Things I should have done differently in the DIY build of my camper | Thoughts after a year of use

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softroadingthewest

softroadingthewest

Күн бұрын

I LOVE my Topo Toppers Mesa pop-up camper on my Nissan Frontier. It's by far the best way I've ever camped and it's perfect for the type of travel I do. I'm also quite pleased with how my budget DIY interior turned out, it's functional and comfortable. BUT...a few mistakes I made still get on my nerves.
Topo Toppers DIY build series:
• Topo Toppers camper bu...
Tailgater Tire Table video:
• Honest look at the Tir...
Topo Toppers Mesa wedge camper:
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Reign Outdoor 270° Awning:
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Reliance Beverage Buddy 4-gallon water container
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Tailgater tire table:
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Magnetic tool holder:
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Wire basket drawers:
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Пікірлер: 125
@andy_an_outdoors_guy
@andy_an_outdoors_guy 6 күн бұрын
that little rug really ties the room together 😁
@darrylk808
@darrylk808 9 күн бұрын
Too honest. Bubbling is part of the decor charm.😁
@CampingWithSticks
@CampingWithSticks 8 күн бұрын
That's what I love about your channel. You're just a regular dude trying to figure things out on your own and save money In the process You don't have a new expensive item every episode you're showing off. Don't change. I wonder if a blow dryer may work with the bubbles?
@GeorgeLoch
@GeorgeLoch 8 күн бұрын
It’s called iteration. Often, we have to build something imperfectly first to know how to build it better. You can see how many things you got right in this build because of your previous projects. Thanks for sharing your experience with everyone!
@garretlewis4103
@garretlewis4103 9 күн бұрын
For your blanket, Christine suggested getting (ladies) garder straps to help hold your blanket in place because you can clip it. Yeap, a build looks different in your head (on paper) than it does in real life after you have used it. Almost always something to change.
@sagebrushbob2321
@sagebrushbob2321 9 күн бұрын
Try bulldog paper clips with light bungee cord material stretched between. Just enough tension to keep things tucked in. A couple of velcro strips on the underside of the foam and top of the bench will keep it from slipping while driving.
@slyflea
@slyflea 9 күн бұрын
There may be tweaks that coulda/shoulda/woulda made it better, but that intro shot of your setup evokes pure functionality and comfort.
@marklorie6268
@marklorie6268 9 күн бұрын
For the lights, there are various adhesive products that you can put over the light to act as a filter. I did this in one of the very harsh LEDs in my teardrop trailer using kind of an amber/orange filter and it works pretty well. That might be a cheap, temporary solution.
@peterrosenberg8716
@peterrosenberg8716 9 күн бұрын
I was thinking the same. I imagine Amber tint film like LaminX would do it pretty easily. An auto parts store might also sell an amber tinted clear adhesive tape, I know they make it in red for taping over holes in busted brake lights.
@4yellowwolf
@4yellowwolf 6 күн бұрын
I built out my van. From the beginning, I purchased the best I could afford. If it wasn’t in my budget , I’d wait until I could afford to get the best! I put Havoloc wool in my van. It’s safe, No off gassing & no regrets. I highly recommend getting the best materials you can and waiting if need to ! Good Luck 🍀
@kurtisfoley2314
@kurtisfoley2314 9 күн бұрын
Nice camper! I love it but about the blanket problem...... Cut out a piece of plywood the same size as your piece of foam. Use some spray on adhesive to stick the foam to the plywood. Lay the blanket on top of it straight. Fold over the corners however you like and then stable the extra material to the bottom of the plywood. Take a razor and cut off the excessive and you are done! I used this same method to attach carpet to panels, roof liners etc.... Easy to do and looks great in the camper.
@DeepSouthOverlander
@DeepSouthOverlander 6 күн бұрын
First of all I’d like to say that your channel is great for really useful information and that unlike many channels which just feature a lot of fancy build backed by a lot of cash, I truly enjoy the budget or rather frugal approach to your builds! For me it’s all about being frugal and actually challenge myself to find solutions to accomplish the end results with the materials I have on hands or the materials I can find for free, or upcycle. With a little effort they are a ton of use left in many items. It’s NOT penny pinching to me, it’s being smart and being able to do what you love on the budget you have. Now another part of this video I really like is the follow up aspect of it. It’s so so important to draw your own feedback out of your own experiences on the trail! I do that with a notebook I keep in my rig. Every time I go on an adventure, I notice things that annoy me or that are not practical, I write it down and I do with a little context so when I am back home i can relax and do my own debriefing and see how I will improve. I don’t need to always “add” stuff, I can find just as much pleasure “fine tuning” what I already have according to the field notes. That’s why more people should do follow up videos. There’s nothing g wrong about realizing you made mistakes or that the practicality of what you thought was good turns out not as good. That’s progress, that’s how things improve. Well done.
