Explorer Pod Build
- Thread starter compactcamping
- Start date
compactcamping
Explorer
It's on the road !!!
Finally completed all the little details like lights, wiring, safety chains, checking that everything is tight and road tested the Explorer Pod :wings:
I’m happy to report it tows great. A highway speeds it tracks nice and straight with no wandering. The suspension is a dramatic improvement over standard trailer springs. Train tracks, speed bumps and potholes that send my flat bed trailer bouncing off the ground, were all no problem. The real test was a 40 mph run down a washboard, potholed gravel road, the springs just soaked up the bumps. Keep in mind this was towing it empty.
There was one bummer, the Trailer Top Tent I’ve been work on still has a few details to finish. So to get the Explorer Pod on the road initially, I removed it and put a Mombasa poly-cotton tent unit on it for now. Although the Mombasa tent does look nice on it also.
Next stop, get it out :1888fbbd:
Finally completed all the little details like lights, wiring, safety chains, checking that everything is tight and road tested the Explorer Pod :wings:
I’m happy to report it tows great. A highway speeds it tracks nice and straight with no wandering. The suspension is a dramatic improvement over standard trailer springs. Train tracks, speed bumps and potholes that send my flat bed trailer bouncing off the ground, were all no problem. The real test was a 40 mph run down a washboard, potholed gravel road, the springs just soaked up the bumps. Keep in mind this was towing it empty.
There was one bummer, the Trailer Top Tent I’ve been work on still has a few details to finish. So to get the Explorer Pod on the road initially, I removed it and put a Mombasa poly-cotton tent unit on it for now. Although the Mombasa tent does look nice on it also.
Next stop, get it out :1888fbbd:
dieselcruiserhead
16 Years on ExPo. Whoa!!
Very nice!
compactcamping
Explorer
Thanks, it's been a fun project and I'm very happy with how it came out.
Well I do hope you keep us in the loop w/ equip. and packing, not to mention a few camping photos. I just noticed you're just up the road from me....maybe I could stop over on a trip to Portland and have look?
:smiley_drive:
compactcamping
Explorer
tommudd, thanks, you didn't miss anything on the the Trailer Tent, still finalizing some bow details, then I plan to have a small batch made. Cost still is on track with the lower end of my original estimates.
bobDog, I'll definition keep posting pics as I start to use it. Sure, let me know next time you're coming thru, I'm in South Salem about five minutes off Hwy 5.
bobDog, I'll definition keep posting pics as I start to use it. Sure, let me know next time you're coming thru, I'm in South Salem about five minutes off Hwy 5.
RiverRatXJ
New member
I may be new, but I have read threw these forums for a while now, and this is my favorite trailer for sure. Ill admit, mainly because of the wood work (carpenter's son myself) but it is some nice work. Would not be hard to convert into a more "off-road" trailer either. But anyway, VERY nice work and it looks great. I would be very proud to have one. Let alone built it myself! BTW: You wouldnt happen to be a cabinet maker by trade would ya? 
compactcamping
Explorer
Thanks for the kind words ... Wood is Good. No not a Cabinet maker by trade, although I have built some.
Yes, wouldn't be to hard to convert from "off-pavement" to "off-road".
Yes, wouldn't be to hard to convert from "off-pavement" to "off-road".
compactcamping
Explorer
Thanks, glad people are enjoying it
slimtwo
Adventurer
I have "absolutely" enjoyed your build; it has truly been an inspiration.
I enjoy working with wood myself, and between you and Stomperxj, I’m thinking I might reconsider my trailer construction plans, I already have most of the tools I need for wood working, and it should be lighter that metal.
Well keep up the great work; I look forward to reading about your first camping adventure in it.
Happy trails!