SnoGriz #1 - Concept and Design

The inside story of the idea and construction of the revolutionary SnoGriz 4-Season Mountain Camper Prototype#1.

Concept: To create a rugged, weather, bear and bug-proof 4-season overlanding camper that will sleep 2 adults on a mid-size, off-road capable 4x4 pickup chassis. All required supplies and equipment except spare fuel to be carried internally in the vehicle cab or camper body. Camper to be bolted to existing truck bed or frame for semi-permanent installation. Unit to be built so angle of departure is not reduced from factory rating.

Design Criteria:

Exterior Dimensions: To fit down timber-lined mountain 4x4 trails maximum roof height with camper on vehicle not to exceed 96" with 2" lift and 35" tall tires. Width of camper body to not exceed 64".

Construction: Lightweight aluminum or wood frame. Seamless, 0.032" minimum thickness aluminum walls and roof for resistance to punctures from overhanging branches.  Exterior skin and interior paneling to be mechanically attached to frame so that they become part of the strength structure of the camper shell or body.

Center of Gravity: All heavy components to be located below top of pickup box to keep center of gravity as low as possible.

Weight: Total weight of vehicle, 2 adults, tools, spare parts off road equipment, and trip-ready fully loaded camper not to exceed axle ratings

Climate Control: Air conditioning and heat to be available for a reasonable amount of time using rechargeable lithium-ion batteries as the power source. Camper wall and roof insulation to achieve at least an R12 rating.

Electrical: Sufficient battery capacity to power average expected loads for at least 12 hours without external recharging. Battery recharging methods to include solar panels, vehicle engine, and 120v AC. Electrical control unit must be able to manage input from any combination of recharging sources.

Insulation: R12 Minimum for walls and roof.


Windows: Two side windows large enough to be used as emergency exits by the average size adult. Front and rear sliding windows. All windows to be screened, preferably with fine-mesh (no-see-um) netting. Shades on side windows.

Door: Insulated as much as possible. Bug screen. Screen to be backed by heavy mesh with openings too small for bear claws to hook.

Access: Foldable stairs that can be removed and securely carried inside camper.


Other Features and Amenities: Internal fresh and wastewater tanks, sink, securely mounted portable toilet, table, refrigerator, electric hot plate, net storage, paper towel dispenser. led lights, coat hooks, rack to dry wet clothes, internal bicycle carrier, and exterior accessible storage.

To be continued!