Hi, it awesome that you made these videos. I feel like I can do this myself now! I'm a little confused how you "float" the aluminum with the trim (2:00). It looks like you leave the trim loose and then tuck the sheet behind it and then tighten the trim over the sheet to hold it in place (but you make sure its 1/8" above the penetrating screws)?
Exactly. I tried the glue on and screw on method before. While it is secure, it also causes ripples and waves in the sheet when it heats up under the sun. It doesn't look very good. By "floating" the sheets, it allows room for the sheet to expand and contract, which keeps any rippling and waves to a minimum. Thanks for watching!
Did you notice any warping on your previous build where you used silicone along the edges rather than floating? This method seems really good and straight forward but want to make sure on the process. Also, thanks for the roof rack video on your other build using uni-strut. It worked really well.
Where did you get the aluminum sheets?! And at what price!? I got a trailer and have most of the parts I'll need to start working on it I'm also teaching my self how to weld.
I purchased the aluminum locally in Utah at MetalWest. I paid about $50 a sheet, but I had to place a minimum order of 15 sheets or so. But I know there are some places to purchase online like Recpro.com too.
I can't seem to find any aluminum sheets taller and longer than 4'X8'. So I will need to use multiple sheets both for height and width as my camper is taller than 4' and wider than 4'. How would you recommend joining the pieces and sealing them? Thank you for any help you or the group may provide. I know that question kind of negates the floating concept.
just wanna say my job is siding trailers with aluminum and your methods are great as far as sticking the siding to the frame in the future try using 3M superstrength molding tape for the siding adhesive works so well and allows you the tack a corner and line everything up keeep up the creativity :P
Hey brotha! I’m just abt to order my aluminum siding and I’m following your build, I really appreciate your videos. One quick question, what thickness aluminum are you using ?
Love your trailer build! Please don’t take this the wrong way, but the viewing experience would be much better if you spent more time equalizing the volume. Blasting the music after you’re narration ends is just not good. It seems to be an issue for TH-camrs with smaller channels. Just thought I’d let you know.
Sam, thanks so much for watching the videos and for the feedback. In all honesty, the audio is the thing I struggle with the most in my videos. I will definitely work on making that a better experience. Thanks again for watching and subscribing!
Hi, that camper looks great!! I’m building my own camper and am at the point to add the aluminum sheets now. I am intimidated by this part of the build. I’m probably going to hire a metal fab shop for this. Wish I could send you pictures of my build..
Good evening from Argentina, what is the name of the exterior aluminum profile that joins the roof with the side, also the one that acts as a hinge for the tailgate?
Hi! Thank you for watching my videos! It is fun to see viewers from all over the world! The trim piece that joins the roof and side is called "RV Insert Roof Trim" www.recpro.com/rv-insert-roof-trim-with-leg/ The hinge is called a "Hurricane Hinge". amzn.to/3L4gN1z Gracias! Espero que esto le ayuda. Cualquier pregunta, te puedo ayudar.
I ordered it locally from a place called MetalWest in Ogden Utah, but they have locations all over. There are some online suppliers too like RecPro who I purchase all of my aluminum trim from. YOu can check them out here: www.recpro.com/?referral=FUNKEADVENTURES (this is a referral code which should give you 5% off) Thanks for watching and subscribing!
Hey thank you so much. It is .029 thickness. Here is the product page from the supplier I used: www.metalwest.com/products-processes/products/aluminum/painted-aluminum/#:~:text=Aluminum%203105%20is%20a%20non,minor%20additions%20to%20increase%20strength.
These build videos are so helpful! Thanks for taking the time to make them! I have a question - I noticed the top of the camper is flat, and with the trim on top of the aluminum it makes a bit of a lip. Are you worried about the top collecting water with nowhere to drain? For my build I'm thinking about slanting the roof a little bit to help move the water off.
