For the pop up mechanism you could use some good 3M Velcro in the overlapping part. You could glue a sheet of it to some canvas. Then glue and rivit it to the mech where the overlap is. That way when it went up the two sides would come together. A patch most of the side of the overlap would be really strong. The canvas would just help give a good strong backing for the divots to hold onto.
Thats a really good idea! I have been trying to think of something that would allow for the canvas to be pulled in easier and velcro might be the solution! I will brainstorm this a bit more and see what I can come up with!
Yeah cutting a rectangle in the roof of a vehicle is always challenging and scary! Make sure to consider how to best seal the roof and pop up together before proceeding, waterproofing can be tough.
@@KitCampers Sorry if you mentioned this in the video already, but what are the specs of those struts? 100lb? 150lb? I'm trying to figure out sizing; I don't want too high of a load, nor too low...
One issue you created in the canvas design is for waterproofing during rain storms. It will seem to most to be ill gi Al until you remember that rain follows the rule of gravity. Your lengthwise seam needs to be at the lower edge so rain cannot run down and enter at the bottom edge and soak your mattress and bedding. If you could sew in a zippered opening with rain protecting overlaying plackets on the exterior upper top and sides would allow for better rain resistance coming into the interior. You do not need an industrial sewing machine to sew that fabric. The trick to doing it on a standard sewing machine is to use a machine needle made for sewing leather. It has sharp edges that cut its way through the vinyl. That is how I sew that exact same fabric on a home sewing machine.
Thanks for the input you are 100% correct. I realized this after the fact, but I made some corrections by adding a solid vinyl window and adding it to the bottom seam. So crisis avoided. Going forward I definitely tell people to be aware of this.
@@KitCampers i talked to you a little on reddit. Im going to build mine soon. Im conflicted on which route to go but im definitely going to be using a lot of your ideas, and others
@@nboursaw1979 Nice! Are you deciding between which types of matewrials, etc. to use? But yeah there are tons of options out there! I definitely don't think one design is the best over others, each has their merits! Have you checked out @ripcord - ua-cam.com/video/1iiZJ7xa0jk/v-deo.html&ab_channel=Ripcord
@@KitCampers Yes. I want to keep the cost down as much as possible while still having adequate strength. Weight is something else i have to keep in mind. I'd love to use that 8020 aluminum but realistically cant pull that off.
@@nboursaw1979 Yeah weight is definitely an issue with all of these. The aluminum is a bit more expensive but definitely worth it if you can swing it. However, I do think that you could probably make something similar with wood as long as everything is weather resistant!
On your pop up mechanism, get some 90° angle iron and mount it at the edge of one of the pieces, and mount the other up against it on the other piece. So the angle iron will be back to back. Then use some latches just like on the outside to pull the two pieces together. This should give you both vertical and lateral support.
I think you mentioned that the total width is 64 inches wide, but on the BOM the composite panels are only 60" wide. How did you do the very top panel with it being 4 inches narrower than overall width?
wow, this is pretty great. I picked up a 1983 Four Wheel Grandby for free on craigslist and am planning to gut/repair it this winter. I can see an endless number of uses for the extruded aluminum for things like modular shelving/seating/mounting of items and reducing the weight of 40 year old wood and particle board. Well done!
Thanks I really appreciate it! Yeah I am definitely a huge fan of the aluminum extrusion, using it makes everything SUPER modular and you can continually add things or modify them. Have fun restoring your new camper!
HI, NIce build. Whats on the top of the tent.( TOP Exposed to outside part ). What material is used to water seal it? Is it Aluminium/ABS /PVC sheet etc. Can you Give some details how the canvas is fixed onto the 8020 Al frames. Is it glued on to the 8020s.
I've been checking daily for this video...excited to see the pop up in action.. how many pounds is the bench press? And would it help getting stronger shocks. I know you can get them in different poundage
Glad I could help show you in more detail! Yeah made it a point to film it last weekend. But it's not much at all, you can also just push up with your back. I am currently updating the gas struts from 40lbs each to 60lbs each to see how much of a difference it makes. I will keep you updated!
Can you show the canvas attaching to the bottom rail? Curious how you did it and is it water tight? The canvas doesn’t overhang the bottom rail, is there drainage or does the water pool at the bottom?
