How to: DIY Wedge Camper

Thanks for the link! They would have what I want if I was going with 1530 (1.5"x3.0") extrusion for the lower frame, but ideally I'm aiming for 1545 (1.5"x4.5"), especially with the added length.

 

just curious why 10'

 

I'm 6'2". One thing I don't like about the GFC's or much on the market right now is the size, particularly the length. GFC=90" long, 100" is cool, 120" is even cooler IMO. I also want a larger space to get into the loft without sacrificing sleeping space length.

 

I vaguely recall that either Tnutz or Tslots sold 120" length, but they do not carry the lightweight 4.5" tall extrusions so you may have to do 2x 3" tall extrusions instead of the 4.5" + 1.5"

 

Since the upper frame is non-load-bearing and really only for the tent, I'm thinking upper 1515 extrusion and lower 1530, as that's essentially what you did, just a lighter upper frame. Thoughts?

 

that would be pretty thin inside the wedge at that point. May not have room for mattress + tent material when closing it

 

Hey ripcord— great build. Thank you so much for documenting it.

I am looking at ways I could trim some cost and as much as I love the aluminum extrusions and their functionality, they look like a potential point for cost savings.

Did you ever consider just using 1.5” x 3” steel of similar thickness to the frame for the bottom of the tent and cab over? Then you could replace the square tubing at the top of frame with the steel and extend it to cab over. Before I run numbers on the cost and weight of this, I figured I ask as it seems like something you would consider.

 

great build man

Was wondering, I really like these wedge campers but wondering you change the bottom sides for steel instead of the extruded bars, could you use a heavy duty slide to either extend the tent past the tail or extend it out of the side to make it longer or wider if needed? Have two kids and would like a larger bed when camping.

 

Brokering a deal on a welder with a friend of a friend with the intention of building a wedge within the next year. I’d be super interested in the plans when released!

 

Its open to interpretation of course, thats the fun part about DIY projects.

The majority of what I showed is designed around those extrusions though, so you'd have to adapt how you do most things like hinges, latches, seals, gas struts, roof/floor.

Moving/sliding sections introduce a new sealing challenge. But the sky's the limit on what features you want to add.

Other people with wedge campers and kids usually just set an area in the truck bed for them, or give them a ground tent. Those seem easier.

Stay tuned! V2 should be fully completed in the next week or so.

 

Finished the V2 canvas yesterday. The rest of V2 has been complete for a while and is already on the truck. Gonna install the canvas this week at some point then i'll update this thread!

 

Cant wait to see the pics.

 

@Ripcord any update on post update?

 

Yeah the weather has been shit for like 2 weeks so I haven't been able to take any good "complete" photos. But it's done. Will update the thread this coming weekend.

 

Alright folks, the thread is now updated for the V2 camper!

Check out Page 1!

 

This looks amazing man! Great job! Now I'm going to need you to make me one with the same red tent material

 

Im wet

 

That's taking DIY to the next level. Looks fantastic.

 

You have more DIY/handy talent than 95% of the people I know, you got this!

Thank you!