Homemade Slide in Truck Camper
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- Опубликовано: 1 окт 2024
- Watching a lot of "how-to" videos and some problem solving I ended up with this!
For fiberglass work:
- Boatworks Today
- / boatworkstoday
For tips on camper techniques:
- Camp and Camera
- / @campandcamera
For the fiberglass and foam build:
- James Klafehn
- / @jamesklafehn
I don’t have the exact weight of the camper but roughly:
- Shell with no Plywood (no door): less than 100 lbs
- Shell with door and inner platform: around 350-400lbs
I used epoxy resin with chop strand fiberglass (Polyester resin melts the foam)
- www.amazon.com...
- www.amazon.com...
Glue is gorilla glue construction adhesive.
- www.amazon.com...
To level epoxy, I used Total Boat Fairing
- www.amazon.com...
Love the foam core concept. structure, insulation and light weight all in one package ! A thought on the rear door. Have you thought about a two piece door. Lower part dropping down as a step. Then upper section moving up. Should give you more head room with the lower section out of the way. Just a thought ... seems to work at least in my head. ?
I like that idea-the integrated steps would be fabulous. Plus if designed so only the top section could be raised and leave the bottom secured, it would give you a way to get air flow or "answer the door" without giving access to a door knocker.
Ingenious and impressive! I wanted to see a tour of the inside more but that's okay. Nice work!
turn your door down and turn it into steps like a UFO
seriously, do you really drive around with the lettering "home made slide in camper" painted on the side of your rig?
I've been researching alot for doing a tacoma slide in. I thought foam with reinforcement was the best. Even the interlacing corners. I was unsure if it would be strong enough, but looks like you answered all that. Any more detailed videos on this would be much appreciated. Subscribed and that thing looks awesome.
Thanks you put it all in the description!
same, I have an 05 double cab 6 speed short bed taco and want to build my own for fun, experience, and to save a buck or two (plus if I build it and something goes wrong with it I probably will be able to fix it or access the issue easier than if I bought one). i know the max payload is around 1400 so I'm looking to get the lightest possible. I saw it could be done with 2x4s and 2x6s but I was wondering how much an aluminum frame would cost and if it'd be lighter than the 2x4s and 2x6s (which I assume they would). Looks like I should take my time with planning this build!
@@pecosR0B u look like a Japanese loving Joe Biden clown
What fiberglass did you use on the outside and at what thickness or how many layers?
Epic Build!!! Did you use plywood for the floor? Please make another video with more on how you made it!! Would also like to see how strong a chunk of that fiberglass covered foam is!!!
Just FYI flip the gas struts mounting location (Like close to the hinge on the doors and lower on the frame) and the door should open more.
Very impressive. Thanks for sharing! Nice way to keep the weight down.
Love it! How about an inside tour and show any systems on board. Is there room to sleep in the cab-over section?
Very nice but this is 1st video to make me feel dumb. Never thought of plugging into 7pin on my bumper😢
I repair, remodel and completely rebuild RV's. What a incredible design and wonderful job you have done. Many thumbs up..
What glue did you use to join the foam puzzle? Thanks for any info
cool. Would have like to see more of the inside. Where you sleep, eat, sit, etc. Maybe make the over cab area a little bigger for sleeping? Looks great. Thanks for sharing.
The foam was a super cool creative way to build....loved the rear door with all the angles....nice job ...I'm curious how much it weighs
Around 400-500 lbs
@@lukemielke7502 it may be ok for a while but it's not practical for open roads..
@@lukemielke7502 a fraction of the weight of a full size camper! Nice
Besides buying equipment used in the assembly process, were you happy with the cost of the project vs buying one?
I am, it's far from perfect, but it does what I need it to. $1500 and it gets the job done versus $15000 and the fit and finish is more polished... plus I won't feel as bad when I scratch it up :)
Super cool structural design. Been trying to come up with a lightweight tough concept and I think this is it!
Awesome camper. Are you going to upload the build?
Good job Luke ! Many good ideas there. Do you have about $2000. to $ 3000. or so invested ? How does it do on a windy day or at 65 mph ?Compared to what's on the market right now, and the extreme demand for campers right now, you could make and sell these. I have an 8 foot bed 1 ton chevy truck, do you want to build one for me ?
