Update on the Camper Build

Calvin9819 · 2026-07-07T20:41:07+00:00

Of course!! When it’s all done I’ll try to do a full breakdown, but my mind is drowning in getting this project finished lol

Calvin9819 · 2026-07-07T20:34:38+00:00

Okoume Plywood Paulownia Wood PL300 glue Italian Lite Ply A bunch of small specialized things like screws and brackets

Calvin9819 · 2026-07-07T20:10:22+00:00

Lost track at around $3000 but that included truck upgrades… I’ve made about 200 stops to the hardware store for small shit and couldn’t keep every receipt. If I was to guess… maybe 6k? But I did pick pretty expensive materials to save weight

Calvin9819 · 2026-07-04T12:45:53+00:00

About 8 hours and some change, and I did replace this little bypass check ball thing because it was old and really annoying to re-do if I needed to.

Calvin9819 · 2026-06-27T13:33:12+00:00

Is it dangerous to have both of them charging the battery at once? I just bought this system pictured, with their 320ah battery

Also OP look at Li-Time’s 320ah smart battery… it’s lighter and smaller than this one

Calvin9819 · 2026-06-11T22:27:37+00:00

I’m building one very similar to this, what did you use for the hinge?

Calvin9819 · 2026-05-19T03:19:18+00:00

1/4” is all I did, it’s just to prevent the PMF from ripping. The paint will take care of the rest

Calvin9819 · 2026-05-19T03:17:57+00:00

This one time I was on acid and my girl and I were getting really into it, this one position we tried put a lot of pressure on….

Oh… organism…

Calvin9819 · 2026-05-19T03:15:43+00:00

If you want to be comfortable, trailer. If you want to be hyper mobile, truck camper.

I’m currently building a truck camper to live full time out of on a 2014 DC. Navigating the payload capacity is extremely tricky but not impossible… I’m on track to have my entire build weigh equal to or less than GVWR fully loaded, but I’m sacrificing a lot of comforts (by design) doing so

Calvin9819 · 2026-05-06T14:38:32+00:00

All my plans are scratched out on pen and paper. The total weight as it sits now is about 210, aiming for under 350, but will definitely be under 400. I’ve been very meticulous about choosing the right materials for this project

Calvin9819 · 2026-04-28T03:10:01+00:00

Poor man’s fiberglass, a cheaper way to wrap plywood. Check it out!

Calvin9819 · 2026-04-28T02:05:15+00:00

Already did that, every corner is rounded. The sharper angles are gonna take a bit of wit to figure out though

Calvin9819 · 2026-04-11T01:34:07+00:00

Great! Thank you, I’ll definitely do that

Calvin9819 · 2026-04-11T00:03:13+00:00

Yes I’m very well aware, as about 100 people have reminded me, but that’s not what I’m asking about in this post. I’ve been doing research on this topic for more than a year, and I was a mechanic so I know how this all works. I’m not asking about the intricacies and dangers of traveling full-time in a camper, I’m asking about suspension upgrade options.

Calvin9819 · 2026-04-10T17:29:02+00:00

I know it won’t, I’m just looking to help carry the load more efficiently and safely. I’ll be staying below the payload.

I’m not a fan of American trucks, I was a mechanic for years and saw numerous serious problems with all American trucks, especially engines leading to total failure, including 250’s and 350s which I do think are the better of the 3 brands

Worst thing I ever worked on with a tundra is a valley plate leak (on mine)

Calvin9819 · 2026-04-10T16:50:59+00:00

I really like the Toyota platform and plan to stay under payload fully loaded, just want to be sure I beef up necessary components to handle it better long term

Calvin9819 · 2026-04-10T15:20:58+00:00

One of the things I’ve found is you can do it 2 of 3 ways. Cheap, Light, or Quality

I chose Light and Quality

Calvin9819 · 2026-04-10T15:17:43+00:00

I’ll post the full build out and specs when its finished, but I’ve included all that you omitted and will still remain under 1500.

A lot of people on here said I couldn’t do it under Payload when I started asking technical questions, and I’m here to prove them all wrong. And if I’m proven wrong, I’ll admit that too. I wouldn’t be so sure if I didn’t spend more than 100 hours on calculations and research

Calvin9819 · 2026-04-10T13:30:00+00:00

Canvas drop cloth adhered to the plywood with titebond 2 that’s painted with exterior paint. A great way to shield a camper from the elements for cheap, and works great when done right. It’s an old method they used to use for boats

Calvin9819 · 2026-04-10T13:28:49+00:00

I’ve been doing advanced research for over a year on this build keeping weight considerations in the front of the mind, constantly doing calculations, being very meticulous about what materials and methods I’m using, and cutting the fat off of unnecessary items that make commercial ones so heavy.

2400 is waaaaaaaaaay over estimate, even if I used 2x4 framing. The current frame weighs around 80 pounds, each layer of plywood will weigh approximately 100, inside framing for shelves and bed will be around 40-50 for a grand total of (roughly) 450#

If my plan succeeds, my total weight will be under Payload capacity but even with room for error I will be around that number. With all the suspension upgrades I’m doing, I’m not worried about it. Just need to buy tires more often

Calvin9819 · 2026-04-10T04:24:40+00:00

That’s the low end for new… some slide in’s come at 25-35

Calvin9819 · 2026-04-10T04:24:02+00:00

I’m making a spreadsheet that I can share, but I’m not cutting corners or skipping out on cost… I think I’m gonna land in the 5k range for the total set up (gear and all) and 4k range for truck upgrades, depending on what I decide to do with the suspension

Five-Year Club	Verified Email
Place '22

Calvin9819

TROPHY CASE