That's a great question, right now I haven't actually had it out in the rain, and the giant windows would make it not so waterproof anyways. The canvas is fixed to the bottom rail with VHB all the way around and self tapping screws in places. I also made a rain skirt that does overhang the angle aluminum I added. I am still considering other options for better waterproofing though.
@@KitCampers Yes, my biggest concern as well. I'm trying to remember how my Hybrid and Pop-up campers handled water intrusion with their fabric components 🤔.
We do not currently, the idea is that I sell the build guide and the list of materials and people can buy what they need, build a camper themselves, and cut out any extra fees.
Yes the bottom portions are 4x2 inch 10 series and the top is 1x3 inch 10 series. The design should be compatible with truck beds up to about 94" but keep in mind that the dimensions will have to be changed to accommodate different truck bed sizes.
I gave been buying my T channel direct from from Parco. I use the black anodized. The T channel profile of your is ls the same. Wonder if it is cheaper to get it direct rather than through Tnuts that you mention.
I love how the pop-up roof works and how simple in design it is. The use of 8020 extruded aluminium was just a brilliant idea. would like to see you go further with this idea and remove the actual bed of the Tokoma and design a more useful space at the bottom with a kitchen and shower cubicle. Think that must be your next project, but I'm already so impressed. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much! Yeah I have been considering how to build out the bottom area to be more useful. I would really like to make a flatbed camper for the next build unfortunately my tacoma may not be the truck I build it on as I cant unbolt the actual bed (too much rust).
I am actually wondering what material you used and if it has ribs. I also wonder how it sheds water if it is flat and the 80-20 is on every edge. I know weird details, but I am curious. You really did a great job on the design and the cost is sooo much better than $25k plus for the commercial company builds. Congratulations! 🍾🎈
@@Oswald2615 The material used was 8020 extruded aluminum from TNUTZ.com, For the roof I covered it entirely in aluminum composite material and very high bond tape from 3M so it is completely water sealed. This is a bit more comparable to things like go fast and ovrlnd camper which are closer to $10k but yeah that was the goal! I appreciate the kind words!
Good eye! Yes I do and thanks for the kind remarks! I run a 3inch/2inch leveling kit, with 1.25 inch spacers. I had to do very small trimming of the plastic underneath the bumper.
Hi! I got them from liftsupportdepot.com they are fairly affordable and the longest on the market (I believe) here are the 70 pound version www.liftsupportsdepot.com/44-00-lift-supports-depot-st440m70-lift-support-st440m70-w/
Good question, With the window covers, keeping the doors shut, maybe adding an insulative layer, adding a vent with a heater I think it would do okay! All things that could definitely be done fairly easily.
@@KitCampers I want to do the same for my camper pop up. I would like to install a clear poly window on both sides. Buy the material from Hobby Lobby, but I do not sew. I might take it to a Cleaners, they do some sewing projects. I don't know if their machines sew that kind of Material.
@@danemmerich6775 I did the entire thing with no sewing. If you use vinyl coated polyester with hh-66 vinyl cemtn you can make yours like mine without any sewing.
What's the weight of your roof? I saw you originally purchased 40lbs gas struts but are replacing for 60lbs. I am building a similar camper and am trying to calculate. The force for the gas struts that wont be too strong to close the roof.
Essentially the same dimensions 63" x 119". I built the framing with wood because it was a material I had available to me. Also the roof has electrical and lighting. The overall weight of my roof is 200lbs so was thinking 4 struts that can support 50lbs each.
The kits are not in production, what you do is buy the build guide plans. Then source your own materials, I have links to every part within the build guide though!
@@bearboles2868 hahaha too bad tacomas are super expensive right now! I did build a RTT which i am planning on posting soon which might be another option for the forerunner.
@@bearboles2868 Not much, I have a customizable bill of materials in the classroom that requires you to enter 3 measurements, bed rail width, length, and height to over the cab and then it calculates everything you need.
