Build an Expensive Camper WAY Cheaper

More info on my website:
www.furtherfabrication.com/pr...
Designing and building this Truck Camper was an awesome challenge for me, especially making that Pop-Top Tent. Holy moly.
I hope you enjoy the video!
- Rob
Sometimes I post on Instagram:
/ further_fabrication
Background Music from:
www.epidemicsound.com/
and
Riot Games Creator-Safe Playlist:
sessions.riotgames.com/en-us/...
Artist: Chromonicci, Song title: Passengers
Artist: Chief, Song title: Who’s Here
Artist: SwuM, Song title: Abovve

[@FurtherFabrication]

Thanks for watching! I know this was a longer video, but I thought it would be more satisfying to see the whole process in one go. What do you think?

[@subscribenowornever]

gro plz make a whole old truck into a camper van or truck plz! that would be more satisfy love from pakistan❤

[@h-j.k.8971]

Think your right Nice project well exicuted.

[@mickythreee4640]

One go was good. Just wild that you put this all together. Great work!

[@mrismellgoodfrank8874]

Such a well made vid bro ,I have a up grade ,I did for the side walls for the pop up

[@h-j.k.8971]

From the viewers point of view, very satisfying to see a project go from start to finish, so thanks. Hope you find more such projects in nhe future.

[@taurean6456]

I know few people will appreciate this small detail ,but thank you for putting in the imperial system measurements.

[@FurtherFabrication]

You're the first person to comment on that, thanks for noticing! I'm glad it was appreciated

[@OverlandOrange]

@@FurtherFabrication Yes, thank you from Oregon.

[@cameronwalter121]

^ another from Oregon so cool!

[@jabressdolath7657]

I'm Canadian and appreciate the imperial terms too.

[@tommyhairyeah7726]

Oregon as well (cave junction)

[@randymears1378]

I am a long time fabricator my self. So impressed with your design and workmanship that I bought a set of your reasonably priced plans. Best wishes.

[@FurtherFabrication]

Thank you!

[@valnpaulvanorden]

amazing, well explained, kool effects time lapse!!

[@marklunsford337]

Awesome!!

[@ramzpehlivan7157]

This is by far the best pop up camper DIY build I’ve come across. The quality of the recording, the explanation throughout the build, and the fact that it’s made with pretty much majority standard parts from the hardware store is just absolutely incredible. Phenomenal job mate! 👌

[@PedroFaria]

"sewing is really enjoyable" spoken like a true maker!! 👌

[@abcdefgh1]

Pro Tip: Use pepper for a spicier build.

[@FurtherFabrication]

hahaha exactly

[@toddai2721]

Pro tip, bring your wife for a warmer night... but for a spicier one, bring your wife's sister.

[@ellonysman]

Funny comment😅

[@PhilSartori]

Achoo ‼️

[@EvanMoon]

Ghost peppers

[@gopinathkaki5982]

Tip: install a elastic band running around the top tent.. it helps in closing the fabric properly

[@FurtherFabrication]

Great idea!

[@todddoherty3440]

The elastic band (bungy cord) will also help keep the tent material from flapping in the wind. You will sleep much better.

[@MrBurtonPE]

Wow, the meticulous planning and detail of this build along with filming and editing… 😅. Well done sir this is months and months of work! Thanks for taking us along for the build.

[@FurtherFabrication]

Thank you! yeah this was months of work all up, so I'm glad it came across in the video

[@patrickheath5011]

Probably the best of videos for this subject I've seen. (and I've been watching a lot) Very professional. Thanks for not playing obnoxious music or using time lapse.

[@rubenflex2]

Dude, I'm so happy that I found your channel. The quality of your work is so good. Another beautiful project 👏

[@FurtherFabrication]

Thanks mate!

[@marcothehammer]

I was impressed immediately as well. I clicked the "Subscribe All" at the 1:10 time mark, when I noticed the circular saw guide!

