I forgot to mention: 1) I used 15 series for this build, going to use 10 series for the next one. 2) I bought my aluminum from TNUTZ.com they were by far the most affordable.
May be a dumb question, but how did you get the wood panels to fit snugly and waterproofly in the extrusions? Loved the walk around, gives a lot better sense of the camper
Hi Ben, I think I answered this on Instagram too, but what I did was cut the wood panels to size, then tighten the frame around it to get them to fit very snug. I also sealed all of the edges with clear silicone, so far so good!
Awesome build! Two suggestions 1) Use Stainless Steel screws next time. TNUTZ has some. 2) Use some caulking to seal the gaps to reduce dust intrusion.
Thanks for the suggestions! I just finished version two of the camper and used all stainless hardware, as well as better gap seals! I am super pumped to do another walkthrough video on the new one soon!
Love the design! I’m really curious how exactly you made the tent section of your camper. I’ve always shied away from the idea of making my own camper because I have zero sewing ability. It sounds like you just cut that material that you bought, glued it together where needed and then cut holes and bolted it to your extrusion with oversized washers? And then it also looks like there’s and elastic band around the tent to help it fold in nicely? Any tips appreciated!!!
Yes definitely appreciate the kind words! I am currently working on a detailed video of how to make the no sew tent so stay tuned for that! But all in all yes that is the general process that I followed.
Thanks! Although the straight-up pop-top is a bit more challenging I think it's very rewarding to have so much head and led space. I am excited to see what you come up with for your design!
Wondering how you chose the sizes fo gas struts. I want to do something similar but i cant fogure out how to mock up the angles and lengths needed. Ither than trial and error lol
Great question, for the smaller ones it was definitely trial and error, there are some automatic calculators online but I never had good success with them. You could also try some trig but remember that the forces are going to be both the weight and the moment/torque coming from the roof/door. Also, most companies that sell gas struts are pretty good with returns and exchanges too.
You are a smart person. Remind me of myself in my younger times i loved to invent and modify. My observation is concerns over ventilation. Being i live in a hot environment, it would be necessary. But overall very good job brother.
I appreciate it, I live in a fairly temperate area, as long as I am in the mountains, but I am planning on adding some vent fans for the second version of the camper. This should also help with condensation on the inside.
The kit camper is a great idea. As far as the video goes, if you want better audio you could get a wireless lav mic. The voiceover was much easier to hear than the beginning walk around. Good work!
Great job and great Idea...I am trying to design the first hammock friendly cabover slide in but modular so 1 person can remove it...I just need 9-10' spacing for connection points at about 5'-6' above the bed floor...my current hammock stand used a horizontal "boom" to compress all the lateral forces so only vertical forces are present...I'm leaning towards foam/fiberglass with maybe a wedge tent top but I have always wanted to play with the alu honeycomb stuff...
Very interesting idea! Are you talking something like this - hammockgear.com/adventure-hammock-systems-bare-bones-xl-hammock-mount/?sku=&gclid=Cj0KCQjwgYSTBhDKARIsAB8Kukv-gvs9LE64Wofede8mzXXXQOPsKxBhQPCDBNM4Go8VacqO9LjP2hUaAsAmEALw_wcB Or did you have something else in mind? I really like the aluminum composite material, and have heard good things about the honeycomb but it's MUCH more expensive.
@@KitCampers I like those hitch mounts but I have concluded that I wouldn't really want to sleep right in front or behind the vehicle. I'm talking about inside the cabover camper instead of a bunk. It's been done in van builds(no bunk and mattress to deal with, so more open floor plan) plus you don't toss and turn much so you can stack bins on either side of you (or cabinets) and you only need a narrow "alley" to hang...I don't need a bunk over the cab but I do need the distance it provides to get 10' from front to back with decent anchors. I have a Bronco and with the tailgate down I have 11' to the windshield.
Yeah, so for the first iteration I attached by putting bolts and washers into a tnut into the tsolt but going forward I am going to use VHB to tape the canvas down, then the self tapping screws for extra durability. This should work pretty well.
