Coast Resorts Open Roads Forum: Our custom true flatbed truck camper build thread

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Topic: Our custom true flatbed truck camper build thread

Posted By: Jfet on 03/08/15 07:43pm

We mounted a camera on the back of the camper roof facing forward and did a test drive. I am posting a segment of the video where we attained 60mph. I do not see any lifting or flex of the panels or mount.

http://youtu.be/wdp-W0EP6_E

Posted By: BoonHauler on 03/08/15 09:19pm

Bravo!

05 RAM 3500 CTD 4x4 Q/C Laramie DRW/NV5600/3.73, B&W Gooseneck, MaxBrake, PacBrake PRXB, Brite Box Fogster, BD steering Box Brace
2014 BoonHauler 3614

Posted By: fanrgs on 03/08/15 09:43pm

Incredible project!

I just found this thread today while doing some research on RV solar installations. So glad you just installed the solar panels or I might have missed seeing the whole thread. It was so interesting that I spent all evening reading the entire 45 pages!

You and your wife must be the most single-minded people I have ever heard of to give up two years of playing with all those big boy (and big girl) toys to build this camper. And to take the time to put it on the forum for all of us to vicariously share it, complete with youtube videos of testing the garage door winch and solar panel aerodynamics. Absolutely amazing!

Do you actually have time for a day job to go with the night/weekend/vacation RV design/build/test one?

"Retirement is the best job I ever had!"
2015 RAM 2500 4x4 crewcab 6.7L CTD; 2016 Rockwood Signature UltraLite 5th wheel

Posted By: bka0721 on 03/08/15 09:46pm

That is great news!

Being on the road, fulltiming in a truck camper, I am unable to download videos. The next time I get to a town big enough to have a McDonalds or public Library, I will download your video and will check it out! Most of these towns are lucky to have a Traffic signal.

b

Posted By: Capt Eddie on 03/08/15 09:53pm

bka0721 wrote:

Stop that. Now your just bragging.

Posted By: Jfet on 05/26/15 09:28pm

We have been working on the garage pod for the past couple of months and it is within days of completion. We painted the aluminum siding with the same paint as the camper pod and covered the aluminum roof with Raptor truck bed liner. We also covered the ramp door surface with the Raptor liner (with a little sand mixed in for grip). If it doesn't hold up long, we will probably use some of the rubber mat we plan to use on the inside floor.

The inside walls were covered in 1 inch of polyiso rigid foam (2 inches for the roof) and then we attached 0.090" FRP, screwed into the steel frame studs. We still have some trim work and wiring to do, as well as finishing the built in shelves. The built in work bench is awesome!

The main light is a 3700 lumen LED fixture made to look like a florescent 4 foot shop light (Costco, $36). I took it apart and did some microsurgery to convert it to run on 12V DC. We have a pot to limit the current and can make the light run from about 6 watts to 30 watts. We have another unit that will mount above the work bench cross ways and they are each controlled separately by a wall switch. Extremely bright light, which will be nice when working on engines or what have you.

We have the winches removed in the pictures but they are wired and fused. The door can easily be raised with several people on it (probably not wise though). Oh, and we installed the little teardrop trailer type door to have access when the ramp door is closed.

Can't wait to get it on the truck. It is going to be heavy...my guess is about 2200 pounds (was shooting for 2000, but with the roof rack, shelves, bench, winches, battery, things add up).

[image]

Posted By: Reality Check on 05/26/15 09:57pm

That is just so damn cool....

Wow.

'16 F550 CC, 4x4 with Link Ultraride air suspension, '18 AF 1150. Just so we can play with our snowmobiles, dirt bikes and fishing boat. And new 20' tag along...kayaks, bikes, mc's and extra water and food!!

Posted By: sabconsulting on 05/28/15 05:48am

Very impressive.

Will be great to see both this and the camper together on the truck.

Steve.

'07 Ford Ranger XLT Supercab diesel + '91 Shadow Cruiser - Sky Cruiser 1
'98 Jeep TJ 4.0
'15 Ford Fiesta ST
'09 Fiat Panda 1.2

Posted By: kereams on 05/28/15 07:14am

Awesome.

Are you going to be at Overland NW? I'd love to have a walk around your awesome achievement.

Cheers,
Keith

*2011 F350 SRW CC/LB/PSD - Mods: Custom overload springs with custom early engagement blocks~Firestone Airbags~Hellwig Big Wig Rear Sway~Rancho RS9000XL~Bilstein Steering Damper~19.5" Hankook DH01'a on steel wheels.
*2012 Chalet Ascent S95R Camper

Posted By: Jfet on 05/28/15 07:31am

kereams wrote:

Awesome.

Are you going to be at Overland NW? I'd love to have a walk around your awesome achievement.

Cheers,
Keith

YES! We reserved two 20x20 spots at the Overland NW rally back in early March. Ouch that is only a month away now....better get busy.

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