javajoe79
Fabricator
I realized that I posted in the wrong section before so I am reposting this build here. Mods feel free to delete my other thread. Thanks
So I have finally started on this build. I got the bed and rear glass removed to start with. Then I ordered some baja style front fenders to help fit 35" tires as well. They should be in this week. Then I got to work on the frame. So far I have a basic floor frame and I have all the material on hand to build the rest. The box will stick out a good bit on the sides of my S10 but I didn't want to compromise fitting a queen bed sideways and in the future I may end up putting this camper on a larger truck. Not sure on height yet but I am thinking about 90" from bottom of camper to the roof. It will hinge at the front and have the door on the back and be totally hard sided. Construction of the body and frame will be almost entirely aluminum square tube and sheet. 2" x .120" tube for the main frame with 1" x .062" for triangulation and for the roof structure. I will skin the corners in .062" sheet so they are a bit sturdier and I will skin the rest with 18 or 20 ga. The floor will probably be .095"
Specs will be as follows. 84" wide and around 145" long. Queen bed entirely over the truck cab. There will be wheel wells built into the camper body that will fit 35" tires at stock ride height for my ZR2. I may end up with different wheels to widen the stance a bit in the future but for now the stock wheels will work. On that subject I am on the hunt for a narrow 35" AT or MT tire. Something at most 10.5" wide. Not many options out there so if anyone has any leads please speak up. Diesel engine swap. Probably a Cummins 6BT in stock from to keep it simple and reliable. To go along with the diesel engine I will have a diesel stove, heat and water heater and I will tie that all in to the main fuel tank as well as the engine coolant for preheating in cold weather and for hot water courtesy of the engine at times. I think rather then an on board generator I will use the engine and a large alternator or alternators to charge the house batteries and run electronics. I hope to eventually have AC and fridge as well.
My main goal at this point is to build a weatherproof box with a bed and a door. This will also have a pass through built into the truck cab.
Looking for recommendations on the following:
Tall and narrow 35" tires.
A good sealer for the body panels.
So yeah.... here are a few pics...
So I have finally started on this build. I got the bed and rear glass removed to start with. Then I ordered some baja style front fenders to help fit 35" tires as well. They should be in this week. Then I got to work on the frame. So far I have a basic floor frame and I have all the material on hand to build the rest. The box will stick out a good bit on the sides of my S10 but I didn't want to compromise fitting a queen bed sideways and in the future I may end up putting this camper on a larger truck. Not sure on height yet but I am thinking about 90" from bottom of camper to the roof. It will hinge at the front and have the door on the back and be totally hard sided. Construction of the body and frame will be almost entirely aluminum square tube and sheet. 2" x .120" tube for the main frame with 1" x .062" for triangulation and for the roof structure. I will skin the corners in .062" sheet so they are a bit sturdier and I will skin the rest with 18 or 20 ga. The floor will probably be .095"
Specs will be as follows. 84" wide and around 145" long. Queen bed entirely over the truck cab. There will be wheel wells built into the camper body that will fit 35" tires at stock ride height for my ZR2. I may end up with different wheels to widen the stance a bit in the future but for now the stock wheels will work. On that subject I am on the hunt for a narrow 35" AT or MT tire. Something at most 10.5" wide. Not many options out there so if anyone has any leads please speak up. Diesel engine swap. Probably a Cummins 6BT in stock from to keep it simple and reliable. To go along with the diesel engine I will have a diesel stove, heat and water heater and I will tie that all in to the main fuel tank as well as the engine coolant for preheating in cold weather and for hot water courtesy of the engine at times. I think rather then an on board generator I will use the engine and a large alternator or alternators to charge the house batteries and run electronics. I hope to eventually have AC and fridge as well.
My main goal at this point is to build a weatherproof box with a bed and a door. This will also have a pass through built into the truck cab.
Looking for recommendations on the following:
Tall and narrow 35" tires.
A good sealer for the body panels.
So yeah.... here are a few pics...
