Whether it's a double cab or a access cab, I will never understand so many camper builds NOT on a 6' bed. You have some great ideas and I love the build it yourself how YOU want it mentality. If you don't see what you envision, for sale as a camper, build it yourself. Bravo Sir. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the comment! Yes I agree, the 5' bed is a bit limiting, but that's why I'm intending on using the tailgate as extra sq footage on this build. It has certainly been a fun process making everything that will fit my needs. The closest thing that I've seen for sale currently is the Harker EDC, very cool design!
I have been designing a camper build for about a year now. I have not considered using the aluminum channels like you. Such a good idea! I’m excited for you and will be following along your journey. Great video!
@@allenshaffer8733 amazing, thank you for the comment! It’s a bit more expensive, but worth it for the additional flexibility if designs need to change. Good luck with your build!!
I’ve been watching lots of videos on different camper builds to find the best way to build mine. Finally found someone using aluminum. Thanks for the link to the materials, can’t wait for more videos, you just gained a subscriber!
Heck ya! That's amazing to hear. I recommend buying the extrusion through Grainger if you have one near you, that way you can save on shipping cost! Good luck with your build
@@travelinman482 Because I didn't want to have a longer vehicle for driving around in the city. The 5' bed fits for the rest of my needs well aside from the camper.
Nice build!! totally can relate to many parts of this video as my 8020 design changed sssoooooo many times during the build process lol Stoked you got it figured out.
Nolan, This is a lot closer to what I am trying to figure out. Thank you so much for taking the time to try to figure things out. I was telling you out loud you needed some diagonal support for your big door, but you figured it out. (Maybe you heard me) lol. I'm trying to make a camper similar to you but I just want the top to pop out in all 4 corners of the truck bed so I have the headroom. I don't want to sleep up there, just not be hunched over the whole time I'm in the truck bed camper. I was looking forward to your next video so I went to your channel, that's when I saw you just uploaded this video like 13 days ago. lol! So I though that was funny. Great job with the build so far! Keep going, I'm really looking forward to see the end result. TY!
Thank you for your comment! Yes this project has been a lot of planning and trial and error. I considered a full pop up design as well, but settled on the wedge after doing some research. Best of luck to you and your build!!
Почему не сделали высоту Кемпера в рост и альков над кабиной? - много вещей можно поместить или спальное место?! Связано с высотой 2м и заездом на стоянки подземные парковки или аэродинамикой при большой скорости?
Interesting video and your choice of the extruded aluminum isn't one I've seen before in DIY camper projects. At least not for the full project, there are many uses people have done for interior cabinets and framing in vans. I'm retired now but have built many projects using 80/20 Company and Bosch-Rexroth aluminum extrusion systems for custom work benches and factory machinery. Very strong when correctly used. But also very expensive and can get quite heavy due to the complex extrusion. I am hoping to build my own camper on a pickup, likely a year or two before I can begin. In my case my thinking is to remove the bed and start from the truck frame. Pickup would be either an extended (not a crew) cab with 6' or a standard cab with an 8' bed length. The aluminum would not be the bolt-together systems, but rather use simpler and less expensive square tubing. Teach myself to weld it together, there are loads of videos on that. Money saved on expensive complex extrusions would pay for the welder, I hope. For me it's still in the imagining stage, taking notes, collecting videos. One thing that intrigues me is how much can be done with the latest LiFePo4 battery tech to build upon. It is now possible to have all lighting, food storage, cooking, heating and cooling using on-board battery power. A compact 4x4 truck camper with that tech featured really has my attention.
Thanks for the comment, great to hear that you're interested in making your own! I've heard welding aluminum can be challenging and fairly unhealthy if not done in a well ventilated space. I considered using steel tubes for the frame, but I wanted to keep the weight down and have the flexibility to change it later if I need to, so that meant going for the more expensive 80/20. Best of luck to you!
