With Ryan's ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxy_pn55PK60wAV3X_C_RoLS_67mNonoCE plan I was like one taken by the hand and led step by step from start to finish. Thank you very much Ryan!
Great tips. Behind a couple of updates but On the headroom issue, you could try sleeping the other way. Thanks for,the updates. Can’t wait to see what comes next.
No matter how you build there will always be compromises that's just how it rolls with campers. In Europe, cassette toilets are the norm and we can get a ventilation kit but you DIYed your own, very smart.
It’s a great camper, well designed and thought out. There’s always something that you would change after using it for a while, that happens with anything though
Noticed the truck first, said wow! (in my head) had to watch.. Great build, and another thing.. You make a great team, I'm thinking tv show!.. safe and adventurous travels to you,greetings from Ontario, Canada.
LEDs attract fewer bugs than incandescent. yellow, Orange, and red attract fewer bugs as well. Combine led with a longer wavelength color (yellow/orange/red.) and you have the best combo. Not to mention, red preserves your night vision ;)
You guys did an amazing job building the camper! As far as the windows scratching, consider applying a protective ceramic coating on the outside of them. The protective automotive ceramic coatings aren't bullet-proof, but it will drastically reduce scratching from tree branches, etc.
I'm enjoying your thoughtful comments about the pluses and minuses of your camper. There will ALWAYS be pluses and minuses - we make compromises in order to accomplish our goals. And then, inevitably, our goals change, and grow. Life happens! At your age, I might have made the same choices you have made. I'm older now, and my needs and desires have changed. Surprise - we're all unique! Let 'er rip!
I totally understand that one of the things you like is the way it looks. You built it, so when you see it across a parking lot it is a sense of pride and enjoyment from all of your work. I built up a Land Cruiser and I get a smile at every truck stop across the country! Ditto on the changing the color of the bulbs in your lights. I have red / white switches and honestly I never use the white for the bug problem. Awesome rig!
I don't have the skills; but when I do something right, it's a joy to see again and again. It isn't vain to have pride in your work. It is what we all should strive for.
I live fulltime in a 5th wheel RV and learned by word of mouth years ago about a DIY treatment for the sewer tank. Use a capful of Calgon water softer. Then add a cap of Odor Ban for cool months or two caps for hotter weather.
For the barbeque part you guy's can get a foreman grill. I've used one for many years and love it. Sometimes I will cook a steak for dinner and cook a extra one slightly less done for the next night. Then the next night put it in microwave and heat it up and have another great dinner again.
Make the shop big enough to build more truck campers. I've said it before but yall could make a ton of money building these for others. It's truly amazing what you two have been able to accomplish in such a short time. Get your shop/house built then start cashing in on the multiple truck builds I'm sure there would be no shortage of folks lining up to buy
Hi guys, totally true. I messaged you guys on another video for just that….wanted to see if I could get in contact with you somehow to see what you would charge to build us one. Thank you
Had a similar issue with fumes. Its because the water heater is heating up the cartridge. This in turns creates heat in the cartridge which is great to keep from freezing but enough to make vapors in hot weather. Moved mine 3 ft away....no smell or fumes
There's a nice place (Hughes Meadows) about 30 mi past Nordman ID, used to go there as a kid many many moons ago, still go every now and then, good for a weekend get away, and on the ridge to the east theres a lookout still worth checking out as well
I am just starting my build for my flatbed Silverado. I may start producing others for sale if this one turns out as well as I think it will. I have been a welder/fabricator since 1981 and I have built RVs but not a slide in or "docking" truck camper. You guys did an awesome job on your build. YES the dogs add to the experience for sure. Not even my dogs but I see the love in their eyes for you guys. Blessings and safe travels from Marty in Kentucky.
I live full time in a Van...I have a Yellow Light to ward of the bugs outdoor, I use baby nappy powder in the cassette to eliminate smells and its so cheap, the shower try adding a set of jacks underneath or ramps to keep you level... nice build
Looks good ! Just a heads up my sqeeze and I had the same worrys about our light location , we elected to mount our solar motion activated porch light with velcro , heavy duty black type . What a success ! We have 4 of these velcroed around our camper . Works great ! We use the lights with two switches ,auto ,or on off . We bring them in when on the go easy peasy ! No holes , no worrys !
Enjoyed the vid and the camper looks amazing for a diy project. Apparently the pros definitely out weigh the cons. Glade it worked out for u guys. Stay safe👍
Suggestion for the head bumping; How about putting a membrane at the front of the camper that allows you to prop the front up with a canvas maybe even screened in with a window made of plastic. Sort of like a tent camper that folds into your sleeping area.
