camper builds take forever

If I was going to do a car camper build all at once, full-time, it would take me a week. Maybe two.

But, alas ... life.

I work on it for a few hours, and then for weeks wait for a part or for the weather to get better or for work to slow down or for my allergies to clear up.

Finally, FINALLY, I got to the point where I am ready to actually BUILD today. To buy plywood and use the saw and make something!

But my kid has a 103F fever.

In other news, apparently Twitter is imploding. For the last few years, it has mostly been a place for me to read the news, learn from people different than me. But back in the day, 2009-2010, it was my life, my community, my people. Changed everything for me, at a pivotal point.

Most of us moved on, and twitter changed. I'm still connected to a few core people there.

But now it was bought and trashed by a billionaire.

A time for everything, and all things in their own season.

Until we meet again

🇨🇭 SWISS VAN  by @campersconversion.ch VW T5.1 4Motion L2H1 Édition 🄲🄾🄿🄰-🄲🄰🄱🄰🄽🄰 ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------- 🗿 GOOD VAN MAKES A GOOD TRIP -------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------- Envoyer de la force 👉🏽 GO FOLLOW -------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------- #camperlife #vwt5camper #vwbulli  #vanlife  #projectvanlife #vwconversion  #camperconversion #vanlifer  #projectcompervan #vanlifeswitzerland #vanlifemood  #vanconversion #vanconversionproject #vanbuild #vanlifemovement #vanlifeideas #campervan  #homeonwheels #vanlifemovement #homeiswhereyouparkit  #vwcamper #vwt5transporter #vwoffroad #camperbuild #bfgoodrich #vanlifehub #adventurevan #editioncopacabana #vwtransporterlife (Switzerland) https://www.instagram.com/p/ClTNWcmKiSc/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Water Damage -DIY camper rebuild | A&G Adventures

Water Damage -DIY camper rebuild | A&G Adventures https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vS3hfltyQck The water damager was much worse than originally though as we continue to rebuild this camper. Gear Up for Adventure with A&G: Exclusive Merch for the Ultimate Explorer: https://www.youtube.com/@AandGAdventures/store 🔔Ride, Explore, Repeat! Dive into the World of Off-Roading Adventures with A&G: https://www.youtube.com/@AandGAdventures/featured ✅ Stay Connected With Us. 👉Facebook: https://ift.tt/pM16bGZ 👉Instagram: https://ift.tt/XMFNSt6 👉Pinterest: https://ift.tt/A7C6NvK ✅ For Business Inquiries: [email protected] ============================= ✅ Recommended Playlists 👉 Adventure Camera https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nchwfJukm1E&list=PLO6lXBlLAz2SKUcwZLz_Fi2CKwpiGCjvw&pp=iAQB 👉Lost Treasures. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eerSydEfhBk&list=PLO6lXBlLAz2SUMbNmWFx6T5T5FkN4o9vz&pp=iAQB ✅ Other Videos You Might Be Interested In Watching: 👉 Ladybug Trail: The Gorgeous Hike In Mount Graham, Arizona https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Md6QaYyk2g 👉 The Sun Rises On Another Day Of Gold Hunting In The Santa Rita Mountains. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOIPYNtdLQw 👉 RELIVE THE COLD WAR Exploring the Titan Missile Museum. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgVb3hpZw3Y 👉 Wheels to Boots, Off Roading, and Exploring Mount Graham. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3HWkX_Y-jU 👉 Rugged Roads and Forgotten Gold: Unveiling Kearny's Lost Mine and History https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAK0vQDp_0o ============================= ✅ About A&G Adventures. Exploring the World and Off-Roading. On our channel, you'll witness our progress as we construct our jeep and explore the world of full-time travel. Take advantage of learning about our adventures and what it takes to live a life on the road! For Collaboration and Business inquiries, please use the contact information below: 📩 Email: [email protected] 🔔Discover the Road Less Traveled! Subscribe for Hidden Gems & Off-Roading Challenges: https://www.youtube.com/@AandGAdventures/featured ================================= #diypopupcamper #diycamperbuild #diycamper #camperbuild #camping Disclaimer: We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of our publications. You acknowledge that you use the information we provide at your own risk. Do your research. Copyright Notice: This video and our YouTube channel contain dialog, music, and images that are the property of A&G Adventures. You are authorized to share the video link and channel and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to our YouTube channel is provided. © A&G Adventures via A&G Adventures https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUtjvRX8U_lf9awEeVQpwOQ April 13, 2024 at 09:00PM

Riding this wave til the end

I’ve been working on the camper for about 4 weeks now after a 4 month break. I realized early on that I can’t work on the camper if it’s under 50 degrees so I pushed to get the fiberglass and paint done before closing down for the winter.

