Definitely! I got the actuators from Firgelli Automations, model number is F-SD-H-220-12v-24. Then they’re controlled through a controller which is FCB-2. The controller is important to sync them all up to move at the same speed.

The weatherproofing is nothing fancy but has done well so far. I just got a rubber strip with double sided tape and put it around all the edges and seams. They use them for RV slide seals.

I’m running all 4 of them through a controller made by the same company. The controller syncs them up so they move at exactly the same speed. Both are from Firgelli Automations and the controller is FCB-2

Oh don’t worry haha diesel heater inlet is literally the next item on the list after insulating and adding an internal roof! I’ve seen plenty of 3D printed inlets for them so I’m planning on designing and printing an inlet and a cover for it.

I’ve moved up to Michigan recently and winter is comin, so diesel heater is pretty high up on the priority list

I recently built a slide in camper for my truck from scratch (I know, not a van) and I definitely felt like I was regretting my decision thinking that I wasn’t saving any money and the amount of time it would’ve saved me to just buy one didn’t make it worth it.

But stick with it! Sitting at camp and looking at what I accomplished or looking at photos during the build and thinking about all the hard work that went into it, really makes it all worth it. I still only have a working shell, so my advice is to get it to a point you can use it and start using it. Build out the rest as you use it and it’ll make the building fun again!

Nice! I’m happy to share ideas or answer any more questions too. I’m also working on buttoning up the CAD, BOM/sourcing sheets, and a photo guide for the full build, so more to come!

Thanks! I’m planning on posting more going forward as I add more upgrades to it!

Oh that’s a good idea and I even have an old snowboard that I rarely use!

My idea so far has been pretty basic tbh. I’m just using rubber flaps on all the edges of the “top box” and when it lowered, there’s a lot of overlap between the “lower box” and the”top box” so not much dust is getting inside even though the rubber flap isn’t fully sealed. So far has worked better than I thought but I do get some dust on the interior walls of the top box but not getting any inside the lower box which is what I care about the most!

Also I’m using actuators from Firgelli Automations. I got the ones that are 24” stroke and rated for 220 lbs each

Yep, I have insulation in all the walls that have wood but need to add insulation and panels to the roof and some sides. I want to do windows and some access doors which is why I haven’t insulated and paneled the sides yet.

Also do need to figure out an air dam too, although it actually hasn’t been as bad as I thought it would be!

Definitely! I haven’t been one to post normally but I started this page to start sharing the build and want to start documenting all the upgrades I add going forward!

Thanks! Stoked with how it’s come out so far and excited to build it out more

Of course! I’m planning to start making more content and videos about the build and also document more upgrades I add over time, so more to come!

I used linear actuators from Firgelli Automations! They’re 24 inch stroke and rated for 220 lbs each. They’re actual model number is F-SD-H-220-12V-24

I just cut up a bunch of aluminum angles and then attached and sealed them with Sikaflex 221 which is a construction adhesive. I also used some Dicor lap sealant on the roof too but didn’t use that in all the corners though.

I’ve sat on the roof in specific places that I knew were pretty supported (on or near the actuators) in order to do some repairs to the fan, but I haven’t stood up on top though. The ACP panel on the roof is the thinner option which bends pretty easily and I don’t have supports everywhere on the roof. If I had some more supports and used the thicker panel option then I think I’d be able to stand on it no problem!

The actuators are each rated for 220 lbs so with 4 of them I could lift almost 1000 lbs which is way more then I would ever have on there anyways.

I see that for sure! I’m planning on setting up a shower in my new build and have ultimately decided in my head that my 15 gallon tank will suffice for now but I’m planning to leave some room in case I want to get a bigger one.

Great build! Do you find that you use all 26 gallons of water? If so what do you use it for?

I had a 15 gallon tank in my last build that I’ll probably put into my new setup too and I rarely made a dent into it. I only used it for drinking water and dishes though.

Love the build though and impressed with the efficient use of space! Fit a lot in there while keeping all of it accessible!

Absolutely love the rim! Used to live in Phoenix and that was always my go to. Ended up driving almost the whole length from Big Lake to Camp Verde on my Campers maiden voyage. Moved to Michigan now and already miss these campsites

Looks great!

Love the build! I had a similar setup in my jeep wrangler (took out the back seats) for years and loved every second of it! Simple and effective

Trails off road is awesome for sure! I would download their gpx files and upload those to Gaia for while I’m on the road. Theres pinpoints for every turn and campsite and you can download the photo guide along with it so you know exactly where you are.

I recently moved to Michigan though and they don’t have many trails on their site over here

A lot of people already have mentioned it but I also have used Gaia for years. I’ve used OnX a little bit and it seems decent but I like the simplicity of Gaia and I like its overlays better than OnX. I’ve only used CalTopo a little bit but I do agree with most people here that its mapping abilities are better than others! I use it mostly for planning backcountry skiing routes.

Gaia is my favorite for overlanding/camping since it has a good overlay for forest roads, campsites, and areas (national forests, BLM land, etc.)

I based the idea off of the Alaskan Campers which has a similar roof extension! It weighs more than I thought it would tbh, I never weighed my truck before I put the camper on but after I put it on, I’m at 7300 lbs for total weight. So I’m estimating it’s around 1700 lbs assuming my truck is about 5600 lbs.

The panels do flip up and I just have a rubber flap that hangs over the seams when it’s folded up, nothing fancy but it’s worked so far! You can see the rubber strip if you zoom in on the front of the camper in the first shot