How to Approach Contractors About Work Needing Done

[Canine]

I have been researching various methods about making a custom truck camper. For various reasons, I am now pursuing having someone weld a steel frame for me. (No, I am not interested in welding it myself). The problem I ran into today was the welder thought that this was a job for wood construction because that is how campers are made. He also thought I would be better off getting a box for my truck and putting a slide in camper in it as they can be already set up with a furnace, shower, cookstove, holding tanks, etc. He also said it would be too hard to get in and out of. He declined to do the job.

I tried a little bit to explain how I didn't want wood framing and how a slide in camper doesn't utilize space as well as a flatbed camper and how I wanted better/more insulation, but that didn't work. I had even went up to him before hand and told him I had the money and wanted this completed within the next couple months, but the money wasn't enough of an influence.

When I ask the next contractor to weld a frame for me, he/she is going to look like I just grew a second head and will likely decline to do the work because they won't be able to comprehend how efficient I want to be, using sawdust toilets instead of porta-potties, using 5-gallon buckets instead of holding tanks, using a catalytic heater instead of a power hungry furnace, etc., etc.

Does anyone have any suggestions how I can approach a welder to make a camper frame for me so that they will actually do it? I just can't see how to do that without creating the impression that I am wrong.

I'm not interested in other ideas of how to make a truck camper for this thread. Thanks!  

 

[compassrose]

Just keep asking. It's no different than trying to find someone to build a house they way YOU want it built. You might try looking for a trade school and ask them for suggestions. Or even an art gallery with large metal sculptures. Find the artist and ask them for suggestion of who to get to do your work. Well drillers often know welders. Stock car racers and auto mechanics often know welders. Actually I'm surprised you got such a conventional response from a welder. Welders tend to be a bit different from most folks.

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

There is a really good mechanic i go to that kinda does that, he is so busy that he just doesnt want to get too involved in anything he cant shuttle out the door in under an hour. Even if im willing to pay him, he doesn't want to keep the tons of people constantly coming in waiting while he gets into something complicated. I get it, while i was having my breaks done literally 50 people came walking in, but i wish i could monopolize his time more lol But also from his perspective, hes getting paid either way, and doing the easier stuff is well...easier.

I know there is a machine shop around here that also does all kinds of frames, booms and welds for work trucks, maybe ask around a few of them too....they might be able to steer you to the right place.

 

[SoulRaven]

I'd go to a utility trailer maker.

Just ask for a rack built to your specs. Keep quiet that it is for a camper, because that can raise liability issues in their minds.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

If you can find a trade school or community college that teaches welding, you might find an advanced student or recent graduate that would love the job.

Regards
John

 

[LoupGarou]

It all starts with a plan. No one will take on the job unless they fully understand the scope of the effort. Only when something is designed and put down on paper can a builder bid the job for time and materials.

If you don't have any plans, collect as many photos of example builds to give them some sort of idea on what you want.

I went though this last year on a box build for a Mitisbishi Fuso Canter. I ended up with a prebuilt Morgan Cargo body which was then modified for windows and doors by a local company that builds moble event and concession trailers. There was quite a bit of CAD work done prior to the cutting of any holes.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

One other off the wall possibility.  If you're anywhere near a naval or air force base, an advertisement might turn up a military welder looking to make a little side money in his spare time.

Regards
John

 

[Canine]

I sure appreciate the input. As far as plans, I have on paper a top view and side view with measurements- all to scale made on computer, but it doesn't say what size/type of iron to use because I largely don't know. Am thinking of making a 3-D model with plastic and wood stuff gathered from a hobby store and a hardware store.

I really need to speak with a camper maker or a trailer maker. Not sure why I've been a wuss about that, but I will definitely ask. After all, that is exactly what they are set up to do- to make relatively lightweight, square frames that can handle the stress of being loaded and towed on rough roads. It may be the answer I've been looking for. Yes, the liability concerns are probably right up there. I hadn't thought of saying I want a "rack". It may be odd to ask for a rack that coincidentally looks exactly like a camper. lol. We'll see.

Utilizing concession stand makers, local votechs, military welders, and other people who have the skill, but don't have the presence of an established welding shop is a great idea. A welding shop might be awful proud of their work and can pick and choose what projects they can take on. Not to put them down for that- I would love to be able to work on what I want instead of having to eat whatever distasteful job that comes by!

 

[Patrick46]

Look up metal fabricators
I know a number of guys who build all sorts of weird things for the local commercial fishermen and logging companies.
(I'm out in Oregon on the coast if you're anywhere out here. I may be able to steer you toward someone.)

Heck, I'd be interested in fabricating something like this myself...if I wasn't already buried under tons of work. (actually...this may be part of the issue with the guys you've asked, is taking on a big project under a tight schedule...when they're already loaded with work.)

a good set of drawing of what you want EXACTALLY will help them see your vision.

Keep looking. You'll find somebody.

 

[compassrose]

Canine...
Have you ever thought of taking welding lessons at your local community college?

 

[Patrick46]

Ms. Rose

welding up a framework that has structural integrity and good solid welds is not something you can just learn in an evening class at the local community college.

There's a lot to learn about metallurgy, and about things like proper technique, what's been welded too hot, and not hot enough...not to mention that you'd hafta buy all the equipment, and have a place to build this, which will take a good sized shop due to the fact that you're also going to need many other tools. A good set of tools, a drillpress, cutters and grinders, workbenchs, torches, lots of clamps and vises, and an area to lay things out before they actually get welded together, come to mind.

