MY Overland Expedition Adventure Camper Trailer Design

[pcampbell]

My "Overland Expedition Adventure Camper Trailer" Design

Well I've been working on a camper/expo trailer design for a couple of months. The design has gone through several iterations and is finally starting to get past the more macro issues and focus in on the details. Felt like since it was getting close I'd share where it is now. The pics don't show the structure and a lot of consideration went into that portion. However, it is not even close to finalized as I am researching implementing it at least in part with a composite structure which completely changes the engineering

Right now, roughly calculated with okoume plywood throughout and a 2x3x.120 wall frame, 35" tires, and a LOT of ASSumptions, it should hit around the 1300lb mark wet. I'd like to have it under 1000 wet...so it's still a rough draft that will likely see many more revisions and late nights.

 

[pcampbell]

Full size (double) bed:

Fridge is accessible from inside:

Plenty of room to do paperwork inside:

Obligatory ExPo white version:

For size comparison:

 

[fj40fax]

I like how you have all of the storage down low and the air space up high. Should keep it nice and stable on the road.

 

[jdholder]

Cool!! Very Cool!!

 

[pcampbell]

Thought I'd post these just because...

Carrying cargo on top was not one of my design criteria, but it wouldn't be too hard to add for certain trips. Not crazy about raising the center of gravity but if the terrain wasn't too bad, it probably would not hurt. The overall COG is really low.

I just think it looks kinda cool with the kayak on top

 

[ThomD]

Now that is very cool. I can't wait to see the build picts.

 

[highlandercj-7]

I like it! Very sweet design.

 

[fj40fax]

Got any overall dimensions? How tall is it off the frame? Where do you source the pop top?

I would like to do something similar, with no pop top and a RTT for the kids to sleep in. Hopefully I would just have to shorten the storage some, and maybe move the cupboards to the front.

Looking good!

 

[pcampbell]

From the top of the frame to the top of the side wall it's barely over 4'. The pop up will add a few more on top of that.

The box from the front face to the most rear face is just over 9'. It's 5' 1" wide for the main part of the box, narrowing to 4'8" at the front face.

The constraint for me on the height of the storage was wanting the fridge underneath. I sized it specifically to fit an Engel 45. I considered moving it to the right side rear, which would require widening the storage area on that side and lengthening the trailer 8". It would hurt my departure angle some, and raise the COG a little, but it could be worked out.

You could get in and sleep with the top closed, but it would be a belly crawl. There isn't much over 2' between the bed floor and the roof. I didn't want to make the trailer any taller so I made the decision to keep it short.

It's like fitting a puzzle together. Get all of your requirements, decide on the components, figure out what the compromises will be, and start working it together. I warn you though...it's addicting!

The top will be built. Likely be composite. To be honest, the pop top is my least favorite part. But a solid top tall enough to stand up in makes the trailer 8.5 feet tall! So the compromise was a pop up.

I designed 3-4 different versions before this one. Some had more amenities than others but the compromises for each weren't acceptable.

 

[Lynn]

Really cool.

I assume that the pop-top is going to be soft-sided?

In the pix it doesn't look like the toilet is going to clear the drivers-side battery when stowed, but I'm sure you've got that worked out.

 

[pcampbell]

Toilet stowes up front...

...but it's nice to be able to set it inside and close the door if the weather is rough...or you just need a quick side-of-the-road pit stop (all those with kids know what I mean)

Top will be soft sided. Likely 12oz army duck canvas.

 

[Willman]

Welcome the ExPo!

Sweet design!

I like it!

When are you planning to build it?

 

[pcampbell]

I've got 2 big projects ahead of this but I'm hoping to actually begin construction mid-February. That will give me time to finalize the design too.

Thanks everyone for the compliments. It'll be a tool in the toolbox so to speak. Perfect for some trips and too much for others. Should be a really good base camp setup yet rugged/maneuverable enough to get it to some fun places.

One major criteria was the front profile. It is designed for 4Runner sized rigs to pull, which is also why weight is so important.

 

[hoser]

Bravo! I look forward to the build.

 

[24HOURSOFNEVADA]

That looks great. I can't wait to follow the build. I will be very impressed if your weight comes in at 1300.

Keep it coming.