It is really amazing how many incredible features that you were able to incorporate into your beautiful camper! Thank you so much for sharing all of this incredible information from you two wonderful people and the two amazing dogs, of course.
Tiny but very nicely done. I would suggest you might be interested in a step van conversion for your next project. I’ll bet you could make it the very best looking camper anywhere as well as providing way more space for storage and comfort. Many days of crappy weather have shown me how my campers creature comforts become limited and can lead to cabin fever, and I’m easily entertained. A larger bathroom can provide a full size shower which can be a huge luxury. I’m spoilt with my dry bath.
I never posted a comment until now... But it's wonderful and nice to see how a man and a woman can live and help each other towards a goal. You are both very lucky ;o) Dream on and keep going. All the best!!!! From Hungary...
3M sells some protective foil for the windshield. I'm sure that would work for your window scratching problem as well. I was wondering before, why you guys dont use leveling blocs for leveling? Is your cook top stove an induction stove? that would be even more energy efficient. And I agree, your camper looks really good!!
I find it pretty amazing you two built that. Looks awesome, set up perfect. One would think you bought that from a manufacture and paid 60k plus for it. Good luck with your build before winter. Time is a ticking.
One thing I have learned about building out campers and vans:. You'll always find stuff you've done that you want/need to change after you've been in the rig for a while. Being a boat joiner by trade, cabinet maker, fine carpenter... I'm always tempted to do a really fine fancy interior and I have, a few times. Then I have to cram a dirty bike or an old engine inside, or find room for something slimey, or we get another dog, or something. So I've learned to not spend time making "thePerfect" rig, but just doing a real good one, with the thought in mind that I will be using it and I'll certainly be changing something later.
Started watching you all because of that awesome home made camper.Now your channel is even better with all the adventures and the shop that’s coming. An amphibious vehicle with tracks for land and the ability to travel in the water would be challenging and fun to make. An all season vehicle.
If your bikes are that big a part of your camping I applaud your inside storage. I travel in a Vanagon and I love my ebike. At night I toss it up on the roof and I’ve never had any problem with anyone messing with it. It’s outa sight so not a problem
That pass through is a great idea! Plus if you needed to take off fast, you have a safe way to get up front! Thank you for the offer, it goes both ways and you know massages will be waiting! Donna
Great idea with the running fan for the toilet. The best solution I've found is to put some Borax, 1/2 cup or so in the toilet after you dump it. I can only find Borax at Walmart in the cleaning section. Don't ever put perfume infused toilet treatments because the smell of those is almost worse than nothing at all.
That's very interesting about using Borax, is it safe for the rubber seals I wonder. I know Borax is not bleach but apparently bleach is bad for the seals, indicating that some treatments other than those specified could potentially cause seal leaks which I know from my own experience is not nice lol. I purchased a new chemical toilet recently and I use the blue treatment but it has formaldehyde in it to break down solids quickly ( number twos and toilet paper ) but I'd prefer to use Borax if it worked as good; I'd appreciate your thoughts on this very much 👍 Oh, I use a 5 litre urine bottle with a little bleach added now and the toilet is only for emergency use, my last six day camp it never got used once as there was a toilet block on site 150 yards away lol.
@@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN Your response made me curious so I looked up what Borax actually is. It says it is a "whitener" but not bleach. Says it can be used on clothes in conjuction with bleach. I am going to try and find the youtube person who put me on to it and ask him if he has had any issued with seals, etc. If I am successful, I will let you know. I do know it really did work on the camper toilet at preventing odor coming from the toilet.
@@marchearn9058 That's great thanks Marc. I tried different washing machine capsules in my last toilet to avoid using the blue stuff but I found that they didn't work very Good. There's nothing worse than bad odour on a hot day from a chemical toilet. I'd like to use Borax and might take the risk with the seals if it's that good. Definitely see what you can find and get back to me; I'd appreciate that very much 👍
Thanks so much for making this! We were going to do the same with lights by the side door on our ambulance...but having bugs in the place...no thanks. We will be changing that now! Thanks guys 😊 Would love to see more videos like this as things come up over time 🎉
I'm glad you are learning from our mistake! Others have suggested using a yellow or red light, but that sounds kind of annoying for trying to work and cook in the dark. I think just moving it to not right by the door should fix the issue!
Light by the door in the winter no bugs with hidden switch. Light on other side during summer to keep bugs away with hidden switch on bottom.Could do solar lights.
Tint your windows with no color tint film. It will protect the window without darkening it . But you will end up with damaged film that will need to be changed out periodically. Perhaps an awning type protection that's closed enroute and opened once parked.
