2016 Duramax camper shell build out

[seanhawk]

I am starting to build out my truck in preparation for our move back home to Alaska. I have a leer 180 on order and waiting for my bed rug to show up. I am getting my inspiration from a video i saw on YouTube as I would like to be able to sleep 1-2 people whenever needed along with adequate storeage. So far I have the left side done, after the topper is installed I’ll work on the right side. Let me know what you think. Thanks!

 

[bknudtsen]

Looks great! Is that inlaid epoxy?

 

[seanhawk]

Thanks! Yes, that is all inlayed epoxy.

 

[bknudtsen]

I like the stirring effect. I’ve been researching epoxy river live edge tables. I have a large cedar slab that needs a purpose. Some of the maple ones I have seen are insane!

 

[seanhawk]

Update: Installed the camper shell and bed rug. The left side storage and sleeping platform is installed and I will start building the right side this weekend.

 

[cdthiker]

looking good so far.
good choice with the mid rise topper. Those few extra inches make all the difference in the world when you are trying to sleep/ sit up/ live out of there. Not to mention the ability to build a larger storage area while still having space to sleep. Look forward to seeing this when it is done.
Good luck.

 

[seanhawk]

Thanks for the kind words, it was a tough decision to go with the mid rise as I've always had cab high versions in the past. I am very pleased with my purchase though as I'm 6'1" and can just barely sit on the box without hitting my head.

 

[MR. ED]

Nice work. Do you have any idea how much it'll weigh when finished? Also, did you use any glue?

 

[seanhawk]

I'm not too sure about weight, but I will probably have about 3 sheets of 3/4 birch ply used once its all complete. I did not use any glue, only pocket hole joinery.

 

[malibubts]

looking good so far.
good choice with the mid rise topper. Those few extra inches make all the difference in the world when you are trying to sleep/ sit up/ live out of there. Not to mention the ability to build a larger storage area while still having space to sleep. Look forward to seeing this when it is done.
Good luck.

Agreed. My cab height with my Decked is doable, but if I could do it all over again I would have gone mid rise.

Build looks good though, keep us updated!

 

[seanhawk]

Hi Guys, I finally got around to building the right side of the camper shell build. All thats left now is to attache the runners on either piece, to be able to slide the piece of plywood on top to make the sleeping area into a full. let me know what you think

 

[workerdrone]

Looking good - sometimes when I've done pocket hole construction like that I've put in some biscuits as well but only glued them on one side so it can still knock down with a dead blow mallet.

Truck is so clean! I have a similar setup, 2500HD Duramax longbed with riser cap, it gets pretty dusty all over the bed inside when I drive the dirt and the washboard roads.

Been thinking of building an air scoop on top going into the front slider to make positive air pressure, saw this on an Australian topper once.

 

[seanhawk]

Thats a great idea about the biscuits. The bed rug helps cut down on the dust situation along with sealing the sides of the tailgate with gaskets. I still need to figure out a good way to fill the small gaps between the shell and the rear glass on either side.

 

[workerdrone]

Re: the biscuits, pretty sure I've seen plastic/metal ones that are meant for knockdown use, just never bought any. Yep, here are some - Lee valley metal biscuits

For the dust, I've also heard people say a bunch of it comes through the stake pockets and other holes in the bed. So rather than chase down the perfect seal (have had the same problem in rear door truck campers), I'd like to try the positive pressure method

 

[jerstw]

Very nicely done!


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