DIY camper build .. Huge Improvements and finishing touches !!
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- čas přidán 1. 06. 2024
- In this video we're going to make this camper Much better . I make the camper more aerodynamic by building and air dam on the front .We'll upgrade the axle and springs to a 3,500 lb axle giving me some real peace of mind , and finally finish off the interior making it super cozy .
- Jak na to + styl
This came out so well. Upgrading the axle was a very good idea and the changes you've made look solid. I would also try to use the front for storage of light items (bedding, life jackets, maybe fishing poles or kayak paddles) but overall this project turned out great!
I was thinking the same thing about storage. Seems like a waste of space otherwise
Thanks !!I thought about that but the camper is already a bit tongue heavy so if I bring a bunch of stuff I will just put it in the box of my truck in totes .
That was a great addition to the camper. Love the backsplash. Thanks for taking us along.
Thank you !! glad you came !
If you can’t make it light… make it strong! Good job, your grandfather would be proud of your elbow grease!
thanks !! you know I never really thought of that but I bet he would just thing this is the coolest thing . thanks for taking me there!!
Great work and attention to detail with precision. Even your dog likes it, nice job! Looks really comfortable in there and a fun option to have for camping.
Thank you !! he does seem to enjoy it in there . I love it so much more comfy than a tent although I still really do enjoy tent camping too !
Wow that framework is legit, reminds me of aircraft construction. CZcams is full of RV horror stories of poorly built units from previous reputable firms. Building your own makes so much sense. Thanks for the update!
Thanks !!
It looks way better. Too bad you didn't do that in the beginning. That could have been a little extra room and a place for the sink. I'm learning a lot from this build.
Thanks !! I agree that might have been just enough space for me too add a sink . thats awesome thanks !!
That air dam was the perfect finishing touch. You might consider doing small specialty RV builds for people. "Black Spruce RV." Kind of catchy, don't you think😉
Agree!
Thanks !! that might be kinda fun. I would want to get a few more under my belt before I started building them to sell though ,, maybe never know
One thing i have learned about the Whipple women is that they are not afraid to talk some smack and give their husband's some grief! 😂
LOL we sure know how to pick em .
Well done my man. You have mad skills and tons of patience. 😎😎
Thanks !! yeah that project took a lot of patients
As someone who used to work in the collision repair end of the RV world, you're trailer is better built than any of the major and even smaller manufactured units. I've seen some 3/4 of a million dollar fifth wheel trailers out there with half the nails going through the sheathing is missing the studs or anything structural, and worse. My own sister's huge trailer flexes and wracks in high winds. You've done a fantastic job. I had my doubts about the nose cone, about how it would look and how well it would work. I'm happy to say my doubts were unfounded, it works and looks great.
I watched this and your other video about this trailer because I've been planning on doing the same thing, but with a slightly smaller footprint and adding a bathroom. I've been looking at as many ways as possibly to save weight but not lose rigidity.
Thanks for the very well done videos and for allowing me to steal a few ideas
Thats awesome to hear about my camper but pretty sad for the people shelling out big bucks for manufactured ones!! I was pretty concerned the nose cone was'nt going to turn out myself lol . I knew what I wanted but just kinda figured out how to build it as I went , so I was pretty happy when it actually looked good and worked . I'm not sure because I just built this one and no others , but I keep hearing use metal studs and that 2x2s are fine for the roof . I couldn't imagine being on top of a roof that was built with 2x2s myself . I'm pretty sure I could have used 2x2s on the front instead of 2x4s and I would definitely incorporate some kind of nose cone in the build so there wouldn't be a wall and the space would be usable . you could get an aluminum trailer frame to build it on other than that I'm not sure
You DID marry her! Congratulations!! Also, the camper looks good
Yes! Thank you!!!
That would be great storage for bedding pillows just need access great job on everything.
Thanks !! I didn't really think of putting bedding and light stuff in there but I did think of storage . I just didn't want to add anymore tongue weight . it's already a bit tongue heavy .
Fantastic upgrades!! Looks great! 👍🏻🐾🙏🏻✌🏻🔥
Thank you !!
Greetings from southern Ontario Canada I really enjoyed the video
Greetings from Michigan , awesome glad you enjoyed it !!
Love the build. Keep up the great content.
Thanks, will do!
