Building the AlumEscape

2012Taco

AlumEscape
Would you mind posting some more photos of the suspension setup. Something we haven't seen down here in oz. :)

Nice, very nice. I built a trailer with a similar suspension, it was to haul my jeep on, so much heavier load. The beauty of the airbags is the ability to adjust the pressure (spring rate, essentially) to the load. That trailer pulled silently no matter if it was loaded with 5000 lbs of vehicle and gear, or completely empty. I did eventually see the need for a sway bar (sold it before I installed it tho). But my load was heavier, and much higher center of gravity. The air bags were not interconnected while traveling, but I put a fitting in so when I was adjusting the pressure they were interconnected, balancing to equal pressures in either bag. Worked well

Thanks bluejeep, I'm really pleased with how it's hauled so far, it really soaks up the rough stuff which will prolong the life of the whole unit. I'll make note of the swaybar and keep and eye on sway - I think if I end up needing one I have a few options for where I could tuck it in. I have the bags plumbed separate as well to two Schrader valves up by my battery box as having them connected while hauling would make the turns interesting!

Way Down South - More pictures for you! If there is something specific you're looking for let me know and I'll try to get a shot for you.

IMG_0722_zpsf402ca19.jpg


IMG_0739_zps498dfb41.jpg


IMG_0747_zpsc130449d.jpg


IMG_0792_zpse940ffdd.jpg


IMG_0794_zpsade4a3d5.jpg


IMG_1042_zpsb506ce7d.jpg


IMG_1044_zps732f494d.jpg


IMG_1063_zpsb697aa85.jpg


IMG_1064_zpsb14ca27f.jpg


At this point everything was still in mock-up so pardon the cheapo bolts, electrical tape and rattle can primer!
 

2012Taco

AlumEscape
Body construction started with 3/4" tongue & groove subfloor then furred 2x4 for future insulation.

IMG_1072_zpsc06f3d6c.jpg


IMG_1122_zpse2571f77.jpg


Using my Kreg jig on almost everything - works great!

IMG_1086_zpsc9bf5642.jpg


Lots-o-screws!

IMG_1128_zps68f3e3a8.jpg


Rough cut sidewalls and framing. Walls are 1/2" sanded ply and the cabin size was limited to use single 4'x8' sheets.

IMG_1140_zpse5cf96fb.jpg


IMG_1185_zps320c951b.jpg


Coaxing the 1/2" ply while furring/framing was being fitted.

IMG_1200_zps96b118f7.jpg


IMG_1203_zps9e5b0f01.jpg


IMG_1212_zpsef80c84d.jpg


The door to be used - windows were bought off ebay used which turned out to be a great savings!

IMG_1220_zpsf6aa01df.jpg


IMG_1222_zps35abc8e6.jpg


Mocking window locations then committing!

IMG_1228_zps6e65bcd6.jpg


IMG_1232_zps464f6f25.jpg


IMG_1231_zps35a4a730.jpg
 

2012Taco

AlumEscape
More pics!

IMG_1245_zpsb0fd633b.jpg


Mocking rear compartment doors - I ended up cutting down the width of the lower door to leave room for my tail lamps.

IMG_1257_zps40de37af.jpg


IMG_1267_zps7f96120e.jpg


Starting framing out the rear compartments and shelves.

IMG_1296_zps45df7253.jpg


IMG_1298_zps15ae919e.jpg


Mockup with plywood:

IMG_1303_zps11c65067.jpg


From the interior:

IMG_1306_zpsf91c571b.jpg


Starting to cut down the lower door. Had to drill out the rivets then cut down the panel, perimeter trim and frame then re-rivet. Really pleased how this turned out!

IMG_1314_zpse6304ae3.jpg


IMG_1316_zpsaa609a7b.jpg


IMG_1321_zps5f915272.jpg


IMG_1322_zpsc6c122b0.jpg


IMG_1327_zps04891a5d.jpg
 

2012Taco

AlumEscape
Thanks Overland Hadley, it was the best method I could come up with at the time since I was 100% certain the profile I was going to settle on. It ended up that the first cuts were the charm so I just went with it!
 

2012Taco

AlumEscape
More pics!

Framed out the lower compartment more shallow than the top so I'd have enough cabin space to lay out. The lower compartment will generally be tool storage and spare parts (bearings, seals, bolts, etc). I left a cubby on the passenger side so I can stow the Ez-Up without interfering with the cabin door.

IMG_1336_zpsda0b1988.jpg


IMG_1349_zps8c102dc4.jpg


IMG_1352_zps488af9dd.jpg


Fantastic Fan cutout and fit check.

IMG_1359_zps47d9cecf.jpg


IMG_1365_zps3d92bb8e.jpg


I'm a stickler for clean installs and stuff so I blew apart the rear framing after mockup to trim areas to conceal all the wires (there's lots!) and leave space to run spares as well.

IMG_1391_zps8006f67d.jpg


IMG_1392_zpsd710eb48.jpg


Then prepping for CPES - lots of sanding but the belt sander made easy work of it.

IMG_1416_zps41a9ca67.jpg


IMG_1417_zps66c9453c.jpg


I love looking back at far how this thing has come!
 

2012Taco

AlumEscape
Been busy traveling but here are more photos!

IMG_1469_zps905400e0.jpg


IMG_1471_zps8ffc5616.jpg


IMG_1630_zps11f644b0.jpg


Insulation in and CPES going on.

IMG_1539_zps1f8cf0a9.jpg


Frame painted - really happy how this all turned out.

IMG_1567_zps9ffd0bfd.jpg


IMG_1571_zpsc73c1261.jpg


Starting interior finishes. I ended up going with FRP from Lowes/Home Depot; work great just stinks haha.

IMG_1638_zps022f290f.jpg


IMG_1648_zpsf03f429a.jpg


IMG_1688_zps16b8a4ab.jpg


Starting on the exterior aluminum skin!

IMG_1701_zps2953c988.jpg


IMG_1705_zps29f3e6d5.jpg


IMG_1749_zpsa280280d.jpg


IMG_1762_zpsf5f215e2.jpg


Lots of fiddling with fitment and trim to get the results I'm looking for - the bends on the roof and nose were particularly difficult because I only wanted to use a single piece.

IMG_1795_zpse48216a7.jpg


More to come!
 

Forum statistics

Threads
185,544
Messages
2,875,705
Members
224,922
Latest member
Randy Towles
Top