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

Here's the sink drain solution. Used electrical tape to hopefully keep the clamps from cutting the funnel. I'm dubious that it won't slide off the sink at the top. I dont want to glue it there. We will see.

 

Made slider window covers. I want them to not be bulky and to fit close to the windows so they don't impinge on the interior space.

First, glued magnets around the window frames. Then held up some reflective vinyl and traced the outline. Then made a paper pattern and cut in vinyl and in fabric. Put washers around the border and bonded with spray glue. They look and fit pretty well. Might add edging later. If it gets super cold I can swap them so the reflective side faces the interior.7

The tall bay windows have no metal to glue to. Instead I will glue magnets to velcro around the windows. The back hatch window is a conundrum.

 

Ok I think I have a satisfactory solution to the gaps around the back hatch. First I glued up some t-profile pieces of foam to fit behind the hatch, with velcro to hold them to the carpet. Then I cut a second piece to fill / widen the profile of the shell where the hatch closes. You see none of this interferes with closing the tailgate, and the hatch closes over the outside piece forming something closer to a seal.

I can see now a single, more refined shape is possible. I will stick with this for a while before doing the final iteration.

 

My solution for keeping the hatch locked when I'm inside relies on 50 pound kevlar thread, stainless biners and pad eyes. Oh, and JB Weld epoxy.

First I epoxied pad eyes to the latches. Then I figured out an appropriate length for the tether on each side of the hatch (it is not symmetrical). I used the kevlar thread to knot up a customer tether for each side, on two stainless biners. The thread is 50 pound test per strand and is of course non-stretch. Finally I tested the position before epoxying the pad eyes on the side of the bed, to ensure I can clip and unclip the biner but it remains tight enough that the latch can't be opened when they are hooked.

I like this approach. It looks much prettier than other solutions I've seen, which all have looked pretty janky.

 

On the first major trip in the finished build! I am pleasantly surprised at how comfortable it is. Touches I especially appreciate are a rear curtain I sewed at the last-minute, yet more caulking around the rear hatch, smashing putty all along the shell on the right where I was getting some water coming in when driving in the rain, and having Ella's bed in reach of mine. I was able to pet her when a raccoon was outside to avoid a midnight barkfest, and she was able to lick my face when I slept too late.

The first iteration of inner tube around the pass through deflated, so I have replaced it with an inner tube coated inside with green puncture sealer. so far it's holding up.

The diesel heater has continued to give me grief. I brought an electric heater and most of my campsites will have power hookup.

 

Relaxing at the Bay of Fundy. Both of the attempts to use an inner tube to seal between the cab and camper failed after a few days. Now I'm trying cheap dollar store pool noodles, and if it works I will figure out how to make it permanent and prettier.

 

The pool noodles worked perfectly! 100% blockage of air, essentially perfect insulation from drafts, and they have stayed put without tape for days now and hundreds of miles of driving. Just shoved them in there! I added a USB fan to get heat from the diesel heater on my side to Ella's bed in the cab. I also hang a divider of reflective vinyl over the seats so she has a little sleeper car. The fridge also puts out a small amount of heat.

The diesel heater was needed a hose replaced that had made contact with the exhaust. I had brought spare and tools and replaced / rerouted it. Turns out the heater doest operate on a remote thermostat. You set it to a point above ambient, it runs until the internal thermostat reaches that, then it shuts off until restarted manually. And it throws massive heat. I have found I can set the temp a little above ambient, and run my ceiling fan to vent the excess heat, and only have to wake up a couple of times to restart it or turn it off. Not ideal, but we have stayed plenty warm so mission accomplished.

I have also added a 12 volt heated blanket, and am using that instead of the diesel heater when the temp is in high 40s and above, and using the diesel heater when we are cold and wet, and first thing in the morning, or to give Ella's space a boost as needed.

Also, using a CPAP, electric blanket, lights, electric grill at night and electric kettle in the morning I haven't come close to using my battery capacity.

Nova Scotia is amazing, the agate hunting is world class! My campsite on top of a bluff has an unbelievable view. The seafood is fantastic. Just a wonderful trip so far!

 

Good Day Willow,
Your build is looking awesome and has been a great source of ideas for mine.
I haven't been on TW in a few months now and wish to share some pictures
of my build that was inspires by yours.

 

a couple more pictures

 

@Redfox88 @TacomaWillow Your setups are great! would either of you mind sharing your dimensions for your bed setup? Trying to figure out how much space to designate to sleeping, thank you!

 

@TacomaWillow any new updates? How is your setup serving your needs?