It's actually not too bad, the worst dust intrusion is from gaps in the bed, not the camper. But as far as water and dust resistance goes, I use heavy duty truck bed cap seal which has worked REALLY well, this is what i use - www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NCCNUJQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I got these from lift support depot - www.liftsupportsdepot.com/lift-supports-depot-st440m40-gas-charged-lift-support/ all of the parts I used for this build are freely available in the bill of materials www.kitcampers.co/diypopupv2
I might have considered a few bucks for BOM and a nice spreadsheet but that number on yer site...hahaha. Dude extrusions just lego for adults, I think I can figure a box out, yer dimensions would only work for people with the same truck anyway.
Sorry you feel that way. I made an entire classroom with videos, a customizable BOM to fit almost any truck and everything so I think it's work the money. I did the entire build from scratch the first few times I did it so I wanted to save people the time and effort of having to make their own.
I don't sell the kit/parts yet but I do sell the build guide with bill of materials and all the steps you need to build your own camper at kitcampers.co/theclassroom
It hasn't had any water in it after driving in the rain. I live in the PNW so making sure the roof was watertight was really important. Seems to be working so far!
I thought the first ones I purchased would be strong enough, I just bought some new ones (60lbs each) but am waiting to install them as I don't have all my tools right now :/
Yes great point, the window covers go from the top, then I mounted see through vinyl on the bottom so the water won't seep in. I will make another video soon detailing changes to the windows that I have made.
For the pop up mechanism you could use some good 3M Velcro in the overlapping part. You could glue a sheet of it to some canvas. Then glue and rivit it to the mech where the overlap is. That way when it went up the two sides would come together. A patch most of the side of the overlap would be really strong. The canvas would just help give a good strong backing for the divots to hold onto.
Thats a really good idea! I have been trying to think of something that would allow for the canvas to be pulled in easier and velcro might be the solution! I will brainstorm this a bit more and see what I can come up with!
Oh! That folded up really easily! Cool!
Thanks! Yeah putting the roof up and down is not that challenging!
That's quite a DYI project, congrats! Best from Germany. 😉
Thanks I really appreciate it!
Thanks for making your videos! You inspired me to create our Flip Top Topper version, and we are having a blast!
That's awesome! If you are on instagram send me some pictures and I would be happy to feature the build!
Great to see a more in detail walk around from the last tour. On a side note Logo Rocks!
Mark &( Teresa)
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! Yeah one of my instagram followers made it for me and absolutely crushed it! I love the logo
@@KitCampers 🙂
This is really rad. I'm building something similar on my Delica - once I build up enough courage to cut a huge rectangle out of the roof.
Yeah cutting a rectangle in the roof of a vehicle is always challenging and scary! Make sure to consider how to best seal the roof and pop up together before proceeding, waterproofing can be tough.
@@KitCampers Sorry if you mentioned this in the video already, but what are the specs of those struts? 100lb? 150lb?
I'm trying to figure out sizing; I don't want too high of a load, nor too low...
@@evanl5299 I wound up using 60lb struts that were 44inches long for this build.
Definitely like the use of 8/20 for the framing of this camper
Thanks I appreciate it!
One issue you created in the canvas design is for waterproofing during rain storms. It will seem to most to be ill gi Al until you remember that rain follows the rule of gravity. Your lengthwise seam needs to be at the lower edge so rain cannot run down and enter at the bottom edge and soak your mattress and bedding. If you could sew in a zippered opening with rain protecting overlaying plackets on the exterior upper top and sides would allow for better rain resistance coming into the interior. You do not need an industrial sewing machine to sew that fabric. The trick to doing it on a standard sewing machine is to use a machine needle made for sewing leather. It has sharp edges that cut its way through the vinyl. That is how I sew that exact same fabric on a home sewing machine.
Thanks for the input you are 100% correct. I realized this after the fact, but I made some corrections by adding a solid vinyl window and adding it to the bottom seam. So crisis avoided. Going forward I definitely tell people to be aware of this.
thanks for sharing, i am between building my own or buying something, this gives me ideas for both.
Yeah definitely good options for both! If you have any questions let me know!
Good stuff 💪 stoked on the channel/business concept ⚒
Thanks I really appreicate the support!
Awesome build!
Thanks I appreciate it!
Thanks for this video!
No problem, if you want to see anything else (i.e. features of the camper) let me know!