It’s pretty good with the wind, doesn’t move in the bed and it doesn’t kill the mpg. The cost was around 1k but I did have some of the materials/hardware already. Biggest cost was the fiberglass and paint.
As for building them for other people, I don’t feel I have enough experience (first time I’ve tried something like this) to be charging money.
@@lukemielke7502 I've recently priced truck caps and a Leer hi-rise cap is $ 2500. (for my truck) Slide in truck campers are much higher with used ones going for stupid money right now. I'm sure it took many hours of labor to make yours but if you look at what's on the market now and small amount of money invested in yours, there's quite a bit of potential profit margin there. This is how small businesses get started, good ideas and hard work make money. Unless the government gets involved.
That is a great job man, I wouldn't have ever thought of that. Well done sir. The jig to cut is genius.
Outstanding creation!
Your composite foam camper module is very nicely designed and constructed and it looks really good on your truck!
You've retained the best compromise for driving and accommodation by making it the size you have, and the construction method doesn't overly burden your vehicle's weight limits!
Lightweight, strong, good torsional rigidity, great insulation for heat and sound, not a MPG killer, there's much to like!
The fibreglass and epoxy was a great addition to the foam, each complementing the other very well.
Thank you for sharing your lovely, compact Travel Cabin, it's been good to see such a well thought out and constructed lightweight slide in camper. Subscribed.
Great vid, any chance we could see more of the inside in action. 🙏 thank you :)
Do you think you could build the Camper to overhang the top of your cab and sleep up there? or would that bend the foam?
You could do it, but you'd have to reinforce it with a plywood frame to support it.
Awesome build, love it! Thanks for sharing 🤙🏼
I love this. Can you build another? Care to sell that one? I have a regular cab tacoma that this would be perfect for.
This is my new favorite build
That is a very well done job, looks like you will be having some good times in that.
I have been wanting to make a camper to either pull behind a bike or a bigger one that is able to pull behind a car..
I have the pink foam idea for a few years now. My mind never quits and is alway thinking on how I can get what is in my head to making it. By the way, just wondering if you are an aquarius, the reason I ask is because aquarius is one of the signs that create great things.
Thank you for answering what to put on the outside so it don't eat into the foam. I have so many ideas in my head that it isn't even funny. What is my plan is to be able to make a type of bike camper or push pull camper for the homeless. It would give them a home and a safe place to live then under a bridge.
Thank you for your video God bless 🙏🇺🇲🙏
Thanks! That’s a pretty cool idea. You could definitely build something light enough to be securely mounted to a bike trailer. You could even make it part of cargo bike.
Is it strong enough to have a 200lb person walk on the shell roof, in your opinion? Not real familiar with fiberglass, that's why I'm asking.
It is not, you’d have to add a considerable wooden or metal frame.
Why use the random fiber mat over cloth? Great project!!!!
It was easier to layer and her around some of the edges. Fiberglass clothe was used on the large flat sides.
Wow man! Awesome! Hope you have a blue print to start building those!
Nice work! I love seeing others create! My 1st topper was 98% XPS foam and went PMF. The new unit is steel framed with XPS/Fiberglass. I see version 3.0 being as you did using FRP or Poly-wall. Again, Nice work!
Hi handsome. Great channel & product. Keep it up. Thanks for being well spoken. God bless. Dont forget to invest in digital currency:XRP,XLM,BTC,ADA & FET.
well done ... i like it !!!
what fiberglass resin did you use, so it didn't eat the foam. I have a frontier and have been thinking about doing this.
You have to use epoxy resin, the polyester will just melt it.
@@lukemielke7502 thx that's where I went wrong.
@@kylesaab or use poly isocyanurate (sp?) foam
i'm here because i'm planning a buld with 2" shts. i have.w/ a 1/2 ton dodge , i'm mostly looking for weight reduction...may just flatbed it so the box is easy to build
What brand epoxy did you use? Was there any prep work to the foam before applying the epoxy?
@@timtim-ef7xu I used Dr Crafty epoxy, it was more expensive than polyester resin but on the cheaper side for epoxy. Prep work was just making sure there were no gaps in the joints using ‘plastic wood’. Then just make sure everything is sanded down so it’s smooth.
