How to: DIY Wedge Camper

Look up P/N MS20257P (alum) or MS20257C (cres) piano hinges.

 

Thank you!

 

I just finished v2 of my canvas. There were a handful I things I really didn't like about the first one I made, and some things I wanted to add.

• I originally used a 200D Ottertex PU coated fabric but I decided I wanted something heavier, so went with 600D Ottertex waterproof canvas. This isn't quite blackout, but is much darker than the PU. The 600D doesn't flap in the wind quite as much as the 200D as well.

• I wanted to go with a different color. I like the tan tents a lot, and the gray I used on v1 cast a weird purple shade over everything inside - messed with me.

• The biggest issue I had with v1 was the way I did the zippers and doors. I was impatient the first time around and skipped a few steps, so my cut edges weren't finished well, and the zippers would get caught in the fabric ALL the time, along with the bug mesh - so often, that I couldn't even really use them. On v2 I took my time, used a ton of basting tape, and properly hemmed every edge. I also copied the windows of the Vagabond Drifter on this one. Side windows are tent material, clear window, then a fixed bug mesh. The rear window is just the tent and bug mesh, which both zip down. I opted to skip the waterproof zippers and make a zipper flap instead. In my opinion this looks much cleaner - hides the zippers - and is much cheaper, as I used standard coil zippers.

• I changed to a stiffer polyester no-see-um mesh instead of the nylon type that ripcord lists. The nylon is stretchy and as stated above, would get caught in my zippers all the time, and ended up tearing a couple holes in it.

Used the same fabric on my DIY 270 awning




One other thing I did recently was add a flip-down telescoping ladder to get up into the bed rather than a stool. Mostly for my son, but also nicer than having to pack a separate stool - it's always there. Got the idea from the Lone Peak camper - I used a 4-step marine ladder from

$42 DasMarine 4 Step Pontoon Boat Ladder, 316 Stainless Steel Telescoping Extendable Dock Ladder, 900 Pound Capacity Folding Dive Ladder for Marine Yacht/Swimming Pool (Standard Width, 4 Step)

amazon that I made some brackets for. My bed design is a little different, but seems like it would work on the original ripcord design as well, attaching to the fixed crossbar




Designed a two-piece bed mount as well - these are much more adjustable. Had them made at SendCutSend - happy to share the dxf if anyone is interested.

 

Hi I’m currently trying to find windows for the sides and rear door. Most stuff I found on Amazon requires over a 1” wall thickness to attach the trim piece. Anyone can point me the right direction?

 

Are you looking for operable windows specifically, or just glass?

If they don’t need to be operable, others have used acrylic sheets and this seal.

 

Added a Sherpa rack, mostly for a wind deflector for a long trip to explore Big Dune NV and ended up in the CA Sierras. Not really sure it made a MPG difference but plan on modifying and painting it soon. Still going strong!

 

Hello all! Looking for a bit of feedback on an idea. I wanted to build the entire ripcord camper, but I just had a huge unforeseen financial obligation hit the bank account. So, to cut cost, I figured I could build the spaceframe slightly modified to resemble the GFC platform topper and use my existing tent. I would like to incorporate an extrusion around the top of my space frame, again similar to the GFC topper. However, I would do two extrusion sections, connected with latches so that the entire top can lift off for those occasions I need to use my truck like a truck to carry taller items. For those that have build the camper, without the added weight of the tent on top, do you think the latches alone are enough to compress the bulb seals for weatherproofing? I apologize, I don't have a mock-up yet for clarity.

 

you can use c clamps to push the frame down on the seal and then tighten the bolts.
The space frame from ripcords design is actually much lighter then what it looks like

 

If I'm understanding you correctly, you'll have the spaceframe built with one section of extrusion on top of it, and a second extrusion would mount to your existing tent and the extrusions would then mate together using latches, compressing the push-in t-slot bulb seal between them?

Seems like it would work great, but I might use a few extra latches. I swapped for

6Pack Black Adjustable Latch Clamp, 4002 Latch-Style Toggle Clamp, Heavy Duty Pull Action Latch with Catch Plate, 550lbs Capacity Metal Quick Release Draw Latch for Jig Smoker Door Tool Boxes Trunk

these and love them - easy to dial in tension, come in 6-pack, and are waaaay cheaper than the jeep latches in ripcords parts list. Another alternative could be some quarter-turn draw latches like these like they use on dryboxes for rafts.

 

That is correct, I figure if I can't swing the entire camper setup for awhile, I might as well modify it a bit to get more use out of the bed of the truck. I'm liking those latches for sure, I'll probably go with that option, thanks for the suggestion!

 

What ideas have you all come up with to keep flying bugs out of the sleeping area? The access hole, removable platform, and lifting platform all leave lots of opportunities for bugs from the main canopy area to spend the night with you.

 

super magnets and some screens over the side doors, and a split screen alterted for the back...it worked well in the Yukon, and Alasaka.

 

Where did you get the little mesh pockets from?

 

$10 Cosmos Universal Mesh Cargo Net Wall Sticker Organizer Pouch Bag Storage Mesh Net for Car Trunk, Pack of 2 with Tape Stickers

Amazon - they work great.

 

Is anyone interested in buying some of the materials I bought for this build a while back? Will sell them at discounted price. Long story short, I was gonna build this with my dad. He had some health problems and can no longer help me. I have the 3 pieces of 100 inch 1.5x1.5 extruded t slot aluminum, 3 pieces of 100 inch 1.5x4.5 extruded t slot aluminum(can only get them in 89 inch on 80/20 now). I have everything from Mcmaster Carr for the build.(what was listed at the time, idk if it's still the same) and some of the Tnutz stuff. I will also throw in the "space frame" we made for free.(if my uncle still has it) Never got to see if it fit or worked. I am located in Salt lake city, Utah. Email me at : sorunwood@gmail.com for a full parts list or question. I will also try and look at this thread as often as possible. As far as price goes, make me an offer. I will probably take the highest offer after 2-3 weeks unless I like one before.

 

Figured I'd share my GFC fabric one more time now that it's listed. Would make the perfect tent fabric for this DIY tent if you don't want to sew your own. I was going to use it to build my own DIY tent but really need the cash instead.



https://www.ebay.com/itm/165876930640

 

Any idea how hard it would be to modify to work with ripcords shortbed plans?

 

Pretty much exactly the same as the ripcord plans other than the tent needing to be 90” long to work with the GFC dimensions instead of the 100” length in the ripcord plans.

 

Coming close to complete. First test fit on the bed.

 

Ooo shiny