Camper plans

[Shelly]

Hi all. There used to be plans for making a camper on cheaper living website but I can't find them.. Does anyone know where they might be? I'm planning to make one for my Toyota Taco. Thanks. Shelly

 

[Coffee Tim]

Hi. The last time I saw them they were on the left side of the page.  Scroll  down.  I used Bob's original plans as a guide for building a camper on my 1/2 ton Dodge pickup; it worked out well including a few additions.  Hope this helps.

 

[akrvbob]

Sorry Shelly, I accidentally deleted the link to it and keep forgetting to put it back in. It is here:<br />http://cheaprvliving.com/BuildYourOwnCamper.html<br /><br />The camper held up very well for me, but it is heavy. You need a 3/4 ton to handle the weight. Bob

 

[yesican]

I built the topper for my truck inspired by the maker here on cheaprvliving, but changed the roof line as I wanted to be able to stand up in it.&nbsp; My version also gave a slant to the ridge to allow for drainage as well as height...And, its not perfect, but it works.&nbsp; Instead of laying 2x4's on their side, I used 2x6's on edge, trimming the ends to 2 inches above the walls and then on the underside I trimmed to 2 inches in the center.&nbsp; I can stand up in it and was able to put 2 inches of insulation in as well.&nbsp; Also, I have a 5th wheel hitch bolted to the floor, so with laying 2x lumber on its side and puting 1/2 plywood over hardboard insulation, I am still able to stand.&nbsp; I am 5' 8 1/2 inches with my boots on.&nbsp; I like the design of the one on this site because it gives ridgidity and stength to the cabover section by using the cantilever design.&nbsp; I sleep in my cabover at the moment, but if I can manage it, I'd like to sleep below and use the cabover as storage.<br /><br />I will try to download the pics of the progress of the truck, but tonight I'm ending a 24 hr migraine and I'm brain dead with a headache, so thinking is out of the question.&nbsp; Good luck on your build...Rae

 

[Coffee Tim]

I originally built the cabover part but realized I was getting too heavy. I reworked it by removing the cabover and going with two foot sidewalls and put an aluminum camper shell I had on top. I have to bend my head a little bit but I managed to get rid of a lot of weight. I have only a half ton truck and I am still pretty heavy when loaded up but it seems to drive fine.

 

[Mortisha]

Hello Shelly and welcome&nbsp;<img src="/images/boards/smilies/wave.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" />

 

[melbel]

Hello,<br />Newbie here retired and needing to travel before its too late...thinking i may need to try and build a camper or do a van conversion instead of buying some of the death traps being manufactured...Ok so Im almost 60 yo woman...but pretty savey...which would be the best for me?&nbsp; Im sort of liking the truck camper..maybe not a 4by4. What say you folks...I like living cheap/frugal/.....I like efficiency. I do not like the humid heat of Alabama&nbsp;and I plan on have a good air unit and such...Thanks for any input...Im still pondering on my alternatives.<br />melbel<br /><br /><br />

 

[Guest]

Hi Melbel, Welcome from New Mexico. Glad to have you with us. I think if you stick around with us on here and ask questions and be as specific as you can, you will get lots of help and ideas....<br /><br />I think if you go over to the introduction section and start your own thread, more folks will notice you and welcome you...<br />Cheers,<br />Bri

 

[Coffee Tim]

Hi Melba.&nbsp; Glad to meet you.&nbsp; I'm Tim from Arkansas and I know what you mean about needing the air conditioning.&nbsp; It is hot and humid here too.

 

[Seraphim]

Hey Shelly. There are also a lot of old Mechanics Illustrated style plans available on the 'net. They can be adapted. Simple wood frame and plywood exterior

 

[Shelly]

Thanks everyone. I am thinking of building a camper based on Bobs plans here but trying to make it lighter. I have a 1/4 ton Toyota Tacoma, 2 wheel drive, 1995.
Does anyone think 2 by 2's would make enough of a difference in weight to bother with? I could rip them from good 2by 4's.

 

[Seraphim]

I think if you cross braced the 2x2s they would work fine. I was thinking of panels made of 2x2s with foam in between the joists sandwiched between thin layers of plywood

Lighter and insulated.

Something similar to these:

http://www.huberwood.com/main.aspx?pagename=oemstructuredpanel

You can't do the bonding, but a 2x2 frame would hold each panel together

 

[Seraphim]

Btw, what's the cargo capacity on your truck?

Answered my own question - 1860 pounds which includes passengers.

Weight of building material:

http://www.allpan.com/res/WeightofMaterials.pdf

 

[Shelly]

Thanks for that info... I didn't know the capacity before but now I do! And great idea there on the panels with foam integrated...possibly door skins for the inside and 3/8's on the exterior. Food for thought!

 

[Seraphim]

Don't know if you're really interested inSIPs, but here's a paice guide:

http://www.foamlaminates.com/sip_pricing.html

Seems a 4x8 is about $128. Site also offers info on building with SIPs

 

[Shelly]

Yikes! I think those panels are a bit out of my price range but the idea is free. Thanks again.

 

[Seraphim]

That's why I suggested building your own LOL<br /><br />Only on a smaller scale, as you won't be building a house...<br /><br />$7 for 2x2<br />$40 for two sheets b/c ply<br />$30 sheet of foam<br /><br />$77 per panel. About 6 panels for a basic slide in box = $482<br /><br />Angle iron and glue the panels together, seam seal on the inside.<br /><br />Fiberglass the exterior seams, sand and paint.<br /><br />Easier, and faster,&nbsp;I think, than building a 2x frame and sheathing it.<br /><br />Correction: about 8 panels for a basic slide in box. Add $157<br /><br />

 

[stude53]

Shelly, there are plans available on this site, as well as others, for DIY campers and trailers.<br /><br />Take a look:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.glen-l.com/campers/glenlrv.html">http://www.glen-l.com/campers/glenlrv.html</a><br /><br />Good luck,<br />Bob

 

[blkjak]

welcome .... blkjak

 

[Shelly]

Sorry I started this thread on the introduction page. I got carried away! I'll try to pay attention next time.