@@KitCampers i talked to you a little on reddit. Im going to build mine soon. Im conflicted on which route to go but im definitely going to be using a lot of your ideas, and others
@@nboursaw1979 Nice! Are you deciding between which types of matewrials, etc. to use? But yeah there are tons of options out there! I definitely don't think one design is the best over others, each has their merits! Have you checked out @ripcord - ua-cam.com/video/1iiZJ7xa0jk/v-deo.html&ab_channel=Ripcord
@@KitCampers Yes. I want to keep the cost down as much as possible while still having adequate strength. Weight is something else i have to keep in mind. I'd love to use that 8020 aluminum but realistically cant pull that off.
@@nboursaw1979 Yeah weight is definitely an issue with all of these. The aluminum is a bit more expensive but definitely worth it if you can swing it. However, I do think that you could probably make something similar with wood as long as everything is weather resistant!
On your pop up mechanism, get some 90° angle iron and mount it at the edge of one of the pieces, and mount the other up against it on the other piece. So the angle iron will be back to back. Then use some latches just like on the outside to pull the two pieces together. This should give you both vertical and lateral support.
Awesome thanks for the input!
Great walkaround. One question: How do you make sure that rain that comes down the tent walls does not end up inside the camper?
Thanks I appreciate it! I made a rain gusset for the canvas material, then I made windows that attach to the bottom that can be raised if it rains.
I think you mentioned that the total width is 64 inches wide, but on the BOM the composite panels are only 60" wide. How did you do the very top panel with it being 4 inches narrower than overall width?
The panels are 60 inches wide but I cut them to 64 inches long so they can cover the span of the roof.
wow, this is pretty great. I picked up a 1983 Four Wheel Grandby for free on craigslist and am planning to gut/repair it this winter. I can see an endless number of uses for the extruded aluminum for things like modular shelving/seating/mounting of items and reducing the weight of 40 year old wood and particle board. Well done!
Thanks I really appreciate it! Yeah I am definitely a huge fan of the aluminum extrusion, using it makes everything SUPER modular and you can continually add things or modify them. Have fun restoring your new camper!
HI, NIce build. Whats on the top of the tent.( TOP Exposed to outside part ). What material is used to water seal it? Is it Aluminium/ABS /PVC sheet etc. Can you Give some details how the canvas is fixed onto the 8020 Al frames. Is it glued on to the 8020s.
Thanks I appreciate it! It's aluminum compositie material, I used 3M VHB to tape/glue everything into place. For the canvas I used VHB and screws.
I've been checking daily for this video...excited to see the pop up in action.. how many pounds is the bench press? And would it help getting stronger shocks. I know you can get them in different poundage
Glad I could help show you in more detail! Yeah made it a point to film it last weekend. But it's not much at all, you can also just push up with your back. I am currently updating the gas struts from 40lbs each to 60lbs each to see how much of a difference it makes. I will keep you updated!
Awsome thank you ! Are they 3 ft. Long when extended?
@@robertatkinson1157 They are 44 inches total fully extended
The 4 wheel campers use a strap and snap on the tail end and an extension arm with a snap on the bed end. Should work well for yours as well.
Yeah I think the snap is something I could fairly easily implement to get the pop up mechanisms to stay in place as opposed to my clamps.
Loved it looked massive in there tons of room 👍
Yeah it's very roomy! Even when the bed is rully set up!
@@KitCampers 1 off the best DIY I've seen on utbe
@@shanerobinson6776 Thanks I really appreciate that!
Can you show the canvas attaching to the bottom rail? Curious how you did it and is it water tight? The canvas doesn’t overhang the bottom rail, is there drainage or does the water pool at the bottom?
That's a great question, right now I haven't actually had it out in the rain, and the giant windows would make it not so waterproof anyways. The canvas is fixed to the bottom rail with VHB all the way around and self tapping screws in places. I also made a rain skirt that does overhang the angle aluminum I added. I am still considering other options for better waterproofing though.
@@KitCampers
Yes, my biggest concern as well. I'm trying to remember how my Hybrid and Pop-up campers handled water intrusion with their fabric components 🤔.
@@patrickmckowen2999 definitely a challenge but I am working on a solution!
Love this diy pop up camper. Do you build this for others? I would like to have installed on my 21F150.
We do not currently, the idea is that I sell the build guide and the list of materials and people can buy what they need, build a camper themselves, and cut out any extra fees.
