North American Sojourner Build and Photography

Thanks man. I wish I could afford a four wheel camper. Those things rock. Good luck, and be safe.
Zim

 

I think I have 12-15 hundred in this one, but it's going to be there until the end of the earth, or me...lol. And..I can put anything I want on top without breaking it. This thing is stout..Thanks sir.
Zim

 

How far off from Ripcords space frame is yours? Also id love to see more photos of how you made the corners and fastened the aluminum.

I’m in Florida so I may need to do something about water proofing

 

Way off. I'm a whole different world as I wanted 4 doors.


This is as close as it gets. 1x1 tube with alum sheet over cork gasket.



And I have some leaks. I will disassemble this winter and finish some welds, and seal it. I really never thought I could get this waterproof. I just don't have the machinery to do it. This was built with simple hand tools, and a home made sheet metal brake.
Zim
Zim

 

Looks pretty darn good.


I’d probably go with a butyl type of seal on anything that doesn’t move.

 

Great build! Definitely inspiring.

 

Thank you. Money for a fiberglass shell inspired me...lol. Thanks again.
Zim

 

That box looks good! .060" aluminum is some pretty tough shit, especially if it's 2024 or the like. It's nice to see some well executed craftsmanship on here. 20 year A&P here.

Those rivets look like hollow aluminum, is that true? Any issues with loosening? If the frame doesn't flex I would assume they are up to the task of holding the panels down, just asking because they would save a significant amount of $ over a structural shear blind fastener like a cherry-lok on some in bed boxes I have an idea for with a similar panel on frame kind of design.

Do you have any regrets or want to make any changes to your ICC? I am contemplating various locations for a radio, including a remote setup with all the controls on the mic unit so I can hide the receiver/amp box but have no clear ideas in mind yet. Thanks for any insight and for sharing your projects.

 

Got tired of the tarp poles rolling around. Made some brackets, done...lol
Zim

 

Nice build. Do you know what the weight is?

 

No I sure don't. The frame was steel and weighed 70 I think. The shell is aluminum so probably another 125. Add the control center and battery I imagine 300. It's not fiberglass...lol
Thank you Sir.
Zim

 

Not bad. I have about 550# in my bed. Yours will last far longer than a fiberglass shell. Plus you can easily add and make changes to it.

 

What I really wanted was a rig like https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/andrwoos-nuclear-build.663699/
I think this rocks and you can see why. Thanks for the kind words.
Zim

 

That is a well thought out rig. Probably not his first rig build.
In time yours will be there too.

 

This is a major pic download. Descriptions to follow as I get some time.

The best way to explain this set of pics is to mention the onboard air system. I wanted to put in some interior lights, and switches to operate the compressor, both in and out of the truck. I also installed a solar panel, controller and wired the whole thing together. I'll add more as I can.
Zim

 

Will start on the onboard air system tomorrow. Going to be fun.
Zim

 

Excellent work!
Your build makes my cap look very inadequate.

 

Nooooo Sir. LOL. We're all putting together what we can and we're proud and broke...LMAO. You've got a outstanding rig. Wear that thing out, and go buy another. That's what I'm going to do, and I'm having fun doing it. Thank you for your comment. It means a lot to this old salt.
Zim

 

You're right of course. I have gotten it exactly how I've always wanted it, but since then, (6 months ago), i've learned that there is so many more options that i didn't know about. This path to truck mod enlightenment is fun though.

 

I follow this guy on YT. He wrapped his 250 the same color as your truck and the 79 Toyota truck???? It turned out nice. Love that color and almost bought one myself.
Zim
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWyQBbM5tWI&t=736s