Troopy build out

[Capriblue45]

While I went and done it and pulled the trigger on an Alu-Cab Hercules roof conversion for the troopy. After looking at a bunch of interior fit outs I decided what the hell I have a bunch of saws and a fairly good grasp on Math. The basic boxes and floor plate are roughed in. The tall box will get 2 -11" deep drawers for clothes and a pull out table. Looking at laminate samples to pick one to cover all the wood that will show.

Also done a bunch of research on Lithium batteries and solar and DC to DC chargers, as well a rigid solar panel for the roof of the conversion.

I should have the Alu-Cab conversion by mid-month and then comes the gut wrenching job of cutting the top off a perfectly good troopy. The local shop quoted me $7K for the install and I have all the tools and time to DIY it.

I will document the process here incase someone else ever wants to tackle this job.

The first picture is of the 12" high sleep deck I built prior.

 

[MDH33]

Dream build. Can't wait to watch your progress!

 

[Curly]

I want to be like you when I grow up, Mike.
I’ll settle for your garage
Holler if you need an extra pair of hands

 

[justcruisin]

 

[Capriblue45]

I want to be like you when I grow up, Mike.
I’ll settle for your garage
Holler if you need an extra pair of hands

Thanks Alex, I might take you up on that when I go to set the Alu-cab.

 

[Notyourmomslx450]

Looking forward to the progress

 

[BritKLR]

Awesome build!

 

[Capriblue45]

Got all the components sanded and first coat of poly on everything that is not getting laminate. Betsie picked up the laminate in Denver yesterday and while at the Wilsonart rep found this nice acacia wood butcher block top. It makes a nice top for the dresser section of the build. Also finished the pull out table that stores under the top. The small cleats can be removed once the top drawer is pulled in the event that that it needs replaced some day. Found 4 holes with rubber grommets in the floor of the troopy that work well for securing the base plate down. I hope to cut and glue on some laminate tomorrow to see how all the colors are going to tie together ( picture #9 is the laminate we selected).

I'm going to wait on the install of all the cabinets until the roof conversion is complete so I don't damage anything.

 

[BritKLR]

Hey Mike,

Are you sharing this build over on Expo Portal?

There hasn’t been something this cool in a longggg time.

 

[Capriblue45]

Hey Mike,

Are you sharing this build over on Expo Portal?

There hasn’t been something this cool in a longggg time.

I guess I'm not familiar with expo portal?

 

[Johnny Utah]

I guess I'm not familiar with expo portal?

Expedition Portal

Largest and Oldest Overland Forum

forum.expeditionportal.com

It’s an overland based forum for builds and expeditions.

Check it out!

 

[BritKLR]

I guess I'm not familiar with expo portal?

I've got a couple of builds on there under BritKLR. Due to the massive growth and change in demographics they are really hungry for interesting builds and yours most certainly fits that need.

Also keep in mind for next year. The Overland Expo (Flagstaff or Loveland) event has a "DIY" section within the event that you can apply for. If selected you get free exhibitor space, entrance and get to attend the event and camp onsite for free, you just have to display and share your build with like 20,000 people over a 3-day period as they walk by.
(I'll be there and have drinks with you after a long day)

Overland Expo | Premier Overlanding & Adventure Events

Explore Overland Expo, the top event for 4x4 and moto adventurers. Discover gear, take classes, and connect with the overlanding community!

www.overlandexpo.com

Goodluck!

 

[Cruisertrash]

While I went and done it and pulled the trigger on an Alu-Cab Hercules roof conversion for the troopy. After looking at a bunch of interior fit outs I decided what the hell I have a bunch of saws and a fairly good grasp on Math. The basic boxes and floor plate are roughed in. The tall box will get 2 -11" deep drawers for clothes and a pull out table. Looking at laminate samples to pick one to cover all the wood that will show.

Also done a bunch of research on Lithium batteries and solar and DC to DC chargers, as well a rigid solar panel for the roof of the conversion.

I should have the Alu-Cab conversion by mid-month and then comes the gut wrenching job of cutting the top off a perfectly good troopy. The local shop quoted me $7K for the install and I have all the tools and time to DIY it.

I will document the process here incase someone else ever wants to tackle this job.

The first picture is of the 12" high sleep deck I built prior.

Do my truck next?

Kidding. Super cool fit out on your Troopy! Might be a good option for retirement.

My sister in law just married an Aussie guy and we got to meet the groom's dad at the wedding. He retired, built out a 2012 Troopy (w Toyota turbo V8 diesel), and now he roams the country adventuring. He has a small trailer he drags behind with a little boat with an outboard motor, a dirtbike, and other fun toys. He stations himself for a while and does a lot of fishing and exploring. That's the life right there.

 

[Capriblue45]

Got the Laminate cut using my table saw with an 80 tooth carbide blade. I tape the cut area to reduce the risk of it chipping. Threw the pieces in the back of the truck because I wanted to see how it all fit together. The floor will be LVP left over from the house build. I plan to pull all the boxes back out and weigh the truck before putting on the Alu-cab and then weighing it when it is fully fit out. I'm thinking it will be somewhere in the 700-750 pound range without camping gear. The battery will account for 62 pounds of that. So far it has not even squatted the springs even with my 200 pounds in the back, got to love and hate the rear springs on a troopy.