I'm Building A (Pop-Up Hard Wall) Slide In Camper - DIY Camper Build EP:1

I'm attempting to build my own Four Wheel Campers inspired camper for my 3rd Gen Tacoma. My goal is to make something similar in design, but a bit smaller and lighter than the originals. Please follow along and find out if I succeed. Thanks for checking out my channel, TbT. #fourwheelcampers #DIYCamper #Tacomacamping

[@51ghostrecon]

Finally ❗ Actually Step By Step on Building a Cab Over... Thank you much 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

Thanks for following along and commenting. Stay safe out there. TbT

[@karenhannah2386]

What a great idea! I would have never thought to do that. Thanks for making the step by step process look so easy to follow. Thanks! ☺️

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

Thanks for checking it out. Wish me luck. Thanks for watching and commenting. 😘

[@trustmeiworkhere8183]

Good for you man! I really appreciate the attention to detail.

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

Thanks!

[@carrienelson360]

Hope this project is everything you are wanting! As an off road enthusiast, rtt owner, living in a traditional camper, builder of off-road vehicle storage boxes and carpenter I may suggest something I hope you find helpful. Wood glue and nails won’t hold up in the long run. Road vibration alone will loosen everything and cause you much frustration when pieces start to fail. Even screws and nuts themselves will also loosen. I suggest bolts with nylock nuts where applicable. Where you need something nearly smooth, low profile binding barrels and screws (McMaster Carr sells aluminum ones) with some Loctite red would be snag resistant, nearly flush and lightweight. I hope this helps! Keep up the good work!

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

Thanks for the comment and suggestions. TbT.

[@spandrsn]

Damn. And here I am thinking I'm efficient using 2x3s instead of 2x4s. The glue holding it all together... good stuff. Thank you.

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

Good luck with your build. Thanks for watching and commenting. 🤙🏼 TbT

[@debbiegibbons1226]

This is just what I was looking for !! Thank you for these episodes. Looks fantastic!! 👍🏻

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

Thanks!

[@BlackFox96]

Thank you for your videos, I think I've found how I want to build mine now.

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

Cool. Glad it was an inspiration. Been camping in it for the last 2 weeks. Pretty stoked on how well it’s been working. Thanks for watching and commenting. TbT

[@felipefigueroa9449]

Excellent Bill outstanding

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

Thanks

[@huxmetalworks7371]

I have to say your work is very well done i like your work thanks for sharing

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

Thanks. Much appreciated.

[@user-dc5fp2zb4w]

Thank you for posting. I have been looking for ideas, for my full-size p/u, and I really like how you made your own “sandwich” panel. Should prove to be quite strong.

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

Thanks! Hope you get some good ideas for your build. Good luck and thanks for watching and commenting. TbT

[@felixcat9318]

This is an interesting, informative and encouraging video, a step by step tutorial which will inspire others to make their own lightweight, high quality camper. Whilst the Four Wheel Campers are nice, I do not believe that they're worth what they cost, by a long margin, so its nice to see that someone is constructing their own model. Nice presentation, narration and videography, an interesting person building an interesting camper, what's not to like! Subscribed.

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

Yes. I think the 4WC are super cool and have a great design. They are just way out of my price range and I’ve always been a DIY’r. I’m having fun with this build and I enjoy the process that’s all that matters to me, making a good working camper will be a bonus and Im pretty confident it’ll work out. Thanks for watching and commenting appreciate the support. TbT.

[@OOICU812]

Definitely pricey!

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

Thanks for watching.

[@smallnuts2]

I love this thank you for doing this. I'll definitely be following on on your build.

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

Thanks for the sub, watching and commenting it’s appreciated. I should have a new video out EP:2 soon. Almost done editing…made some good progress on the camper. Stay safe out there. TbT

[@bunthinsun3702]

Very nice work

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

Thanks!

[@DIYcamperNATE]

So cool! Can’t wait to see more. Just finished my cabover a couple months ago.

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

Cool! How can I check out your build? Thanks for watching and commenting. TbT

[@DIYcamperNATE]

@@TravelingbyTacoma kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3jaqIGjj8uGZqs

[@s.ket.7187]

I dig the skate board trucks on the workbench.

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

🤘🏼

[@texaswildcat2000]

Best method for strengthening and sealing is a layer or 2 of fiberglass over the wood exterior, a process used on many small wood boats and it also keeps things lightweight....

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

Yeah that’s a good way for sure too. I’m happy with my method and have used it on my boat with great long lasting success. Thanks for watching and commenting. TbT

[@bobsaenz5840]

Nice job.

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

Thanks.

