How to: DIY Wedge Camper

Which Jeep hood latches are those? Not really happy with one set I bought. Using the little locking ones on the sides.

 

Yeah they are, and cheap too. I've got a couple that were horrible, used them but I'd spend a little more and get good one's.
Zim
This is the link I used..

$20 2 PCS Compression Latch OEM Replacement Southco C2-43-25 Flush Lever Marine Applicable Door Thickness:1~5mm

https://www.amazon.com/Compression-Replacement-C2-43-25-Applicable-Thickness/dp/B072JCC7P8

 

DEF Hood Lock Catch for 2007-2019 Jeep Wrangler JK JL Unlimited 2 doors 4 doors Black Stainless Steel Catch Set Hood Latches Bracket Buckle Kit Hold Down

DEF Hood Latches Lock Catch Kit for 2007-2018 Wrangler JK JKU Black Stainless Steel Hood Lock(1 Pair)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GQBLBC3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_2F42EbNC494HB

they have worked out great. Very precise and perfect closure when in conjunction with the bulb seal between wedge pieces.

These are the Latches I am using. The quality is great and it wasn’t an obscene number for 6 of them

Southco Compression Lever Latch -...

$32 Southco Compression Lever Latch - Flush - Locking

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076DV2CCV?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

Finished my tent over the weekend. Going to build the space frame slowly over the summer, but free time needs to be spent outdoors now.

For those wondering I used 6mm (1/4") Alupanel for the floor. It only added about 30lbs. compared to the 3mm and is much more solid and doesn't flex. Supports two bodies no problem with the added support of the rack underneath.

 

that looks killer, what did you use for the tent material, can we see more pictures?

 

More pics coming...

As for the material I used the same as @Ripcord, 600D Polyester with PU coating on the inside. Got it at a local fabric supplier for 1/2 the price online.

 

Great work on the tent, looks superb.

What size zipper did you use for the mesh? Finished my side doors yesterday, just need to do the mesh and hem the tent edges for the keder rail. Any lessons you learned from your experience?

 

I used all the same #8 zipper everywhere. As for lessons, measure twice cut once. Take your time with the zippers, it took me about 3-4 tries to get the zipper right. I would finish it, then have to rip it out and start over because it wasn't fitting perfect. If i were to do it over again I would have the screens cut to a shape with a square door inside with two straight zippers (like GFC does their side vents). Curved zippers are much harder than straight. I would also remove the doors on the side and just do windows, but I wanted to be able to access from all sides because I wont have my spaceframe done for a while.

 

Started ordering all the parts about a month ago. Have the wedge all put together and most of the tent sewn. Put some work in on the space frame over the weekend. Learning a bunch during the process. Also I got my latches from Bisco Industries. Genuine southco and seem very well made but more expensive obviously. Same P/N
https://www.biscoind.com/Southco/C2-43-25

 

Meant to ask you what thickness flat bar did you end up going with to support your movable floor?

Also awesome to see everyone's progress lately. It has lit a fire under my ass to get back to work on mine. It's been on the back burner for the last month.

 

^X2 super cool seeing everyone work on their own and make their own decisions on design and materials.

Keep it up you guys! Excited to see more completed.

 

Thanks for sharing. Turns out I designed mine with straight zippers on the sides with velcro at the bottom so, huzzah. I also did my solid doors slightly different by making them larger (covering the zipper path on either side and Velcro at the bottom) instead of cutting the “u” shape which added more work but let’s be honest, I’m winging this sewing thing.

I used #10 Vislon zippers on the external door but they’re way too big for mesh so I’ll source some #8s.

I believe I used 1/8 and it’s plenty.

 

Thanks! That makes sense, I was thinking any thicker seems overkill since it’s welded to 16ga

 

Anyone have any problems with wind deflecting the composite roof while without any supports? On my enclosed trailer the metal ceiling deflects and rattles like crazy at highway speeds.

 

Did a 200km test run the other day and no deflection noise or wind noise at all. I was really surprised at how quiet the setup was on the highway.

 

Did you use 3in bar for the top and bottom? I was thinking of going that route so I can mount cross bars on the roof. Do you think it's strong enough for that?

 

Ordering all my stuff this week. How are those hinges doing for controlling twist on the tent frame? They seem a bit narrow and I was thinking to beef that part up a bit. ANyone find a wider hinge or should I not worry about it?

 

Yes I used 3" extrusions on the top and bottom. More than enough to support cross bars. I will also be adding some cross bars.

 

What’s your plan for crossbars? I’d like to slap a 100 watt panel on top of mine to keep the second battery charged when the truck sits.

 

Got my beat contractor topper all torn apart and 80/20 is on the way. Plan is to chop the top, add some reinforcement (crossbar across the front) and bolt it straight to the topper. Won't have to fuss with the windoors or rear door. Will just reinstall them after everything is situated.