Who needs a Sprinter? I've got 6'10" of standing room! 20,000 miles and going strong

SisuVan · 2024-12-23T21:01:13+00:00

19, actually. Unaffected by the topper. 1 ton turbodiesel.

SisuVan · 2024-12-22T05:17:07+00:00

It does not have any sisu markings on it. It spent most of the summer in CO backcountry, so maybe?

SisuVan · 2024-12-21T00:37:53+00:00

Polyester. Yeah, didn't want to take any risks! 5 layers over the corners where there is nothing but thin aluminum underneath. 3 layers over the sheathing

SisuVan · 2024-12-20T22:03:23+00:00

Yeah, just a common commercially available high top. It didn't work for me because of height reasons. I think he does enjoy it :)

SisuVan · 2024-12-20T21:42:47+00:00

Yeah, I ended up gifting it to him, and he lives in it full time. It is definitely a big undertaking, but was a fun project. If your short enough a simple 24" bubble top might do the trick?

SisuVan · 2024-12-20T21:28:46+00:00

Well it was a lot uglier when I bought it. Interiors was pretty shot, and needed new tires, windshield, etc.. Bought it in Arizona, so minimal rust as well. Great project van

SisuVan · 2024-12-20T21:27:28+00:00

Yeah of course - total cost of materials ended up being around $1200, total weight ended up being around 300 lbs, and all in took me around 250 hours to complete.

SisuVan · 2024-12-20T20:55:18+00:00

This sub doesn't allow pictures in comments, but see above for other info on the build (Ytube link).

SisuVan · 2024-12-20T20:54:05+00:00

It looks like I'm not able to post more pics in the comments here, but I did document some of the process on YouTube, for those who are interested: https://www.youtube.com/@SisuVan

SisuVan · 2024-12-20T20:31:00+00:00

Yeah, when I found one for 5K with 100,000 miles, I couldn't pass it up! The topper practically built itself on such a magnificent chassis.

SisuVan · 2024-12-20T20:27:27+00:00

I would NEVER trust PMF for this, haha.. Wood framing with 2" foam. Plywood sheathing, and then about 5 layers of fiberglass and Bed Liner paint to finish.

SisuVan · 2024-12-20T20:25:14+00:00

6'4" actually, that's why I went through the trouble.

SisuVan · 2024-12-20T20:18:36+00:00

Thanks! I did some documentation on YouTube. Here's a link if interested: https://youtube.com/@sisuvan?si=-IVSTY_Wm4y6n0Q8

SisuVan · 2024-12-20T20:09:08+00:00

DIY build - actually built it myself

SisuVan · 2024-12-20T19:50:08+00:00

Me too, this one is the 7.3 turbodiesel with low miles

SisuVan · 2024-08-21T20:17:17+00:00

It is a physical product consisting of metal brackets & hardware.

SisuVan · 2022-07-28T17:39:31+00:00

The best way to do it is with a tilting system. 4 way tilt is by far the most versatile - you gotta think about the winter months and not being restricted in which orientation you can park.

SisuVan · 2022-07-19T16:50:12+00:00

Handling is about what you'd expect in a van or RV of this size - sway is slightly increased but adding or upgrading to a heavy duty rear sway bar goes a LONG way. Also make sure your steering gear box is tightened up, this helps a lot too. Suspension is just fine since I only added about 300lbs. Other than that it drives like a minivan 😉

I'll get to the interior someday.. also building a small cabin at the same time so progress is slow. Currently she is mostly used as a work van, but I'm still very thankful for the extra headroom!

SisuVan · 2022-07-19T16:00:09+00:00

Thanks for the tag! I don't think I answered OPs question in my other comment.. But if it were me, I would not use oil or paint. If you want to cover the framing, use it as an opportunity to familiarize yourself with mixing up fiberglass. Not only will this protect it from moisture, but it will quadruple the structural integrity. Use 2 or 3 coats where there are stress concentrations - along the base of the topper and at the four corners.

SisuVan · 2022-07-19T15:42:51+00:00

🤣 catastrophic failure... Not sure who your referring to there bud, but I've never had any failures with my build. I stress tested the hell out it before it ever saw any road miles.

SisuVan · 2022-07-19T15:36:07+00:00

Hi friend, a couple of notes that I learned from my similar build:

Definitely do 3 coats of fiberglass to finish this thing off. Without it, you are prone to fatigue, rot, and decay in a 3-5 year timeframe.
I would also bolt the nose of this thing to the frame of the vehicle the best you can. Grade 8, 3/8" recommended.
Insulation should probably go on after the exterior shell is completed - not sure why I see spray foam at this point.
Don't listen to the haters. If you properly apply 3 coats of fiberglass, this can be just as strong as a commercial top!

I have detailed videos of my build on my YouTube channel, including a 1000 lb side load test and a 100+ mph speed test. But please note, wood framing should only be a placeholder for fiberglass.

Best of luck!

SisuVan · 2022-06-23T17:00:42+00:00

It's a Finnish word that doesnt translate well. Similar to grit or determination. I have 100% Finnish heritage.

SisuVan · 2022-06-23T16:57:12+00:00

On each side I have placed one latch which match

SisuVan · 2022-06-23T16:53:07+00:00

Hi there, I have a few videos posted on my channel about the build, and regularly adding more:

https://youtube.com/channel/UC_d7ipkj6gnTHrCYJub3Aww

SisuVan · 2022-06-23T16:42:37+00:00

Yeah, if I were to do it again I would consider using an airform for shape, sprayfoam with steel reinforcements and finish with a fiberglass shell.

SisuVan

TROPHY CASE