Mini Truck Camper

[-Dan]

Hello everyone!
I'm a new member here and from what I've read in my short time i think i will really enjoy this site. I have been into 4 wheeling for about 6 years now and am wanting to get more into the expedition style of off-roading. I have also been fabricating for about 8 years and find that building and modifying is very enjoyable as well as rewarding in a lot of ways. I hope to learn a lot of useful things from you guys and hopefully help you out along the way if i can.

The initial build of this trailer is not exactly for hardcore expeditions but more of a mobile place to live and explore the outdoors. In the future i would like to outfit it for more intense off road trips.

About two weeks ago i pitched an idea to my girlfriend about building a small and inexpensive camper to live in. Since she was all for the idea we got busy with only about a month to build it. There is also quite a bit of work to do on the vehicle(heavily modified cj-7) that will be towing this camper so there was/is no time to waste.

The donor vehicle was my first set of wheels; Mitsubishi pick up. The first order of business was to start tearing it down a you can see my best friend is doing in this photo.

 

[-Dan]

This is being built on a tight budget so that means no rtt for us. We would also like to be able spend the winter months in this if need be so a shell was our best bet, should be easy enough to insulate and keep warm.

One of my friends gave me this for free. It was sitting in the dirt covering a motor. The line of dirt at the doors shows how far its sunk over the years.

 

[ober27]

I look forward to following this project. I like that you're recycling your first vehicle into something you'll likely use for years to come.
Good luck

Darin

 

[haven]

Dan, Welcome to ExPo and good luck with your project! Keep us informed about your progress. Do I understand correctly that you plan to cut up the pickup and build a trailer you can tow behind the CJ?

 

[cwadej]

I think truck beds make great trailers. I'm building one out of an '81 Ford Courier bed. Cant wait to see your progress.

 

[-Dan]

Planning on towing this behind my cj-7 has me a little nervous, I didn't necessarily build it for towing.It is pretty cool to be able to utilize my old truck. Thanks for the replies!

Got it all stripped down and the excess towed away. Then cut the frame in half, then cut some more

 

[cwadej]

no, not built for towing, YET.

 

[-Dan]

I added a 2x4x.120" crossmember to the frame and then built the tongue on a bench using more 2x4 and 2x2x.250" tubing. Also added fish plates to the outsides

 

[-Dan]

The shell didn't fit perfectly so I'm building a steel frame to shim it up 1.5". Also had to trim a little out of the back bed into the tail lights.

 

[Maria]

hi expo members! I am this crazy guys girlfriend, which i guess makes me crazy too I am learning and dreaming a lot on this site, thanks for all the great info.

I'll add some posts when we get to the storage/organization part of the build.

T-minus 19 days until we start heading east! stops include Tuscon, Denver, Central Illinois, and finally Wisconsin for the summer season. Then who knows?

 

[Mc Taco]

Welcome to you both. Sounds like a great trip. Can't wait to see how the inside gets decked out.

 

[-Dan]

Welcome to you both. Sounds like a great trip. Can't wait to see how the inside gets decked out.

Thanks! we should get started on some interior/storage stuff this coming week. Maria has already started insulating the inside.

 

[-Dan]

Finished up all the wiring and miscellaneous small stuff that always tends to slow projects down.

Took the trailer to the DMV to have it inspected. We were in and out of there about 30 minutes with our new plates and serial number! This was one of the easiest trips I have ever had at that place.

 

[hansrober]

low buck and fun

I like your low buck recycling creativity! I chop a lot of stuff up too. Its really fun being creative and making useful things out unwanted or unused items. Keep it up and keep the pictures coming! Heck campings/exploring is pretty fun as well....but I like chopping stuff up the best. :ylsmoke:

 

[Maria]

here are a few pictures