Author Topic: OverLanding Camper Build (Read 75038 times)

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1450 on:** April 26, 2020, 02:12:24 PM »

I'm not going to over think or over engineer this thing at this point in time

The objective is to get it roadworthy next month and mostly usable for the early June trip out west

Block 2 mods will address whatever I learn from actually using it some.

And I do have 5VDC USB outlets scattered about in the cabin

JR · « **Reply #1451 on:** April 26, 2020, 04:12:58 PM »

Not saying change a thing, sure you it all covered somewhere in there, just been a LONG thread and the Burb is going on too!

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1452 on:** April 26, 2020, 06:53:58 PM »

Ordered the ICECO VL74 frig.

After looking at many units and taking some time to consider everything I landed back on my earlier first choice, and now it is enroute.

Bigdave_185 · « **Reply #1453 on:** April 26, 2020, 09:28:32 PM »

You never heard back about the group purchase?

What was your finally shipped price

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1454 on:** April 26, 2020, 09:36:40 PM »

Quote from: Bigdave_185 on April 26, 2020, 09:28:32 PM

You never heard back about the group purchase?

What was your finally shipped price

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yea, Dave, they never wrote back.

I never pursue (Except when I was chasing after the prettiest girl in the world) so that's where that is, done.

They seem to have manufactured controlled minimum pricing. The VL-74 goes for a low of $809 found on Amazon and a normal price like I found on Ebay of $859.

I paid the $809 + Taxes, shipping was free.

The Whynter 85 quart for much less, $649 was a kun-ten-der, but in the end the feedback is overwhelmingly positive for the ICECO, and the handles of the Wynter did not pass muster. The ICECO unit seems to be milspec.

We'll soon witness it in action. I plan to plug it in on day one and never unplug except for short periods here and there. I want to evaluate how well the two solar panels manage the current draw of the thing while in action.

wyorunner · « **Reply #1455 on:** April 27, 2020, 12:06:30 AM »

Quote from: Bigdave_185 on April 26, 2020, 09:28:32 PM

You never heard back about the group purchase?

What was your finally shipped price

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Dave if you’re looking for a cooler, Ironman4x4 has theirs on sale through the end of the month with free shipping. They have a two compartment 68 qt that is appealing. Has a good warranty too.

https://ironman4x4america.com/ironman-4x4-ice-cube-dual-zone-twin-compartment-off-road-fridge-and-freezer-65l-powered-cooler/

Bigdave_185 · « **Reply #1456 on:** April 27, 2020, 12:35:51 AM »

I am looking but my wife just reminded me I don’t need a cooler, the camp trailer I took apart had the fridge I needed lol

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

TexasRedNeck · « **Reply #1457 on:** April 27, 2020, 07:58:54 AM »

The write up in that advertisement must have been done by Don....

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1458 on:** April 27, 2020, 04:40:28 PM »

Iceman...

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1459 on:** April 28, 2020, 08:02:24 PM »

Time to build the canvas part of the camper.

Starting with a reference mark, I measured the thing carefully making note of every detail.

Next those measurements were transfered onto the actual material

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1460 on:** April 28, 2020, 08:03:57 PM »

The appropriate recesses were then cut out

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1461 on:** April 28, 2020, 08:05:08 PM »

The velcro is a heavy duty type and laid out flat onto the glue surface on the fabric

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1462 on:** April 28, 2020, 08:07:10 PM »

There was quite a bit of snipping and sloppin' on the glue but we managed to get the entire top run completed. That little helper seems to show up quite a bit. After working on the camper some more, we went outside and weeded and planted bulbs for a couple of more hours!

Nate · « **Reply #1463 on:** April 28, 2020, 09:09:39 PM »

Nice wrestling mats you have there!

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1464 on:** April 29, 2020, 11:03:36 AM »

Quote from: Nate on April 28, 2020, 09:09:39 PM

Nice wrestling mats you have there!

...And they do get used!

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1465 on:** April 29, 2020, 06:49:55 PM »

First install of the fabric membrane connectin' the top to the bottom

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1466 on:** April 29, 2020, 06:51:19 PM »

In these pics the material is not trimmed for length and therefore all snagged up on things and not very free hanging

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1467 on:** April 29, 2020, 06:53:28 PM »

And here it is getting trimmed to proper length

After trimming off the excess, I removed it again, laid it out, and glued the loop velcro onto the opposite end of the fabric.

