Skersfan's New Shuttle Pod Trailer Build...

cnynrat

Expedition Leader
Very cool trailer!

I haven't seen Skersfan for years, glad to see he's still working at building trailers.
 

Corey

OverCamping Specialist
I watched Skersfan's build of the smaller Chaser/Horizon type trailer over on fjcruiserforums.com, nice to see this new model come into play.

It is really looking good.
Personally I would skip the generators if I had a setup like that, and I would go with dual batteries and a similar solar setup like I have now for my rig.
 

indiedog

Adventurer
Looking very good guys. Got a couple of questions for you. Why did you go for the rubber on the roof? Better water resistance? Easily replaceable? (Edit; re-read the above info so now know it's for insulation :) )Also, was the fibreglass applied in sheet form or laid directly to the ply? I've looked at doing something like that but it'd be a bugger to lay glass on a vertical surface.

Thanks also for the info on the shed build. :sombrero:
 
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cnynrat

Expedition Leader
Why did you go for the rubber on the roof? Better water resistance? Easily replaceable? (Edit; re-read the above info so now know it's for insulation :) )

In the RV world rubber roofs became popular a number of years ago to reduce issues with roofs that develop leaks over time. This was pretty common issue with RVs/Trailers/Campers that have roofs with any sort of seam in the material. I suspect that is why Skersfan opted for using a solid sheet of rubber.
 
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'05TJLWBRUBY

Adventurer
Wow, Excellent job to you and your builder. This is out of the box thinking, I LOVE the setup, design and layout. Looks great. Can't wait to see it finished. Nice work!!!

Best of Luck,

Mike
 

SWITAWI

Doesn't Get Out Enough
Looking very good guys. Got a couple of questions for you. Why did you go for the rubber on the roof? Better water resistance? Easily replaceable? (Edit; re-read the above info so now know it's for insulation :) )Also, was the fibreglass applied in sheet form or laid directly to the ply? I've looked at doing something like that but it'd be a bugger to lay glass on a vertical surface.

Thanks also for the info on the shed build. :sombrero:

As noted by cnynrat, the rubber coating was applied to the roof to provide a continuous, one-piece, non-leaking, sealed layer for the entire top. I believe the fiberglass sheet was glued directly onto sides. I'm sure each panel was applied as one giant sheet against the already-installed vertical plywood and then he could cut the necessary holes and overall shape using the plywood behind it as a sort of template.
 

bob

Adventurer
Thanks to all for the positive comments.

I am building this for future sales, but this is the prototype unit. I have learned a lot so far. The rubber roof is not a good idea, I have two holes in it driving out of my property. Will order sold fiberglass piece for it on Monday and replace the rubber.

More attention to the wiring in earlier stages would have been nice, but not to big of a problem.

To answer the question about time in the project. The main frame was built in 4 hours, attachment of axle, apporximately 1 hour, upper frame basic in 4 hours and additional pieces another 8 hours. I have 8 hours in the back door design and build. I started the trailer on 2 August, but lost a week waiting on the bending of the upper frame tubes. I have about three weeks of work in the trailer at this point. More time running around getting parts still than anything else.

The plastic under the trailer is how the RV industry protects the bottom from water. The back came out perfect, the front not so much. Next time I will staple the heavy plastic to the top, wrap it around the wood and drop into position. Failed to that with this one.

Fiberglass was manufactured by Eclipse RV manufacturing in Riverside. It has two layers of luan and one of fiberglass, make it approximately 1/4 inch thick. The frame was covered with 3/8 plywood and then the ourter fiberglass was gorrilla glued and screwed to the sides. I also use bolts which will be powedercoated white upon completion.

The front and rear are made of one sheet fiberglass laminated to 1 sheet luan. I routed groves for the bends in the front and back. Just taking the lexan out at 1 inch intervals.

The kitchen will have two lights overhead in the door, and will be controlled by a switch, they both can turned off or leave one on.

Sink is still the largest question. I has have room for a holding tank below the trailer, but concerned about rupturing the tank, as it is in the far rear and worrying departure angles. May buy a moble holding tank and mount it to the expanded metal on the sides, set underneath when parked.

I have an added 110 outdoor plug to passenger side in the meal preperation area.

I spent yesterday rubber taping all outdoor type fixtures for waterproofing and will silicone the outer edge when done.

I am working 12 volt solar controller, stereo location speaker loacation for interrior and doing switches for the out door lights.

I have painted the inner frame with a medium brown paint and will attach short loop shag carpet to the walls for insullationa and sound proofing. I hope to start on that by tomorrow.

There is a major run in Northern California next week, that I would like to make. Will not rush it though.

Any and all suggestions will be listened to.

I am building this trailer for my wife, who absolutely hates the roof top tents. the marketing approach will be to make mommy happy about going camping in the wilderness. I am giving her every creature comfort I can think of. But nearing 65 years old it is pretty kool she even considers going with me.
 
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bob

Adventurer
Thanks for your comments Titan, having built one you know the trials and tribulations you go through, your comments will always be welcome.
 

FurthurOnTheFly

Glamping Society
Bob!! So glad to see you are still around building awesome trailers. Hope to run into you again soon, its been too long! Give Miss Tilly a squeeze for me!

-Heidi
(formerly Miss R2)
 

bob

Adventurer
Well I don't think I can be accused of copying some one else's trailer with this one. We shall see though.

Great to hear from you girl, how is the other half?

I plan to have some more pictures of where I am at on this thing, tonight. Hope to get all wiring done today, start on the interrior walls and set up the stereo area. I am also putting a CB in the box, wiring for TV and doing a XM/serius radio. Just can not affor do a Ham radio in this, maybe down the road.
 

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