Love the build, would love to make something similar! Was curious on some dimensions if you wouldn’t mind sharing. The truck bed looks like a 6 foot bed to me from the video. I was wondering how big is the tent on top and and how big your sleeping area is?
Yes the truck bed is 6'. The tent is 4x8' the sleeping area is just under 4' x 7.5'. In this build I elected to go with a smaller tent footprint, but for the new camper I am currently building/filming. I am making the sleeping area 60x80" which will fit a queen bed. Super excited about that.
@@warrenbenton9033 I can't remember on this one exactly, but I have details on the new lift mechanism in the kit campers classroom - www.kitcampers.co/theclassroom if you don't want to sign up for that you can check out - ua-cam.com/video/7U8R8nm84Q8/v-deo.html&ab_channel=TimMorrissey for the pop up mechanism I built for the first version
Was at forum but will ask here also, what is new supplier for Aluminum composite panels. I’m also thinking about trying to make hard sided pop up . You’ve seen the one brand out there. How does it work? Just like a collapsible card board box you may get a shirt packaged in. The sides fold in at 45 degrees and the ends just fold down at 90 degrees. Allow the ends to slide along the roof panel.
The supplier that I use for aluminum composite panel is Sun Supply - www.sunsupply.com/ I have seen the hard side campers, and yes, as long as the panels don't need insulation or anything that would work a lot like a collapsible cardboard box. I decided that was going to be a bit too involved for my current build so I went with the soft side tents. I would definitely be interested in seeing what you come up with once you start building!
Thanks, I just used some toggle latches - www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00T36QD08/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 They work super well and haven't rusted or anything. With minor modifications I was able to get them to mount directly to the 8020 aluminum extrusion.
Thanks! It's been super fun to build. Yes, I am currently planning to build a new version and think I should be able to order and complete the build in less than a month. Assembly should be less than a week.
@@geographyinaction7814 That sounds awesome, I like the idea of the hard side, but haven't put in the full time and effort necessary to figure out how I would get it to work.
Being from the PNW I found a company called Sun Supply that was super easy to work with - www.sunsupply.com/ When I recently bought the ACM from them a 4x8 was $70
Very Nice, i currently choosing the size for my navara d40 shortbed. im using metric so 20mm x 20mm seems little flimsy but i see other use it. the next size would be 30mm x 30mm. what t nut size would you recommend. i would like to have a push up tent/roof that goes allway from the rear to roughly over the passenger door on the cabin. little longer then youres. maybe 30x60mm. for interior maybe 20x20mm would be enough :s
Hey! Yeah 20x20mm might be a bit too small (it's ~3/4 of an inch). I think 30x30mm would be appropriate. But consider using the 30x60mm if they make them or for support beams as the rectangular shape will be stronger. Each series should come with its own specially sized hardware, so I just recommend buying what the manufacturer recommends. Be aware that shipping anything larger than 94 inches in the united states can result in a lot higher shipping fees so that was one reason I kept the tent on this build smaller.
@@KitCampers Fan from Norway :) so gonna get them here. yeah 30x30. some beefy corners would be the best yes. then top 30x60 and the roof itself 30x30.. lightweight but strong enough. want to turn my truck into a mobile rc/fpv workshop and the ever so long waited roadtrip :)
Hi Bill. No I did not, I ordered the new aluminum composite panels from Sun Supply - www.sunsupply.com/ who operates in the northerwest. If you aren't in the northwest then you should be able to find aluminum composite panel at a local sign shop but beware that the sign shops may charge you more per panel (I bought mine for $79 for a 4x8' sheet)
Thanks! I am actually in the process of building a new one thats going to incorporate a 12x5 foot tent footprint, I am going to go with hidden gas struts, and some better water proofing techniques. Living in Oregon water is my worst enemy!
Thanks I appreciate it! The roof is made out of the same material as the frame bolted together. Then the aluminum composite material is taped, with VHB from 3M to the top. For more details check out this other video I posted - ua-cam.com/video/ICYHd6zIDN4/v-deo.html
That's where I recently got mine and they are a way better deal than other local sign shops. I paid $70 for 4x8 sheets and ~$114 for 5x10. If you are in the PNW I would say yes they are probably the best place to go but it doesn't hurt to shop around.
