1 Bored Clerk's Garage Built Camper

Do I have to start back over at page #1?

 

Well, I didn't start over so I think you're safe starting here. Unless you forgot how "fun" and "quick" it's been.

 

Jesus, this is still a thing? Taking longer than the virus to die!!!

I like the molle rack!! Brilliant. Now you need to mount a couple gun racks and you're in business.

 

As long as I own this, it will continue to be a thing. I have never actually made it to "done" on ANYTHING...EVER!

 

Black, will match the molle panel. In my opinion anyway.

 

Yeah, I ordered black...because it was all they had available. I thought brown might be nice but seeing it up in the camper, black will bring a good contrast.

 

Starting Sunday out with some small stuff


I cut a bit of mat to line the entry well. I like the color and feel of this stuff but it's fairly light. We'll see if I keep it after it has a chance to settle out flat.



First item placed on the wall! Toilet paper! The plastic zip loc bag will keep it from getting moist from condensation and it makes it easy to slide in and out of the storage bag without tearing up the paper. Gotta protect these valuable assets!


I'm also experimenting with clean ways to make a loop out of shock cord. This one is promising. I just made a butt joint with two clean cut ends of shock cord using super glue. Then I put a piece of adhesive lined heat shrink over the top. I just tested this: the heat shrink appears to do nothing but make the joint look finished. The superglue butt joint is incredibly strong! I wasn't able to pull it apart with my own strength. Not sure if that says more about the strength of the bond or my strength as an out of shape middle aged man.

 

And just like that...



Panels done!

 

Hell yes

 

What are you envisioning going behind the shock cord?

 

Stuff n things. I've noticed I've got windbreakers, t shirts, shorts and all kinds of other stuff strewn around the camper. With the shock cord I can just stuff it up out of the way.

 

Did some quick, between emails, camper work this morning.


I haven't been able to use my kitchen box because there's nothing in it...nothing to strap anything to or anything else. I'm considering my options and designs. But I want to use it to carry camp cooking stuff NOW! I cut a piece out of the same mat I used in the entrance of the camper for the floor of the box. I don't like stuff rubbing on aluminum...it makes a mess on everything.



Then I bought some D Ring tie downs and used the box mounting bolts to hold them in place. Not my ideal solution but it totally works for now!


More carpet on the back wall. It's only held by the D rings passing through. Again, only a temporary solution. I quickly strapped my stove in there to show what the general plan is. I have a Roll-a-table as well as cooking supplies and a small canister of propane for the stove. I'm hoping I can reasonably strap it all in place for a camping trip weekend after this coming.

I may get another set of these D rings for the back box. They are way better than what I have back there now

 

You could build a nice drawer system - I find drawers to be a quick load/unload solution.

You could also add a pull-out shelf for your stove, depending on how/where you plan to cook.

Hurry up - we need to see pictures of this in the woods!

 

The box is pretty shallow...not sure if drawers would be worth it. I though about a fold out system where everything is mounted in place...no setup besides folding out and hooking up propane. The problem is the trucks is pretty tall and I couldn't get enough drop on a simple fold out mechanism to make the Stover anywhere near counter height. So, it'll be a separate table with adjustable legs and some sort of organizing system to store all the cooking essentials in the box.

I've had it out several times but I'm completely shit about taking photos when I'm out.

 

You know what they say...

"Photos or it didn't happen!"

 

That's life now, for sure!

 

Got my RedArc Tow Pro Elite trailer brake controller installed. Not specifically camper related so it has its own very short thread.

I'm in the process of making racks for the various rails on the top and side of the truck. I have parts out for laser cut and bend and I've got tubing on order that I should be able to pick up tomorrow.

First up will be a rack on the side for surfboards. I don't want to have to put those on the roof every time. I'm hoping they'll be reasonable-ish hanging on the side. The roof rack will take a little longer because Im likely going to integrate an awning mount into it. Which brings me to my question: will the Alu-Cab Shadow awning be too high off the ground to be useful in anything other than noon sun or rain/snow that's falling straight down? I think I'll eventually want an awning and the alu cab shadow seems like the clear choice as it doesn't require support legs (except in terrible conditions) and I like the 270 degree nature of it. A straight out owning may make more sense but I don't think I've seen one that appears as sturdy and simple to use as the shadow. Thoughts? For reference, the bottom of the awning will be about 90" off the ground and it will extend 68" to the side and rear of the truck.

Also, I'll be working on my rearview camera this week. Im going to mock up a potentially crazy/stupid/genius idea that, if it works, would make my life immeasurable easier.

 

Truck put some work in this weekend.


Gotta stop here and take this pic of you're in the area.



Set up camp next to a small creek. Tygh Creek to be exact.


Made some dope ass BLTs for dinner! Then got all tore up by mosquitoes so I packed up and headed up in elevation. Four wheeled around for a couple of hours before landing at a spot well after dark. I pinstriped the ever loving crap out of the upper 1/3rd of the camper. That's why I used paint I could repair myself at home. I'll look at that next summer. I'll let it get pretty beat up before I take the time to repaint parts of it.


The new panels are excellent at keeping the interior of the camper organized! I'll need to tweak my MOLLE bag situation a bit but that will take place over time.


Woke up with the sun and carried on into Bend for the start of my weekend in the Elkhorns with a groups of side by side enthusiasts in some of the greatest terrain I've ever seen. Great weekend!

 

I wish I could have taken some pics of the light wheeling. I've been out in this area a lot and I love it every time. Got some nice ledges, rocks, ruts and some good side tilt. Hard to take pics when you're alone but whatever. It's nice to have built an off roady camper then go do off roady stuff with it.