Guss, I'm so sorry it took so long to respond. I've been MIA from youtube and I'm just now seeing your comment. Thanks so much for watching the videos and subscribing. I don't worry too much about the water building up on the camper. When I'm not camping, I store it on a slant, with the tongue down so the water can run-off. When I'm driving, the water runs off just fine and it is sealed up enough to hold up while we are at a campsite.
Hey Dan, thanks for watching the video and subscribing to the channel. The aluminum skin is somewhat expensive. It is one of the more expensive options and one of the hardest to get your hands on. That said it IS possible, but if someone were looking for a more affordable option, I would suggest using Filon siding. If you are interested in the cost of materials for my build, you can watch this video: th-cam.com/video/08_xu-ojSGk/w-d-xo.html
@@danemmerich6775 sounds good! The TH-cam channel OregonBatman has some great and very detailed videos about installing Filon. Check him out: m.th-cam.com/video/5bnsCZzrMgA/w-d-xo.html
Excellent video series. I’ve been watching through them for tips with my build. Since your structure is 5x8 does that mean the top is 2 pieces of aluminum? If so, how did you tackle that seam? Thanks!
Man, just found these videos today what an inspiration you are I have been researching building one learned more in just an hour or so of watching your videos then I could have ever thought. Keep it up I’ll be checking up for more videos! Was hoping to see a video of the fuse box install but you are a true craftsman sir !
Josh, awesome man! Thank you so much for watching. I don't know if I'm really much of a craftsman, just a sh*t boy who can figure out how to solve some problems even if it isn't always the "correct" way. I appreciate the support!
That is extremely kind of you Kristopher! Thank you so much for watching the video(s) and subscribing to the channel. I have finished the camper and should have the final "bulid" video posted here in the next couple of weeks, where you can see the finished product a little better. I purchased the aluminum siding from a local manufacturer, MetalWest in Ogden, UT. I had to buy it in "bulk" with a minimum order of 15 sheets. But I know there are a few online vendors, including RecPro, but I imagine shipping gets pretty unreasonable. I would suggest looking for a local manufacturer or local vendor. The trim was also purchased from RecPro. Here is a link to get 5% off if you purchase from RecPro: www.recpro.com/?referral=NUFHUVB I used the "RV Insert Roof Trim with 3/4" Leg 92" and I used the "RV Insert Roof Flat Trim Black 92". Thanks again! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Thanks for watching the videos! Here is the bit that I use. A flush trim bit has a little bearing on the end that acts as a guide when you have a template already made. amzn.to/41LcnUw
Thanks for sharing the problems caused by gluing the aluminum sheets to the boards. How secure do you believe the sheets are? Referring to wind on highway speeds.
Great question! In all honesty, I actually finished this build back in July. I am just barely getting around to editing the video. We've traveled from Utah to Oregon and back a couple of times, and all around Utah. I have zero fear of the aluminum coming off down the freeway. While the aluminum is "floating", each sheet is a little bit larger than the opening inside the aluminum trim. The size of the aluminum sheet makes it near impossible for the sheet to come off without removing the trim. Most of the sheets of aluminum are also held on by other accessories (doors, lights, plugs, solar panels, etc). Those accessories also will keep the sheets from coming off. Thanks for watching the videos and subscribing to the channel!
Thank you for watching and subscribing! I bought the sheets direct from a supplier (MetalWest in Ogden, UT). I had to buy in bulk, about 15-20 sheets, and they came out at about $60 a sheet. There are a couple of online suppliers you can look for as well, but you have to pay for shipping which can be expensive. I have used RecPro for other materials before. You can find a link to their website along with a referral code in the description of this video. If you like the look of diamond plating, you can use this company as well: www.cutsmetal.net/colored-diamond-plate-sheets/. I would look for a local supplier first. You may have to call around, but I think thta is the best option to avoid shipping costs. Otherwise, a google search for "sheet aluminum for campers" pulls up a few good results. Good luck!