Very cool! Great solution to the wedge camper lack of height at the front. Where did you find the Al panels cheaper than the sign shops? Looking forward to future videos
I found it at a general supplier, the place I went to in the pacific northwest is called Sun Supply, it's worth a shot to see if there is something like them near you
Very nice! I was so surprised to see your design because I've been CADing an exact replica of it although i'm planning on using slight different materials. Would be kool if you did a deep dive into the fabric part of it. Seems like everyone on UA-cam is very fixated on the construction of steel/aluminium/wood and the fabrics aspect are like 30sec long :P
Yes, that was something that was fairly challenging for me too, I will make a separate video highlighting how to make the canvas. I think I have figured out a pretty effective way of making the canvas without having to sew anything.
@Kasandra Antoine It would depend. I would have to see what the box truck actually looks like but I am sure we could do some sort of custom design for your needs. You can find me at @kit.campers on instagram (shoot me a DM!)
The frame is mounted to the bed rails via 6 1/4inch aluminum square brackets that I drilled holes into and mounted to the camper frame and rails with bolts. I found out later that I could have used the tacoma bed rail clamps (that you can get on amazon) and not have to go through the hassle of drilling 1/4 aluminum. For the next build I am going a slightly different route but will make sure to highlight it in future videos. At first I did not reinforce the bed rails with stiffeners or anything, instead when in transit I would just use a ratchet strap and connect it to tie downs on the bed rails. That worked really well but was annoying when climbing into and out of the camper. Since then I have added bed rail stiffeners and they seem to be working very well.
@@KitCampers thanks for the reply. I was looking at truck caps until I realised I could make my own via a tent and epanel. I work with 80/20 for my job so this is all like perfect. Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to your diy video. I bought ripcords bedfrane drawing but I think your method is simpler.
@@pac5709 No problem, I saw the same thing. But Yeah I definitely think that having the entire frame integrated fully together with just 80/20 makes things much more maganable! I am doing my best to get that video out as well as how to and a bill of materials. If you want more consistent updates check out my instagram @kit.campers feel free to leave me some comments there too!
Seems to work pretty nicely. The PVC vinyl that I use is pretty thick, so it doesn't flap in the wind like most tent material. And the mechanisms I made to hold the roof in place are solid.
I forgot to mention:
1) I used 15 series for this build, going to use 10 series for the next one.
2) I bought my aluminum from TNUTZ.com they were by far the most affordable.
May be a dumb question, but how did you get the wood panels to fit snugly and waterproofly in the extrusions?
Loved the walk around, gives a lot better sense of the camper
Hi Ben, I think I answered this on Instagram too, but what I did was cut the wood panels to size, then tighten the frame around it to get them to fit very snug. I also sealed all of the edges with clear silicone, so far so good!
Awesome build! Two suggestions 1) Use Stainless Steel screws next time. TNUTZ has some. 2) Use some caulking to seal the gaps to reduce dust intrusion.
Thanks for the suggestions! I just finished version two of the camper and used all stainless hardware, as well as better gap seals! I am super pumped to do another walkthrough video on the new one soon!
Love the design! I’m really curious how exactly you made the tent section of your camper. I’ve always shied away from the idea of making my own camper because I have zero sewing ability. It sounds like you just cut that material that you bought, glued it together where needed and then cut holes and bolted it to your extrusion with oversized washers? And then it also looks like there’s and elastic band around the tent to help it fold in nicely? Any tips appreciated!!!
Yes definitely appreciate the kind words! I am currently working on a detailed video of how to make the no sew tent so stay tuned for that! But all in all yes that is the general process that I followed.
Stocked to see people making their own gear. Great job man
Thanks! Yeah this was the first Kit camper I built, just finished up a walkthrough of the second one, going to be posting a video of that pretty soon!
Well done man! Love the straight up pop tops, might change mine at some time down the road
Thanks! Although the straight-up pop-top is a bit more challenging I think it's very rewarding to have so much head and led space. I am excited to see what you come up with for your design!