I'll allow it to dry overnight, but it was already pretty much set up when I closed out this evening

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1468 on:** April 29, 2020, 06:55:34 PM »

These contraptions will become a clothes hangar loom. I plan to mount them to the roof aft of center which will give me a spot to hang up clothes that will really be mostly out of the way and allow for 14 to 16 extra items of clothing to be carried

Bigdave_185 · « **Reply #1469 on:** April 29, 2020, 09:37:22 PM »

Can you attach some clear to that green wall of China? Seems like your missing opportunity for some free light, fresh air if it had a screen of some type

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1470 on:** April 29, 2020, 09:50:14 PM »

Quote from: Bigdave_185 on April 29, 2020, 09:37:22 PM

Can you attach some clear to that green wall of China? Seems like your missing opportunity for some free light, fresh air if it had a screen of some type

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I was thinking of making a few mesh panels to place overtop some "Windows" that I could cut out, then another closure window to keep rain out.

Bigdave_185 · « **Reply #1471 on:** April 29, 2020, 10:08:48 PM »

Should be able to stitch in some clear with velcro and some mesh. Roll the clear up. Similar to a jeep top window?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1472 on:** April 29, 2020, 10:20:59 PM »

Quote from: Bigdave_185 on April 29, 2020, 10:08:48 PM

Should be able to stitch in some clear with velcro and some mesh. Roll the clear up. Similar to a jeep top window?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Roger that

Just placed my order for both clear vinyl and vinyl coated mesh in black along with some more velcro. I'll add those winders jest as sune as de gets heer!

Bigdave_185 · « **Reply #1473 on:** April 29, 2020, 11:14:33 PM »

Not sure if a zipper would work in this application like a tent trailer. Maybe Ken can inform us what his tent walls look like with his recent updates on the pop tent trailer roof repair.

Ken...

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

KensAuto · « **Reply #1474 on:** April 30, 2020, 12:48:27 AM »

Quote from: Bigdave_185 on April 29, 2020, 11:14:33 PM

Not sure if a zipper would work in this application like a tent trailer. Maybe Ken can inform us what his tent walls look like with his recent updates on the pop tent trailer roof repair.

Ken...

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm the last person he needs opinions from at this point in time. .. plus I can't lift my roof to see inside at this point in time. Lol

wyorunner · « **Reply #1475 on:** April 30, 2020, 02:14:13 AM »

So windows.... look at fourwheelcampers, as well as wanderthewest.com for ideas. There is a method to sewing them in so they don’t leak. And most builds that use that material, use Velcro for the clear vinyl over the sewed in mesh, only. The top and bottom is sandwiched in with aluminum sheeting and high bond strength double sided tape.

Check out posts 32&34. The whole build is amazing but, those two are relevant to windows.

https://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/topic/14920-diy-camper-build-from-scratch/

I personally would advise against simply cutting a whole in it and sewing mesh and velcroing vinyl in it you want that portion mostly water tight. That being said, I look forward to seeing what you come up with and I have never sewn on that material personally so really don’t know anything about it other than theory.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1476 on:** April 30, 2020, 07:05:40 PM »

I now have the fabric installed and it fits great!

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1477 on:** April 30, 2020, 07:07:19 PM »

A look aft and also showing the roof mounted coat hangar fixtures, one on each side. On those I drilled one with 1.5" spacing and the other with 2" spacing for heavier/thicker garments.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1478 on:** May 02, 2020, 10:40:37 PM »

Cooler is in!

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1479 on:** May 02, 2020, 10:45:08 PM »

And I picked up the hardware to do the lift and rotate followed by the drag, followed by another rotation, then a final hoist and set in place

The system I am creating will utilize some sections of E-Track with locked in tie down rings. Those fixtures will be permanently affixed to the camper and possibly be used as tie-downs or some other purpose.

I plan to use a web sling around the front of the camper routed through the rings with one come-a-long 8K unit lifting the front, and two 8K units at the rear, one on each corner to lift the heavier section.