Looks great. I have 1 suggestion instead of using silicon I would use a butyl caulking like osi or lexel. You will find it to be more durable and longer lasting.
Good question Marc-Olivier. I'm not sure I would want to go much higher than what I did here, just based off of the height of my truck that is pulling the camper. If it were to make the trailer higher, it may have quite a bit of wind resistance if it stucks up much higher than my truck. That said, I think you could safely make the trailer higher. Many enclosed cargo trailers are much taller than this.
The aluminum turns this from a DIY-looking camper, to a really nice looking "possibly professional"-looking camper. haha. Using a CNC would be great! It would definitely make everything a bit more precise and exact in terms of measurements. I wasn't following any plans. I just had a vision for what I wanted to build and I used a whiteboard to draw everything out along the way. This is my second build, so I learned a lot of tricks and avoided a lot of mistakes the second time around.
Hi, I used 5 sheets of the painted aluminum sheet and one smaller sheet of the black diamond plated aluminum for the front section. Thanks for watching!
Hey! Thanks for watching and subscribing. Yes, I have a whole series about the build of the camper. Here is the video of the trailer base: th-cam.com/video/VusqeddYP5Q/w-d-xo.html And here is the video of the total cost: th-cam.com/video/08_xu-ojSGk/w-d-xo.html
This is the best/cheapest way that I have found. amzn.to/3W0aGyK I also have a voltmeter on my exterior USB port. There a lots of charts online that you can use to convert the volts from your battery voltmeter to a charge percentage, like this one (but I much prefer the gauge that I linked to above) www.rvtechlibrary.com/battery/bat_volts.php
![2022 DIY Overland Camper Trailer Tour - Square Drop [Updated]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Jnsc1BzkB5s/mqdefault.jpg)
Hi, it awesome that you made these videos. I feel like I can do this myself now! I'm a little confused how you "float" the aluminum with the trim (2:00). It looks like you leave the trim loose and then tuck the sheet behind it and then tighten the trim over the sheet to hold it in place (but you make sure its 1/8" above the penetrating screws)?
So you're not actually screwing through the aluminum? It's being held in place by the trim pieces?
Exactly. I tried the glue on and screw on method before. While it is secure, it also causes ripples and waves in the sheet when it heats up under the sun. It doesn't look very good. By "floating" the sheets, it allows room for the sheet to expand and contract, which keeps any rippling and waves to a minimum.
Thanks for watching!
I notice that no one builds a 4 person camper. I have 2 teenagers, I want to build something a bit longer.
Did you notice any warping on your previous build where you used silicone along the edges rather than floating? This method seems really good and straight forward but want to make sure on the process.
Also, thanks for the roof rack video on your other build using uni-strut. It worked really well.
That aluminum looks fantastic and really professionally done man. The whole project is really starting to come together!
Thanks so much! The hard work definitely pays off.
Where did you get the aluminum sheets?! And at what price!? I got a trailer and have most of the parts I'll need to start working on it I'm also teaching my self how to weld.
I purchased the aluminum locally in Utah at MetalWest. I paid about $50 a sheet, but I had to place a minimum order of 15 sheets or so. But I know there are some places to purchase online like Recpro.com too.
I can't seem to find any aluminum sheets taller and longer than 4'X8'. So I will need to use multiple sheets both for height and width as my camper is taller than 4' and wider than 4'. How would you recommend joining the pieces and sealing them? Thank you for any help you or the group may provide. I know that question kind of negates the floating concept.
just wanna say my job is siding trailers with aluminum and your methods are great as far as sticking the siding to the frame in the future try using 3M superstrength molding tape for the siding adhesive works so well and allows you the tack a corner and line everything up
keeep up the creativity
:P
was the thickness of metal or gage
Hey Benicio, thanks for watching the video and subscribing! The sheet aluminum is .029 inch thickness. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Hey brotha! I’m just abt to order my aluminum siding and I’m following your build, I really appreciate your videos. One quick question, what thickness aluminum are you using ?
