I’ve enjoyed your whole presentation- you have a nice calm narrating voice easy to keep our attention and very thrilled with your accomplishment here as a brave and valiant effort to battle a very complicated project - but so happy for this as many of us have questions on how you would attempt such a feat -so congratulations on such a cool build - love the imperfections too that you’re not trying to cover up - you presented it as in a trial first attempt mode but still acceptable while finessing it all as you learn through the build process as a finished solid structural framework of what you’re trying to accomplish- excellent video all around 🎉🎉🎉❤😊 I look forward to seeing more of your fine hardwork
I like the idea of the hard wall roof top tent, i also went on a hunt for more ideas after seeing the redtail tent, and came across you, what i am doing differently is using extruded aluminum, which everyrhing makes it look more like a ready made item ruther than a prototype, and also i think laying carbon over the foam its an amazing idea especially how cool it looks, but there is no real benifit of heving it there vs the foam composit panneles that are with plastic or aluminum on the outside. I also love the idea of making the whole side open, its just makes the space so much bigger. Keep it up, i am really excited where are you taking thia next, i know you are going to work out all the imperfections from this one and make the next one amazing !
Thanks for commenting, I was originally planning on using extrusion, but it’s significantly heavier than aluminum rectangular tubing, this would be a weight difference of at least 20-30 lbs. Although, extrusion is far easier to work with and a little bit stronger per equal dimension. The advantage of the carbon fiber laminated foam beyond the obvious weight reduction over aluminum specifically is the greatly reduced thermal bridging which accounts for more than 30% heat loss and heat transfer. Thermal bridging is what causes condensation and waking up with wet interior tent walls in the morning. If a plastic foam panel could be found with similar strength properties to be able to withstand being leaned against for a reasonable cost that would also be a good option for walls and potentially the roof panel, it also has far less heat transfer than aluminum. So that was the main reason for choosing carbon fiber over aluminum specifically. You’re definitely right about the frame sort of looking prototype like which I don’t love as it’s just aluminum tubing, I’ve been trying to come up with a solution to make this look better, I’m hoping black paint or vinyl wrap will be a good enough solution.
Davy is right about possible condensation issues using aluminum throughout. I’m also looking to build a hard side roof cabin or an aluminum travel trailer but I’ve heard at least a couple stories of water damage on the inside of aluminum travel trailers due to condensation (aluminum transfers temperature well unlike steel, composites, wood, etc). I’m not sure what I’ll put on the inside (maybe fiberglass sheet) but I’ll definitely insulate it if possible. Nice video and tutorial man!
Nice you’re probably right that there have been some before which can’t be publicly found. When I google or search RUclips for diy hard wall roof camper or any other similar derivatives I could never and still can’t find any previous iterations. The purpose of this video and all my other content isn’t to slight anyone or put myself above others but instead to educate and help others learn to build the things I have created for themselves to enjoy things they may see manufactures make but want to make for themselves. My title MAY not be entirely accurate but was not at all dishonest when I could not find any information indicating it wasn’t true. And if the title helps to reach more people to help others instead of taking advantage of them I have no poor conscience over not changing it after people come out of the woodwork to hate instead help others.
This is such an awesome design! Definitely a little rough on the edges but I can see your vision and really appreciate the amount of work that you put into this. Are you planning on getting this developed into production once you work out the kinks? I really like the use of carbon fiber and a good way to reduce weight and increase strength is to vacuum bag the resin out of the lay up. Using a vacuum system could also reduce the amount of resin usage and help smooth out some of the rough surface texture. Good job and thank you for sharing
Thanks! Yea definitely not extremely polished and there are definitely quite a few things I would have done differently one of them being vacuum bagging the carbon fiber. But I was trying to save costs where I could while still having something extremely light weight. I wouldn’t ever put this into production, I don’t really have the passion for the project to devote that kind of time and funds into. This was really just born out of the wants I had personally for a roof camper and potentially helping other people fill those same needs if they can follow along and do it themselves.
good for you brother .. love to see someone make something and then explain it so well. love to see that you made something lighter and cheaper than they manufacture and sell at the expo wondering about bedding .. can you fit your sleeping pillows and blankets in the frame as well ? what kind of mattress are you rocking? do you have to remove these items to close the top or can you leave them inside and it still fits everything?
