matthewp
Combat Truck Monkey
I was looking for some advice on design/construction specifics for my camping trailer I am designing. I have gained a LOT of information from research on this great forum, but there a re some specifics I haven’t been able to figure out.
The frame represented underneath the trailer is not exact, nor is the placement of fuel and propane storage. I am currently in Iraq, so I don’t have the exact trailer to look at to reference it, but the cargo area framework (I know) is 4’ wide and (I’m estimating) just under 6’ long with the box planned to be 2' 6" ft tall at the outsides, 2' 10" in the center. The two large lids on top will swing up toward the centerline of the box (aided by a gas strut) and have a weather seal. The rear gate will also have a weather seal.
I do know I will be upgrading the axle to a 3500#er to support the larger tires and wheels (245/75R16s to match the Jeep). The springs have done well with over 1000# on the bed (A Harley and a sport-touring motorcycle) but I am planning to add shocks. I will be making the box out of wood (aiming for high quality plywood or something equivalent) and it will be mounted on an existing steel framed trailer. The inside of the trailer will be roll or paint-on bed-liner and I plan a high strength resin style sealer to the outside followed by a good coat or three of paint.
I do not have the training or garage area to weld. I will have some minor welding done by a shop, specifically angle iron corner posts to give some strength and some protection for the corners. I will also be having them weld up a spare tire mount on the front. I also can’t afford, nor desire to pay a shop to weld up a complete frame though, so that is out of the option.
The slider shelf on the “driver’s” side is for a Weber Q BBQ, so that has limitations on any size adjustments. I decided to carry the wood used for its enclosure all the way across to make an extra little cabinet on the other side while lending strength to the trailer body. The external side boxes are going to be commercial aluminum “truck” boxes (I will adjust the size of those according to the overall length of the cargo box). Anywhere I have the ability to through-bolt rather than screw, I will (and use large washers or steel back plates to spread the weight).
Specific questions I have:
(1) Plywood thickness: I was thinking ½”. Maybe 3/4“ would be better?
(2) Any recommendations for the outside weather shielding (brand/type of sealant, etc.)?
(3) I was also looking at a water tank and not sure what size to use (when I go camping, it’s my wife, my large dog and myself. We would probably only take 3 or 4 day trips normally, with needs for “field showers). Any recommendations on design aim (low flat tank on the bottom of the bed or tall slender up against the back of the cabinet wall) and mounting location (I don’t know if there is room underneath the bed but would be willing to explore that option).
Any other suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Matthew
The frame represented underneath the trailer is not exact, nor is the placement of fuel and propane storage. I am currently in Iraq, so I don’t have the exact trailer to look at to reference it, but the cargo area framework (I know) is 4’ wide and (I’m estimating) just under 6’ long with the box planned to be 2' 6" ft tall at the outsides, 2' 10" in the center. The two large lids on top will swing up toward the centerline of the box (aided by a gas strut) and have a weather seal. The rear gate will also have a weather seal.
I do know I will be upgrading the axle to a 3500#er to support the larger tires and wheels (245/75R16s to match the Jeep). The springs have done well with over 1000# on the bed (A Harley and a sport-touring motorcycle) but I am planning to add shocks. I will be making the box out of wood (aiming for high quality plywood or something equivalent) and it will be mounted on an existing steel framed trailer. The inside of the trailer will be roll or paint-on bed-liner and I plan a high strength resin style sealer to the outside followed by a good coat or three of paint.
I do not have the training or garage area to weld. I will have some minor welding done by a shop, specifically angle iron corner posts to give some strength and some protection for the corners. I will also be having them weld up a spare tire mount on the front. I also can’t afford, nor desire to pay a shop to weld up a complete frame though, so that is out of the option.
The slider shelf on the “driver’s” side is for a Weber Q BBQ, so that has limitations on any size adjustments. I decided to carry the wood used for its enclosure all the way across to make an extra little cabinet on the other side while lending strength to the trailer body. The external side boxes are going to be commercial aluminum “truck” boxes (I will adjust the size of those according to the overall length of the cargo box). Anywhere I have the ability to through-bolt rather than screw, I will (and use large washers or steel back plates to spread the weight).
Specific questions I have:
(1) Plywood thickness: I was thinking ½”. Maybe 3/4“ would be better?
(2) Any recommendations for the outside weather shielding (brand/type of sealant, etc.)?
(3) I was also looking at a water tank and not sure what size to use (when I go camping, it’s my wife, my large dog and myself. We would probably only take 3 or 4 day trips normally, with needs for “field showers). Any recommendations on design aim (low flat tank on the bottom of the bed or tall slender up against the back of the cabinet wall) and mounting location (I don’t know if there is room underneath the bed but would be willing to explore that option).
Any other suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Matthew
