How to: DIY Wedge Camper

@CayucosTacoma what fan did you go with?

 

Maxxfan 4500K.
Adjustable fan speeds, remote control, dual lid lifters, thermostat and rain sensor.

Pretty good value for the dollar too.

 

Excellent thread....makes me want to learn to weld

 

so I took the camper out this weekend for the first time and I totally zoned out on a few things, mainly how to keep the rear door shut from the inside? what is everyone using/doing to keep the main good shut? I noticed that the shocks want to push on the door and open it...

 

I had to stop at this point because I ran out of 58 long bolts to assemble the extrusion. The bill of material lists 2 boxes but you really need 3 boxes. Wish I had caught that when ordering hardware.

also the bolts that fo through the floor for the center support “T” do not need to be counter sunk in my opinion. The button head style will so or the same rivets used for the side panels will suffice.

 

Updates:
It's Done, but probably never finished. Here are some Victory Shots.
Thoughts include:
Going with windows was A1 a killer move, visibility is not a problem, although if I did it again I think I would make the bulkhead window clear and not tinted. It's really dark looking through tinted truck glass and two pieces of tinted lexan, but it's good for privacy and security.
The hinges weep a little water, so far i've just leak tested it with the hose, during a washing. But nothing terrible.
I would / will add stiffener bridges around the latches to keep the lower panels from flexing around the latch points.
The Keder rail corners/edge on the bottom poked a hole in my foam air mattress when I was moving it around. (The rails corners were then filed down round, and the mattress patched. Learn from my experience)
I used condensation mat that came in a big sheet, and is cut to fit with scissors. It came from Amazon, is from a small business and was less expensive that trying to find a rooftop tent mat that was the right size. (Link at the bottom of the Post)
Powder Coated frame was also a good decision, really pleased.
The black panel in the floor is a drop I got from the sign fabricator shop, Its 50x26 and simply slides back and forth underneath the condensation mat, to keep the tent material up there. The corners are cut to match the profile of the corner brackets on the inside of the extrusion. So everything fits nice.

$120 Den-Dry RV and Boat Under Mattress pad - Queen

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BHJRDDG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8

 

Updates:
See Previous post about being done, but not finished.
I used an idea from @Vermont Taco , but instead of the jeep tie downs, I used stainless steel Pad Eyes. They are attached with rivets. Hopefully this lets me keep stuff sack items up and out of the way and just lets me use the bed for camp boxes and a cooler.

$19 Abimars Bimini Top Strap Pad Eye Footman Loop, 12PCS 316 Stainless Steel Footman's Loop for 1in or 1 1/2in Tie Down Strap, Kayak Deck Loops, Tie Down Anchor Point

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Y67X1H2?ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_product_details

 

Very cool! I might want to add windows to the bulkhead and rear panel after seeing yours

 

What ever you do, don't ask a buddy to lock the latches for you to keep it closed...

I was stuck in my wedge in the morning until someone else got up and could let me out

 

slow down SLOW DOWN taking notes here.....

I used a bungee cord to hold the rear panel shut, it worked ok for that weekend, but I dont think that its sustainable though.

 

I use a Bungie cord and it works great. Didn't want to get overly complicated. If someone/something wants to break in while I'm in there, well, that might not work out too great for them.

 

I believe I posted a few posts back, but all you need to do is move the mounting point of the rear door so that way the struts are perfectly in line with the door or just past (towards the cab of the truck). That will keep the rear door closed without any latches or anything.

 

Is that the edge bulb seal?
How well does it work?

 

Did you notice any leaks for the long hinges?

 

How many coats are people doing on the frame? I've done 2 coats, but seems like its not enough.....

 

Naw, thats just some edge trim.

I think I did like 4. Still really not enough, but that was rattle can. In hindsight, I would have probably been better off with something like steel-it paint or similar. I resorted to vinyl wrapping the surfaces exposed to wear

 

So i was using the calculator to see if 10 series would work over the 15 series? i would do 1x3 and 1x3...so same over all height? do you think it would work?

 

Here is the thing out in the wild, doing its thing

 

I did two coats of roll on primer and 3 coats of spray paint. I should have just done roll on since it’s more durable. But no real issues.