Considering the quality of the build, sure looks to me like a full pop up would have been easily possible. Even found a video recently about calculating the four gas struts for DIY builds. I have a jeep gladiator and so this is really interesting 🤔
Ya that's certainly something I thought about, but I ended up keeping it with the more simple wedge since I wasn't going to need the additional space above the bed anyways.
Nice work! I REALLY want to build one of these for my F250. I'm thinking about doing a rear 'walk through' opening like you're doing. My thought was to make it a rear door like a GFC and somehow make the top bar removable. Probably easier said than done. But I was thinking that the top horizontal piece could be 'rolled up' with the pop top for a van-like walk in through the rear. If I build something, I would like to build a frame that has the esthetics of a GFC topper, but operates like the ovrlnd bivy - no overhang+full pop top, not a wedge since my bed is 6'9". However, my wife said "when do you have time to build that?" lol, so I'm probably just going to get a alibaba RSI style cap for now and keep thinking about what I would build ORRRRR build a topper only for now, seems like V1 could be a frame & cabana doors + a little waterproofing and call it a day. I think I might be able to build that for about what the chinese alibaba would run...just not sure how many hours that would take and I would really like to build the frame to angle in at like 5° vs. 90° angles, but I certainly understand why 90° is easier. I'm following along!
Thanks for the comment! Yes it's been a very fun project from an engineering standpoint, but it's taking forever so take that into consideration as you get started. I did consider the removable bar which could be held on with thumb screws or something, but I figured the rods would be better because they are multi-purpose. Best of luck to you!
Not sure if anybody mentioned it, maybe it will not be an issue? But aluminum that comes in contact with steel may cause the aluminum to corrode over time. If you see white powder near such a joint is an indication the aluminum is corroding. Hopefully that won't be an issue because using alum extrusions seems ideal.
Thank you for looking out! I have considered that and I hope the paint on all the steel parts will help mitigate that, but if I end up having any issues, I will likely take those pieces off, strip the paint and then powder coat them.
Have you considered the weatherproofing for your in laid plywood panels? I've had really good success with laminating chop strand fiberglass to plywood without warpage or water intrusion. Adds a considerable amount of weight though. I wonder if there is an ACM panel at a thickness that would work also?
Thanks for the idea! I've considered going for plywood on the exterior, but I ended up getting ACM panels for the whole exterior. I feel like it will hold up and look better over time. I actually just finished all the panels, so that video is coming very soon! Keep an eye out!
Thanks for the comment! Ya I tried a few different options including a retractable leg with a wheel, but it just seemed like it was going to cause me more issues in the long run, so I scrapped it.
@@dummy4100 thanks for the comment. I wanted to use the ultralight 8020 which I could only find in silver locally. Plus I like that it will match the truck and hopefully keep temperature down a bit in the summer compared to black.
Thanks for the comment! I don't quite remember where I ended up for costs at this portion of the project, but I plan on making a whole separate video just on costs and the design plans.
На ютубе есть видео о Кемперах Андрея Наумова - Piligrim.. Он тоже начинал C подьемной крыши.. Теперь выпускает полноценные Кемпера с альков ом.. Фанера, пенополистирол, стекловолокно и эпоксидная смола .
@@Traversable the total length is around 115”. I don’t have any final details on cost or weight yet, but I’ll share that as I get further along in the series!
@@Traversable I ordered a lot of stuff off Amazon, but I ended up purchasing the aluminum extrusion through Grainger so that I could pick it up and avoid having to pay for shipping!
What is the length of the longer sections for the main wedge portion? Ive been looking at builiding a camper as well but cant find extusion over 10 feet long but im hoping to make mine with one piece thats 11 feet long
The longest sections of 8040 extruded aluminum is around 118", so just under 10 feet. You may be able to find 15' sections, but I stayed under 10' for ease of materials, plus the thing is already massive without adding an additional foot so that was sufficient for me. Best of luck with your build!