[@Initechsystems]

Hey from Canada!! HA! You shared the salt secret! For years I've looked 47% smarter by telling even seasoned woodworkers the secret of the salt sprinkle and the sliding glue! Also.... AWESOME VIDEO!

[@mikosoft]

Maybe one thing that popped into my mind when I saw it finished (after noticing how good it looks) - the struts may not be able to withstand side winds. I know commercially made pop tops use struts to lift but use additional pantograph-like supports that hold and lock the roof into place. Maybe look into that.

[@genuismensa]

Even RV awnings bend and break with small gusts. It happened to me and it ruined one of the lift arms. It ripped the rivet through the aluminum. I would not suggest leaving it open when you are away.

[@gerrygadget]

Once the top is popped, a rod could be placed at the tall corners to help keep the tent structure tight. The flapping is partly what puts stress on it, besides the noise of the flapping being impossible to sleep through. Also helps prop up the top so reduces some of the stress on the struts if the sides are catching wind like a sail. But yeah, high winds are probably not good for it if you can't park facing into the wind.

[@ChopperChad]

Fashion a couple of expanding aluminum poles in the corners of the tall side. This will apply tension and structure. Will also prevent roof from collapsing.

[@gerrygadget]

@@ChopperChad good idea. an extendable painting pole would work. Throw a mini tennis ball over the threaded end. I only suggested a rod because I was thinking of something thin and unobtrusive.

[@optimus163]

Removable X brace at the rear

[@justinpeer5660]

I don’t usually watch build videos this long but I’m so impressed by the level of detail in both your build and video production. Love that you explain all your methods and how you went about learning new skills. Fantastic job you’ve done and obvious just how much thought you put into it before you even started. Bloody well done :)

[@concretemathematics414]

I just want to say, this is the first video of yours that I've seen and I'm subscribed now. Beyond the build itself, I really appreciate the way you talk about sewing. I see so many people pawning off the sewing onto their wives but instead you acknowledge that it's just another skill and it's good to have more skills. And I really appreciate that

[@xyzMrtalkshow]

Likewise

[@lucasmurphy5407]

As a senior Engineering student, a woodworker of 10 years and a person who has lived out of their truck for several months you did an absolutely brilliant job!!

[@TF-mc6yj]

23 words for yourself and only 6 words for the legend...

[@InternetUser-lj7um]

​@@TF-mc6yjgood counting 😊

[@heavensector5964]

@@TF-mc6yj 6 more than you gave the legend. You gave twelve just to bitch.

[@PeterWilhelm]

Unbelievable build, craftsmanship and video editing as always! 👏

[@Glenn.Cooper]

What a fantastic build - easily the best quality self-built I've seen. Thanks for the video!!

[@FurtherFabrication]

Thank you!

[@vcuteverything]

Your attention to detail is something to be admired. Also, the tricks you use are very clever. I don't know how I ended up on this video but really enjoyed it!

[@FurtherFabrication]

Thank you! haha well I'm glad you ended up here

[@treehouseoffroad]

I'm a content creator, I feel like I learned just as much about video editing as I did about tent building by watching this video. Very impressive brother

[@bu6jon]

Definitely recommend adding an anti condensation material to the ceiling and any interior exposed aluminum, as well as an elastic strap around the tent fabric to help it synch inwards when closing. Awesome build!

[@thetinysideoftiny7625]

The attention to detail and the finite skill of your build is astounding! It looks like you bought the camper from an actual camper company. Looks 100% OEM. INCREDIBLE JOB! Thanks for sharing it!

[@derpapito1391]

Even though I will most likely never built a pop up camper I really enjoyed this video. I would not be surprised if the build quality puts those other campers to shame. Liked and subscribed 👍

[@Jasper25777]

Loved your work! I used to build sails for super yachts and sail bags and the only thing id suggest (if you have the right machine) is to use a 3 step zig zag stitch for seams because the weight gets distributed over a larger surface area. That should improve its durability :)

[@pawegulina6932]

Amazing, accurate, precise work, a carpenter, locksmith and tailor all in one. You are a great professional, huge, huge congratulations to you.

