self-made Campers on military trucks?! Photos?

[Sisu]

I've been thinking about building a small removable "camper box" on my Sisu. This would be excellent for those expedition trips and sleeping overnight's at the show grounds. As my truck is already quite high, the bed is about on the chest level of a man and I can't build a box with a standing height - but this is no problem for me. I have about 2.2m x 3m area where the box can be put on, can't make any bigger because the engine takes the front part of the bed. I would keep the box hidden under the bed canvas, so the truck would still look original.

 

I would invest for good insulation (but keep it breathable), two beds and a small "kitchen". Don't think there's room for anything else. Heating should also be arranged some way but I wouldn't like to carry gas bottles with me. I haven't chosen the material yet, sure aluminium would be good choice but perhaps too expensive. For me welding aluminium is no problem.

 

I would like to see what others have built, perhaps this would help me make a better design for mine. Any suggestions? How much you had to invest?

 

Thanks,

Cedric

[Sisu]

Some examples, what I'm NOT looking to build!

 

 

 

[6 X 6]

For how many days at a time would you being using this camping module and at what times of year ? You mention having a heater, would you expect to use the module during cold weather as well as the summer ? What time of year, and for long a time you anticipate using your proposed camping unit would have an effect on it's design.

[Sisu]

Good questions, I would perhaps use it for only few days in a row, over the year. So it should be winter capable, so perhaps I'm better off buying the 50mm insulated walls that are used in real campers than building everything myself?

 

Due the work, I once lived over a year in Finland in a 7.5m long LMC camping car ("RV"), I had twin big gas bottles in the car, and in the coldest time I used one gas bottle per day! When I drove to Spain with the vehicle, one bottle lasted over a month. During the whole time I only once stayed in camping area for a night - all the other time I was wild camping. Every night I stayed in the car, sometimes even days as I used it as my mobile office. It was also great to get to a pub in the evening, and stay overnight few meters away! Now I don't require all that space or comfort, just space enough for sleeping and perhaps cooking something easy.

[6 X 6]

As you will already be aware, the main problem that needs to be overcome by living in such a confined space, is coping with the condensation that is generated by one's own breathing while asleep and, if you are using gas for heating and cooking, the water produced by burning bottled gas. Sleeping in damp bedding caused by condensation for more than a few days can caused very serious health problems.

 

I see that you will using your camping module for relatively short periods so I don't think condensation will be much of a problem for you. Had you been intending to use your module for say, a week at a time, especially in cold weather, I could have made a few suggestions but as it is I don't think I need to. I have a converted vehicle that I've lived in at well below freezing point that, with simple systems I which built myself keep every thing dry and cosy but, in your situation I don't think they would be necessary. Wood as your frame work, polystyrene foam as insulation and exterior quality plywood/stirling board can make a very cosy home.

 

These three 'photos are of a living space a bit bigger than you are thinking about but the idea of using wood as your main material is the same. You simply cut 50mm thick poly foam shapes to fill the spaces in the frame work and then skin the interior with more, thinner plywood. It's a bit more "human" than using metal sheet. I could post some pictures of another smaller vehicle I have but as I have already said, the systems it uses would be a bit over the top for you. Good luck.

 

 

 

[gritineye]

maybe something like this would be easier if it fits?

 

http://www.witham-sv.com/infopage.php?ID=1661&Overide=1

[snowtracdave]

If I might - I would suggest using the foil faced high density foam insulating board used frequently in our line of work these days - more expensive than polystyrene but much better thermal efficiency - Quintherm and Cellotex are two brand names. Off the top of my head cost is around £30 for a 2.4m x 1.2m x 50mm sheet & available in thicknesses from 25mm up to 100mm .

Edited May 22, 2008 by snowtracdave

[Tony B]

MMVG we got a box off a electric board van I think. it is a complete unit, built a frame round it and just HIAB it onto the back. its about 9 feet lonfg and the truck wide.

[Sisu]

Thank you guys, excellent information! 6x6's project seems very impressive, and once under the camo-net its perfectly hidden. Just like I want mine. I thought a camper would extended the usage possibilities for the trucks, often I have to travel somewhere due my other hobies, and it would be great to be able stay overnight and continue the next day. Real camping cars are outlaws except in camping sites, but if you have a truck you can just stop at the truck stop and no-one will take any notice.

 

Funny, but after working so much with these steel made monsters, I've forgotten that wood is actually an option, and a "friendly" one like you say. Snowtrackdave is suggesting some insulation materials that are not familiar to me, but I will find out if they are available here. I thought that if I put my mind into this small project, it won't be long and I have the basic box ready, I can equip it better from inside later. It would help if I had any house construction experience, but I can only understand something about vehicles.

