How to: DIY Wedge Camper

I’ll snap more and upload a video of it tomorrow.

It’s the VanTop H610. I did notice the 12” model has a Sony image sensor which is supposedly superior to all others. The 10” also has the same image sensor so it’s great

doesn’t have any wifi connectivity so to pull files off you need to remove the memory card

 

https://youtube.com/shorts/rqv7P3D4twU?feature=share

Excuse the vertical video.

I want to figure out how to switch camera feeds from the VanTop rear camera and the OEM backup camera so I can use the original cam for backing up.

I have a few friends in the automotive aftermarket electronics world. I may cook something up that can be plug and play if there’s interest. Otherwise I’ll just document it

 

Any other options you guys have found for anti condensation mats? I can’t find the roof nest anymore and the repair/Thule are too large for what I’m doing.

 

Someone on this thread recommended this one here

$120 Den-Dry RV and Boat Under Mattress pad - Queen

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BHJRDDG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_C5DG3CC7FN5V909VAJ9V?_encoding=UTF8
So I bought it and it seems to be fine for this camper. You can cut it to the right size

 

If you get the Exped mattress you technically don't need one since it is water proof/mold resistant

 

After going on a few trips with the new setup I realized that the tent get HOT AF, now I am considering a vent, yes I have windows, but I noticed some condensation on the roof.

1. is it worth installing?
2. what product did you use?

 

I bought one from CVT in Bend OR when I was down there a couple weeks ago. I'll have to cut it down to size. They do sell them off their website as well.

 

I used the aluminum hinges from Aircraft Spruce and they are not weather sealed at all. I noticed when closed there is a gap between the hinges and i think I can put a strip of foam gasket material there to seal it better.

going to try something like this from mcmaster

https://www.mcmaster.com/door-weatherstripping/light-duty-blended-epdm-foam-sheets-and-strips/

 

I installed my piano hinges and when looking at the seal from the frame to the hinge it wasn't always flat(there was light getting through) so I ended up taking them off and put sealing adhesive between and will do the same on the doors. Then I plan to do something like this gasket between the hinges gap. Hoping that solves most of the water issues. Have to get this right since I live in the PNW.

 

I actually used these hinges. If I were to do it again, I’d use ‘half mortise’ gear hinges. These are full mortise, so I’m using them backwards, if you will.

What I like about these hinges: super rigid edge, and the little lip that’s meant to ride the edge of the door makes aligning everything straight very simple. I also love how they cap the top of the panel, nice clean finish.

What I don’t like with these, is that it pushes the top edge of the side panel further off the frame (gap is about 5/8”) than the piano or door hinges others have used. First picture shows this - just a mockup for my reference. The panel attaches on the FAR side of the hinge. Since the bottom edge of the panels are pressed hard against the frame (minus the bulb seal), that creates a taper. I was able to compensate for that taper by kerfing the back side of the panel and bending it to close up. I filled the kerf with epoxy and the edges are now really strong. See pictures below. I actually really love how it turned out. The half mortise hinges would reduce that gap at the top. I found these black full-mortise hinges for $80 on cookandboardman.com. I wasn’t able to find any black half-mortise for less than like $160. They're also not water tight - I hadn't ever seen a gear hinge before, and didnt realize they had those bearings every few inches, so there is a gap at each one of those. Hoping the bulb seal will work ok.

I’m still waiting for my extrusions to arrive. They were 8 weeks out when I got them. But my frame is done. I didn’t use any gaskets, just silicone throughout. There is a bead between the frame and hinges, and then I’ll do another bead between hinge and extrusion.

 

Careful with this shit lol. Once it's on, it's a pain in the ass to get off! Ask me how I know lol

 

I might be selling mine (Unfinished) if anyone is interested, Located in Modesto CA
I have a lot of parts/ materials that can go with it

It got back burnered and I don't think I'll be able to finish it this year.

 

Those that did 6mm panels for the floor or the roof, is it worth it?

 

I bought some plastic/lexan and put on the corner to help with the sealing. I think this will work. I’m on the home stretch!

 

I like what you got going on there with the pre-mounted 8020 for accessories.

I'm going to be ripping my wedge apart and redoing a bunch of stuff to add things like this. Mine is pretty be bones right now.

I bought this little fan from Amazon for hot nights. Been great. Battery life is true to what it says. I used the hook to hang it on the loops for folding up the windows. Although I do plan to install a ventilation fan. Looked at some friends Vagabond's and how they have it done, going to try and copy it.

xumemall USB Fan, 10000 mAh Rechargeable Personal Fan, Portable Camping Fan with LED Light, Ideal for Camping Fishing Hiking Tent Emergency

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Z2VCNZH?ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details

 

hey all,
I've been reading through this and doing a lot of research.

I've come to the canvas point and I didn't think it would be this challenging. The canvas to me is an important part so I was looking to have it sewn up professionally. I received a quote from a tent/canvas company and they were wanting $1075. Then I searched around for a local seamstress, and provided plans and told her that I would buy all the materials and she came back with $1500 to $2000!!

Are those prices reasonable? (for a professional job)
I've searched material prices and the totals are only about a couple hundred dollars.
For those that have done the sewing yourself, are you happy with the outcome? Any issues/leaking/deterioration?

I'm leaning towards borrowing a sewing machine and doing it, but just want to get some others thoughts.

 

I'm in the middle of the "tent sewing phase" myself. Yeah, it seems simple until you get into it. Multiple hems, and double-zippers around curved edges takes a LOT of time. TIME is the biggest cost driver, especially to have a professional do the sewing. I resigned myself to "just do it". Its a DIY project. I'm actually having a blast re-learning how to run a sewing machine after 40+ years (middle school...?). Oh, and my design has NO curved windows, which lowered my stress-level considerably. ok, back to sewing...

 

Do it yourself and take your time and don’t rush it and your a going to be ok. Paying above 1000usd for someone else to I do it is absolutely not worth it.
My soon to be wife and I worked on it for maybe a week in the evenings and I think it turned out really good. And all this on a entry level sewing machine. Attached some pictures

 

Do it yourself. Definitely need 2 people, one to hold the bulky fabric while the other feeds it through the machine. And basting tape is your friend. I believe I used about 130ish yards of it.

 

My wife makes quilts and we start at $300 for a simple T shirt quilt. There’s a ton of prep and labor involved in sewing people are not really aware of.

$1000 to sew the tent doesn’t seem far off