[@JoeandEmmaLee]

This is rad! Definitely inspired. We’re currently renovating an 86 Toyota Motorhome. Cheers!

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

That’s cool. I checked out your channel. I’ll subscribe and will follow along. Good luck, looks like a big but fun project. Stay safe out there. TbT.

[@JoeandEmmaLee]

Thanks! Appreciate the encouragement! Best of luck to you as well! Will definitely follow along

[@dansbuilds]

Good luck dude!

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

Thanks!

[@paulg492]

I'd think a construction adhesive that doesn't melt the foam would be superior. Has great coverage, holding power and is tolerant to flexing.

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

It may be, but the wood glue was super strong and bonded to the foam well so that’s what I went with. The foam and the 5mm ply basically became one and you would have to tear the two apart. The camper is so small and rigid there won’t be much flex. It’s been on the truck now for a while and it’s holding up great. Thanks for watching and commenting. TbT

[@Matt-bd5wc]

Just watched them All. Thank you. Any chance you'd want to part with that side wall template measurements? Looks like 32" x 10" x 96" Ish.

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

Yep. That’s basically it. Kept the caper at 8’ so there are not seems and makes a bit stronger. If I did it again, I would make the camper a little wider (wider than the side pop outs of the rear fenders) so it’s easier to remove and install. Thanks for watching and commenting. TbT

[@edmalts]

It’s looking very nice and you are doing a good job,,, I would not have the time or patience to do all that plus all the money you must be spending on it,,,, I would just buy a travel trailer used $8000 😂.

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

Haha. Thanks. I love the process… This build was under $5k and thanks to views and comments like yours KZbin has paid for it. Appreciate the views and comment it’s appreciated. TbT. 🤙🏼

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

I hope you follow along as I build this camper over the next several months. Thanks for tuning in. Wish me luck. TbT

[@user-wv4oo5zu9s]

How many pounds does it weigh?

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

Dry weight without interior build was right at 500. Total weight with interior (no gear) is right around 800. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@texasrockoutlaws75]

What was the Length of your struts and pounds were they

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

If you go to the newer episodes starting at episode 12 I think, most of the parts are listed with links in the video description. 40# 35” are mine. Thanks for watching and commenting. TbT

[@bradschafer6561]

Cool build! I’m in the middle of my own FWC style 100%DIY build. Interested in how you’ll do the pop up top. Good luck!

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

Cool. Are you posting your project anywhere I can check it out? I’m going to complete the lower outside portion 100% then decide how I want to do the pop top. Most likely it will be the typical 4WC soft side pop up unless I come up with something else along the way. I’ll move to the interior after that. Want to see how heavy it’s gonna be first. So far it’s not very heavy at all maybe 225#s. Thanks for watching and commenting. Good luck on your build . 🤙🏼TbT.

[@kerrybleau]

Nice

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

Thanks

[@brent5027]

Ive built a truck camper and used 2x3 to support the bunk and ran it full length of the side and it wasnt enough strength for 370 lbs. It snapped off right where front wall was "pivot point" Learn from my mistake and make sure your bunks strong enough so you dont waste a buttload of money like i did

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

Yeah all good tips thanks. I’ll do some tests. I’m planning on adding more bracing and the bulk of my weight will be over the bulkhead as my cantilever is only 3’ over the cab. Will be sleeping head to the front so it won’t have full body weight on the cantilever. Thanks for the advice. Stay safe out there. TbT.

[@brent5027]

@@TravelingbyTacoma cantilever thats the word i brain farted on not pivot point lol

[@Chris_Kwon_Do]

Fucking perfect. I have a 21 5ft bed so I'm definitely taking some of your ideas. Thanks!

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

Haha thanks. Glad it’s inspiring. It’s a long slow process, but a great fun project. Thanks for watching and commenting. TbT

[@coburnlowman]

17lbs!!!! Better get a set of helper springs for the truck😂! Really that is lite for a whole side.

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

Trying to save weight anywhere I can. Should have a pre-interior build out weight in the next episode. Thanks for watching and checking. TbT.

[@coburnlowman]

I'd like to see the hydraulic shocks you use to raise the top. Also where can I get them?

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

This is what I used. C1615953 35 inch 40 LB Gas Prop... www.amazon.com/dp/B09MLG2TGK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@sleep234]

Overall how much do you think a basic build like this woukd cost? I picked up a pretty sweet 1993 sunlite eagle buts its 8ft long and needs restored..alot of rot... want ine that will fit my short bed truck lol

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

My build was about $5k but that was with 1k worth of custom upholstery. Good luck and thanks for watching and commenting. 🤙🏼

[@justinsmith847]

I wanna do this in my 86 C10

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

Go for it. Good luck. Let me know if you have any questions. 🤙🏼

[@sk.DIYcamp]

Good

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

Thanks!