[@brandonchea4509]

I have never commented on a KZbin video, but this build was too good not to let you know. I’ve been dreaming of making a wedge style camper just like this as the price of similar style campers on the market are just out of my budget at the moment. Definitely going to be checking out your build plans and hopefully I can build one for my 2000 Ford Ranger in the future. Subscribed! Hope to see more about the camper in the future!

[@FurtherFabrication]

Thank you for the comment! I Hope you you can bring your dream into reality

[@utilitarian]

What an amazing build and big props for sewing it all together. It can’t have been easy, especially when you want it as good as possible. You smashed it 👏🏻

[@FurtherFabrication]

Thanks mate, yeah sewing the tent was definitely new territory for me!

[@1punkmonkey]

Just discovered your channel through this video and immediately subscribed. The fact you made this look so easy shows how well you prepared beforehand in the planning stages and CAD, and the final result is really cool. Nicely done

[@NateRoberts]

This was the first video of yours I’ve seen and it was super cool! I’ve wanted to get into 3D printing, CAD, and sewing but have been very nervous since I haven’t done it before. This video definitely gave me the motivation to at least try, keep up the good work!

[@FurtherFabrication]

Welcome, glad you enjoyed the vid and it gave you some motivation! yup just one step at a time

[@brianciuffini4582]

Awesome project. I love that you’ve used attainable materials and techniques but built it at such a thorough quality level. I hope this propels your growth to the next level and I look forward to what you come up with next.

Finally a good video from the beginning with all that pain you faced! Loved that.

[@darrenmilo9565]

This was remarkable. I initially thought “I’ll watch this as I have a ranger and I’m desperate to get a roof top tent and this may give me not only economic benefits but options for utilising space” about 10mins in I’m thinking “yeah this fella has skills. He can competently design, fabricate, construct. Just leave it Dazzer” I wasn’t wrong, i can’t do what you do, except for the sewing. I’ve learnt to see last year to pimp up some of my tents and it is so satisfying making stuff.

[@TheReaper1]

This was an awesome build! A steal at only $10 for the plans! Do you plan on making any similar designs? Maybe a 4 season insulated version? Would be so cool to see a winter camping montage and having one with one of those tiny wood stoves. Again, Awesome build!

[@davidmorris2234]

Thinking of doing something similar to this on my full size GMC extended cab pickup, but using my existing bolt together lumber rack as the structural frame and composite DIY panels for the sides and top that are insulated. Nice work, I’ll definitely watch this again before I build mine.

[@FurtherFabrication]

Nice, yeah having a pre-existing frame to build is a good head start

[@amiryazmanabdulrahman5080]

Do make a video and share please 🎉

[@lets-do-this]

What a joy to watch, so many good ideas and workarounds....really a project to be proud of

[@N3RV001]

One of the most impressive builds I've ever seen. You seem to perpetually be in flow state

[@juanitasellshouses]

How about adding a wind deflector to the truck roof to improve gas mileage? Also, the size of the sewing machine needle is crucial! Great video!

[@drunkchicken8636]

This is great. Make sure to bring along some supports for the large open end. I just watched some other videos of them camping in snow and the roof was trying to collapse on them. They called it being eaten by the tent. And I think you should fiberglass it. It will make it more rigid and waterproof.

[@user-zv3lj1ef7l]

I'd have gone with a flat bar around the inside perimeter of the bed with nuts and bolts. Your hold down brackets make it seem like a rush job and is unsightly for such a professional build. Then on top of that flat bar, will go an inside table or seat maybe 18" deep. If you want some serious bonding strength between two pieces of wood where the bond is actually stronger than the wood, go with Elmer's wood Glue MAX. A 3/4" edge bead on two sheets of plywood making an L-shape will hold that camper up on its own. It's a one-time use glue. Once you open it, you have to finish the bottle in the process or it will go bad within a week or so of sitting.

