Camper shell build with pop-up sleeping platform

So it started with the idea of wanting to build a teardrop trailer out of insulation foam board. lots of long nights staring at my computer I came upon a link of a camper shell build with a sleeping platform. Much like all the fancy builds like GFC, or Ali-cab. However this was done with a steel frame and plywood.

With zero experience on welding, I was back at looking at building a teardrop. I even thought about trying out the foamie technics on the camper shell build with wood. That quickly ended with a quick experiment with the insulation board. Luckily I found a local guy here in Central Oregon that was selling an aluminum custom made rack. So decided to give him a call and asked him about getting a custom frame built. After meeting and talking about my idea, he was beyond excited as he has been wanting to build a camper.

The frame was pretty basic. A very boxy style frame made out of square tubing and adding rectangular tubing where needed. The walls I used OSB sheets. At first I was worried about water damage. That’s when lots of time on the computer I came across an old technique used by boat makes. They would clue on a canvas to the wood making it water resistant.

The inspiration



The frame fully done



Getting measurements and cutting out the walls


Trying out the canvas technique




Currently waiting on glue to dry before I sand and do my last layer of glue. Then will be ready to paint and add the top along with the gas struts and hinges.

 

Subbed. I’m looking forward for progress and end result.

 

Looking pretty good.

 

Got some progress today. Was able to finish last coat of paint and attach the L flashing.

 

Testing out the gas struts.

Wanted to put them on the outside for simplicity. The wife convinced me to mount them on the inside. Due to the angle they were mounted the lid wouldn’t shut all the way. So ended snapping a mount. Waiting on a new set.

 

Subbbbed! Very cool

 

Decided to repaint the camper. The flat black looked more like a chalkboard every time it got dirty or we touched it. So went with a grey. Also added the decal.

 

Did you use muslin as your canvas?

 

Bought the canvas from Harbor Freight. It’s just a cotton painters canvas.

 

Gotcha. Looks kinda like muslin. I work in the movie industry and when we make ceiling pieces for sets we skin them with a fabric called muslin and paint them. When you set them in above the set you can’t tell that it’s fabric. Ends up looking exactly like painted drywall haha

Love the camper man! Looks awesome!

 

Hopefully the link works!

Installed the new struts

https://youtu.be/0kJqWw1iRTE

 

Did a test run on the camper.
We still have some adjustments to do on the tent portion. Overall very satisfied with the outcome. Will try to get some more photos uploaded later.

 

@CalTacoma09