As truck camper enthusiasts, we’re always on the lookout for exceptional DIY builds. Sometimes we discover them while traveling. Other times they pop up on social media. And every now and then, a true gem appears in the Truck Camper Adventure Classifieds.
That’s exactly what happened with this remarkable aluminum truck camper built by retired film editor Kevin Stitt.
At first glance, Stitt’s creation looks like something Airstream should have built decades ago. Gleaming aluminum skin, beautifully rounded corners, and a warm vintage-inspired birch interior combine to create one of the most striking custom campers we’ve ever seen. If someone told us this was a limited-production factory model from the 1960s, we’d probably believe them.
Instead, it’s a one-of-one creation built by Kevin and his longtime friend Bill—and it’s every bit as impressive as it looks.
We caught up with Kevin to learn the story behind this extraordinary build.
Building the Camper Airstream Never Made
Kevin has long admired the timeless styling of Airstream trailers, but there was one problem.
“As far as I know,” he says, “Airstream never produced a truck camper.”
Rather than waiting for someone else to build his dream camper, Kevin decided to do it himself.
His goal, however, wasn’t simply to copy an Airstream. He wanted a camper designed specifically around his truck’s dimensions and payload while capturing the classic polished aluminum aesthetic he loved.
The result is a custom camper that feels both vintage and completely unique.
From WWII Aircraft Inspiration to Steel Reality
Like many ambitious projects, this one started with a friendly disagreement. Kevin envisioned an all-wood structural design after watching a documentary about Britain’s legendary de Havilland Mosquito fighter bomber, famous for using wood instead of structural steel during World War II.
His friend Bill wasn’t convinced. Bill argued the camper needed a steel chassis.
In the end, Bill won the debate.
“We weren’t building an airplane anyway,” Kevin jokes.
The steel foundation proved to be the perfect starting point, allowing the pair to install the holding tanks, plumbing, and electrical systems before constructing the camper’s framework.
From there, the build came together step by step:
- Steel chassis
- Plumbing, wiring, and holding tanks
- Baltic birch structural framework
- Aluminum exterior skin
- Baltic birch interior skin
- Windows and roof skylight
- Kitchen and dinette
- Wet-bath
- Cabinets and storage
It’s a logical progression—but one that required countless hours of craftsmanship.
A Vintage Railroad Car on the Inside
While the polished aluminum exterior immediately grabs attention, it’s the interior that really steals the show.
Kevin built the camper’s framework using 1/2-inch Baltic birch overlaid with 4×8 sheets of Baltic birch plywood before finishing the interior with rich red mahogany stain.
The warm wood tones create an atmosphere reminiscent of vintage railroad coaches—exactly the look Kevin was after.
“When I first envisioned it, I built a model (which I still have) to formulate the basic idea,” Kevin explained. “I also knew I wanted a king-size bed as well as a wet-bath. I knew I wanted it to resemble a vintage railroad coach style interior.”
The contrast between the polished aluminum shell and the handcrafted wood interior gives the camper a timeless feel that’s difficult to achieve with modern laminated materials.
Inspired by an Aluminum Legend
Kevin also drew inspiration from another classic. During the 1960s, Avion produced aluminum truck campers that shared much of Airstream’s aircraft-inspired construction and styling.
Today, surviving Avion campers have become highly collectible, with well-preserved examples becoming increasingly difficult to find.
Rather than restoring one, Kevin essentially created his own modern interpretation.
So what sets Kevin’s camper apart from the original Avions? Two standout features immediately come to mind.
First is the north-south king-size cabover bed, which provides a larger, more comfortable sleeping area while creating additional storage space.
Second is the thoughtfully designed rear deck. Not only does it add valuable exterior storage, but it also serves as a sturdy platform for the camper’s scissor steps. It’s a simple yet ingenious upgrade that makes everyday use more convenient and enhances the camper’s overall functionality.
The Details That Make the Difference
One feature Kevin is especially proud of is something many people might overlook—the rounded aluminum corners.
Instead of fabricating them from scratch, Kevin tracked down a company that manufactures spun aluminum dishes and adapted those pieces to create the camper’s distinctive corner caps.
It’s a clever solution that perfectly captures the flowing curves of classic aluminum travel trailers.
Another critical step came when the exterior aluminum skin was installed. The aluminum panels were bonded to the birch frame work using 3M Marine Adhesive 5200, dramatically increasing the rigidity of the camper while creating a weather-resistant exterior.
Every Comfort of a Modern RV
Despite its vintage appearance, this camper is equipped with virtually every convenience you’d expect in a modern truck camper.
Inside you’ll find air conditioning, a separate heater, an indoor wet-bath, a refrigerator/freezer, microwave, and a propane cooktop with a range hood. There’s also a bathroom exhaust fan, outdoor lighting, a satellite radio hookup, a king-size bed, and plenty of cabinetry for storage.
And, according to Kevin, his wife’s favorite feature is the built-in wine rack. It’s classic Avion styling wrapped around thoroughly modern functionality.
Three Separate Electrical Systems
Kevin didn’t cut corners behind the walls, either. The camper features three independent electrical systems.
One 12-volt circuit powers the truck-related lighting, including the clearance and brake lights.
A second 12-volt system—fed by two 6-volt lead-acid batteries—handles the camper’s interior lighting and other DC loads.
Finally, an inverter provides 120-volt AC power for household appliances when off-grid.
The plumbing uses conventional ABS piping feeding three holding tanks, making the camper fully self-contained.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
Working with aluminum wasn’t always easy. Kevin admits that soft aluminum can be surprisingly difficult to keep perfectly smooth.
“If I built another one,” he says, “I might use a thicker gauge aluminum to reduce the waviness—but then again, that would add weight. It’s always a trade-off.”
That’s perhaps the biggest takeaway from the project.
Every design decision involves balancing strength, weight, appearance, and practicality.
Surprisingly Efficient
The camper rides on a Ram 3500 4×4 equipped with the legendary 6.7L Cummins diesel. Even more surprising?
Kevin reports averaging around 19 mpg while hauling the camper.
He credits the camper’s relatively light weight and aerodynamic shape for the impressive fuel economy—proof that thoughtful design can pay dividends on the highway.
One Project Ends…Another Begins
After completing such an ambitious build, many people would simply enjoy it for years. Not Kevin. He is already thinking about the next project.
“This is the first time I’ve taken on something of this scale,” he says. “I’ve restored several cars in the past, but this was an entirely different matter.”
Now it’s time for a new challenge.
Kevin is offering both the custom camper and the Ram 3500 as a package, giving another enthusiast the opportunity to own what may be one of the most unique DIY truck campers ever built.
A Camper We Wish Was in Production
Every so often, a custom build comes along that makes us wonder why no manufacturer has already brought the concept to market.
Kevin Stitt’s aluminum truck camper is one of those builds.
Blending the timeless beauty of vintage Airstream and Avion designs with the comfort and amenities of a modern truck camper, it’s a rolling work of art that turns heads wherever it goes.
If enough people agree, maybe one day a manufacturer will finally build the aluminum truck camper so many of us have been waiting for.
Until then, Kevin’s handcrafted masterpiece stands as proof that with enough vision, patience, and craftsmanship, sometimes the best camper on the road is the one you build yourself.
Interested in buying this exceptional piece of vintage-looking art? Contact Kevin at socalstitt@yahoo.com for the full details. The camper is located in Southern California.
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