VFRMAN
SILVER Star
First off, it should be known that I would probably be better served with a a pop up tent trailer like a Rockwood since I will likely never get to see the terrain it should be ready for.
Let me know where this goes off the tracks because it came up quick and I probably missed a vital component right from the start. And thanks up front to everyone I stole ideas from here on MUD and elsewhere.
Here's the plan. It’s part “build new trailer cuz I want one” and part “garage therapy”, so don’t even ask me “Why the Hell would you do it that way, and not just build from scratch?”
Roof top tent
Batteries
Water
Gas cans
Shower
Propane
Charger/inverter
Kitchen slide out
Plus numerous other things like everyone else
1.[FONT="] [/FONT]For now, use my existing 52”x96” utility trailer as a base. (I built this years ago, 2000# axle/springs, all 2x3 and 2x2 steel tub. Plenty HD.
2.[FONT="] [/FONT]Swap in 3500# axle/springs/315’s/LC wheels/fenders. Do it all so I can put back original parts later on if I want to. i.e re-weld hangers and move on.
3.[FONT="] [/FONT]Add the white pick-up topper/shell/utility box with some “modifications”. This was $50 so hence the attempt to use it and make something cool and functional. Also it’s almost an identical match to the dimensions of my trailer.
4.[FONT="] [/FONT]Make the whole thing “modular”(?) so it can be taken off the utility trailer when not in use. I realistically don’t get enough time to ever use something cool like a camp trailer anyway, but I want something to focus my excess energy on in the garage once I get my new welder going.
5.[FONT="] [/FONT]On the topper:
a.[FONT="] [/FONT]Add 1” sq tube frame work and rack
b.[FONT="] [/FONT]New sheet metal(wish aluminum, but too much $ I’m sure)
c.[FONT="] [/FONT]Add 6” to overall height as part of the framework(This might be part of the height issue and really no reason to have extra 6” I guess.)
d.[FONT="] [/FONT]Love the built-in tool doors on each side that run full length.
e.[FONT="] [/FONT]Love the ambulance doors too with glass. May make plates to cover glass for more protection/theft deterrence, etc. Possibly be able to use this as a camper type set up for really crappy weather? Nice to have some screens in place of the glass maybe? Same for the front window.
f.[FONT="] [/FONT]Use some HD drawer slides I have left over from a second set of drawers I planned to make for the 80. 500 lb Accurides I think. Maybe use them for access to the front, or use them on the side and make a cut out in front of the wheels for a slide out kitchen? Not sure yet. They’re just sitting in my attic now gathering dust.
g.[FONT="] [/FONT]Make 1” sq tube frame for rack and place to mount tent. Also has to be part of the system to be able to lift everything off and set on the garage floor, using my ceiling hoist.
Overall height is my concern the way I sketched it. It’s just rough so I can lower some things if needed. Seems way too high once I added all the dimensions up. Don't mind the chicken scratch comments on the sketch. Thinking with my pencil as I went.
I have it being put into Autocad by a friend so I can play around with the layout. My biggest question is “how high is too high” at highway traveling speed? (given X length X width x height, etc, etc).\
Well that’s it for now. Let the flames begin.
Seriously though, I’m open for any comments. My whole plan was just to use that camper shell somehow and play in my garage. Basically because I just thought it was cool and it was cheap.
On a side note: He has another topper just like it with solid rear doors(no glass), but not quite as good shape. Also a Leer fiberglass truck lid of roughly the same dimensions that I might pick up just for the Hell of it too. Perfect to fit the top of a scratch built trailer for someone that wants a finished lid with all struts/hardware, shiny black fiberglass, etc ready to go. Just build around it's dimensions.
Thanks.
Brian
Let me know where this goes off the tracks because it came up quick and I probably missed a vital component right from the start. And thanks up front to everyone I stole ideas from here on MUD and elsewhere.
Here's the plan. It’s part “build new trailer cuz I want one” and part “garage therapy”, so don’t even ask me “Why the Hell would you do it that way, and not just build from scratch?”
Roof top tent
Batteries
Water
Gas cans
Shower
Propane
Charger/inverter
Kitchen slide out
Plus numerous other things like everyone else
1.[FONT="] [/FONT]For now, use my existing 52”x96” utility trailer as a base. (I built this years ago, 2000# axle/springs, all 2x3 and 2x2 steel tub. Plenty HD.
2.[FONT="] [/FONT]Swap in 3500# axle/springs/315’s/LC wheels/fenders. Do it all so I can put back original parts later on if I want to. i.e re-weld hangers and move on.
3.[FONT="] [/FONT]Add the white pick-up topper/shell/utility box with some “modifications”. This was $50 so hence the attempt to use it and make something cool and functional. Also it’s almost an identical match to the dimensions of my trailer.
4.[FONT="] [/FONT]Make the whole thing “modular”(?) so it can be taken off the utility trailer when not in use. I realistically don’t get enough time to ever use something cool like a camp trailer anyway, but I want something to focus my excess energy on in the garage once I get my new welder going.
5.[FONT="] [/FONT]On the topper:
a.[FONT="] [/FONT]Add 1” sq tube frame work and rack
b.[FONT="] [/FONT]New sheet metal(wish aluminum, but too much $ I’m sure)
c.[FONT="] [/FONT]Add 6” to overall height as part of the framework(This might be part of the height issue and really no reason to have extra 6” I guess.)
d.[FONT="] [/FONT]Love the built-in tool doors on each side that run full length.
e.[FONT="] [/FONT]Love the ambulance doors too with glass. May make plates to cover glass for more protection/theft deterrence, etc. Possibly be able to use this as a camper type set up for really crappy weather? Nice to have some screens in place of the glass maybe? Same for the front window.
f.[FONT="] [/FONT]Use some HD drawer slides I have left over from a second set of drawers I planned to make for the 80. 500 lb Accurides I think. Maybe use them for access to the front, or use them on the side and make a cut out in front of the wheels for a slide out kitchen? Not sure yet. They’re just sitting in my attic now gathering dust.
g.[FONT="] [/FONT]Make 1” sq tube frame for rack and place to mount tent. Also has to be part of the system to be able to lift everything off and set on the garage floor, using my ceiling hoist.
Overall height is my concern the way I sketched it. It’s just rough so I can lower some things if needed. Seems way too high once I added all the dimensions up. Don't mind the chicken scratch comments on the sketch. Thinking with my pencil as I went.
I have it being put into Autocad by a friend so I can play around with the layout. My biggest question is “how high is too high” at highway traveling speed? (given X length X width x height, etc, etc).\
Well that’s it for now. Let the flames begin.
Seriously though, I’m open for any comments. My whole plan was just to use that camper shell somehow and play in my garage. Basically because I just thought it was cool and it was cheap.
On a side note: He has another topper just like it with solid rear doors(no glass), but not quite as good shape. Also a Leer fiberglass truck lid of roughly the same dimensions that I might pick up just for the Hell of it too. Perfect to fit the top of a scratch built trailer for someone that wants a finished lid with all struts/hardware, shiny black fiberglass, etc ready to go. Just build around it's dimensions.
Thanks.
Brian
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