Awesome! I'm using .029" thick aluminum.
Good luck on your build. Let me know if you have any other questions.
@@FunkeAdventures thank you so much !
Hi, I'm a first-time doer. Does the aluminum siding have to be painted?
Great looking finish on that. Your first trailer was great. This one is next level. Love it!
Thank you for the support. I'm really happy with how it turned out!
Is this a 5x8 trailer and if so did you use 5x8 sheet for the roof? Or is it joined?
Where can I find all the trim pieces for the aluminum siding.
Love your trailer build! Please don’t take this the wrong way, but the viewing experience would be much better if you spent more time equalizing the volume. Blasting the music after you’re narration ends is just not good. It seems to be an issue for TH-camrs with smaller channels. Just thought I’d let you know.
Sam, thanks so much for watching the videos and for the feedback. In all honesty, the audio is the thing I struggle with the most in my videos. I will definitely work on making that a better experience. Thanks again for watching and subscribing!
Hi, that camper looks great!! I’m building my own camper and am at the point to add the aluminum sheets now. I am intimidated by this part of the build. I’m probably going to hire a metal fab shop for this. Wish I could send you pictures of my build..
Awesome! I'm interested in seeing how it turned out.
Thanks for watching and subscribing!
A "drop" camper or "teardrop" camper is a camper shaped like a teardrop, it isn't a name for any and all bike campers...
Ok ... Karen.....for the rest of the world, call it what you want....
@@mikehigg5588 So butthurt you had to report my comment? Proof of the fruit you are...
Now now, play nice.
Haha, jokes aside, yeah sure. You can call it whatever, I dont mind :)
Good evening from Argentina, what is the name of the exterior aluminum profile that joins the roof with the side, also the one that acts as a hinge for the tailgate?
Hi! Thank you for watching my videos! It is fun to see viewers from all over the world!
The trim piece that joins the roof and side is called "RV Insert Roof Trim" www.recpro.com/rv-insert-roof-trim-with-leg/
The hinge is called a "Hurricane Hinge". amzn.to/3L4gN1z
Gracias! Espero que esto le ayuda. Cualquier pregunta, te puedo ayudar.
Just curios where you got your aluminum siding? Did you order it online or did you find it local somewhere.
I ordered it locally from a place called MetalWest in Ogden Utah, but they have locations all over.
There are some online suppliers too like RecPro who I purchase all of my aluminum trim from. YOu can check them out here: www.recpro.com/?referral=FUNKEADVENTURES
(this is a referral code which should give you 5% off)
Thanks for watching and subscribing!
WHERE DID YOU GET THE ALUMINUM TRIM/MOULDING?
Hey man this looks great. What gauge of aluminum did you use?
Hey thank you so much. It is .029 thickness. Here is the product page from the supplier I used: www.metalwest.com/products-processes/products/aluminum/painted-aluminum/#:~:text=Aluminum%203105%20is%20a%20non,minor%20additions%20to%20increase%20strength.
These build videos are so helpful! Thanks for taking the time to make them! I have a question - I noticed the top of the camper is flat, and with the trim on top of the aluminum it makes a bit of a lip. Are you worried about the top collecting water with nowhere to drain? For my build I'm thinking about slanting the roof a little bit to help move the water off.
Guss, I'm so sorry it took so long to respond. I've been MIA from youtube and I'm just now seeing your comment. Thanks so much for watching the videos and subscribing.
I don't worry too much about the water building up on the camper. When I'm not camping, I store it on a slant, with the tongue down so the water can run-off. When I'm driving, the water runs off just fine and it is sealed up enough to hold up while we are at a campsite.
Is this skin expensive? What was the cost for all the material?
