You might remember the overlanding builds that Michael has been working on and posting in the Maker Pipe Facebook Group. His latest project is a cabinet that he built. I wanted you guys to see the plywood panels that he made! Check out his post for more details.
Travis has been sharing updates about his fold out camper awning over the last few weeks and it's awesome! Definitely recommend checking out his posts over in the Maker Pipe Facebook Group to see more photos and videos.
"I made a makerpipe swing out pantry for my makerpipe minivan campervan build!
The wheel is a spring loaded gate wheel because the floor level changes from higher in back to lower in front.
The hinge is a 1/2” pipe tucked inside a 3/4” pipe, with the plastic shims used under the t connectors. The 1/2” pipe is exposed in the middle, the top and bottom pipes secured to the top and bottom of the build don’t rotate, just the 1/2” piece.
I used wooden dowels to cut down on weight where I could." - Sonia
"Hi David, thank you for your clever and very useful product. I build ambulances into RVs and have used maker pipe and emt to build custom ladders and today a roof top kayak rack I will mount soon. Appreciate your follow up." - Rich
"These pipe joints were incredible to use in making my campervan lighter weight, roomier, and easier to change around than using wood alone. Cutting and bending the pipes is quick to learn and requires very few, all handheld non electric tools. Love this stuff! See how I incorporated the makerpipe joints in my campervan build on Facebook." - Sonia
I want to build a small rack on top of a rear hitch receiver cargo carrier, to hold an empty sewer tote. The cargo carrier has a mesh grate deck. See pictures
The angle flanges look like a good foot for my rack, as I would like to be able to fold the rack to fold the cargo carrier.
Hey Mike! I wonder if you could cut some wood or metal pieces that match the shape of the flange base plate and use that to provide more surface area for bolting the rack down. Maybe that'll add too much weight.
Michael shared some updates of his Suburban camper conversion build! Check out his post in the Maker Pipe Facebook Group to see the photos and follow along.
"Chevy Suburban Maker Pipe based overland build continues - side cabinet houses fridge, water, house battery, etc. I've had to revise the design a few times already - easy with Maker Pipe, would have been a bear with all wood."
I'm creating an overlander from a 2000 Suburban 2500. There are aftermarket roof racks but the price tags are higher than I wanted to pay. Instead, I found an original/optional base roof rack from a Z71 truck, then made a Makerpipe platform to sit on top of that.
I used one of the collars to create an extendable towel bar on one side and added a wind deflector in front of it all.
Eventually the roof will get an awning, shower, and storage box. I expect I'll have to modify my current work a bit to mount those, but that's one of the reasons I liked the Makerpipe approach - easy adaptions.
The other reason I liked working with the Makerpipe stuff is that I'm building this while living in an apartment. I don't have power out where the truck is, but since I can cut conduit without power tools, without making a mess, and without making loud noises, it's an apartment-friendly way to build.
I actually decided to build out the interior with Makerpipe as well, so am watching for ways to add drawer slides and skin a framed-in cabinet, etc.
"Great products what started out as an idea to prototype a future build probably out of 8020 with cabinets turned into a definitive, lightweight solution. Started with a simple bench that allowed an additional slide out bench bed. Then converted to a lower second bench for a dresser refrigerator and toilet.
Now building out a back seat platform-simple and with adjustable height via feet. Bonus to create rigidity, the 3/4 pipe fits over the 18mm bolts used for the seats (removed) perfectly. Lastly spring clips will be placed on the wood for the back set platform for easy removal." - David
"I used these fittings along with some 3/4 EMT to make a frame for a bed in my Honda Pilot. I have a foam pad placed on top of the frame. It works out well.
I made a second pair of shorter legs for the middle support. With these fittings I am able to swap to the second set of legs. The shorter legs allow me to use the bed with out removing any seats." - Rob
"I built a rolling cart that has a misting pump, water tank, battery and retractable shelf for a fan. Altogether, it becomes a rolling misting cart for hot weather camping and backyard. Cutting EMT is so easy and then using the MakerPipe connectors made assembling the project very easy. I'm a big fan. I'm just somewhat handy and wood is just a bit technical and a bit scary (with the circular saw) for me."
"My project started with wanting to mount a retractable awning onto the canopy of my pickup. There was not an existing rack or rails on the canopy so that's where I had to start. Finding a new or used rack to fill my needs was proving unsuccessful. Then I found Maker Pipe, and their products were exactly what I needed and would allow me to custom build a rack to fit my needs. They have a whole library of videos that provide instruction, and inspirational builds from other product users, along with some product hacks, tips and tricks. Because of the quality of these products, and knowing they are made in the USA, I will definitely use them again in the future for multiple projects."
