FOUR WHEEL CAMPER PROJECT M ULTIMATE BUILD!

[@FourWheelCampers]

Hey Ken! This is an awesome Project M build out! Happy travels!

[@kenthompson2308]

Hey, thanks! Really appreciate it coming from you guys!

[@scottg9208]

You have some mad fab skills! Great job. Best build I have seen on a project M.

[@kenthompson2308]

Wow, thank you!

[@scottg9208]

@@kenthompson2308 I just bought a new Hawk pretty well optioned out that will be in in early September. If I had your skills I would have gone the same route you did. Very impressed.

[@peterpayne2219]

Really helpful video! I'm an American living in Japan for 30+ years but I'm putting together a plan to do some overland across the USA a few years from now. I love your layout!

[@kenthompson2308]

Thanks for the comment, always a pleasure to share with others!

[@SanteKotturi]

This is incredible, true craftsmanship

[@kenthompson2308]

Thank you, appreciate it!

[@DFWrancher]

Fantastic job!!!

[@kenthompson2308]

Thank you! Love the process…..mostly😉

[@Shaun614]

Awesome build, look forward to getting my topper soon for my 1st gen! thanks for sharing!

[@Shaun614]

this is by far the best build of the project M, I would love to see a video of the door when installed!

[@kenthompson2308]

I’ll do an update soon!

[@kenthompson2308]

Topper builds are super fun! My previous build was a topper, I just wanted to be able to stand up!

[@fishcamptravel2580]

I like that exterior quick connect, propane port, Where did you get that pass-through fitting?

[@kenthompson2308]

It’s a start propane quick connect, I couldn’t find a recessed version so I ended up making one out of stainless, spent way too much time making a small addition but I needed it recessed so the tailgate wouldn’t hit it. There may be something out there or you may be able to take a water fill and adapt it to your application. Good luck!

[@wentianzhou]

Nice build, what lift mechanism are you using for the lifting cabinet? I want to build a similar one for mine. Thank you!

[@kenthompson2308]

I used a inexpensive standing desk lift similar to this: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C498LWF5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1 I did need to make some changes. I flipped it over so the motor was at the bottom. In its intended orientation the legs form a tee, for how I used it I cut one side of each tee off, that supported the lifted cabinet. Hopefully this makes sense. It uses a ac power supply that plugs int a standard 120v ac household current plug. I ended up purchasing a small pure sine inverter to power it, I’ll add a link. I briefly searched for a 12v dc-12v ac converter with no luck. For my application I wanted the controller in the lifted cabinet so I needed to extend the controller cable. Works out great, cheap for a programmable lift! Let me know if you need anymore details or if what I said doesn’t make sense. Good luck in your build!

[@wentianzhou]

@thank you for the link, this is a great idea to unitize the limited space in the camper. Love it.

[@derekthomson6514]

Very nice!

[@kenthompson2308]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jlr3636]

Condensation- is there any problems with moisture between the aluminum camper shell and the Velcro in place bed rug material? I was considering using rigid foam insulation covered with fabric but the rug material looks to solve a lot of problems and much faster, easier, and cheaper.

[@kenthompson2308]

I have not seen any condensation, that said I live in Colorado so it’s pretty dry. I have used rigid foam with carpet or speaker carpet in other projects. The 3m spray glue (spray 90 if it doesn’t melt the foam) or 77 which is specific for foam. The bed rug material is definitely more expensive but if it’s flat or curved surface it works really well. The aluminum is mostly covered with a 1/8 plastic sheet on the FWC. That gives it a bit of a thermal break. I suspect there may be a little condensation around the window trim, doors and such that have no thermal break. I didn’t notice the glass fogging up that I have covered with the material, again ventilation while heating and a dry climate helps a lot. Good luck with your build!

[@simpyson]

Such an awesome build, everything looks professionally done! Can you share the lift you use for the microwave cabinet?

