Tom Korth combined his fascination with Jeeps and an incredibly rare truck camper to create something extraordinary. After years of painstaking effort, the result is a remarkably detailed miniature that actually works. Let’s take a closer look at this tiny creation.
At first glance, these photos look like a beautifully restored Jeep CJ-5 carrying one of the rarest truck campers ever built. Look a little closer and you’ll discover that it’s actually a fully functional one-tenth-scale radio-controlled model, complete with a removable camper, working lights, and a functioning third axle.
The full-size Jeep Camper was produced in the early 1970s and is incredibly rare today, with only a few examples believed to still exist. Inspired by a childhood fascination with Jeep CJs, Tom Korth of Germany recreated the Jeep Camper in remarkable detail.
What you’re looking at took three years, countless late nights, and plenty of trial and error. Here’s how Tom brought the Jeep Camper to life in miniature.
Tom, thank you for sharing this incredible model with us. Tell me what inspired you to bring this rare camper to life.
When I was about seven years old, my brother had a remote-controlled model Jeep. It was a Dickie Jeep Renegade Golden Eagle. I was allowed to drive it very carefully, and ever since then I’ve been fascinated by the Jeep CJ.
Dickie Jeep Renegade Golden Eagle Model
That fascination inspired me to build a fully functional one-tenth-scale, radio-controlled replica of one of the rarest campers ever produced, the Jeep Camper.
Tom’s complete one-tenth-scale CJ-5 and Jeep Camper model
Finding the right combination of Jeep body and radio-controlled platform wasn’t easy. There weren’t many accurate one-tenth-scale CJ-5 models available a few years ago. I found that Robbe Modellsport—a German radio-controlled model company—had produced one in the 1980s.
Tom’s Jeep body before and after its first coat of primer
Finding a modern radio-controlled chassis that fit underneath the narrow Jeep body without the tires sticking out was a challenge. I ended up using a Team Associated CR12 chassis after modifying the drivetrain and transmission.
Team Associated CR12 chassis
Can you walk us through the camper’s construction?
The camper was more difficult to build. I only had a few reference photos, and I discovered there were several versions of the original camper.
Above: Photos of the original Jeep Camper courtesy of Jeep, via MotorTrend
Without any dimensions, I had to estimate the proportions. I designed and 3D-printed the prototype, taped the pieces together, and held them against the Jeep. That first version was actually larger than the finished camper.
Part of the camper’s frame is 3D-printed, and the exterior skin is made from sheet material I found at an architectural supply store.
The biggest challenge was making the camper removable and self-supporting on its own axle, just like the original. Getting the third axle to work correctly took a lot of trial and error.
Early prototypes either broke off or caused one of the Jeep’s rear wheels to lift because there wasn’t enough suspension travel.
The third-axle suspension that supports the camper
After all that work, the removable camper and functioning third axle are the features I’m most proud of. They were the most difficult to get right, but they’re also what make the model special.
Above: Examples of the camper’s demountability
The lighting system also took some creativity. The electrical connection between the Jeep and camper uses magnets and pogo pins, allowing me to drive the Jeep with either the full hardtop and lights or the half-hardtop used with the camper.
I started the project about three years ago. It took countless evenings and late nights, along with plenty of setbacks because there was so little information available about the original camper’s dimensions.
Although it’s only one-tenth scale, the model is fully functional. I’m currently working on the interior, which is challenging because I want it to have an authentic 1970s look.
I don’t own a truck camper myself, but researching this rare CJ-5 and Jeep Camper gave me a real appreciation for it. I think it’s one of the most unique campers ever built. If I ever found one in Germany, I’d be tempted to buy it.
What do people think when they first see the model?
The reactions are always fun. Most people have no idea a Jeep Camper like this ever existed. Some think I made it up until I show them a photo of the original. Others say it looks ugly from the front, but I can’t argue with that. The original wasn’t exactly a beauty either!
I already have a few ideas for what’s next. Maybe a Volkswagen T1, Citroën Type H, Amphicar, BMW Isetta, or Silberpfeil. Whatever it is, it has to be rare, unusual, and something you can’t just buy off the shelf.
