How to: DIY Wedge Camper

Yeah, so far it's been dryer than I expected. The only intrusion I've noticed is the top left corner of the rear door because of my bulb seal, and the front driver side corner at the bed rail/spaceframe interface. What's nice about the Bed Rug is that it sits off the floor since it has the foam base, so that residual water just runs underneath it.

It's also plastic, so it doesn't wick. Seems to stay pretty dry.

 

on top of thanks for the link, what wiring did you use for the diesel heater for the 12V?

thanks,
mike.

 

I ran separate power to the bed of my truck (ZR2) using 10ga wire to a fuse block that powers 4 or 5 12v outlets. The diesel heaters use around 7-9a at startup I believe, so big wire is needed. Once it's running it uses less than 0.5a on low.

 

Plugging away on my aluminum build

 

Awesome, I like the multiple door/panels on the sides. Nice use of the hurricane hinge as well!

 

Thanks! I have some experience with building teardrop campers, so the hurricane hinge was a no brainer!

 

Interesting design on the window frame, I like it

 

Those gaps will be sheeted and some electrical components installed on the backside. The CAD template shown. There will be windows at the front and rear to allow use of the rear view mirror.

 

How have folks success been with with water/dust on just the inline bulb seals for the wedge?

 

Do you have some shots of the inside of the case? 2kw or 5kw? looks good!

 

@YamaDirtrider Isn't that what you are using?

 

Nice. I put windows in mine as well.

I am now debating rebuilding my side panels between the piano hinge/fabric way and the hurricane hinge

 

I think the hurricane hinge is a far superior option based on a few reasons.
1. Ability to cut to exact length with a drip overhang.
2. Ease of removing doors.
3. Won’t deteriorate when exposed to UV or weather elements.

 

5kw, but 2kw would be good and use a smaller case

 

Perfect, I like this idea

 

I was told there was no size difference between the two kw. But I could be wrong.

 

There is. The 2kw is smaller than the 5kw. the 8kw is miss labeled, it’s the same size as a 5kw.

 

@YamaDirtrider is correct, the 2kw is a bit smaller, and the 8kw is the same everything (including heat output) as the 5kw.

 

I would probably avoid putting the exhaust in the case if possible. Just generally safer imo. I have mine in a 22” ridgid box. Works flawlessly

I would also encourage you to join the “Chinese Diesel vehicle heaters” group on Facebook for lots of troubleshooting and pics/ideas on other peoples builds

 

I agree with @Red150, keep the exhaust to a minimum. Mine only has 1" of exposed exhaust, some of the case installs have 12-18" which is asking for trouble. Even if you wrap the exhaust it's still VERY hot. I used a through-hull exhaust flange that worked very well.