Microweight truck camper

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I have an idea for a simple truck camper made up of an aluminum frame covered by polyethylene insulated panels. The idea is that it could be carried by a 1/2 ton, taken in and out of the truck without jack stands, and a profile that could withstand highway wind speed where it overlaps the cab.I got my idea from this:It's a polyethylene molded ice fishing shack which can slide in and out of your truck and then doubles as a sled. I am looking to build something similar but with an aluminum frame and heavier insulation with more space since it will be fitted to the truck bed and not have a sled-style front or other ice fishing specific stuff taking up space.The insulated sides would probably be similar to this with a hard aluminum housing.I am looking for ideas of how to effectively attach the siding since it could not just be welded on like your typical trailer project... it would probably have to be bolted in or slid into a slot somehow. Basically my challenge is to keep heat and moisture out so I'm thinking something modular where the panels could be inserted and then secured from inside the frame would work best along with some kind of gasket between the panels.Anyone done anything like this?Last edited by Rora; 02-13-2013 at 08:48 AM.
Reply:Okay... no idea that picture was so big. Think I just horked this post since I can't edit it now... Maybe a mod can fix it or whack the image?Here's the original text in case you can't read it:I have an idea for a simple truck camper made up of an aluminum frame covered by polyethylene insulated panels. The idea is that it could be carried by a 1/2 ton, taken in and out of the truck without jack stands, and a profile that could withstand highway wind speed where it overlaps the cab.I got my idea from this:It's a polyethylene molded ice fishing shack which can slide in and out of your truck and then doubles as a sled. I am looking to build something similar but with an aluminum frame and heavier insulation with more space since it will be fitted to the truck bed and not have a sled-style front or other ice fishing specific stuff taking up space.The insulated sides would probably be similar to this with a hard aluminum housing.I am looking for ideas of how to effectively attach the siding since it could not just be welded on like your typical trailer project... it would probably have to be bolted in or slid into a slot somehow. Basically my challenge is to keep heat and moisture out so I'm thinking something modular where the panels could be inserted and then secured from inside the frame would work best along with some kind of gasket between the panels.Anyone done anything like this?Last edited by Rora; 02-13-2013 at 08:53 AM.
Reply:Never done anything like this, but I think it would be hard to make it look decent. You would need an awful lot of silicone to properly seal it, and then you'd have to worry about the flexing involved with taking it out of the truck. Alternatively, you could make something that could be easily assembled at your destination. A frame, walls,and roof. Each panel would be solid, and you'd just have to worry about the edges of the panels. If you're just looking for something to keep you out of the wind/rain, that'd work fine. The model pictured is quite nice though. Sometimes it's easier to just buy the commercial version....DIY can get just as expensive.
Reply:Originally Posted by ScubaSteveThe model pictured is quite nice though. Sometimes it's easier to just buy the commercial version....DIY can get just as expensive.
Reply:I haul a six pack camper on my short bed Toy. It hauls well I drive at least the speed limit and you know I keep up with the traffic. I have air bags and a built in compressor to keep them inflated just right. the camper has two 75 watt solar panels on top and a skie container with an inflatable catamaran in it. Total weight when loaded 1600 lbs. Ive been all over the west and never had a problem.  But it would be nice to lose a couple hundred lbs.  Mac
Reply:wouldn't hurt to contact the company that makes the ice fishing set up to see if they have any recomendations. They might even be able to work with you to help them come out with an additional line of products. Cause I'm sure that were it available, it would sell.There are no problems. There are only solutions. It's your duty to determine the right one.Hobart Handler 210Airco 225 Amp MSM Stinger
Reply:Those are the walls and ceilings for walk-in freezers and coolers. They use a latch style system, like IKEA where you screw in the bolt and it grabs the two sections together tight.Lincoln Power MIG 210 MP ( boat anchor )Lincoln Weld-Pac 100 HDHobart IronMan 230Cutmaster 42Jackson NexGenSumner Ultra ClampsDWM120
Reply:Originally Posted by Tool MakerI haul a six pack camper on my short bed Toy. It hauls well I drive at least the speed limit and you know I keep up with the traffic. I have air bags and a built in compressor to keep them inflated just right. the camper has two 75 watt solar panels on top and a skie container with an inflatable catamaran in it. Total weight when loaded 1600 lbs. Ive been all over the west and never had a problem.  But it would be nice to lose a couple hundred lbs.  Mac