DIY slide-in camper

Howdy, I know there's been a few other threads on this topic, but I'm going to use this as a build thread as well. I'm looking for advice, suggestions, etc. on my crafting of a slide-in camper for my 2002 xtra cab. The plan is to build a simple, enclosed camper that can be removed from the truck when not needed. I'm thinking of framing it with 2x2 and siding it with thin plywood or something lighter, which I'm open to suggestions on. Also curious about waterproofing seams and such. I'll post a sketch when I draw something up tomorrow.
Thanks in advance.

 

Rough draft not to scale. Dimensions are also tentative.

 

Hi, love the idea, have you considered something like 80/20 extrusions?

 

If you do thin plywood and want it to hold up, it'd prepare to put at least two layers of fiberglass over it. You'll then work in bondo where it turns out rough, sand it all down, prime, and paint

 

By 2x2 do you mean wood or steel?

 

Mike's camper lab has a pretty cool plywood camper.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLg2szltMxjTFoiA2gDxZ6Q

I built this thing out of aluminum and double sided tape

 

Maybe check out some DIY teardrop plans, they usually have a similar construction (thin plywood skin over an aluminum or wood frame).

Wood is obviously easy to work with, but I'd be looking for a plastic composite or fiberglass type panel. Typically higher strength to weight rating, and more weather resistant to start with.

 

Have you thought of getting a bare bones camper like the Tuktuk? It's smaller than my Yoho, and would make a pretty good base for building out however you like. Obviously I'm more of the buy it now for more rather than spend 3 years building something for less, kinda guy.

 

If I were to build another camper, which I almost certainly will someday I would probably use the construction technique Overland Underbudget used.
It's a welded steel frame with aluminum composite adhesive onto it.

He used Sikaflex for the adhesive, which is great stuff but I think I would stick to the 3M CV62F commercial vehicle double sided tape I used on my current camper,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--HaEXp_QW8

Also check out the DIY section of Expedition Portal.
Ambition Strikes earlier camper build episodes on youtube is good.
The AEV Jeep Outpost II has some cools stuff.

 

Hey everyone thank you for the replies! My plan was 2x2 wood for framing but now thinking aluminum could be the move. Does anyone know of aluminum framing that is easy to work with? That 80/20 extrusion looks like a good option but so expensive. I have no welding capabilities or resources, unfortunately. Also, I saw a suggestion for a composite panel of some kind, do you have an example? I'm keeping my eye out for a tall contractor cap to build out the interior of, but not having much luck in my price range, which is why I'm on this route. I am hoping to keep this build in the $1500-2000 range.

 

Mig welding isn’t that hard or expensive to get into. Aluminum prices are crazy so you may be able to build a steel frame and buy the welder for the same cost. I wouldn’t count it out yet.

I am planning on using ACM panels like the guy in the video above. I believe 3mm thick.
It’s basically some plastic with aluminum sheets on either side, common in the sign making.

local price here in nh is $75/sheet and 25 lbs per sheet.

 

Those panels look like a great option, thanks! This is a step in the right direction. I potentially have access to a stick welder, but I'll look into mig.

 

That 80/20 extrusion stuff seemed like a good option, aside from cost, but upon further research it weighs almost exactly the same as 2x2 studs.

Edit: I just came across this video as well:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqCRONPdbtg&ab_channel=SaucySeth