All Aluminum Flatbed Truck Camper - Even The Lid! (FLASH Warning - Welding)

→ For exclusive updates and behind the scenes, support me on Patreon: / badassbrunette
Milestone achieved: the expedition camper finally has a lid! There was some serious thought that went into the design of this lid. Rather than being a generic square design, we went for more angles and bends that no only add strength, but give it a unique look unlike anything else out there. There's space for attaching tent material, as well space to have the struts be internal when the lid is closed. Lastly, this thing will be sealed incredibly well when closed - another awesome design element.
It feels good to be at this milestone because now we have exact measurements and can get the tent portion made. With the lid done and the doors started, it's well on its way to being structurally complete and we can move onto skinning it and giving that skeleton some form.
One step closer!
As always, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for watching and for following along.
Like. Share. Subscribe. Stay awesome.
----------------
Follow On Instagram: @BadassBrunette
badassbrune...
Find Me Here:
Website: www.badassbrunette.com/
Facebook: / thebadassbrunette
Linktree: linktr.ee/Badassbrunette
Support My Travels:
Amazon : www.amazon.com/shop/badassbru...
Venmo: @badassbrunette
----------------
This would not be possible without some amazing partners by my side.
Title Sponsor:
Talus Gear: www.talusgear.com/
-----------
Supporting Partners:
Skydio Drones: shop.skydio.com/?ref=badassbr... : $50 off - Code "BADASS50"
Baja Designs: www.bajadesigns.com/
Battleborn Batteries: tinyurl.com/2p8dpsx3
SnoMaster Fridges: www.snomasterusa.com/
Taco Vinyl: tacovinyl.com/
WARN: www.warn.com/
Factor 55: factor55.com/
ASFIR4x4: www.asfir.com/ : 5% Off - "BADASS5"
DMOS Shovel: dmoscollective.com/
Tom Wood's Driveline: 4xshaft.com/
--------------
Diesel Heater: amzn.to/3T0x1uw
Diesel Fuel Cell : amzn.to/3V2RkZn
FullVUE Rear Camera Mirror System: amzn.to/3FJbsvx
Switch Pros RCR-Force 12 Switch Panel: amzn.to/3HM2kaz
---------------
This channel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program,
​an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
FTC Disclosure Statement:
Some links on this youtube channel may be affiliate links. If you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these links, I may earn a small commission or percentage. Please also know that this helps support my travels and continued adventures.

[@BadassBrunette]

Milestone achieved: the camper finally has its lid! 🙌🏻 A LOT has gone into the design of this lid, not only for weatherability but for structure and strength as well. Nothing was left unconsidered, that's for sure. Feels good to finally have the skeletal structure complete. One step closer to the end result.

[@732Runner]

Not that I don’t enjoy the narration, but it was nice to just have a full video of shop work! Could’ve doubled the footage and I’d have watched the whole thing..

[@rossa7215]

@@732Runner Funny, but I felt just the opposite. Lack of any idea what was being worked on, and what decisions had been made about the design beforehand, was sorely lacking. This is the only video I’ve seen on this channel that I thought was a waste.

[@732Runner]

@@rossa7215 I hear ya, it’s not for everyone. I’m also a huge fan of the camping videos where the person doesn’t even engage the camera just goes about their setup, cooking relaxing etc and just does it… also when I’m at my friends shop (he’s also a big fabricator works on just about everything) I just watch sometimes. I’ve been there for hours without saying anything to him or him to me, just watching what he’s doin… this had that feel to it. Just hanging out wandering around watching different aspects of the build enjoying it come together, not needing a constant explanation.

[@732Runner]

@@TyeAustinGuitar she did sell it. Covered it on IG and maybe one of the older videos here

[@BadassBrunette]

@@TyeAustinGuitar Sold it months ago.

[@gerryhartung736]

Makes you all warm and fuzzy....good show...

[@NohbdyThere]

I appreciate the flash warning, my partner has epilepsy. That's super considerate of you, and it's something a lot of people don't do.

[@BadassBrunette]

Welding is very cool to see happen but can be overwhelmingly bright even on camera. Felt it was good to give a heads-up just in case. Glad to know it matters and do appreciate the acknowledgement. 💙

[@garypitonak5340]

She IS a very responsible young lady.

[@gerryhartung736]

Cool angles, looks like stealth camping ala F117 fighter jet!

[@henryshaffer5811]

Coming along very nicely can't wait to see the final results

[@betweenthepines4000]

The most anticipated overland build on youtube! Im pumped for you and the final product!

[@2fuzy]

Nice fabberacobbling and you have convinced me my forklift needs a soundtrack

[@wandertheroad]

Loving the BTS of the build!

