Homemade truck camper

[cameracamel]

My 67 year old body cannot keep up with my 30 year old mind! It tells me so every time I try to pound tent stakes in during a rainstorm.
I am a retired poor man and cannot afford an expensive rig, besides, they do not make what I want for a Ford Ranger 6 cyl...so I made one.
I still need the 12v deep cycle battery, solar panel, and air shocks yet.

The rear of the roof hinges up, with side and rear inserts so I can stand up inside from the wheel wells back. I have $1500 into it so far. It is 6' wide, and 8' 9" long from the cab to the rear. The overhang is for clothing storage inside. What do you think?

[Bigdog57]

Welcome to the Campfire!
The camper looks good! I like the door - so many camper/TT doors are too small for me. I had to squeeze sideways into a buddy's 13' Scamp egg TT.
I have been gathering ideas for a utility trailer conversion, and will use a similar lift-up roof idea to proved clearence to load/unload a motorcycle in it.
The "Teardrop&TinyTrailer" forum gives me lots of ideas, like for light-weight construction. Some guys there are using a 1/8" plywood/foam sandwich panel system for the sides and roof. I want to keep weight to a minimum to tow behind my V6 minivan.
Will you have onboard water & gas, or just use camping stove and jugs?

[cameracamel]

Thanks, Big. Yes, I do not need all those fancy cabinets and hookups. I will use my good old Colman propane stove and coolers. I will install a couple 110v outlets for if I want them in a campground, but the 12v system will be fine for where I camp across the country. A port-a-potty for when I need it, and maybe a small 12v cooler for a few beverages, milk, lunchmeats, etc.
The framework is select pine, covered with luan which had 3 coats of primer-sealer and 2 coats of Behr high UV protection paint. 3/4" foam insulation between all the framework. Steel square tubing welded to the truck frame for floor support.
The flip top has a continuous piano hinge covered with rubber (cut bicycle tire tube), for weatherproofing... With the top up, I can stand up in it from the wheelwells back.

[ontariocamper]

That is such a nifty idea...........it is your own work, made as you want it.
If I were to do it, I would put in a power centre on one side.
A male 110v recessed prong that you could feed an extension cord into.

like this...

http://www.racingplus.com/img/Medium...-45662_618.jpg

On the inside of the camper you could run a few 110 outlets, but also feed this line into an inverter with a few 12vdc sockets.....like this

http://www.hondaofbournemouth.co.uk/..._DC_SOCKET.jpg

easier to wire this stuff in now, than think about it after and think "***** I shoulda......"

Maybe some 110 lights AND 12vdc lights........just ideas.

My other concern is weight......I had a 94 Ranger X-cab short box and if I stood on the back it would sink a bit but quite easily.
I was about 180 lbs........I think your cap is quite a bit heavier.
You may want to put SS wherever you can so as to avoid rust......exposed nuts/bolts......door latches etc.
Just my 2 cents though...
However......doing a great job...........post some pics of the INSIDE if you can.

[Yukon Jack]

Nothing like building it yourself to get something made the way you want.

[arturo7]

Nice rig. More pics!!

[angler57]

Love my Coleman gear.
But, questions ????
Will you use it inside the unit?
And if so is it safe?

[joecamper]

I really admire your build. I would love to see more detailed pics! I want to build a teardrop or similar trailer out of a utility trailer I have and love to see how others projects went together. How did you seal your corners and do you think the primer/ uv paint will stand up over time?
Look forward to more pics

Aaron

[cameracamel]

Thanks for the comments !! Here is a pix of the camper with the "vaulted ceiling" up.
The side inserts are lual plywood glued to 3/4" foam insulation. I am still working on the rear insert. I will also have a rear screen insert attached with velcro for nice evening breezes....
My 2 burner campstove will be used outside only. Heater will be a small catalystic heater (propane).
The roof has a piano hinge for raising the roof and sealed with bicycle tube rubber.

[familycamper]

That's a heck of a set up. Probably much lighter than commercial bought. I like custom everything. Nothing like building to suit your personal needs.