How to: DIY Wedge Camper

I think grommets would probably end up being cheaper, and as long as you have a good rain flap to move water to the outside of the extrusion it shouldn't perform any different. The only downside might be longevity. I personally keep my tent under a good amount of tension with the gas strut, grommets might risk pulling through over time.

 

I'm going to mull it over. I dont plan on keeping the tent super tensioned but I do like the simplicity of the grommets. we shall see?

 

I have the same fear of the adhesive failing over time. The fabric that I have coming isnt going to be the final product(throwing it in there just to get out and see if I can live with the wedge design.

Im gonna try the velcro and see what happens this summer. If it does fail then Ill switch over to keder when I sew up the final fabric.

 

Looks great! I noticed you are in Portland? (I'm in Hood River) Did you find your ACM panels locally? if so, WHERE? I'm (and another buddy) are having a very hard time getting 5x10 ACM in 6mm or 3mm.

 

I sewed a lot of velcro, The whole upper perimeter of mine has 2" velcro, so I can attach/detach the rainfly. The Tricky part is that the 'Hook' sections of velcro like to grab and tear the thread from the needle if the velcro is facing up. The Hook side, in my experience, needs to be facing down. In that scenario it doesn't tear the thread. Use plenty of basting tape before you sew as well, the velcro slips around a bunch if you don't

 

yup! I got them from Multi-craft plastics out in tigard, they even delivered them to the CNC shop for me

 

I was wondering if anyone knows where I can get my hands on hinges for the wedge aside from 8020? I placed an order a while back and forgot to get extra hinges..... I looked at T-nutz but I didn't find anything that would fit.

thanks folks!

 

@Ripcord Amazing stuff! This post inspired me to pull the trigger on long-awaited purchase. Just bought '15 Tacoma and looking to get this build before end of this year.

Quick question: Why did you not go with the punched square tube? Thought it helped reduce weight (or may be not if wall thickness is larger) and gives modular storage solutions.

 

Nice work OP!

 

https://www.redtailoverland.com/

You guys see this? wonder how much heavier a ripcord camper would be with solid side panels made from ACM instead of carbon fiber

 

I just saw it today! 20K though...

 

You looking for the hinges for the wedge? If so McMaster carr has them.

47065T348 is the black anodized.

 

Thanks the hot tip!

 

what spacing is everyone using for the keder rail bolts? Im assembling my extrusion this weekend so I want to make sure I add enough in before I bolt it all together

 

please Keep us posted on this!
Cutting a hole in the roof for a fan today but if this ends up being effective might do both!

 

Bulkhead is on and all extrusion is tapped. Once you have everything assembly seems to go quick. I’m still waiting to buy my latches. Torn between dropping $200 on real southco latches since the knock offs have questionable locking capabilities and build quality.

 

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https://www.redtailoverland.com/

That thing is really awesome and (respectfully) absurd. I used CFRP panels and if they were not free, no way in hell would I buy a panel like that for a tent/camper build. Carbon is totally unnecessary as a design choice unless the cosmetics sell it, which Red Tail seems to be counting on (btw, nobody in their right mind builds outdoor laminated products unpainted for the sun to eventually destroy the resin. There are no “UV proof” resins/coatings on the market. Sadly that thing will yellow/crack eventually all for the niftiness factor of seeing the costly woven fabric). But, positive vibes to them and good luck. Big ballz. G-Class drivers want a RTT too yea?!

 

Bought the Original SouthCo latches from them directly (so as not to get imitation junk). Very happy with them.

 

For anyone looking for a good way to mount lights...

 

Not sure what felt worse...
drilling a hole in the fender for a snorkel or cutting a 14x14” hole in the roof Lol.
Should fix all the condensation issues, hopefully.