Skersfan's New Shuttle Pod Trailer Build

[SWITAWI]

The Shuttle Pod... Ouray Base Camp... This thing has spawned several names already. Since the builder was kind enough to share his build with me I'm returning the favor by posting it for him.

Skersfan - Here is the frame for my new trailer. It will be a sleep inside deal. Very aggressive tear drop type, but looks like the space shuttle, fiberglass walls, sleep inside, air conditioning, temperpedic mattress, heat, hot & cold water,stove, fridge, spare tire, generators(2). Hope to have it rolling by Thrill On The Hill

Skersfan - This trailer will set the off road group on its ear I think. Nothing like it. The only problem is the width, so it will most likely become a base camp trailer, capable of any road, but to wide for some trails. Still a slight bit narrower than the FJ Cruiser, but not as trail worthy as my expedition trailers.

Skersfan - I should have walls done today, they are being bent at All Pro. I am stopping at Stellar trailers today to look at the fiberglass panels. If they are what I want I will order them Thursday with a one week turn around.

Skersfan - The water tanks are under the trailer, and will have access from inside the trailer, under a trap door. 22 gallons of water at axle level will help stability of the trailer for sure. I am very excited about this trailer.

Skersfan - Trailer is coming along quite well. Waiting on some parts to put in, stove, water heater, shower. The tanks are in and set under the floor. The back wall is up, but have noticed a correction needed on the roof. Will have to cut the front cross member and move it forward 1/5 inch. The wiring will be the next project, speaker wires for outdoor speaker, upper marker lights, porch light, outside lights, and interrior lights.

 

[SWITAWI]

Skersfan - Picked up plywood for the walls and roof today, picked up hot water heater. Should have the shower, water heater door, stove and sink tomorrow. Hope to have them in by tomorrow nite. I have not heard from the glass guys for the walls, so will give them a call tomorrow.

More to come...

 

[titanpat57]

Thanks for posting this build, it's a remarkable design and fantastic workmanship.

It'll be interesting watching the finishing touches come together!

I hope you keep this updated often, and here's to the build crew..

Thanks

 

[SWITAWI]

On with the pictures...

That's his previous trailer build above at the right.

 

[SWITAWI]

And it's time to let the builder chime in here... I have taken his comments and added to the appropriate set of pictures, so be sure to go back to the beginning to get the story behind the build in his words. Apologies to all for not inserting them before.

 

[SWITAWI]

 

[SWITAWI]

I 've got a few more pictures to post next, but first here's the latest info...

From 09/01/11
Skersfan - overall length tip to tail 161 inches. Height is just under 7 foot and width is 80 inches.

It is structurally strong enough to go anywhere. But due to the width, trails like the Rubicon, John Bull and others would be off limits. Towing it up Imogene Pass or Engineer Pass in Ouray would be no problem. I weighed it this morning and it hit the scale at 1400lbs with 20 gallons of water on board. My guess fully loaded it will hit 2000lbs and the axles are set up for 2700lbs.

It seems easier to tow than the box expedition trailers and I am thinking it is because of the nose on the trailer. Less wind drag. I hope to find that out by gas mileage.

I have towed it around and it will stay arrow straight at 90mph. It tows in the narrowest of drive-thru lanes. I have not had it off road yet.

It has a tempurpedic type mattress in it. and the whole front is the bedroom like any tear drop. Memory foam is 8 inches thick.

I will try to get some more pictures of the back to you guys tonight. I built the door and now have to skin it with the fiberglass.

Still a lot of work to do on it. But it is pretty quick to build compared to the box expedition trailers. And more cost affective for the builder as far as time committed.

Sleeping is a 75 inch by 48 inch area. It will have stereo, TV and lights inside. I am putting a Restava memory foam mattress in it. That will make it seem wider due to the fact that you normally do not move around much on that type of mattress.

It is wired for air conditioning with heat strip, but that is out of my budget at the moment. I am waiting on ARB awning to finish it. The top will be rubber like the new motor homes and trailers. Want to be sure to tie it all in together and not have to take the awning off.

I will be able to work on it a little tomorrow I hope, but then I am off to Utah for ten days. I will follow the thread while on vacation when possible, so if there are any other questions don't hesitate to ask.

 

[SWITAWI]

From 09/11/11
Skersfan - Got back this morning and have worked on it most of the day. The back door is nearly finished, with trim and seal. Still have to do the bottom of it, but will pick us some aluminum angle for the bottom. ARB awning will not get here until after the 25th, so I am starting on the top as we speak. Have a good start, will hopefully finish it tonight and have it at the bed-liner shop in the morning. Screwed up on the tire carrier, as I had the trailer setting sideways in the garage, it has a forward slant for water to run out so I welded the main bar slightly crooked, will fix it tonight also. May have time to work on it tomorrow if possible.

Still have the 120 wiring and some 12 volt to do. Trying to decide if it needs a center license plate holder with light. I am beginning to think the back is to blah for me.

Will check on the graphics for it tomorrow also. They will come as standard feature, and will be color matched to the tow vehicle. Still have some plumbing left, but after tonight I should be able to use it if necessary.

There are things on it that will be changed on the production/sale model. Just things that I do not like, but wanted to get the basic idea out to try and see how it all works.

