North American Sojourner Build and Photography

Good stuff right here now. I've built this thing with simple tools, nothing real expensive. There is so much information out there and youtube is a really good source too. You can do anything, at least I believe. I used Metal Supermarkets and they are very helpful. Good luck and if you have some questions, shoot them to me.
Zim

 

I was never afraid to try it, just afraid to invest in a welder and didnt(still dont) have the space to store and use one. I was raised working with wood and power tools working with my mom from a young age. Then learned about cars after I got my first one and could start working on it. Did my first engine swap with minimal tools/knowledge when I was 18/19 after either blowing or hydrolocking it. I cant remember which it was since it was alkmost 20yrs ago. The biggest thing about learning about how to weld that I read was it didnt matter how much you read or watch online. Until you put a welder in your hand and start using it you havent really started learning. After starting I can fully see what everyone meant by statements like that and its been a fun journey so far that I am looking forward to see what I can do with it.

I agree, theres so much information online its not that hard to learn to do something new. All it takes it a desire and willingness to learn/teach your self and its very helpful to find a place(like TW and other sites) that you can get input and help from others if you arent sure how to improve. I watched a ton of videos before I ever tried to put down my first bead. My welds are ugly but with grinding and enough clean up it can look good. I will continue to get better with more practice. I'm hoping that maybe this winter I'll be ready to start on some sort of topper/wedge camper build. Reading threads like this and learning the skills to weld really encourage me to start a project like this.

 

Zim, what's your rate? You fabricate like a sober Airframer. Looks great!

 

I was a "DM" for 17 years, crossrated to a PN to retire at high three. I spent thousands of hours down in weld shop, sheet metal shop, machine shop....lmao.....I was on the same tender twice for a total of 8 years. They never had enough work for me, so I hung out with the snipes...LOL.
Zim

 

Well that explains your markings. Your work does look really really good. I’ve been P-3s for fifteen years. All my boat time consists of riding the Guantanamo Bay ferry twice in each direction haha.

 

Thank you sir. I had some really good mentors and paid attention. Even today, when some of these older folks speak, I'm all ears.
Thanks again, and yeah, I rode a boat to work every day for 8 years, rain, snow, tornado and hurricane. lol.
Zim

 

I've been wanting to do something similar to this since I no longer have my table on the rear bumper swing arm. Do you have any photos of how it is actually attached? Very slick setup.

 

I'm sorry but I didn't see you quote. Thanks very much for the comments. I agree with you on the fab stuff. Even if you have to buy the base, and build or modify from there, you're way ahead of the game. I'm a believer of "yeah, I built that"...lol. Thanks again Sir, I appreciate that. Oh, and your truck rocks man...
Zim

 

Yeah I took off the panel and bolted a piece of flat bar across the void, welded a bolt to the middle, and put a hole in the panel. You could probably use double nuts on the bolt if you did not have a welder.
Thanks
Zim

EDIT. I have to tell you I'm not a fan of the kitchen permanently mounted to the tailgate. It's very hard to get things in and out. I think I'll change the permanent bolt into a threaded deal. I'll have to tap the hold on the bracket to fix that.
Z

 

Thanks for the photo, I'll have to give this some thought.

 

Love your avatar too. I just got the Smokey the Bear "Only you" patch. Lol
Zim

 

Adding some charging stations to the front driver door.
Zim

 

I like the rear door, but as stupid does, I mounted the latches too low, and now I can't put on the edge molding across the bottom. I'll fix that later, not a big deal.
Zim

 

Also branded the thing...and me too I guess.
Lol
Zim

 

Nice topper. Looks like you caught a tree? The top corner next to the cab.

 

No lol. That's a over excited welding clamp that was....over excited. LMAO. I don't have a sheet metal brake that is 6 or 8 ft. so I had to pull the corners in a little. Just too much pressure. I'd change the design on the next one to fix that issue. Thank you Sir.
Zim

 

I've had my eye on your camper for a while now. I'm still not sure where I'm going after this. Whether to buy, or build is the question. Not a lot of fight left this year for this 63yo. Lol. Thanks for the kind words and we'll keep watching your adventures. They're amazing.
Zim

 

This is where I would love to go, to help folks learn or relearn the skills to build this gear. Most of the folks on this forum are spending huge money for things they could do themselves. It's sad the trades are going away. I hope my builds continue to inspire others like yourself to get going and jump in. Good luck and if you have questions, fire away.
Zim

 

Basically, Ive got a DCSB which is bad ass BUT theres one thing Ive been bangin my head with and its; what to do about making a comfortable sleeping arrangement back there (w/o stressing over a major monthly loan payment)? Ive sketched up a design where my sleeping platform would sit even with the top of the bed rails w/ a 4-5 inch overhang on either side and was wanting to get a few quotes on build price... (the reason for the post). Beside this idea Im considering a used FWC/ATC or other aluminum framed slide in or a wedge style topper for my 5' bed... My brain started working last night and I found the thread I was looking for!

I checked out your build thread and ALLS I can say is much RESPECT for your abilities Sir and Awesome work!

 

This is exactly what I want to build. I want a RTT like Ripcord’s but I also don’t want it to live on there 24/7.

that and a bed topper cost like 2k. I’ll just make one!