It’s a bit late, I just came across your channel, but several points on the epoxy application. You should wet down the plywood before laying in the first glass ply. Otherwise the wood draws in the epoxy. Peel ply is awesome. After smoothing out the wet glass, lay in peel ply. Once the epoxy sets, peel it off. You don’t get the blush and the peel ply leaves a very fine rough surface that means no sanding necessary. You can wet down and lay in a second layer of glass. I would peel ply the second layer and then if all is good, finish it with primer and paint. Epoxy doesn’t do well with UV, so you need UV protection. Boat builders, boat owners are a good resource for tips on epoxy and glass work.
Wow, thank you so much for this! I have never heard of peel ply. I wish I knew this when I did my build, but I will definitely keep this comment in mind for any future projects.
Back in the 60's I built a kayak that was covered with a single sheet of fiberglass and three coats of epoxy. It never leaked until a friend ran it into a rock about ten years later...
Doing a great job on this camper for someone who claims not to have any wood working skills. For anyone thinking of doing something like this: you can make bending plywood easier by putting wet towels in the mirco wave till they are steaming hot and lay them on the plywood to "steam it", also ratchet straps work well for holding the ply in place but run them all around the shell. Also putting adhesive on all the joints would lock the shell together as one piece.
Thank you! Wow- great advice for anyone else; thanks, Tom! And yes, I'll say again that these videos aren't a "How you should do it", but a "How I did it", which seems to have at least worked out for me (the camper has been on my truck for three weeks now with no problems), but I know for sure someone with more experience could really elevate/make the process more efficient. If you haven't, check out @ENDGAME's channel, the inspiration for my build. I literally mimicked his build as best as I could!
Aproximadamente how much it cost 💲 in materials? I’m going to try this for my Ford ranger. I’ll let you know when it’s done and I’ll give you credit for inspiring me ✊🏻🙏🏻
came across the video theres few video on TH-cam. i know its ur first time.but i havent done that before but in the videos shows that is better works with the corner and seams first then get a the big layer on top after corner and seams are dry.but is looking good!!!
@@brandoconklin yes, how is your camper standing up against weather conditions and bumby roads. It would be great to watch a follow up video, if you have time Sir.
@@rickardenstedt It's held up great! Though I don't see much rain where I live. I am planning on posting a 18-month update video in the few weeks, so be sure to subscribe for the update.
I'm in San Diego and would love to see this in person if you're ever in the area. My hubby and I live in Rancho Bernardo and I'm thinking of building something similar only on a Harbor Freight trailer.
You would've gotten a better result fiberglassing if you had wetted the plywood out with resin, then putting the glass on and wetting it out. Also a ribbed roller would've helped getting the air out. But you should be safe with keeping the rain out.
How is this holding up? Only just started watching the build series and I’m sure you’ve finished it already, seems like there is going to be a lot of tension in areas which would be fine on a static structure just don’t think it will last well being on the back of a truck?
Kerf cuts? The thought didn't even cross my mind, but that definitely could have made it easier. It really wasn't to difficult with two people; if I was alone your suggestion for sure would have been the better option!
I never understand why people don't use galvanized steel stud frames....so much lighter, stronger and easier to form....can cut frame weight by like 70%! Along with a stainless steel roof which lasts forever, won't leak and superior for aerodynamics. Something think about folks. I'll be filming and posting mine soon. Sorry no channel name but will be late fall project. Saving tons weight, time and $.
I'll never understand why people try to impose their wants and desires on other people's lives! You do you, brother. Quit worrying about me and go build your own.
This is wicked cool - much appreciate the effort that went into explaining everything and filming and editing the process!
It’s a bit late, I just came across your channel, but several points on the epoxy application. You should wet down the plywood before laying in the first glass ply. Otherwise the wood draws in the epoxy. Peel ply is awesome. After smoothing out the wet glass, lay in peel ply. Once the epoxy sets, peel it off. You don’t get the blush and the peel ply leaves a very fine rough surface that means no sanding necessary. You can wet down and lay in a second layer of glass. I would peel ply the second layer and then if all is good, finish it with primer and paint. Epoxy doesn’t do well with UV, so you need UV protection. Boat builders, boat owners are a good resource for tips on epoxy and glass work.
