Maverick Foldable Camper Build Progress Update

[Trrllhrr]

I’m nearly done sewing the fabric for the foldable camper prototype! It’s not the best but it’s nearly done lol.

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[tellyouwhat]

I remember when you posted about this before. Coming along nice. Clever design. How long does it take to set up/fold down?

 

[Trrllhrr]

I remember when you posted about this before. Coming along nice. Clever design. How long does it take to set up/fold down?

Thank you! I’d say that the take down is about a minute. Since the fabric is secured to the body with Velcro you just rip the fabric away from the body and store it and then immediately fold down the body. The setup is a tiny bit longer just because you want to properly seat the Velcro after you fold the body into place, so maybe a few minutes, and when you’re done you can still use the bed.

 

[MM Mav]

Is there any reason you couldn't leave the interior fabric secured when you fold the camper down?
Obviously you'd want it to be dry...
Can this fabric be sprayed off with a hose or be washed?

 

[Trrllhrr]

Is there any reason you couldn't leave the interior fabric secured when you fold the camper down?
Obviously you'd want it to be dry...
Can this fabric be sprayed off with a hose or be washed?

You can’t quite leave the interior fabric secured when you close down the camper because the shape isn’t complete when it’s closed if that makes sense. You have to break the shape in order to fold it, where as with a clamshell camper this is not the case. I’d really have to rework the design to figure out a way to keep all sides attached even when folded to accomplish this. Currently the right wall and the right roof piece separate and that’s what allows you to fold it down to 2 1/5” when it’s not in use.

The current fabric is also too thick. It’s a polyvinyl coated fabric so it’s basically waterproof and is somewhat rigid. The body is also marine grade plywood that’s painted and sealed so water will not be an issue for the most part. Yes the entire camper can be sprayed with a hose basically lol. I’ve left it in the bed of my truck since the start of the winter here in Seattle and when I opened it today and previously it has been dry. I also did a rain test as well. See attached.

 

[Mark Adams]

American ingenuity at its best, albeit on a truck that is made in Mexico.

 

[NewMavIL]

Have you thought about how to put on an extension to the end of the tailgate to make it 6ft long? Are you only 4ft tall to sleep inside?

 

[Trrllhrr]

Have you thought about how to put on an extension to the end of the tailgate to make it 6ft long? Are you only 4ft tall to sleep inside?

There is an extension already but after thinking about the design a bit more over the last month I might do away with the extension and let the fabric angle out to cover the feet while resting.

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