Now I’m back and I’ve spent the last 4 weeks worried about the tail and marker lights. I had to install and wire the brand new tail and marker lights and I’d never done any electrical work before. The first hurdle was finding the time to wire the camper. Youtube tutorials said it should take 30 minutes to an hour to wire a trailer. I expected it to take me even longer because I needed drill holes to feed the wires in and out of the camper. I also had to make a wiring map to reference throughout the process. In the end it took me 3-4 hours to finish and when I plugged the camper into our SUV nothing lit up. This was the second hurdle.

That was hard. Because I had no idea how to figure out why it didn’t light. I guessed that either my map was wrong (it wasn’t) or that my connections weren’t secure enough (they weren’t). So I called my mechanic. He came out and did a free look over and confirmed my suspicions. Everything was wired correctly, I just needs special adapters and connectors to complete the circuit. 2 weeks later, he came back and secured everything. Even though all the wires were in the right place and matched up perfectly, the connectors required a lot attention to detail and it took him another 3.5 hours to finish. When we plugged the camper into the SUV, it lit up! 

I don’t know the last time I squealed with so much joy. Until this point, I’d spent so much time second guessing this project. I thought I was in over my head. I thought the lights would never work. I again wondered if I should just sell it. But now I am ready to finish. I’m riding this excitement wave until the end. At this point I estimate 2-3 weeks until it is camping ready. Maybe a few more weeks to be “done” (decorating, etc). The end it in sight. I can’t believe it.

Here are some photos of the current interior. While waiting to get the lights working, I filled some wall patches, added some waterproofing to the interior cardboard, installed the ceiling panels, finished the bunk bed structure, made progress on the pop top, and cleaned up the door frame. 

And she is framed! Tomorrow I'll bolt the framing to the metal trailer frame and maybe adding a mini porch! Now to get high, eat and chill! #framing #framed #tinycabin #tinyhouse #tinyhouseonwheels #tinyhousenation #trailerbuild #tinyhomebuild #building #stoner #gamer #pothead #stoner #redhead #coloradoliving #coloradostoners #colorado #camperlife #camper #camperbuild #camperrenovation #camperremodel #renovation #remodel (at Colorado) https://www.instagram.com/p/CHQ7svsMGUi/?igshid=e9puha5s75oy

Camper Build: Day 2 Demo Complete! #diycamperbuild #camperbuild #campertrailer https://youtu.be/NKjpE-vBqs0 https://www.instagram.com/p/CcolCUbsIce/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Unsere Zukunft planen Wow kein einfaches Thema, wenn man nicht 100% weiß was man will und wohin. Es gibt so viele Möglichkeiten und am liebsten wollen wir überall hin 😅 Wir sind dankbar das wir die Möglichkeit haben nochmal so lange weg zu reisen. Deshalb wollen wir die Zeit auch gut nutzen. Deshalb Grade viel Recherche. Wohin ? Wann? Was brauchen wir ? Was machen wir mit dem Van? Usw? Reisen auf ein anderen Kontinent ist ein Abenteuer aber man muss viel organisieren davor 😅 Wo geht dein nächster Trip hin? 😏 #vantrouble #travelmode #touristbus #borntotravel #experiencetheworld #adventureislife #adventureahead #coupletravellers #travelobsessed #seekmoments #travelplans #travellingtheworld #worksavetravelrepeat #travelwithlove #meettheworld #vanlifediares #diycampervan #selfmadecampervan #camperbuild (hier: Switzerland) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca92KsDMEw1/?utm_medium=tumblr

Update on the truck home. Put in the flashing counter space outside the kitchen cabinet, flashed the threshold (had to make my own brake) and started the flooring. Things are finally squared up! I’ll be rebuilding the rack to accommodate that sweet roof pod that I got off Craigslist for only 50 BUCKS! can’t wait to complete the floor and start building out the sleeves. I have two 100w mono solar panels in the mail with a controller and 2000W pure sine inverter. Any recommendations on a battery? #vanlife #rubbertramp #camperbuild https://www.instagram.com/p/CMz8TgYlhuc/?igshid=o699oad4yix0

next project is to build the bed frame. built it over the wheel wells and it allowed me to have loads of storage underneath the bed. just needs finishing off!

Welcome to the family

There it was, hiding in the dark, full of rust and completly damaged by damp. Two windows broken and full of dead flies, door partly broken, roof hatch missing and its opening covered with a repurposed aluminum plate, with ductaped holes. "Roof carpet" hanging down, tiers full of cracks and no vehicle inspection in 8 years… but hey, it's got a toilet and a fridge, the front seats are quite comfy, the engine sounds nice and the layout has a lot of potential! Noooo, it's way too much work… Oh, so you're willing to sell it for… 

Yes! - Let's do it! Welcome to the family!