How much for a build guide. Looking for my 2013 tacoma
@@countryswagg365alldaylong2 The build guide is $150 and is available at kitcampers.co/theclassroom
Nice build! Is the roof 4" on bottom, and 3" on top? I want to do a F-150 build and not sure how much the tacoma info on your kit would help.
Yes the bottom portions are 4x2 inch 10 series and the top is 1x3 inch 10 series. The design should be compatible with truck beds up to about 94" but keep in mind that the dimensions will have to be changed to accommodate different truck bed sizes.
I gave been buying my T channel direct from from Parco. I use the black anodized. The T channel profile of your is ls the same. Wonder if it is cheaper to get it direct rather than through Tnuts that you mention.
Great recommendation! I will definitely check them out! I want to make an all black camper for my next build.
I love how the pop-up roof works and how simple in design it is. The use of 8020 extruded aluminium was just a brilliant idea.
would like to see you go further with this idea and remove the actual bed of the Tokoma and design a more useful space at the bottom with a kitchen and shower cubicle. Think that must
be your next project, but I'm already so impressed. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much! Yeah I have been considering how to build out the bottom area to be more useful. I would really like to make a flatbed camper for the next build unfortunately my tacoma may not be the truck I build it on as I cant unbolt the actual bed (too much rust).
I thought I saw you at the beach Saturday in NORCAL but I guess I was mistaken they had a vent on top.
Yeah, unfortunately not mine! I would be interested to see who it was though.
Great stuff 👍
Thanks I really appreciate it!
Can you please provide details on how the roof was made? Nice build. 🔥
Like how I assembled the frame for the roof?
I am actually wondering what material you used and if it has ribs. I also wonder how it sheds water if it is flat and the 80-20 is on every edge. I know weird details, but I am curious. You really did a great job on the design and the cost is sooo much better than $25k plus for the commercial company builds. Congratulations! 🍾🎈
@@Oswald2615 The material used was 8020 extruded aluminum from TNUTZ.com, For the roof I covered it entirely in aluminum composite material and very high bond tape from 3M so it is completely water sealed. This is a bit more comparable to things like go fast and ovrlnd camper which are closer to $10k but yeah that was the goal! I appreciate the kind words!
Awesome build! Camper aside - looks like you have 285/70r17 duratracs, do you have a lift and are you running spacers?
Good eye! Yes I do and thanks for the kind remarks! I run a 3inch/2inch leveling kit, with 1.25 inch spacers. I had to do very small trimming of the plastic underneath the bumper.
@@KitCampers Thanks so much - the fitment looks amazing! Excited to track your build as it progresses!
Hello where did you buy your gas struts? And what strenth are they? Thanks.
The large gas struts are from www.liftsupportsdepot.com/lift-supports-depot-st440m60-gas-charged-lift-support/ they are 60lbs each
Where did you buy your gas strut and how long are yours? Trying to build the same layout but can't find one that is over 3ft (36in)
Hi! I got them from liftsupportdepot.com they are fairly affordable and the longest on the market (I believe) here are the 70 pound version www.liftsupportsdepot.com/44-00-lift-supports-depot-st440m70-lift-support-st440m70-w/
How does it work perform in the winter? 🥶❄️I like the challenge of winter camping 🏕️
Good question, With the window covers, keeping the doors shut, maybe adding an insulative layer, adding a vent with a heater I think it would do okay! All things that could definitely be done fairly easily.
Great job. Did you make the canvas screen yourself or did you have a company make it for you? That would be a nice video.
Thanks, I made the canvas by myself, I am actually working on another project and plan to show how to make the canvas from start to finish!
@@KitCampers I want to do the same for my camper pop up. I would like to install a clear poly window on both sides. Buy the material from Hobby Lobby, but I do not sew. I might take it to a Cleaners, they do some sewing projects. I don't know if their machines sew that kind of Material.
@@danemmerich6775 I did the entire thing with no sewing. If you use vinyl coated polyester with hh-66 vinyl cemtn you can make yours like mine without any sewing.
I will make it a little bit bigger for my e350. That's great 👍
Sounds like a good plan, let me know how it goes!
@@KitCampers I will plan it maybe i can contact you.
