Has anyone on here tried this before?

[weekender]

I was going to build a typical box trailer with rtt but my metal supplier has shutdown so I purchased a contractor style camper shell to put on my trailer frame. I have a frame and axle already assembled and managed to set this beast on there and was wondering how someone else may have attached it to their frame before I attempt this myself. I’m limited to scrap on hand unfortunately.

 

[tdferrero]

Oh this has potential. Followed.

 

[old_CWO]

Is it a full unit with floor not just a topper? If so why can't it be bolted down?

I like this idea as sort of a low effort teardrop type setup.

Pretty cool score.

 

[weekender]

Low budget is key. This won’t be an off road rig. Mostly for family camping trips. We take a trip every summer for 2 to 3 weeks at a time and that’s where most of the action will be.
It has a full fiberglass bottom. Brackets in 4 corners to attach to the underside of a pickup truck bed.

 

[weekender]

That last picture is showing how the clamps work. I was thinking of making something for the clamps to clamp onto similar to that piece of angle. But maybe I could bolt through the bottom; maybe sandwich some steel on the fiberglass so it doesn’t fracture where the bolts are squeezing it.

 

[billiebob]

I'd stick with the manufacturer supplied tie down points. And I'd consider plywood over steel. The steel on a pickup box has a fair amount of flex to help absorb bumps, steel angle has zero flex. Rather than a welded steel side frame why not bolt it to side tools boxes, aka service body style.

 

[weekender]

I was wondering if I should put a 4x8 sheet of treated plywood on the bottom. Not sure what that would gain other than a little protection for the fiberglass.

 

[old_CWO]

But maybe I could bolt through the bottom; maybe sandwich some steel on the fiberglass so it doesn’t fracture where the bolts are squeezing it.

Simpler is almost always better. I would certainly just bolt it down given what you are trying to do here. Maybe weld some tabs or something on the trailer that line up with existing holes in the glass so you don't have to add any more. Other than that I think given how you want to use it, bolting straight to the chassis with some reinforcing plates and rubber washers to prevent squeaking should be just fine. Heck, I want to say Casita trailers are just sheet metal screwed down to the chassis.

 

[weekender]

The big slides are bolted through the bottom with 6 carriage bolts; 2 in front, 2 in the middle and 2 in the rear that I can’t get to unless I figure out how the slides come all the way out or take the silver part of the slide out. That’s probably what I will do; take the silver part off the slides. Not every cross member of the slides have bolts either so maybe I can bolt through all of those?

 

[weekender]

These pics you can see the bolts in the very end that I can’t get to without figuring out how to get the slide out

 

[old_CWO]

Looks like a smart solution. Nice solid mounting and good way to prevent cracking the 'glass. I am thinking you can just flip those bolts over and run the nuts on the bottom - assuming you are welding some bolt tabs to the frame.

You know one or two of those existing holes in the sides look like a good place to use for ventilation if you're going to sleep in it. There are some RV and cargo trailer round vents on the market that might be a close fit.

 

[old_CWO]

...why not bolt it to side tools boxes, aka service body style.

Side tool boxes where the truck bed sides would be is slick idea, it's just wasted space otherwise. You might even be able to work in those pork chop boxes as fenders.

I never seem to find cool stuff like this on Craigslist...

 

[weekender]

Looks like a smart solution. Nice solid mounting and good way to prevent cracking the 'glass. I am thinking you can just flip those bolts over and run the nuts on the bottom - assuming you are welding some bolt tabs to the frame.

You know one or two of those existing holes in the sides look like a good place to use for ventilation if you're going to sleep in it. There are some RV and cargo trailer round vents on the market that might be a close fit.

The plan is to put a tent on top and awning over the rear and use one of the slides as a galley type deal.

 

[weekender]

Side tool boxes where the truck bed sides would be is slick idea, it's just wasted space otherwise. You might even be able to work in those pork chop boxes as fenders.

I never seem to find cool stuff like this on Craigslist...

I don’t think I want to spend the bucks on the big side boxes but maybe cram cheap ones on in front of the axle. I found this on Facebook market place. There were several on there but the major problem to finding them is that not everyone calls them the same thing. Lots and lots of scrolling. BTW it is heavy and a handful.

 

[14JKURX]

Interesting idea.

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