Have you considered separating the top to lift up on gas struts to give more head space? And the toilet cassette .. add some lavendar oil or eucalyptus oil to the flush tank. We dont use chemicals in ours..mix up laundry soaker and a dadh of dishwashing liquid and the eucalyptus oil.. good solution for smells in small places. And hosing out cleans the cassette too.
I wonder if you could offer the ski box as a commercial product. Also the porch entrance to the camper has commercial potential. For the rest I amazed how well your sandwich panel fitted into the frame. Great construction.
It's hard to believe This is the first I ever saw of you two. Great people , hard good work, and dogs, too! Subbed. Enjoy the adventure, ya never know when it ends,
Fantastic camper :D Have you guys thought of laying PPF on top of the windows to avoid scratches? I did it for our old caravan. selfhealing PPF. was awesome.
I just stumbled upon your channel and just from the outside appearance I was shocked to see it was your own creation! I'm going to look at how you built it, it is an amazing project for sure!
Riley, please tell me that Courtney is not whacking you on top of your head. My wife periodically whacks me for no apparent reason. She says it love! 😳😂😂😂
you should look into camper leveling blocks, and or jacks, makes it a bit better, not just on having to park your heads up hill, but your shower drain situation
The best part of designing your own camper is finding out what works and what doesn't. Even with people who design campers for a living can't even think of everything, but I found this video a learning experience on how you worked to solve some of your issues.
My top 3 list of best things about ur cmpr: 3) The cool but still classy look 2) The engineering n construction quality 1) The awesome inhabitants/builders 😎👍
It's very good 👍, maybe I am late but I would like to suggest for drain you may sink/basin type tray and put hole in the middle it'll be helpful and you don't have to make another drain hole. For bed i suggest to put baby court type folding grill to support your pillow so that you are not afraid of falling pillow and sleep on the other direction without any problem.
Hi to you all. We have the same cassette toilet and for smell have been using Happy Camper toilet powder it works Great 👍 Thanks for sharing your build.
the info in this video is worth gold !!! very cool video... and you are allowed to be selfish about how you feel about your camper !!!! totally reasonable !!!
It's gonna get cold up there on Ambition Mountain this winter! You can put a vent on the bulkhead between the water heater and toilet tank, that way your blackwater won't freeze.
Shower drain super easy to fix.lower original drain n above be a pool with slates going to drain so unless you on a steep hill water will all drain regardless of which way you park.
I live in a Promaster and this is the first truck camper I’ve seen that I really like. You’ve done a great job. I think you should bring that rig down to Mexico for a winter before you worry about a shop. You might not want to go back.
Hey guys I have a vote for your first build in the new shop, a Rogue River style river Dory. Dory boats are just amazing boats with a really cool history to explore as well. And nothing will make you happier to feel her dance with the oars.
From a health standpoint, I recommend sleeping without a pillow. It's better for your back. Plus, for bodily fluid purposes, brain and lung health, sleep on your side as much as possible, esp. your left side. For me, pillows just get in the way and give me a neck-ache. It's reassuring that at 73, I go to the bathroom at night same as you younger folks (1x/night). The camper does look cool, esp. those wheels.
HI fellow campers, about your outside door light. We changed ours lamps to orange/amber or you can install an orange color filter over the bulbs. The orange color......those little bugs are less attracted to the orange color light. Simple fix........enjoy!
Also I wanted to say what a nice job you both did on the tracks for the Jeep. If you install a "V" wedge (steel) in the track area just behind the front roller wheel it will cut any snow/ice build-up, that is how we do it. Wish we were neighbors, I would love to go on your recovery missions. Best wishes for you both.
Leveling jacks would be a must and would cure the drain issue as a bonus. Some people don’t care about sitting level but it can effect sleeping, back pain, and keeps things from rolling off the table. The front headroom issue is addressed by many builders by making the overhang longer and putting storage at the very front. While I think you guys have one of the best diy earth roomers on the internet, I would have only changed two things (aside from the above mentioned). I would have beefed up the power/solar/battery considerable to include a built in generator. I would have also installed a small split unit a/c.
It’d be more versatile if it was just a shell and people could just add table, chair etc and take everything off when not used and use it for other things like work, to move stuff etc. Basically a big topper. Many people use it only couple of weeks a year as a camper. That being said, your camper is the best diy I’ve seen. Simple, functional and bad ass looking!
