goldwinghauler
Miami, FL
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Joined: 04/20/2005
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Yeah I was the same way when I built a Glen-L narine boat. LOTS of work and only hope you plan to keep it forever. Its very hard to sell later on.
But the thrill of building it yourself is phenomenal. I think if this is waht you want then make up your mind, find a spot to commit to the project, and if married get permission; it could lead to divorce. You will get completely wrapped up in it and want to do nothing else.
GOOD LUCK.....
2005 Ford F-350 Diesel CC LB 2WD Dually
2005 Keystone Raptor 3612DS TH, B&W Companion, Ford Tow-Command Brake Control
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Sportsman Matt
Blackstone, MA
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Joined: 10/16/2007
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Well, I've finally bit the bullet, started accumulating parts....
So far got the stove/sink combo, and a brand new LP Tank Box with door on the way.
Took and purchased the Glen L Acapulco plans, need to modify them to fit the back of my GMC Sierra, as the original dimensions are about 4" wider in the tailgate area than my truck is.
One thing I'll probably miss is having the tailgate on the back if I keep the original plan length.
So construction will start in a few weeks, building sub assemblies over the winter, and start the final assembly in the spring and summer.
Life is short, Play harder.
2002 GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab Long Bed 4.3L V6 Automatic 2WD
1989 Sunline C-750 Slide In Truck Camper
7'6" Floor, 11'6" OAL
Fishing and Hunting New England and eventually the world
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JoeChiOhki
Keizer, Oregon
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Joined: 11/20/2003
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Just keep your eyes peeled for one of the old Chinook Camper's with the rounded roof, those things tend to be in good shape years later because of the different design.
Follow along with me at The Journey of the Redneck Express
CB Channel 17 Redneck Express
'1992 Dodge W-250 Power Wagon - Club Cab Long Bed V8 5.9L 4spd H.D Auto 4x4 4.10 Gears
'1974 KIT Kamper 1106 - 11' Slide-in
'1987 Pullman Mini Camper
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shanty66
mastic n.y.
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Joined: 10/02/2008
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Matt, I for one like the older models, they have a quality that is hard to find. If you can find a TC with no leaks, this is a good foundation for what you want to do. I like Shadow and Coachman for that old feeling of quality. I found a 80's something Sunline in good shape, I gutted it and reworked or rebuilt what I wanted and am very happy with the results. Good luck whatever your choices are!----LOUIE
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shanty66
mastic n.y.
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Joined: 10/02/2008
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Oh well, I see you made your choice. There is a web site of a gent that has built a Glen L TC. Google "home made campers" or "truck campers. Good luck.-----LOUIE
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hard3
southern Illinois
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Joined: 07/10/2009
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I think if I were to build from scratch , I would build it like an enclosed cargo trailer. Built with steel frame and walls and skin with coated metal. steel wall studs with spray foam insulation. It would weigh more but it would be stout and sealed up tight. It could be from aluminum but it would cost more.
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Tizi
Puyallup, WA
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Joined: 08/07/2008
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Stick it out, like other's have said, be patient. I found mine literally 5 minutes after the guy posted it on craigslist...immaculate condition. I saved half over a new unit.
2008 Dodge Ram 2500 QC 4x4 - HEMI
2004 Northern Lite Ten-2000 CD
1998 Glastron GS 180 SF w/ Merc 150 HP
Tizi's Transformer by whazoo
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Stroller
Denver
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Joined: 04/04/2008
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A good bit back I believe there was a member who posted about building from those plans. He was using flat aluminum plate for the exterior. You may search for his post for some ideas. I think he also had a website showing progress. Not sure what materials those plans use for the exterior and interior but you could substitute where you wanted to reduce the weight etc..
During the different progress stages let us see what it looks like.
Stroller
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adventureseeker714
Tustin, CA
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Joined: 08/11/2007
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I have a one off camper and love it. The interior doesn't date as easy (looks like the inside of a boat with real wood cabinets and wood work), no messy stickers on the outside and EXACTLY what I want and not a thing more. Build away and insulate like mad!
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sleepy
Oak Ridge,Tennessee
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Joined: 04/07/2003
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Sportsman Matt wrote:like a better deal than trying to buy one seeing that the RV manufacturers are dropping off one by one. I've been kicking this around, the idea just can't get out of my head, possibly because every time I go and look at a new tc, the starting figures are well above 4 digits, 6 if you include the decimal point. Sad part is that they are more luxury than what I am looking for, even the used ones are priced way out of whack for what you're getting, looked at a Hornet 10' TC last week to find the floor and roof rotted out beyond repair, the fridge looked like it was on the Titanic when they brought it up from the ocean bottom, and the guy still wanted $2500 for it.
I know there are a few out there who would say not to build one, but to have something that will last the next 20 plus years, possibly 40 years or more, might be something to look at, mainly because I tend to design and build to last well past my lifetime. Spo what's your thoughts on the way the industry is going, do you think we'll see more homebuilt or backyard TC's in the future?
Your quest is noble and fun... still expensive for all of the parts and applainces.
I did just that in 1969/1970.
It's no longer beautiful (it was to us) but it still exists after 40 years... barely. We made a lot of trips over the years in it...
2003 Lance 1161,/slideout/AGM batteries/255W Solar/propane generator/Sat dish/2 Fantastic Fans model 6150/AC/winter package
AirFoil, Trimetric, LED lights
2003GMC K3500 LT/Crewcab/duramax diesel/allison/dually/4x4/OnStar/front reciever mounted spare
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