@BoCoOverland
@BoCoOverland 16 сағат бұрын
Just received my Amazon ordered custom foam cushions and am very pleased with them. They're 3" thick and that was a good call.
@michaelholbrook4401
@michaelholbrook4401 2 күн бұрын
When I was watching you build the drawers on the interior walls, my thought was "Hmmm, another KZbin guy wants drawers instead of shelf-style cubbies with pull out cubes. I wouldn't do drawers, but to each their own." I feel shelf cubbies with cubes to pull out, is the best way to utilize almost 100% of the area of a wall for storage. Nothing beats it. I'm over here, secretly hoping you redo that wall, and get to use all that dead space without having to worry about smaller drawers to accommodate curved openings. You could get a darning needle and some yarn, fold the blanket how you want it on the cushion, turn it upside-down, and throw some stitches in the blanket to hold it in place.
@softroadingthewest
@softroadingthewest 2 күн бұрын
Absolutely agree on the cubby approach. This was definitely something I considered as it seemed far more simple than making drawers. But I wanted to build a metal skeleton for that cabinet using unistrut to ensure it was sturdy enough to handle the water in its elevated position getting tossed around on rough roads; and I needed to build the interior-access spaces around the outward-facing space for my kitchen; and along the bottom portion of the cabinet, the truck's wheel well intrudes into some of that space. Building drawers allowed me to have one go full-depth, and the other I built like a Tetris piece to sort of wrap over the top of the wheel well. Ultimately there is only the space between the two bottom drawers that is truly wasted. The space forward of the frontmost drawer has a little cabinet door and gives me a spot to easily stash my dirty clothes away from my clean clothes and makes full use of that space. Everything above the bottom row of drawers, every cubic inch is used and accessible. :-)
@relevanttraveler6263
@relevanttraveler6263 8 күн бұрын
Clear yellow tape over your lights is the easiest fix.. no need to replace
@Nolgore
@Nolgore 7 күн бұрын
Great idea
@offgridrecon
@offgridrecon 7 күн бұрын
“Kapton” tape works well. 😉
@DeepSouthOverlander
@DeepSouthOverlander 6 күн бұрын
I also think you could add a small dimmer inline with the lights? Then with the suggested tape that could do precisely what you want.
@nathanklemm179
@nathanklemm179 5 күн бұрын
There is also film specifically designed to dim lights or change the color. I use some random Amazon brand to dim led displays on audio equipment that is too bright
@stanbyme7874
@stanbyme7874 4 күн бұрын
That’s what I was thinking.
@mtlassen1516
@mtlassen1516 8 күн бұрын
The wallpaper isn’t bubbling, it’s a time released textural design element! 😂 The Amazon cushion thing pretty neat.
@garycloud9631
@garycloud9631 9 күн бұрын
Someone below mentioned garter straps to hold the blanket in place better. While watching the vid I thought of buying elastic strips that you could sew to the blanket that would could connect one side of the blanket to the other which would keep the blanket tucked in. I would say that if what you shared are all the concerns you have you did a great job putting your rig together.
@MockZaylin
@MockZaylin 9 күн бұрын
I've heard of using certain nail polishes to cover and change a light's color. Could also possibly use tinting film over or under a layer of that light dispersing privacy film (not the mirrored stuff).
@gerryhartung736
@gerryhartung736 8 күн бұрын
We live and learn. Fortunately, viewers learn from your build. I'm constantly changing my off grid unit in my pickup as well as my 26 ft tt . As a carpenter, for me, no problem. It's about my usability of what I build, or should I change anything. Always upgrading or downgrading. In the end, the enjoyment is in building and using what I built myself. Incorporating new ideas is no regret. It is a learning experience.