If you add some sort of spacer at the head of the bed to shift your heads a little closer to the foot of the bed, that might give you the head room you need (b/c of the taper in the roof). Looked like the bed was long enough to accommodate a few inches of shift.
look into amber porch lights... no bug issues. Baja and rigid (and amazon) all have amber versions. Four wheel camper has been using them and while the output is certainly not as effective, you should eliminate the bug issue. Our last sprinter had white rigid scene lights by the slider doors and it was brutal. Amber is the way to go!
Well, I just had an "Ambition Strikes" fest, watching videos 1 to 27, and you guys rock! but Before I go to bed, I just want to congratulate you both on being the most creative, efficient, and able couple I have ever seen. That RV looks professionally built, and I guess it was, considering your education, and professional background, but still, what an achievement. I can't wait till your next video. I started by watching your pole barn vids a few days ago...Is there anything you guys can't do? LOL
Try a combo white and red light bulb in a twin light fixture, red lights aren't as bug friendly at night. Covers for your windows while driving...and finally, a thinner but higher quality foam mattress, there is your inch.
I don't know how hard they are to find boat stores where I live sell them but they have white and yellow lights that you use yellow for good light but less bugs and white when really needed
I want to extend the "moms attic" (bed that hangs over the cab) all the way in front with beams that connect to the brush guard winch. Wish me luck, imma start my DIY build soon!
Bubble top front cap might save some brain cells. And on the other hand brain fog in the morning is pretty normal. Until coffee! 🤣 Love the build. Happy camping. God bless
With Ryan's ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxy_pn55PK60wAV3X_C_RoLS_67mNonoCE plan I was like one taken by the hand and led step by step from start to finish. Thank you very much Ryan!
Use a yellow light for your porch light. It will dramatically reduce your bugs surrounding that light.
I can't speak to yellow...I can speak to red, white, and green headlamp in the swamps of Florida. RED does not attract any bugs. Green and white do.
Red light
I'm a custom camper manufacturer. You guys legitimately did a good job on this build. Nice work
Thanks David! 😃
Best DIY camper I’ve seen. It looks professional!
Thanks so much Paul! 😊
Great tips. Behind a couple of updates but On the headroom issue, you could try sleeping the other way. Thanks for,the updates. Can’t wait to see what comes next.
Makes me wonder if one of them actually builds these professionally, looks really good.
ya legit i would buy it
if i had money
Yeah, that's darn professional!
No matter how you build there will always be compromises that's just how it rolls with campers. In Europe, cassette toilets are the norm and we can get a ventilation kit but you DIYed your own, very smart.
Now that we have some ventilation we are very happy with the toilet!
Maybe next time you could do a hinged front part to get good looks, aerodynamics, then when sleeping head room.
yellow colored lights won't attract bugs. great build. really inspiring. keep moving forward!!
On your outside light, if you haven't already tried put a yellow bulb or lense on it. Thats what I did on my motorhome and works
Was just about to type this. That the lord I checked the comments first 🤣
Was about to say, apply some yellow film over the light.
We hadn't considered that idea, we'll give it a shot!
Amber lenses are readily available for RV porch lights for exactly this reason
Most all RVs come with an amber porch light just for that reason.
Could you add leveling jacks to help with movement and the drain issue? You guys rock btw.
It’s a great camper, well designed and thought out. There’s always something that you would change after using it for a while, that happens with anything though
I know very well, the same thing happened to me with my girlfriend
Noticed the truck first, said wow! (in my head) had to watch.. Great build, and another thing.. You make a great team, I'm thinking tv show!.. safe and adventurous travels to you,greetings from Ontario, Canada.
LEDs attract fewer bugs than incandescent. yellow, Orange, and red attract fewer bugs as well. Combine led with a longer wavelength color (yellow/orange/red.) and you have the best combo. Not to mention, red preserves your night vision ;)
It actually is an LED, but I like the suggestions of trying red!
@@AmbitionStrikes right on! I went with a red/white/amber light to have the freedom of choice.
You guys did an amazing job building the camper! As far as the windows scratching, consider applying a protective ceramic coating on the outside of them. The protective automotive ceramic coatings aren't bullet-proof, but it will drastically reduce scratching from tree branches, etc.
I never considered a ceramic coating, that seems like a great option!
I'm enjoying your thoughtful comments about the pluses and minuses of your camper. There will ALWAYS be pluses and minuses - we make compromises in order to accomplish our goals. And then, inevitably, our goals change, and grow. Life happens! At your age, I might have made the same choices you have made. I'm older now, and my needs and desires have changed. Surprise - we're all unique! Let 'er rip!
Yes! There truly is no "perfect" set up because our needs are constantly changing. And what is ideal for us is certainly not ideal for others.
Nice looking unit! Cool to see this list. There is nothing more valuable than things learned by actual experience.
