How to: DIY Wedge Camper

12k for a super pacific camper. Wow... I'll spend more time and effort to make a Ripcord DIY Camper better. I do like the SP doors and how they integrated a lip around the opening to deal with leaky gaskets. but this would involve having to mold and fiberglass custom doors. IF it means saving 8k on a camper, watch me do it.

 

Damn I should have gotten in their first batch, it was less than 7k if I remember correctly! Amazing super pacific skyrocketed that much.

It’s a quality build built damn!

 

Yeah, that's where I'm at. I'll spend the money to make mine better lol. More fun that way too, as much as I bitch about shit being wrong with mine.

Also this thread makes it more fun too. Since everyone is DIY, from different backgrounds, we all try different stuff and see what works best, then share. That's super cool in my mind

 

Almost done

 

More progress. How is everyone handling the corners with the tent.

 

@2ski4life7 Ordered some awning track from sailrite. Cut them to size and slipped them in between the screws and L-brackets. If you do this, be careful not to fully unscrew the screws from the T-nuts because its a pain to screw them back. Also, I only did this for the upper corners and front upper corners of the tent. Still figuring out the bottom corners.

 

I believe @CayucosTacoma 3D printed a bracket that goes in the corner

 

I need that 3D bracket!! I drove through some heavy rain for multiple hours and water started to leak through the front corners where the bulb seal doesn't reach. So much water was going through, it was dripping off the sleeping platform into the bed...

 

If @CayucosTacoma is willing to share the files, I'd be willing to print and ship them to people at cost. Likely <$10 a set with shipping.

I've gained a ton of knowledge from this thread, it would be cool to give something back.

 

Im interested depending on what it is. I don't have an issue when its closed. But when it's opened the corners have really way to keep from water getting in.

 

I redid the front and rear seals to wrap around the corners. So far in daily Florida monsoons it’s working well

 

I started making the 4.5 gussets. Hopefully they turn out.




What bulb seals do you guys ended up using for the door panels? I was planning on getting the one that Ripcord suggests in his list that's 9/16" tall single bulb but I remember reading some people having issues with water intrusion...

 

I think this depends a little on how good your frame was built . My angles weren't perfect meaning the top has a little more distance than the bottom from the panels but having too large a gasket may prevent the lock from latching onto the square tube.

I bought the 9/16" tall and am using some rubber gasket to put on the frame near the top where I have slight air gaps. Seems to be working good so far. I tried to make it so it wasn't so obvious. I didn't make my setup exactly like Ripcords so that maybe playing into some slight issues.

 

I’m using the same seal Ripcord mentioned and I’ve driving through our daily Florida monsoons without much water intrusion. Still need to seal up the hinge area better but the bed isn’t any more wet than a Leer or ARE shell.

 

Do you mind sharing a photo of how you did this?

 

That would be really awesome man!!! I would gladly take you up on that

I owe so many people in the same way. I need to post a quick summary of things that really helped me so far. I am making a YT video that should really help people conceptualize some techniques for welding and sealing-- everyone has different tools so it is really about applying ideas with what you have!
Haven't done the tent or anything yet, just the frame and doors!

 

ok, I'm getting near completion of the wedge/RTT project. Question: how did y'all attach the elastic cord that wraps around the tent fabric (to help pull it inward when closing the wedge). Thanks!!

 

i just pulled it around the canvas and zip tied the two ends together, but it isn’t physically connected to the tent so I can remove it whenever I want

 

For the third brake light, what wire is everyone using to tap into the tail light? The light in @Ripcord design has 22 gauge, and the tail lights use 14-18ish. I'm planning on fishing mine through the spaceframe tubing and popping out and back in at the top of the bed near the tail light assembly. Anyone found something nice looking, like fabric/cloth sheathed?

 

I see you have a second gen. I ordered from this member a harness(no cutting/splicing) for my 3rd gen. Here is his second gen link.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2nd-gen-brake-plug-and-play-brake-tap.713255/

I then plan to use 16 gauge to the light using weatherproof quick disconnects. I bet you could get him to build you a custom harness with sheaths etc. I just decided to do it myself as I don't have the lengths I need yet. But the plug n play harness is not a bad price and keeps it OEM. He can do the customs as well if you need.