[@kenthompson2308]

It’s a repurposed desk lift. Found it on Craigslist. I installed it upside down so the motor is on the bottom. I needed to extend the controller so it could be operated in the microwave cabinet. It was the easiest, least expensive option I could find. I had originally planned on using 2- 12v dc synchronized linear actuators and controller. $500 verses less then $100 was one reason for going this route. Another was simplicity and time savings. It checked all the boxes for operation and had the weight capacity required. Down side is weight and needing ac voltage. I couldn’t find a 12v dc to 12v ac converter so I ended up with the small 300 watt pure sine inverter I talked about in the video.

[@arthurtruong7529]

Love the build! Was wondering what truck and how big is the bed? Also did you have to do any suspension work? I was also looking into something similar. Thinking about getting the Tune M1, for my 2016 F150 with a 5.5' bed.

[@kenthompson2308]

It’s a 02 tundra with a 6-1/2 foot bed. I did some pretty basic suspension work, new heavier rear leafs, airbags, 5100 shocks. The original leafs were worn out and went with an extra 600 pounds with the new ones.

[@thegreengosband]

Hay Ken After watching your vid, the one product that stood out for me was the "universal bed rug" material! Looks to be a very useful material for the DIY'er. I looked through Amazon but cant seem to find a "bulk roll" that you referred too. Could you please give a link or a manufactures name so I can get the same product? Thanks and great build! Your giving me lots of great ideas. Mark

[@thegreengosband]

P.S. You also said you used machine screws for mounting into the aluminum? Not a lot of material for threads. Did you need to use something to reinforce the aluminum? I.E, rivet nuts. Thanks

[@kenthompson2308]

Bedrug Classic Bed Mat | 66x98 - You Cut to Fit, Charcoal Grey, (Models w/Drop-In Style Bedliners) | BMX00D This is what I used, available on Amazon. For the machine screws: depending on the forces and use I would use rivet nuts if I found it would be needed, mostly where I just tapped the .065 tube it didn’t need much, very low force. The main connections between framing components I used rivet nuts, usually 1/4-20. The good thing about them is they are easy to upgrade from a threaded hole to a rivet nut by just using the threaded hole as a pilot for the rivet nut. If the space doesn’t allow a countersunk rivet nut can be used instead of the standard which depending on the size can be a 1/16 or so. The countersunk rivet nuts are bit more finicky and the tube thickness is more critical so I try not to use them. In a tube designed frame like I did you can also just drill the backside of the tube mating surface to clear the flange of the rivet nut which I did when necessary……Hope that makes sense. Stainless rivet nuts that I prefer to use have their own issues, the stainless to stainless is notorious for gaulding if there is any issue with a burr, slight cross threading, etc.. A “spinner’” rivet nut from a cross thread is a pain to deal with, it typically requires cutting the bolt if you can’t access the backside of the rivet nut to grab with a vise grip. I typically run a tap through the rivet nut just to be certain there is no burrs. I also put a little wax on the threads which helps considerably with a stainless to stainless connection. A non stainless rivet nut would work fine in near all of the places I used stainless, it’s a dry area. I do worry about galvanic corrosion between the aluminum and a zinc plated rivet nut, stainless is slightly better on the anode scale…….likely a non issue either way.

[@billbrody8121]

Your build is amazing. You have a gift. I have Tundra/Project M and would love barn doors. Would you consider designing and/or building them?

[@kenthompson2308]

Maybe one day! I must admit I’m not a huge fan of the lift door. It’s not a great seal and the rain sorta rolls in opening. I find it having the same issues as a standard topper. If I do come up with something I’ll be sure to do a video.

[@anpdude]

Did you happen to make a video of the raising cabinet and how that is possible?

[@kenthompson2308]

I did not, I may have some still photos of adapting the desk lift and install.

[@danwhitton7966]

Hey Ken, Awesome build. I'd love to know how much it weighs when you get around to it. Is the build our now removeable as a whole slide in unit, or would you have to remove the interior adds you build as separate items if you needed your truck from home projects?

