Hi, all, I'm Tyler in San Francisco. I just picked up a 2014 Taco, and put deposit down on a Harker EDC build. I'm curious if Phil ever got around to building that bench with the 80/20, as I'm planning to do that as well. I need to study the 80/20 'university' a little to understand all the connectors and what might work best. If anyone has advice on using 80/20, I'd love to hear it.
My name is Pearce, My truck is a 2021 F150 Supercab with a 6.5" bed.
I've been considering the Project M, but I realized that the side bench is an integral part of its structure and cannot be removed. I'm looking for a more slim and overlander-style design.
One of the key factors that caught my attention is the full aluminum extrusion concept offered by Kit Camper. This lightweight approach aligns perfectly with my goal of creating a popup topper that doesn't compromise off-road capability.
In the past, I've owned a Class C motorhome and a Lance trailer in a line, but now I'm determined to go lighter and more agile. I'm excited to embark on this project and build a camper that suits my needs while prioritizing weight reduction.
I'm open to any suggestions or insights from the community as I navigate through this camper build. Let's share our experiences and knowledge to create a fantastic lightweight camper conversion.
Hi I’m Dom. I’m a college student with a 3rd Gen Tacoma SR5 shortbed. I’ve always dreamed of getting an overland camper but $8-12k is just not realistic at the moment. My main passion is fly fishing, and a camper will help me live comfortably in remote places while chasing fish on the beautiful east coast. I really like the idea of this kit camper and can’t wait to see the finished version 2!
Welcome to the forum! I am pretty much finished with version 2, and working to compile a build guide/bill of materials. I am going to need to slightly tweak the build to accommodate the short bed but that shouldn't be any problem!
Welcome! With the prototype I get around 15-17 mpg so not a huge reduction in MPG, however I also added a lift and larger tires so that could be effecting the MPG as well.
Currently, I am in the phase of gauging interest, it appears that a lot of people are interested in a solution like this so the next thing to do is finish camper version 2 (the design is done, now it's time to order parts and build), I am going to be releasing a CAD design video at some point soon.
It's going to look something like this:
In the BOM I have links to all the pieces and parts that I used for version 1 aka the prototype. The different vendors are as follows:
1) For the aluminum I use TNUTZ (they are the cheapest from what I have seen).
2) For the panel material I am using a company called Sun Supply (if you are in the PNW they provide really great service and cheap options for panels).
3) For locks and other various pieces I have used amazon.
4) For other pieces and tools I use Lowe's and/or Homedepot.
The ultimate goal would be to become a repackager of all of these goods, put them all together and send them as a true kit to people but that is still in the early stages. Let me know your thoughts!
I'm loving what you're trying to do! Do you have any kind of guesstimate on what a kit might cost? Also I have an 8' bed, do you have plans to kit for different bed lengths?
@James Almy Hi James, the current Kit (which I am building as we speak) is coming in around $3500. With larger beds this cost will be a bit more just due to the amount of materials, but I definitely plan to allow people to calculate what will be needed so they can order it all.
Branden here! I'm very excited to see what's to come of the kit campers and partially upset you beat me to the punch sir lol I've had the idea of affordable campers for people who can't spend $10k or more on an overlanding camping shell and just sending the parts to them as a kit for a couple years now but currently don't have the time or money to do that right now but good on you and was wondering if you are going to be sending parts to people as a kit? I know you've got bill of merchandise up for people who want to go out and get that stuff but where exactly did you get everything? Can I buy a majority of the supplies from Home Depot? And I believe you mentioned in your video you're working on a version 2?
Anyway nice to meet ya and can't wait to see what kit campers grows into!
Hi, all, I'm Tyler in San Francisco. I just picked up a 2014 Taco, and put deposit down on a Harker EDC build. I'm curious if Phil ever got around to building that bench with the 80/20, as I'm planning to do that as well. I need to study the 80/20 'university' a little to understand all the connectors and what might work best. If anyone has advice on using 80/20, I'd love to hear it.
My name is Pearce, My truck is a 2021 F150 Supercab with a 6.5" bed.
I've been considering the Project M, but I realized that the side bench is an integral part of its structure and cannot be removed. I'm looking for a more slim and overlander-style design.
One of the key factors that caught my attention is the full aluminum extrusion concept offered by Kit Camper. This lightweight approach aligns perfectly with my goal of creating a popup topper that doesn't compromise off-road capability.
In the past, I've owned a Class C motorhome and a Lance trailer in a line, but now I'm determined to go lighter and more agile. I'm excited to embark on this project and build a camper that suits my needs while prioritizing weight reduction.
I'm open to any suggestions or insights from the community as I navigate through this camper build. Let's share our experiences and knowledge to create a fantastic lightweight camper conversion.
Hi I’m Dom. I’m a college student with a 3rd Gen Tacoma SR5 shortbed. I’ve always dreamed of getting an overland camper but $8-12k is just not realistic at the moment. My main passion is fly fishing, and a camper will help me live comfortably in remote places while chasing fish on the beautiful east coast. I really like the idea of this kit camper and can’t wait to see the finished version 2!
Welcome! With the prototype I get around 15-17 mpg so not a huge reduction in MPG, however I also added a lift and larger tires so that could be effecting the MPG as well.
Hey my name is Ryan and I live in Denver.
The camper looks great! I’ve been thinking of building a trailer for the summer and a similar camper for the winter. How’s MPGs so far?
Hi Branden! To answer your questions:
Currently, I am in the phase of gauging interest, it appears that a lot of people are interested in a solution like this so the next thing to do is finish camper version 2 (the design is done, now it's time to order parts and build), I am going to be releasing a CAD design video at some point soon.
It's going to look something like this:
In the BOM I have links to all the pieces and parts that I used for version 1 aka the prototype. The different vendors are as follows:
1) For the aluminum I use TNUTZ (they are the cheapest from what I have seen).
2) For the panel material I am using a company called Sun Supply (if you are in the PNW they provide really great service and cheap options for panels).
3) For locks and other various pieces I have used amazon.
4) For other pieces and tools I use Lowe's and/or Homedepot.
The ultimate goal would be to become a repackager of all of these goods, put them all together and send them as a true kit to people but that is still in the early stages. Let me know your thoughts!
Branden here! I'm very excited to see what's to come of the kit campers and partially upset you beat me to the punch sir lol I've had the idea of affordable campers for people who can't spend $10k or more on an overlanding camping shell and just sending the parts to them as a kit for a couple years now but currently don't have the time or money to do that right now but good on you and was wondering if you are going to be sending parts to people as a kit? I know you've got bill of merchandise up for people who want to go out and get that stuff but where exactly did you get everything? Can I buy a majority of the supplies from Home Depot? And I believe you mentioned in your video you're working on a version 2?
Anyway nice to meet ya and can't wait to see what kit campers grows into!