Wondering how you chose the sizes fo gas struts. I want to do something similar but i cant fogure out how to mock up the angles and lengths needed. Ither than trial and error lol
Great question, for the smaller ones it was definitely trial and error, there are some automatic calculators online but I never had good success with them. You could also try some trig but remember that the forces are going to be both the weight and the moment/torque coming from the roof/door. Also, most companies that sell gas struts are pretty good with returns and exchanges too.
You are a smart person. Remind me of myself in my younger times i loved to invent and modify. My observation is concerns over ventilation. Being i live in a hot environment, it would be necessary. But overall very good job brother.
I appreciate it, I live in a fairly temperate area, as long as I am in the mountains, but I am planning on adding some vent fans for the second version of the camper. This should also help with condensation on the inside.
Im highly impressed with you ingenuity. I might know a company that would be interested in making kits and marketing this camper.
Hey Kory, thanks I really appreciate it! If you want to get in touch about further discussions shoot me a DM on instagram my account is @kit.campers
The kit camper is a great idea. As far as the video goes, if you want better audio you could get a wireless lav mic. The voiceover was much easier to hear than the beginning walk around. Good work!
Thanks! I will look into getting a wireless mic for future videos.
This is so sweet! Finally something easy to assemble AND affordable. Will definitely be in the market for one of these on my truck!
Glad you like it! Let me know if you have any questions about aspects of the build!
Great job and great Idea...I am trying to design the first hammock friendly cabover slide in but modular so 1 person can remove it...I just need 9-10' spacing for connection points at about 5'-6' above the bed floor...my current hammock stand used a horizontal "boom" to compress all the lateral forces so only vertical forces are present...I'm leaning towards foam/fiberglass with maybe a wedge tent top but I have always wanted to play with the alu honeycomb stuff...
Very interesting idea! Are you talking something like this - hammockgear.com/adventure-hammock-systems-bare-bones-xl-hammock-mount/?sku=&gclid=Cj0KCQjwgYSTBhDKARIsAB8Kukv-gvs9LE64Wofede8mzXXXQOPsKxBhQPCDBNM4Go8VacqO9LjP2hUaAsAmEALw_wcB
Or did you have something else in mind?
I really like the aluminum composite material, and have heard good things about the honeycomb but it's MUCH more expensive.
@@KitCampers I like those hitch mounts but I have concluded that I wouldn't really want to sleep right in front or behind the vehicle. I'm talking about inside the cabover camper instead of a bunk. It's been done in van builds(no bunk and mattress to deal with, so more open floor plan) plus you don't toss and turn much so you can stack bins on either side of you (or cabinets) and you only need a narrow "alley" to hang...I don't need a bunk over the cab but I do need the distance it provides to get 10' from front to back with decent anchors. I have a Bronco and with the tailgate down I have 11' to the windshield.
Super excited to share this build and idea with everyone! Can't wait to build version 2
Is that insulation in between the wooden panels?
Yes, I made some sandwich panel with 1/8inch utility 1 inch pink foam and wood glue.
Very nice! I'm working actually on a similar project myself!
How did you mount the cloth to the frame? Just with screws and washers ?
Yeah, so for the first iteration I attached by putting bolts and washers into a tnut into the tsolt but going forward I am going to use VHB to tape the canvas down, then the self tapping screws for extra durability. This should work pretty well.
Love the build, would love to make something similar! Was curious on some dimensions if you wouldn’t mind sharing. The truck bed looks like a 6 foot bed to me from the video. I was wondering how big is the tent on top and and how big your sleeping area is?
Yes the truck bed is 6'. The tent is 4x8' the sleeping area is just under 4' x 7.5'. In this build I elected to go with a smaller tent footprint, but for the new camper I am currently building/filming. I am making the sleeping area 60x80" which will fit a queen bed. Super excited about that.
