The Big Lorry to Camper Conversion

[MANGOFORTH]

So, long story short. Wanted a motorhome, ended up with a lorry. The body was rotten, kept it anyway. A quick camper conversion has spiraled out of control massively..... I've started the work already but I'll drip feed the photos over the next forever. Feel free to help and Enjoy.

In the beginning....

 

[f6c]

Welcome aboard

 

[Figaro]

Welcome to the forum
Sounds like you got an interesting story, can`t wait to read more.
That does look like a big project though

 

[davidbaldam]

Hi and welcome to FUN.

 

[Parrot Face]

Welcome and good luck with that. I've got a feeling its going to be amazing. Don't despair I once saw a converted bin lorry that looked fab.

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[The Dudess]

 

[whiskyman]

Hi and good sized wagon and what a huge safari room you have lol

 

[MANGOFORTH]

First step was to gut the inside of the truck out. It was a race truck so had car lifts and all sorts in the back, as well as a janky kitchen/bedroom that had been cobbled together with old caravan components...I spent far too long stripping it all out.

Soon discovered that the floor and walls were all rotten. Yaaay.

Decided we may aswell go the whole hog so I desperately tried to find an old barn to rent. I failed. If your not from Norfolk, your a foreigner... Even if your from a neighbouring county

.... I settled for a field (still had to pay rent on my patch of grass).

Then we did this

Brought some metal sticks, and started glueing them together with electricity.

 

[MANGOFORTH]

Im having major issues loading photos. Any advice?

 

[chaser]

Im having major issues loading photos. Any advice?

Afraid you have run out of free posts, you will have to stump up 15 quid to continue, please do it as this is one of the most interesting threads for ages

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[hilldweller]

You've got a big heart -- good luck, will you finish it or will it finish you ?

 

[MANGOFORTH]

Ok I'm in. So like I said, I scribbled up a plan and started to make a subframe for the new body to sit on.

 

[MANGOFORTH]

Still help with photos? I attach a photo and it refreshes the page but no photo? Is there a better photo hosting website to use or?
Thanks

 

[Figaro]

No, you should be able to click attach file then select your photo.

 

[Two on Tour]

Still help with photos? I attach a photo and it refreshes the page but no photo? Is there a better photo hosting website to use or?
Thanks

I just size my photos to between 750 to 1500 pixels wide in jpeg and then just copy and paste them into the line on the page.

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[chaser]

Still help with photos? I attach a photo and it refreshes the page but no photo? Is there a better photo hosting website to use or?
Thanks

Just click attach files and choose your photo and it's on

 

[MANGOFORTH]

Started by laying the two main rails down, making sure their square. Then put the ends on, ready to align the outriggers

 

[MANGOFORTH]

Started welding it all together outside with minimal tools, really not ideal but mehh. Photos incoming, probably one at a time because my phone doesn't seem to like it.

 

[MANGOFORTH]

More stuff and things.

Can you see what I'm trying to achieve? At this point I couldn't.

 

[mpdcymru]

Looks very professional to me.

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[MANGOFORTH]

It rained lots, so we cried and then painted it with red oxide. Did a bit more stuff

 

[hilldweller]

I know it's 7.5T but that looks mighty heavy.

 

[MANGOFORTH]

I know it's 7.5T but that looks mighty heavy.

The subframe is the same as would be on a regular lorry, the walls and roof are 1.5mm wall box section.... its alot lighter than a GRP body would be. I did the maths ?. I can still lift one end up and its cladded with floors ect....I am half troll though.

 

[hilldweller]

The subframe is the same as would be on a regular lorry,

Fair enough. Round here every single gram has to be accounted for, you are playing by different rules but you could still come unstuck with the double fridge and Jacuzzi.

 

[Guigsy]

I assume you're going to put a couple of diagonals in there?

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[MANGOFORTH]

We decided to move house to somewhere with a big enough garden, that way I wouldn't have to fork out money for my grass workshop. This is Jasmine putting the last bits of redoxide on, before the truck was moved to its new home. I slung her up on the roof and she welded the uprights onto the roof panel.

 

[MANGOFORTH]

I assume you're going to put a couple of diagonals in there?

Much alterations happen. But the walls gain strength from a composite being made from sheet aluminium/foil back insulation/plywood, all glued and screwed together. Remember, lorry body's are usually just a thin fiberglass layer glued to plywood. Usually with no strengtheners.

 

[hilldweller]

Oh boy can you harvest some solar with that roof.

 

[MANGOFORTH]

Yeerp, currently have 620w of solar from photonic universe. I also have a brand new solar charge unit 60a Mppt for sale if anyone's interested.

 

[MANGOFORTH]

Made a door frame, big enough to fit a corner sofa and double oven ? One day father in law on painting duty, he felt abit rough from the night before.... Alot rough.

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