Nice job!
How much did all of this cost you in time and materieals??????
awesome build!
His voice was so light I couldn't understand him. How much does the camper weigh, how long to complete it, will it stand up to roll over, etc? How do "you" remove and re-install the camper? That would be helpful info!
Looks very well done. The construction method of diy foam core structural panel is what I've been leaning to but I've not seen anyone use dovetail joints for the raw foam and hadn't thought of it myself, and I really should have lol, carpentry background and all. Thanks for the idea, it certainly can't hurt and probably adds some strength.
Great build!! A thought on your door.... the upper/lower split idea is good (maybe the best option IMO), but if you don't want to change your door much than maybe another approach. A hinged flat rod on either side (with "tangs" bent near the hinge point to stop it in full open position... still slightly bent) with the struts mounted near the hinge. This should give you near double the swing from the same strut movement. Just a thought....
I love foam core for the weight savings. Do you have a built weight on that?
I've updated the video description to answer that.
Did you use an epoxy or a polyester resin for your fiberglass application? I was thinking of doing a similar thing, but when I tested the foam with epoxy it melted the foam. It was the same pink xps foam you are using. Also, what did you use to adhere/fill the corners?
I love this design! The one question I have is would there be any way to put studs up so that you could have some cabinets or hang things on the wall? If so how would you do this?
Fantastic job. Did you apply fiberglass on the underside as well? If so, how has it held up to movement etc?
I did. So far there haven’t been any cracks (at least that I can see).
Amazing use of materials! Really clever design.
Cool box on the channel jakesworld he showed a really nice serious of build videos on a foammy camper
Some thing similar might work on ford maverick hybrid ?
EPic work dude !!! How much does she weighs ? Cheers
Thanks! around 400lbs
The cotton fabric you used- similar to a bed sheet? purchase place? thanks
WOW! All can say, WOW!!!
What would you think will be the weight of this camper?
Great video and rad camper how much does it weigh again? and the hot wire for cutting foam very nice never seen one like that.
Thanks! Total it is around 350-400 lbs. I picked up that cutter on Amazon, the attachment in the video was the only one of three that actually worked :)
how is camper holding up? any updates?
did I miss the inside tour? want to see more of how you did the bed and seating! and is your taco a short bed? I have short bed since I was concerned the long bed + double cab would prove difficult for me (05 model and before back up cameras were a normal thing) and I wondered if I let the tailgate down or just removed it and let it hang a foot or so off the back if it would cause any issues...
also, how did you do the tie downs?
I havn't done one for the inside yet. I took off my tail gate to compisate for the weight of the camper.
Can you make one like yours for my Tacoma ??
Let me know if yes. And we will talk about it. Thx.
The labor that goes into something like this is what makes the cost so high, watch lots of how too videos, invest in some tools (that can be used for everything else) and give it a shot!
Really cool!!!
This is excellent idea... very light weight but strong way of building it. I think if you had larger over cab section you would need to have little framing to support the weight from over hang but for this setup it works great.
I would get bigger straps for where it weeves through the hitch, the thin straps will fray under vibration from driving. All in all very impressive build. Good on ya mate
I probably do need to look into some protection down there
Did you ever get the camper sold?
What's the weight of camper? Unloaded of gear. Thanks
I've updated the video description to answer that.
May I ask you what type and brand of epoxy you used?
This is so cool😎...I would like to build a slide in camper for my truck! 🤞🏽
Make your door open the other way and make that your steps
I did consider doing that, but I would likely have to enforce the door a lot more and would increase the weight behind the axels. I may look at splitting the door at the angle and making the bottom stairs and the top still open up.
Nice! I'd like to know the cost and weight.
Very nice ,you will inspire many to create their own one of a kinds 😀👍🏼
You are hilarious in the intro when you say "98% done"...it's the edit but it's so out of left field, hilarious. Plus I've never seen the dovetail method anywhere else...the foamie channel you link to is so ghetto compared to your method. Also upon closer inspection I see that you used 1.5" and 1" strategically...I gotta know how that's working out and your line of thinking. It looks like you do search and rescue or something out of it too...pretty badass man. Make an update vid!
What is the reason for the cotton. And mold an issue?
