Do-it-yourself residential block in the body. Residential modules for a pickup truck. Water supply and toilets
Traveling is always pleasant, but not everyone likes to pay for expensive hotels or stay only within the city limits. Motorhomes have become a great solution for long-distance travel, but motorhomes and caravans of this type come with a ton of additional costs. They need to be registered separately, take out insurance and receive a new category of rights.
Pickup truck owners can avoid all this. For such vehicles, compact residential modules are provided that turn the vehicle into so-called truck campers. They are installed on the base of the machine. The structure itself protrudes above the driver's cabin, giving the driver and passengers a full-fledged place to rest.
Design Features
As a rule, residential modules are equipped with everything necessary. There is also a full-fledged sleeping place, a table for 2-4 people, and a small kitchen compartment. More expensive models even have a shower and toilet. Additionally, living compartments are equipped heating systems, plumbing, electrical equipment, air conditioners, refrigerators, cabinets and various niches for storing things.
Healthy! Thanks to this configuration, a pickup truck can turn into a motor home, which is convenient to use during travel, expeditions, fishing, etc.
Typically modules are made from lightweight composite materials(strong plastic, fiberglass or other modified compounds). As a rule, the modules are universal and can be installed on any pickup truck model. But, there are companies that make living compartments only for specific cars. Also, modules can have different shapes and vary in size.
Types of residential modules
The design can be solid (such modules are called monocoques) or sliding (allows you to significantly increase the space when parked).
There are also models with a rear overhang. Thanks to this modification it is possible to increase interior space living compartment, its length can reach up to 6 meters, and weight from 300 to 1900 kg. In this case, the entrance is usually located on the side, and a shower and toilet are located inside. If you rely on the requirements for a hotel room, you can compare such a module with a “Lux” room. The maximum number of beds is 8.
Healthy! There are truck campers with retractable bay windows. Their weight reaches 3.7 tons. But such models are produced only in the USA for large American cars.
If we talk about the disadvantages of such models, then they are, of course, much more expensive. Besides this total weight the car increases noticeably, and with it the fuel consumption (although large pickups already “eat” a lot of fuel). Also, such modules reduce the maneuverability of the car; it will not be possible to drive everywhere.
Modules that practically do not extend beyond the car cannot be longer than 3.9 meters. They have less usable space. In addition, such dimensions do not allow installing a bathroom. In such models the number of beds can reach up to 4. The entrance is located at the rear.
Such models are cheaper than analogues with overhangs. They are more ergonomic and have increased maneuverability in sloping terrain.
The cost of a residential module depends on the manufacturer, type and level of comfort due to additional equipment.
Most popular models
Economy class modules cost between 500,000 and 1,000,000 rubles. More spacious and equipped compartments will cost approximately 3.5 million.
Healthy! Of course, you can make a simple module with your own hands, but in this case it is important to take into account the characteristics of the car and create a reliable design.
If we talk about manufacturers, then for the most part campers come from China, but there are also European and domestic companies that offer decent products.
Geocamper
This camper is produced Russian company"Kairos". This is a compact model without overhangs, but with good aerodynamics. The weight of the module with all equipment is only 250 kg, so it is suitable for almost any pickup truck. The height of the vehicle together with the residential module is approximately 3.5 meters. Due to the fact that the center of gravity of the module is shifted to the lower part, this increases the vehicle's cross-country ability.
The module is equipped with two windows and a door. The body is made of polymer materials With protective coating. Inside, the elements are made mainly of fiberglass. The table seats 4 people, sleeps 2. Additionally, the module can be equipped with solar panels, batteries, and a shower. In the basic configuration, the camper costs 500,000 rubles.
Helix 1500
This is one of the most convenient models, as every centimeter of space is well organized in it. Outside there are boxes for storing water, fuel and much more. There is also a box with generators and gas cylinders. This is a transforming module. Its top cover lifts up and increases space.