I totally understand that one of the things you like is the way it looks. You built it, so when you see it across a parking lot it is a sense of pride and enjoyment from all of your work. I built up a Land Cruiser and I get a smile at every truck stop across the country! Ditto on the changing the color of the bulbs in your lights. I have red / white switches and honestly I never use the white for the bug problem. Awesome rig!
There’s something about a vehicle that makes you smile! You can never go back to boring after that! 😂
I love the build! My favorite part of your camper is the lockable ski box with boot warmers!! I need that in my life!
Oh yes, that is another favorite feature of ours!
I don't have the skills; but when I do something right, it's a joy to see again and again. It isn't vain to have pride in your work. It is what we all should strive for.
Thanks you for the kind words!
If you coated your windows and some sort of a scratch resistant film you could avoid this problem
I live fulltime in a 5th wheel RV and learned by word of mouth years ago about a DIY treatment for the sewer tank. Use a capful of Calgon water softer. Then add a cap of Odor Ban for cool months or two caps for hotter weather.
It’s so perfect, I don’t know what to hate about it!
☺️
For the barbeque part you guy's can get a foreman grill. I've used one for many years and love it. Sometimes I will cook a steak for dinner and cook a extra one slightly less done for the next night. Then the next night put it in microwave and heat it up and have another great dinner again.
We ended up buying a small propane bbq for the property and it has been a great addition!
Make the shop big enough to build more truck campers. I've said it before but yall could make a ton of money building these for others. It's truly amazing what you two have been able to accomplish in such a short time. Get your shop/house built then start cashing in on the multiple truck builds I'm sure there would be no shortage of folks lining up to buy
Thank you so much for the support and then encouragement!
Hi guys, totally true. I messaged you guys on another video for just that….wanted to see if I could get in contact with you somehow to see what you would charge to build us one. Thank you
Had a similar issue with fumes. Its because the water heater is heating up the cartridge. This in turns creates heat in the cartridge which is great to keep from freezing but enough to make vapors in hot weather. Moved mine 3 ft away....no smell or fumes
There's a nice place (Hughes Meadows) about 30 mi past Nordman ID, used to go there as a kid many many moons ago, still go every now and then, good for a weekend get away, and on the ridge to the east theres a lookout still worth checking out as well
That sounds amazing!
I am just starting my build for my flatbed Silverado. I may start producing others for sale if this one turns out as well as I think it will. I have been a welder/fabricator since 1981 and I have built RVs but not a slide in or "docking" truck camper. You guys did an awesome job on your build. YES the dogs add to the experience for sure. Not even my dogs but I see the love in their eyes for you guys. Blessings and safe travels from Marty in Kentucky.
love it, though I was going to miss it today! Courtney, you sleep so well because you guys are working your tails off.
Better late than never!
I live full time in a Van...I have a Yellow Light to ward of the bugs outdoor, I use baby nappy powder in the cassette to eliminate smells and its so cheap, the shower try adding a set of jacks underneath or ramps to keep you level... nice build
That camper is actually awesome😊 we loved each and every thing about it from tyres to king size bed😂 and it looks awesome from outside also.
Thank you!
Looks good ! Just a heads up my sqeeze and I had the same worrys about our light location , we elected to mount our solar motion activated porch light with velcro , heavy duty black type . What a success ! We have 4 of these velcroed around our camper . Works great ! We use the lights with two switches ,auto ,or on off . We bring them in when on the go easy peasy ! No holes , no worrys !
That is a great and simple idea! We'll be keeping that one in mind!
Enjoyed the vid and the camper looks amazing for a diy project. Apparently the pros definitely out weigh the cons. Glade it worked out for u guys. Stay safe👍
I totally agree… that’s the best looking truck camper hands down. 👍🏼
maybe you guys could make a small pop up extension for the taper that extends level with the rest of the top?
could be a nice vent letting air in too
Interesting idea! Would definitely be nice in the summer temps!
Great couple, they seem extremely happy together. I wish I had something like that.
Kick ass build, I was really impressed with the bike stash compartment! Sweet looking inside and out! Keep living the dream!
About the bed, why not putting a removable 30cm-ish nest t to avoid pillow falling off ?
That is certainly an option!
Suggestion for the head bumping; How about putting a membrane at the front of the camper that allows you to prop the front up with a canvas maybe even screened in with a window made of plastic. Sort of like a tent camper that folds into your sleeping area.
It is really amazing how many incredible features that you were able to incorporate into your beautiful camper! Thank you so much for sharing all of this incredible information from you two wonderful people and the two amazing dogs, of course.
Thank you Mitchell! It was fun designing a camper tailored to our specific needs.