Thanks for the comment! I just wrapped up all the filming of the panels and I plan to have that edited and uploaded within the next couple weeks! Stay tuned!
I am planning on doing a cost breakdown at the end of the series, but If I remember correctly, the extruded aluminum at this point cost around $1800. It's more expensive than I was expecting, but still cheaper than any manufactured camper I was able to find on the market currently.
Well, i was going to mention putting in bed stiffeners on the part 2 video as that would be the newest. But it seems your in zero rush to post that especially after 3 months have gone by, lol.
ya I do plan to put bed stiffeners in, but that won't be until part 3 I think. It's not that I have really been in zero rush, it's more that it's just really taking a long time to build.
I thought about that too, which is why I added the tie rods. It only really needs the structure while it's driving, when it's stationary it should be fine. Take a look at the Harker edc for a similar 'mass production' design.
It's hard to remember exactly how much I spent at the time this video was published, but I have been documenting all my expenses and plan on doing a cost breakdown at the end of the build.
Почему не сделал вылет Кемпера сзади, на откинутый борт.. Длинна салона была бы на 0,5-1 м больше.. Правила это допускают правильно закреплены, перевозимый груз! И по бокам можно до 40 см на сторону увеличивать
Thanks for the comment! I just wrapped up all the filming of the panels and I plan to have that edited and uploaded within the next couple weeks. Stay tuned!
That can be true. I've built a lot of work benches and supporting structures for factory machinery using both 80/20 Company and Bosch-Rexroth systems. Some are very light weight compared to other materials, others very, very heavy. All depends on what is being supported and which extrusion profile is selected.
@@Regis_gladiator_overland extruded aluminum is absolutely fantastic for ease of assembly and the weight of it on this truck will not be an issue. I was just commenting that it shouldn’t really be referred to as lightweight (well, all things are relative) when simple aluminum tube (square / box) is plenty strong enough and lighter. But, that requires welding or a design to allow for structural rivets to connect all the bits. I just want to add that I don’t think there is anything wrong with this build whatsoever (not that my opinion should matter). It’s great.
Really glad to see more people using extruded aluminum. It’s expensive for sure but putting this together is like an erector set.
Ya totally, it's actually really nice to work with!
Whether it's a double cab or a access cab, I will never understand so many camper builds NOT on a 6' bed. You have some great ideas and I love the build it yourself how YOU want it mentality. If you don't see what you envision, for sale as a camper, build it yourself. Bravo Sir. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the comment! Yes I agree, the 5' bed is a bit limiting, but that's why I'm intending on using the tailgate as extra sq footage on this build. It has certainly been a fun process making everything that will fit my needs. The closest thing that I've seen for sale currently is the Harker EDC, very cool design!
Quite a few people buy trucks when they do NO truck stuff.
I have been designing a camper build for about a year now. I have not considered using the aluminum channels like you. Such a good idea! I’m excited for you and will be following along your journey. Great video!
@@allenshaffer8733 amazing, thank you for the comment! It’s a bit more expensive, but worth it for the additional flexibility if designs need to change. Good luck with your build!!
OMG! This is exactly what I was looking for! Cannot wait to see the finished product!
@@yamahong56 amazing! Thanks for the comment. I can’t wait to see the finished product as well haha.
I’ve been watching lots of videos on different camper builds to find the best way to build mine. Finally found someone using aluminum. Thanks for the link to the materials, can’t wait for more videos, you just gained a subscriber!
Heck ya! That's amazing to hear. I recommend buying the extrusion through Grainger if you have one near you, that way you can save on shipping cost! Good luck with your build
@@nolangordin there is one right down the road, i will go check it out thanks for the tip sir
@nolangordin
If you wanted "more freestanding space," then why didn't you buy a regular or extended cab truck?
@@travelinman482 Because I didn't want to have a longer vehicle for driving around in the city. The 5' bed fits for the rest of my needs well aside from the camper.