"Problem I was trying to solve - we go camping with a travel trailer, and not all camping spots have electrical hook ups. We bring a small generator (or 2) in the bed of our truck. If weather is cool enough, one of the generators will run everything in our camper, including gas furnace it's that cold. If it's hot enough for us to run A/C (which is usually the case since we live in FL), we have to use a parallel kit to combine the 2 generators, basically making 1 more powerful generator. I'm not crazy about them being open to the elements, or visible if we go into a rest stop or run into a store to grab something real quick.
Solution - bought a couple inexpensive storage containers and used maker pipe to make a frame that can be lowered for travel, and raised above the exhaust when we get set up and the generator is running, but still provide some protection from the elements.
Used push button spring clips (tent pole clips) to make it adjustable (up / down)" - Jon
J.W. made this sweet folding table for camping/rafting adventures! The frame utilizes 3/4" EMT Conduit and Maker Pipe T Connectors, and the top is secured with electrical one hole straps. Pretty cool and simple idea!
TGB shared this cool build with us. He and his wife are retired and are traveling in this NV200 van. They built a swing out changing room that can be set up quickly! I could also see this being used for a pop-out shower curtain holder too. It attaches to their existing roof rack and swivels out. Very cool!
A couple of months ago, Jim Walker shared his DIY Toy Hauler camper which was awesome. He recently finished the build and shared more photos. Check it out!
"Made a little cargo rack for the front of our camper, re-using some factory mounts for a bike rack. I bought a big waterproof bag. It holds bulky lightweight things like our 6-gallon sewer tote and extra hose.
1/2 inch EMT, degreased, primed and painted
Used the drilling jig
4 T-connectors with adapters
I used a bit of Gorilla tape on the adapters, and it improved the hold a lot." - Hope
Hi my first post on the community. I looked at toy hauler trailers for years but they are heavy and expensive and not exactly what I wanted so I decided to build my own. It’s a work in progress. It’s a 7’x8’ camper that will have a bed that folds down off of the wall inside and a table. This way I can open the back doors drive one ATV in strap it down, close the doors then drive my second Atv up on the back strap down and be on the road. It’s really coming together but got a lot to finish up. The back doors, insulation, paneling, and new awning over the back 7’x8’ deck of my trailer
I’ve used most of the different kinds of maker pipe connectors in my build it’s strong and lighter weight than building with steel angle iron
Nice. I just mounted my DIY ladder on the back of my bus conversion today. I'd like to add some more hardware to secure things and get it painted up next.
"I needed a ladder for the rear of my Promaster Campervan but I did not want to drill a bunch of holes in the van. It looked like I would have to spend $5-800 to purchase a (no drill) ladder. Then, I found Maker Pipe and with very little effort, I built a great looking, and very functional ladder for almost nothing. The Maker Pipe pieces arrived quickly and made the project incredibly simple. I highly recommend Maker Pipe for anyone considering a DIY project."
I built an awning support frame to support a tarp based awning.
Needed something that I would be able to fit within the space I had, and it had to be telescoping, in down state while driving and I can raise it when camped
its 8ft x 7ft and has telescoping frame and telescoping poles all out of 1",3/4" and 1/2" EMT conduit
Used various maker pipes part and some others to build
here are some pics
This is raised , I used spring clips on the 2 ends, in the middle, I built a telescoping solution so it has support when raised and wont folder over.
Ends are 1" and 3/4" telescoping with spring clip, on this end, I am trying out the adjustable clamp to see if that will work so I can move the right arm higher when camped so that they are at similar height on both ends.
The middle part is connected with a adjustable connector, with 3/4" and 1/2" and telescoping connector
Holding the side arms is the top of adjustable connector with 1 hole strap and some washers
I used a pipe strap to hold it in place for now, this side I have removed the friction bands from the T-connector but I may change this side to be the same one as the other using the adjustable clamp , will test it out
This is resting or driving state, I will have the tarp rollup on the top bar and I have 8' cover that I will strap it down with.
