How to: DIY Wedge Camper

After lurking on this thread for months, I'm about to pull the trigger and start ordering material.
Anyone in SoCal have a local connect for 80/20 extrusion or AluPanel? Or is anyone in the area just starting their project and would like to split shipping costs?

I'm located in Playa Del Rey. Feel free to shoot me a PM!

 

I'm in El Segundo and have one that all you need to finish is final sewing of the tent. Only difference in mine is sides are fixed, but that can all be changed

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/wedge-camper.741268/#post-26426619

 

Nice build but I'll have to pass. I'm starting this project mainly for the fact that I get to build it myself lol.
Any reason you're selling yours?

 

I injured myself and had surgery and have a 6 month recovery time. So not only will I not be able to finish, I won't be a le to use it. Tore my right pectoral tendon.

 

I do, however everything is based off the Colorado platform so I'm not sure how much help it'll be for a Tacoma. All the dimensions are straight off the Goose Gear site though, I just changed the height to be able to sit a board flush on top of the bed rails. With the Tacoma you guys have the factory rail that would be a fantastic place to bolt things to.

 

There's a guy on Craigslist selling new and used 8020 15 series and 1530 etc. I used 1530 for top and bottom. Still 6 in total. Pretty cheap

 

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/mat/d/hermosa-beach-aluminum-extrusion-slot/7402160534.html

 

You're the mvp man! thanks for sending me this

 

Absolutely. Sometimes he's hard to get ahold of, but he always gets new and used 8020 in. Various models. I used silver that had holes in it, but plugged them. Minor holes for mounting etc. He has new and used stuff. Up to 10ft I think.

 

What trim are you guys using for the alupanel?

 

How the hell did you do that? Speedy recovery!

 

I am looking to part ways with my completed build if anyone on the east coast is interested in buying it. It has solar installed which I would be willing to part with as well. I will be driving down the east coast from Pennsylvania to South Carolina over Thanksgiving break. I haven't decided on a price yet.

 

$140 TRIM-LOK - 150B2X3/16-100 Trim-Lok Edge Trim – Fits 3/16” Edge, 17/32” Leg Length, 100’ Length, Black, Pebble Texture – Flexible PVC Edge Protector for Sharp/Rough Surfaces, Easy to Install

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NL3ZSPK?_encoding=UTF8

 

Has anyone tried to beadroll the alupanel? I am not familiar with it, and just curious if that could be used to add rigidity?

 

Not sure that would work with the thickness of the panel. If it was an aluminum sheet then yes you could do that.

 

Agreed, because the inside is plastic and the outside is very thin aluminum skin it would likely not work.

 

For those of us experiencing leaks coming in through the bolts and other areas, I'm going to experiment with printing these and sealing them with silicone.

 

What size bed do you have?

 

Did a test run this morning of a 270 awning I've been working on, specifically made to fit this camper. It's based off of Overland Under Budget's how-to (which is based off a Kinsmen). I came up with a mounting bracket for the 8020, and modified the overall size and main pivot bracket (he uses a 8x10 tarp, I'm using a 10x12 shade). I also used different hardware and bushing. All-in is about $330. If anyone is interested, I can start a new thread and share the files for free, as well as material list. I modeled it in Rhino, but I can export to other formats. I got all the parts laser cut and welded them up myself. Still need to sew the shade to it's final dimensions, but I designed it to use a 12'x10' shade. I used a backpacking tarp, but any other 12x10 material would work. Lowest point of the truss arms is 6' 4".

Here are some initial fit-test pics.

 

100% yes please!!!

I was planning on doing the same thing, based off the bush company 270 awning that a friend has. I have measurements and everything too, I'm planning on making it from aluminum and using the extra fabric I ordered with the tent.