Thanks for the tips here!
How difficult do you find it to keep this thing warm in the winter?
Nice buck by the way!
Resources for complete beginners? S-250 build-out
- Thread starter MrNobody
- Start date
How difficult do you find it to keep this thing warm in the winter?
Nice buck by the way!
I am thinking of keeping the original fan or at the very least putting a smaller more efficient fan in the same hole. CO monitors for sure!
I’ve lived in 3 US states and probably worked in 30 or so. I have never seen a pickup truck weighed by any enforcement office, but… In California removing the pickup box and changing to a flatbed usually triggers the transition to “commercial”. I have seen flatbed pickups stopped, weighed, and seen enforcement action against them. YMMV, a lot probably depends on who the enforcement officer is and how “target rich” the environment is at the moment. Reading some of the commentary from Canadians in the various threads about weight would have you believe that it is a BIG deal up north, for the authorities and the insurance companies. Again, YMMV and personal risk decisions need to be figured in.
The weight you are talking about seems like a lot for a 1/2 ton truck to me personally, but I haven’t had a 1/2 ton truck in 15 years, and it was 30 years old when I did!
Buffalobwana
Observer
We never tried to keep it warm, so it gets cold, pretty quickly, especially with 7 single pane windows. But, walls are insulated with 1.5” of foam, so I don’t think it would take much to keep the temperature at a comfortable level.
There is a guy on IG who has a very similar looking box in his truck. I suspect he may have started w an S250 and modified it. It’s the same size (+/-). He has a small wood burning stove in his. I think a little ventilation and some basic caution would keep you safe and toasty.
They really are great starter kits for a camper. Kind of heavy. 900 lbs? I forget the weight, but it’s not insignificant. A 3/4 ton or a M1101/1102 trailer would be just fine.
Securing it in a truck, or the 1101 is a bit tricky, but certainly not too difficult.
Good luck! Send me a PM if you have questions. I don’t check here very often. Just stumbled across your thread.
Also, post pics. Very few documented S250 builds online. Not sure why. It’s an easy enough project and they aren’t too expensive ($800-$1500 in 2023 dollars).
For what it’s worth, I can’t recommend the M1101 highly enough. That is the most bass azz trailer ever built. Has surge brakes, it’s wide, indestructible and not too heavy. The construction is amazing. Proprietary rivets that will not wear out, aluminum body and galvanized frame. And the 250 is designed for this trailer.
This solves all of your weight, subframe, and loading / unloading problems. It also leaves your truck open to haul other gear.
well that right there is the pro-tip that I think I have been waiting for.
might have to drive to Arizona as that's the closest I am seeing them. Any websites you gents use in the states for the private sale of these sorts of things?
the only single down side I see to this as the way to go is if the S-250 is mounted on the trailer, I no longer have the space under the sides for solar battery arrays, storage containers, fuel tanks, etc... but where there are problems, there are also solutions.
Buffalobwana
Observer
FB marketplace, Craigslist are good. eBay seems to be overpriced. IronPlanet auctions have been pretty good, but prices are way up. Add 20% (I think?) to the sale price for anything sold there. They have been going for $2000-$3000 total price there. $2500 for a good one in the private market is reasonable.
What state/area are you coming from?
Buffalobwana
Observer
M1101 Military trailer - trailers - by owner - vehicle automotive sale - craigslist
M1101 trailer (identical to M1102). Great shape, tires have always held air, needs a power wash, but, other than that it’s all original, lights, wiring etc. Just inspected brake pads (90% or so) and...
dallas.craigslist.org
I am up in southern BC.
$2500USD is a good chunk of change. Saw them on the auction starting at $500 and thought I might get a good deal!
about 6 hours from here in Alberta there is something similar from Canadian forces at $4900.
Military trailer m101 | Cargo & Utility Trailers | Calgary | Kijiji
Military trailer Registered Comes with additional accessories
www.kijiji.ca
looks a bit small.
Buffalobwana
Observer
Yeah, that’s a bit small.
The 1101’s May start at $500, but they rarely ever go for less that $1500 ($1800 total). If they do, they are in Guam or Hawaii.
The 1101’s May start at $500, but they rarely ever go for less that $1500 ($1800 total). If they do, they are in Guam or Hawaii.
Copy that. I found a 2010 in Oregon for $1950, so thats not too far and on the more affordable end. I will see if I can get my hands on that one. Wasn't budgeting for a trailer...
Buffalobwana
Observer
That’s a very decent price. Make sure you know the laws about registration and if you need a title. Some people don’t pay the extra $ to get a title transfer on trailers. I rarely get titles for my trailers off auction since I can “farm use” them and claim 4000k gross weight.
Take some axle grease and tools to pop off the cap and check the grease before you pull it very far.
Timken sells bearings seals and races for these trailers off Amazon. Here are your part numbers. I don’t know the races part number. I have never had a race damaged badly enough to replace, so I usually just replace or repack bearings.
Take some axle grease and tools to pop off the cap and check the grease before you pull it very far.
Timken sells bearings seals and races for these trailers off Amazon. Here are your part numbers. I don’t know the races part number. I have never had a race damaged badly enough to replace, so I usually just replace or repack bearings.
Timken 14125A Bearing
Timken 25580 Axle Bearing
National 412920 Seal
Thanks for the super helpful tips!
It's looking like I wont have the means to get the trailer this year but will do it next year. I met a welder recently who might be able to build me jack mounts that work well so I can at least use it a bit this fall winter despite GVWR limits and the such.
Deshet
Adventurer
Late to the game but trucks can be uprated legally. My 2011 F350 was rated at 40,000 pounds when I purchased it used. Current 1/2 tons trucks are stronger than trucks built 30 years ago.
If your state (the state where the vehicle is registered) allows you to drive the vehicle then are allowed to drive the vehicle across the United States for private use. The physical appearance of a vehicle doesn't make it commercial in my state. Your insurance company won't be as accepting.
All of the major brands have trucks with slightly uprated suspensions. For example the CNG tanks on my Ford and Chevy 1/2 trucks add weight so that suspension is uprated from the factory.
Just trying to help others. Check the laws in your state. Most of the Senior Citizens driving 45' RV don't have commercial drivers license but they are legal for private use.
I hope to see more pics of these s250 shelters
If your state (the state where the vehicle is registered) allows you to drive the vehicle then are allowed to drive the vehicle across the United States for private use. The physical appearance of a vehicle doesn't make it commercial in my state. Your insurance company won't be as accepting.
All of the major brands have trucks with slightly uprated suspensions. For example the CNG tanks on my Ford and Chevy 1/2 trucks add weight so that suspension is uprated from the factory.
Just trying to help others. Check the laws in your state. Most of the Senior Citizens driving 45' RV don't have commercial drivers license but they are legal for private use.
I hope to see more pics of these s250 shelters