[@kaygeehaych]

I don't comment much, but I wanted to say this is some of the best diy frame build ideas that I have seen in any of the camper, tiny house or caravan builds I have watched. Thank you for sharing.

[@MulchBucket]

That camper looks so heckin' CLEAN, incredible job as usual!

[@tutekohe1361]

“Aluminum”? “Math”? Much valuable learning here. I’m hoping to build a Canopy with a Hard-Shell Tent on top and there’s some useful hints in this video.

[@FurtherFabrication]

Haha I'm just losing syllables left and right! A hard-side version would be very cool, glad you could pick up some info

[@bjroberts6521]

Glad I was not the only one triggered by ALUMINIUM. Yelling at the telly where are you from…… why pander to the yanks.

[@Czechmix82]

Out of all the tons and tons of DIY tent videos I have watched this is by far the most well put together detailed one I have seen. I'm blown away at how cool this tent looks. I really like the black orange and white with the decals. Excellent work!

[@Nbec95]

I absolutely love it when people build their own stuff that's cheaper and fits their needs better. I have several of these projects myself. But let's be honest, it can get out of hand quickly when you find yourself manically thinking about how to build something because things you can buy of the shelf just don't fit your needs completely. We all been there, aren't we? Anyway, fantastic job and great video!

[@AK1LLERBEAN]

Excellent, if I had a truck I'd be researching local suppliers now. Just finished a laser cutter build using your videos as inspiration could not ask for a better resource.

[@FurtherFabrication]

Awesome, congrats on finishing your build! glad I was able to help out

[@artistjerome]

Highest quality build, explanation and video for a DIY build that I have ever seen! BE PROUD, BE VERY PROUD!!!

[@backcountry4life]

This was amazing! I don't even have a truck but want to buy one now so I can build something like this. Thanks!

[@ShoutAtMeElmo]

This was incredible. I hope to build anything even remotely as cool one day!

[@MidNiteBlueRose9]

The amount of care and precision made this build so satisfying to watch. I love that you created your own lock and sticker. Absolutely brilliant! Tbh I planned on skipping through your video and you ended up capturing me with your attention to detail and zoned in shots. Well done sir! Beautiful camper!

[@RealBLAlley]

As a former tradesperson and fabricator I appreciate the problem solving, innovation, and skill development. I'm impressed how much the fit and styling defy the boxy design, allowing it to fit the truck while providing maximum interior space.

[@FurtherFabrication]

Thank you so much! I'm never sure if anyone catches the smaller details so thank you for the comment!

[@6Ginge]

Great project. So stoked to see a fellow kiwi building awesome stuff in the diy styles. I love seeing the familiarity of your tools, glues etc that we don’t get by other international KZbinrs out there. Even your Ranger and garage door opener are the same! 😊

[@timandnatd]

Videos like this help people understand why the completed campers cost so much! Thanks! Great work.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Shipping, labour, better design/materials and profit.

[@brutus9748]

Man that has to be the coolest build ive seen! You do it all in such a way that most can follow with their own builds. Tip of the hat sir

[@RevanPlloyd]

I could feel the satisfaction when every time those air piston worked

[@FurtherFabrication]

I'm glad it came across on the video!

[@J3zzaG]

As an ex sail maker, I'm very impressed with your sewing ability!

[@budnixon]

Great job, very detailed in both design and video reporting. Thank you!

[@sirowthereaper]

Brilliant work man, ive been waiting for someone to make this kind of build. I've spent months going through rough sketches trying to figure this out. Seeing it in action makes me more confident.

[@jonasvaleisa]

"I am not nervous, you're nervous" :) good content, glad I found your channel!

