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Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2017 10:33 am
by bateau-webmaster
These pictures came in from John, Here in South Florida.
He is building a Camper from Finished Nidacore panels.
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2017 12:11 pm
by Capt UB
The Love Shack on wheels.... 
For you young guys, B52's.
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2017 2:39 pm
by jusnderer2
Waiting for epoxy to dry!
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2017 3:56 pm
by Jeff
jusnderer2, Nice relaxing photo!! Jeff
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2017 4:15 pm
by narfi
I don't know much about such things but they fascinate me.
It is intended to replace the one seen in the background?
What is your expected weight going to be?
What is its mission?
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2017 7:18 pm
by Eric1
Pretty Nice!
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2017 11:43 pm
by Southern Gent
Too cool,
I own a four wheel brand pop up camper
Your unit will weigh nothing in comparison
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Thu Nov 30, 2017 10:39 pm
by Newt
Custom Campers is probably copy righted.
Newt
- IMG_1465-ER.jpg (73.73 KiB) Viewed 2773 times
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2017 9:54 pm
by jusnderer2
narfi wrote: ↑Wed Nov 29, 2017 4:15 pm
I don't know much about such things but they fascinate me.
It is intended to replace the one seen in the background?
What is your expected weight going to be?
What is its mission?
Yes, it will replace the topper in the background.
I have not estimated the weight.
The mission is to live in while traveling.
I had an Alaskan camper on a Ford 150 for many years. I lost it in a flood in 2008 in Central America. I have been wanting to replace it for many years. With my limited income I could not afford the low mpg of a standard pickup and was looking for something to use on a Toyota Tacoma 4 clylinder. Everything I found was too expensive for me so decided to build my own.
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2017 9:56 pm
by jusnderer2
Southern Gent wrote: ↑Wed Nov 29, 2017 11:43 pm
Too cool,
I own a four wheel brand pop up camper
Your unit will weigh nothing in comparison
That was my first choice also but I could not afford a new or used one that I cold find.
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2017 10:07 pm
by jusnderer2
I had to move the camper from the tent in order to tape the underside seams. While I was waiting for some help I decided to see what I could do myself. I was able to slide the camper out onto some skids and tilt it up all by myself. It was surprising how easy it was for an old man to move.
5837E060-C981-4175-8BA5-A89BD13B57B0.jpeg
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2017 10:11 pm
by jusnderer2
This is new to me so somehow the pic did not sppear. Hipefully this is it
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2017 12:05 am
by narfi
Wow that is impressive moving it yourself!
It looks like the side panels have a lip sticking out past the rear panel. What is the purpose for that? Or am I seeing it wrong?
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2017 7:08 am
by jusnderer2
narfi wrote: ↑Sun Dec 03, 2017 12:05 am
Wow that is impressive moving it yourself!
It looks like the side panels have a lip sticking out past the rear panel. What is the purpose for that? Or am I seeing it wrong?
You are very perceptive.
iIt’s intended purpose is to act as an air spoiler to prevent the air from wrapping around the back. It has a 45° edge sloping toward the center in hopes of having this effect.
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2017 7:16 am
by jusnderer2
jusnderer2 wrote: ↑Sun Dec 03, 2017 7:08 am
narfi wrote: ↑Sun Dec 03, 2017 12:05 am
Wow that is impressive moving it yourself!
It looks like the side panels have a lip sticking out past the rear panel. What is the purpose for that? Or am I seeing it wrong?
You are very perceptive.
iIt’s intended purpose is to act as an air spoiler to prevent the air from wrapping around the back. It has a 45° edge sloping toward the center in hopes of having this effect. It’s hope is to teduce the drsg affect.
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2017 9:34 am
by Dougster
This is very cool and I'm glad the thread got started. Are you building from your head or using some plans?
Dougster
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2017 3:28 pm
by Jeff
Really nice work and progress!!! Jeff
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2017 4:18 pm
by jusnderer2
Dougster wrote: ↑Sun Dec 03, 2017 9:34 am
This is very cool and I'm glad the thread got started. Are you building from your head or using some plans?
Dougster
This is my own concept and dedign.
It is backed up by years of traveling in my Alaskan Camper, Toyota Chinook, VW vans, plus others.
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Sat Dec 09, 2017 4:37 pm
by jusnderer2
This is a model of the finished camper.
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Sat Dec 09, 2017 5:34 pm
by Jeff
Very nice!! It will be avery light weight camper!! Jeff
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2017 6:30 pm
by Southern Gent
Nice design. Press on
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Sun Dec 17, 2017 1:52 am
by jusnderer2
I wanted to be sure everything fit the way I deired.
I loaded the camper myself with no problem. Am satisfied with it. I was surpised how easy it was.
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Sun Dec 17, 2017 8:55 am
by Jeff
Very nice!! Any idea on current weight now and projected weight when finished!! Again, nice design!! Jeff
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2018 5:08 pm
by jusnderer2
I have no idea what the weight will be and am not concerned about it for I want to make it as light as I can and still give me all the features I want. I will weigh it out when completed.
Here is the last panel added to complete the shell structure. Only have to tape some of the seams on the inside and outside.
