Building a Custom Aluminum Flatbed Truck Camper on my Jeep Gladiator

[@TruckHouseLife]

Nice man! I really like that you are going completely outside the box and building something that is 110% your baby, always love seeing people do their own thing and go for it! Not sure what your plans are/where you'll be in mid-August through early October... but have some really cool camper wheeling trips to pitch ya if you're interested PM me.

[@mjl9702]

I've been a mechanic for 26 years and while nutserts are wonderful for installing body panels, the problem is after a while, the bolt will seize in the nutsert slightly and so when you go to remove the bolt, the nutsert will spin and not the bolt. It becomes impossible to remove the bolt when that happens. I recommend once a year, you remove the bolt and lubricate them so you don't have those problems when you have to remove them and can't. just a piece of advice.

[@g.cooney6599]

Copper Never seize or Fluid Film on the threads for sure!

[@justinpritchard6403]

Or just simply grease the bolt. Problem solved.

[@mtnbound2764]

yep, nissan used nutserts on the Xterra and frontier roof racks they are notorious for seizing and just being PITA's in general if you ever try to remove the roof rack.

[@jamesalexander7540]

I repair bicycles and am amazed that many bicycles have no grease on threads and only machine oil on bearings.

[@blackbird2056]

That thing I gonna be so sick bro ! Says a lot about a guy that allows you to film him while he works. Wished he was closer to Montana.

[@Down2Mob]

I agree! Kevin is a badass and nothing seems to phase him. He is also beginning to say all sorts of funny stuff on camera so that’s entertaining! Lol

[@corysherman6087]

Shout out to your mechanic and fab man Kevin doing some sick work on the rig!!

[@jmango5370]

This is dope. It’s come so far since you first got it! Can’t wait to see it all wrapped up. One of a kind awesome jeep!

[@stevenroth5424]

This truck is seriously one of akind. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@Down2Mob]

Thank you! I am so happy to read a comment like this after so long picturing it in my head!

[@lesszabo5625]

That's going to be crazy awesome. Looking forward to seeing more videos on this build for sure.

[@batchjs]

Nice! Will be a sweet combo when complete. Stick a big tube stainless steel exhaust on that monster while you have easy access under the flat bed - definitely do the exhaust before the Bison camper goes on.

[@Fernando_gen.x]

Bro, thats going to be so bad ass. Can’t wait to see it all finished.

[@davidoden]

I can't wait to see the finished product. It's gonna work out great.

[@rfoxyou]

So cool! I'm looking forward to seeing the finished camper. I'm even more excited to find out how and when I can get the same setup. It looks like the best all around off road camper design around. Love your channel.

[@Down2Mob]

Thanks Richard! I’m so excited about it, and that’s the fun thing, Bison will be offering something similar and be able to build you out whatever you need! I appreciate the kind words and can’t wait to show you the final camper!

[@scottmcbride4652]

I can’t wait to see this thing finished

[@CharlesButler]

WOW, it's all coming together! I bet you are also learning from the master Kevin! Can't wait till see it all done!

[@osifielDoperAtive]

Incredible project build. Congratulations!!! 👍

[@Down2Mob]

Thank you Joe! This was a HUGE step!

[@overloadOverland]

This is awesome!! I’ve been patiently waiting for your overland gladiator build.. This was a great vid!!

[@fxrs1982]

That is some awesome fabrication and welding

[@cubby7872]

I am ready to see it all the way finished

[@Down2Mob]

I was ready a year ago! Haha patience grasshoppa! Thx for the comment

[@ProjectXJ]

Those fenders looked really good! I like how they are part of the frame.

[@tysonDK]

I doubted the jeep choice. But it's awesome

[@skyrubin2257]

Phil can’t wait to see it with the camper on it. Maybe a turbo or supercharger too!

[@bobbaldwin9267]

Way cooler than was expecting. Awesome

[@brianpopelka3165]

This is awesome can't wait for the next episode!!

[@endurotruckererniedesjardins]

That looks real good. Very impressed with the ti chassis rc crawler. Man RC cars have come along way since my Traxxas bullet.

[@user-zi5rs1by7b]

I wish i was late so i could binge watch the whole build. Im way too impatient. I'd like to see the full RC build too. Post updates on both

[@stanleylambert4928]

Hello from Alberta, Canada. This seems like an incredible project and I’m enjoying following along and glad I caught on to your channel right at the start of this! Can’t wait to watch the rest of the progression!

[@ricktaylor1860]

It's looking great dude

[@tempusfugit3635]

You sir, are an ambitious and knowledgeable dude

[@OutOfOfficeCamping]

Seems like Kevin is becoming more and more comfortable on camera. Also seems like you'rehelping out more in the shop too! We too have had some fun with our fuel fill except I have to drive up a leveling ramp to fill up. 🙃 Really nice attention to detail. Cool to see what your build looks like. Great to compare to our build. That RC frame was wicked! Fun learning new skills! ~Mark & Teresa

[@richardlyyski5518]

Just came down at the start of watching this Are you Down to Custom Build ! 👍🇺🇸😜😜🤯

[@Propelled]

I do wonder if those fenders will flex into the body. I also have had to replace four windshields due to rocks on the highway, fender flared and mud flaps rock (or don’t as the case may be) I didn’t know Jack Black was into four wheelin’! Looks like a neat shop. I’m wondering what the coin would be for such a project beginning to end, are you keeping track?