 

Gritineye, that actually is not a bad suggestion! Main problem is where its located, as I would need the camper in very near future and for the trip from Germany to UK! If I would do it the other way round, this would be a very good option. It seems like its been on a pickup truck, but being so long I wonder what vehicle it was? Guess that box was much more expensive for the army, than today's asking price...

 

TonyB, you have the ultimate setup! I would just love to have a Hiab on my truck, but due the flexible construction, and the engine located center of the vehicle - I can't fit one. My greatest problem with my project's is lifting stuff! I have a trailer with a crane, but because the truck that supplies the hydraulic power is under restoration, its unusable. ..Your camper looks to be almost exactly the size I'm looking for.

 

Thanks, Cedric

[gritineye]

A shorter version of a similar thing just for reference

 

http://www.milweb.net/classifieds/large_image.php?ad=41120&cat=8

[TooTallMike]

A shorter version of a similar thing just for reference

 

http://www.milweb.net/classifieds/large_image.php?ad=41120&cat=8

 

I have one of these S-250 shelters installed in a US M101A2 trailer and it's very comfortable. It's the size of a 9x9 tent but comes ready-built. The US military have several different types and sizes of shelter so you might like to look at those too. It will be much easier to install something ready-made if there is one the right size.

 

- Mike

[Papav66]

or how about this military body for sale on ebay? as its near the size you are looking for

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Ex-military-box-body-field-office-secure-container_W0QQitemZ320256011336QQihZ011QQcategoryZ122309QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Sisu]

Guys, I contacted Whitman Specialist Vehicles, but the "camper" was gone - so someone was faster than I am. Thanks for the other links, and suggestions - I got a lot of extra energy from somewhere and decided to build my own. I already found an Eberspächer D4L heater for it, which is also portable and could be used for heating a bigger army tent. The heater is also great because it uses Diesel and operates on 12/24V. I will incorporate it in my design after I have received it. Problem, which I haven't yet solved - is how to keep the camper cool? I guess all the options are too expensive, so maybe I just add some more adjustable vents on the body.

 

(They ask 780,- Eur for it, ex Swedish Military Reserve)

 

At the moment I have no plan for the interior, I decided to make it later, as I can't quite put the dimensions on everything until I see the camper shell ready. I'm planning doing the frame from steel, although I'm still not sure what I shall use as a covering material. I'm interested of the same material that's used on truck bodies, its kind of fiberglass (everyone seen those white walls on box trucks). I designed the frame from 40x40mm profile, so the would leave 40mm for the insulation material - which should be enough for trips to north. Anyway, I try to keep it as light as possible.

 

I'm not sure about using ordinary camper windows, as they look flimsy - but I guess there aren't many options, as double glazing has its advantages. Always a problem with designs, are the openings - especially the door. But I guess I get a grand idea and use something that looks bit more military...

 

Cedric

[gritineye]

I built this just to sleep in at shows etc. and look military-ish, on an Arrows trailer, it is made of wood and ply, it's a little Tardis being bigger on the inside than it looks outside.

 

It has a hob and grill, sink, toilet, food storage, a seat along one side that can be a single or double bed, with storage underneath, and a catalitic heater

It is not insulated as I never bothered but that would be easy to do, At this size the window in the door is enough, but a small one in each side would help.

 

It has more lockers around the outside now, and we can be comfortable for a week, 8 people parties can be held in squeezy comfort using a few fold up chairs inside on rainy days!

 

I don't have pics of the inside but if it would help you to plan I could take a few in the next few days and post them.

 

Edited May 28, 2008 by gritineye

[6 X 6]

I built this just to sleep in at shows etc. and look military-ish, on an Arrows trailer, it is made of wood and ply, it's a little Tardis being bigger on the inside than it looks outside.

 

Very nice too !

[Sisu]

Grintineye, thats a nice setup! Yes, if you have any interior pics, that would be great!

 

In the meanwhile I've been trying my best to get some parts for the new camper project. I found an excellent source for ex-BW stuff, selling mostly reserve stock. I've been deeply impressed by the quality of the items (even my old mother who visited me at my garage today, was impressed and told perhaps I should order more of this stuff! I guess I have the perfect mother...). Actually I made a big order for them, buying a lot of other stuff too, and today I received four man sized boxes full of exciting items, yeah baby - now we're rocking!

 

Here's something for the project so far...

