PREAMBLE: For those who have been following the chronology of events, they will not fail to notice that between this episode and the previous one, we moved VroomVroom! from the pickup truck bed to a new location. This step is not detailed here, but they will still have an idea of ​​how we proceeded by reading this article.

The following photos illustrate the installation of the zip line, allowing us to hoist the truck camper into the container.

We use 11mm cable and protect trees when necessary.

The photo below shows the block being anchored to its pulley, which slides along the cable. This installation will be used to hoist the truck camper into the 4x4 bed.

Now, I'll go over the timeline of events in the correct order.

In the video below, I remove the tarp from the VroomVroom! that we moved earlier, and I explain that due to bad weather lasting several days, we're a good week behind schedule, punctuated by untimely "so" and "not bad!"

Then, I explain the next steps, which will consist of installing and securing the two beams that will support the roof and our bedding.

This is how we left VroomVroom! in the previous episode, but in the dumpster.

Now, I demonstrate the installation of one of the brackets that will hold the beam. I explain the benefits of using threadlocker on the bolts to prevent the nuts from loosening during vibration. I add that by filing the remaining thread on the bolt, I increase the threadlocker's effectiveness accordingly.

To conclude, I point out that I will repeat the same operation on all the crosspieces and posts in the structure.

In the photo below, all the crosspieces are equipped with their respective fittings.

Now, I demonstrate the installation of the lower front crosspiece, the one that will hold the support posts for the beams.

I explain that I'm using 7mm diameter carpenter's lag screws, and that I'm going to screw them into their uprights. I demonstrate how I do it and the importance of pre-drilling the correct diameters in hardwoods; otherwise, you risk heating the metal of the lag screws and causing them to break inside the wood!

This time, I place the first beam in position, on the driver's side.

Since I'm alone, the operation isn't as easy as it seems...

Using a retaining rope, I place the second beam a little more easily than the first time...

The two beams are installed and securely bolted.
Note that the middle crosspiece is not yet fixed between its two beams, so there is no wind bracing at all.

In the following view, we can see the central crosspiece better before its installation.

The center crossbar is secured with its protruding recess for the joists of the sleeping area floor. You can see the end-grain joists that Marie has given their coat of tung oil.

The front crossbar is also in place. Everything is permanently bolted with threadlock and burrs on the threads.

Now the roof frame (which will be retractable) is finished.

Another view of the roof frame. The drying joists are more visible in this photo.

The entire structure is coated with tung oil, where there will be no insulation.

In the video below, we remove one of the two side panels to make the structure as light as possible, as we'll be lifting it with our pulley block six times to place it in the pickup bed.

We're doing this to check how we'll install the anchor hooks (the pigtails) when we're driving, and how the attachments for the stands will be positioned when we want to detach the VroumVroum! from the pickup.

However, the maneuver isn't at all straightforward, as the zip line cable isn't high enough, so we risk being lower than the tailgate... which would ruin our efforts!

Once again, we're forced to leave the engine running to recharge the battery because the pickup hasn't been driven for over a month now.

In the next episode, we'll have put VroomVroom! back on land and continued its construction.
So see you soon ;-)