@@AmbitionStrikes I bet that a lot of people have asked you to design a camper for them?
Tiny but very nicely done. I would suggest you might be interested in a step van conversion for your next project. I’ll bet you could make it the very best looking camper anywhere as well as providing way more space for storage and comfort. Many days of crappy weather have shown me how my campers creature comforts become limited and can lead to cabin fever, and I’m easily entertained. A larger bathroom can provide a full size shower which can be a huge luxury. I’m spoilt with my dry bath.
Of course it's awesome, YOU built it and it will always be awesome!
Couldn't you just add a. 12 " fold down or slide out extension for your bed, so that you don't hit your heads?
I never posted a comment until now... But it's wonderful and nice to see how a man and a woman can live and help each other towards a goal. You are both very lucky ;o) Dream on and keep going. All the best!!!! From Hungary...
3M sells some protective foil for the windshield. I'm sure that would work for your window scratching problem as well. I was wondering before, why you guys dont use leveling blocs for leveling? Is your cook top stove an induction stove? that would be even more energy efficient. And I agree, your camper looks really good!!
Shower drainage is an issue in all campers. You've done a great job
I find it pretty amazing you two built that. Looks awesome, set up perfect. One would think you bought that from a manufacture and paid 60k plus for it. Good luck with your build before winter. Time is a ticking.
Thanks Brian! We're pushing hard to get the shop up before snowfall!
More like 90-120k. The truck alone is roughly 60
@@jackryan4313 Yeah I was just talking about the camper portion.
@@briandavis28 oh ok😂my apologies. In that case, I agree with you wholeheartedly
One thing I have learned about building out campers and vans:. You'll always find stuff you've done that you want/need to change after you've been in the rig for a while. Being a boat joiner by trade, cabinet maker, fine carpenter... I'm always tempted to do a really fine fancy interior and I have, a few times. Then I have to cram a dirty bike or an old engine inside, or find room for something slimey, or we get another dog, or something.
So I've learned to not spend time making "thePerfect" rig, but just doing a real good one, with the thought in mind that I will be using it and I'll certainly be changing something later.
Yeah you guys did an amazing job on it!
Started watching you all because of that awesome home made camper.Now your channel is even better with all the adventures and the shop that’s coming. An amphibious vehicle with tracks for land and the ability to travel in the water would be challenging and fun to make. An all season vehicle.
Thank you much for following along on our adventures John!
Lif3 euplyw
I LOVE YOUR CAMPER! YOU DID A GREAT JOB!
If your bikes are that big a part of your camping I applaud your inside storage. I travel in a Vanagon and I love my ebike. At night I toss it up on the roof and I’ve never had any problem with anyone messing with it. It’s outa sight so not a problem
That pass through is a great idea! Plus if you needed to take off fast, you have a safe way to get up front!
Thank you for the offer, it goes both ways and you know massages will be waiting!
Donna
Exactly! We feel more comfortable in questionable places knowing that we can just take off! Looking forward to next time we cross paths!
Great idea with the running fan for the toilet. The best solution I've found is to put some Borax, 1/2 cup or so in the toilet after you dump it. I can only find Borax at Walmart in the cleaning section. Don't ever put perfume infused toilet treatments because the smell of those is almost worse than nothing at all.
That's very interesting about using Borax, is it safe for the rubber seals I wonder. I know Borax is not bleach but apparently bleach is bad for the seals, indicating that some treatments other than those specified could potentially cause seal leaks which I know from my own experience is not nice lol. I purchased a new chemical toilet recently and I use the blue treatment but it has formaldehyde in it to break down solids quickly ( number twos and toilet paper ) but I'd prefer to use Borax if it worked as good; I'd appreciate your thoughts on this very much 👍
Oh, I use a 5 litre urine bottle with a little bleach added now and the toilet is only for emergency use, my last six day camp it never got used once as there was a toilet block on site 150 yards away lol.
@@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN Your response made me curious so I looked up what Borax actually is. It says it is a "whitener" but not bleach. Says it can be used on clothes in conjuction with bleach. I am going to try and find the youtube person who put me on to it and ask him if he has had any issued with seals, etc. If I am successful, I will let you know. I do know it really did work on the camper toilet at preventing odor coming from the toilet.
