Sweet camper pod you built Matt. For sure, lighter built onto the frame... Ideas: On my 4x6 cargo conversion, I skipped the vent. AC and screened windows are fine. My auto roof rack doubles as awning mount and carries solar panels, etc. Square front deck and rear hitch for 2x4 rack are room for toys, generator, fuel/water tanks, etc. Marine battery/inverter carries the 5K BTU window AC all night. also carries induction cooktop, elec heat, AM/FM-CD/DVD and TV. = 1200 lbs. With 200cc scooter, generator, fuel and water = 1600 lbs. I avg 24mpg towing with a Scion XD standard transmission.
Very interesting trailer!!! Well done. I found this as I had the idea of building something like this for my 18 ft flat bed trailer. One thing.....My trailer requires trailer tires that have a 60 lbs inflation......vehicle tires are very different. I''d double check before ditching the trailer spare. THANKS!
I have really enjoyed your camper build videos. I like your honesty on what you would change.. Here is a suggestion for the fan situation. rather than puting the big hole in the roof for your fan you could mount one or two small ones through the back and use computer fans. they are quiet and do move a remarkable amount of air. I am going to share these vids with my son and a few other family members. Thank you, God bless you and your family.
I wouldn't change ANYTHING ! You built it to last and the on and off the trailer requires that . I'd feel quite safe in bear/cougar country in it ! Great job ! One day I'm gonna build one exactly like yours even painting it orange . kudos !
Nice job on your pod I’m looking to build one for me and my wife to do a little traveling. We are getting close to retirement. I be retired and soon the Mrs. and I look at many designs but you gave me a few tips and I will incorporate them in my build.
If the lights are LED you can line the covers with tissue paper, stacked to get the diffusion you need. Colored tissue paper could be used, pastel yellow maybe? The color could be changed at anytime to get them just the way you want.
I CAN'T AFFORD THE GAS ANYMORE. I'M JUST USING A TENT. THE MONEY I SAVE ON GAS, I SPOIL MYSELF WITH A NICE MOTEL, WITH A POOL. SAUNA. SHOWER. A THROW UP TENT. SAVING FOR A BLOW TENT. WON'T BE LONG NOW... NICE CAMPER. I WAS THINKING ON THE INNER TUB IDEA... CHEERS.OZE JOHN😃
I have drawn up an aluminum frame plan, deciding on 2" or 3" square-tube-stock; the superstructure will be 1" sts. I am waffling on black ABS haircell, HDPE, or simple aluminum sheet as the skin. One inch solid insulation and most likely HDPE or 1/4" Baltic plywood for a warmer interior. A simple welded aluminum skin, and no leaks, no problems. Weight is a huge consideration for me, as a 2dr Jeep has a 2000# tow capacity. I am trying to stay in the 1100# range so that we can load up plenty of gear. I am a camper, I love tenting but my wife doesn't. She wants comfort, warmth, and something a bit more bear-proof than a tent. I really dislike RV trailers....that isn't camping. I lost my right leg too, so crawling around on the ground isn't happening any more. No gas, no built in power, just a solid battery pack with solar and various 12v accessories. I love your video, it helps out with design plans and lastminute changes, and shows that while our DIY trailers aren't bullet-proof Aussie or Canadian expedition trailers, they also aren't the same price as a small plane. Thanks buddy!
Glad the video helped. I am starting to get an itch to build another one, lighter and smaller but same concept. We’ve been happy with this arrangement so far. Awnings are Smittybuilt. Thanks for watching and good luck with your build!
I put probably way more than I needed, mainly because they’re cheap and easy fasteners to install. I put pocket holes and screws every 6” and glued each joint with wood glue. This camper is solid as a rock but heavier than it could be.
Hind sight is 20/20 on nearly all my projects. That's a great functional camper and you did a great job on the build. One thing to consider might be coating all the plywood with a fiberglass epoxy ( either with or without the fiberglass). That will seal the wood so that no moisture ever tried to escape the wood and delaminate the raptor liner. I experimented with bed liner many years ago coating plywood for hunting stands. over time ( a year or two) the liner tried to bubble off.
Did you use any special primer or anything before the bed liner? I was planning on doing pmf but like the idea of bed liner. Just worried about it holding up over time.
Thanks Steve. The doors and windows including that rear galley door came from vintage technologies. They sell camper doors and accessories. Enjoy the entire build on the channel and thanks for watching.
I don’t recall the amount but it is in the video I did when putting on the raptor liner. Look it up in the playlist for the build. You buy the liner as a “system” with chemicals to mix and an option is to buy tint packets. Red, white, black, blue, orange, etc…. Goes in nice and works good.
