DIY Flatbed Truck Camper Idea

Jfet wrote:
Yes, it is our homebuilt camper. We built it over a two year period and have a build thread right here in the truck camper section of rv.net. I have not updated it in awhile but the interior is much more finished now (cabinets and such).

It is a LONG thread with a lot of noise since we were winging it and asking questions and opinions. It does have some good info here and there. I can answer some questions and give suggestions if you do start your own build.

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/26735683/srt/pa/pging/1/page/1

Reading through the 49 page thread, here are my questions and things I would prefer to do differently. But before I say anything else, you did an incredible job! Very impressive end result.

First off, you used a steel frame. I would prefer to use wood (I was thinking 2x4s). That way, I can build it myself - if I wanted to use metal I'd have to pay somebody else to get it done. Is that a problem?

Same with the walls - you used aluminum but I'd like to use plywood. Cheaper and easier, though once again heavier - oh well.

Regarding insulation and vapor barriers... while I am capable of building stuff, my knowledge doesn't quite get there. How many layers and in what order do I need?

It seems like the roof is not so easy. What do you think of that corrugated stuff I linked to for a roof? I know it's insulated very well but it's definitely cheap, lightweight, and is super easy to install. I know it's not supposed to lay flat but if I make the roof flat the only problem I will have is the water pooling up there and leaking in the cracks between the sheets... there's gotta be an easy solution for that... overlapping two "corrugations" and caulking? Or I could just use plywood for the roof as well. I may want to add one or two of these "Fantastic Fans"... Easy enough to install later: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fan-tastic-Fan-Vent-New-1250-Replaces-Old-4000r-Model-3-Speed-with-Reverse-/381625597903

You discussed frame flexing in your thread. I really can't see that being an issue for me since mine would be shorter than yours. What do you think?

Thank you again for your patience and input. If I move forward with this project I'll try to photograph and document everything and maybe make a little YouTube series to try to help others out that want to do this.