[@nicholasbetscon42]

Hay Ken would you be interested in putting a build in for me .but not what you have .I'm a senior citizen can't do a build hard for me to be able..I can pay for parts and labor costs if you can find the time or if you know someone else who can..😊😊

[@kenthompson2308]

@@nicholasbetscon42 Oh man, I’m supposed to be retired also!😉 I’m just about done with all the goodies so weighing is coming. Working on a shower system right now.

[@Fstmt09]

Hi Ken. Do you do builds for other people? Thinking of getting a Oru design camper. Thank you.

[@kenthompson2308]

Sorry, I don’t do builds I’m pretty retired now but enjoy sharing ideas for inspiration!

[@nmilleson88]

sweet rig. in floor heat in a truck camper wow.

[@kenthompson2308]

Right on!

[@xLopez210x]

For real! I was looking on the internet for floor heating small spaces and i found electric sheets to continue the electric camper theme but this is legit.

[@kenthompson2308]

@@xLopez210x I had thought about installing a 120v ac immersion heater in the radiant tank for when I’m at home to keep the camper floor above freezing so I wouldn’t need to fully drain the freshwater tank. Good chance I’ll do that before next winter. I didn’t mention that I used a low viscosity radiant fluid in the heating system rated to -40. Since I used aluminum for the tank I wanted something not only for freeze protection but also corrosion inhibitors. Thanks for the comment and enjoy your build!

[@xLopez210x]

@@kenthompson2308 thanks for the info! I definitely need to not only weigh the pros and cons but my skill level as well. I can do some minor plumbing and mimic what i see but my field is in electronics and welding. It’ll be funny having a badass electrical setup but the camper looks like crap 🤣

[@semidemiurge]

What hinges and door latches did you use?

[@kenthompson2308]

Aluminum piano hinge, 3/32 pin, 2 inch open width. Marine slam latches. I purchased the latches from Amazon. The hinge from a local aluminum supplier. McMaster Carr is also a great source for hard to find items, they are a bit more expensive but the quality is great.

[@lalail61]

With your amazing skill and talent you'll make good $$$$. Project M owners will pay you to build theirs.

[@kenthompson2308]

Appreciate the comment, I enjoy the process but have plenty of projects in the works to go back to work!

[@vanwander]

Where are the large somewhat obtrusive side shelves that come as part of the Project M? I don't see them in your Project M (like where you have that seat).

[@kenthompson2308]

They are still there under the bench and concealed in the cabinet. They are there to provide structure so I didn’t alter them other than a few fasteners.

[@FishEVERYDAY13]

What kind of hitch mount motorcycle rake?

[@kenthompson2308]

Home built

[@TheSeasickViking]

Amazing build.

[@kenthompson2308]

Glad you think so! Appreciate the comments!

[@ganja2369]

Great build man!

[@kenthompson2308]

Glad you think so!

[@JavierBlanchardBJJ]

What brand of solar panels are you using

[@kenthompson2308]

I have 3- FivstaSola Bifacial 100 Watt Solar Panel, and a single BougeRV 9BB Cell 200 Watts Solar Panel. Alll are performing extremely well particularly for the price I bought them for off of amazon.

[@gregorymcfarland8413]

Nice build you have the skills.

[@kenthompson2308]

Thanks for the visit, appreciate the feedback!

[@9165RADIOS]

I took my Project M out on a "ham adventure" (kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIXcmnqBZsxgoLc) So, I want to get/use that "bed liner" material to - where is a good place to get it (foam and fabric) ??? I just saw your other reply - THANKS!

[@kenthompson2308]

Thanks for the question, I ordered it through Amazon, here is the link: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003CSP7L4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@susan7591]

What's the total price please.

[@kenthompson2308]

Hard to say, but I would guess around 17 grand in materials and parts not including the many hours of labor. I purchased the camper used for $9000 and had many of the main components from a previous build. Big ticket items other than the camper would be the electrical system-lithium batteries and components including solar panels, inverter(s), etc.. The aluminum tubing and sheet was around $1200. Again, pretty tough to estimate as I did it over the winter and had many of the parts already. Thanks for the question!

[@jw3252]

Be great if you could have panned out for us to actually see what the camper looks liked.