My DIY Maverick camper pops up and down now! So close to getting it on my Maverick, hope it's ready for climbing season.

[TREX10]

I haven't watch any previous build videos or posts so sorry if this has been addressed.

How are you ensuring water proofing along the front frame below the back window as it is a unibody and nowhere for the water to flow out except the sides?

I have been working on a similar (yet much more simple) bed camper for overlanding and I struggle with how to keep water from leaking from there. I am currently working on the design for the rain fly seal across the cab so it runs down the front.

Edit: I failed to add that your camper is very cool and I love DIY custom builds of any nature!

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[zolland]

I haven't watch any previous build videos or posts so sorry if this has been addressed.

How are you ensuring water proofing along the front frame below the back window as it is a unibody and nowhere for the water to flow out except the sides?

No worries! I don't think this has been asked yet. I just put this down on top of the weather strip that came from factory (probably from getting the tonneau cover) as well as a bit more of my own on the sides. I am assuming the water will collect and drain down under the black bed side caps and continue down the holes in the bed side there. I haven't tested this though, still some work to be done until I can do some real water intrusion stress testing.

I have been working on a similar (yet much more simple) bed camper for overlanding and I struggle with how to keep water from leaking from there. I am currently working on the design for the rain fly seal across the cab so it runs down the front.

What seems to be happening with your setup? What is this rain fly setup? I'd love to hear more details, maybe it'll help me with troubleshooting when I get there!

Edit: I failed to add that your camper is very cool and I love DIY custom builds of any nature!

Thank you!! Can't wait to hear more about your build as well

 

[IndyHavoc]

That would be awesome, this is a very interesting idea. Could you elaborate on your idea for the design though? The motors would assist in closing only and allow the struts to handle opening? Or they would also help with opening? What mechanism would allow the motors to help open and close the camper?

I'm picturing repurposing the motors of something like a sit-stand desk (they make industrial works benches that are rated for 800-1000lbs loads and can move 36-48"). Slow, lots of torque so you use/setup break-beams or hall sensors at the stops. Or do some micro-controller work with positioning encoders for exact movements. Anyway, I really hope at some point I can get off my ass and learn some Fusion 360 or Solidworks to visualize what I can picture in my head.

Basically a hard/hybrid tonneau cover look that raises both front/back about 4' with tent material that is lightly bungied (like the hardshell rooftop tents) to keep it inside the truck bed. The higher the better. Ultimately I'd build a 6-8" high set of drawers in the bed for storage, 4" mattress (full bed size) on top of the platform.

 

[TREX10]

No worries! I don't think this has been asked yet. I just put this down on top of the weather strip that came from factory (probably from getting the tonneau cover) as well as a bit more of my own on the sides. I am assuming the water will collect and drain down under the black bed side caps and continue down the holes in the bed side there. I haven't tested this though, still some work to be done until I can do some real water intrusion stress testing.



What seems to be happening with your setup? What is this rain fly setup? I'd love to hear more details, maybe it'll help me with troubleshooting when I get there!



Thank you!! Can't wait to hear more about your build as well

Original link to my project:
https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/forum/threads/diy-bed-cover-tent.35001/

I'm just now getting back into working on it again. I've come a ways since these first photos. I need to get a few updated ones.
It's currently only 1/2" plywood because it's all I can easily handle by myself. I expect the final product to be 3/4". I added garage door rubber gasket to edges and it seems to work really well in keeping out water when the top is fully down.

I ordered this Rear Cab Spoiler:

I'm hoping that will will provide enough of a lip that I can attach a custom rain fly (modified existing tent fly) and seal enough to get the water to drain off the cab and not into the bed.

I'm trying to stay away from velcro - maybe set some snaps or riv nuts in the plastic? I'll see how it is in real life soon.

The idea is just for overlanding/traveling. Stop, pull out the two camp boxes, pop the top open, pull out/down the netting and boom, done. Comparable to a roof top tent but without the ladders! I picked up a never used/used Tesla sleeping pad that fits the truck bed pretty darn close. Rolls right out. Reverse for breaking down the next morning after coffee and breakfast. We spent 10 days using it for overnight dispersed camping and every other night we stayed in a hotel. Our stuff was safe in the bed with the plywood cover down and locked for any unsupervised night, hiking, exploring, etc... It saved us $$$.

It's just part of a retired engineer's way of staying entertained.

Attached different tent configurations that I am considering modifying and using. Like I said, I want to keep it quick and simple. I have a pop-up that we haul when we want to stay at least 2-3 nights in one location.

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