I should have all that bolted on tomorrow after church sometime

rpar86 · « **Reply #1480 on:** May 02, 2020, 10:54:23 PM »

So, it is somewhere in the ballpark of 10k pounds ;)

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1481 on:** May 02, 2020, 11:01:54 PM »

Quote from: rpar86 on May 02, 2020, 10:54:23 PM

So, it is somewhere in the ballpark of 10k pounds ;)

Yea, maybe

If the plywood

Turned into lead

;-))

Bigdave_185 · « **Reply #1482 on:** May 03, 2020, 10:09:36 AM »

Set up a video this I want to see

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

dave945 · « **Reply #1483 on:** May 03, 2020, 01:23:17 PM »

Give me a shout if you need a hand. I figure that if I stand on one side and you are on the other, we’re socially distanced.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Bigdave_185 · « **Reply #1484 on:** May 03, 2020, 03:19:53 PM »

Dave can take video

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

JR · « **Reply #1485 on:** May 03, 2020, 06:39:51 PM »

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1486 on:** May 03, 2020, 10:15:20 PM »

I am wondering if I should do a modification right about now and install a cassette toilet, like those Thetford units

Thinking out loud here, momma is coming along...We will be out in the wilderness for at least 7 days

All I have is that folding chair thing with a plastic bag...

I could cut an access in just below the folding table...I think, and get it in there

It would be inside a door...for her

But it would also have some unpleasant odors a couple feet away from the snooze site

Hmmm...

TexasRedNeck · « **Reply #1487 on:** May 03, 2020, 10:51:01 PM »

No. Get a portable toilet shelter and put it 10 ft from the trailer.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

JR · « **Reply #1488 on:** May 03, 2020, 11:45:49 PM »

I saw those on some RV builds. They look great but the outdoor closure sounds good. Can always use it inside, but keep the room open.

KensAuto · « **Reply #1489 on:** May 04, 2020, 09:45:56 AM »

My cassette toilet broke the first time I took the girls camping, for reference.

Sammconn · « **Reply #1490 on:** May 04, 2020, 10:12:40 AM »

Quote from: TexasRedNeck on May 03, 2020, 10:51:01 PM

No. Get a portable toilet shelter and put it 10 ft from the trailer.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Do this.
Get a shelter.
Get a decent porta pot. I can’t recommend one as a bag and bucket is my fare.

Iffin mamma ain’t happy...ain’t nobody’s happy.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1491 on:** May 04, 2020, 07:03:07 PM »

I bought one from REI last year. Sturdy fold up affair. Uses bags with liguid absorber inside.

Back then I also bought a Kelty shower tent which would also double duty as the outhouse. I plan to use that, but build a fixture onto the camper that folds into itself inside a guncase looking box. Just open, extend the arms and lock and the thing is g-t-g.

But I may just take the tent as is and set it up neat the camper so that we can shower using the campers unit I built into the side.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1492 on:** May 04, 2020, 07:20:16 PM »

So, here's my lifting strategy.

Bolt these E-Track sections to each of the four corners and use several come-a-longs to raise it bit by bit. Having timbers beneath for part of the lift, then sliding the table beneath, then finally when I am sure all is well, maneuver the trailer chassis beneath it, lower, and marry the two units

These are the E-Track plates

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1493 on:** May 04, 2020, 07:22:31 PM »

Securely attached to the body with 10 ea #10 X 1" stainless screws

Using standard E-track tie down rings as the connecting point, the mount is complete and ready to attach to

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1494 on:** May 04, 2020, 07:25:27 PM »

Then the little fabric loops were glued to the inside of the vinyl material. These will be used to hook bungee cords to so that when I lower the roof, something pulls the fabric inward. I do not know if it will work, but I'm about to find out

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1495 on:** May 04, 2020, 07:26:48 PM »

I'm not sure what they make that glue from but it sticks those pieces together like Armee buddies!

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1496 on:** May 04, 2020, 07:28:13 PM »

I've got them everywhere

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1497 on:** May 04, 2020, 07:30:05 PM »

And they are even applied with patches of velcro to keep the sides from flapping to vigorously.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1498 on:** May 04, 2020, 07:32:27 PM »

So now its time to clean the thing out, pull all the parts and tools and debris out from all these months of building and see what I have.

That cable which supports one of the shelves, also doubles as a bed frame holder if you would like to dig around in the bin below the bed for that perfect blanket!

Flyin6 · « **Reply #1499 on:** May 04, 2020, 07:34:17 PM »

Time to pull the bed frame out and throw in the mattress.

I can say I was a bit excited to see it coming together finally.

I crawled onto it and took a 15 min nap with the overhead fan on. It was nice!