Fantastic work as always! It's beautiful!
Thank you !!!
Wow, what a great build. It is always very satisfying watching you work on your projects. Your work inspires me to do my own projects. Looking forward to your next adventures. Thanks for the video.
Thanks !! I've really enjoyed this one myself .
Wow cook's is right nextdoor.
And they tend to do all the work needed at Menards.
Came out great!!!
They do good work , and cool people too . thanks !!
Lovely little camper.
Thanks me too!!
Great content. Very useful info. We are learning all the time, aren't we? We look forward to your next post.
Thanks we sure are !!! Me too I've got a couple thing in the works so hopefully soon
A door in the front would make that wind deflector an awesome storage area! Maybe a half door, since the fridge and stove are there.
I had to return for the update and really is impressed.
There is little bits I would add for smaller improvements, is where you added the aluminium frame around the gas cooker, the wooden frame should be stained in case there is some build up of cooking grease splatter, so it would be easier to clean.
As for the side of the aero aid, for future repairs I probably would include a type of seals used for car windows.
Anyway, well done and ook forward to the next outing.🏅👏👏👍
Thanks !! I actually did seal the wood around it but didn’t think it was very good footage . I used the same stuff I did the counter with .
A pity you didn't put an access hatch in. This would enable you to store water hoses, wheel chocks, etc. . You have done a fantastic job on the build, Congratulations. Sarah from Tasmania.
Very impressive, Ryan! The air dam looks very professional, the inside trim is awesome, too ... complete with a backsplash to boot :) I'm sure I'm not the only one here that's been benefitting from watching your videos. I may get to build something along these lines myself See you down the road ... God Bless the Whipple Clan!
Thanks !!! that would be awesome !! if you do I want to check it out !!
I think I would have used that air dam space for storage too with the hinge right down the middle and the sides would open like big wings then Shelving inside. It’s a good concept and good move to upgrade the load capacity. Nice improvements!
Thanks !! it would make good storage but the camper is already a bit tongue heavy and I have a truck bed and totes if I want to take a lot of stuff
Duct strapping. Great for supportive hanging...like that tank.
good stuff
I like it. I agree with your wife that would be a great sticker.
I might , get one made lol
Such a great job. As a woman I‘m like the air attachment is space that could be used if you put a small door from the inside 😂
Thanks !! you're not alone . it been a pretty reoccurring comment . I thought about it but the camper was already a bit tongue heavy and I didn't want to make it too much worse
Told you i would come because of your comment.
You can make angled wedges and put them behind the board to reach the angle you need with a chop saw
hey glad you made it !!! Thats a cool tip I'm going to have to go try that and get it figured out . thank you for that one anything you can do with the chop saw speeds thing up a lot !
Brilliant. As usual. I've been wondering about trailers. Being a cyclist , I'm always wary of , yes, "catastrophic failure" . Learning moment on that axle issue . Towing is soon to be a new thing for me. Untreated floor ? Now there's something I never heard about before. Thanks. I vote for an awning off the side for occasional drizzle. Maybe Brooke could come paint some Spruces on the sides, with your logo...lol.
Thanks!! I bet if I was on a motorcycle I would be wary of every vehicle on the road . I would love to have an awning , just have to find the right one . I thought about having some stickers made
@@blackspruce1861 There are some pretty cool stretchy , aero looking awnings out now. I'm sure they ain't cheap, but ones that don't flap are probably worth it . I think Sil Nylon is one awesome fabric. You can buy it in bulk rolls.
I hope you have many great adventures in your trailer, the finishing improvements really set it off nicely.
You are spot on about the build up of mildew on the plywood floor by covering it up too soon. I had exactly that problem when i built my first accommodation box for the back of my old truck 20 plus years ago. Plywood really needs time to dry out thoroughly before before covering it all over with stuff like vynal.
Many thanks
David in the UK.
Thanks !! I'm looking forward to it ! yeah that treated wood has so much moisture in it
Great to see the upgrades and you treating the floors. Thank you for sharing. Have a wonderful day.
Glad you liked it !! Thank's You too!
I just watched your new video. Good job. Loved the new additions.
awesome thanks !!
Nice build!
A couple of things: Why not use the "Air Dam" as storage space? Also, I built out a 6'x12' cargo trailer into a camper a few years ago and a sway bar for the hitch really, helps with highway travel.