What's the weight of your roof? I saw you originally purchased 40lbs gas struts but are replacing for 60lbs. I am building a similar camper and am trying to calculate. The force for the gas struts that wont be too strong to close the roof.
I don't know the exact weight of the roof but the 60lb struts work REALLY well. What are the dimensions of your roof? Mine is 60" x 120"
Essentially the same dimensions 63" x 119". I built the framing with wood because it was a material I had available to me. Also the roof has electrical and lighting. The overall weight of my roof is 200lbs so was thinking 4 struts that can support 50lbs each.
@@derekleeurey9246 If I were you I would go for slightly heavier (the 60lb struts) because the struts aren't pushing perfectly straight up and down.
These kits in production? I'm interested!
The kits are not in production, what you do is buy the build guide plans. Then source your own materials, I have links to every part within the build guide though!
that's amazing
Thanks I really appreciate it!
Do you need the half rack on the roof of your tacoma
to support the front portion of the camper?
Nope, the half rack actually never touches the camper at all.
@@KitCampers Thank you.. Might have to trade in the 4Runner just to build something cool like this!
@@bearboles2868 hahaha too bad tacomas are super expensive right now! I did build a RTT which i am planning on posting soon which might be another option for the forerunner.
@@KitCampers how much modifications would be necessary for your plans on a Tundra?
@@bearboles2868 Not much, I have a customizable bill of materials in the classroom that requires you to enter 3 measurements, bed rail width, length, and height to over the cab and then it calculates everything you need.
Does rain not run down the canvas screen covers and into the camper?
It would be I have since added a clear vinyl window at the bottom in order to avoid any water coming in if it does rain.
Dust intrusion, how bad and what has been your learning curve to minimize it?
It's actually not too bad, the worst dust intrusion is from gaps in the bed, not the camper. But as far as water and dust resistance goes, I use heavy duty truck bed cap seal which has worked REALLY well, this is what i use - www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NCCNUJQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Where did you find your gas struts? Seems to be difficult to source longer ones like this.
I got these from lift support depot - www.liftsupportsdepot.com/lift-supports-depot-st440m40-gas-charged-lift-support/ all of the parts I used for this build are freely available in the bill of materials www.kitcampers.co/diypopupv2
@@KitCampers Awesome. Thank you!
@@edrewshif No problem!
I can build all of that excite part that goes in between the top and camper part
What’s the trick
Are you talking about the pop-up mechanism? If so, check out this video - ua-cam.com/video/7U8R8nm84Q8/v-deo.html&ab_channel=TimMorrissey
I was wondering what material you used for the roof ?
All of the panels are made from aluminum composite material (ACM), which has trade names like dibond and epanel
I might have considered a few bucks for BOM and a nice spreadsheet but that number on yer site...hahaha. Dude extrusions just lego for adults, I think I can figure a box out, yer dimensions would only work for people with the same truck anyway.
Sorry you feel that way. I made an entire classroom with videos, a customizable BOM to fit almost any truck and everything so I think it's work the money. I did the entire build from scratch the first few times I did it so I wanted to save people the time and effort of having to make their own.
Are you sell a build kit/parts, I want to buy one
I don't sell the kit/parts yet but I do sell the build guide with bill of materials and all the steps you need to build your own camper at kitcampers.co/theclassroom
How weather proof is it on the highway in driving rain?
It hasn't had any water in it after driving in the rain. I live in the PNW so making sure the roof was watertight was really important. Seems to be working so far!
Why not heavier gas struts for roof?
I thought the first ones I purchased would be strong enough, I just bought some new ones (60lbs each) but am waiting to install them as I don't have all my tools right now :/
Better to have the canvas window roll up from the bottom to close than roll down from the top or its going to get flooded in there
Yes great point, the window covers go from the top, then I mounted see through vinyl on the bottom so the water won't seep in. I will make another video soon detailing changes to the windows that I have made.
Did you ever go over the cost
I went over the cost in a previous video the overall cost was $4300 - ua-cam.com/video/YqW7f7GM2kw/v-deo.html
Cool concept for Overlanding. 💪👍🏕 will you be updating this channel with more videos? 😊
Yes definitely! I have another project finished up I just need to get some other things in place before I post another video.
@@KitCampers Thanks. Looking forward to seeing more 👍