[@mastertrac2]

How did you decide on wood glue for the foam and birch plywood? Has it held up? My worry is the foam seperating over time. Just wondering your experience after using it.

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

I made some samples and tried pulling them apart. The wood glue does not eat into the foam like some other glues I tried as well. They’re plenty strong and will be a sandwiched between the outside skin and whatever I add to the inside eventually as well. The camper is small and incredibly solid and rigid. I’m not worried that it will vibrate or flex apart, but if there are issue I’ll film and post that down the road as well. Thanks for watching. TbT

[@jscatt6123]

Where would someone get plans for something like this or do you just get measurements and have at it?

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

Yeah, I just drew my own plans and modified as I went to fit what came up or changed in the real world. I did more thinking/ planning than building and it was a lot of building too, lol. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching and commenting. TbT

[@jscatt6123]

@@TravelingbyTacoma yeah, I just wing too when it comes to these projects. Looking forward to watching the rest of your vids, I think they would help alot!

[@his.purpose]

Did you use 1/2" plywood for the tub and front and back walls? I know you used the birch for the walls, but I didn't hear the specs on the regular plywood. Looks great!

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

I think I used 1/2 in the upper parts of the tub but 5/8’s for the base of it. The front and back walls are 5/8’s ply as well to add some strength to the camper box. It’s holding up well. Thanks and thanks for watching and commenting. TbT.

[@johnw65]

Great video! Some 'Foamie' camper builds glue wood frames for doors and windows into the styrofoam before laminating the outside sheets onto it. Are you planning windows in your sidewalls? Looking fwd to your next videos!

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

Thanks for watching and commenting. I’m not 100% sure on the windows yet. Back door will likely have one and the pop up tent part (design tbd yet) will have windows. It’s a small space and likely will only be in it when popped up so windows in the lower part may not be needed. If I do they will likely be boat style rectangle port hole type for air. A fan/Vent in the ceiling likely too. I should have episodes 2 out next week I think. Stay safe out there. TbT.

[@shawnhenderson1130]

Used a filet knife to cut my foam and was effortless. Sharpen every once in a while and cuts like butter

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

Good tip. I tried a knife, but maybe mine was not sharp enough. Thanks for watching and commenting. TbT.

[@maggie4834]

How are you tying the camper down to your truck ?

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

It’s shown in later episodes. Thanks for watching and watching.

[@robert.j.forrest]

Is there a reason you chose the birch plywood vs a marine plywood?

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

Mostly cost and weight. I have to say the way up sealed and painted that birch is pretty bomb proof and the side walls are so far looking like new after almost 10 months on the truck. I used some lesser quality ply on the cab over and door and it has some hair splits in it along grain. Nothing major and an easy fix. Thanks for watching and commenting. TbT

[@robert.j.forrest]

​@@TravelingbyTacoma Fair. Thanks again for the playlist. The angles & commentary provided a ton of ideas/insight for a hopefully soon build for me.

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

Nice. Glad you enjoyed it and got some inspiration out of it. ✌🏼HNY

[@StretchyPiano]

Hi Jason. Did you leave a space on top of the truck railing or is the camper sitting right on top of it? I imagine there should be some space right?

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

Hi. Yes, there is about a 1/2 inch gap that I’ll fill with some dense foam on top of the rail I think to snug it all up.

[@StretchyPiano]

Oh good. That's also what I did. I hope it will be enough.

[@davidhebert3156]

was that 1in x 1 1/2in for the framework? all you said in the video was 1 1/2. I'm trying to build my own for when I work out of town.

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

The corners and front and back walls have 2x2’s and the framework is 1x2. Glueing all the foam in and not having any joints on the side panels make the panel plenty strong and rigid for my use. Side panels are holding up super well for that last 8 months. I used some crappy 3/8’s ply on the back door and it has a few little spider cracks but that’s the extent of issues so far. Good luck and that for watching and commenting. TbT

[@davidhebert3156]

@@TravelingbyTacoma I really enjoyed watching the progress of your build

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

Thanks! ✌🏻

[@kaoshavoc]

How much did this affect your gas milage ?

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

I used to average 21 mpg with 32” c load tires and no camper. Now with E load and the camper I average 17.5 to 18.5. Not too bad. We did a roadie to Oregon from SoCal and averaged 18 over the whole trip. 65 mph or less you can get close to 18.5mph anything near 70 mph or a headwind it goes down pretty fast. Thanks for watching and commenting. TbT

[@divineavengers]

so your making a pop up full or wedge?