Hey Dan, thanks for watching the video and subscribing to the channel. The aluminum skin is somewhat expensive. It is one of the more expensive options and one of the hardest to get your hands on. That said it IS possible, but if someone were looking for a more affordable option, I would suggest using Filon siding. If you are interested in the cost of materials for my build, you can watch this video: th-cam.com/video/08_xu-ojSGk/w-d-xo.html
@@FunkeAdventures thank you so much for your input. It makes a difference on what I do. I will do more research on Filon.
@@danemmerich6775 sounds good! The TH-cam channel OregonBatman has some great and very detailed videos about installing Filon. Check him out: m.th-cam.com/video/5bnsCZzrMgA/w-d-xo.html
Excellent video series. I’ve been watching through them for tips with my build. Since your structure is 5x8 does that mean the top is 2 pieces of aluminum? If so, how did you tackle that seam? Thanks!
What grade aluminum did you use?
Man, just found these videos today what an inspiration you are I have been researching building one learned more in just an hour or so of watching your videos then I could have ever thought. Keep it up I’ll be checking up for more videos! Was hoping to see a video of the fuse box install but you are a true craftsman sir !
Josh, awesome man! Thank you so much for watching. I don't know if I'm really much of a craftsman, just a sh*t boy who can figure out how to solve some problems even if it isn't always the "correct" way.
I appreciate the support!
What kind of aluminum trim did you use ?
I just wanna “hi”. I followed your video. Great job!
Hey, thanks! I appreciate you watching and subscribing!
Best exterior I’ve seen on a diy camper by far! Can I ask where you purchased the aluminum and trim pieces?
That is extremely kind of you Kristopher! Thank you so much for watching the video(s) and subscribing to the channel. I have finished the camper and should have the final "bulid" video posted here in the next couple of weeks, where you can see the finished product a little better.
I purchased the aluminum siding from a local manufacturer, MetalWest in Ogden, UT. I had to buy it in "bulk" with a minimum order of 15 sheets. But I know there are a few online vendors, including RecPro, but I imagine shipping gets pretty unreasonable. I would suggest looking for a local manufacturer or local vendor. The trim was also purchased from RecPro. Here is a link to get 5% off if you purchase from RecPro: www.recpro.com/?referral=NUFHUVB
I used the "RV Insert Roof Trim with 3/4" Leg 92" and I used the "RV Insert Roof Flat Trim Black 92".
Thanks again! Let me know if you have any other questions.
that looks dope dude
Looks great can you please show me the router bit you are using to cut out around the door pls,
Thanks for watching the videos! Here is the bit that I use. A flush trim bit has a little bearing on the end that acts as a guide when you have a template already made. amzn.to/41LcnUw
That camper is my dream camper I want a small one like this good work
Thanks Jack! I appreciate the kind words. I hope you are able to get or make a camper just like this. Hopefully these videos can help!
Thanks for sharing the problems caused by gluing the aluminum sheets to the boards. How secure do you believe the sheets are? Referring to wind on highway speeds.
Great question! In all honesty, I actually finished this build back in July. I am just barely getting around to editing the video. We've traveled from Utah to Oregon and back a couple of times, and all around Utah. I have zero fear of the aluminum coming off down the freeway. While the aluminum is "floating", each sheet is a little bit larger than the opening inside the aluminum trim. The size of the aluminum sheet makes it near impossible for the sheet to come off without removing the trim. Most of the sheets of aluminum are also held on by other accessories (doors, lights, plugs, solar panels, etc). Those accessories also will keep the sheets from coming off.
Thanks for watching the videos and subscribing to the channel!
@@FunkeAdventures Thanks for that clarification. Ok that makes sense about other trim pieces helping to hold it in place..
Hey guy, it looks awesome. I've seen quite a few campers like this built with 3/4 ply, I'm wondering what the final weight of the trailer is?
Just under 1300 lbs
@@FunkeAdventures thanks!
Thanks for putting this series together. Subbed.
Thank you for watching and subscribing!
What size trailer
Hi, it’s awesome. May I get the dimensions?
