Rocket Camper Revealed

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This my travel trailer that has been a year in the making actually 2 years now

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Step 1: This Is Not A True Instructable

Picture of This Is Not A True Instructable

I just wanted every one to see what has kept me away from my favorite web site

Almost every thing in my 16 foot travel trailer is hand made

Questions welcome, Obviously a year and a half work cannot be written up in a short Instructables

Step 2: Windows And Stuff

Progress

Step 3: More

Step 4: Frig

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It works my custom built in refrigerator

Step 5: Kitchen

Step 6: Up Dates

Here are a few updated pics

rhino10 days ago

I love this! Make sure to have "UFO RECOVERY TEAM" painted on the doors of your tow vehicle.

pddonovan20111 month ago

Because I am a person who hates to 'Settle!' I absolutely adore this project and for one, very solid, reason. You have built something without compromise, exactly as perceived and you did not 'settle' for average, boring, mundane or accepted practice. I salute your embrace of Function AND Form, Art and, above all else, FUN. The only way to go beyond perfect, in my humble opinion, would be to build a Tow Vehicle equally as unique. That would definitely put this over Instructable the top!

There just isn't enough, in our lives, that makes us happy! i can see where this made for a very happy Couple. Congratulations!

longwinters (author) pddonovan20111 month ago

Wow
Thank you very much, as for a tow rig, yes sir I have considered this dilemma with great frequency.
Since the camper is based on 1950's movie rockets, it would seem that a vehicle of equal age would be right for the job.
In an ideal world a military surplus rig would be perfect,
Since I plan to travel the west with it realibility is a major issue, so for now....
If you google. Atomic camper several articles will pop up.
Just between you and me, the crowds that form when we camp can at times wear you out, the same questions over and over,
We slowed this down by printing a frequent question sheet to the door.
God Bless Bill aka Longwinters

tinaciousz2 months ago

Just found this. You rock! It's a beautiful camper.

longwinters (author) 7 months ago

here is a construction pic you can see the paper going on in several layers,

The other is from a fellow camper who took our picture while on the road to go camping, and Becky my wife

longwinters (author) 1 year ago

The exterior is made of paper soaked in glue, it shrinks drawing tight then I covered it with fiber glass and then epoxy paint.

I'll try and find some early construction pictures on my old PC

bricabracwizard longwinters7 months ago

Did you use butchers paper? What kind of glue? I concur with everyone else here: IMPRESSIVE!

reallyreally8 months ago

Very impressive!

longwinters (author) 8 months ago

It should be done in 3 weeks

andrea biffi9 months ago

Oh my that is gorgeous! How much does it take to complete?

wrsexton1 year ago

incredible inlay work. Tremendous details! DIY frig. And you haven't even shown us running gear yet! As Bad billy goat said. I'm 63 and I'm proud, but now I hate yoU!!! :)

Bad billy goat1 year ago

As an individual I have always had a strong sense of self belief and identity, enjoying and being proud who I am and what I've got, until now in my 39th year. I have never been envious of another until now....... I hate you!!

I really wish I had just a percentage your vision, skills and abilities. You are a very clever person and I hope you realise that.

Good luck with the rest of the project and I look forward (with envy) to see the finished result.

Stone_UFO1 year ago

totally awesome

longwinters (author) 1 year ago

The finish date for the trailer is spring 2014 since I posted these pictures I have finished both beds (except final fabric) the side and rear windows, plus I don't know what it all melts into a big blur...

nerd74731 year ago

cool! you should post the finished product!

Junophor1 year ago

Hello longwinters
Yes Iam back again and Iam deeply impressed about this relly wonderful work. Take my congrats as a carpenter I am

Your buddy from good old europe

thechocolatist1 year ago

My god! What are you building here my friend! Amazing....I'm blown away!!! Fantastic. I'm looking forward to see more...

longwinters (author) 1 year ago

Dream Dragon if you think of the old plaster lath construction you would be correct I have saved the window cut outs and they are very strong, by the third layer of thick paper the walls were very strong the fiber glass was only used for water protection
The expanding spray foam from the interior linked the laths and back filled around the paper
I was not the first to think of this I found this article in a 1950's popular science mag, the first photo is me standing on a window cut out I weigh 180 I did it with one foot but could not take a picture doing so
Needless to say you can walk across the top easily

longwinters (author) 1 year ago

Droberson123 the problem is its sitting in one half of a 2 car garage all photos have to be taken from the front or quite close by the side. I'll try the panorama feature as soon as I move some building materials leaning on it
There is a pre-paint pic which gives an accurate over all size view

Lectric Wizard1 year ago

AMAZING !! This was a labour of love ,it shows !!!

Dream Dragon1 year ago

WOW! That's awesome work. I'd be interested to know more details about the paper and fiberglass skin. The technique sounds similar to the way I used to make model aeroplanes when I was a kid, but sealing it with fiberglass sounds like JUST the job for a light weight and resilient skin.

drobertson1231 year ago

When you can get to it I would love to see a full outside photo. This looks impressive but it is hard getting the big picture from all the detail photos.

Very impressive project. Great job.

This deserves to be driven to Burning Man.

zomfibame1 year ago

mighty cool

Winged Fist1 year ago

Wow! Truly amazing! I love the kitchen, or should it be called the galley? Could this be Instructables first life-size Nautilus?;-)

bricabracwizard1 year ago

Very inspiring work!

Tazmjm691 year ago

You sir are an artist! It looks amazing.

longwinters (author) 1 year ago

Thanks everybody it's been a long time coming some early construction pics

doc.kennedy1 year ago

You've got some mad skills - beautiful work!

Nick705871 year ago

That is the coolest thing ever.

Gregbot1 year ago

this is WICKED AWESOME! Thank you!!!!!

tbaltz1 year ago

That rocket is rocking man!!!

randomray1 year ago

Very cool . Great job , it would be super if you could do some short Instructables on various parts of your trailer . Like how you built the curved sides , or the door , the windows , the fridge . Like I tell the kids take human sized bites . Regardless I love that you shared this neato keen project .