Hello where did you buy your gas struts from and what strength are they? Thanks
The large gas struts are from www.liftsupportsdepot.com/lift-supports-depot-st440m60-gas-charged-lift-support/ they are 60lbs each
@@KitCampers Thanks for that. Can you confirm how high you canvas is aka the pop lift measurement? Thanks
@@warrenbenton9033 I can't remember the exact specifics of this build but i think its 32-34 inches
@@warrenbenton9033 I can't remember on this one exactly, but I have details on the new lift mechanism in the kit campers classroom - www.kitcampers.co/theclassroom if you don't want to sign up for that you can check out - ua-cam.com/video/7U8R8nm84Q8/v-deo.html&ab_channel=TimMorrissey for the pop up mechanism I built for the first version
Was at forum but will ask here also, what is new supplier for Aluminum composite panels. I’m also thinking about trying to make hard sided pop up . You’ve seen the one brand out there. How does it work? Just like a collapsible card board box you may get a shirt packaged in. The sides fold in at 45 degrees and the ends just fold down at 90 degrees. Allow the ends to slide along the roof panel.
The supplier that I use for aluminum composite panel is Sun Supply - www.sunsupply.com/
I have seen the hard side campers, and yes, as long as the panels don't need insulation or anything that would work a lot like a collapsible cardboard box. I decided that was going to be a bit too involved for my current build so I went with the soft side tents. I would definitely be interested in seeing what you come up with once you start building!
This is sweet. Thanks for sharing. What did you use for the clamps to hold the top down when it’s collapsed?
Thanks, I just used some toggle latches - www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00T36QD08/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
They work super well and haven't rusted or anything. With minor modifications I was able to get them to mount directly to the 8020 aluminum extrusion.
If you are looking to install a 12 V fridge, please watch this video
ua-cam.com/video/hUagXwROw-Y/v-deo.html
looks great thanks for sharing
Wait times and weight. The Tacoma is a beautiful truck, but it has a very limiting payload; I like what you have done.
Thanks! It's been super fun to build. Yes, I am currently planning to build a new version and think I should be able to order and complete the build in less than a month. Assembly should be less than a week.
@@KitCampers I'm planning something similar for a new Ranger but I will be using a geometric folding wall similar to what Hiatus Camper uses.
@@geographyinaction7814 That sounds awesome, I like the idea of the hard side, but haven't put in the full time and effort necessary to figure out how I would get it to work.
@@KitCampers Check out Hiatus campers.
@@geographyinaction7814 I have seen them before, their campers are pretty sweet!
Fantastic concept. Building one has been on my mind for a while, but lack the ability to weld or sow fabric. Can't wait to see the future build
Thanks! I am currently waiting on a couple more parts and then can really dive into making a how to video for the second build.
What supplier did you find for the ACM? Currently sourcing now and running into the same problem with sign shops way overcharging
Being from the PNW I found a company called Sun Supply that was super easy to work with - www.sunsupply.com/ When I recently bought the ACM from them a 4x8 was $70
Very Nice, i currently choosing the size for my navara d40 shortbed. im using metric so 20mm x 20mm seems little flimsy but i see other use it. the next size would be 30mm x 30mm. what t nut size would you recommend. i would like to have a push up tent/roof that goes allway from the rear to roughly over the passenger door on the cabin. little longer then youres. maybe 30x60mm. for interior maybe 20x20mm would be enough :s
Hey! Yeah 20x20mm might be a bit too small (it's ~3/4 of an inch). I think 30x30mm would be appropriate. But consider using the 30x60mm if they make them or for support beams as the rectangular shape will be stronger. Each series should come with its own specially sized hardware, so I just recommend buying what the manufacturer recommends. Be aware that shipping anything larger than 94 inches in the united states can result in a lot higher shipping fees so that was one reason I kept the tent on this build smaller.
@@KitCampers Fan from Norway :) so gonna get them here. yeah 30x30. some beefy corners would be the best yes. then top 30x60 and the roof itself 30x30.. lightweight but strong enough.
want to turn my truck into a mobile rc/fpv workshop and the ever so long waited roadtrip :)
You may have just convinced me that cutting a hole in my van roof isn't stupidly unnecessary.
Hahaha what makes you say that!? Are you trying to make some more head room with a pop-up?
Did you source your aluminum composite panels from TNUTZ as well?
