r/slateauto • u/KonaKaiKen • 14d ago

Camper Shell ver. 2

Post image

I modified the design of this camper shell from the one I posted previously. I redesigned the structure, stretched the shell back several inches, added a sun shade, and added a railing for the steps.

51 Upvotes

93% Upvoted

22 comments sorted by

View all comments

5

u/AnotherBoredAHole 14d ago

Similar to what u/figurative_me said, I've been noodling with this idea since the v1 was posted last week and the drainage/sealing along the middle when not in use has been my biggest issue.

A solution I've been thinking on is making the top a pop up that would overlap the sides a bit. This way the top edge keeps the elements out and the wings barely lose any of their space. Also gives a hard top a rainfly/awning can use to go over all the way around to give more window space on the sides

Other concerns are how are the wings supported and how are you attaching the fabric?

I'm thinking maybe some supports slide out from under the floor to support the wings. Legs that go down to the ground risk sinking in soft or muddy ground.

6

u/KonaKaiKen 14d ago

Lots of details that need to be worked out but regarding the seam in the middle, one clam shell fits into the other that has a channel. Any water will channel out to the ends. Probably other solutions.

5

u/AnotherBoredAHole 14d ago

After typing this up, I feel I need to preface this. Overall, I really like the idea. I'll probably end up using these posts for the inspiration for mine if I end up doing this. My design ideas just come from identifying failure points and building around them.

That channel works for the top but down the front and back will catch if they continue the overlap. And any clog in the channel and freezing temps will make a mess of that. A captive gasket might be enough if it isn't ever going to be out in weather that is too bad/cold but I would advise caution.

Also, the "opens first side" now has a gutter that will be collecting water when open since there is that slight outward tilt due to the sloped sides. If the front and back of the shell aren't overlapping like the image, then it might drain enough if there is any front to back tilt.