A folding wooden camper

[Paintsalot]

She’s corked!

Canvas next. I’m debating on how to transition from the canvas roof to the fascia board. Probably will overlap down vertical board about 1.5” then cover with cedar or pvc trim.

 

[Pmullen503]

Since every drop of water that falls on the roof will flow past that point, design it assuming any sealant will eventually fail. Design it like shingles that shed water instead of carrying it to the wood.

 

[Paintsalot]

Since every drop of water that falls on the roof will flow past that point, design it assuming any sealant will eventually fail. Design it like shingles that shed water instead of carrying it to the wood.

Thank you for your input.
I thought about how to try to make a drip edge, but it looks a little bit complex with PMF.
If I wrap the canvas underneath a small piece of edge trim, it gives the edge of the camper some protection in case I bump it into something.

 

[Paintsalot]

Today I glued the vertical edges of the canvas and trimmed it. I used a brayer roller to press it firmly. I had already glued the main portion in the middle about a week ago.
A little later I added one layer of paint to the top with a 50% water mix. It’s exterior latex/acrylic.

Above- here you can see where I was gluing down the main body of the canvas about a week ago with a bunch of books and magazines for weight.

 

[Paintsalot]

My roof is near being done. I started doing PMF on the canvas roof - but changed to an elastomeric coating instead, called Apoc 243. It’s latex with silicone and lots of titanium, and has kaolin too. It’s smellier than latex, about same odor level as Kilz primer.
So far so good on the Apoc 243. I did 3 -4 coats. It took 1 gallon.
After the roof was painted, I trimmed the edge with cedar. The top of the cedar is sloped along the sides, so the rain will run off.
The roof in the picture below here is sitting up on top of our regular utility trailer-not my camper base.

Started bed and bench construction.

 

[S. Heisley]

So beautifully done!

 

[Paintsalot]

So beautifully done!

Thanks! I am definitely happy to get it to this stage.

 

[Paintsalot]

 

[S. Heisley]

The Elastomeric may show dirt some but that light color will keep things cooler.

 

[Tony Latham]

Mike:

You're getting there!

Tony

 

[Paintsalot]

The Elastomeric may show dirt some but that light color will keep things cooler.

Yes it should. The original brand name had “kool” in it. It has kaolin in it too which might be there for insulation- not sure- or as a thickener?
I’m debating about putting a semi gloss latex coat, but will test first on a piece of plywood.

 

[Paintsalot]

Mike:

You're getting there!

Tony

Thanks Tony! It’s Matthew..
I’m running out of patience - ready to be done- but getting close. I’m one of the creative types- I love the design phase best. Finishing is a challenge- but getting there!

Next:
- finish trim
- spring arms install
- bed frame complete
- door locks
- fenders
- trailer light repair

Nice weather here this week, will tent camp in Ozarks.

Matthew

 

[Tony Latham]

Thanks Tony! It’s Matthew..

I knew that a day or two ago.

Tony

 

[S. Heisley]

Yes it should. The original brand name had “kool” in it. It has kaolin in it too which might be there for insulation- not sure- or as a thickener?
I’m debating about putting a semi gloss latex coat, but will test first on a piece of plywood.

Looking on the Internet, it appears to be used to plasticize. It is also used in porcelain. It seems it stabilizes plus it is appreciated for its whitening properties. I'd wait to paint it. You may not need to. Anyway, you want to get this trailer done.

 

[Grummy-TNT]

I've been watching this build. I picked up a really nice old tent camper this last summer for next summers project. YOUR project gave me the inspiration I needed to figure out what I am going to do with it.

My end goal will be similar. The curved roof concept is beautiful. I hope to make my end walls hinged horizontally in the middle, so they can clam into the trailer. I'm hoping that if the end walls are minimum wood/primarily foam, and if the roof is also mostly foam, I can shove an end up at a time to get the roof up. Side walls will probably be material based.

The big difference however is it is going to end up as a concession trailer. One original bed slideout will be for selling goods at flea markets, the opposite slide out will be used for seating OR sleeping when over nights are allowed. Can't wait to see your finished project !

Here is what I will be starting with:

 

[Paintsalot]

Wha

I've been watching this build. I picked up a really nice old tent camper this last summer for next summers project. YOUR project gave me the inspiration I needed to figure out what I am going to do with it.

My end goal will be similar. The curved roof concept is beautiful. I hope to make my end walls hinged horizontally in the middle, so they can clam into the trailer. I'm hoping that if the end walls are minimum wood/primarily foam, and if the roof is also mostly foam, I can shove an end up at a time to get the roof up. Side walls will probably be material based.

The big difference however is it is going to end up as a concession trailer. One original bed slideout will be for selling goods at flea markets, the opposite slide out will be used for seating OR sleeping when over nights are allowed. Can't wait to see your finished project !

Here is what I will be starting with:
View attachment 1950486

Well Cool beans.
I was camping last week without the camper since it’s not finished. I’m glad to be back now that it’s freezing cold.
That looks like a great base to start from. I wonder if you could keep the walls that are already there and just extend them up a little bit?
If you want to hand lift then yes probably you will need to do the roof out of foam or just fabric or sheetmetal. Mine is 110lbs. More than I planned- I had estimated 92 pounds.

Sheetmetal roofing panels might work well. Or acrylic type roofing panels are even a little bit lighter, but they are usually transparent or translucent.
The clam shell side wall sounds good because you can make the low support wall height the same on each side.
Good luck and I look forward to seeing how it comes along. Let me know if I can help at all.

 

[Paintsalot]

Looking on the Internet, it appears to be used to plasticize. It is also used in porcelain. It seems it stabilizes plus it is appreciated for its whitening properties. I'd wait to paint it. You may not need to. Anyway, you want to get this trailer done.

Thanks for the sage advice to leave it alone. At least it’s cohesive for now.

 

[Paintsalot]

Below- this is how far I got today with getting the camper roof up on my own. I used two pulley systems. It’s around 120 lbs.
At about this point, I started looking for help. One end of roof in mid air. My neighbors couldn’t come over, so my wife helped me some after her work and we got the other end wall up. I had belts and suspenders going.

Hovering!

The roof is still not all the way up because the sloped ceiling of the garage is low. I will have to tilt trailer- and brace the end walls somehow so hinges aren’t too stressed.
I’ve been pretty apprehensive lately as to whether this camper is going to work out ok. Time will tell. I sometimes question whether it would’ve made more sense to do something simpler!!

The next big step is putting on the spring loaded arms that will lift the roof. Hoping the springs are strong enough.

Making Progress!

 

[TimC-TNT]

Looks great. Reminds me of when I built my second TD. I had to flip the NT chassis after initial assembly work. Upside down was the easiest way to get everything square and tight.

One option for improved headroom is to remove the wheels and lower onto jack stands/blocking at four points under the frame. Not sure this will work for you or will be inconvenient but if you don't need to move it soon it might be a good way to practice the unfolding operation until you feel comfortable with how it goes.

 

[Paintsalot]

Looks great. Reminds me of when I built my second TD. I had to flip the NT chassis after initial assembly work. Upside down was the easiest way to get everything square and tight.

One option for improved headroom is to remove the wheels and lower onto jack stands/blocking at four points under the frame. Not sure this will work for you or will be inconvenient but if you don't need to move it soon it might be a good way to practice the unfolding operation until you feel comfortable with how it goes.

Thanks Tim. Good suggestion.
I’m hoping I can get it to fit in the garage tilted on an angle… the garage roof slopes to the back.