Ripcord Camper on a Budget

Camper Build:


Link to Truck build

First off I want to preface this with going into this project I had very little to no fabrication skills. I took on the project as I met a Facebook group member with the upper tent already built and I purchased it from him.

Time Frame: Ripcord said it would take time. This is an understatement as he was able to utilize high level equipment that cuts many of the most time consuming parts down to no time. The total build took me around 3 months. I work 5 days a week and really was only able to work on it during the weekends. You could build it way faster if you were able to just take 2 or 3 weeks and dedicate it to just the camper and have all materials on hand. Covid also caused many challenges as parts took way longer to get to me.

Tools:
-Bandsaw
-Jigsaw
-Welder
-Grinder
-Rivet gun
-Drill bits: 3/16”, 5/16”
-5/16”-18 thread tap (spiral flute)
-3/16” allen wrench
These are literally all the tools that I used. This is what contributed to taking as long and having the camper be not quite perfect.

Frame:
For me this was the hardest part of the build as it turns out keeping a metal frame straight and square isn't as easy as it looks. With the help of a couple welders buddies we were able to put the frame together on a Saturday. I was going to build the wood jig and if I was going to do it again and wanted it perfect I would probably use the wood frame. However, it really wasn't very difficult once we figured out the measurements. I built the frame out of 1.5 inch square as this aligns the best with the upper t slot frame. We built the frame in 2 separate squares and then put it together into the square.

The Frame warped slightly when we began to weld it together so had to use some ratchet straps to straighten it out.


Spent a pretty good amount of time to get the frame built and square enough for my liking. Gave it a test fit to make sure it was going to fit my truck and prinsu how i wanted it.

The frame all completed took a couple weekends I decided that I didn't want to run a removable panel as I wanted the camper to be as quiet as I could make it. Didn't want there to be a bunch of panels bouncing around. I also decided that I didn't need to run as much support as I was trying to keep the weight down and the real reason i didn't want to go back to the steel yard hahah.


Making the sandwich:
Once I had the frame built and the wedge together the northwest became a factor. Ripcord used a cork seal going into the build i knew this wouldn't work in Washington with all the rain. I used silicon and a lot of it! This was a process as i roughly drilled the holes and didnt realize how precise they really needed to be to line up with the frame. After much trial and error got them all lined up and tightened up.



Canvas:
When I was actually planning the camper this was the step that scared me the most. I had no experience with fabric work and knew this was a step that I wasn't going to be able to tackle. I ended up finding a boat canvas guy here locally in Tacoma and had him make me the canvas. Im not counting this towards the final cost of the camper as if I was going to do this again i would borrow my sisters sowing machine and give it a go. It turned out really nice and it has the ability to come out for the wet Seattle winters to not get moldy or mildewy.


Side Panel:
This was part of the project that I put off for way tooo long as I knew it was just going to be tedious. It really wasnt too bad but just took way longer than I thought. Being a long bed the panels needed a lot additional support so ended using a lot more rivets than I thought i would ever use. Needed a battery powered pivet gun! Changed the entire look of the camper and really made it feel complete.




Money Talk:
All said and done the build cost me about $3250. If you compromised and didnt build the side doors you could do it for slightly less but this is about as cheap as I think you could make it with minimal tools and access to cnc equipment. I also spent more as I had the canvas made. I think i could have saved quite a bit if I would have made the canvas myself.

I wanted to get more photos but the campers finished and at the mechanics! will update soon!

 

Looks good. Nice start.
Zim

 

Thats's pretty cool. I think I'm going to end up doing similar to you with only 1 diagonal in the side area. It should be plenty adequate as it's mostly there for trammeling.

I too am thinking about having a local boat cover maker do my tent, what was the cost on yours?

 

@Dubiousveracity Yeah I use my truck but not to the point that I feel the need to brace it’s more. I was expecting it to be on the cheaper side but I spent about $1300. Like I said second time around I think I would give the canvas a go!

 

Want to sell?

 

Awesome build man!

 

Amazing work!