So much thought behind this. Epic! Can’t wait to see the rest
Thank you! Can't wait to use it soon
Nice build!! totally can relate to many parts of this video as my 8020 design changed sssoooooo many times during the build process lol Stoked you got it figured out.
Thanks for the comment! That's why I love the flexibility of it. Cool to hear you used the same materials!
Nolan, This is a lot closer to what I am trying to figure out. Thank you so much for taking the time to try to figure things out. I was telling you out loud you needed some diagonal support for your big door, but you figured it out. (Maybe you heard me) lol. I'm trying to make a camper similar to you but I just want the top to pop out in all 4 corners of the truck bed so I have the headroom. I don't want to sleep up there, just not be hunched over the whole time I'm in the truck bed camper. I was looking forward to your next video so I went to your channel, that's when I saw you just uploaded this video like 13 days ago. lol! So I though that was funny. Great job with the build so far! Keep going, I'm really looking forward to see the end result. TY!
Thank you for your comment! Yes this project has been a lot of planning and trial and error. I considered a full pop up design as well, but settled on the wedge after doing some research. Best of luck to you and your build!!
Почему не сделали высоту Кемпера в рост и альков над кабиной? - много вещей можно поместить или спальное место?! Связано с высотой 2м и заездом на стоянки подземные парковки или аэродинамикой при большой скорости?
Nice DIY project
Thank you, it's been keeping me busy! Cheers!
this is sick. nice work!!!
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed the video!
Interesting video and your choice of the extruded aluminum isn't one I've seen before in DIY camper projects. At least not for the full project, there are many uses people have done for interior cabinets and framing in vans. I'm retired now but have built many projects using 80/20 Company and Bosch-Rexroth aluminum extrusion systems for custom work benches and factory machinery. Very strong when correctly used. But also very expensive and can get quite heavy due to the complex extrusion. I am hoping to build my own camper on a pickup, likely a year or two before I can begin. In my case my thinking is to remove the bed and start from the truck frame. Pickup would be either an extended (not a crew) cab with 6' or a standard cab with an 8' bed length. The aluminum would not be the bolt-together systems, but rather use simpler and less expensive square tubing. Teach myself to weld it together, there are loads of videos on that. Money saved on expensive complex extrusions would pay for the welder, I hope. For me it's still in the imagining stage, taking notes, collecting videos. One thing that intrigues me is how much can be done with the latest LiFePo4 battery tech to build upon. It is now possible to have all lighting, food storage, cooking, heating and cooling using on-board battery power. A compact 4x4 truck camper with that tech featured really has my attention.
Thanks for the comment, great to hear that you're interested in making your own! I've heard welding aluminum can be challenging and fairly unhealthy if not done in a well ventilated space. I considered using steel tubes for the frame, but I wanted to keep the weight down and have the flexibility to change it later if I need to, so that meant going for the more expensive 80/20. Best of luck to you!
Considering the quality of the build, sure looks to me like a full pop up would have been easily possible. Even found a video recently about calculating the four gas struts for DIY builds. I have a jeep gladiator and so this is really interesting 🤔
Ya that's certainly something I thought about, but I ended up keeping it with the more simple wedge since I wasn't going to need the additional space above the bed anyways.
Nice work! I REALLY want to build one of these for my F250. I'm thinking about doing a rear 'walk through' opening like you're doing. My thought was to make it a rear door like a GFC and somehow make the top bar removable. Probably easier said than done. But I was thinking that the top horizontal piece could be 'rolled up' with the pop top for a van-like walk in through the rear. If I build something, I would like to build a frame that has the esthetics of a GFC topper, but operates like the ovrlnd bivy - no overhang+full pop top, not a wedge since my bed is 6'9". However, my wife said "when do you have time to build that?" lol, so I'm probably just going to get a alibaba RSI style cap for now and keep thinking about what I would build ORRRRR build a topper only for now, seems like V1 could be a frame & cabana doors + a little waterproofing and call it a day. I think I might be able to build that for about what the chinese alibaba would run...just not sure how many hours that would take and I would really like to build the frame to angle in at like 5° vs. 90° angles, but I certainly understand why 90° is easier. I'm following along!