The module weighs 495 kg, when folded its height is 164 cm, and when the upper part is disassembled it is 2.58 m. There are sleeping places in module 2. This unit costs 650,000 in the basic configuration. If necessary, the buyer can order additional roof rails, ventilation unit, solar panels, sockets, heaters, refrigerator, etc.
Lemberg
The cost of this Ukrainian-made camper is about 740,000 rubles. The buyer can choose the most convenient layout for himself. The module has 4 sleeping places, a washbasin, a kitchen unit, and burners. You can also order additional equipment. The fiberglass body is quite thick (from 3 to 7 mm), and can be insulated if desired. Plywood up to 15 mm thick is installed in the bottom of the module, thereby strengthening the entire body of the camper.
The module weight is only 300 kg. It is easy to remove and install.
Almost all models have a lot of advantages, especially if they are equipped with additional equipment.
Advantages of residential modules
Campers have a lot of advantages. First of all, they do not need to be registered with the MREO. In addition, the following modules:
- Completely autonomous. In fact, they are full-fledged living quarters that can accommodate an entire family.
- Allows you to travel around the most hard to reach places.
- Compact. Almost all models are removable. This means that you can remove the structure and leave it in the forest or on the coast and go by car to buy groceries or see the sights.
- Allows you to develop sufficient speed when driving along the highway. Caravans cannot boast of this.
- Equipped with everything you need. You can live quite happily in such a module for a long time. At the same time, travelers can work fully, watch TV and use the Internet.
- Easy to install. On average, it takes one person about 20 minutes to install the module.
Residential modules often used for long expeditions. This great solution for hunters, fishermen and those who simply love nature and do not want to adhere to standard tourist routes when traveling.
A mysterious individual in the cat family is the cheetah. He is a copy of his brothers, but does not climb trees and is not able to retract his claws. Therefore, scientists found it difficult to attribute it to one species or another. This situation also applies to a pick-up type motorhome. Car enthusiasts still don’t know whether to call it a caravan or a motorhome. What is a residential module for a pickup truck, and what models are currently available in Russia?
Species
The division of the module into two categories is typical for the residential equipment of a pickup truck:
Peculiarities
The motorhome is named after the literal translation of the American expression pick up, which stands for pick up or lift. It has a design that can be easily installed on the base truck or a pickup truck. Easy to install and dismantle. RV type. It is neither a motorhome nor a caravan, as it comes in both variants. Europeans consider it a lift caravan rather than a motorhome. The types of mobile homes, as well as their differences, are discussed in more detail in
Abroad, a popular type of pick up motorhome is a pickup truck with a living compartment. Such a module is cheap and compact compared to a heavy-duty one. This type of motorhome was born thanks to lovers of pickup trucks. It can be installed on the car in twenty minutes by hand. Even one person can handle this. The design is equipped with a current generator: gas or liquid, battery, heater, air conditioner. The purpose is associated with a comfortable stay outside the city.
But the traveler’s goals are different:
- Hunting.
- Fishing.
- Outdoor recreation.
- Caravanning.
- Trips.
- Scientific expeditions.
Advantages of a module for a pickup truck
In addition to unusualness and practicality, the design is endowed with advantages:
Module design
Composite production of residential modules for a pickup truck involves universal materials. Preference is given to fiberglass. The use of modified plastic and especially durable plastic is used when constructing prototypes or to order. The one-piece design combines compactness with aerodynamics. They are equipped with sleeping places for four or eight people. They have a toilet on board. They are equipped with a kitchenette, providing a decent level of comfort for travelers.
Modules are mounted on all brands of pickup trucks. Although some samples are intended for specific machines. The prices of a residential module depend on its type. Staffing and interior decoration also affect the final cost. Economy models sell for between $12,000 and $15,000. The price for a luxury camper typically exceeds $50,000.
Manufacturers and models of residential modules
Each company produces campers for several pickups of different brands:
- Mazda.
