Grand View by Tim MacDonald
22 February 2008
My name is Tim MacDonald and I am building a Grand View
camper. My family and I have been looking at truck campers
for years. They are very expensive now so I have decided to
try to build one.
I have limited woodworking skills but I am a fast learner
(Jack of all Trades kind). My Dad is a great woodworker and I
remember watching him on lots of projects. I have a new Ram
1500 long bed quad cab. While this is great because of the
long bed the GVRW is not so great so I am limited to around
1500lbs. The Grand view weighs aprox. 1700 they say so I need
to have it go on a diet. I am only putting 2 windows in it,
omitting the front cab cabinets and replacing them with wire
shelving. I have relocated the back door to the side and am I
am not going to build the bathroom and adjoining closet. For
the table and seating I am designing and L-shaped sectional
and have found a company that will make the cushions for
it.
Here are some pictures and steps I have taken so far.
1/12/08 - Ordered plans and modified the picture of how it will look.
1/25/08 - Framed Right and Left side.
1/29/08 - Skinned sides with interior plywood.
2/1/08 - Built front part.
Family photo.
I am surprised how fast the first part is. I am working on the box now and it is taking a little time. I am hoping to finish by May 23rd for camping but this may be wishful thinking. I have bought a lot of things from Ebay and the local RV shop has a lot of stuff too.
Tim
Mountain House, CA