We had fun doing some modifications to my car for my (almost two week long) road trip to NYC. HUGE thank you to my busines partner @cuca__moreno for all the help with this. This man is a genius!!!. 🚐🛣🏞 . #kiasoul #carlife #howweroll #soulcamper #kiasoulcamper #vanlife #roadtrip #car #cuca #cucamethod #modified #justdoit #carbuild #carcamping #platform #camperbuild #customized #sleepingplatform #camper (at Seven Islands State Birding Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzlyX72F20L/?igshid=1p5ef74uykg8n

Taking the brackets off the walls so I can install the cabinets. Gets a little hot in here. Some #propane and a #hammer is all you need. #boxtrucksurprise #boxtruck #boxtruckconversion #boxtrucklife #offgridliving #fulltimecamper #camper #camperbuild #camperlife #fulltimecamper https://www.instagram.com/p/ByyOxnqAXv3/?igshid=1skg9s2107ah

I have never spent so much time correcting mistakes

November 1, 2020

Early in the building process, I made a comment about respecting the craftsmanship of seasoned builders. That has never rang more true than right now.

About 10 days ago the camper was completely primed and painted. But all of the cosmetic imperfections that I thought would be covered by the paint job looked worse. I was so upset. How could this happen when I spent SO much time filling and sanding before I painted? (1) Lack of experience working with fiberglass finishes (2) hard to see problem areas with between layers of fiberglass and filler (3) garage lighting (4) wanting to reach my October 31 goal.

I thought about selling it (again). I considered just painting the whole thing black. I tried to convince myself it didn’t look that bad (it did). None of these would work for me. My only option was to find all the patience I had to sand it down, fill the areas I missed, laminate it with another thin coat of fiberglass with silicone additive, and repaint it. I was and still am heartbroken but thankful the problem was fixable.

I’ve never sanded so much in my life. I’ve spent between 30-90 minutes sanding everyday for the past 10 days. My garage is a complete mess. I bought a freaking shop vac. I am about 4 weeks behind schedule now and I definitely don’t have a camp ready camper like I thought I would. But... The shell looks amazing. So much better than before. So much smoother and stronger. Definitely worth the time. Because if I continued pouring time and energy into this project with the disappointment I had, I would've probably just trashed it. 

I have a few more areas to address but I am on track to have it painted in the next few days. I am so eager to get the windows and doors installed.

A photo of the door, pop top and camper completely primed with all the imperfections glaring at me. The front could use the most attention but will be the least seen so I started my cosmetic attention the the rear and sides.

After painting, I sanded it back down to even and fill.

Close up of the shell after sanding. You can see the texture of the cardboard, which was something I didn’t expect or like. Even though it’s not completely flat at this point, all of the texture went away after going back over it with epoxy resin.

The shell was significantly smoother after another layer of epoxy resin. You can still see some of the streak and brush marks but that will be sanded down before applying the primer and paint.

Cool looking Defender roaming around Switzerland. 📸 • @offtrackfamily Hope your week is starting well after this sunny weekend (well, at least around Switzerland🌞). In my latest YouTube video I shared with you our prep & planning for a weekend out free camping with the good & bad of overlanding Switzerland. Have you watched it? Tomorrow I'm going live with @overlandbound.md to talk about first aid kits & common injuries when overlanding & going off-grid. Put an alarm on to join us tomorrow at 9pm (Swiss time) on my YouTube 👍. In the meanwhile, go watch my latest YouTube video if it's not done yet & drop me a comment 😊. #Offroadcamper #offroadcamping #offroadcampers #offroadcampingtruck #offroading #offroad4x4 #offroadtrip #offroadwheels #offroadtravel #campinglife #campingwithdogs #campingtrip #campinghacks #poptop #poptopcamper #camperlife #camperliving #camperlifestyle #camperbuild #campershell #camperlove #camper4x4 #defender #jurassicpark https://www.instagram.com/p/CPgDMF1HMCL/?utm_medium=tumblr

DIY Camper Build: Day 1 Demolition #diycamperbuild #camperbuild #campertrailer https://youtu.be/NCSMX51tXYc https://www.instagram.com/p/CcQsCUUJGlq/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Schönen Montag euch allen 🥰 Und ein Frohen Valentinstag an alle die den Tag feiern. Was seid ihr: Team Valentinstag 🌹 oder ist nur Montag 🤷 ? #vantrouble #vanlifemovement #vancouple #vancouples #campervanculture #campervan #campervanconversion #coupleinlove #romanticvanlife #vanlife #camperslife #campers #travelcouple #valentinstag #camperbuild (hier: VanLife) https://www.instagram.com/p/CZ93e26ITEm/?utm_medium=tumblr