I am currently building a slide in camper myself using this same idea for the entire build. Should come in well under 900lbs dry/wet, best thing to shed for a 1/2 ton truck is the weight. I plan on having mine fit completely inside the 6ft bed of my 93’ Toyota with the gate up, I’ll be doing this because of my tire and jerry can racks.
Unfortunately I can’t fit in that little 5’ bed I’ve got. That tailgate should give you that added security to keep things from moving.
I built a overland rig with a 5ft bed and found out I didn't like the small space. I redid the bed back to a 6ft box and just decided on the slide in. Saving weight and money I knew I could build one myself. Awesome build brother.
Impressive! What's the weight?
How much does it weigh and cost to build ?
Very nice job and thanx for sharing
Very cool ♡♡♡
🤜🏻👍🤛🏻
What is the cutting tool you are using at 4:58 ? I would like to buy one to do a similar build to yours.
Some generic wire cutter on Amazon, you'd probably do better just building one yourself honestly.
How’s the drag and MPG?
That's frickin Awesome!
Super work ¡¡¡ thank for infos
This is really nice. Well done, man. A 400lb camper is an outstanding camper, in my book. Do you know what the R-factor is inside with the extra layers? If memory serves me right, the 1" foam was an R-5, so with the fiberglass, cotton and plastic it's gotta be even better than that. The 1.5" foam will of course insulate even better.
I have no idea what the R factor is, but its pretty good. I've stayed in it when it was 18 degrees (f) outside and it stayed 55 degrees inside.
@@lukemielke7502 that is warmer than my cabin. Lol
I’m wondering if you got the plans and the full cost to build that and I’m thinking of making a tiny house/camper to live off grid out of the back of my truck that has 8 foot bed on it and how would u make it into a tiny house
It was a lot of trial and error so no plans really to make it. Overall it was about $2k. Keep whatever you build light and manage water well, there are a lot of overland solutions that work. I’d buy those components and see what works for you then build in the stuff you actually use.
The music is annoying sory2
Hi Luke, this camper is very inspiring! Thank you for sharing. What do estimate the weight of the camper? I have a Tacoma off-road 2023 and excited to build something instead of paying 20+K!
So any updates on the camper?
It’s not pretty, but it will work
Very nice, I really like the build, great job MAN!
Did you use faced foam boards?
Very cool build. I'm definitely trying a foamy for my next build. The one regret I have with my build , its very heavy
Really good results.
Very inspirational “ thanks for sharing!
I wanted to ask how it’s preformed so far and conditions! Weight? Did you have experience with fiberglass before this?
After this much would you do anything different?
Look at CLC teardrops, they have a “bent” door design and simply hinged it on one side, no need for it to be “gullwing”. Looks like you have the necessary plywood structure to hold screws for a stainless piano hinge…..
How strong is the roof? Would this construction technique enable a person to put a roof rack up there and load it with a cargo box and surfboards? How about walking around on it? Just curious. THanks for the video. Love the design. No framing. All the strength comes from the joinery and the fiberglass bringing it all together as one unified blob right?
I am wondering how it slides in and out. I am a truck bed novice, but it seems like most of them have jacks. Do you have friends help you slide it out, or some kind of removable jacks that you use?
Also, I am really curious about the weight of the plywood floor and door frame/door, and if the weight differential of those components could separate it from the foam. Do you have to be really gentle when sliding it out to not have it separate, or does it stay together solidly when it's not on the truck bed?
This is all so brilliant. Thanks for making my evening!
How much does it weigh?
Plaster can be found both inside and outside homes. Exterior cement plaster is used in the construction of buildings, and it doesn’t need to be waterproofed because it is made of cement. It is also a very strong material, and even without paint, it can withstand extreme outside conditions.
foami camper - RUclips
Nice job! thats rad
liked the music and the build.
Nice build. What did you ultimately do with the rear door? Would a torsion bar/spring and over center hinge work there?
Great work ! Can you consider building a full size truck camper with a toilet & all? Will be very motivating !
Really nice work. How do you tie down the front end so that it doesn't slide backward or upward?
How do you put it on the truck? I can't see the 4 pcs. of attachment points on the sides to attach the lifter legs.
GREAT JOB.