So this isn't just a matter of buying a welder, taking a few classes, and knocking this bad-boy together. You want someone who has the knowledge and experience to do this job right.

...not if you want it to stand up to many years of road use and weathering the elements. Pay now, or pay later...and Later hurts a lot more!!

 

[LoupGarou]

I also wanted a camper body that could handle rough roads, but there was more than just the camper build that I had to worry about. The chassis on which the body was to rest flexes. The mounts that connect the body to the chassis had to allow the two to seperate and return in alignment when driving over rough terrain. You can't have a chassis thats designed to flex try to drive a ridged body, something has to give.

I was lucky to find a PE at Craftsmen Industries that knew exactly what needed to be done. Having experience designing and building mobile event trailers, he was able to pull a design from another project.

 

[compassrose]

Ms. Rose

welding up a framework that has structural integrity and good solid welds is not something you can just learn in an evening class at the local community college.

I did not think that MR Patrick. But learning how to weld would put him in position with others who do know more and would be willing to help and teach at the same time. Sometimes you need to put yourself out there to learn new things in order to met those who actually do know more than you do.

 

[VJG1977]

A couple of questions and suggestions.

Do you have plans in a drawing form and a material list?
What truck style are you starting with, a pickup without a bed, a medium duty straight truck or a flat bed?

Google steel framed camper, both web and image.  You can look at several examples of other builds. 
As far as the welder is concerned, he is framing a box to mount on a truck.  He doesn't need to know what goes in the box.
If you show a set of plans with dimensions and a material list, most fabricators could give you an estimate.

 

[highdesertranger]

where is IGBT when you need him. he has done this exact thing. I agree with the others, keep looking you will find someone. also if some shop says no walk, away don't try to convince them it will get you nowhere. also be wary of someone off the street if they don't know what they are doing you just wasted a lot of money. refresh my memory what area are you in? I know it's back east. I believe there are a couple of expedition vehicle manufactures on the east coast in fact Tiger(pro van) is in S Carolina I believe. like Patrick said if you where out west we could help you out. good luck and keep us up to date. highdesertranger

 

[Canine]

I'm in Eastern/Central Montana. Not much out here except wind, antelope, wheat, and farmers. And snakes.

I do have plans to scale with specific dimensions. I don't have a product list as I don't know what specific materials to use for a frame. I own a 78 Ford regular cab, 3/4 ton, 4X4 with the 351M with a 7 ' X 9' Omaha Badger flatbed. I researched how to properly mount a flatbed and fab the mounts. I had a welder weld the mounts to the flatbed. Then I bolted that to the holes in the frame. That was a lot of work with the limited tools I had, but it turned out great! While it is a stout truck, I want to be considerate with weight. The camper would be removable using camper jacks; this is proving to be a bugger for the build.

When you read IGBT, do you say the letters individually: "I" "G" "B" "T"? Or do you say, "Iguhbahtuh"? I prefer the latter. lol  I have gotten good ideas from him from his threads.

 

[LoupGarou]

When designing something like a camper, you have to look at the build as a whole and not as discrete tasks. For example, will the window and door placements drive the interior layout or will the interior layout drive the window and door placements. There's a lot to think about and consider.

 

[highdesertranger]

dang, I missed that by a couple of thousand miles. you know 99% of farmers know how to weld and have welders, lol. IGBT really needs to chime in. maybe send him a PM. highdesertranger

 

[ZoNiE]

Have you considered buying a cargo trailer and removing the axle, cutting off the tongue, and bolting the box to your flatbed? You'd get a nice lightweight aluminum or steel (depending on the make) box for your truck. Sell the axle on Craigslist.

Also, there are some refrigerated boxes that are made for flatbeds. You may find one of those from a commercial truck dealer...

 

[Canine]

LoupGarou, yep, the layout took a while to figure out. I am fortunate enough to be living in a camper now and that has helped me visualize first hand in real time how much counter space I need, how long, wide, and tall I want the bench seat, where to put the fridge, batteries, water, food, clothes, illegal fireworks- lol, etc. I had cut out the sizes of what I wanted to scale using grid paper while accounting for wall thickness, windows, the door, solar panels, etc, and moved them around to help decide what I wanted. Being in the camper with all of my stuff actually in it really helped solidify my vision.

ZoNie, I did think of that, but I want an overhang above the cab of the truck for the sleeping space and minimal lightweight storage. A very good idea, though!

Good news. I spoke with a close friend who, in his youth, did a heck of a lot of mechanicing. I remember him fixing up a Model A (I think that was it) and dropped in a monsterous motor that ran on airplane fuel. While I don't know his welding history, but he must have some knowledge to successfully make a hot rod like that. I figured he would be able to point me in the right direction. He knows lots of people and is well-respected, too.

Turns out his welding skills are on par with his mechanical skills. He is too old to make it for me, but he has the intimate knowledge of what materials to use while keeping weight down and be able to put camper jacks on it. Not once did he scoff or try to shoot me down for wanting to have a custom camper made to live in. He is one of a handful of people who has already known my living situation. He is more than happy to sit with me and make a specific list of materials needed so that when I approach a welder, they will have that much more information, which will facilitate the whole thing even more!

Things are moving in the right direction again. I'm sure there will be stumbling blocks, but if I can do whatever I possibly can on my end, that surely will make this dream become more real that much quicker. Thanks for letting me bounce some ideas off you guys to get the juices flowing. I'm not sure how long it would have taken me (if at all) to get these ideas on my own.