DIY pop-up camper build part 3: Folding wall system

[zolland]

Hey all, here's the latest progress on my pop-up camper build. I decided to make a new thread because each video will be focusing on a completely different part of the build. This way the threads can be more focused, this one being about the folding wall system.

I just finished building the folding walls and it took FOREVER. They're not perfect, but they work and they'll get the job done. I'm ALREADY dreaming about a v2 and would love to chat. I didn't realize this, but the ACM paneling I used for the sides is heavy af. It's not super hard to unfold the walls but I'm really not sure my struts will be able to unfold it without my help which is kind of a bummer. I think it would be super cool to user surf board/boat strategy where I use just the wood frame and some foam then wrap it in fiberglass and epoxy. Sand it down and paint it and that would be a lot lighter. My buddy raised concerns over rigidity though so I might need to do some testing attempting that strategy.

Let me know what ya'll think!

I will say though, these walls are super solid. I've already accidentally dropped individual pieces and once dropped them when I was trying to fold them down and they took it no problem.

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[Peter Lukasch]

That's looking great. I'm looking forward to your next video.

 

[JimKivi]

Dumping plastic down the storm drain???? Get a clue re plastic!! Spend five minutes on google and change your ways.

 

[White Thunder]

Hey all, here's the latest progress on my pop-up camper build. I decided to make a new thread because each video will be focusing on a completely different part of the build. This way the threads can be more focused, this one being about the folding wall system.

I just finished building the folding walls and it took FOREVER. They're not perfect, but they work and they'll get the job done. I'm ALREADY dreaming about a v2 and would love to chat. I didn't realize this, but the ACM paneling I used for the sides is heavy af. It's not super hard to unfold the walls but I'm really not sure my struts will be able to unfold it without my help which is kind of a bummer. I think it would be super cool to user surf board/boat strategy where I use just the wood frame and some foam then wrap it in fiberglass and epoxy. Sand it down and paint it and that would be a lot lighter. My buddy raised concerns over rigidity though so I might need to do some testing attempting that strategy.

Let me know what ya'll think!

I will say though, these walls are super solid. I've already accidentally dropped individual pieces and once dropped them when I was trying to fold them down and they took it no problem.

AWESOME job

 

[zolland]

AWESOME job

Thanks!!

 

[TedTX]

Like the Wes Andersons vibe of the video opening.
https://www.curzon.com/journal/unpacking-wes-anderson-s-cinematic-style/
Don't know if you are trying to do this or not. But, you are a natural.

 

[Howard]

Interesting concept. I’m waiting to see what you’re planning for the top. I built a similar camper for an El Camino many years ago. Set up/tear down in rainy weather proved to be a problem.

 

[VICKY]

Hey all, here's the latest progress on my pop-up camper build. I decided to make a new thread because each video will be focusing on a completely different part of the build. This way the threads can be more focused, this one being about the folding wall system.

I just finished building the folding walls and it took FOREVER. They're not perfect, but they work and they'll get the job done. I'm ALREADY dreaming about a v2 and would love to chat. I didn't realize this, but the ACM paneling I used for the sides is heavy af. It's not super hard to unfold the walls but I'm really not sure my struts will be able to unfold it without my help which is kind of a bummer. I think it would be super cool to user surf board/boat strategy where I use just the wood frame and some foam then wrap it in fiberglass and epoxy. Sand it down and paint it and that would be a lot lighter. My buddy raised concerns over rigidity though so I might need to do some testing attempting that strategy.

Let me know what ya'll think!

I will say though, these walls are super solid. I've already accidentally dropped individual pieces and once dropped them when I was trying to fold them down and they took it no problem.

WOW!!!!!!!!!!! ON YOUR PATIENCE!!

 

[FAN2PLAYER]

How much for the chair?!?!?!??! lol

 

[zolland]

Like the Wes Andersons vibe of the video opening.

Don't know if you are trying to do this or not. But, you are a natural.

Haha I try to make it look nice, but not necessarily inspired by Wes Anderson. I suppose that show is centered lol

Interesting concept. I’m waiting to see what you’re planning for the top. I built a similar camper for an El Camino many years ago. Set up/tear down in rainy weather proved to be a problem.

Awesome that you did this on an El Camino! Got any photos??

Yeah, the goal is to have enough space to hang out inside if there is bad weather, but there's nothing I can do about the exposed nature of the set up and tear down.

The top piece itself should be pretty simple, parts are arriving Monday so hopefully I can get started on it soon.

WOW!!!!!!!!!!! ON YOUR PATIENCE!!

Lol yeah these folding walls took a LOT of patience. There was about 3 weeks of trial and error not shown in the 4 minute video. It was kind of a mess. I had to resize each piece at least once and move the hinges around a ton... but now that I'm familiar with all this material I bet I could do it a lot cleaner next time.

 

[VICKY]

Haha I try to make it look nice, but not necessarily inspired by Wes Anderson. I suppose that show is centered lol



Awesome that you did this on an El Camino! Got any photos??

Yeah, the goal is to have enough space to hang out inside if there is bad weather, but there's nothing I can do about the exposed nature of the set up and tear down.

The top piece itself should be pretty simple, parts are arriving Monday so hopefully I can get started on it soon.



Lol yeah these folding walls took a LOT of patience. There was about 3 weeks of trial and error not shown in the 4 minute video. It was kind of a mess. I had to resize each piece at least once and move the hinges around a ton... but now that I'm familiar with all this material I bet I could do it a lot cleaner next time.

SO COULD HAVE BEEN A FULL LENGTH MOTION PICTURE!!!!!!!!!!! LOL CAN'T WAIT TO SEE FINISHED PROJECT!

 

[Howard]

Haha I try to make it look nice, but not necessarily inspired by Wes Anderson. I suppose that show is centered lol


Awesome that you did this on an El Camino! Got any photos??

Here's what it looked like. Not quite as advanced as yours,

the 4 sides just folded down like a cardboard box. Simple 1x2 and plywood construction. I first had a solid top like the top of a shoe box, but switched to a soft cover. Had a little more room than what could go on a Mav.

 

[Iron Ranger]

Was the storm drain closer than a trash can? Not cool.

 

[zolland]

Lmao it was a joke

 

[zolland]

Here's what it looked like.

Wow that is awesome!! Honestly super impressive, I can see a lot of stuff that is DIY on there that I will just be ordering from some manufacturer lol

I'm curious, why do you have those jacks under the truck in the first photo?

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