Thanks I really appreciate it! I use a 4.5 in thick inflatable foam hybrid mattress, like exped but the Amazon knockoff, I believe it’s lost horizon. I have to deflate it for around 30 seconds or so with a little rechargeable mattress pump to get some air out, the sheets fit without moving them around, 4 pillows and a few blankets fit you just have to position the larger items between the small ends of the triangle walls sections at the foot end of the camper if that makes sense. But from there everything folds up just as easily as if it was empty.
i know im late to the party but did you think of using 80/20 style extrusions? they come in a variety of sizes and configurations. would that have been easier to work with for the framing? would that have saved any weight? i know they are pretty strong and easy to work with compared to welding.
Yea I definitely considered it and may even recommend that to someone doing their own. There are a couple problems with t slot: one Issue is they’re about twice as heavy as rectangular tubing so this would bring the total weight from about 180 lbs to somewhere around 250. A pretty substantial increase but looking back probably worth it for the added functionality, time saving and appearance. The other problem is the weight is double IF you can source the t slot profile in a 1”x6” profile or at least a 1x5” tall profile or metric equivalent. 80/20 and similar suppliers selling to non business entities in the US don’t carry that profile and only carry 1.5”x6” which would ever further increase the weight. If you could source the extrusion straight from China or through business related connections it would certainly be ideal. I also wanted to challenge myself and try to weld aluminum.
I just finished it up. Its available at diydavy.com. under plans it includes the material list, detailed instructions with technical drawings, pictures and the functioning CAD model
@@DIY_Davy Thank you for sharing. Speaking from Brazil, here $125 is half the minimum wage. I aimed high... it doesn't fit in my wallet. Congratulations to the project.
@@ToniPLay-xs8pw yea I understand, it’s hard to value the amount of time and effort I put into this but lot of people said the same thing so it’s now $50 if that helps.
Did you consider using 8020 Extruded aluminum for the framing? Considering building one myself for a campervan and was curious if you ran into any qualms while researching your materials?
Definitely considered it and material choice was one of the hardest challenges balancing cost, weight, ease of fabrication and compatibility with other materials. My previous diy fabric roof tent is entirely 8020, I have been somewhat back and forth if I made the right choice I’m not using it for this. However, the aluminum tubing I used is 1/4 the weight of 8020 of the same dimension, so my total frame weight in aluminum is around 40 lbs while extrusion would be around 120 lbs which is about 2/3 the weight of my entire camper. I would be most likely to at least have the top made from extrusion if I could go back in time because I’m currently adding some 1575 profile anyway to the roof for a roof rack system. My goal was maximum weight reduction to build the lightest possible hard wall camper to beat what’s on the market, if you were willing to live with the extra 80 ish lbs this could be an entirely weld free project. I’m in the process of compiling some different materials in conjunction with detailed plans available for others to more easily make their own as I know the way I built mine isn’t really “diy” friendly for the average person and potentially not the most optimized way but as I designed it from the ground up things like this we’re definitely expected and as I use it more I’m sure I’ll have more thoughts on my design choices whether good or bad
Awesome keep up the great inspiration. I have been researching ideas and designs that I feel will work best for me and my needs. I plan on starting to build mine here very soon. If you don’t mind me, asking what was the overall cost roughly of the entire build not counting your labor?
Honestly I haven’t yet compiled what the actual costs were vs the materials I purchased and didn’t use, what all was extra, wasted, etc. I’m guessing somewhere around $3000 but I will have a video in the near future after I go back and compile everything with a more accurate cost breakdown as well as ways I think this could be done cheaper
@@DIY_Davy that’s awesome. I look forward to it. Could you possibly point me in a direction of a video to possibly learn how to do CAD like you were doing.
NICE WORK MAN
@@jamesstack965 thanks brother!
It's great to see the progress you've made, man! Very exciting indeed.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge on RUclips. You rock. Great Job.
I’ve enjoyed your whole presentation- you have a nice calm narrating voice easy to keep our attention and very thrilled with your accomplishment here as a brave and valiant effort to battle a very complicated project - but so happy for this as many of us have questions on how you would attempt such a feat -so congratulations on such a cool build - love the imperfections too that you’re not trying to cover up - you presented it as in a trial first attempt mode but still acceptable while finessing it all as you learn through the build process as a finished solid structural framework of what you’re trying to accomplish- excellent video all around 🎉🎉🎉❤😊 I look forward to seeing more of your fine hardwork
Thanks for sharing your experience!
