Expedition trailer made from FJ40 tub

[Volcanic Iceberg]

I got my propane tree plumbed and the kitchen fleshed

out.

 

[Volcanic Iceberg]

I worked on the tent material. Trimmed it up and attached it to the tub. I added some straps so the top is mechanically connected to the tub. Its starting to look a bit more refined. Kitchen faucet should arrive tomorrow. Water tank and pump are all plumbed. Propane is plumbed.

 

[Volcanic Iceberg]

Worked late tonight and got the drawer boxes installed. they are on full extension 18" locking in drawer slides.

 

[Volcanic Iceberg]

folding faucet installed.

 

[Volcanic Iceberg]

Here is a picture of the water heater/shower

 

[Volcanic Iceberg]

Just got home from a shake down camping run with the family at our favorite camping spot. Field testing the trailer went well. I've got a few bugs to work out - Nothing major. I got temp. wiring to the water pump and a diverter valve on the shower installed. Hot water is working! Super simple to operate. An on/off switch and one push-pull valve is all there is to mess with. Water heater fires instantly the moment the sink is on or the valve is pushed for the shower. I am giddy.

 

[croozy]

Nice mate, look like you can haul a decent amount of gear with you too. An awning mounted on the side over the kitchen would look killer too I reckon.

 

[cruiserpilot]

So very well done, Sir!

 

[titanpat57]

Kitchen came out fantastic!!

Is that the IKEA 49.00 sink? I just put one in and love it.

Where is the faucet from?...and it does hot water as well?

Thanks,

 

[Volcanic Iceberg]

Thank you! I appreciate all those who have continued to stick with this ultra long build. I'm greatful for the positive encouragement and comments. It has really fueled my motivation to see the project through to completion.

Today, I got an early fathers day gift. A nice piece of kit. It's a Sansport Tuff stove. 18" X 12" Basically a Chinese knock off of a partner stove. However instead of aluminum its made from diamond plate steel. So its heavy. But it has some nice features. It has recessed knobs. Puts out 15,000 BTUs and can be turned down really low for simmering. Stainless steel burners lift out for easy cleaning. Best part is I found it locally unused for $30. You can get it for $55 on amazon. I think partner stoves are around $260 + shipping so I'll give it a shot.

First impression is that it is good quality. Better than I would have expected. Knobs, handles, everything is tight. Fired right up and burners adjust nicely. It's an inch taller than a partner so it can't ride in that spot with the kitchen retracted, but that's a small trade off. I am excited to get it out in the hills and cook a gourmet meal.

 

[Volcanic Iceberg]

Titan, good eye. Sink is from IKEA as are the matching sink accessories. Faucet is a scandvik compact single leaver mixer. So it has hot water. I ordered it through Defender products. It was reduced from $175-$125 due to a tiny scratch that I can't even see.

 

[kybishop]

I really dig that faucet.

I didn't read through the entire build, skimmed through it. Very nicely done.

Does your faucet rely on an on board storage tank only or do you have an option to hook to an outside source? I apologize if I missed that part in the build thread.

 

[Volcanic Iceberg]

I really dig that faucet.

I didn't read through the entire build, skimmed through it. Very nicely done.

Does your faucet rely on an on board storage tank only or do you have an option to hook to an outside source? I apologize if I missed that part in the build thread.

I have a 21 gallon tank stuffed in the front of the trailer. I don't typically camp in areas that have running water, so I bring it with me.

 

[Volcanic Iceberg]

I've had the trailer out several times. I absolutely love it. The hot water is fantastic as well as the lantern mast over the kitchen. Being able to sleep on a real mattress, take a shower, wash my hands with hot water, and have an organized kitchen makes all the difference in an enjoyable excursion. I just bought another 40 series to pull it while I build my 4 door project. Next, id like to make a slide out tray for my gear in the back so its easier to access.

 

[cruiserpilot]

Brilliant! Absolutely fantastic. If you could post a link to that stove I'd appreciate it. J

 

[Volcanic Iceberg]

The stove is a Stansport 2 burner diamond plate tough stove. I actually bought it off a local classified ad. I do really like it although it's heavy. I took the windscreen/ lid off since it sits down in its own spot which is wind protected.

 

[Volcanic Iceberg]

No posts for a long time..... I took the trailer out several times over the summer. I had a great time in Northern, and Southern Utah. I even made it out to western Nevada to great basin NP. (The families favorite summer trip) through it all, I discovered several items that needed attention on the trailer. My plumbing leaked, wiring for the water pump wasn't secure and was a tangled mess, one drawer slide rattled loose causing the kitchen to bind sliding in and out, dust infiltration was a problem, and the unsupported water tank bulged into the path of the kitchen. I guess that's why you do shakedown runs on one off DYI trailers.

We've had a lot of snow this winter and its been cold. Work at the new job has been demanding, and all I can think about is going on an adventure. So I've spent the last 2 weeks addressing all the above listed issues and a few more.

One of the ideas I had was trying to extend my adventure season. I needed heat and insulation. For heat I bought a 3000 btu propane radiant golf cart heater. I hang it from the ceiling at the foot of the bed. It's plumbed to the tank with an 8' hose. I also use for the grill. For insulation, I bought some closed cell reflective......well its similar to bubble wrap sandwiched between tin foil. I have enough to wrap the inside of the trailer against the tent material. It clips to the inside drip rail making a cocoon which reflects the radiant heat back on me. It's pretty cosy. I think I'm ready for 4 season camping

I had planned on utilizing the space between the drawer slides for a slide out platform out the end of the kitchen. I just never got around to building it. It's installed now and makes a perfect place for a food box, grill, or cooler.

 

[Volcanic Iceberg]

Set up in my garage as I make repairs and test the various systems. Heater and insulation work really well. I'm excited to get it back on the trail.

 

[Volcanic Iceberg]

32° and snowing last night and I was cozy inside with the heater and insulation.

 

[Volcanic Iceberg]

Here is a quick video walk around. Watch "Home built expedition trailer" on YouTube -