TacomaWillow's camper build, camper done! (for now) dog bonus

Camper ready for its first road trip tomorrow! I estimate the bed, mattress and bedding, and camp toilet have added less than 30 pounds. The bed is super comfy, it's 3" latex foam, sitting on springy slats which are sitting on 1/2" polyfoam. The bed needs one more leg, which will have to wait, and some bracing angles screwed on which I can do at my daughter's place Sunday.

 

It’s coming together nicely.

 

MPG update. I got 21 highway mpg in the brand new truck, Appalachian mountainous route, 70 - 74 mph average.

Added 150 pounds energy system, plus 200 pound high top shell. Just drove the exact same route, mpg exactly the same. Really happy the shell hasn't hurt my mileage. Later I may add a Maxaire fan, hope that also doesn't hurt me. They're pretty aerodynamic.

 

Thanks for posting this build info. Great ideas here.

 

Installed the Pop & Lock tailgate lock actuator, which really should be standard equipment. It was as straightforward as advertised. Then I finally buttoned the BedRug up in the tailgate. Now that all my wires are run, I can do the other job I was procrastinating: spraying the WoolWax. I'm going to be trying to get inside all the body cavities this time and I am concerned that I will, for example, foul my windows. But it has to happen, before first snow! And I'm leaving on a camping trip Friday, so I also have to construct a shelf to cook and set the heater, and box to house the outlets and switches, and hang a couple of lights.

 

Great job. Bravo!

 

Thanks! Its not ashamed to admit that after grubbing around under the truck its nice to get a pat on the head for it.

 

you rock @TacomaWillow

 

Installed the Lock'Er Down console safe. It is 1/2" shallower than it could be, to allow space to coil up a USB cable that can plug into the outlets in the safe. You do have to use washers to extend the latch in the console lid, but once thats done the whole thing fits just fine and the safe is rock solid and very sturdy. I think its going to be impervious to a snatch and grab thief.

 

Prototype build done, leaving on a shakedown trip this afternoon. The twinkle lights are on one switch, two bright LED spots on another. Total of 4 USB outlets, one 12 volt socket, and a 110 volt GFCI outlet that can easily run my small electric space heater overnight on my 250 ah aux battery.

Eventually I'll probably build a more permanent structure there, but I want to live with this a while and see how it works for me. I have a nice sink to install but a permanent kitchen area will take up that front area currently open, so I need to decide this winter if that's really necessary. In summer I eat and clean up outside.

My window coverings are cut from mylar fabric and attached with velcro. Storage, in addition to bins under the bed, is in the net shoe holders I've secured on the side with velcro and magnets. Again, maybe I'll build drawers into the permanent cabinet but I've used these shoe holders for years in my last build and they are super convenient. Everything stays organized and I can see where it is.

Not shown is the space heater, my big fire tablet with stand for watching movies, and the butane stove - those will all use the wood counter in turn.

I've done all this without drilling any holes, and this shelf and electric service box have added only another 10 pounds to the build.

eta: Drawbacks to the build. The bed is too low to slide the camp toilet under it (if I raise the bed I lose my ability to sit fully upright). There is zero room for a fridge back here, and putting it in the cab would be difficult because Ella needs the whole back shelf to stretch out. Space is the tradeoff to be able to drive a 4wd vehicle that parks in any parking space and can take me offroad, on beaches, and into snow with no trouble.

 

What kind of monster posts her rig without paying the dog tax?

 

Nice job!

What if you moved the shoe organizer to the passenger side above your bed. It would cover the large side rear window. You could limo tint the window so people couldn’t see in. Then you would have space for a small 12v fridge where the organizer is currently. Just a thought.

 

Thanks!

First I'm going to build the driver's side construction up to the ceiling and back to the tailgate, then move that storage over the bay window on the drivers side. I'll have room for the 5 gallon water storage and sink - and maybe a teeny tiny fridge.

You're right on with the limo tint. These window covers are kind of awkward and when I don't need them for warmth it would be nice not to deal with them.

The space is really small. I've got some work ahead of me to put in all the camping amenities I want without making it unworkably cramped.

 

Look forward to see your progress. Remember to enjoy it along the way.

 

Did the Woolwax, finally. I sprayed everything I could see, and sprayed inside framing members and panels where I could, but I don't feel like I did as well as possible. However it's certainly better than untreated. It would be much better to do it on a lift.

 

Hi
Can you tell me your reason for installing the butyl tape? I figured it was to stop water getting in.When the cap got installed did
they seal on top of the bed rails?

 

Could you give me info on your center armrest cover please,I need to get one .
Thanks

 

Could you tell me more about the carpet you installed please.

 

They did use a seal under the cap which can only stop water coming in under the cap. But water can also seep in under the bed rails, thats why I took those off and sealed inside the weep holes with butyl. If you lift up the bed rails you will see what I mean.

Then in the front corners are big openings that are structural to the bed - you have to cover those. I packed them with butyl, but that didnt fix it, so then I applied butyl flex tape generously on the outside surfaces there between the bed and the cab, and that fixed it.