@OutOfOfficeCamping
@OutOfOfficeCamping 9 күн бұрын
Great update! Butterfly theory 🙂. I like the curved cut cabinet doors. The funny thing is with all my fabricating, I would have missed that one, too! 😂 Well said about wedge campers. I always scratch my head when folks buy a truck rack and a rooftop tent coming in around $5k give or take. Not too much more you can pick up a wedge truck camper used or new these days. 😊 🛻+⛺️=🙂! Mark (& Teresa) Hampstead Maryland • Purpose Built Adventure Rig © • Ford Ranger FX4 - GFC Camper V2 # 1919 • Kia Soulverlander • Nissan Xterra Off-Road •
@denisecampbell8128
@denisecampbell8128 9 күн бұрын
Always appreciate your efforts and reviews. I drive a Frontier also and really enjoy the content.
@milesb4231
@milesb4231 4 күн бұрын
I've been following you for years. Thank you for doing this video. I'm planning on re-outfitting a small trailer and this type of feedback is so helpful.
@bobmirror7164
@bobmirror7164 4 күн бұрын
Tear out the plywood shelving and put Walmart "off the shelf" shelving in there. Cut them down to size. Use boxes or plastic tubs. I split my bed boards in thirds stapling material around the cushion and 5/16" plywood. Best thing I ever did. I can use the bed cushions in a variety of ways. 1-gallon water jugs just work. I used about 10 of them. The bi fold 18-inch tables are sooo much better than that heavy awkward tire table.
@conniewaite1371
@conniewaite1371 6 күн бұрын
I would weld some sockets or short tubes to the underside corners of the tire table.then you could add or insert metal legs to it to make it a free standing table
@jock308
@jock308 9 күн бұрын
Coloured film for “softening” lights and elastic bed sheet clips for your blanket corners.
@hux8052
@hux8052 2 күн бұрын
Never regret, because at one point, it was exactly what you wanted...
@YouTubeTyler
@YouTubeTyler 9 күн бұрын
The continued pursuit of simplicity, practicality and elegance in your build is gratifying to watch. YETI ought to send you a couple of their jugs.
@marcericdavis
@marcericdavis 9 күн бұрын
I was thinking about your closing comments. The setup does seem to fit your travel style of moving every day to new spot. But it also enforces it in a way. If you want to go out exploring for the day, you really have to pack up and take your setup with you. You can't really setup a base camp for example and take day trips. No real point here. Just a glass half full / empty thought train. I'm glad everything is working out so well for you.
@readyrepairs
@readyrepairs 8 күн бұрын
For the dead space - just use a Dremel or router to cut some 3-4 inch slots and mount slide out drawers on rails.
@ExploringWithTheBz
@ExploringWithTheBz 9 күн бұрын
Thanks for sharing your lessons learned on this build Donald. As a fellow DIY’er, I appreciate your thoughtfulness and commitment to staying under budget. Have you thought about using 80/20? I know it’s more expensive, but the modularity is super convenient and forgiving. Yes it also requires special connections and hardware, but after watching this I realized that changing things around might be easier by allowing you to maintain a structure while hashing out certain features. Anyway, just a thought. Thanks again for another great video!
@Ashoud_Anobetah
@Ashoud_Anobetah 8 күн бұрын
Minor issues.. still looks awesome, thanks for the tips!
@readyrepairs
@readyrepairs 8 күн бұрын
Grab some kapton tape and put it over the LEDs. Or any tinted vinyl film. Boom done
@velocitypromo3177
@velocitypromo3177 4 күн бұрын
Might be able to make diffusers for the lights using some frosted privacy film that they sell for windows. Can prob fit it behind the lense for a clean look.
@teejayroar
@teejayroar 8 күн бұрын
Just pulled amber stick on film on those led lights
@nolehopkins1077
@nolehopkins1077 9 күн бұрын
Fine tuning is always the way the mind works
@CLARENCE-ef1zp
@CLARENCE-ef1zp 6 күн бұрын
Had some foam pads in an older unit that I was going to replace. Instead, I went to Walmart and bought 2 sleeping bags that I zipped over the pads and sewed to top shut. I think they were $22 each. [I also look for the least cost methods......Smile]
@robertsmith-zz7ot
@robertsmith-zz7ot 8 күн бұрын
Having a Frontier myself, I like your truck, Don. You've made the most of the space you have. The bubbling wallpaper would drive me nuts as well.
@feminazislayer
@feminazislayer 9 күн бұрын
You can pick up a 12 volt water pump thats usually marketed for portable car wash. It comes with hose, garden hose tread sprayer. Comes with cigarette lighter plug but you just cut it off. Adapting it to any faucet or what not is easy with some parts from the plumbing isle. They're less than 20 bucks. Works great.