@@marchearn9058 That's great thanks Marc. I tried different washing machine capsules in my last toilet to avoid using the blue stuff but I found that they didn't work very Good. There's nothing worse than bad odour on a hot day from a chemical toilet. I'd like to use Borax and might take the risk with the seals if it's that good. Definitely see what you can find and get back to me; I'd appreciate that very much 👍
Thanks so much for making this! We were going to do the same with lights by the side door on our ambulance...but having bugs in the place...no thanks. We will be changing that now! Thanks guys 😊 Would love to see more videos like this as things come up over time 🎉
I'm glad you are learning from our mistake! Others have suggested using a yellow or red light, but that sounds kind of annoying for trying to work and cook in the dark. I think just moving it to not right by the door should fix the issue!
@@AmbitionStrikes Yikes! Yeah I think we will stick with a normal light but just wire it up farther down 😊 Thanks guys!
Light by the door in the winter no bugs with hidden switch. Light on other side during summer to keep bugs away with hidden switch on bottom.Could do solar lights.
Tint your windows with no color tint film. It will protect the window without darkening it . But you will end up with damaged film that will need to be changed out periodically. Perhaps an awning type protection that's closed enroute and opened once parked.
Make a roof deck (well, that’s where your solar panels are).
Have you considered separating the top to lift up on gas struts to give more head space? And the toilet cassette .. add some lavendar oil or eucalyptus oil to the flush tank. We dont use chemicals in ours..mix up laundry soaker and a dadh of dishwashing liquid and the eucalyptus oil.. good solution for smells in small places. And hosing out cleans the cassette too.
I wonder if you could offer the ski box as a commercial product. Also the porch entrance to the camper has commercial potential.
For the rest I amazed how well your sandwich panel fitted into the frame. Great construction.
I love the pass through for the dogs
It has been amazing!
Harika olmuş 👍🇹🇷🇹🇷
It's hard to believe This is the first I ever saw of you two. Great people , hard good work, and dogs, too! Subbed. Enjoy the adventure, ya never know when it ends,
Fantastic camper :D
Have you guys thought of laying PPF on top of the windows to avoid scratches?
I did it for our old caravan. selfhealing PPF. was awesome.
That is a great idea and something we should look into doing!
I just stumbled upon your channel and just from the outside appearance I was shocked to see it was your own creation! I'm going to look at how you built it, it is an amazing project for sure!
Riley, please tell me that Courtney is not whacking you on top of your head. My wife periodically whacks me for no apparent reason. She says it love! 😳😂😂😂
He says he can't remember... 😂
@@AmbitionStrikes,😳😂😂😂
you should look into camper leveling blocks, and or jacks, makes it a bit better, not just on having to park your heads up hill, but your shower drain situation
The best part of designing your own camper is finding out what works and what doesn't. Even with people who design campers for a living can't even think of everything, but I found this video a learning experience on how you worked to solve some of your issues.
We hoped that future builders could take into consideration things that we hadn't! Thanks for watching!
My top 3 list of best things about ur cmpr:
3) The cool but still classy look
2) The engineering n construction quality
1) The awesome inhabitants/builders 😎👍
Now you're just making us blush! 😊
It's very good 👍, maybe I am late but I would like to suggest for drain you may sink/basin type tray and put hole in the middle it'll be helpful and you don't have to make another drain hole.
For bed i suggest to put baby court type folding grill to support your pillow so that you are not afraid of falling pillow and sleep on the other direction without any problem.
Hi to you all. We have the same cassette toilet and for smell have been using Happy Camper toilet powder it works Great 👍 Thanks for sharing your build.
the info in this video is worth gold !!! very cool video... and you are allowed to be selfish about how you feel about your camper !!!! totally reasonable !!!
Right on, I live in North Idaho so I totally understand about the scratching of your windows =D
It's gonna get cold up there on Ambition Mountain this winter! You can put a vent on the bulkhead between the water heater and toilet tank, that way your blackwater won't freeze.
We should be living in the shop by winter but we'll see!
You could use erosion tape over the windows to add a layer of protection.
Shower drain super easy to fix.lower original drain n above be a pool with slates going to drain so unless you on a steep hill water will all drain regardless of which way you park.
I live in a Promaster and this is the first truck camper I’ve seen that I really like. You’ve done a great job. I think you should bring that rig down to Mexico for a winter before you worry about a shop. You might not want to go back.
“That thing is AWESOME!!” Yeah it is 💜😍👍💜
Put up a cargo net to hold your pillows from falling off if you reverse your sleep direction. 🙂
Hey guys I have a vote for your first build in the new shop, a Rogue River style river Dory. Dory boats are just amazing boats with a really cool history to explore as well. And nothing will make you happier to feel her dance with the oars.
That would be an amazing project!
To level your camper easily make a set of step blocks. Easy to make and very handy.
Those would be handy… but we’d rather just park and do nothing 😂
Those would be handy… but we’d rather just park and do nothing 😂
Build a nice matching gray trailer to go with your main unit, it will give you tons of extra space.
