film. 😆
The heating route I want to go is with a propane furnace. I already am going to have propane with me, so it won't be a different fuel, also, from what I've been researching, a propane furnace seems more reliable than a diesel heater. The separation of combustion from the heat fan, makes it a dry heat like a diesel heater.
Yes, my friend Jason who I often travel with has had a Propex furnace in his van for years now and it has worked quite well for him.
Like what you have done. Only suggestion is instead of having a lot of doors on the the inside just use one fold down to give access to the kitchen supplies and a fold down door could be used as a table or shelf.
Great video and build. This is almost exactly what I want so I appreciate you sharing. I'm curious as to why you decided against a diesel heater. Outside of having to carry a second fuel source, I'm not coming up with a ton of negatives. I've been looking at them for the past couple winters but my Mr Buddy Heater has gotten me by so interested to understand why you're not going that direction. Also interested to see what you ultimately do for heating.
Disregard my question on diesel heater. Just watched your video on mr buddy heater where you shared your thoughts on diesel heaters.
It's so wonderful to see your evolution. The Topo Topper has come a long way. Well done!
🛻+⛺️=🙂 Happy Camping!
Mark (& Teresa)
Hampstead Maryland
• Purpose Built Adventure Rig © •
Ford Ranger FX4 - GFC Camper V2 #1919
• Kia Soulverlander •
I use a 4x8 trailer to pull with my 06 frontier
Do you know about the "new" Chinese knock off hydronic heaters? Still diesel powered. but would allow for interesting installations with the heat source separated from the interior space. You could do a hydronic floor heating? Hot showers?
Get a syringe. Poke the bubbles and suck the air out. Then maybe a hair dryer to smooth out the vinyl
I tried poking and deflating the bubbles immediately when it started happening, unfortunately the bubbling actually stretched the vinyl so it will no longer sit flat where it once did, and leaves wrinkles where I push the bubbles back down. It's not re-adhering well anyway...it wants to lift back up in the same places. It's a low-priority issue since the insulation is technically functional, but I cringe when I see it in each new video I film. 😆
dude u need a diesel heater trust me, I held out for awhile and its the greatest thing, its so efficient and using very little power, mines uses 6watts, keeps me toasty through the night in my camper, I just leave my roof fan open and I have 2 CO2 monitors so its safe
Hey Donald, to remove them, have you tried poking the bubbles with a...
(:
I'm not sure what you're going for with your heating set up. But I've seen 12V DC Mini Splits. We were actually looking into them for our farm before I i decided on a 110V model. You're jackery would surely have enough power to run them. We were just enjoying our uninsulated cabin with free heat from our solar array/mini split this past weekend.
Hope all is well with you and yours. Merry Christmas!
LOL 😂
I feel like I looked into _something_ along those lines at one point but ruled it out for some reason, though I don't recall why. I'll look a little closer. I would LOVE to make an electric solution work.
Enjoy the holidays!
We are currently using a Mr. Heater Buddy the same way but are looking for an alternative. We were thinking about a diesel heater but not sold on it. There are pros and cons. We have a diesel truck so we wouldn’t be carrying different fuel. Now you have me curious as to what you are looking into.
I will say, if I was running a diesel truck, I would probably go with some kind of diesel heater. Needing to carry a third type of fuel isn't the only reason I don't want a diesel heater, but if I had a diesel rig and was carrying extra diesel anyway, I would probably be inclined to look past other issues and make it work.
Hi Donald. I have a similar setup with a GoFastCamper. One thing that drives me crazy about it is packing in the tent after it has rained.
What are some strategies you have when it's time to pack up camp and the outside of the tent is wet? Towel it off? Live with it getting the mattress soaked? Love your build, thanks for the vids.
I just pack it away wet, and know that I'll need to pop it back up at home to let the tent walls dry. Even if I were to attempt toweling it off (impossible as I can't even reach that high) I would never get it dry enough to NOT still need to open it up at home anyway, plus sometimes it's actually actively raining when I'm breaking camp and packing it away, so I don't worry about this at all, I just pack it down completely wet.
The tent fabric on the Topo is thick marine-grade waterproofed canvas, so closing it when wet doesn't get the mattress wet.
Another great clip bud, well done … these retrospect clips are great.
As far as those air bubbles go, I wouldn’t peel it all off - I’d grab a small sharp razor blade / box cutter / stanley knife etc and just put a small cut or slut in the bubble and then using a credit card or plastic paint scraper, simply push the air out of the cut you make. Then just flatten back over it and it’ll seal up the slit created - hey presto, bubble gone and flat finish accomplished 👍👏
Keep up the great work champ from Sydney 🇦🇺🦘
I did try poking and deflating the wallpaper bubbles immediately when it started happening, unfortunately the bubbling actually stretched the vinyl so it will no longer sit flat where it once did, and leaves wrinkles where I push the bubbles back down. It's not re-adhering well anyway...it wants to lift back up in the same places. It's a low-priority issue since the insulation is technically functional, but I cringe when I see it in each new video I film. 😆
Pin hole and push out the air.
You can find wood fur thin floor base works and it’s stainable.
He has tried to pop the bubbles, but they continue to reappear.
I tried poking and deflating the bubbles immediately when it started happening, unfortunately the bubbling actually stretched the vinyl so it will no longer sit flat where it once did, and leaves wrinkles where I push the bubbles back down. It's not re-adhering well anyway...it wants to lift back up in the same places. It's a low-priority issue since the insulation is technically functional, but I cringe when I see it in each new video I film. 😆
There’s an adhesive for foam used in garage door insulation. Foam won’t stick to anything, silicone might.
@@softroadingthewest looks good though, I like,e what you’ve done. Comfort is king out there in the remote wilderness.