that's built to house a small elephant, i love this overbuilt foamie! you combined multiple techniques to make this a long lasting and inexpensive option, well done
Interesting method to build. I thought this was going to be a foamie or whatever they call them (foam and fiberglass) But with the plywood… why not just just make your structure out of the plywood, then wrap it in foam?
@@Mebeknob For the main body, it's all about keeping it lightweight, so while the minimalist interior frame does add some strength, the true strength comes from the redundancy of the layers. If I had built the frame first, it would actually be quite flimsy and likely be difficult to keep square during the process so that is why the panels where constructed before assembly. If I had built the body first out of plywood it would have been approximately 350 lbs heavier than what it currently is. The body of the camper is 5ft x 10ft and 4ft tall and only weight about 350lbs! Good question! Thanks for checking it out.
@@MebeknobI got you, I thought you were asking why the entire body wasn't built with plywood. I attached the frame to the panels first because the foam and 3mm panels and frame altogether is where it gets it's strength. If I built the frame first, the frame by itself would be flimsy and easily become out of square, rack, or sag and not withstand pushing against it and or handle much weight during assembly of the panels (since it is a very minimalist frame). Which, would make assembly a little more complicated. Also, pre assembly allows for better glue up as I could lay the foam and panels flat with weight on top to insure even contact while the adhesive dried. Not to mention, adding the 3mm panels after the framing and foam would mean assembling everything from the inside and it would all have to be cut down to fit through the door. Resulting in more cuts, seams, and work. It definitely could be done either way. I think it is part of why some people tend to overbuild like it is a traditional 2x4 structure. They think the frame needs to be a majority of the strength, whereas, in lightweight campers it is a combination of multiple elements that provide the strength.
Thanks for the vids. I will be using this same process and appreciate seeing your work. I have a question about the drywall anchors you used around the 3:50 mark. What exactly are you joining together with them? I see them going into the 2" foam, but what are they holding together?
In short, they can be used to attach anything to the foam. I used them to attach the floor to the foam, as well as the frames. They were also used to attach the galley box and the interior shelves. If you look in the walkthrough video you can see the screws along the framing pieces. Hope this helps. Glad you enjoyed the build!
Why wouldnt you have just bought an old camper and just gutted it and went from there. I know you are short but then you could have stood up inside of the camper!
that's built to house a small elephant, i love this overbuilt foamie! you combined multiple techniques to make this a long lasting and inexpensive option, well done
@@MrHatetheplayer Thank you so much!
Nice work!
Interesting method to build. I thought this was going to be a foamie or whatever they call them (foam and fiberglass)
But with the plywood… why not just just make your structure out of the plywood, then wrap it in foam?
@@Mebeknob For the main body, it's all about keeping it lightweight, so while the minimalist interior frame does add some strength, the true strength comes from the redundancy of the layers. If I had built the frame first, it would actually be quite flimsy and likely be difficult to keep square during the process so that is why the panels where constructed before assembly. If I had built the body first out of plywood it would have been approximately 350 lbs heavier than what it currently is. The body of the camper is 5ft x 10ft and 4ft tall and only weight about 350lbs! Good question! Thanks for checking it out.
@@trailandpursuit so you’re saying you would’ve had to add additional wood to be able to build the wood first, then apply the foam?
Would love to see the poor man's fiberglass!
@@MebeknobI got you, I thought you were asking why the entire body wasn't built with plywood. I attached the frame to the panels first because the foam and 3mm panels and frame altogether is where it gets it's strength. If I built the frame first, the frame by itself would be flimsy and easily become out of square, rack, or sag and not withstand pushing against it and or handle much weight during assembly of the panels (since it is a very minimalist frame). Which, would make assembly a little more complicated. Also, pre assembly allows for better glue up as I could lay the foam and panels flat with weight on top to insure even contact while the adhesive dried. Not to mention, adding the 3mm panels after the framing and foam would mean assembling everything from the inside and it would all have to be cut down to fit through the door. Resulting in more cuts, seams, and work. It definitely could be done either way. I think it is part of why some people tend to overbuild like it is a traditional 2x4 structure. They think the frame needs to be a majority of the strength, whereas, in lightweight campers it is a combination of multiple elements that provide the strength.
@@lauriablight2351 Next episode will be up this coming week and highlights the PMF and a walkthrought!
Thanks for the vids. I will be using this same process and appreciate seeing your work. I have a question about the drywall anchors you used around the 3:50 mark. What exactly are you joining together with them? I see them going into the 2" foam, but what are they holding together?
In short, they can be used to attach anything to the foam. I used them to attach the floor to the foam, as well as the frames. They were also used to attach the galley box and the interior shelves. If you look in the walkthrough video you can see the screws along the framing pieces. Hope this helps. Glad you enjoyed the build!
Why wouldnt you have just bought an old camper and just gutted it and went from there. I know you are short but then you could have stood up inside of the camper!
Old camper leaks and are filled of mold. In other words, it’s junk and not worth investing your time and money on it. His build is much better.