Also, I installed disc brakes on the camper, just to help with mountain travel. Enjoy your camper!
I thought about using it for storage space , but it's already a bit tongue heavy maybe like you say use the leveling hitch and it wouldn't be to bad . thanks I'm loving it so far
@@blackspruce1861 I was thinking about that for storage as well. Maybe just for light items, like extra pillows, towels, garbage bags, etc. Would be handy if it could be accessed from Inside the camper. I sure love that Border Collie. 🥰
Awesome build! I would put a door or two on that air dam for storage.
Thanks !!
Good job! That's why I like my little 9x5 fold up caravan/trailer, I don't notice any drag at all.
I liked mine too until the mice destroyed it . 9 years later I built this out of that camper
@@blackspruce1861 Darn mice! Hopefully our cat will keep them away, we were tortured with them a couple of years before the cat.
once again a well thought out project. Enjoy many nights in that sweet camper
Thanks !!! oh man I'm looking forward to a bunch of them
Awesome video ! Great idea and design ! Nice to see some Red tools 😁. Take care Ryan
Thanks !!! I do like my red tools .
I saw your comment and watched, still a lot of chemicals but great job on the upgrade!
Thanks !!
You could have created valuable storage space by framing 2 small doors on each side of the wind break to access the space behind. Good for tools, propane, chains, etc.
I thought about it but the camper is already pretty tongue heavy
Better to be front heavy then back heavy
Well done! Very straightforward and a solid build. Should handle much better for you on the road. Happy camping 👍
Thank you !!! oh it's a night and day difference so much better !!
Nice job on finishing the camper Ryan. The piece that you built in the front looks really nice. Enjoy camping with it. Todd from da U.P.
Thanks Todd !!
Master Craftsman Sir! Enjoy your content! Attention to detail is amazing! Great job!
Thank you !!
Very nice finishing touches. Aerodynamics make a big difference. Happy camping!
Thanks !! it sure does , well worth the work !
I really love the two colors of the wood, gives it a special touch. Have a nice time with your camper❤
Thank you !!! I'm looking forward to it !
Great job streamlining your camper! I've seen so many 'square-drop' ultralights that it never occurred to me the difference shapes might make in 'towability'. My little 4x6 cargo conversion that I described in your last video was a factory v-nose so I lucked out. Pulling with a 4cyl, 5 spd standard, I often drop to 50 mph and maintain 22mpg when bucking severe headwinds, Tailwinds get me over 30mpg @ 65mph. Inside, the 40% of the "V" is a cabinet which doubles as an entertainment ctr, with a 24" TV mounted on the door...
Thanks !!! that sounds like a really cool setup . maybe I should do a project with one of those . sounds like fun
@@blackspruce1861 I saw a video where, in a 5x8 v-nose, they made the 'v' into a 3/4 bath, with a portapotty in the shower area...
Thanks for the update. I will definitely consider making mine more aerodynamic. Just finished the framing. I also started with a pop up.
Yeah if its not too late nows the time to do it . it made such a difference , I wouldn't have enjoyed hauling it much the way it was before now its a breeze
@@blackspruce1861 I appreciate it.
Your trailer looks great. Inspiring me to do something similar. One suggestion. A fan thru the wall above the burners to pull out the steam. Just a thought. I really enjoy your videos, Thank you for making them.
Thanks !! I think I'll just open the windows and door's don't want to create any spots for it leak . I'm really happy you're enjoying them !!
Awesome episode. I just saw your cameo appearance in Belle's coffee shop video series 🎉 can't wait to see if you feature more on the coffee shop.
Thanks !!! I'm not sure . I just stopped there the other day and had a really tasty cup of coffee !! place is looking awesome !!
Wow, great job ! So cozy and unique, LOVE IT !!! On a different note, I know dogs love to stick their heads out the window, but that could also be dangerous. My friends dog was doing the same thing but the dog got hit in the eye by a bug ( she was doing 40-50mph), the hard impact caused her poor dog to lose its eye. Safe travels to you and your beautiful fur-buddy !
Thanks !! I know I worry about that anow and then but he loves it so much . I'll take him on 25 mile an hour trips on the back roads so he can enjoy it
@@blackspruce1861 Enjoy your travels, you and your beautiful dog deserve all the happiness that comes your way !