Using some u-bolts to hold the structure to the trailer itself, didn't want to drill anymore on it :)
Here is a pic with the arm out and supporting pole , its in my garage, so couldn't open it completely. Its also snowing outside so didn't build this in the garage itself, havent really tested in the real world as yet but soon
"The idea started because I wanted a cargo basket and rack for my 1987 Suzuki Samurai, but I needed something that I could still remove the soft top. My initial plan was to use steel pipe but my welding skills are novice at best and I didn't want to spend a ton of money on a pipe bender. Plus, I wanted to be able to remove it easily if needed. Also, given the tiny size of the Samurai it looks great with the 3/4" emt Conduit and not too bulky. The awning is wrapped around 1/2" conduit with threaded inserts in each end to attach the crank handle (fishing reel handle) to and it's all tucked inside a piece of PVC pipe with a slot cut out for protection. I also have a cover for longer drives." - Shawn
I would love to know how much Gary’s gas mileage improved for his truck. It may be an end in itself to make a DIY MakerPipe truck bed cover for mileage improvement combined with other built in attributes.
My wife and I recently purchased a new travel trailer that we are enjoying (ATC STO350). It has lots of storage for small items, but after a few camping trips, we decided we could make some improvements to maximize the use of the space.
The trailer has tracks on the wall that allow for the attachment of cabinets and hooks that can be configured as needed (blue arrows in photo). With that in mind, we moved some of the cabinets to allow space for an upright storage unit. We wanted a vertical space for hanging clothes, a platform for our auxiliary power unit, and a space for the porta-potty to be parked when not in use. ¾" EMT and maker pipe connectors were perfect for this project.
I started by painting all of the EMT with flat black spray paint to match the existing trim in the trailer. The four uprights were cut to length and cane tips were added to the bottom of each pipe to keep the ends from cutting into the floor. The back two uprights were attached to the trailer tracks using one-hole conduit straps. Thinking that our trailer flexes a little when being towed, I added extensive bracing to ensure that everything held together. The project was completed with the addition of two shelves made from high-density polyethylene cutting boards.
After a few trips, our upright storage space has proven to be a handy addition to our trailer. Using EMT made for a very sturdy, affordable, and functional addition. The maker pipe connectors were easy to use and it was a fun build.
Jake Lewis I used some M8 Thread T-Slot Drop-in Stud Sliding Screw Bolts (ordered from Amazon) that fit into the tracks perfectly. I had to drill out the hole in the straps just a bit so that the bolt would fit through. I also wrapped the EMT with a bit of flex seal tape where the strap crossed the pipe. This made for a very secure fit and after several hundred miles, nothing has moved.
"I'm having a lot of fun using your clamps, they fit perfectly with 3/4 inch conduit. Able to build a sturdy frame for my portable solar panel which is heavy and hard to setup on its own. The panel has 8 eyelet holes that I mounted on the maker frame making sure they line up with the 6mm clamp bolt. Used longer 6mm screws to hold panel with washer and wingnut. It was very easy to line up and center the mounting points as the clamps are adjustable! Really enjoy your products." - Jim
Dan made a slider bed for his camper conversion! He attached 1” PVC to the existing bed frame and then made an extender frame out of 3/4” EMT Conduit and Connectors. It slides in and out of the PVC and is a great way to keep floor space open while also getting a bigger bed that is easy to set up!
It’s really cool to see someone get inspired by a personal project that we shared with everyone!
“I was inspired by Jake’s van bed build video and finished my first project last week. I have some plans to expand on it when I get some more time to work on it. I really enjoyed experimenting and appreciate the work you guys are doing to not only produce a great product line but to build a community of those willing to share and help each other. - Rebecca”
So the main rack is made of e track just screwed to 2x4s on the edge & unistrut down the middle.. then the deck is installed over about a foot of storage space. Then the solar panels are hinges with piano hinges over the deck. This is where the maker pipe comes in.. in order to lift the solar panels up 90 degrees I used conduit & maker pipe connections (also some Etrack connectors kind of Frankenstein’d). This lets me lift the panels to expose the deck & create a canopy;)
This is an impressive amount of interconnected materials! I am always impressed with mobility/roof/storage solutions! Your decking basically makes this a second story!
Michael recently shared this awesome canopy that he built for his camper. He used telescoping clamps and some other solutions to make it adjustable. It came out great!
"I completed my camper awning project. I think it turned out pretty well. It is not sexy, but I saved $1000 versus buying a whole new awning setup for this camper. The maker pipe components worked well and made this project fairly easy to do. Good products."
I would love to see the plans on how to make this one. I have been trying to see how to make one like this but haven't figured it out yet. I would love to know what connectors were used and how you secure it when not using it.
Ron recently shared a photo of his ladder project with us. Here's what he said.