Thanks for the comment! Yes it's been a very fun project from an engineering standpoint, but it's taking forever so take that into consideration as you get started. I did consider the removable bar which could be held on with thumb screws or something, but I figured the rods would be better because they are multi-purpose. Best of luck to you!
Not sure if anybody mentioned it, maybe it will not be an issue? But aluminum that comes in contact with steel may cause the aluminum to corrode over time. If you see white powder near such a joint is an indication the aluminum is corroding. Hopefully that won't be an issue because using alum extrusions seems ideal.
Thank you for looking out! I have considered that and I hope the paint on all the steel parts will help mitigate that, but if I end up having any issues, I will likely take those pieces off, strip the paint and then powder coat them.
I have a ovrlnd pop up camper. It has a two barn door style and I think that would work well for your case.
@@theinfinitymachine9610 amazing, thank you for the comment! Ya I think the single massive door was a bit ambitious haha
Have you considered the weatherproofing for your in laid plywood panels? I've had really good success with laminating chop strand fiberglass to plywood without warpage or water intrusion. Adds a considerable amount of weight though. I wonder if there is an ACM panel at a thickness that would work also?
Thanks for the idea! I've considered going for plywood on the exterior, but I ended up getting ACM panels for the whole exterior. I feel like it will hold up and look better over time. I actually just finished all the panels, so that video is coming very soon! Keep an eye out!
you from Oregon..👍.. i knew it..👌
Haha yup! Theres lots of us out here
Pretty Cool. Did you consider trying with diagonal bracing on the big door?
Thanks for the comment! Ya I tried a few different options including a retractable leg with a wheel, but it just seemed like it was going to cause me more issues in the long run, so I scrapped it.
part 2 ?
very cool
@@kilianvannier2111 thanks!! I’m working on it. Just got the roof panels on yesterday actually, so the video should be coming soon!
@@nolangordin Okay, thanks, super cool project, love it,
Part two please tag me
Part 2 please 😅
Working on the edit currently! Stay tuned!
Entice build using 80/20. Any reason why not use 80/20 black? Should have a sturdy frame.
@@dummy4100 thanks for the comment. I wanted to use the ultralight 8020 which I could only find in silver locally. Plus I like that it will match the truck and hopefully keep temperature down a bit in the summer compared to black.
Great project! What's the total cost of materials for it?
Thanks for the comment! I don't quite remember where I ended up for costs at this portion of the project, but I plan on making a whole separate video just on costs and the design plans.
Hello I’m Tom watch you video that look very nice wonder where you buy all material to build bed camper would you let me know thank you
Hey I bought a lot of the small parts on Amazon and the larger materials I bought at Grainger so I didn't have to pay for shipping.
Been thinking about this exact build but just too intimidated to go through with it. Looks like A LOT of work and then there's the fabric part...
Ya it has been the biggest project I've ever taken on. I started it about 6 months ago and I'm only about halfway done 😱
На ютубе есть видео о Кемперах Андрея Наумова - Piligrim.. Он тоже начинал C подьемной крыши.. Теперь выпускает полноценные Кемпера с альков ом.. Фанера, пенополистирол, стекловолокно и эпоксидная смола
.
Hello! Thanks for sharing! What software do you use to design the camper? Thanks!
Thanks for watching! I've just been using the free version of SketchUp.
Thanks for your time documenting your build! What’s the total length of your camper? Do you have an estimated final cost ? & weight?
@@Traversable the total length is around 115”. I don’t have any final details on cost or weight yet, but I’ll share that as I get further along in the series!
