How to: DIY Wedge Camper

Are all of you guys lifted or have installed AAL or sumo springs?

 

I put a lift and 600lb heavy duty Dakar leaf pack. I plan to put around 100lbs in the bed and then I regularly ha e 6 bicycles on a hitch weighing around 250lbs

 

For those of you considering knock off soutcho latches. I just got mine legit southco latches in and here is a side by side picture of the “locking knub” that basically goes bad in the knock offs after less than 100 unlatches.

I knew the knock offs wouldn’t be the best but not this bad. I wish this was shown before(maybe it was but probably lost in the thousands of posts). The real southco latches also weigh twice as much and man are they smooth.

 

I bought a $5 tube of epoxy from Home Depot and used that to fill in the holes when I moved mine a bit. Worked great. Tape some plastic wrap on one side, fill the other

 

I'm on the fence. Thinking about sumo springs or just getting the Ironman 4x4 foamcell pro kit with hd springs

 

I'm taking mine in a week or so for a 2 week trip. Don't have any suspension mods and was wondering if it'll be ok... I feel its fine... I plan to get new leafs and a small lift in the long run but not right this second

 

you'll probably be fine. Just dont do anything extreme?

ive been driving mine around without any suspension work yet and other than load out for craft faires its been fine. I probably put like 300lbs of crap in the truck for the craft faires I help my wife do and it squats a bit.

 

Hey all, wiring question!

I have two wires popping out from a third brake light on a canopy, but they are slightly bigger than the wires off the third brake light @Ripcord suggests. Anything I need to do to interface them correctly?

Thanks!

 

Where did you get the U channel (1” ID?) to trim the honeycomb? I am having trouble finding a supplier for that aluminum in PDX.
I managed to snag some honeycomb and want to do the same!
Yet another PDX build that has inspired my build, great work. Thanks!
-Landon

 

Clackamas Steel Metals

I got all my steel and aluminum there

 

They showed up today! Super stoked. They are a bit smaller then I originally thought, but will work perfect for my setup. Im working on the mechanics of razing the top. I was in ID doing the BDR last week and haven't had much time to work on it, but ill get some updates soon.

 

I know its not quite the 80-20 wedge build outlined in this thread, but this thread definitely gave me a lot of information on how to go about this.
Mainly the sewing portion. A while back I had posted with hesitation on taking on the sewing myself, but I was convinced to learn how to sew. Overall probably put about 30 hours into the sewing of the canvas over a 5 week period. Finally got in on and took the camper out for a night and loved every bit of it.

 

If anyone is looking into mirror dash cams I bought a NikoMaku branded one that seems pretty decent. The only annoying thing is it makes sounds on startup. I’ll pry disable the speaker in a year or two after the warranty expires.

it utilizes the stock oem mount(or you could use the straps. I also bought a voltage downcoverter to power the mirror off the stock clip for a seamless integration.

voltage down converter
SimpleUSB Mirror to Dashcam Power Adapter (12-pin for '16+ Toyota Tacoma)

$37 Dongar Dash Cam Power Adapter (12-pin Type A) - Compatible w Toyota Tacoma (15-23), select Highlander, Tundra, Sienna; Honda Ridgeline & more. USB Power, Connects to Rearview Mirror. Easy Install!

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07DMW3DML

Mirror
NikoMaku Mirror Dash Cam Front and Rear OEM Design Backup Camera 10 Inches Screen for Cars 2K Resolution Full Touch Screen Rear View Mirror Camera 170° Wide Angle Dual Cameras Waterproof AS5

NikoMaku Mirror Dash Cam Front and Rear OEM Design Backup Camera 10"es Screen for Cars 2K Resolution Full Touch Screen Rear View Mirror Camera 170° Wide Angle Dual Cameras Waterproof AS5

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0952TZQ89

 

Installed some led stripes in the bed for better lighting. Looks a little tacky, but lights up nicely.

 

Do you have pics of your set up

 

Thanks!

 

Thought I'd share my completed wedge on a full size, thanks ripcord for all the work you put in to coming up with the great design.

 

sorry didn’t go to my truck for a couple days.

I’m still figuring out how to mount the Downconverter better so it’s just held on by a zip tie. I like keeping things factory though in case I want to revert back/sell the truck.

 

Did anyone make the frame with less angles( no inward angle) or just square? Any pics of how this looks and any issues it could cause? Seems like it would make the fabrication so much easier.

 

It does but it will throw off some other dimensions. The top frame of the space frame is what the extrusions mount to. Going with a square space frame means you’d have a wider wedge tent so you’d need to compensate as well as the front and rear bulkheads. As long as you understand you’re deviating from the plans and can accommodate your changes, go for it.

on the first post, ripcord has a few highlighted builds. One of them has a square space frame. It functions but to me it just looks a bit off.