The camper look awesome.
Thank you !!
You do really nice work,you should make storage in your front new addition
Thank you !! I thought about it but the camper was already pretty tongue heavy before I put the air dam on so I figured it might not be worth it .
Really good very interesting.. great work 👍
Thank you !!!
I'm new to your channel but I like what you are doing...thanks for sharing..
Hey Welcome to the channel !! I'm glad you're enjoying it !
Thank you for sharing! I also enjoy making and have a similar project in my future.
Glad you liked it !! thats awesome what are you building ?
That's great! A lot of work.
Thanks !! it was but it was so worth it
What a smart project for the trailer turned out nice looks great and hopefully help with that air flow it should , it sure added to the look love that trailer. !. You sir are very talented builder.
Thanks !! I wasn't sure if people would like the new look or not its growing on me still but the function won me over instantly . thank you !!
yes it looks like it belongs.
In the future if you ever need additional storage space the inside of the air dam might be a great place.
It might need a complete redesign for that though. Depends on if you could reframe it will some kind of lockable doors or shelves.
I thought about that but the camper is already a bit tongue heavy so if I bring a bunch of stuff I will just put it in the box of my truck in totes
Great Job! Try using backer rod on large cracks and gaps next time you're chaulking and sealing.
I thought about going and getting something for that but didn't feel like going to town thats a great tip though !
Love watching the content of your videos, so interesting.
Awesome !! thanks!!
Nice upgrades! Looks awesome
Thanks !!
In the future, you could make doors in the air dam and have additional storage
I could but the camper is pretty tongue heavy already so I'm not sure what I would put in there
26:01 I really like how the backsplash is air-gapped from the wall.
Thanks !
Sweet improvement
Thanks for sharing it.
I have an old 14ft camper
Light enough to pull with a van
But this mod will certainly help
Cheers
Thanks !! thats awesome ! I'm planning on building a light weight square drop for pulling with a smaller vehicle like my van
Excellent video as always
Thanks again!
Awesome job on the air dam Ryan i would however cut some door ways in it for extra storage
Thanks !!I thought about that but the camper is already a bit tongue heavy so if I bring a bunch of stuff I will just put it in the box of my truck in totes
Looks great. Fun project. 😊
Thank you! 😊
Thanks for giving me a notification about your DYI Camper build improvements. I subbed and hit the bell. Again thanks for the explanations along the build. Thumbs up!
Our friends have a fairly new 5th wheel camper. the bump outs leaked and ruined the floor in the camper. the rubber seals in the bump outs were already rotten after two years. As you said the flooring was sandwiched between two vapor barriers and it caused the OSB sub floor to mildew and smell and he actually stepped though it.
I want to build something because what is out there is crap unless you can afford an Airstream camper.
No problem thanks for coming to check it out and subbing !! Man thats horrible and one of the reasons I didn't put a roof vent or AC unit on it I was worried about a leaky roof . I can't believe how fast some of them fall apart , but I think it also helps a lot to have them under some kind of roof for storage .
With that extra space you now have on the front you could possibly have a bathroom. So shower and toilet. In a camper/caravan I would only use a portable toilet that way there's no extra plumbing and you just unclip the top off & carry the full bottom off to wherever to empty it before returning to top up the liquids for the use of the toilet and put it back in the bathroom. The other bonus with the portable toilet is if you are camping and expect no rain you can put the toilet outside during the day surrounded by a tarpaulin so if there is 2 or more 1 can still use the shower while the toilet is being used.
Yeah that would work
Looks awesome , that was a great idea. I keep thinking about all of that space behind the air dam that is unused! Lots of potential storage behind it. Thanks for taking us along and thumbs UP!
Thanks !!! I thought that too but the camper is already a bit tongue heavy so if I bring a bunch of stuff I will just put it in the box of my truck in totes. glad you liked it !!
Very nice.build!! Great video.
Thanks glad you liked it !!
You should add a door and shelfs to the air dam for more storage
the campers already pretty tongue heavy otherwise I would have
Awesome!!! If you ever build another one you could design the air dam into the interior and fit a little bathroom in there?
that would be the way to go build it with that in mind from the start !!
If you have any concerns about any nooks and crannies on the underside sealing good old rattle can undercoating will do the trick. Have seen it put the finishing touch of many many jobs in the Body Shop.
