M1078 camper in the Glamis dunes Thanksgiving 2016

[Duckworthe]

That is a very nice build! I like the floor plan and the removable table.

It almost looks like you build RVs for a living.

I should. I've built 3 this year already. This build and a quiggly 4x4 van for me, and another van for my sister.

 

[ramdough]

Do you have a wall fridge as well? Or, what is the door in the wall across from the seats?


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[Duckworthe]

Do you have a wall fridge as well? Or, what is the door in the wall across from the seats?


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Yes, I have a standard fridge freezer and the deep freeze/fridge. I can use the deep freeze unit in this truck or my 4x4 camper van. I tend to use this truck more though so I keep it in this unit.

 

[1951M1078]

Did you use a Alum. frame for the walls ?

 

[Duckworthe]

Did you use a Alum. frame for the walls ?

No, I was going to but the cost was way more. I used 2x3x1/8 inch tubing for the main structure. Covered in aluminum, insulated with 2 inch closed cell insulation board. All other studs are 2x2x16guage 16 inch on center.

 

[1951M1078]

Glad you said that. Just had a heart attack looking at the price of Alum.

 

[1951M1078]

I see you have added a # 2 fuel tank. Any problems with it when full ? Tilting to one side ?

 

[Oxyacetylene]

I really like this build. I have also toyed with the idea of a 4x4 van like you mentioned. Camping and fishing on the outer banks is one of my favorite things and this would be the ticket! Thank you for posting the pics.

 

[Duckworthe]

Did you use a Alum. frame for the walls ?

Yes aluminum is a bit more. Also, my spool gun was being a little finicky at the time so I just stuck with steel

 

[Duckworthe]

I see you have added a # 2 fuel tank. Any problems with it when full ? Tilting to one side ?

I don't have any troubles leaning do to added weight as I planned out the placement of my items. However, when the tanks are empty I do lean a little to the drivers side. Because fuel and water weight are variables, always changing, It is ideal to have them centerline. but as we know that isn't really possible on these trucks. unless you go way out on your scope of build. I stuck with "KISS" Keep it simple stupid. I do at times let my mind wander and try to make easy things hard.

 

[Duckworthe]

I really like this build. I have also toyed with the idea of a 4x4 van like you mentioned. Camping and fishing on the outer banks is one of my favorite things and this would be the ticket! Thank you for posting the pics.

Thanks for the comment. It really is a great truck and camper. Oxyacetylene, the rest of this response isn't pointed directly at you. But I will put it here for all. I have many members and locals come out and go through it. I have spent over 7 hours with some who look at it. I tell them everything good thing and some things I might do different. Then I take them and let them drive it, on and off road. I was thinking of building them for people, but that thought has passed. I want to enjoy my build, not enjoy building others rigs. Time to enjoy mine. I also think that people will enjoy theirs more if they put there own sweat and tears into it. I will tell everyone that I am under 30k into this build. Go build one don't buy one completed for over 300k. if you cant weld the frame, farm that part out then do the rest yourself. I used a $200 table saw to build all the non metal parts. I do however own the welder and metal working tools. all I needed was the welder, chopsaw, cutoff wheel on 4 inch grinder, hand shears. I had to have the corner cap aluminum bent on my works 12 ft brake. It really only took basic hand tools to do. If anyone has questions I will do my best to answer them.
Eric 619-952-4337

 

[ramdough]

Happens to the best of us....


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[Kloakndagr]

Fiesta Island.....WOW! Drank many beers there in my youth, grew up in Chula Vista, thanks for the memories.

 

[BuiltMFG]

I'm in a similar boat, basic tools, table-saw and a 110 welder. Just got the truck a month ago and going through the truck now, learning, finding and fixing things before I start on a major build. The learning curve is pretty steep but this site has been invaluable. I'm planning a year and a half to get it done and eventually work out of it and travel. Luckly I have two friends, one does structural steel and the other is a cabinet maker... Now if I just knew a CAT mechanic that needs design/marketing, LOL

 

[DiverDarrell]

Mine is a multi year project. I need it as a truck now to move supplies but in a year or two I dream of a rig like yours. Excellent work!!! I'm also thinking about a trailer to tow behind it to carry more fuel, water, small gen, and the bikes. I have dreams of traversing northern Canada and fuel stops can be far apart

 

[Silvrzuki77]

Awesome build, I have been waiting for more pics! Any pictures of the build itself?


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[Duckworthe]

Mine is a multi year project. I need it as a truck now to move supplies but in a year or two I dream of a rig like yours. Excellent work!!! I'm also thinking about a trailer to tow behind it to carry more fuel, water, small gen, and the bikes. I have dreams of traversing northern Canada and fuel stops can be far apart

I would like to do a trip from as far north down to tip of South America. That's my goal anyway.

 

[LostInTheWorld]

It's looking great, Eric. I'm glad to see you are using it so much.

 

[Silvrzuki77]

Did you build the box on the truck or did you set it afterwards?


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[Duckworthe]

It's looking great, Eric. I'm glad to see you are using it so much.

Hey Michael! Thanks! yes I use it every week. next week I will be out in the mountains working and will stay in it the whole week. Going to meet with another couple Friday and let them see it. Hopefully they will catch the bug also.