Barth All Aluminum Truck Camper 1967

dadwolf2 wrote:

69 Avion wrote:
That is similar to the Avion, but I like the Avion's riveted construction better. I like the Barth's bottom section better for structural integrity.

Couldn't tell by the pictures but if it's not riveted, how is the Barth aluminum panels connected?

"Everything is riveted between the framing and sheeting. The framing is connected to the other framing with rivets, and the sheeting is connected to the framing with rivets.

Nothing is welded, except for the four jack point brackets that were galvanized steel--these are exactly like all the old style brackets common in this vintage--giant L brackets with welded on gussets.

The door, windows, and furniture were fastened with steel machine screws, as was the plywood floor. Some of the inner liner was attached with aluminum rivets also--that thin laminate bonded with ultra thin plywood--forgot what it is called. Incidentally, these door and window screws are on so tight I can't get them off. Everything wants to strip rather than back out.

I really like the riveted construction. I'm debating drilling out a bunch of rivets, and cutting the top vertically on both sides at the cab-over junction, and lifting the whole thing up and riveting in a ladder frame 12" high to make some more space inside. I have given some thought to putting in a basement but it is probably not worth that much effort. You could do anything with this type of construction. Want a side door entry? Easy, just drill out rivets, add the framing, skin it and bolt on the door.

I'd like to raise the front windows, and the extra height in the cab-over area would be nice for a thicker mattress and room to sit up. More height on the inside gives space for a taller fridge and more storage.

I may table all these more radical plans because I'm buying a 3000 series Bigfoot, which I'm picking up tomorrow if it is as described. That would give me the best made winter capable camper, and I might instead go ultra light on the Barth. I've studied the market and i don't think anyone else makes a better insulated out of the shop 4 season camper than the Bigfoot 3000 series, with the 2500 series and Northern Light equivalent right behind.

I won't be parting with the Barth though. I really like the design and construction. I came with storm windows, although I broke all the spring clips getting them off. I am looking forward to designing and rebuilding it. I call it Sleeper because it will look like an old camper on the outside, but be much nicer than expected on the inside. Having a blank canvas is nice to work with.

My primary goal is to have a true 4 season camper--good for and temperature. I'd like to be warm and comfortable all the time. I want to be able to simply stop and park for a while, if travel is too hazardous and wait it out. I'm done this often enough, waiting out storms when sailing. I was stuck in Cape May for a few days last year with inexperienced crew. There is something elementally satisfying about being warm, dry, and cozy in the worst of storms and weather.

I love storms, deep snow, and 4 wheel drive. I've been plowing for many years and have seen extreme conditions (twice recently with dumps over 32") and love being out and about in the worst of it. We plow during the worst storms to try to keep up with it. Generally I turn back on plowing in "white out" conditions when I find myself driving off the road. If I had radar I would keep going--another silly idea I have--putting radar on a plow truck!

Here is a silly idea. I've been thinking about building a lightweight V-plow carried up off the ground 10-12", without a cutting/trip edge and springs, and none of the power functions, tilt, scoop, up and down stuff, just as a light weight trail breaker to knock enough snow aside so that my 4x4 could carry me though anywhere. When the snow came, I'd be heading out to meet it.

I am mighty excited about this Bigfoot 3000 series with it's R12 insulation. All it needs is a new battery and my friend sold me a 270 Amp Hour 8D battery for $50--it is a very good used battery. I have a solar panel I can put on it, but it might not fit well. I'll have to see. I'm thinking about buying some new ones. I have a charge controller, but I'm selling that and getting an MPPT controller. No Genset, no AC, and I'm trying to keep it as light as possible.