Seen your truck in town before I found your channel. Loved the look of the camper
Try a thinner mattress, for more head room in the bunk.
From a health standpoint, I recommend sleeping without a pillow. It's better for your back. Plus, for bodily fluid purposes, brain and lung health, sleep on your side as much as possible, esp. your left side. For me, pillows just get in the way and give me a neck-ache.
It's reassuring that at 73, I go to the bathroom at night same as you younger folks (1x/night).
The camper does look cool, esp. those wheels.
Thanks for the advice!
Looking forward to see progress on you shop build.
I do not watch TV. Only thing I watch are videos like yours.
We're with ya there, all we watch is UA-cam! Thanks for following our adventure!
HI fellow campers, about your outside door light. We changed ours lamps to orange/amber or you can install an orange color filter over the bulbs.
The orange color......those little bugs are less attracted to the orange color light. Simple fix........enjoy!
Also I wanted to say what a nice job you both did on the tracks for the Jeep. If you install a "V" wedge (steel) in the track area just behind the front
roller wheel it will cut any snow/ice build-up, that is how we do it. Wish we were neighbors, I would love to go on your recovery missions.
Best wishes for you both.
Can use a clear film over your windows to avoid scratches
That's a great idea!
I love my Jackery, but this is interesting !!! Great competitive review and fair , so I will watch carefully as my needs grow . Thanks.
Wow great job. Really like the door entrance.
Leveling jacks would be a must and would cure the drain issue as a bonus. Some people don’t care about sitting level but it can effect sleeping, back pain, and keeps things from rolling off the table.
The front headroom issue is addressed by many builders by making the overhang longer and putting storage at the very front.
While I think you guys have one of the best diy earth roomers on the internet, I would have only changed two things (aside from the above mentioned). I would have beefed up the power/solar/battery considerable to include a built in generator. I would have also installed a small split unit a/c.
It’d be more versatile if it was just a shell and people could just add table, chair etc and take everything off when not used and use it for other things like work, to move stuff etc. Basically a big topper. Many people use it only couple of weeks a year as a camper. That being said, your camper is the best diy I’ve seen. Simple, functional and bad ass looking!
Hi David! There are a few companies out there making simple shells for the DIYer to finish themself!
@@AmbitionStrikes do you know who? Thanks
@@davidkozelsky Total composites, 4wheel camper and Bison campers are a few that come to mind!
My favorite thing about your camper is the cabinets. Great job!
We love how they turned out as well!
On your head bonks a easy fix, get surplus server rails. Very thin, it will provide movement for the bed and they can be locked while on the road.
That is an interesting idea!
I put a cassette toilet in my cargo trailer love it great job on your house love your videos
If you add some sort of spacer at the head of the bed to shift your heads a little closer to the foot of the bed, that might give you the head room you need (b/c of the taper in the roof). Looked like the bed was long enough to accommodate a few inches of shift.
look into amber porch lights... no bug issues. Baja and rigid (and amazon) all have amber versions. Four wheel camper has been using them and while the output is certainly not as effective, you should eliminate the bug issue. Our last sprinter had white rigid scene lights by the slider doors and it was brutal. Amber is the way to go!
That is a great tip, we will have to check it out!
Well, I just had an "Ambition Strikes" fest, watching videos 1 to 27, and you guys rock! but Before I go to bed, I just want to congratulate you both on being the most creative, efficient, and able couple I have ever seen. That RV looks professionally built, and I guess it was, considering your education, and professional background, but still, what an achievement. I can't wait till your next video. I started by watching your pole barn vids a few days ago...Is there anything you guys can't do? LOL
Thank you so much for watching and supporting the channel. We have SO much fun projects we are looking forward to sharing with you this year!
Try a combo white and red light bulb in a twin light fixture, red lights aren't as bug friendly at night. Covers for your windows while driving...and finally, a thinner but higher quality foam mattress, there is your inch.
Great suggestions! We're currently at a 6" mattress and have been hesitant to try anything thinner.
I don't know how hard they are to find boat stores where I live sell them but they have white and yellow lights that you use yellow for good light but less bugs and white when really needed
That’s a beautiful camper, I’m so jealous. I have to get motivated. Great build, your should be very proud of your very professional camper build.
I want to extend the "moms attic" (bed that hangs over the cab) all the way in front with beams that connect to the brush guard winch. Wish me luck, imma start my DIY build soon!
Bubble top front cap might save some brain cells. And on the other hand brain fog in the morning is pretty normal. Until coffee! 🤣 Love the build. Happy camping. God bless