- Mitsubishi.
- Nissan.
- Ford.
- Toyota.
- Opel.
- Chevrolet.
In addition, their assortment includes samples for a specific car such as the Mazda XL-cab or Nissan Navara. Famous companies for the production of pickup truck campers is Tischer with Nordstar from Germany. Other popular brands are Bimobil, PALOMINO, Ormocar.
Of the several dozen organizations producing residential modules, Palomino and Lance Camper stand out.
But most of The Russian market was captured by Chinese firms. And if we talk about native production, it began to grow as caravanning gained popularity in Russia. These samples are cheaper, so today they are more popular.
Therefore, it makes sense to consider several models from different companies:
- Gwocamper from Kairos LLC:
- Curb weight with equipment – 0.25 t.
- Without it - 0.16 t.
- External dimensions (LxWxH) – 3.38x1.88x0.18 m.
- Overhang - no.
- Equipment height – 3,500 mm.
- The center of gravity is below.
- The color scheme is grey.
- Coating – polymer protection.
- Door - folding design of two doors, equipped with a lock.
- Windows – 2 pieces 30x70 cm.
- Interior material: fiberglass, carpet.
- Price – 500 thousand rubles.
Suitable for almost foreign and Russian cars. Equipped with a universal kit:
- A table that transforms into a sleeping place.
- Two LED light sources.
- Kitchenette. It is a compact built-in module.
- Four seats.
- Two places to relax.
Additional equipment includes:
- Heater.
- Solar battery.
- Toilet.
- Shower cubicle.
- Batteries.
- Electrical equipment.
- Water container.
- Locker.
- Several niches and shelves.
Equipment parameters:
- Sanitary unit.
- Air conditioner.
- Electric jacks with remote control.
- Refrigerator compartment on gas source nutrition.
- Three-burner gas stove.
- Gas boiler. He is responsible for the heater and hot water supply.
- Sleeping place like a bed 1.6x2 m. Accommodates two adults and one child.
A roof that easily raises or lowers, increasing interior space and ergonomics when driving. The module models are equipped with tinted windows and vinyl curtains that protect the room from the bright sun and provide comfort. The design provides an additional water tank of 0.1 cubic meters. Official dealer in the United States of America supplies a warranty camper for 16 thousand dollars. In the Russian Federation model former use costs about 900 thousand rubles, and a new one up to 1,500,000 rubles.
Selection criteria
Before buying a camper for a pickup truck, it is important to evaluate several parameters:
- Compatibility of the design with the make and model of the car.
- Type of living compartment.
- Staffing.
- Interior decoration.
- Room layout.
- Availability of sanitary, shower and kitchen areas.
- Number of beds.
- Installation dimensions.
- Curb weight, or weight.
- Manufacturer.
- Price.
Traveling in a motorhome gives you the full opportunity to visit excellent tourist routes not accessible by bus, and stay as long as you like. As for the price of campers for pickups, it directly depends on the model.
A special residential module for off-road expeditions - an aerodynamic house-liner for pickup trucks.
Suitable for Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota, Mazda, Ford, UAZ, Great Wall pickups. Options for double or one and a half cabin Opportunity custom made salon
The residential module is made of fiberglass using monocoque technology. Monocoque- a type of spatial structure in which (unlike frame or frame structures) the outer shell is the main and, as a rule, the only load-bearing element, providing extreme structural strength with low weight.
For all its functionality, the residential module is quite lightweight.
Empty weight about 160 kg, the weight of the equipped module is less than 300 kg.
Dimensions 180x188x338 cm
The lightness and solidity of the design allows you to transport this house anywhere in the world!
The difference between this module differs from the usual motorhome, or caravan, as it is also called, in that it can be transported off-road - a low center of gravity contributes to safe movement not only on roads.
In all other respects, this module is - a combination of versatility and convenience.
Thanks to the aerodynamic design of the housing, there is no extraneous noise when moving with the module. The speed of movement is limited only by the speed characteristics of the pickup truck.