I had to really scrounge my waste pieces to put this panel together. It has five pieces in it. Itwill not be visible on the outside when the top is added.
I only have two pieces of the 3/4 panels left. One is going to be partially used on the interior and the rest will be added someplace on the interior.
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2018 5:09 pm
by jusnderer2
Forgot to add photo.
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2018 7:33 pm
by Jeff
Really coming together well!!! I would have never thought of finished Nida for a camper but it is a perfect fit!!! Happy New Year, Jeff
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Mon Jan 15, 2018 4:27 pm
by jusnderer2
I did a little calculating on weight. The weight of the Nida Core psnels used is 158 lbs. There was little scrap pieces so with weight of seam tape and epoxy, I will guess the shell as is now must weigh in the neighborhood of 180 lbs.
The panels for the pop top sides came from one sheet of 9 mm Mersnti ply. Another sheet of 9 mm ply will be used on the interior. That is at least another 74 lbs for a total ofabout 260 pounds so far.
The pop top opening in the shell came out not very square making it extremely dufficult to install the pop top sude panels. I decided to make the side panels an independent unit. I made a frame and am installing the panels on the frame that will later be glassed onto the shell.
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Mon Jan 15, 2018 4:59 pm
by Jeff
jusnderer2, your camper is coming along nicely!! Nice Nida work!! Jeff
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Mon Jan 15, 2018 6:36 pm
by Fuzz
That is looking really nice.
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Tue Jan 16, 2018 4:31 pm
by jusnderer2
Even with all the tools and epoxy stuff, I can still lift one end fairly easy.
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Tue Jan 16, 2018 7:44 pm
by Jeff
Excellent!! True benefit to Nida!!! Jeff
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Wed Jan 17, 2018 6:25 am
by cape man
Watching with interest... keep posting!
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Wed Jan 17, 2018 8:58 am
by pee wee
I find this really interesting, too. Good job, and I admire the way you are just figuring things out to get where you want to arrive.
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Fri May 04, 2018 12:45 pm
by jusnderer2
Progress is slow but I am enjoying it.
Here are some pics of the pop top in place but not secured yet. Still work to be done on the side panels.
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Fri May 04, 2018 12:59 pm
by narfi
Looking good! Seems to be a fun project
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Fri May 04, 2018 1:53 pm
by Jeff
jusnderer2, Good progress!! Enjoy watching this build!! Jeff
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Fri May 04, 2018 2:37 pm
by Capt UB
Just in time for camping....
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Mon May 28, 2018 9:09 am
by pee wee
How is your project coming?
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2018 4:55 pm
by jusnderer2
Have finally got the top/roof pieces togerher and some fiberglassing in the inside of it. Hope to finish the top next week ready for painting.
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2018 7:20 am
by Jeff
jusnderer2, really nice progress!! Jeff
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2018 9:18 am
by jusnderer2
Have finished construction of top/roof.
Made from 1” XPS foam from Home Depot fiberglassed all around. Estimate weight around 39 lbs. easy for this old man to move about.
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2018 9:27 am
by pee wee
Nice! Thanks for keeping us updated, I'm interested in following along with your build.
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2018 10:36 am
by Jeff
Good progress, keep those photos coming!! Jeff
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2018 1:53 pm
by Eric1
Nice!
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2018 1:23 am
by jusnderer2
The exterior is finished. Working on interior and electrical. Using a Battle Born LiFePo4 battery
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2018 5:54 am
by OrangeQuest
Wow! It has came a long ways! Is the roof electric? I can see what looks like rams on the back. Will the battery be solar rechargeable?
What does the interior look like?
I feel like a little kid with so many questions...
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2018 6:29 am
by gonandkarl
Hey you are ready to use it or is there still a lot of work to be done ?
Let us have more pictures please.
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2018 8:23 am
by Jeff
Really well done!!!! Get us some photos of interior and electrical when possible!!!! Jeff
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2019 2:07 am
by jusnderer2
Not electrical.
What looks like rams are PVC pipe covering drawer slides.
Two 100 watt flexible solar panels are free to placed anywhere within 50 feet.
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2019 2:19 am
by jusnderer2
The battery can be charged three ways.
Solar, shore power or alternator when driving.
When shore power is connected the 120V automatically switches from 3000 Watt inverter to shore power.
Working on interior now. Will post partial interior pics.
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2019 10:36 am
by Jeff
Again, really well done!!! Look forward to see interior!! Jeff
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:05 am
by Bogieman
Very cool!
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2019 9:44 am
by Dougster
Love that!
Dougster
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2019 3:45 pm
by Larry B
That is some very nice work, looking forward to the interior pictures
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2019 9:37 am
by pee wee
I like the split door feature, very nice.
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2019 12:40 pm
by jusnderer2
Getting along slowly with interior. Here are some pictures of unfinished interior.
Counter waiting for Wilson Art laminate.
I seem to be working counterclockwise around the interior. The counter top is next on list after painting the interior.
May be done sometime in June.
Re: Custom Camper build from Finished Nidacore Panels
Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2019 12:48 pm
by OrangeQuest
Looks very roomy on the inside. Very nice set up!