How to: DIY Wedge Camper

Have you installed the latches on your camper yet? Did they fit on the 1.5" tubing? I was about to order those latches but the description says the grip range is 1-24mm (0.1-0.94inches) and the ones spec'd in ripcord's spreadsheet are 23-46mm (.91 - 1.81). I held off on buying since it didn't sound like they had enough grip range based on the specs.

Based on the Amazon description it looks like those are the

$32 C2-32-25 Southco Compression Lever Latch - Flush - Locking

C2-32-25 latches.

 

So I added a eight inch flat bar for the lock. I have 2" wide base and it won't lock that far out.
Zim

 

Ah gotcha. Makes perfect sense in your setup. I'm trying to latch mine to the tubing so glad I caught it before buying them.

 

Another thing. The "D" single bulb gasket from McMaster Carr will stick in hot weather. I used some silicone spray and that will keep it moist. Have no idea what it does to paint over time but I'm not even concerned about paint. I'll paint it again if needed.
Zim

 

You could add some tabs for the locks if needed. Just be aware, when you reach in to get something, you could leave a considerable part of your arm on the tab. LOL.
Just sayin.
Zim

Honestly this was the most scary of all the motions on this thing. I'm cutting a hole, 2 holes really, into a $35 hunk of aluminum.....It's a hour and a half to get another one..lmao. I'm a draftsman by trade, and have cut alot of crap in my day, but this was scary for some reason...lol
Zim

 

Oh I bet hand cutting it! I made enough tweaks to my design that it's snowballed into modeling just about everything to be able to fit check and tweak. I'm gonna just fork out the cash to get my panels CNC'd out so I can be lazy for a change, I normally do things the cheaper harder way... but then again I am building a camper instead of buying one hahaha.

 

this just made me notice I bought the

$32 C2-32-25 Southco Compression Lever Latch - Flush - Locking

C2-32-25 too... damn it. And the frames already painted too so I’ll just have to rivet on some tabs.

 

303 works pretty well to keep gaskets from sticking too.

 

What do you guys think about attempting this out of wood? I lack welding skills haha

 

Nice Job! I'm following this thread closely, as I'm thinking of building something like this for my 1st gen. When you finish I'd love to see all the pics you're willing to share and how you set it up. Most of these style tents I only see on 2nd gens and above.

 

For anyone who went the GFC-removable-sleeping-platform-sections route; what material did you use? I used the cutout sections of 3mm aluminum composite signboard from the "floor" (off brand MaxMetal) and bolted them to rectangular 8020 15 series 1.5"x1.5" frames. They're plenty strong but too heavy for my liking long term. Curious where folks are getting their 1" aluminum honeycomb or basically any honeycomb material suitable for the sleeping platform sections, especially if you live in the PNW.

Finished attaching everything to the tent, just have to sew the skirt on (skirt is done and waiting). For anyone who made a skirt to keep rain from coming in at the base of the tent/extrusion - how wide did you make yours? All that is left is to hem the edges, insert the keder rail, and install this bad mo'decker for a trip up to Mt Hood NF this weekend.

A much, much, much-needed trip.

 

I was thinking the same thing, but would regret it in the long run! I'm fortunate to know people that can weld, and have access to tools for detailed cuts.

No one around close to your location that can help you out?

 

I’ve been thinking about this myself, from all the research I’ve done it’s way cheaper to buy honeycomb reinforcement and fiberglass the panels yourself. Was thinking about going down that route just to save weight.

 

And that is a wise decision. I'm in a very small town, a hour from St. Louis. The closest thing to a CNC here is "Bobby has a plasma machine, but he lost a eye cause the dog knocked over the rake" crap....lmao. I can now say I built the thing with simple hand tools, or tools that I made..and I like that story. LOL
Zim

 

My latest was this command center..ahahahahahaha....or power center, battery and charging panel....whatever. The idea was when arriving to camp, I could get out on the drivers side, walk back and open the first camper door, turn on the lights to see the camp site. I have left/right/interior and will have rear lights as well.
Zim

 

More pics pleez

 

Here is one from the first page. I'll take a few more tomorrow. I'm adding a master power switch.
Zim

 

Ahhh I see what you did, very cool. Yes to more pics! Im adding a small switch panel with outlets running from my under-hood second battery, but just bending a bracket and attaching it to by bed rail.

Bolted the camper down today and drove around. Don’t think I need my add-a-leaf in the Dakar’s anymore, definitely did for the Wildernest. Truck rides better with the weight distribution moved a bit forward too.

Installing the tent tomorrow. Then it’s technically fully functional minus the extra electric doodads. Wired the brake light up and it’s gtg too.

 

Sounds really good. I did the same, already camped so now adding the goodies..lol
Zim

 

Wow. Finally. Tent came out pretty well. Little vent windows up front, side doors and front door with inner mesh doors. Stuck with the #10 Vislon zippers. Gotta mess with the skirt a little bit other than that it’s swell.

Have to trim the width of my rectangular 8020 sleeping panels since they don’t quite fit now with the tent mounted and Keder rail taking up a teensy space. Thanks for everyone’s help and advice and @Ripcord again for sharing.

Next pic will be in its natural environment.