@ShawnPatterson402
@ShawnPatterson402 7 күн бұрын
very nice set up. Enjoy and continued safe travels....
@jeffreypreiss8191
@jeffreypreiss8191 8 күн бұрын
Great update. Don't think of these things as regrets. It's all a learning experience. It will help you build your next rig. 😊 Could you use the narrow slides from kitchen cabinets in your existing build? I've seen them used for spice racks and sheet pans. I've also seen telescoping tie racks that could used for something other than ties. Thanks again for sharing with us.
@louiskudlak2241
@louiskudlak2241 8 күн бұрын
Hindsight is a wonderful thing, we’re always looking at different ways to make things easier and quicker, thanks for sharing buddy ❤
@johndej
@johndej 9 күн бұрын
When I bought my canopy/camper, it came with two foam mattresses that are reasonably comfortable. There are aluminum frames as well that have heavy duty velcro to hold the mattresses in place. I have the option of moving the second (shorter) bed to other configurations or removing altogether. My problem is that these mattresses are quite narrow. I've looked at various replacement options but nothing has jumped out yet. I will check out the mattresses you mentioned here. Thanks for the tip!
@giryoda3483
@giryoda3483 8 күн бұрын
Thanks for all the info.
@mickeybrumfield764
@mickeybrumfield764 5 күн бұрын
The best water containers I have been able to find are the 1 gallon jugs that milk comes in. Easy to fill from just about anywhere. They're easy to carry and easy to move around. I haven't found anything more functional.
@mtnbound2764
@mtnbound2764 9 күн бұрын
for the matress, get some screw in hooks and bungie cords. you can bungie the mattress down while moving.
@darrengray2309
@darrengray2309 8 күн бұрын
I think you have done a great job building it. The only thing i couldn't live with is the cushion it would drive me nuts.
@TonyLockhart
@TonyLockhart 9 күн бұрын
Great video, Donald. Happy trails.
@DMHRC
@DMHRC 8 күн бұрын
Really love this video. The blanket issue is easy enough to fix. They sell elastic bands with clips similar to suspenders that are made to clip onto a sheet or blanket on the back of your foam. They are cheap and work great
@Chris-ut6eq
@Chris-ut6eq 8 күн бұрын
Seems your build dislikes are learning growth that's completely normal when building something new. Very well explained topic!
@franksmith9597
@franksmith9597 9 күн бұрын
Love your setup. You deaigned with functionality, and the majority of your disired changes can be accomplished. One question; Where do you store the tire table? My "escape vehicle" isn't as nice as yours. 2004 Outback. I am not as adventurous as you, as I travel mostly rhe backroads of the PNW that are accessible with my vehicle. Enjoy your channel tremendously. Thanks
@ejcastro9518
@ejcastro9518 8 күн бұрын
Besides the bed sheet clips suggested, a needle and thread could stitch up durable corners that don't slip. But quite simply, a couple of large diaper pins/safety pins can keep the corners secure. Even just pinning them could work as long as you remember so you don't stab yourself. A use for that dead space between your storage is to cut in/disguise an opening where you can secure your valuables when you're not around your vehicle. Hiding it inside the drawer area makes it inconspicuous. Then the space isn't wasted. I like your build and expect that it will continue to evolve as you use it.
@cameronb1907
@cameronb1907 7 күн бұрын
Hey Donald. I like the review of what’s not working. I finally built out my tundra this year went the route of the contractor cap, due to needing to keep things cheap. I addressed a few of the things that you’re solving for and here’s what I did, just for food for thought. Water: I bought the Dometic faucet and two jugs at the Overland Expo PNW. So far this is fantastic. Still need to improve the location and setup. I know you already have the RV tank, but I think this set up would work really well for you. And it wouldn’t take your limited time to install. Bed: I built a drawer platform and used memory foam I already had. But this week I picked up my custom mattress from Roam Rest in Clackamas. It turned out really nice and fit the odd shape that matches my unusual platform design. For your rectangular nap platform, I think Amazon makes sense. I’m going to look into that for future reference. Stove/table: I love your built in stove, but I’m hoping to avoid having to carry a table. I use my drawer on slides that I built and just use a butane stove. But it would be really cool to have an extension slide with a built in stove. Also propane is nicer for colder temps. But I really dislike the 1 lb bottle regulator setup. Probably will go with an 11 lb with a hose and quick connect setup if I can find a good source for them. I’ll check out your burner link soon. Hope you can get out this week, since the temps are finally coming down! 👍🏻 Oh almost forgot, I’ve had good luck with RGB LED strips for other projects and will be putting these outside once I get my roof rack built. I use a warm sunset kind of color most of the time.