@@nolangordin the link to the aluminum extrusion seams to only have 89” available. Was there longer pieces available when you ordered?
@@Traversable I ordered a lot of stuff off Amazon, but I ended up purchasing the aluminum extrusion through Grainger so that I could pick it up and avoid having to pay for shipping!
how long till it falls apart due to vibration.
Haha only time will tell! I use a lot of threadlocker and I can tighten up the bolts if they start coming loose over time.
❤ it, 🔥
Ayy thank you!
What is the length of the longer sections for the main wedge portion? Ive been looking at builiding a camper as well but cant find extusion over 10 feet long but im hoping to make mine with one piece thats 11 feet long
The longest sections of 8040 extruded aluminum is around 118", so just under 10 feet. You may be able to find 15' sections, but I stayed under 10' for ease of materials, plus the thing is already massive without adding an additional foot so that was sufficient for me. Best of luck with your build!
Sub'd - Looking forward to episodes 👍
Thanks for the sub! Looking to get the next episode posted within the next couple weeks here
When can we expect for Video 2?
Thanks for the comment! I just wrapped up all the filming of the panels and I plan to have that edited and uploaded within the next couple weeks! Stay tuned!
Too complicated for the avg Joe. But good job.
Ya just given that it's taken me almost a year and I'm still not done, definitely a big undertaking.
Can you share approximate cost of the materials? I ask because it just looks like a awfully expensive way to build
I am planning on doing a cost breakdown at the end of the series, but If I remember correctly, the extruded aluminum at this point cost around $1800. It's more expensive than I was expecting, but still cheaper than any manufactured camper I was able to find on the market currently.
Well, i was going to mention putting in bed stiffeners on the part 2 video as that would be the newest. But it seems your in zero rush to post that especially after 3 months have gone by, lol.
ya I do plan to put bed stiffeners in, but that won't be until part 3 I think. It's not that I have really been in zero rush, it's more that it's just really taking a long time to build.
You are going to have some serious structural issues with the top popped and that rear door open if you have no cross bracing for the lower section.
I thought about that too, which is why I added the tie rods. It only really needs the structure while it's driving, when it's stationary it should be fine. Take a look at the Harker edc for a similar 'mass production' design.
How much have you spent on the project thus far?
It's hard to remember exactly how much I spent at the time this video was published, but I have been documenting all my expenses and plan on doing a cost breakdown at the end of the build.
Where the rest
I'm editing part 2 currently! It should be out within a week or two.
Почему не сделал вылет Кемпера сзади, на откинутый борт.. Длинна салона была бы на 0,5-1 м больше.. Правила это допускают правильно закреплены, перевозимый груз! И по бокам можно до 40 см на сторону увеличивать
Thanks for the comment!
weld it all together!!!!
I considered that, but I like the flexibility of being able to take it apart and work on it. I'll probably end up welding the next one!
Update?
Thanks for the comment! I just wrapped up all the filming of the panels and I plan to have that edited and uploaded within the next couple weeks. Stay tuned!
Loctite anyone?
Extruded aluminum is not lightweight.
I'm using ultralight! Lighter than wood!
That can be true. I've built a lot of work benches and supporting structures for factory machinery using both 80/20 Company and Bosch-Rexroth systems. Some are very light weight compared to other materials, others very, very heavy. All depends on what is being supported and which extrusion profile is selected.
what can we use to make the same thing lighter?
@@Regis_gladiator_overland extruded aluminum is absolutely fantastic for ease of assembly and the weight of it on this truck will not be an issue. I was just commenting that it shouldn’t really be referred to as lightweight (well, all things are relative) when simple aluminum tube (square / box) is plenty strong enough and lighter. But, that requires welding or a design to allow for structural rivets to connect all the bits.
I just want to add that I don’t think there is anything wrong with this build whatsoever (not that my opinion should matter). It’s great.
finish it
I'm working on it! Stay tuned for updates