I am putting foam rubber on the roof for insulation. It is high quality and supposed to last 30 years, I will have rolled it several times by then would be my guess.

Any comments or ideas would be greatly appreciated. I had planned on outside water access, but the wife nixed that idea. May put a single faucet for draining the tanks quickly. I have not figured out the plumbing for the sink yet. May use a small holding tank in the bottom or try to figure one out under the trailer.

Still have stereo to wire and install, TV cable to run and access from outside to it. Will pick up CB for it and a flag holder.

 

[SWITAWI]

By this point the bedliner had been applied and all the protective plastic had been peeled off the outer skin so this thing's really looking sharp. I'm really digging the serious BASE-CAMP nature of the build. Water, twin generators, recessed lighting, outdoor speakers, CB Radio, and an 8-inch thick memory foam mattress?.. My apartment should be so well appointed.

Don't know about the rest of you, but I'm looking forward to seeing the completed kitchen and interior, some vinyl graphics splashed down the front and sides (color-coordinated to his truck), and this thing set up at an outdoor location with the ARB awning deployed.

Any suggestions on a design for the back door?...

 

[titanpat57]

Hmmmm...back door ehh?

Well...after some thought (and I would do this on any teardrop that has a kitchen area hatch that lifts up) I think I would adapt an awning slide-in track, and contact a company that sews Sunbrella type material. I would have a 3 walled annex made, with the rear wall furthest away from the cooking area) removable, very simular to the T-Van type look

That way it provide a "protection" and privacy on the two sides, but allow the panel facing out to installed or removed as needed.

Just a thought...

 

[SWITAWI]

Hmmmm...back door ehh?

Well...after some thought (and I would do this on any teardrop that has a kitchen area hatch that lifts up) I think I would adapt an awning slide-in track, and contact a company that sews Sunbrella type material. I would have a 3 walled annex made, with the rear wall furthest away from the cooking area) removable, very simular to the T-Van type look

That way it provide a "protection" and privacy on the two sides, but allow the panel facing out to installed or removed as needed.

Just a thought...

Wow, and here I was hoping for just some cheesy graphic design idea to put in vinyl on the back... Always the bonus plan with you, isn't it?

I forgot that with the experts you need to be more specific.

 

[LCHardriver_02]

I am not sure if I saw it or not, but what is the tongue weight looking to be on this? BTW, very sharp looking!

 

[titanpat57]

Wow, and here I was hoping for just some cheesy graphic design idea to put in vinyl on the back... Always the bonus plan with you, isn't it?

I forgot that with the experts you need to be more specific.

Hey...don't shoot the messenger...

I think the only flaw with the teardrop design is the lack of residule space to dress/prep/relax if there is bad weather. I also think anything you can construct from lightweight, waterproof materials that offers shade and/or protection just adds another dimension of comfort for said camper.

The advice is free hater....

 

[e9999]

beautiful

my god, it would take me hundreds of hours to build something like that, assuming I even had the skills.... How many hours does the pro take?


nice door

better lock down those Hondas very securely or they're likely to walk away...

 

[prado t]

WoW! one more time, WoW! Could we see some inside shots? Please and Thank- You.

 

[skersfan]

I have not started working on the inside yet. Just painted the interrior frame. Running speaker wires, and lightting wires as we speak. I did connect the solar, main power feed and controller today. Cleaning the area out now for pictures of the back under counter shots. I did put in the kitchen lights today and have wired most of the 110 stuff.

I want a XM/serius radio for it, so will hold off until next Thursday to get that. Money is running short for the project.

I do have to replace the top, I am not happy with the rubber. I already have two holes in it just driving out of my property.

I will not remove the top until I have the new fiberglass for it. Hopefully by Thursday at the latest.

Still waiting on graphics. Hope to have them early in the week, as I may take it to High Sierra run.

 

[Gibbs]

Looking good so far. Love the garage/work shop space.

 

[arndog123]

Wow! Wish I had the skills to build something like that.

 

[skersfan]

I am not sure if I saw it or not, but what is the tongue weight looking to be on this? BTW, very sharp looking!

As it sets now, very little water in the tanks, bicycle on the front, one generator on the back, no batteries, no fridge and air conditioner, no mattress, it is aat 135 pounds.

I expect it to stay close to that with the counter balencing. As the water is used of course there will be more tongue weight, I like to keep them below 180 and I think that will be where I am at on this one.

 

[skersfan]

Update

I am replacing the rubber on the top with hard fiberglass. I have two holes in it driving out of the driveway so I am not convinced it is the best thing for off road trailers. The new piece of fiberglass will be ready in the morning, I will try to get it on tomorrow.

Setting up a temporary battery system for it to test everything. Setting the solar panel on the inside against the wall. A safe place for it at all times. If I go with a larger one I will mount it on the roof.

Have most of the electrical done and in looms, still have to add 12 volt boxes for fridge and other items to be used later. I am putting two 750 inverters in. One in the kitchen and one in the sleeping compartment.

Will look at having windows tinted when I have the graphics put on. Need to buy some type of day/nite blind for the front and side windows.

Hope to have it on the road, by this weekend so I can take it to High Sierra run near Mammoth/June Lakes.