Hey Sezai, thanks for watching the video and subscribing to the channel! The camper is 5 feet wide x 8 feet long x 4 feet tall.
I love how it turned out. Any suggestions on where to get the aluminum sheets?
Thank you for watching and subscribing!
I bought the sheets direct from a supplier (MetalWest in Ogden, UT). I had to buy in bulk, about 15-20 sheets, and they came out at about $60 a sheet. There are a couple of online suppliers you can look for as well, but you have to pay for shipping which can be expensive. I have used RecPro for other materials before. You can find a link to their website along with a referral code in the description of this video. If you like the look of diamond plating, you can use this company as well: www.cutsmetal.net/colored-diamond-plate-sheets/.
I would look for a local supplier first. You may have to call around, but I think thta is the best option to avoid shipping costs. Otherwise, a google search for "sheet aluminum for campers" pulls up a few good results.
Good luck!
It's very interesting you do good I'm going to build one here soon
Thanks Mike. Have you started building your yet?
Love the polished look the aluminum gives and how well it’s held up! 😍
It is definitely better than the Raptor liner that we first used.
Looks great. I have 1 suggestion instead of using silicon I would use a butyl caulking like osi or lexel. You will find it to be more durable and longer lasting.
Hey Bill! Thanks for the tip! Is that butyl caulking like a butyl tape, or is it in a caulking gun style tube like the silicone that I used?
@@FunkeAdventures its a caulking in a tube. Been in construction for 18 years and it's what I use on the exterior windows, doors, and roof.
@@billhudson4883 Sounds great! I'll give it a try next time around
How big you think it is safe to go? I mean look well in place for the size of your built but for flatbed camper for exemple ? 7 feet tall
Good question Marc-Olivier. I'm not sure I would want to go much higher than what I did here, just based off of the height of my truck that is pulling the camper. If it were to make the trailer higher, it may have quite a bit of wind resistance if it stucks up much higher than my truck. That said, I think you could safely make the trailer higher. Many enclosed cargo trailers are much taller than this.
Wow. The aluminum really makes it look great! Is there plans you are following? I would like to make one of these with my cnc machine
The aluminum turns this from a DIY-looking camper, to a really nice looking "possibly professional"-looking camper. haha.
Using a CNC would be great! It would definitely make everything a bit more precise and exact in terms of measurements.
I wasn't following any plans. I just had a vision for what I wanted to build and I used a whiteboard to draw everything out along the way. This is my second build, so I learned a lot of tricks and avoided a lot of mistakes the second time around.
Hi😁
Hi dieszmon
How much sheets did you use and what were their size
Hi, I used 5 sheets of the painted aluminum sheet and one smaller sheet of the black diamond plated aluminum for the front section. Thanks for watching!
@@FunkeAdventures thanks, do you have their measurements pls
@mmolokikwadiba4777 4ft x 8ft probably
Very detailed video. Do you have one how you started the floor board to the trailer? What is the estimate total cost on this build?
Hey! Thanks for watching and subscribing. Yes, I have a whole series about the build of the camper. Here is the video of the trailer base: th-cam.com/video/VusqeddYP5Q/w-d-xo.html
And here is the video of the total cost: th-cam.com/video/08_xu-ojSGk/w-d-xo.html
Excellent !!!
Thanks for watching Eduardo! I appreciate the support!
What did you use to see the battery charge in the trailer?
This is the best/cheapest way that I have found. amzn.to/3W0aGyK I also have a voltmeter on my exterior USB port. There a lots of charts online that you can use to convert the volts from your battery voltmeter to a charge percentage, like this one (but I much prefer the gauge that I linked to above) www.rvtechlibrary.com/battery/bat_volts.php
Awesome build… what trim did you use and where did you order from l?
I bought insert trim from recpro. Here are the links to the two types of trim I used.
www.recpro.com/rv-insert-roof-trim-with-leg/
www.recpro.com/rv-insert-roof-flat-trim-black-92/