The rear of the pickup truck is designed in such a way that it remains possible to use a standard towing device (towbar).
Internal equipment.
The residential module can be supplied either empty, just a building without windows, or with basic equipment.
Any additional equipment can be installed at the request of the customer.
In the basic version the module has:
thermal insulation 20 mm (optional - 30 mm), plastic finishing;
furniture made of composite materials;
windows 30x70cm with light-protective roller shutters and mosquito nets;
sleeping place in an alcove measuring 175x200cm;
table and seating for 4 people, transformable into an additional bed measuring 100x155 cm;
possibility of installing a roof rack (rails), various shelves and drawers;
energy saving lamps.
Examples of interior layouts in residential modules for pickup trucks with double and one-and-a-half cabs: 
You can choose specific equipment for yourself from the catalogs at these links:
And now, in detail and constructively, discarding the emotional component.
The undoubted advantage of the module is, of course, mobility. He turned off the road or drove to a truck stop, turned off the engine, raised the roof and that’s it - the Nochlezhka is ready for the night. Lock yourself inside and do whatever you want - it's real small house. This is what the module looked like inside during a month-long trip to Georgia, everything was done on a quick fix and in draft form. In a transparent box with an orange lid kitchen utensils, in the near future a continuation of the sofa will be made there, which will become L-shaped. Under the attached sofa there will be another locker for things.
The main locker for things is located to the left of the entrance. Before the trip to Georgia, we managed to finish it and sew a mattress on it, which gave the module at least a little coziness. The wall of the module to the left of the sofa will also be covered with this fabric, and pockets for small items will be sewn on it. There should be a lot of pockets and compartments for storing a traveling backpack, so that everything is stored in its place. During a long route this is especially noticeable.
Opposite the locker is a countertop. I don’t even know what to say here - Convenient. From the sink and built-in gas burner decided to refuse. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, it’s a pity to allocate space for a tank under dirty water and a large gas cylinder. Secondly, I see no point in turning back a pipeline that will only work in warm time year. In the summer, it’s easier for me to rinse dishes outside. And cooking in those moments when there is no rain is more pleasant over a fire.
Under the tabletop on at the moment- a storage room where chairs, a shower, a shower stall, an awning, shoes are piled up, minimum set tools and zip, toys and gas... In the near future we plan to do it under the countertop drawers and storage shelves. Perhaps there will also be a battery placed there that will be charged from solar battery. Now the car only has an inverter. Lighting in a module of diode flashlights - one of them, in the photo below, is magnetized to a gas stove.
Sleeping place. I’ve written many times about sizes, but I continue to receive questions about “is it comfortable for three people to sleep together?” The size of the sleeping place is 200 by 180 centimeters - a full bed. The only discomfort was from the realization that it was painful to fall out of bed, and at night the small one constantly crawled towards the edge - I had to constantly be vigilant. Some kind of limiter needs to be modified.
p.s. The hatch is a great purchase. You can watch the stars, or you can spy on the world around you through a raised hatch without going outside.
At those moments when the bed is laid out on top, about a meter of working space remains in the lower part of the module. On the right on the sofa is a Tatonka tourist first aid kit. You can’t go anywhere without her, especially with a child. It’s a very convenient thing, you can carry it in the car, or when you go hiking, you can hang it on your belt.
Another illustrative photo showing the availability of space in the module with the upper bed extended.
Waiting room. I wrote about the awning. I wrote about canisters and showers.
Thermal insulation. Everything turned out great with thermal insulation. On cold days, the module was really warm and comfortable, the wind didn’t blow at all. In the heat, our maximum was +35, it was relatively comfortable to rest and hide from the heat - thanks to good ventilation, namely windows, hatches, and large windows from mosquito net on the awning.
