EarthRoamer XV-JP "Northwest Edition"

[DionK]

Sweet idea on the custom-molded tank Dion. Will you be building it?
I'll be curious to hear about the cost/volume of a custom tank which maximizes the floor shape vs a pre-built rectangular tank like a Ronco which wouldn't maximize the floor shape but would be pre-built and less expensive I'm assuming.

Without labor and just parts we are looking around $250.00. The plus side though is I will have a mold to reproduce the tanks as fast I as can work. As I go along I am trying to build double the pieces to allow for easy manufacturing in the future. Let's just say I have a feeling this will not be the only Jeep I will build.

 

[mk216v]

Without labor and just parts we are looking around $250.00. The plus side though is I will have a mold to reproduce the tanks as fast I as can work. As I go along I am trying to build double the pieces to allow for easy manufacturing in the future. Let's just say I have a feeling this will not be the only Jeep I will build.

I hear you there....which is an important "plus" for the custom tank when you're trying to maximize space for "volume" builds vs a one-off.
If it were a one-off, the labor to create the custom may heavily outweigh the Ronco "1-and-done."

 

[DionK]

I hear you there....which is an important "plus" for the custom tank when you're trying to maximize space for "volume" builds vs a one-off.
If it were a one-off, the labor to create the custom may heavily outweigh the Ronco "1-and-done."

It depends on who you talk to, I like to think that I can sell custom parts down the line so it is worth eating some labor initially. Plus a custom tank is far stronger than most seam welded tanks similar to a Ronco. Lets say I build a one-off tank that holds 50 gallons of water and is hidden out of the way for $1000.00, vs a tank that only holds 25 gallons that is in the way and it saved you $600.00. It all about perspective.

 

[mk216v]

It depends on who you talk to, I like to think that I can sell custom parts down the line so it is worth eating some labor initially. Plus a custom tank is far stronger than most seam welded tanks similar to a Ronco. Lets say I build a one-off tank that holds 50 gallons of water and is hidden out of the way for $1000.00, vs a tank that only holds 25 gallons that is in the way and it saved you $600.00. It all about perspective.

Understood. There's definitely a fine line somewhere.
PS--Ronco's are roto-molded so pretty robust from what I've been discovering.

Keep up the great work!

 

[Haf-E]

What materials will you be using for the water tank?

 

[DionK]

What materials will you be using for the water tank?

The tank will be made out of fiberglass then a gelcoat to finish it off and make sure it is watertight.

 

[Jeep or Tacoma]

You know somewhere on this forum ( it think) it was years ago I saw an article about welding up plastic water tanks. The article had this guy using a "plastic welder" to form the tank size and shape he wanted and it was for water . perhaps look for that thread.

 

[VanIsle_Greg]

Yes, you can indeed plastic weld a potable and or holding tank. My friend and builder Mike (Wavebreaker on here) took a 20 gal and turned it into a 13 gal to fit his trailer under the bed and in front of the axle. So far 100% watertight and holding up well.

 

[VanIsle_Greg]

Oh and I totally agree on making the mold for additional tanks. It's not like there aren't many Jeep JK's out there that go offroad and need water on board. Come up with a way to hide a FloJet water pump in that same amount of space and it would be the killer one-two punch!

 

[mhiscox]

I know it's a little boring around here, but it's not from a lack of things getting done. I had a really good conversation with Dion yesterday afternoon and was impressed with all the progress that had been made. He's just concentrating more on doing the work than on putting up pictures of what he's doing. (And as the client, I'm not going to argue with that.)

But I did remind him of the truck's fan base and I'm assured that at least a few photos will be forthcoming. On the other hand, he's really focused on getting the entire redo completed so it can be shown at Overland Expo East, and that will naturally limit how much time he puts into posting here.

The bottom line, though, is that things are getting done and I think the chances are excellent that everyone will like the increased livability of the revision.

 

[DionK]

Thought I would give yogis some pics of the progress.

With the new body design I plan on putting opposing windows towards the rear of the cabin. So the Passenger side window has to be filled to make that happen.



window removed



window frame had to be cut out.



then I proceed by filling it with fiberglass and foam.



three layers of 6 ounce fabric and we are ready to start sanding. Try to ignore the Dodge Ram in the background, also do not assume that I am getting ready for a Ram based camper truck build!

 

[DionK]

Now to the start of the cabinets.



riverside face frame cut and ready to assemble.



I am assembling the main body of the cabinets in the vehicle to ensure they fit. Lots of trimming and saying to make the rear of the cabinets match to the camper body.



Just another view.

Next week should be a big week for the build. I have two other people joining in the fabrication process, they left Colorado today and we should be cranking away at a rapid pace.

 

[mk216v]

Damn, I always loved that big pass side window. Looking forward to what you have cooking Dion.

 

[mhiscox]

Damn, I always loved that big pass side window.

I don't know why, Jer. You sat squarely facing the driver's side, so the window was behind you, where it wasn't even comfortable to lean against.

Must be those eyes you have in the back of your head. :sombrero:

 

[mk216v]

I don't know why, Jer. You sat squarely facing the driver's side, so the window was behind you, where it wasn't even comfortable to lean against.

Must be those eyes you have in the back of your head. :sombrero:

You have a point.
I just hope there will be even more light in the rig--why I liked that big window.