FM82's Bug-out Camper Build

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FM82's Bug-out Camper Build

Postby FM82 » Thu Dec 06, 2018 10:07 pm

Hello all! Newbie to the forum, here. Four years ago, after seeing a picture of a similar camper online, I basically jumped out on a limb, and decided to build my own. With minimal knowledge of campers, let alone building one, I dove in. I saw a few pictures online, and got the initial plan in mind. Then it was off to the races.

My plan was to build a camper that would be based on a 5x7 frame, but mine I wanted to have a narrower axel width. I wanted to build the body of the camper from steel, while trying to me mindful of excessive weight. Living in Florida, it had to have an air conditioner.

This was a frame-up project that I began in 2014. Before 2015, life threw a curve ball and the build came to an abrupt stop. Absolutely nothing done to it since October of 2018. I decided to resurrect my long lost build.

Over the course of it's downtime, it did sustain quite a bit of damage, eventually being exposed to the elements, so a bit of restoring had to be done before pushing further.

Looking back, I have no idea why I built some of the things that I did, more importantly, HOW I built them, so some changes were to be made also.

The biggest regret I have is my bizarre way of building the trailer frame, but that part will be left as is for now.

With all of that said, here are some photos from 2014, and the progress that was made before stopping.

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Re: FM82's Bug-out Camper Build

Postby FM82 » Thu Dec 06, 2018 10:10 pm

2014 Progress: Frame to FloorImageImageImageImage

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Re: FM82's Bug-out Camper Build

Postby FM82 » Thu Dec 06, 2018 10:11 pm

2014 Progress: Body Framing and Door JamsImageImage

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Re: FM82's Bug-out Camper Build

Postby FM82 » Thu Dec 06, 2018 10:13 pm

2014 Progress: DoorsImageImageImageImageImageImage

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Re: FM82's Bug-out Camper Build

Postby FM82 » Thu Dec 06, 2018 10:16 pm

2014 Progress: Fenders, Fender wells, and Roof rack mounts.

The fenders are a modified pair of Smittybilt Jeep TJ fenders. ImageImageImage

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Re: FM82's Bug-out Camper Build

Postby FM82 » Thu Dec 06, 2018 10:19 pm

2014 Progression and Ending:
Completed the rack for the tongue, and slightly modified a cheap toolbox that I came across.Image

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Re: FM82's Bug-out Camper Build

Postby FM82 » Thu Dec 06, 2018 10:28 pm

And finally, the up to date progress. Everything made of wood had to be replaced. This time, the fenders were done a little differently. The fenders are now made in two pieces cut from 1/8th inch acrylic, and bent to shape (with heat) as needed, bonded with epoxy, then coated with rubberized bedliner. The insulation in the floor is doubled-up 3/4" styrofoam, because why not. The gap was there, so I filled it.
The white strip you see in the entry way was not my original intent. I wanted to use the same paneling as the walls, except I wanted to run the grain vertically. Needless to say, that was a no-go. No amount of kerf cutting would make that possible without cracking, so I improvised. Yet again, I have used plastic.
ImageImageImageImageImageImageImageImageImage

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Re: FM82's Bug-out Camper Build

Postby FM82 » Thu Dec 06, 2018 10:33 pm

I have just started the framing for the cabinet, and plan to work on that more next.Image

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Re: FM82's Bug-out Camper Build

Postby redbicycle » Fri Dec 07, 2018 2:59 am

FM82 wrote:I have just started the framing for the cabinet, and plan to work on that more next.Image

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That wall looks around 2" thick? What are you planning for the ceiling thickness? That is a bunch of insulation. You will have no problem cooling I think.


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Re: FM82's Bug-out Camper Build

Postby FM82 » Fri Dec 07, 2018 9:33 am

redbicycle wrote:That wall looks around 2" thick? What are you planning for the ceiling thickness? That is a bunch of insulation. You will have no problem cooling I think.


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I don't think so either. I hope not anyway. The more I can fight off the heat, the better. Behind the wall paneling that you see in the picture, there's actually a cavity spacing of 5 inches because of the fender tubs. A lot of that spacing will be taken up with compartments, wiring, and hoses. The insulation on the walls will only be put along the thickness of the body framing, which is 1". With the ceiling, front and rear walls. Using the furring strips, I spaced those enough to have room for wiring to run up and over. The insulation in those areas will/can be 1.5".

The cabinet depth has changed very slightly from this layout, but you can see what I mean about the wall compartments. I will more than likely have another one in that space in front of the cabinet.


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Re: FM82's Bug-out Camper Build

Postby FM82 » Sat Dec 15, 2018 12:18 am

Moving right along. I've reached the point of the build that I have been indecisive about since day 1, the air conditioner location. I've framed enough to start pinpointing my locations to run wiring, so I guess my next move will be running wiring, and pulling the trigger on prepping for the air conditioner.

After hours upon hours of jumping back and forth between interior and exterior, I have decided to go with an exterior setup for my air conditioner. The plan is to have the duct work as streamlined as possible, while still being extended into the cabin anywhere from 3-8 feet(two separate ducts). The ac unit will be easily mounted into place at the rear, just under the frame, and controlling the ac will be done from the inside. I still have some planning to do, but hopefully this pans out like I suspect it will. Only one way to find out.ImageImage

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Re: FM82's Bug-out Camper Build

Postby featherliteCT1 » Sat Dec 15, 2018 6:32 pm

Wow! Awesome work! :applause: :applause:
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Re: FM82's Bug-out Camper Build

Postby FM82 » Sat Dec 15, 2018 11:18 pm

featherliteCT1 wrote:Wow! Awesome work! :applause: :applause:
Thank you! I really appreciate that.

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Re: FM82's Bug-out Camper Build

Postby FM82 » Sat Dec 15, 2018 11:20 pm

Taking out one little bite at a time, at this point in the game. Got the upper side compartments 95% complete. Moving on to the next.ImageImage

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Re: FM82's Bug-out Camper Build

Postby kykate » Thu Dec 27, 2018 12:52 pm

This is awesome! I look forward to more progress and pictures. Glad you were able to get back to the build! :applause:

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