Wow, thank you so much for this! I have never heard of peel ply. I wish I knew this when I did my build, but I will definitely keep this comment in mind for any future projects.
Back in the 60's I built a kayak that was covered with a single sheet of fiberglass and three coats of epoxy. It never leaked until a friend ran it into a rock about ten years later...
great build, very inspirational and thank you for the walkthrough
Looks great! Regards Rickard from Sweden 🇸🇪
Doing a great job on this camper for someone who claims not to have any wood working skills. For anyone thinking of doing something like this: you can make bending plywood easier by putting wet towels in the mirco wave till they are steaming hot and lay them on the plywood to "steam it", also ratchet straps work well for holding the ply in place but run them all around the shell. Also putting adhesive on all the joints would lock the shell together as one piece.
Thank you! Wow- great advice for anyone else; thanks, Tom! And yes, I'll say again that these videos aren't a "How you should do it", but a "How I did it", which seems to have at least worked out for me (the camper has been on my truck for three weeks now with no problems), but I know for sure someone with more experience could really elevate/make the process more efficient. If you haven't, check out @ENDGAME's channel, the inspiration for my build. I literally mimicked his build as best as I could!
Thanks for sharing
Aproximadamente how much it cost 💲 in materials? I’m going to try this for my Ford ranger. I’ll let you know when it’s done and I’ll give you credit for inspiring me ✊🏻🙏🏻
came across the video theres few video on TH-cam. i know its ur first time.but i havent done that before but in the videos shows that is better works with the corner and seams first then get a the big layer on top after corner and seams are dry.but is looking good!!!
Great work! Looks like a rad gypsy wagon. Anyone else distracted by the guy with the mannequin around 11:20?
I love what you’ve done. One question? Why didn’t you make it taller? Is there a height limit?
I built it to this height for aesthetic and aerodynamic purposes. I also live in a city so any large vehicles become problematic.
Hi, well done mate! I'm trying to copy your camper. Regards Rickard from Sweden 🇸🇪
Thanks, man! Good luck and send pictures of your build if you want! lol
@@brandoconklin yes, how is your camper standing up against weather conditions and bumby roads. It would be great to watch a follow up video, if you have time Sir.
@@rickardenstedt It's held up great! Though I don't see much rain where I live. I am planning on posting a 18-month update video in the few weeks, so be sure to subscribe for the update.
@@brandoconklin ofcourse! I'm subscribing🙂
I'm in San Diego and would love to see this in person if you're ever in the area. My hubby and I live in Rancho Bernardo and I'm thinking of building something similar only on a Harbor Freight trailer.
You would've gotten a better result fiberglassing if you had wetted the plywood out with resin, then putting the glass on and wetting it out. Also a ribbed roller would've helped getting the air out. But you should be safe with keeping the rain out.
Great to know for the future! Appreciate the input; should be applicable for many others as well. Thanks.
@Adventures In Paradise Appreciate it! But I will definitely apply this practice the next time around, thanks
How is this holding up? Only just started watching the build series and I’m sure you’ve finished it already, seems like there is going to be a lot of tension in areas which would be fine on a static structure just don’t think it will last well being on the back of a truck?
I’m about five months into having it on the truck (haven’t taken it off once) and no structural issues so far!
Did you consider making 1/8 inch grooves horizontally on the bottom of the roof panels? That would have allowed it to bend more easily.
Kerf cuts? The thought didn't even cross my mind, but that definitely could have made it easier. It really wasn't to difficult with two people; if I was alone your suggestion for sure would have been the better option!
Did you use liquid nails under roof panels?
I did not. Just screws.
Great,Can I buy one from you? Thanks
If I had the means to turn this into a side business I would! Thank you for the interest, though.
I never understand why people don't use galvanized steel stud frames....so much lighter, stronger and easier to form....can cut frame weight by like 70%! Along with a stainless steel roof which lasts forever, won't leak and superior for aerodynamics. Something think about folks. I'll be filming and posting mine soon. Sorry no channel name but will be late fall project. Saving tons weight, time and $.
I'll never understand why people try to impose their wants and desires on other people's lives! You do you, brother. Quit worrying about me and go build your own.