Hi Bill. No I did not, I ordered the new aluminum composite panels from Sun Supply - www.sunsupply.com/ who operates in the northerwest. If you aren't in the northwest then you should be able to find aluminum composite panel at a local sign shop but beware that the sign shops may charge you more per panel (I bought mine for $79 for a 4x8' sheet)
Nice build! Working on my 15 series pop-up camper as well! What would you do differently next time?
Thanks! I am actually in the process of building a new one thats going to incorporate a 12x5 foot tent footprint, I am going to go with hidden gas struts, and some better water proofing techniques. Living in Oregon water is my worst enemy!
Super cool build. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks I appreciate it!
It looks like many of the bolds have rusted heads. what type did you use and if they are rusted, what will you use in the future?
Yeah that's one of the biggest things to change, I used the zinc plated cap screws, but going forward everything will be stainless.
Love your camper. How did you make the roof?
Thanks I appreciate it! The roof is made out of the same material as the frame bolted together. Then the aluminum composite material is taped, with VHB from 3M to the top. For more details check out this other video I posted - ua-cam.com/video/ICYHd6zIDN4/v-deo.html
is sun supply still the best place to get those aluminum composite panels?
That's where I recently got mine and they are a way better deal than other local sign shops. I paid $70 for 4x8 sheets and ~$114 for 5x10. If you are in the PNW I would say yes they are probably the best place to go but it doesn't hurt to shop around.
Very cool! Great solution to the wedge camper lack of height at the front. Where did you find the Al panels cheaper than the sign shops? Looking forward to future videos
I found it at a general supplier, the place I went to in the pacific northwest is called Sun Supply, it's worth a shot to see if there is something like them near you
@@KitCampers thx!
Very nice!
I was so surprised to see your design because I've been CADing an exact replica of it although i'm planning on using slight different materials.
Would be kool if you did a deep dive into the fabric part of it. Seems like everyone on UA-cam is very fixated on the construction of steel/aluminium/wood and the fabrics aspect are like 30sec long :P
Yes, that was something that was fairly challenging for me too, I will make a separate video highlighting how to make the canvas. I think I have figured out a pretty effective way of making the canvas without having to sew anything.
This is dope. Love this camper. Could you possibly add velcro windows in your pop top tent?
Thanks!!! You beat me too it! I am adding velcro windows for the second version, which is currently being made!
@Kasandra Antoine It would depend. I would have to see what the box truck actually looks like but I am sure we could do some sort of custom design for your needs. You can find me at @kit.campers on instagram (shoot me a DM!)
How did you mount the frame to the bed and did you reinforce the bed at all?
The frame is mounted to the bed rails via 6 1/4inch aluminum square brackets that I drilled holes into and mounted to the camper frame and rails with bolts. I found out later that I could have used the tacoma bed rail clamps (that you can get on amazon) and not have to go through the hassle of drilling 1/4 aluminum. For the next build I am going a slightly different route but will make sure to highlight it in future videos. At first I did not reinforce the bed rails with stiffeners or anything, instead when in transit I would just use a ratchet strap and connect it to tie downs on the bed rails. That worked really well but was annoying when climbing into and out of the camper. Since then I have added bed rail stiffeners and they seem to be working very well.
@@KitCampers thanks for the reply. I was looking at truck caps until I realised I could make my own via a tent and epanel. I work with 80/20 for my job so this is all like perfect. Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to your diy video. I bought ripcords bedfrane drawing but I think your method is simpler.
@@pac5709 No problem, I saw the same thing. But Yeah I definitely think that having the entire frame integrated fully together with just 80/20 makes things much more maganable! I am doing my best to get that video out as well as how to and a bill of materials. If you want more consistent updates check out my instagram @kit.campers feel free to leave me some comments there too!
How does it hold up in a windy day.
Seems to work pretty nicely. The PVC vinyl that I use is pretty thick, so it doesn't flap in the wind like most tent material. And the mechanisms I made to hold the roof in place are solid.
@@KitCampers Nice, that's the best set up i've seen. Thanks
great job
Thanks!