[@equestrianalways6132]

Keep us updated on the RC please. Also I like the truck house life music bro, can't wait for the colab

[@jackirichard414]

The Jeep is coming along nicely.

[@mikemantho9426]

Looks amazing, congratulations!

[@Brentifacation]

your new rig is gonna be amazing!

[@Down2Mob]

Thanks Brent! It’s turning out better than I’d imagined

[@Brentifacation]

@@Down2Mob bet you are stoked! how much longer?

[@starkey218]

remember the weak point in the frame is right behind the cab so make sure you beff it up 1 inch in front of the shock if you don't believe me look it up

[@Down2Mob]

You are right my friend! We have gussets cut to go on both sides of the frame, where it bends at the shock mount

[@Ramcharger2Travel]

Looking great, any plans for a pass through into the cab?

[@trailrated08]

Love the project! Sooooo cool!

[@Down2Mob]

Thank you!!

[@bitofun2]

I'm excited for you. Looks great!

[@lifes2short4bs73]

Yep! I’m down to mob an aluminum flat bed.... but it’ll be on my ‘04.5 Ram 2500

[@stevenjennings8347]

Awesome informational educational video experience Y'alls God Bless Ya 🙏

[@MrJoshItIs]

If I win the lottery, this is what I am building and going off grid for months at a time with the better half.

[@jackirichard414]

Hello Phil and Koda. Have a safe blessed day! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@michaelburroughs7494]

This is a great project. Ive been watching it since the start. But as a person living on a budget, I can't help wondering how much this will all cost and whether the average guy could ever afford to duplicate it.

[@bquade70]

Hahaha..... No

[@Jaxon_Wii]

I am so glad ur moving away from that pop up tent camper. I can hardly wait until it completed

[@particlesofenergy]

Be interested to know the wall thickness of the alum box tube shown being tig welded in the first three minutes, also type of welder, rod etc.

[@jamescrud]

you can see the spec is ASTM B221 6061-T6 at 0:36. Looks like 1.5" and wall thicknesses are standard at 1/16, 1/8, 3/16, or 1/4. It's definitely not 1/4 and a little too thick for 3/16 so most likely 1/8 wall. www.mcmaster.com/aluminum-square-tubing/material~aluminum/outside-width~1-1-2/

[@bquade70]

Man....👍👍 Lake Havasu- ☀️ AZ

[@sefferrr]

yeeeeehooooo!!! thats awesome man!

[@cgscprspecialist3937]

Awesome can not wait until it is done

[@RuggedCoastExplorers]

Based on what I see thus far, I assume it is a rigid mount to the frame? What are your thoughts on frame flex forces against the camper subframe and the camper itself?

[@Down2Mob]

Great question, we are working on some different high density rubbers we can use as a buffer between the two metals. To absorb vibration and also limit flexing. The gladiator frame doesn’t flex much at all compared to even typical truck frames. At full flex with the bed on, it’s barely 1:8 inch of flex between the cab and bed. I will have more on this in the future but great question, as I did not explain it in this video

[@jeffsherwood639]

Hey u where up in Prescott! I drive for ups Kevin shop was on my route for a couple of years. My daughter worked at A/T adventure for a couple of years. Overland magazine in town also. There are some great vehicles driving around Have fun with your rig

[@hollatmynutz8375]

Glad i fast fwd through the video

[@johnniemeyer3139]

Looks amazing!!! Great job

[@robertyoung8289]

That thing is going to be severely under powered. You better head right over to the super charger shop!

[@TheGwflow]

Needs to take it to that place in Michigan that does the Hemi swaps

[@scottmacdonald1877]

@@TheGwflow If Jeep offered the V8 Hemi option for the Gladiator.

[@Farallonjoe]

Do you have a plan to get a lot of weight of the camper over the axels?

[@tjk4tom]

You're definitely crazy, some might say, obsessed, but if you have the passion and the means, go for it! Try not to trash it on your inaugural outings. You like to go drive off road in, say, a less than conservative way. Down2Mob!

[@Down2Mob]

Hahahaa you nailed it there! Thank you, and ya I get a bit obsessed. I need to slow down and cruise a bit, which will be a lot easier with the camper!

[@toddkmj26]

So this all will be in the way when the camper goes on?

[@HansFliesSolo]

How are you keeping the aluminum and steel from reacting where they are contacting?

