How to: DIY Wedge Camper

Finally got it on the truck!

 

This is the first version of how I held the bed platform in place up front. It basically is just sitting in an aluminum U channel/L angle setup with the gas struts pushing it firmly in there (lower pic) and disconnected and pulled back a bit (upper pic). It only pivots about 40 deg so this works ok for now. I want to create something a bit more robust later that will be a two long hinges fixed to the black lower cross beam and bed platform which is a few inches back from the very front. I am taking all this apart and applying sealant this winter (I never sealed it when I built it).

 

I ordered 6 at one time from SouthCo and they all came keyed alike.

 

beautiful man. I want to do this so bad, just dont have the garage space to really do any of it.

 

I wussed out on the new truck build, I just bought one. Wanted some more space than the taco. Fitting 37s with no trimming is nice as well! I learned a whole bunch building the first one and was super thankful for this thread! Luckily the taco is still in the family and I have visitation rights.

 

@Pickup90 if there's ever a second time around for me, I'm getting a super pacific lol. Nice rigs btw

 

I have a level similar to what you posted. You can generally see/feel how level your are then I hop out and refine.

Your post has inspired me to hunt for something wireless - maybe bluetooth or something so you can check it from your phone while in the driver's seat.

 

Simple hinges attached to the space frame with rivets. The weight of the platform is held up by angle inside the frame for when you're sleeping.

 

This is one of the best I’ve seen. Such an inspiration as well great job man! I am thinking about doing this for my Sequoia but making it an enclosed piece without the truck camper obviously. I search the 8020 website and thinking I could use the ready frame tubing for the base instead of the honeycomb aluminum and it would bolt direct to the extrusions. I’ve been chewing on how to do the bottom and that seems like a good method, any thoughts are appreciated.

 

We'll be looking forward to your status report on the inverted hinge method, after some field testing and rain.

 

Are you talking about the table? I have a rain gutter for the top, as well as weather sealing that seals it right up..

 

After adding 4.5 rail for more space to close up my bedding and add some roof insulation, I've ran into some water issues... sweet. So I've broken it down and started repainting, I'll start posting progress photos once I have some, just grinding off all the old paint now. Since there are so many joints it will still be tough to get complete water seal. Here's my current plan for waterproofing/rebuild if anyone sees anything to add or maybe it will also help someone get the juices flowing. I've had it for a year and took some short cuts, so no more messing around.

A big question I could use some help is sealing the wedge when it's closed. I used the push it bulb seal which worked as well blind seeing eye dog. I then used this https://www.mcmaster.com/93085K365/ it works for water and dust, but it makes the wedge close at angle, and I have to adjust where the rain skirt is on the end so it actually repels rain... Not the end of the world but my OCD doesn't approve. Any thoughts/suggestions would be appreciated

1. For all the Frame to extrusion, extrusion to alupanel, and extrusion to extrusion connections, I've decided to go with running 2 strips of butyl tape along the whole connection. Then use silicon to seal all connections inside and out.
2. Grind down the corners of the internal and external connectors so I can use silicon to seal the interior and exterior 90 degree joins.
3. At the end of each rail behind the external connectors, use a piece of gorilla water tape to combat water getting into the extrusion channels.
4. For the hinges, copy your method using some of vinyl tent to gorilla glue to my continuous gear hinges. I have to use spacers so it doesn't hit my extrusions, also will use silicon on those connections.
5. Did I mention using silicon to seal everything yet?
6. Position rain skirt higher on tent.
7. When reconstructing my frame, I am done fighting the nots seizing up and I'll have to do a lot alone which means I invested in some of these bad boys https://www.mcmaster.com/47065T229/
8. I've also decided to go with a more fun paint scheme since my old one was real boring.

if you read this far... thanks.

 

T-Nutz sells those roll-in spring leaf nuts for way cheaper. I’ve been using them for my exterior mounted accessories.

https://www.tnutz.com/product/dl-015/

 

What has everyone been doing to insulate the bed?

 

Diesel heater with quick connects to the camper, no insulation needed

 

I’ll second a diesel heater. I used a 5kw which was too much in a rtt. But the 2kw will be built into the side of the bed.

 

Is that a dust collector disconnect? Do you have a cap for if when not in use?

 

It's actually a 3" RV black water flange and cap. Seals super tight. Used black silicon to seal it against the panel.

$8 Valterra T1009 Flanged Valve Fitting - 3" Bayonet Flange , Black

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006MRRHQ?_encoding=UTF8

 

Got a Bed Rug. Sooo nice to walk around/crawl on, and it insulates the floor a bit.

 

Is your camper sealed fairly well? I've been debating doing this route but since living in the PNW, I still get a little bit of water intrusion when it pours for hours straight.