I like the idea of the hard wall roof top tent, i also went on a hunt for more ideas after seeing the redtail tent, and came across you, what i am doing differently is using extruded aluminum, which everyrhing makes it look more like a ready made item ruther than a prototype, and also i think laying carbon over the foam its an amazing idea especially how cool it looks, but there is no real benifit of heving it there vs the foam composit panneles that are with plastic or aluminum on the outside. I also love the idea of making the whole side open, its just makes the space so much bigger. Keep it up, i am really excited where are you taking thia next, i know you are going to work out all the imperfections from this one and make the next one amazing !
Thanks for commenting, I was originally planning on using extrusion, but it’s significantly heavier than aluminum rectangular tubing, this would be a weight difference of at least 20-30 lbs. Although, extrusion is far easier to work with and a little bit stronger per equal dimension. The advantage of the carbon fiber laminated foam beyond the obvious weight reduction over aluminum specifically is the greatly reduced thermal bridging which accounts for more than 30% heat loss and heat transfer. Thermal bridging is what causes condensation and waking up with wet interior tent walls in the morning. If a plastic foam panel could be found with similar strength properties to be able to withstand being leaned against for a reasonable cost that would also be a good option for walls and potentially the roof panel, it also has far less heat transfer than aluminum. So that was the main reason for choosing carbon fiber over aluminum specifically. You’re definitely right about the frame sort of looking prototype like which I don’t love as it’s just aluminum tubing, I’ve been trying to come up with a solution to make this look better, I’m hoping black paint or vinyl wrap will be a good enough solution.
Davy is right about possible condensation issues using aluminum throughout. I’m also looking to build a hard side roof cabin or an aluminum travel trailer but I’ve heard at least a couple stories of water damage on the inside of aluminum travel trailers due to condensation (aluminum transfers temperature well unlike steel, composites, wood, etc). I’m not sure what I’ll put on the inside (maybe fiberglass sheet) but I’ll definitely insulate it if possible. Nice video and tutorial man!
Good effort well done..👍
@@Paul-rp7uh thank you!
Awesome innovation, great job.
Thank you!
You need a vacuum and vacuum bags to create a smooth finish on the carbon fiber.
Well you definitely don’t need those but they make it much easier
Very nice!
This is very cool! Hope you're doing well :)
@@juliemaas688 thanks so much! I hope you’re doing well too!
Nice. creative.
I built my hard side camper almost two years ago, and I doubt I was the first. Cool project though.
Nice you’re probably right that there have been some before which can’t be publicly found. When I google or search RUclips for diy hard wall roof camper or any other similar derivatives I could never and still can’t find any previous iterations. The purpose of this video and all my other content isn’t to slight anyone or put myself above others but instead to educate and help others learn to build the things I have created for themselves to enjoy things they may see manufactures make but want to make for themselves. My title MAY not be entirely accurate but was not at all dishonest when I could not find any information indicating it wasn’t true. And if the title helps to reach more people to help others instead of taking advantage of them I have no poor conscience over not changing it after people come out of the woodwork to hate instead help others.
@DIY_Davy I saw one over 20yrs ago. I'm sure that wasn't the first one either😂
Muito bom trabalho! Que amortecedor usou para o projeto? 👏👏
This is such an awesome design! Definitely a little rough on the edges but I can see your vision and really appreciate the amount of work that you put into this. Are you planning on getting this developed into production once you work out the kinks? I really like the use of carbon fiber and a good way to reduce weight and increase strength is to vacuum bag the resin out of the lay up. Using a vacuum system could also reduce the amount of resin usage and help smooth out some of the rough surface texture. Good job and thank you for sharing
Thanks! Yea definitely not extremely polished and there are definitely quite a few things I would have done differently one of them being vacuum bagging the carbon fiber. But I was trying to save costs where I could while still having something extremely light weight. I wouldn’t ever put this into production, I don’t really have the passion for the project to devote that kind of time and funds into. This was really just born out of the wants I had personally for a roof camper and potentially helping other people fill those same needs if they can follow along and do it themselves.
good for you brother .. love to see someone make something and then explain it so well.
love to see that you made something lighter and cheaper than they manufacture and sell at the expo
wondering about bedding .. can you fit your sleeping pillows and blankets in the frame as well ? what kind of mattress are you rocking? do you have to remove these items to close the top or can you leave them inside and it still fits everything?