[@rainerhasler135]

Amazing! I often thought about making the same. But now you already did it! Great job! Good to see that we do not need this high-end constructions if we just focus what for we really are planning! Thanks to you for give me a big push to try myself!

[@vitale6633]

Brilliant ! Thanks for sharing. The sewing segment especially helpful and informative. Love the subtle shoutout to Sail-Rite viewers :)

[@kcapkcans]

My daughter got that same sewing machine for Christmas and I've also really enjoyed using it while teaching her. One cool little feature is that the little hook shaped protrusion on what would be your left if sat at the machine is a thread cutter, so you don't have to reach for scissors every time you finish a line

[@berserkerusmc7613]

Brother, you did an absolutely awesome job! Hats off! Your project turned a lot of "can, I's?" into one big, "I can!" Thank you!

[@johng290]

Great job! I’m in Southern California and it was nice that you did the translations from metric for us in the U.S. It definitely broadens your audience and shows us that you care.

[@pokiejackson3364]

I've been missing your uploads! Always concise and impressive. You're the reason that I built my first CNC.

[@FurtherFabrication]

Thanks mate! hey that's so cool, I'm sorry I led you down the rabbit hole haha

[@moalemnou4363]

For a first-timer in building project 01, you really nail it. Really appreciate the imperial measurements and the detailed work. That the way to go.👍

[@madyak222]

Enjoyed the video, looking at doing a DIY poptop in my Transporter Van. Not the same as this one, but great to see the planning and build process. Thank you for your hard work.

[@bempey]

Wow! Yes, the build quality is top notch, but (as an engineer) I'm very impressed with the design. In 1992, I bought a VW Transporter T4 double-cab (DOKA) 1-ton flat-deck truck. It's actually the last VW truck that was sold in North America. And I've been pondering campers since. Given that there are only a few hundred of this model truck in North America, there's nothing built for it. Your design is inspiring ... and pop tops and VWs just go together!

[@rudetoy8264]

Very impressive! The engineering, the skills, the results are admirable. The lightweight camper starting to take shape

[@75willo]

That's exactly what I was looking for. I was planning to build a small offroad capable camp top for my Ranger. You saved me a lot of time on the drawing board. Thanks! I will buy your plan.

[@ED3]

Greetings from Bodega Bay California in the United States. Great build. Really enjoyed the build. Awesome Video.

[@FurtherFabrication]

Thank you!

[@ernboto]

Great job designing and building this camper. Thanks for sharing.

[@user-pf3ye6yi9n]

I have done a couple of similar projects, my carpentry isn't up to your standards but in the UK at least you can get thin pre painted aluminium sheet, I build plywood carcasses and cover them with this. It can be folded over for better water shedding and overlapped at corners which can then be covered with glued on plastic or aluminium angle.

[@ahmedmaazouzi-shorttips8913]

The Locksystem... just genius!

[@MrDewallday]

Wow that planning and application is on point. You are one amazing dude. I have a mini van and was thinking of making the same. I hope you make a project for a minivan so that I can just get hints and points from that project 🙏 Thank you for the inspiration!

[@CJGfarm]

Incredibly creative! You used so many skills in this build! I think I would have had a tailor se in my zippers. That's above my skill level for sure. 😃

[@WildSBlk]

What a great creation.. much appreciated. I am also very willing to make one like this.

[@traviscollins8848]

Awesome build, only thing I would suggest is a safety mechanism to keep the pop up raised while sleeping, if anything was strong enough to force the struts down while you were sleeping 😳. Also would be cool to have solar on the top, to charge an auxiliary power bank to give you a way to charge your electronics while out camping and not having to run the truck.

[@bomzhizn]

Офигеть, как точно и дотошно всё сделано! Да, на видео оно легче смотрится, чем на самом деле, но результат поражает!!!

[@bluewhaleadventures152]

Just stumbled onto this. You do very nice work bro.

[@FurtherFabrication]

Cheers bro!