[@softroadingthewest]

Dang!! I know the interior still needs to be built out, but it looks incredibly spacious for a camper on a short bed crew cab. You guys are setting a new standard here. And that door design...brilliant. It *looks* like a lot of metal but I'm guessing all that aluminum still weighs less than the truck bed you deleted? Plus you have some pretty seriously upgraded suspension as I recall. Seems like weight will be a total non-issue. Also, your video production is looking amazing. Awesome shots, great edit, very immersive and engaging. Nice work. Already eager for the next installment.

[@BadassBrunette]

Thanks Donald!! I think it's going to be impressive for what it is, especially being on a dinky short bed. Once the interior is in, it will feel much smaller than it feels now with nothing in it. But our interior design is very spacial-conscious. The goal is to feel like a "home" with the efficiency of a tiny camper. It'll definitely be small living still but a big upgrade from the last setup. Also very stoked to hear feedback on the filming and all that! It really means a lot. I went into this episode with a different approach and Im glad it noticeable came through. Really cool to hear, so thank you!

[@sgtrat87]

The build is def Badass! Can't wait to see how you handle the systems, water, heat, electrical. Planning on doing something much less ambitious but wanna do it right so I'm following along closely. As I said, looking Badass!

[@azxp]

I am getting super excited to see how this turns out. If I am, you must be crazy anxious right now. I am happy for you; it looks like you are in good hands! Keep us posted!

[@BadassBrunette]

Thank you kindly! And yes... very, very eager for it to come together so I can return to the open the road. Very excited for that. Definently stay tuned! Some good stuff is in store for this build.

[@jaysonc2102]

Very nice! But this build is causing me a dilemma….AluCab camper or build my own!🤔🤔🤔

[@bryanjohnston4907]

It's going to be nice when complete. 😁

[@BadassBrunette]

Agreed! Looking forward to that day.

[@OverlandUnderBudget]

looking really good!

[@BadassBrunette]

Thank you!!

[@mundodebandeirante]

Muito bom

[@kevinm.1698]

Do you have any renderings of what the final camper will look like? Thank you

[@BadassBrunette]

We had planned to do renderings but they never came through unfortunately. We've pulled inspiration from at least a dozen or more different sources out there, from european expedition campers and rigs to van builds. This one will be a unique combination of specific elements from those builds.

[@ernievilla0]

Very cool build, but more importantly, what's your favorite color? 😁

[@chrisdaniel1339]

Have you done an intermediate weigh in of your truck with the subframe and aluminum camper body? Did you do a bed off initial weight so you know how much weight you can carry without going over your trucks GVWR?

[@BadassBrunette]

The reality is most Tacoma "overland" builds, fully decked out, exceed the GVWR. Once you add bumpers, winches, bigger tires, tents/campers, gear, full fuel/water weight, people weight.. fully loaded I guarantee most are at, if not over, that number. My last setup was way over. It's a small truck. That being said, we aren't building this to cater to the GVWR. We're building this so I can live out of it full-time. Are we aiming for as light as possible? Sure! But we aren't obsessing over weight numbers because our goal isn't to build "the lightest flatbed camper" out there. Other companies have that covered. The priority for this build is focusing on comfortability and long-term functionality for me to live out of, not in meeting some number. I certainly will weigh it out of curiosity once it's finished but in the end it's going to weigh what it's going to weigh.

[@garypitonak5340]

Why is your fly fishing video only 29 seconds? Did your bait fly away?

[@NerjoeZenhue]

So this is awesome and something I’m going to want to do to mine. Will they do that or is this a one off a kind?

[@garypitonak5340]

Their waiting for more orders. Just step right up, don't be shy.

[@BadassBrunette]

So far it's just been a one-off project but I'm sure if someone was serious about having one built, both financially serious and to commit to having the truck at their shop for a few months, they may possibly consider building another one.

[@takenpictures]

It has been awhile. You good? How is the build going?

[@BadassBrunette]

Things are good. I've been posting KZbin Short videos on the camper process. But thanks for checking in. 💙 Got an actual video coming this week!

[@takenpictures]

@@BadassBrunette Cool, good to hear

[@somejodude]

One Word-GVWR

[@BadassBrunette]

That's four words, but whose counting.

[@garypitonak5340]

@@BadassBrunette She knows how to add, too.

[@732Runner]

I think you over estimate how much aluminum weighs…

[@Thekoffrekup]

Hate the rookie Cinema BS, just show the build raw, you aren’t entering this into the Emmy awards or anything

[@BadassBrunette]

Thanks for watching! Cheers

[@robertfrey3607]

The "Badass Brunette" doesn't seem to be doing any of the work....

[@BadassBrunette]

In the beginning, no. Mid-way until the end, yes. Cheers.

[@ala6749]

That’s gonna be badass!

[@BadassBrunette]

Thanks friend!