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

It’s definitely going to be a pop up. I’m not 100% the plan yet … I was kicking around insulated hard pop up walls, but that may be too hard to water proof where the walls come together. Most likely the typical 4wheel camper style pop up material (DIY) type. I’m going to complete the bottom (outside portion) seal the edges, seal the plywood, paint and trim out with aluminum L metal then decide how to do the pop up part. After all that’s figured out and built I’ll jump inside and figure out the small interior . Thanks for watching and commenting. TbT

[@shawnprice6100]

What thickness plywood did you use for the base?

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

I used 1/2 shear panel (15/32) for the base to save weight. All of my horizontal surfaces rest on the bed, wheel wells surfaces and the bed rail surface (this has a 3/16 gap for some rubber spacing protection -tbd) so the weight/ load should be spread out fairly evenly. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching and commenting. TbT.

[@shawnprice6100]

@@TravelingbyTacoma thanks for the quick response! Looking forward to the next episode!

[@RoadKing05FLHR]

Did you rip the framing boards? What size is it?

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

I framed it with 2x2 and 1X2. 1/2” plywood on front and back walls, glued, nailed and screwed together. I’d recommend 5/8 for the base/camper tub but up you you. Good luck. Thanks for watching and commenting. TbT.

[@RoadKing05FLHR]

@@TravelingbyTacoma great, thanks

[@fifieldhu33]

Do you have an itemized list of what you used?

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

Sorry unfortunately I do not. I do show pretty much everything I use in my videos though. Thanks for watching and commenting. TbT.

[@fifieldhu33]

@@TravelingbyTacoma all good, yeah you do a great job of showing it all, great videos and great build

[@StretchyPiano]

Hi (Dan?). I like your design. I am thinking of building something similar. I like the hard side extensions. Can't wait for that video. Question on your first video: the side wall narrow end that goes over the cab, how high is it? It looks like 9". I am wondering because there must be a minimum height so to fit the extensions walls. Thanks.

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

No not Dan. Jason. Yes it is 9” for no specific reasons other than it should give me room for a foam mattress and a slide out bed deck like a 4wheel camper has. It could be an inch or so taller maybe. The side walls are about 1 5/8 wide. The side walls will fold down and be flush with the top of the side walls and the front and back fold up walls lay on top of those. You’ll see how I did the roof in the next video as well. Should be more clear in the next video. Should have it out on thanksgiving. Thanks for watching and commenting. TbT

[@StretchyPiano]

@@TravelingbyTacoma Great, thanks Jason! Looking forward to your next video for sure. I'm building it in my garage over the winter (Winnipeg, Manitoba... Brrrrrr). My garage door is 84" so it's making the build tricky. 😆

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

Yeah. Mine is still light enough to keep on the low heavy duty furniture dolly I use keeping low enough to stuff back in my garage. At some point I’ll need to figure out how to store it and get it on and off the truck when it’s heavier. I’ll cross that bridge when I have to. I think it’s about 300 lbs now and hoping to be under 500 dry weight when done. Im going to weigh my truck empty and again with the camper on at some point to see the actual weight. This will give me a good idea of how much it I can add to the interior build and food, water gear etc.

[@StretchyPiano]

@@TravelingbyTacoma if it can be 500lbs or less, that would be awesome. I have an F150 so a bit bigger. How thick is your floor plywood?

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

5/8 ply base, 1/2 inch base sides. 1/2 front and back walls as well. Side panels and pop up are 6mm 1/4 inch, but the foam makes the super rigid.

[@jeremywhite3485]

Do you happen to have a materials list?

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

Not yet,sorry. I may put one together when I complete the build. Thanks for watching and commenting. TbT

[@rossmccracken4424]

Why nails and not screws?

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

It has pin nails, screws and glue everywhere. It’s been on my truck for almost a year now with trips all over the West. No issues, it’s plenty solid. Thanks for watching and commenting. TbT.

[@atubeviewer4942]

What are the dimensions of this camper?

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

It’s 64” wide by 8 feet long with an interior height of about 6”4 when popped up. Thanks for watching and commenting. TbT.

[@warrenbenton9033]

Can you tell me the finished weight of your build? Cheere

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

Dry weight it’s right around 750 pounds when empty. Total weight of truck is right at GVWR 5600lbs when loaded for camping and 2 people.

[@warrenbenton9033]

Is the ply no treated? Is it worth spending extra money and using treated ply? Cheers

[@TravelingbyTacoma]

Mines not treated. I sealed it with boat wood sealer. Up to you on how you want to do yours. I’m not an expert, just a DIY’r. Good luck