Gladiator Expedition Rigs

[Mules]

Here's a nice looking DIY solution.

https://www.epoxyworks.com/index.php/diy-window-screens-for-car-camping/

Sponsored

 

[-miko-]

I'm surprised no one that I can find online has cut the rear cab bulkhead and cap plus the front of the truck bed and a bed cap to mirror up and use an accordion bellows to make it weather tight. That's my plan (using an RLD bed cap) for a self contained/efficient deep remote expedition rig.

Although of course my plan would not be tenable for someone that would need rear seats (which I don't).

Closest I can think of is this. But I don't think he cut the rear bulkhead like you said.

Here's the build thread - https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...oneer-spartan-build-7-seater-gladiator.29340/

 

[Mules]

I was pretty excited when I saw what showed up from Fed Ex today. It only took 5 minutes to open the boxes and throw the cushions in the camper. I'll take some better photos when I open up the camper this weekend.

 

[Mules]

I couldn't wait to open it up. Might have to camp in the driveway tonight?

I think the color of the cushions worked out well. They match the tent and jeep seats pretty good.

 

[Mules]

Downstairs is pretty comfy.

 

[Zybane]

Is that the sleep config? So you have to pop the roof to sleep correct?

 

[Mules]

Is that the sleep config? So you have to pop the roof to sleep correct?

It has two full size sleeping areas, so you can sleep 2 up and 2 down, when popped open. Although you can crawl upstairs when the top is down, it's too crowded to sleep since it's only 18" tall, with the tent material crowding you.

You can throw all the blankets, pillows, sleeping bags and stuff upstairs, to keep the downstairs clean for moving around.

During the day, you push up the upstairs bed platform so you can walk around.

I made sure you could sleep easily in the bottom without popping the top. Stealth camping at Walmart parking lots might come in handy on those long road trips to the mountains.

 

[Mules]

Well I liked the idea of painting but I wanted a tough surface, so I choose water based polyurethane, colored black. This is the same stuff I've used for 30 years to clear coat wood floors in houses, just with a satin black color added. I put on a couple coats, while sanding between coats. It should be very durable.

I definitely like that I can put in and take out this furniture in 5 minutes.

 

[Mules]

 

[FitfulGoat]

Did you happen to keep templates/measurements? This could be a great solution for others with pop up campers!

 

[Mules]

Did you happen to keep templates/measurements? This could be a great solution for others with pop up campers!

Since I'm a better carpenter than seamstress, I designed the layout around stock cushions. The outer dimensions of the one pc. bed platform is 48" wide x 66". The dimensions across the 48" width are 20", 16", and 12". The height of the lower support structure is 19". This might be a good concept for a 4 door Wrangler also, just with lower seat height and shorter cushions.

 

[Zybane]

It has two full size sleeping areas, so you can sleep 2 up and 2 down, when popped open. Although you can crawl upstairs when the top is down, it's too crowded to sleep since it's only 18" tall, with the tent material crowding you.

You can throw all the blankets, pillows, sleeping bags and stuff upstairs, to keep the downstairs clean for moving around.

During the day, you push up the upstairs bed platform so you can walk around.

I made sure you could sleep easily in the bottom without popping the top. Stealth camping at Walmart parking lots might come in handy on those long road trips to the mountains.

Very cool.

Can I ask what glue and carpet did you use? Did you bother with any insulation or you glue the carpet directly to the fiberglass?

Did you use high-temp glue? I've noticed in previous projects I've done, stuff will peel up/off with non high-temp glue.

 

[Mules]

Very cool.

Can I ask what glue and carpet did you use? Did you bother with any insulation or you glue the carpet directly to the fiberglass?

Did you use high-temp glue? I've noticed in previous projects I've done, stuff will peel up/off with non high-temp glue.

I used heavy duty automotive stretch carpet and 3M 90 spray on glue (the good stuff). I glued the carpet to 1/4" plywood and screwed to the ribs of the camper. I have a 3" hollow space between the fiberglass and the plywood/carpet. I haven't insulated it yet, but the fiberglass, plywood, and carpet is doing a pretty good job insulating in the summer heat, so far.

 

[Zybane]

3" hollow space? That's pretty big! If you caulked it all up to make those spaces air tight, would be pretty sweet insulation.

 

[Mules]

Sponsored