@samueljlarson
@samueljlarson 9 күн бұрын
I used the foil back insulation and it offgased in my aluminum camper last summer. It smelled heavily of fiberglass so I had to get rid of it!
@swidahooverlanding2867
@swidahooverlanding2867 8 күн бұрын
As long as you have all you need your good to go. Always places to improve, it just depends on if you have too or not. Someday it will be perfect, then it will be time to start all over again. See you on the trails! George.
@mtnbound2764
@mtnbound2764 9 күн бұрын
i really like your outdoor kitchen set up! with the water tank, I really like a simple gravity fed tank like you have, its so simple to clean out and maintain, little chance of leaks as well.
@nicgreenisen1399
@nicgreenisen1399 2 күн бұрын
Blanket - safety pins. done.
@russellzauner
@russellzauner 8 күн бұрын
make sure to use a heatgun to hit things with adhesives and foams at a lower temp to speed up the outgassing and bubble resolutions
@mgilbertwcs
@mgilbertwcs 4 күн бұрын
Hey Donald - great video as always! ...on your cushion: I bought some made to measure cushions on Amazon (similar to the supplier that you showed). They worked out pricey (I needed quite a few), and were ....okaaaayy ....but what I really didn't like was the material. It is so hard to pick material online without being able to touch it and buy something that really works. What they ended up sending me was a rough approximation of what I thought I was buying, but rather than being red was more like pink and was nasty cheap shiny material! ...so I figure I'm just going to cut my losses and get some replacement covers made. Fortunately, I work over in Nepal and figure I can find someone locally who can make them up for me at a reasonable price (the original cushions were sent over from China anyway). I'm heading back over there next month, so if you would like me to get you something made to measure for your existing cushion then let me know and we can figure it out.
@367spartan
@367spartan 7 күн бұрын
You never know exactly what you need/want until you test what you have. It's always trial and error. Oh, and the way you mock the naysayers 🤣
@om617yota7
@om617yota7 8 күн бұрын
It's all learning. Inexpensive lessons, as such things go. Really think the tire-table is a win, and shouldn't be a regret at all. Only thing I went "ruh roh" as I saw you building was the lights, and it's entirely a me thing - the harsh blue light right in my eyes would be a guaranteed migraine.
@wayfairing_soul
@wayfairing_soul 9 күн бұрын
Could you fabricate some legs for the tire table that can be collapsed/removed? That way you could use it either way.
@garyjennyfrost9485
@garyjennyfrost9485 8 күн бұрын
I love the honesty of your reviews for both purchased items, and for what you have built. The lights are definitely a rude and nasty surprise in the middle of the night. Even for my home office, I have found that the cheaper i try to go with them, the less options they have and they are harder to compare side by side for features. If you can get a dimmable set that can make a world of difference along with the better temperature setting. You may want to look at testing one of those current lights for over your work desk that for the computer and see how or if it works with your eyes. for my eyes, I need higher lumens for over my keyboard but not for the rest of my space. I love the Daylight temperature for my led bulbs Thanks again for sharing your reviews.
@adriankung1625
@adriankung1625 8 күн бұрын
Hi Donald! Well, if you ask me, that's a pretty short list of "regrets" and all pretty minor too, so *good job* !!! As for the blanket, you could just use elastic straps to keep the blanket around the foam pad. BTW, as for the foam pad, I recently was looking for a cheap and small foldable matress for the back of my Sorento SUV and stumbled onto this -- the seat cushions for outdoor patio furniture seem ideal for this and already covered with durable, weather-proof material. There are definitely many different sizes, thicknesses, and at a variety of price ranges. Add to that a simple zip-up "matress protector" from WalMart if you feel the need to and your blanket can be affixed around or atop that. Cheers!...from North Vancouver
@squatch2461
@squatch2461 9 күн бұрын
Thanks for sharing this.
@johnwalker3263
@johnwalker3263 8 күн бұрын
If I’ve learned one thing over the years it’s that there is no perfect camper. Everything is a compromise of space and luxury or easy to setup and travel with. I have some things about my current build that I want to change and will be working on them. Overall I think your project was executed well for how you travel and your list of regrets are minor issues but they are all valid points.
