Introduction and My Ford Fiberine Super Camper build

[4Rescue]

That's a cool looking van as is. I like the panel sides and 4wd. Can't wait to see it progress eh.

Cheers

Dave

[smugdoug]

4Rescue are speaking about Dereks Van Or My soon to be Camper Van? Derek does incredible work and he has great ideas that he makes happen.

Derek thanks for the reply!

I think I will be insulating with R-Tech but I'm not totally commited to that stuff, I will find out if Fiberine will put in some 1/2" ply strips(3" wide)on the inside ceiling. The thought was to put the R-Tech between the Plywood ribbs on the ceiling and cover it with Luan and the foam backed fabric headliner stuff. Any thoughts? For the sides I will just glue in my own 1/2" strips so as I can play with location keeping a rack in mind and also an awning. I've seen heavy items attached to Fiberglas that have made it spider web and I want to make sure to have something for fasteners to attach to on the inside.

[smugdoug]

Alright, finally made my visit to Fiberine and put my deposit down on the Super Camper Top

When I was there they had just, in the last day or two, finished a Super Camper top and here are my spy photos of the inside, you'll notice the strips of wood through out the fiberglass. I call it waffle board, but I can't remember the actual term for this board.

I told Annabel to replicate this configuration of wood for mine minus some of the wood toward the front, on the sides, Because I'm not sure about exact placement of my windows at this point. There is a lot of wood around the rear, where the A/C unit platform is. What are the opinions out there? I still feel like it is too much wood now that I'm home. I will be calling Fiberine tomorrow and let her know if there will be any modifications to the amount of wood used.

[smugdoug]

Also while I was there I took some pics of a van they had just installed the bubble top on. You can see how the flange sits. This should give anyone who doesn't know what a reverse flange looks like a good idea of the benefits of this type of top.

[RocKrawler]

Also while I was there I took some pics of a van they had just installed the bubble top on. You can see how the flange sits. This should give anyone who doesn't know what a reverse flange looks like a good idea of the benefits of this type of top.

Appreciate the pics, looks like it would be an easy user install, but what exactly are the benefits (since I dont know how the other style mounts to compare it to..). And how /what do you plan to use to finish it out so the bare rough glass interior doesnt show?
EDIT: And whats the weight of that unit pictured above?

[smugdoug]

I was told the Super Camper top was between 350-400 lbs. I believe it was Sandi with a bubble top that replied that their Regular body van weighed ~200 lbs. more after there install. Shorter top, plus the removal of the metal roof.

If you don't have a reverse flange you must attach the screws from the outside of the top through a metal trim ring at an angle to make it through to the metal roof, then there is a rubber seal that you press on that covers the screws. With the reverse flange you sandwich your seal between the top and metal roof with much more surface contact. Please do not quote me on this, I have only seen the reverse flange in person. I think it's Cycle Van that has a video where they show the one I described being installed.

Interior will be approximately 1/2 inch of insulation on top of the fiberglass. I have looked at RMAX, which is Polyisocyanurate. Also Ultratouch is of interest for sound and radiant barrier. On top of that 3/16" Luan then foam backed fabric similar to headliner material. I have heard of reflectix but it doesn't seem like it works well without some air space between it and the top.

[RocKrawler]

Just looked at fiberine's website & noticed they have a liner available, any reason against using that instead of the luan/fabric? Looks like a very nice finish and would help with interior lighting as well - first noticed it on the van currently for sale in the classified area, and kinda like the idea and finish, but didnt know if there was a better reason not to use it

[smugdoug]

Just looked at fiberine's website & noticed they have a liner available, any reason against using that instead of the luan/fabric? Looks like a very nice finish and would help with interior lighting as well - first noticed it on the van currently for sale in the classified area, and kinda like the idea and finish, but didnt know if there was a better reason not to use it

The Liner is currently only available for the Bubble top with an additional $450. I was told that they had not completed a Super Camper top yet with this liner, but they seemed hopeful that they could do it. I would imagine the liner would add to the weight and probably cost an additional ~$600 bucks, everything is more expensive on the bigger top!. Also you better have your electrical figured out before making the decision for that liner. Just a few more options without the liner, but yes it has a nice smooth finish and then if you want foam insulation between the liner and top another $130 bucks. I guess you have to draw the line somewhere, and to me it gives you more options knowing you can add additional lighting and take your time designing the interior without wondering whats under the liner to attach to etc.

[Photog]

Air Conditioner question: Are you going to add more height to your van, by placing the AC on top?

or

Are you going to cut it into the roof, like a Roadtrek and some of the other Class B manufacturers?

There are a dozen ways to do this, but I always liked keeping the vehicle height down, when possible (without going to a pop-top).

Here is what ours looks like from the outside. You can see the AC vents at the center-rear.



I don't have a picture from the inside, but ours has cabinet space, on both sides of the AC unit, so the space is well used. If you put your bed at the rear, under the AC, you won't walk into the AC unit.

[smugdoug]

No plan to modify the top. We will not be installing an A/C unit right away. Possibly down the road I'll look into a low profile unit. The rear of the top has an area for the A/C that sits down 4-6 compare to the rest of the top.

Our Bed is going to go in the front of the top, and our galley will be in the rear.