Awesome job on the air dam.
I thought about going that way but really didn't want to lay on the ground spaying it all above me lol . no matter what its no fun painting under something . Thanks !!
Excellent. The trim really made the inside nice.
thanks !! it sure did makes it feel finished
Holy smokes! If you need something just build it. Looks 👍
Thanks !! That’s the way I’ve been going for quite a while now . Did you see the full camper build video ?
Absolutely! I maybe a little slow when they first come out but I’ve watched them all!
Good idea, good job on the build,but my only thing I would of done different, there's a lot of waisted space behind your new wall. I think I would of put doors and put shelves so you could of had more storage areas for stuff. Did a very nice job inside as well. Over all now all you need is maybe a little air conditioner and an an awning on the outside above the door and maybe a vent fan right there by your stove or a fantastic fan in the roof and some kind of a countertop with a little sink or something another thing I probably would have did was I would have boxed in your little fuel tank with the aluminum siding so you didn't notice the fuel tank on the outside you can build some kind of a box around your fuel tank to hide it a little bit but overall you did a good job looks great good job.
Thanks glad you liked it . the reason I didn't use the air dam as storage is that the camper was already a bit tongue heavy before I added the air dam , I really didn't feel it was worth making it much worse
Awesome job! A trick for painting screw heads is sticking them into cardboard and hitting them with spray paint before installation. It saves a ton of effort.
Thanks !! and thanks for the tip that would have been so much quicker
Looks great!
Thank you !!
Awesome job!
Thanks!
Another terrific video !
Problem Solving 101...good job !
Thanks for sharing ...Stay safe and well ...
awesome glad you liked it !!! thanks again I'll do my best you stay safe as well !
Everything looks great, I was thinking if you cut openings in the front wall you could make shelving for storage in the hollow space of the air dam. Cheers from Jacksonville Florida
@@jamesmichael3998 thanks . I’ve thought of that but the camper is already quite tongue heavy so I really didn’t think it would be worth it
Great job Ryan! The camper looks amazing!
Thanks !!
great work! always put anything aside you and your brother post and get to relax and watch
Thanks !! thats so cool to hear
Lovely job done. Excellently presented.
Thank you !!
Just a thought you could add a few doors in the air dam and make storage space.
I could but it's pretty tongue heavy so I really don't want to add any weight up there
And there you go a job well done and it look good now its air dynamic Excellent job 👍👍👍🫵🏻🫵🏻🫵🏻🙌🙌🙌🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Thank you !! made a huge difference !
very nice job you did
Thank you!!
With the extra space turn it into storage like gas bottle holder. Extra luggage area
I could but the camper is pretty tongue heavy with is fine but I don't want to overdo it
Great job! I wish I could do what you did.
Thanks !! with a little practice im sure you could !
As you were making frame, all I could think was look at all that possible shelf storage space! But it's all covered up with solid sheets of material.
I thought about the but the camper was already pretty tongue heavy
@@blackspruce1861 ahh ok
Excellent 🤗👏🏼
Thanks !!
I would put something to protect your gas tank to keep rocks etc from damage.
not a bad idea !
Add a hatch and could use it for some storage.
I thought about that but the camper is already a bit tongue heavy so if I bring a bunch of stuff I will just put it in the box of my truck in totes
Good stuff. Sure would have been great if it had been storage too.
Thanks !! the camper is already pretty tongue heavy which is fine but I didn't think it would be worth it
Great video!!!! Love them doggies!! 🙂 💜
Thank you !!! they're pretty awesome !!
Looks good, bit surprised you didn't make it so that you could remove the top section or open it up and use the internal void as storage space. Does its job though, that's what's important!
Thanks !! I thought about it but the camper is already pretty tongue heavy so I really didn't want to go crazy on adding weight to the front
@@blackspruce1861 Makes sense, appreciate the rationale!
great work
Thanks!!
I would have used liquid nails on all the joints in the frame and silicon behind all the frames against the camper. That’s just me. 😊 And sealer under the aluminum at all seams. Driving in the rain could force rain through. 😊
Now you could make access from inside into that new compartment. 😁
Thanks !! good ideas
I think the doggo 🐶 ❤would like a nice dog house with a roof deck 😀
He would like a roof deck but box way he’d use the house lol
Nice build!
Thank you !!!