I'm looking to create a camper from scratch for my Jeep Gladiator. My goal is to keep it under $10,000 and under 1,000 lbs while ensuring it can comfortably sleep two people. I want to include a shower, a toilet, a cooking area, and a freshwater tank with more than 10 gallons of capacity. Additionally, I'd love some advice on what materials to use and what tools will be necessary. I've done some research, but I still feel lost. Also, if possible, I'd like to incorporate a gray and black tank. Would materials like wood, aluminum, or PVC be better for this project?
3 Answers
You might want to check out Glen-L for some cool DIY plans. They're veterans in this game and might not have specific plans for your exact setup, but their guidelines will give you a great starting point for building something compatible with your truck.
Starting with a solid steel or aluminum frame is crucial for weight and durability. Aluminum is lighter, which could be beneficial. For the walls, think about using something like 2-2.5 inch angle bars to keep your structure strong yet light. Spray foam insulation is a great option for keeping the interior comfy. Don’t forget to plan where to put your freshwater tank; under a bed works great, while the waste tank should be outside the living space. This layout can even give you extra space for gear outside.
For my camper shell, I used 2x2s and T111 siding, which worked perfectly. I screwed and glued everything to make sure it held up over time. If you have basic tools, this might be a straightforward approach for you too!