@frontieroverland4502
@frontieroverland4502 5 күн бұрын
I have a 18 pro4x that I want to live in full time. I am starting to think a setup like this makes more sense than a camper trailer
@watermansilt2399
@watermansilt2399 9 күн бұрын
Clear colored vinyl will fix your light issue. Pick a color
@insaynbcr
@insaynbcr 8 күн бұрын
Another thing I can see possible to recoup some of the wasted space between drawers, would be to source and screw down some wire baskets that fit in that area. Use it for items not used daily, but accessible by pulling a drawer out.
@wodgesad
@wodgesad 9 күн бұрын
Just use elastic “sheet clips” under the foam to hold the blanket in place. I do this in my van build
@kyle1758
@kyle1758 8 күн бұрын
I have the same truck and I'm super jealous of that camper. I almost pulled the trigger on one last year but decided against it. They're just so dang expensive and hard to justify. Maybe one day.
@idahoverland_208
@idahoverland_208 8 күн бұрын
Bed sheet clips might be the cure for the couch blanket. They are just slim clips on elastic straps
@dave_in_az
@dave_in_az 7 күн бұрын
Love this video!!!
@YorkBallersInc
@YorkBallersInc 8 күн бұрын
All that being said Boss; it turned out Great. Awesome setup
@scottminshall6420
@scottminshall6420 8 күн бұрын
Good video Donald, I can see your point on the storage issue, but overall I think you did a good job on your build with sticking a budget to make things happen. I guess you could come up with a plan and build a 2.0 version before the start of your next camping season. Depending how in depth you want to go.
@yooperdog
@yooperdog 8 күн бұрын
Great little setup.
@zackdemundo
@zackdemundo 5 күн бұрын
Still waiting for either the hot tub or bar.
@jtaco66
@jtaco66 7 күн бұрын
I use iron fuse for cloth material to custom fit a sheet onto my mattress
@stanbyme7874
@stanbyme7874 4 күн бұрын
Fave product! Found that in the 70’s when all pants were too long. I’d stapled a pair & Gramma showed me the tape.
@ryanb2182
@ryanb2182 8 күн бұрын
An idea for your blanket issue. Maybe a small set of grommets could be set into your blanket and then use some lightweight cord to tie it securely to your foam mattress. Low profile and inexpensive.
@insaynbcr
@insaynbcr 8 күн бұрын
Donald, you might be able to hold off replacing the LED lights in your camper by digging up some light diffuser material. There are a lot of things out there that could work, so look for theater gel, or theater diffuser, overlays, sheets, gels, etc. Even if you just took cheap pillow case that has a bit of yellow tint to it and cut out some covers that could be made to fit over your LED lights and screwed back down.
@RallyMichael75
@RallyMichael75 8 күн бұрын
I was thinking the same thing, can you get a self adhesive tint material to put over the lights and at least try that first before you replace them.
@mattv5281
@mattv5281 7 күн бұрын
The foil backed insulation is also less flammable, better for the environment, and has a higher R value per inch than the pink stuff. The only time the pink stuff makes sense is if you need it to be absolutely waterproof (like insulating under a concrete slab where it will be sandwiched between dirt and concrete), or if you need it to hold a lot of weight.
@wymore73
@wymore73 9 күн бұрын
Thanks for the update, it’s really helpful. I’m going to build my truck out similarly. My questions are; do you wish you had a six foot bed? I have a Tacoma with the five foot bed. I think it is perfect for solo travel, but I want my wife to come along as well and am debating about that option. Second question, what do you use for a toilet? I don’t remember you talking about that, maybe I’ve missed it. Thanks again. Your videos are great.
