How to: DIY Wedge Camper

@PlumpPossum

 

do you got some pictures of how you waterproofed the doors? I have some leaks coming in from where my hinges are, and havent found a good way to keep the water out...

 

Do you mean the main hinges on the 8020 frame? If so the only thing I did was put the bulb seal on the bottom part of the frame, not the part that lifts up. Not sure where others put their bulb seal but I figured it would be harder for water to climb over that seal than under it. I do live in a very wet state so I plan to put a strip of rubber over the front, covering the hinges and gap between the top and bottom frame. Figured I'd just find a 4in wide strip of rubber and use washers and bolts, just haven't gotten to it yet. I can take pictures of whatever you want to see, just let me know what you're looking for.

 

We linked up a few times for wheeling/camping, that's about it. Cool guy!

 

Forgot to update with camp picture. Here’s a couple, including tonight’s spot

 

Where can I pre order one of these BABBYSS!!!?!!

 

lol, you have to make it

 

Gofastcampers.com

 

https://www.superpacificusa.com/

they seem to have an interesting combo of vagabond gfc and DIY

 

Many, many thanks to this thread and I feel like I owe you all something. This is what I did for the last 4 months with $4k to keep from going crazy. Just returned from a 1800 mile 2 week CA coast trip and it was all amazing!

Will do my best to add more pics.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/composite-80-20-wedge-camper-build.681480/

 

Holy windows, Batman.

very nice!

 

For those who went with the 4.5 tall 80/20. Any advice on cutting and drilling the outside connecting corners? Also, did y'all loctite your bolts before final assembly?

 

I loctited all of mine. They didn't budge after 3200 miles. Better safe than sorry.

 

If it’s not too late I sealed all the seams on mine and no leaks yet. I used Gear Aid seam grip wp brushable sealer. Lasts a long time and way more durable than tape imo. It’s what MSR uses on all their tents and I also use it for wader repairs.

 

I did some more digging on backpacking light and came to the same conclusion.

I read about everyone using seam grip WP and had an oh duh moment. I use it all the time to fix gear - some of my ski pants are more seam grip than fabric at this point. Planning to use seam grip diluted with toluene and just brush it on the seams like I would any other tent.

 

This took some skill. Well done

 

@Ripcord two quick questions for you. What is the part # for the seal/gasket you installed in the 80/20 channel up front? Also, where all did you use the 5537T871 gasket? Looked through the photos (super duper helpful) and only saw it in a few shots. Getting ready to install all everything for the last time and want to make sure I have everything covered.

Thanks!

 

That gasket gets used between the roof and extrusion as well as floor and extrusion

 

I bought those gaskets but didn't like having breaks in them. Instead of using them I used RTV silicone between the panels and frame. Have yet to have a leak.

 

I feel like I’m going to have to build one of these because a LEER shell is at least $25-3000 and then I’d still need to make the wedge tent portion. or just rock it as is forever. I need to research more on the GFC version. I like how you can move the bed out of the way But maybe not really needed for me.

wonder if there’s a way to build it so I can remove the tent while not in use but still have a water tight bed shell.