How to: DIY Wedge Camper

I've seen a few build a square frame, it will work but in my opinion it looks off and a little low budget.

wind resistance isnt going to matter, you're going to take a hit with the wedge tent overhang on the cab.

 

Overall a nice aesthetic. I'm so curious how they're addressing waterproofing, with all the external t-slot joints. Hinge looks good, and the flush panels are a nice detail.

 

@davzx yes it looks pretty robust. Probably alot of calking sealant. A plus on using extrusion as the frame would be endless attachment points with t slots.

 

How i did my curtains. Made small L brackets for the paracord sliders. Used some round bar, pounded the ends and drilled out the eyelets. I chose the wrong fabric but it will work for now. Cotton twill is a little to stiff.

 

Just ordered otterex fabric and all the other materials. Kinda nervous, but like others have said in replies to my post, its not worth paying $1000+ for a canvas and awning company to make when the materials are roughly $200.

If anyone has some close up images of their zipper and mesh junction for windows that would really help me out visually to see how its set up.

 

I'm not ready to post my pics yet. However I suggest looking closely at ALL the photos (and descriptions) Ripcord posted here and in his photo album, plus watch the 20+ videos Sailright has on their Youtube channel abot how to pattern, sew zippers, etc etc. I chickened out and avoided doing a curved window, and also avoided a 2nd zippered door (mesh). Lots of hems. Lots of basting tape. Lots of sewing. Take your time measuring and drawing your pattern on the fabric. Measure 3 times, cut once. I'm probably 15+ hours of labor into the tent project so far. 2 or 3 more to go. Good luck!

 

Thanks, Yeah ive done all of he reading in this thread. When you mention "ALL the photos (and descriptions) Ripcord posted here and in his photo album" do you just mean his photos on TW, or is there another album with more images?

Also.. yeah I'm staying away from curved zippers. And the only window with a mesh zipper and canvas zipper will be the back side. Im going into this knowing that it its going to take a little effort, but also wanting to learn. Also I can sew a V1 and if there are flaws to fix, I would rather make a V2 in the winter with more experience and after actually using it for a few trips.

 

He has this photo album as well: https://www.flickr.com/photos/149794382@N06/albums/72157706051859295

 

Thank you!
That is nice to have some more images to reference

 

nice build!
Can you provide more detail on how you attached the Prinsu roof rack? I'm pondering ways to attach load bars to the roof frame of my build... Thanks!

 

I’ve been looking at ARE and LEER commercial bed toppers and noticed the hinges they use are what we want and I think I found a source for them

https://www.custompickup.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=3418

they aren’t exactly cheap but, might be what we want. $92 each for 36”. there has to be a way to get longer hinges. I know tear drop camper people use hurricane hinges

I saw the same extruded aluminum hinges on golf carts at one of my resorts today. I need to see if the engineering Dept has a parts book for the carts since they maintain them



Ordered the remaining stuff needed for the tent portion. I ended up going with a Forest Green Ottertex with PVC backing since the PU backing didnt have green as an option.

 

Got my awning and roof rack on today

 

@jmartin2076 looks awesome! Who makes those roof rack brackets?

 

Had a buddy draw them up and cut them out.

 

Has anyone figured out a good way to make the doors quick release. That and overall strength/weight are making me think about selling and switching to a gfc. I love the dedicated sleep space but I love the bespoke parts and professionalism of the gfc on top of quickly removable doors that stay sealed well when out back on

 

I think once you get past a certain complexity the gfc is going to win in cost and headache compared to building your own. If you can handle the lead times then going that route is probably easiest and then you also have more universal parts able to be used.

In the end I’ve learned I pry should have gone that route. I’m still saving a couple thousand but it’s taken me a lot longer to make because I’d rather be doing stuff I enjoy like biking and skiing than working on a camper haha.

 

@bfaris1 if I had to do it over, I would build it again hahaha. I gained new skills in welding and sewing which I would have probably never done have I not gone the DIY route. not to mention the feeling of completing such a project........ although if I were to buy a production line wedge camper, I would choose super pacific. my buddy has one, its 10x better than GFC haha.

 

phenomenal build man, very impressive.

 

yeah I live in Portland and was considering super pacific before they went up to 12k…. And I’ve got mine built but just have a few things I’d love to figure out changing. I just like gfc asthetics and the durability for wheeling and what not. Super pacific definitely wins in overall functionality and features though

 

Yup, same here. I've learned so much about mine, mainly stuff that was done wrong or shotty. I plan to tear it completely apart and rebuild it in the next few months. Adding things like rubber washers for additional water proofing, and sealing the shit out of EVERYTHING.

Buddy of mine also got a Super Pacific, he got in on the first production discount, around $6-7k I think. The side is sooooo nice. I love it.