@geraldcagney5926
@geraldcagney5926 9 күн бұрын
Just use a staple gun and staple the blanket to the foam mattress then use industrial strength velcro on the bottom so u can use the storage and the mattress won't slide everywhere
@readyrepairs
@readyrepairs 8 күн бұрын
Get you some buttons and put them on the blanket. Then use a router to recess some magnets into the bench for the buttons to stick to
@e.c.8668
@e.c.8668 8 күн бұрын
Lights: I've heavily plagiarized your videos on my Nissan. I think you can find some inexpensive lights that are warmer. Look for 3000k lights. I found some 500 Lumen lights from the same website you got yours from They are bright, but not too bright. You might also look for some that are dimmable. Then just put a PWM switch in there to turn them down to your liking. But make sure you get the 3000k as they are warmer (yellower). Drawers: I have struggled to NOT build drawers because I don't like wasting space between them. My setup is totally different, though, and I don't have a clamshell or roof top tent. I just sleep inside. I can't justify the cost with how little I go. Mattress cover: Look for a sleeping bag liner. You might find one small enough to fit around your mattress. You could also just hand-sew the corners to hold them in place. Water jug. I'd stick with jugs. Then you can move them anywhere. And you don't have to bring your truck to the fill spigot. I think it's much more versatile. Table: I use a separate table (plastic top, metal legs, folds in half). It works. But you're right about your current table option being level on uneven ground. On each end of my table, the legs are attached, so you could try to make it level long ways, but not short ways. And even then, there's only a two heights. It's not infinitely adjustable. But I guess you could use rocks...or just move the table to a more level location. But then you're away from your truck. There are some metal ones kind of like what you've got that might work. It looks like the legs screw on. So that's a pain. but maybe there's a better option out there.
@MugOfPaul
@MugOfPaul 8 күн бұрын
Cover the walls with stretchy automotive carpet? True Blue Traveller's channel's latest video shows this.
@philippejard5310
@philippejard5310 9 күн бұрын
It seem trivial to use some zig-zag lacing under the foam to keep the carpet tucked in. Ask your Primal buddy to make some primitive rustic leather straps on a plasma cutting table
@kennethboatner8611
@kennethboatner8611 9 күн бұрын
I think it’s fine . I’ve always said when it comes to campers , done is better than perfect. On our overland trailer there’s lots of stuff that I’d like to change but like you said it doesn’t bother me enough to change it. When I get out camping it fades away from memory. If I have a need for something three times I’ll get it , if I don’t use it three times I leave it at home , within reason of course. We have an older Nissan truck that would be neat to build out like that . How heavy is your camper and gear ?
@scottloncich9003
@scottloncich9003 4 сағат бұрын
Burner too close to truck fuel filler would be my concern. Vapors alone would concern me.
@bugoutbart
@bugoutbart 8 күн бұрын
safety pin the blanket or crib sheet stays
@dezfan
@dezfan 8 күн бұрын
Hindsight is 20:20.
@KenBexploring
@KenBexploring 8 күн бұрын
😂
@hmbdata
@hmbdata 7 күн бұрын
Some colored tape over the lights could take care of the color/harshness
@user-hw6hb4rk9t
@user-hw6hb4rk9t 7 күн бұрын
Colored cellophane, colored plastic maybe
@SigmaWolfOutdoors
@SigmaWolfOutdoors 9 күн бұрын
Sticky back velcrostrips will fix day bed
@thehoofersclub
@thehoofersclub 23 сағат бұрын
Throw out the LED, they damage the retina of the eye.
@feminazislayer
@feminazislayer 9 күн бұрын
To me the hi R foil insulation would have been the no brainer. Especially in the heat. And as far as layouts. THE NUMBER 1 PRIORITY IN EVERY SINGLE THING YOU DO IS SPACE SAVING. There should never be any space between drawers. I don't care if its not symmetrical. Dont be an amateur and leave gaps like that. Trust me, you'll always find something to do with spare room. So be space conservative every step.
@michelleweekley4973
@michelleweekley4973 8 күн бұрын
I have been researching pop-up campers, and im hearing they leak in wet weather; have you experienced this problem and how does one prevent this from happening.
@user-hw6hb4rk9t
@user-hw6hb4rk9t 7 күн бұрын
Interesting.
@doctorcXanthophyll
@doctorcXanthophyll 8 күн бұрын
I know YOUR build was the basis for Topo offering the Mesa for the Frontier.... Too bad they didn't have the Rincon or Badlander available at the time you purchased yours.
@alberttu8120
@alberttu8120 6 күн бұрын
Lights are tricky. I have gone through iterations, and it keeps going through tweaking.
@axellness
@axellness 9 күн бұрын
why not the super pacific?
@kelsey809
@kelsey809 8 күн бұрын
🤷🏻‍♂️ ✌️🤠👍 Looks functional to me!
@nolehopkins1077
@nolehopkins1077 9 күн бұрын
You learn through trial amd error. What works for some may not work for others.
@usmcmsgt5487
@usmcmsgt5487 8 күн бұрын
#502 liked.
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