"This ladder for my van worked out great. It's over a year old and holding up great. Your connectors are a fantastic product! If you buy a ladder, they are anywhere from $600 to $800, this was less than a hundred. "
here are pictures of a popup camper i designed for my flatbed truck. currently 250+ connectors, and plenty of pipe, on version 3 right now, but 2 years of use and still holding and improving; sits on a (smaller) 6.5'x8.5' flatbed
Just realized the poor quality of some of the pics... sorry.
the main and secondary frame is maker-pipe and 3/4 EMT; The door hinges, lift sliders, and door handle were CAD-Designed and 3D printed; The shell is 18Oz. Waterproofed canvas, sown and installed with snaps.
It has 12v power with LED strip lights, Sleeping bench on one side and table with storage on the other
Rich shared an awesome deployable canopy for his truck. Here's what he said about the build!
"Just sending a few pix and a couple of videos, separately due to size, of my latest project. It's for my dog Jake. I’ve been on a local Search and Rescue team for several years and got Jake certified last year for trailing. We're out in almost any weather and temperatures. He needed a sun shade to help keep the temperature down in the truck in the summer. I use an aluminized vented tarp but wanted to open it up off the truck to allow better airflow and I can get under it while waiting for deployment. The pix show what connector etc. that I used and the videos show deployment."
Hi Jake. Great looking project. I am also looking for a setup where one pipe goes into another and when it is extended, it does not come out to the end. Can you please let me know how you used shrink tube to stop that from happening? Thanks in advance.
"Thanks for asking about my little project. Here is a pic of me baking biscuits on a Blackstone flattop. The flat top is a flat top that was replaced by the manufacturer because it had warped. The manufacturer told me to do with it however I wanted. So, I made a platform out of 1in pipe using your "T-clamps". We went camping this weekend and used the pipe project along with Blackstone flat top over my portable firepit."
Murray shared some photos of an outdoor shower enclosure that he built recently.
"It measures 4 feet by 6 feet and utilizes Maker Pipe t-connectors and adjustable angle hinge connectors. The shower can be set up or taken down in under 10 minutes."
I am planning a slider bed build for my pull behind camper, as well as the same for my camper van conversion. I need to know which would be the strongest, and weigh the least between using aluminum conduit vs PVC. I want maximum load capacity with the least weight. Which would be recommended?
thats always a trick question, and its the Load Capacity that determines the answer to that question. Im no expert, but I would want the build to be at least 10% above my expected weight capacity. So just how big a size would the pvc vs the metal have to be to support the weight you plan on putting on it. (sorry, but yep - it means a little home work)
neverless- opt for your safety, thats my input - P.S. you could always check into mixing it between materials - metal tubing, pvc, lumber. good luck. tw
Been struggling with good way to mount our 7 gallon water jugs when camping. The stand had to be impervious to rain, able to adjust to uneven ground, sturdy, and relatively easy to transport. I was thinking about treated wood or Unistrut then I came across Maker Pipe and had an "Ah-Hah!" moment. I added a clamp-on water bottle holder for the soap container to complete the design.
I'm doing an 8.5 X 18 Cargo Trailer Camper build and I want to build an elevated queen size bed frame using conduit. I'm thinking this will provide a weight saving versus using lumber. Any thoughts?
I think its a good idea, though, given the weight requirements of the conduit, you may have to double up some pieces making the cost exceed the lumber costs. given that thought, maybe mixing it up with both ,,,,,,,I guess you wont know till you start the project. good luck
Saw am amazing video of a smart young man making an awning for his converted cargo trailer. Having invented a plastic product for the Ceramic Tile Industry and a couple of engineering projects for the power washing industry, I was Soo excited to see your product. My mind was overloaded with projects from around the house to School Projects... (Ball carriers, hulla hoops, ...). Even the opportunity to get kids excited to 'engineer' and 'invent' items with the biggest erector set on the internet. I was jumping all over your site and didn't see any item break downs. I don't want the specs... Just a picture and cost per peice. I'll probably start with one of the STARTER PACKS but then I'll need to purchase individual items. Thank You for letting us be a part of your amazing product. Michael from MO.
I am trying to attach solar cells with metal edges to a 3/4" rack. I've thought I could use one hole straps on the metal frames and then just adjust the conduit to snug the panels onto the racks.
Another idea is to use angle iron to make a channel that the conduit can be trapped in.
Hello! Jake, can you please provide an update on your sliding bed build for the van and share the material and cut lists? Also, can you advise how did you tackle the rattling between pipes? Thanks! - Raj
I also used some of the 1" to 3/4" EMT adapter shims for the bottom three pipes. That is optional. The main reason I did that was to cut down on the total cost of 1" EMT.
I will work on the cut list and hopefully post it here within a few days.
