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Hammock Camper Concept

So I'm seeing how I can hang in a Bronco (5.5' bed effectively) I realize that the end hits the roof but i'm not too concerned...the lack of a bunk and mattress would be a fair trade off...

11 answers5 replies

16 Comments

Philip Batterson

Apr 27, 2022

Best Answer

One of my goals is to eventually make a super lightweight pink foam and fiberglass flatbed camper, I think there is a ton of possibilities with them you just need to have the proper working environment, and right now I only have a driveway and garage sometimes to work.

Adrian Mettz

Apr 30, 2022

Just goofin around...

Philip Batterson

Apr 27, 2022

Yeah I was thinking a foamie with a wood frame or simple 8020 cube frame could be pretty nice then you could make it a bit more aero. Right now the 8020 is a bit hard to make super aero so the campers are all going to look a little boxy. Like the ovrlnd campers. Which isn't a bad look but definitely not as streamlined.

Adrian Mettz

Apr 27, 2022

Replying to

I figured I'd get you're forum going too...you got a nice website, keep at it bro

Philip Batterson

Apr 27, 2022

Replying to

@Adrian Mettz Oh I really appreciate it! And it is what I want to use the forum for. Just figured I would share other services I plan to offer as well. I am really excited to see what others come up with. I am always drawing on others ideas to help with my designs.

Philip Batterson

Apr 27, 2022

Yeah what I was thinking is something like a bel-air shell if you wanted only hard sides with no moving pieces http://belairshells.com/wood-n-alum

You could also consider a wedge style with hard sides but that would be a bit more challenging from an engineering perspective.

For a very simple solution, I was thinking if you already had a shell with cross bars you could mount a slide-out pole to the back with a d-ring on it where you would clip the end of the hammock but you could also make an 8020 canopy/rack and then mount the extension to the inside.

I totally get where you want to go but if you are interested in fully custom design, we could set up a consultation ($50 for an hour-long zoom meeting) so I can get a better idea of your overall design needs. After that, we could discuss if you would want a fully custom kit made so all you have to do is order the parts and assemble it yourself. Let me know. If not I am happy to continue to bounce ideas back and forth on here.

Adrian Mettz

Apr 27, 2022

Replying to

Yeah, I'm kinda just bouncing ideas, I've wanted to do a "foamie" something for years and I kinda have the room to construct it right now(outside but Cali summer coming). The main design feature in whichever design I go is the rear cantilever...my stock tire mount on a Bronco sticks out about 14" off of the tailgate so it would't look so odd on a 4x4 with a rear mounted spare...so I think anyway...also if I don't do the 8020 system I'm gonna do more of an aero shape...the overhang and cabover section would have a taper....my model came out looking like a fat Xwing fighter nose, lol... Here's my inspiration...

But the 8020 is a doable design if, there's hammock anchors/support integrated into the popup, passthrough design, rear overhang and ways to mount solar...

I thought maybe you'd want to explore the hammock idea since you're young and hip, lol...it def only works for single folks or a couple mountain bikers hanging in tandem...def not a "loveshack" but I'm too old for a velvet lined van with lava lamps, lol...fat hunters love hammocks too...I think there's a small niche, is all...

Adrian Mettz

Apr 26, 2022

ovrlndcampers

Philip Batterson

Apr 26, 2022

Does your bronco have a roof rack/cover for the back?

Adrian Mettz

Apr 26, 2022

Replying to

I chopped it up and just made a visor out of it...I can back engineer how it attaches...I found an example by OVRLDR who did it with welded aluminum...Also the OEM top is 200lbs plus the bench, rear glass/motor all removed so I'm almost 300lbs under stock...full sized spare puts a little back but I figure my target of 250ish lbs would be pretty doable...

Philip Batterson

Apr 26, 2022

Hey Adrian, apologies for the delay in response. For what you are thinking do you want to be able to stand up in the camper? Or are you just looking to put a roof over your head while you sleep? The hard sides and other pop-up campers are a great idea but if you aren't really going to utilize the sleep area I think it's a waste of money and decreased gas milage. Would you position the hammock on a diagonal? If so does that allow you to fit/sleep comfortable?

Adrian Mettz

Apr 26, 2022

Replying to

With an overhang off of the back I can clear the cab with a hammock either straight or diagonal...the diagonal offset is only about 15*, maybe 20* off center...It's super comfy. I can either mount the hammock on a diagonal and sleep "inline" with the bed or I can mount it inline and sleep at an angle...in 8' span it only awards you about 4 to 5 inches hanging the hammock diagonally. I do need the height of a pop up or an ability to slide it back past the rear bumper to clear the cab for hanging. I will probably do a false floor of bins if I can hang real high. So I need the rear overhang(or do the tailgate down/slide in style but I want the classic Bronco swing out spare wheel...ideally the swing out Jerry can too). As far as hard sides or foam composite, I like the idea of insulation from noise and heat as well as less fabric "luff"...but I get your point about "just a place to sleep. I plan to do an awning or even just a canopy off of the back and I bathe/cook outside primarily as well as outdoor movies(120" screen/projector setup)...