[@Down2Mob]

Thanks for asking! We are looking at some different options but high on the list is polyurethane body mounts

[@stevez340]

I know you don’t want the cab over bed but this camper frame looks tiny! I hope you have enough room for you, a dog, a bed, a small sink, a stovetop, a fridge and storage? Having to do everything outside gets old quick when the weather doesn’t cooperate?

[@9thGenerationCajun]

You're my Overland spirit animal! Lol

[@Down2Mob]

Hahahaa perfect! I am up to the task lol

[@markvanderlinde8226]

Sweet build on the gladiator. But don't forget to show us the end build on the Rc crawler. ..

[@donnamount151]

AWESOME and for sure better than a mo. Ago, made me sick for u the day the tear up happened...excitment...been waiting...lol 🤩

[@gwagenadventure727]

How is the flat bed mounted to the chassis? Will it have diamond pivot mount similar to a unimog? You will probably be doing some serious wheeling and the chassis will want to flex and if that flat bed isn’t floating off the chassis it isn’t going to be good for that camper box.

[@stevebigpine1590]

Dissimilar metals between aluminum and steel causes corrosion. Must use spacer between metals. EPDM roofing material works well.

[@Wavecruzer79]

Awesome build, what's the rear axle capacity and payload capacity for that thing vs the weight of the camper setup? I know in the RV industry a big requirement for the in-bed style is a Hellwig rear sway bar and airbags to help support that extra weight.

[@rhyswilliams695]

Nice work

[@TheFrozenDesert]

Kevin's got skills.

[@213spaceforce]

Rage is what I have from you not stretching the frame in front the axle to make it not look like dukie

[@sjohnson1776]

The way you drive and beat that thing, I question how long the AL will hold up before things get loose/broken. I know it's not the fabricators first rodeo and all but just a thought.

[@tomdoingfunstuff]

So sick dude

[@nicksplace69]

Isolating aluminum from steel?

[@Down2Mob]

Yes, I will talk more about that in the future. Looking at polyurethane body mounts

[@lesliesawler516]

I think ur camper we’ll be Awsome

[@scottmacdonald1877]

Will that extended, unsupported aluminum frame be strong enough??? No more jumps....

[@mattfritch6375]

Looking good!

[@taraaaron1242]

This is truly unique 👌

[@cooptroop5]

Phil, my son works at Rokblokz, and could build you some custom Mud Flaps! You could make a video on the process! Let me know, they are in Springville Utah.

[@nickcormier8571]

There's a part of me that wants to see that drive axle pushed back to give it a longer wheelbase.

[@Bic804]

Looks like an awesome project! Have you considered a modern version of an Alaskan camper?

[@rd4660]

Gosh, I’m concerned with the aluminum floor joists. I don’t think the weight savings versus using steel square tubing is worth it. Aluminum loves to crack under stress especially with frame flex. I guess you’ll find out. Keep an eye on it once it’s finished.

[@kazansky22]

I wish my welds we're so clean!

[@LouisianaSpey]

Looking to do a similar project to my fj

[@nickboyle5545]

The mechanic at this shop is fucking bad ass

[@Garbo4973]

When's the Hellcat motor swap happening?

[@bradwillis6457]

I’m curious tot spacing of the fender to tire at ride height. Seems like at full stuff you have tons of space and could still put 44”s on there? This build is sweet! Looking forward to the next update!

[@michaeltichonuk2176]

I concur. Way cool!!

[@justinpritchard6403]

Awesome!

[@markb9347]

How high is the bottom of your rear diff above the ground with those badass 40's on there?

[@lifelong5425]

Phil...looks like you may be the first to have a custom camper installed gladiator......It is really coming together...Can you say how you are putting this build in from a financial perspective...Is it sponsored, or on your dime ?

[@sneil560]

Is Phil paying for the work from this shop or is it done at no cost for advertising?

[@sunroameroverland]

Dude if you were their last night you would have flipped your lid. Wink Wink

[@Down2Mob]

Hahahaa right? Thanks for helping Kevin with the after hours fab work man! It’s been really fun to have you a part of this build 👊

[@allanperry6507]

Going to need wide mirrors to see around the camper .😉 🤘OlllllllO 🇨🇦🤘

[@stevebigpine1590]

Is there too much rear weight to mess with overall suspension ?

[@chrislovett87]

I thought Bison started this like 4 months ago?

[@JUStCALLMEZIMM]

My question is. Why didn't you add any flatbed storage?

[@g.cooney6599]

I liked how you tucked the spare in between the frame rails.

[@LivingOnCash]

Kevin is doing a great job on this. Looking at your rendering though, the box looks a bit on the small side. What are the dimensions?

[@fallguy6558]

That is now a frankenjeep

[@jeffreycoulter4095]

I think I liked your old truck.

[@PhilDavisplus]

Nice. Those jeeps are pricey, but really cool. How much is this costing you?

[@randyelston7063]

You need to hurry up and get to Oklahoma and stop peckering around, lol

[@willyrisco9618]

When does the Hemi go in?

[@frusteri4]

How much extra did he charge you to get in his way the whole time?