Roof top car camper

Roof top car camper
A fold able camper that attaches like a roof rack.
 
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Step 1Parts

Parts
I made this project a long time ago (before digital cameras) therefore I do not have any step by step pictures. I will try to make up for it with my descriptions.
What you will need:
The really hard parts to find:
2 fiberglass roof top shells from a Volkswagen Westfalia (Caravan for the UKrs) (They used to be fairly easy to find at the wreck yards I got mine for $30 a piece)
2 pop up spring bars from a VW Westfalia (They are the 2 pieces that hold up the roof top and then fold in half to close it)
2 slide hinges from a VW Westfalia (They are the crossbars that slide the roof top open in the front)
1 Canvas set form a VW Westfalia (The fabric that goes around the roof when it's open)
Other easier to find parts:
1/4" plywood for the oval back
extra canvas for the entrance
long zippers for the entrance
latch lock to lock the back when closed
piece of sheet aluminum for the front
4 pieces of metal bars to re-enforce the bottom fiberglass shell
1 pair sturdy roof rack
4 u-bolts to tie the whole thing down to the roof rack
closed cell foam padding for sleep surface
glues, canvas needle and thread, nuts and bolts
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51 comments
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May 30, 2011. 1:00 PMjdlee77 says:
Here is the photo...
photo-7.JPG
Aug 14, 2011. 6:37 PMsteveare says:
and so the reason we haven't seen an instructable on this beauty is ..... ??
Oct 3, 2011. 7:38 PMjdlee77 says:
Hey Steve I have not had time to make a full iAble but here is a link to the site I made. www.microcamper.net
May 30, 2011. 12:58 PMjdlee77 says:
Great iable! I wanted to build something like this for a very long time... but lack of time and materials,I have come up with a system that is compare-able to this. I had my tent mounted on my car for the longest time but found that it can be a pain to go and do things while the camp is set up. So I mounted the tent to my 4x6 trailer. Here it is set up. Look for the iable soon.
Aug 14, 2011. 9:35 AMkilroy1958 says:
Hey jdlee....
still waiting for your indestructible.... ;)
Would really like to know how your tent folds up.

Thanks, later...
Oct 3, 2011. 4:44 PMjdlee77 says:
Here's the link I promised www.microcamper.net
Sep 28, 2011. 10:49 AMjdlee77 says:
Hey Kilroy, The tent was a purchase. It has a offset hinge so it can be folded up with the mattress still in the tent.
Sep 29, 2011. 7:53 AMkilroy1958 says:
Cool.Thanks!
Oct 3, 2011. 4:40 PMjdlee77 says:
Ok guys, here is the site I made for the camper that I made. We named it MicroCamper. Check it out I posted all of the build pics that I have. Let me know what you think.
photo-7.JPG
Aug 25, 2011. 10:12 AMcourtney says:
cool scirocco, I had the a similar one 79' and I loved it so much that when i finally wore it out, I bought another one
Jul 20, 2011. 8:33 PMfrisbeechamp1983 says:
Jun 15, 2011. 12:24 PMRaptorPhoenix says:
Very cool, will have to remember this when I have more time/materials!
Jan 7, 2007. 1:40 AMtrebuchet03 says:
That's totally cool! I wish I had a roof rack now :P But I'm not so sure my roof could take the load (I think the rated max is 180lbs).
Aug 29, 2009. 3:10 AMWarlrosity says:
Uh, its a volvo...
Jan 24, 2011. 6:03 PM123tim says:
Actually, a VW (2nd red car in photographs.)
Dec 27, 2007. 2:21 PMgreenapple says:
Hi all from Turkey, I have some pictures Car roof top tents.They are wonderful for camping and traveling.Four family member can stay and sleep in the car top tent. www.carrooftoptent.com
car top tent resimleri 022.jpgcar top tent resimleri 032.jpg
Aug 16, 2010. 5:07 PMgreenapple says:
My new web is www.cartopsgw.com
Jul 1, 2008. 8:31 AMDerin says:
nice plus,which part of Turkey is that?it seems like Antalya but who knows
Sep 21, 2008. 12:59 PMgreenapple says:
The pictures was taken in Turkey Aegean Sea coasts.The Roof top tent has automaticly open system.The Eminent Roof Top Tents are best model in the world.I thinkig R.T.T are alternative caravans or motorhomes.They are practical equipment for traveling and outdoor.
Amasra 033.jpgroof top tent 032.jpgroof top tent 151.jpg
Dec 24, 2008. 10:42 PMDerin says:
I love that greens behind your car!Gotta keep some beauty in our country. :-)
Nov 3, 2008. 1:44 PMAlex_W says:
Wow, you have a G - Wagen! A rare car indeed. We have a G-250 Long wheel base and it is great for camping, although a bit slow. Which model is that?
Nov 19, 2008. 10:00 AMgreenapple says:
Hi, My G Wagen is 300 gd 1987 model and short base.0ndeed great for camping with Roof top tent.The car sppeed limit is 130 km/h.0t's best 4x4 car in the world.
Sep 22, 2008. 8:06 AMDerin says:
oohhhh.i see.
Dec 24, 2008. 2:32 PMgreenapple says:
Winter camping photos...
167[1].jpg180[1].jpg
Dec 24, 2008. 2:26 PMgreenapple says:
Hi everyone, I have some pictures about winter camping in Ankara Mountain with four seasons Eminent Car Roof Top tents. 0t has central heating system under bed.
Eminent Four season Car Top Tent.JPG
Dec 25, 2008. 1:27 AMgreenapple says:
Hi, I think that to every where are are good in the world. And eweryone are good. The Turkey is beatiful country, every year fifteen millios tourist comes our country.
Dec 24, 2008. 10:43 PMDerin says:
Nice,but my dad says that mountain is bad,but good for you if you enjoyed it.
Oct 15, 2008. 10:06 AMDerin says:
good instructable,4.5/5
panelvanhr_vehicle.jpg
Oct 15, 2008. 10:07 AMDerin says:
where did that van picture find its way into the comment?
Jan 8, 2009. 10:05 PMjottoh12 says:
QUESTION...fodd for thought? Is this not a site for DIY ideas? Kudos to all those who have built or are building a car top tent or sleeper but whats with the craigslist type action and the shameless plugging of products from a distributor? Am I missing something? Just wondering....Sorry bout' the negativity.
Jan 6, 2009. 5:43 PMcompact says:
Camping the Compact Way

