Motorcycle tent camper build

[vtx1029]

The plan:
Trailer is a HF 48 x 40
48x40x12 box on top of the trailer
topped off with a roof top tent.

Estimated weight of 270-300 empty.

Here's a picture to give you guys an idea of what I'm thinking. But mine will be smaller and lighter weight.


I was able to get the floor almost completely done I just have to cnc the top side for the T-nut pockets.
The plan right now is to make the box from 3/4 Baltic birch plywood. It will be pocketed out as shown to reduce weight. My calculations for the floor was that I saved 15 lbs by pocketing the floor as shown. The floor ended up weighing 19lbs. If I were to to it over I think I could get it closer to 15 lbs but I would have to be careful to not punch holes in the floor.

[aggie79]

I am always fastenated to the design of campers for motorcycles. Your design looks like it will be another classic.

BTW, somewhere along the line, you'll need to tell us more about your CNC router. Between you and Captain Bob, my envy factor for one is going through the roof.

[vtx1029]

I am always fastenated to the design of campers for motorcycles. Your design looks like it will be another classic.

BTW, somewhere along the line, you'll need to tell us more about your CNC router. Between you and Captain Bob, my envy factor for one is going through the roof.

Thanks! I was really on the fence about going this route or building a pico-light tear drop. This route gave my son and I a little more breathing room while sleeping. If I was alone I think a 32" wide pico TD would be the ticket. But i was also worried what would happen in cross winds with a larger side profile.

My CNC router is a CNC Router Parts standard 48x48 with their Nema 23 package. If your serious about getting into it I would suggest starting with a small router (something like a microcarve) But purchase a decent controller and stepper package (like the Nema 23/gecko 540 package that CNC router parts sells) That way if you ever decide to build a bigger machine some day you have parts you can directly swap over. Starting small gets you into it cheaper and a good learning platform that you can take with you when going big. Like anything Cars, bikes, trailers sky is the limit to what you can spend it gets expensive in either time or $ but most times both. Its pretty frustrating when you trash a $40 cutter inside of a minute. I tent to use my router more that anything else except for maybe a cordless drill. Sometimes I'm sure I could do it quicker by not using the router but what fun would that be

Here's some stuff I've made...

[James06]

Keep the posts coming on the motorcycle camper build. That is in my list as well. I already have the trailer, it has a car top carrier attached to it now.

[vtx1029]

I built most of the trailer in solidworks. Not that I needed to but more to brush up on my skills in that program. I'd say its looking pretty good.
I also ordered my wood sealer, primer and paint from the boat supply house. It should turn out real nice because a friend is going to help me spray it. Hoping it turns out looking like auto paint when I'm done.

[KCStudly]

Slick CNC router work!

[vtx1029]

Thanks!

Got my tent unit yesterday. This thing is pretty nice. I'm pleased with the quality of construction.

Got the front and the other side cut out. Just need to do the door cut-outs on the sides and I'm ready to dovetail the box together.

[vtx1029]

Made some decent progress this weekend. Got the box dovetailed and glued up, then cut biscuts for box to join the base.
Mini Me got put to work attaching the floor to the frame


All glued up no turning back now...


Top strut bars and gussets glued in place.


Filler pieces cut and fitted to the tent support bars. (I really wasn't planning on this step but that's what I get for building things before I have everything. My plan was to just use the cross bars I had in place but I found that because it didn't support the tent out to the edges it seemed to flex too much so I decided to use the bars that came with the tent. Oh well)