Ah, the simple life. After 31 years of physical existence, I must say, from all the experiences I've had, that I'll take it simply please ;) Those who know this soul know this is my mantra. Climbing, linux "computers", kung fu, beer, everything; simply please...Yes, I indeed can complicate things but I never stray from - simply please.


   So, the pictures and text following are tips and if you choose to call them tricks of version two of the mothership project. A homebuilt camper on the back of a 1989 Toyota pickup. Version one resided on the same vehicle but only lasted two years, which involved a to and from and everything in between trip from Alaska and Mexico. Version one was quite a payload, being built with 3/4" plywood. Though it did survive a vehicle flip onto the side. We believe the plywood of that beast was very responsible for the lack of damage to the truck, though it could have been the reasoning to the flip to begin with.


    I'm not sure how to structure this for others, so I'll just list the pros and cons of one and two, with of course pictures too and a difference floating in the ethers of your mind. Here ya go.

I was going to list supplies, but after thinking about it, I came to the conclusion that I don't want to ruin your fun. Just remember this, think water proof (stains, roofing goop and garage door rubber seals), think weight, think security and comfort. The most important areas to seal are where the walls meet the bed of the truck, also of course the roof. Speaking of roof, keep the 2x4s vertical up there, even if it means bumping your head every now and then. Flashing keeps the edges of the plywood dry and clean, rot happens at those areas. We caulked these areas before applying the flashing. I don't recommend using 2x2s and thin plywood, use 2x4s with 3/8 and 1/2 (door:security). Lot's of screws were used, short for plywood and long for 2x4s duh! lol. Try to keep the screw count low.

Not bad for version two, next will be better, naturally. Well, happy travels ;)

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