Thanks I really appreciate it! I use a 4.5 in thick inflatable foam hybrid mattress, like exped but the Amazon knockoff, I believe it’s lost horizon. I have to deflate it for around 30 seconds or so with a little rechargeable mattress pump to get some air out, the sheets fit without moving them around, 4 pillows and a few blankets fit you just have to position the larger items between the small ends of the triangle walls sections at the foot end of the camper if that makes sense. But from there everything folds up just as easily as if it was empty.
@@DIY_Davy great job.. im really impressed with your results thanks for sharing
Could you please link to the redtail patent/blueprints? 🙏🏻
i know im late to the party but did you think of using 80/20 style extrusions? they come in a variety of sizes and configurations. would that have been easier to work with for the framing? would that have saved any weight? i know they are pretty strong and easy to work with compared to welding.
Yea I definitely considered it and may even recommend that to someone doing their own. There are a couple problems with t slot: one Issue is they’re about twice as heavy as rectangular tubing so this would bring the total weight from about 180 lbs to somewhere around 250. A pretty substantial increase but looking back probably worth it for the added functionality, time saving and appearance. The other problem is the weight is double IF you can source the t slot profile in a 1”x6” profile or at least a 1x5” tall profile or metric equivalent. 80/20 and similar suppliers selling to non business entities in the US don’t carry that profile and only carry 1.5”x6” which would ever further increase the weight. If you could source the extrusion straight from China or through business related connections it would certainly be ideal. I also wanted to challenge myself and try to weld aluminum.
Will you share the project for download? I would love to replicate it at home
I just finished it up. Its available at diydavy.com. under plans it includes the material list, detailed instructions with technical drawings, pictures and the functioning CAD model
@@DIY_Davy Thank you for sharing. Speaking from Brazil, here $125 is half the minimum wage. I aimed high... it doesn't fit in my wallet. Congratulations to the project.
@@ToniPLay-xs8pw yea I understand, it’s hard to value the amount of time and effort I put into this but lot of people said the same thing so it’s now $50 if that helps.
Did you consider using 8020 Extruded aluminum for the framing? Considering building one myself for a campervan and was curious if you ran into any qualms while researching your materials?
Definitely considered it and material choice was one of the hardest challenges balancing cost, weight, ease of fabrication and compatibility with other materials. My previous diy fabric roof tent is entirely 8020, I have been somewhat back and forth if I made the right choice I’m not using it for this. However, the aluminum tubing I used is 1/4 the weight of 8020 of the same dimension, so my total frame weight in aluminum is around 40 lbs while extrusion would be around 120 lbs which is about 2/3 the weight of my entire camper. I would be most likely to at least have the top made from extrusion if I could go back in time because I’m currently adding some 1575 profile anyway to the roof for a roof rack system. My goal was maximum weight reduction to build the lightest possible hard wall camper to beat what’s on the market, if you were willing to live with the extra 80 ish lbs this could be an entirely weld free project. I’m in the process of compiling some different materials in conjunction with detailed plans available for others to more easily make their own as I know the way I built mine isn’t really “diy” friendly for the average person and potentially not the most optimized way but as I designed it from the ground up things like this we’re definitely expected and as I use it more I’m sure I’ll have more thoughts on my design choices whether good or bad
There is a company charging over 25g for their version of this .. kool project
😂😂 yes identical to this
Awesome keep up the great inspiration. I have been researching ideas and designs that I feel will work best for me and my needs. I plan on starting to build mine here very soon. If you don’t mind me, asking what was the overall cost roughly of the entire build not counting your labor?
Honestly I haven’t yet compiled what the actual costs were vs the materials I purchased and didn’t use, what all was extra, wasted, etc. I’m guessing somewhere around $3000 but I will have a video in the near future after I go back and compile everything with a more accurate cost breakdown as well as ways I think this could be done cheaper
@@DIY_Davy that’s awesome. I look forward to it. Could you possibly point me in a direction of a video to possibly learn how to do CAD like you were doing.
@@okdiver589 I think “product design online” on RUclips has good tutorials on fusion 360 which is free for hobby use