Here is one of my roof top tents, the floor is a trampoline material which makes it very lighweight.
oasis-ladder-sm.jpgsubby-wtent-rainier2.jpgsubiekamper-closed.jpg
Oct 15, 2008. 10:06 AMDerin says:
we use the family transporter as a camper by putting the air mattress in,inflating it,and stacking the luggage around the mattress. Image snatched off vw website,however the van has a lower ceiling,the top is at the top seam
panelvanhr_vehicle.jpg
Jun 26, 2008. 8:24 AMktdiddd says:
In 76 I was camping with my four kids in France in a VW camper with a slider door and button up tent and we met this young German family. They were in a Vw Beetle! They had bought a kit that was basically a fold out box with a pop up tent. The device had four screw together iron pipes with wide flanges on the bottom on the four corners and a few brace wires with turnbuckles for support and stability. They slept on top of their beetle and their daughter on the back seat. In addition to the sleep box on top they had a small two wheel trailer in back with extra gear! Can you imagine going through the Alps in that? It was pretty hairy at times for the five of us in a van.
Jun 4, 2008. 9:44 AMmmartz says:
do you still have this roof top tent for sale?
Dec 16, 2007. 8:08 AMDinerro94 says:
how much?
Nov 6, 2007. 10:02 AMsiki says:
So, did you sell it?? If not please let me know. I am charmed by the idea but am leaving for Mexico in a couple of weeks (for 3 months camping ) and wouldn't have time to get it together to make one. I suppose the drag might affect gas mileage but no more than all the junk on the roof which is my only solution to storage. I was wanting to see about getting a pop up sleeping roof installed in my van in Mexico but so far inquiries on various forums are bringing up nothing but silence or guffaws. Anyway, well done, love the idea.
Nov 4, 2007. 9:17 PMsavethehumans45 says:
I'm somewhat interested if you've still got it. How much and where is it located? I may just attempt to build one on my own, however i imagine the price on the fiberglass shells and tents has skyrocketed.
Apr 30, 2008. 8:30 PMdeth2all says:
i bought a vanagon 3 days ago, and i fooking LOVE it, its a house on wheels
1-40 of 51next »

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