How to: DIY Wedge Camper

Installed the EPDM rubber strip today with 0.5"

$7 3M VHB 100x200mm~ (4" X8") Double Sided Foam Adhesive Sheet Tape 5952 Automotive Mounting Industrial Grade Very High Bond 5952 (1 Sheets 100x200mm)

3M VHB ahdesive tape. Next time I'd do a little thinner, probably 1.25" like @2ski4life7 suggested.

Install was easy, borrowed a roller from @mjshield2 that was extremely useful in making sure everything was pressed on smooth. I opted to not run the top edge of silicone like @Pj40 did, hopefully it still seals.

Supposed to rain this weekend, so we'll see how it holds up!

 

Nice! I ended up getting 1.4" cut. I mic'd all sides and it varied from 1.35 to 1.45 so I split the difference. One side of my wedge started bowing since the first time I used it I had the wrong struts and in the wrong place so the weight started bending one side I guess.

 

I got to check out NotTaco's wedge camper yesterday! Super cool! I picked up a bunch of tips.

I'm not sure if I'm encouraged or discouraged in starting the project LOL.

Thanks for all the tips! I have been planning and calculating (and reading all 130 pages!!). I think my first move is going to be to build a frame out of 2x2 wood + cardboard and do a test fit for the frame/doors on my 2017 F150. I don't really want to learn any of the CAD software, seems like a waste of project time to me...maybe I'm wrong.

Keep the inspiration coming!!

 

I dont think building the frame twice(!) would be the best option. I only pursued a CAD model for Finite Analysis since I was using aluminum. If you take the time, build a leveling fixture (level the frame to the fixture and the fixture to the ground, you can build something pretty true by just pulling measurements off the vehicle as you go. Cutting the tubing to accurate angles and square was my biggest worry, but I bought one of those $250 Harbor Freight bandsaws and took the time to set it up to cut square. It has not let me down one bit; producing cuts good enough to get my spaceframe within 1/16" square over 98". Now, depending on design there are a few things to think about

-Sealing; hatches, spaceframe to truck, spaceframe to wedge
-Mounting points or additional equipment added to the spaceframe
-Electrical requirements
-Ease of assembly/disassembly

 

I appreciate the advice. I'm just afraid I'm going to be $1000 into the project only to put it on the truck and realize that it doesn't look right aesthetically. I've got a F150, so my thought is to spend $50 on wood and $20 on brackets to make a frame, then I could build a jig off that if needed. I'm also thinking it would be the best way to visualize it with cardboard 'doors' on the truck. For me, looking at my skills, this seems like the safest way to ensure it looks good before spending tons of money!

 

looks great! Hopefully it works as good as it did for me for you!

 

Like the red trim strip!

 

I got an early start building so I’ll post adventure pics with the wedge! Love this thing.
Arizona near Rosevelt Lake up Cherry Creek Rd to FR-203A.
The added small pull cords on the zipper pulls kept them from being wind chimes.

 

Thanks! Thin red line

 

Almost there. Spent all week on the canvas and got it installed yesterday! super stoked! came out great!

 

That looks awesome! What does it look like closed?

 

Thanks! def been a project. buts its been fun!

 

That looks awesome! Seems like you had a good model to base it off of with your buddy's 4-Wheel Camper too!

I dig that little single cab also

 

What did you do for the interior to hold up the pop top?

 

I made some hinges that push it up with the shocks.

 

Final test fit before a little more welding and paint.

 

What keeps them upright? Do they go past center or is there some kind of lock? I have some ideas for mine but just curious what others are doing as well.

 

friction?? its the same concept as a 4wc top. same measurments.. im just using metal. they use a composite board and hinges. Its just a hinge. ill have to measure the difference. there was a method to the maddness that i used. ATM i dont recall what it was... also the hinges are somthing im not proud of and i will redo them. how ever the measurments is what counts..

 

If anyone is interested in so cal, still have my wedge camper for sale. Canvas done besides the side windows. Selling cheap so I can clear out room at my house.
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/for/d/el-segundo-tacoma-wedge-camper/7439556181.html

 

After a year of use I found that the wedge wasn’t great for me at 6’6”, especially if my wife tagged along. Found the solution for us taller folks. Working on a video of the project, I’ll post that up when it’s finished. This is much more comfortable for me, less claustrophobic having more space on the sleeping side of things!