DIY Cabover Camper

Team Maverick! Wanted to share my recent DIY camper build. Its 2” rigid foam insulation, wrapped in canvas and coated with Tightbond II (sometimes called Poor Man’s Fiberglass or PMF), then painted with rubberized roofing paint.

First time building with these materials. Learned a lot and a few things will do differently next time. I consider this a prototype and will likely build something different in the future, but for now, I’m satisfied. Took about 3 weeks, weighs around 150 pounds, cost around $300, gas mileage went down to 33 mpg (Hybrid) with mixed driving.

Full size bed, room for me, my bike and a few supplies. Not really meant for long camping trips, just quick overnights, and occasional solo bike trips.

2400 mile trip coming up in two weeks.

NOTE: Interior is unfinished for now. If I love it, and it works for me, I'll finish the interior with an automotive carpet.

Badass man

How does that thing handle weight cantilevered out over the front like that?

Please post follow up on your trip. I'm 6'6" and love the cabover aspect.

Jman79 said:

How does that thing handle weight cantilevered out over the front like that?

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To be clear, this was an experiment and I wasn't sure how it would turn out... or even be usable But, it drives great. Can't really tell it's there. There is some wind noise but not as much as I expected. I added a wind deflector, which somehow made the wind noise worse.

gfowkes said:

To be clear, this was an experiment and I wasn't sure how it would turn out... or even be usable But, it drives great. Can't really tell it's there. There is some wind noise but not as much as I expected. I added a wind deflector, which somehow made the wind noise worse.

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Yeah, totally seems that way. However, now that you've released the proof of concept I want one... yesterday. With added strength that defies natural law. Make it happen! On the same budget please!

Nifty Neato, installing a pool noodle under the front of the cantilever may help with the noise but it's the sides that need to be sealed too. Glad you posted your construction pics, TedTX has been thinking about using a concrete product but I think the Foam is the best.

I've been using the camper with Poor man's fiberglass over foam for 5 years so far, we had a major failure this summer so now it's fixed in the up configuration.
Thank you for letting us in on your innovation.

That is cool. I would love to make something like that for road trips!

RichardCranium said:

That is cool. I would love to make something like that for road trips!

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Exactly. Hate paying for a hotel when I'm only going to be sleeping for a few hours. Will let the group know how it turns out.

Very cool! I learned about foam construction from the teardrops people have been building - but this looks like the perfect application too! Great work!

Very cool. Love it.

Now that is some ambition.

Is that a Casita in the background. of the 4th pic?

Totally Awesome!

Beat me too it. Gave up on the cement overcoat idea as its too much like sand paper, makes a great roof but ‘old fart’ talked me away from idea on a foamie build.
Overhanging foam…. Gutsy move. Hope you documented the methods. And will post a how-to tread. Another great day on MTC!

Should paint it yellow, looks kinda like packman eating the truck.