 

Brand new BW-Windows, I have six of them for this project, they are measured 560x380mm. Aluminium frame and really good tought quality. They are normally used by German military in Command Boxes, and are cheap:

 

I ended up buying this 24V multi-fuel Webasto, also "brand-new" for 225,- EUR (I think its one of the best purchases I made in a long time):

 

3 x Jerry-can setups which will bolt-on under the bed, great quality as well, good price...:

 

I just put stairs on order, they should arrive here super-fast (German DHL and the other logistic companies are best in the world I think, so far I've been amazed), price was 99,- Eur:

 

I'm now looking for a door, military style hinges and vents. I'm really excited about the project as it seems I can build it up from real military parts. If someone else is interested where to get this stuff, I can send you the link.

 

Cedric

Edited June 4, 2008 by Sisu

[gritineye]

You have sourced some good components there, I suspect the finished camper will look very authentic. I will post some interior pics soon.

[sabre]

Hello Cedric,

 

I'm following this thread with interest as I'm doing a camper conversion myself @ the moment.

 

The base was a MOD transportable container that went on a Leyland /DAF.

 

We did put fixed windows in the sides (fixed to keep it a bit original -> the windows in the doors were also fixed), but now, I would also go for the sliding ones.

 

The whole interior came out and we started from scratch. I also ceated storage, accessable from the ouside (by the 2 doors in the front).

 

The most interesting bit that was in the container, was a seat/bench that could be converted in 2 beds (one above the other -> don't know the English word for it). I used this original design to make two of them that converts into 2 double beds (140x200). So it sleeps 4 and seats 8. Ahhh, comfort!

 

Feel free to come and have a look at it @ Beltring.

Can you send me the German link?

 

 

Some pictures. If you could be interested in the foldable aluminium platform from the back door -> it's up for sale.

 

Piet

[AlienFTM]

At 12 Armd Wksp in the mid-80s, 'Ackers and Grinders made six bunks (three high, six feet long, either side of a central aisle) from an extruded (?) steel frame and canvas bedding of a similar shape to an issue camp bed. This all fitted inside the back of a bog-standard 4-tonner that was used as HQ's TCV. Worked very well. The beds were closed off by a canvas flap. The remainder of the space was used to stow webbing etc. By hot-bunking, everybody got a good night's sleep (except me: I did permanent nights on radio stag - but I did get a good day's sleep).

[gritineye]

As promised here are some interior pics,

 

 

No insulation is fitted but this would be easy to do at any time.

 

 

Note low tech water system, small drinking water can, it is often a long way to the tap! a larger one is kept for washing.

 

 

Sink folds to access toilet, this could possibly be improved by installing a

cassette type that can be emptied form out side the pod, as well as a SOG system, http://www.outdoorbits.com/system-kits-motorhomes-p-26.html

I have one of these in my Ducato camper van and it is very effective as smells are sucked out side, (real men may skip this bit) but it does get away from the KISS principal.

 

 

Mattresses are old sun lounger ones, just happened to fit. A small dog can sleep in the space beside the box to warm ones feet.

 

 

The cover held in place with wing nuts is a bad design fault, i had a louvred panel laying about and thought it would fit above the bed for a through draft, unfortunately it lined up perfectly with Forceful's rear wheel so after driving to an event in a heavy down pour the bedding was soaking wet all over! :rofl:hence the cover!

 

Back rest makes up double bed, easy with one hand in the hole and the other underneath it balances nicely.

 

 

And so to bed. :yawn:

 

 

There is ventilation above the door and a gap at the bottom of the door to allow any leaking gas to drain out.

As can be seen the design would still work even with around 300mm less floor width on narrower vehicles.

Edited June 4, 2008 by gritineye

[Mark]

Nice.

[6 X 6]

Gritineye, absolutely delightful and an excellent example to everyone of how to do the job properly.

[gritineye]

Thanks guys but it is just a product of having had a string of camper vans since the seventies when I converted a Commer walk-through van for our big Hippy Trip.

[6 X 6]

Thanks guys but it is just a product of having had a string of camper vans since the seventies when I converted a Commer walk-through van for our big Hippy Trip.

 

Where did you go ?

[gritineye]

Where did you go ?

 

Well we set off to go round the world (the Commer cost £2 :-D) but got caught up in the troubles between Greece and Turkey, when Turkey invaded Cyprus. This was interesting to say the least, but it meant we could go no further in that direction with the stamps we had on our passports, so we wandered back through France & Spain intending to winter in Morocco and then go via north Africa, heading for Gib, We never got there as we had a few close shaves and decided to go to Ireland for a bit, never got there either as a very cheap house came up! Lived in the van for over a year in all, damp & condensation was an issue in the UK as my wife got rheumatism while living in the van here! All better now though, loved it.