[@robertmcmahon1221]

Fantastic Designing, Fabrication, and Video Production and writing.

[@rpiereck74]

Awesome build and looks top notch. You should also factor in the labor time it took to do the whole project, I imagine that's where some of the difference to $8000 goes. Either way, I am sure you still saved money. Good job!

[@FurtherFabrication]

Thanks! Yeah absolutely, if you were running this as a business there's a lot more costs involved

[@mikes4352]

WOW. Great design and even better build. I love your attention to detail. Looks awsome, thanks for sharing, and I look forward to seeing it put to use.

[@MikeBabsBC]

Awesome video! I'm going through a camper build myself (we have the same sewing machine lol) and it's cool to see someone else's version of it. You did a great job on the design and fabrication! Congratulations on keeping the cost and the weight down, this thing looks amazing! You must be so stoked.

[@SparkyNorth]

Thank you KZbin algorithm for the gem of a video, actually watched the video all of the way through, the craftsmanship you displayed is top notch and everything turned out so good! Well done for coming in so cheap too!

[@chris8949]

Great Job ! Thx for sharing the bild and the great result !

[@matthewpatterson24]

Brilliant! Love your design, and your tenacity. Cheers

[@peteowens3033]

Very well done. Thank you for sharing all the details.

[@72SeaHag]

FABULOUS PROJECT!!... From the design, to executing the construction and furthermore the excellent job of videoing and editing this project for our consumption. GREAT WORK!

[@tzuyuantsai3919]

Awesome. It's incredible that all build by yourself, even the sewing job. Thanks for filming all the details of your design, I believe it will inspire more great DIY work that we my never image.

[@Groot_G]

You have some amazing skills. From woodwork to aluminium cutting to sewing to video editing. Fantastic.

[@DeliberateNRandom]

Im thinking, "Please don't see! Please don't sew!" But you make it look easy! I still think it's a bit ambitious for me. I still haven't started on my bus build, but I have changed my transmission fluid and filter and installed the aluminum radiator while getting over my back and arm injuries.

[@RogueCorps]

Great build and very innovative aluminum sandwich, no-weld, construction. So glad I found this and hope you're having lots of adventures in your camper!

[@LvLUpLegend]

Sewing is fun but it is also a super useful skill that everyone should know. My grandmother taught me when I was younger

[@benstarr9621]

Hey mate. Awesome work with this! Could you do a full walk around tour of the pop top please? Noticed you could access the bed from the inside so keen to see how that all works and how you set up for sleep or other adventures. Cheers Ben.

[@logtothebase2]

Just seems so much better than the massively over engineered commercial and outdoor project-or youtubers normally do,= Ok literally You don't have the kitchen sink, solar panels, awnings, Inverters, lithium batteries, the necessary chassis and engine mods to carry it all.. I remember doing this in Australia with second hand, engine oil burning Cruiser with four people in, and lightweight hiking gear and a couple of range extender Jerrys on the roof. You dont need all that home maker crap, particularly if you are youthfuly physically mobile. (although you might find room for an extra spare for remote driving) An enlightened build.

[@SC-sz9ms]

this is amazing. super inspirational. you answered some questions I've had about certain elements of the build I'm doing. thank you for producing and building this!!

[@itsame4002]

Love it!!! As an apparel designer in the outdoor industry, and a carpenter, my only advice is use scissors to cut fabric, and use #8 or #10 zips! Other than that, fucking amazing job!!! Might have to hit you up to buy the plans for my truck ❤️❤️

[@friedaspyder8485]

Lots of terrific ideas, and inspiration. Thanks.

[@neagoecatalin879]

Great job! It went out really nice! Thank you!

[@CanadianCampPurr]

Bought a wedge camper, pick it up in august 2024. If no room to build the project or the tools you have to buy. Great build for sure!!!.

[@francisss6631]

Meticulously planned & surgically executed. WOW !!