Moisture. Perhaps the biggest disadvantage of the module to this day remains moisture and the fight against its penetration inside. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, the module itself, I don’t know where, is leaking. There are no puddles inside, everything is dry and beautiful. But if you disassemble the floor, there are always traces of moisture under the module frame. There are few of them, but my mind is not ready to put up with it. Could this be how condensation accumulates? I'm already confused. Secondly, the roof, or more precisely the junction of the roof and the awning, was obviously made incorrectly, it needs to be redone. Or move the gas stops outside. Are gas struts on the street side normal? Refinishing the roof entails reworking the awning, which also leaks during heavy rain. During heavy rainfalls, an awning had to be stretched over the module. If it rained at night, it was especially annoying.
In general, the junction of the roof and the module is the most big problem for today, which needs to be corrected.
On the sides of the tent there are two windows made of mesh, which are closed with curtains. The outer curtain lowers if it's raining outside.
The inner rod is lowered for warmth if there is a cool breeze from the mountains at night. The curtains have zippers and are secured with Velcro.
Driving characteristics, off-road, highway - everything is fine with this. Off-road the car behaves almost the same as without the module. On the highway, thanks to the loaded rear, it goes very softly and smoothly. The weight of the module during the trip to Georgia, with all our camping gear, was approximately 300 kg.
On the highway, a comfortable speed is 100 km/h. Consumption is approximately 10 l/100 km. There is a comfortable margin under the pedal for overtaking up to 120-130 km.
If you have any questions, ask, I will answer.
I once wondered why cool branded motorhomes do not attract as much interest as homemade, sometimes unsightly campers? Self-made residential modules for pickups, liners for trailers, converted “gazelles” and “loaves” are more interesting than expensive campers and caravans from famous manufacturers for many, many millions of money. Made in garage conditions, literally on my knees, by enthusiasts without special education and skills, people who were driven only by their dreams. Self-taught people, full of romanticism about roads and distant travels, literally use scrap materials to sell inexpensive motorhomes. The answer lies on the surface. It’s just that few people in our country can imagine themselves as the owner of a huge motorhome, created for ideal roads and civilized camping. And seeing that a person has made a camper himself in the garage, he easily associates himself with it and asks the question “why shouldn’t I do something similar?”
At one time, similar articles pushed me to build my own residential module for a pickup truck.
Last time I finished with a description of making a simple one for my residential module in a pickup truck.
And then my torment began. The pangs of creativity were mainly associated with the roof. At first the roof had to be flat. But large area 2800*1550mm did not want to be strong and sagged under its own weight. It was decided to strengthen it a little, but not at the expense of weight, using stiffening ribs.
This gave some results. But this was only the beginning of my torment. Initially, the roof was supposed to rise on both sides. And for this purpose one of the lifting mechanisms, consisting of aluminum profiles. 
When it was installed, I realized that the scheme was absolutely unviable. The roof was shaking. Even a light wind could easily break my structure. But it should have solar panels, a trunk, etc. installed on it. 
We had to come up with other lifts. The next option was made of plywood. Everything worked out. But only at first glance. The weight of the reinforced roof and plywood lifts became simply unacceptable. I, a grown man, could hardly lift this structure. And for all that, the strength was not the same... 
And it was decided to radically redo everything. The roof became 20 cm higher. It began to have its own frame. And most importantly, it began to rise only on one side. To simplify the ascent, I installed two Zhiguli gas lifts. 
In the rear third of the roof I left space for a small trunk. There I planned to put a black plastic water tank. Heated in the sun, it could be used for a shower. But this was all in the plans. In the meantime, there was still a lot of work to be done.
I screwed two latches to secure the roof in the closed position. 
Finally, now everything has fallen into place. Height in sleeping place was from 40 cm to 90 cm. In the kitchen area the height was 190 cm. The strength of the roof made it possible to withstand strong winds. Gas lifts supported the additional weight on the roof. This was the end of the roof.
In the next part, I will talk about which awning I chose, about ventilation and windows.
