Another LMTV Build... (for sale)

[Rebuilder]

Originally for the camper I was going to keep it simple and just buy an old box truck or U-Haul box and drop it on the frame and go. I would totally be done by now if I had... but I didn't. I wanted something different, more versatile and ultimately more fun to build so here's what I ended up with....

An old Hi-Lo trailer. This one however was never a camper, it was owned by a phone company and had pay phones around the outside for use in emergencies or maybe events and whatnot pre cell phone. Kind of a weird thing to start with but I saw it and it was in really good shape, all the hydraulics worked and the structure was solid so I got it. I really liked the idea of the low roof line when driving. It probably won't help gas mileage but it sure will help off-road.





So with the direction chosen I started the makeover of the "habitation pod". No turning back now.

Since the outer existing outer skin, frame and insulation were all bonded together I decided to just re-skin it with .040" alum. I special ordered oversize sheets so I could make the sides with no seams. I used 3M VHB tape and screws to attach it. I also removed the fiberglass cap from the front so it would fit up tight against the spare tire and air cleaner.



I decided to make my own window frames since I couldn't find anything else I really liked. I bought double pane house windows and fab'd up some aluminum frames to fit. I know there are European window options and I would love to go that route but I also like the idea of building my own. This will be a recurring theme on this build.







Started skinning the lower section and added an access door at the rear on both sides.



I added an A/C unit to the front that when on the truck hides in between the spare tire and air cleaner.



Since I don't need the top to lower all the way down I decided to add shallow storage compartments on both sides. These will house an outdoor shower, some electrical and anything else narrower than 4". Now when lowered, the top of the camper is about even with the top of the cab.





Guess I maxed out my photo limit so on to the next post....

 

[silvrzuki77]

Very sweet!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Rebuilder]

In the rear I added a compartment that will hold the 3 batteries, 3000 watt inverter and hydraulic lift pump.







Now we're getting into the fun stuff. I decided to make a 270 degree awning that will fit across the back to cover the holes where the trailer lights were. I still need access into the drivers side hole for wiring so that side will be removable.







I don't have any pics of it fully open but it swings around and attaches to the passenger side. It ends up being a 7' awning around the back and side of the camper. The plan is to have it support itself without a support leg but I'll have to see how that goes when I sew and install the cover.

 

[pnwginger]

I'm Digging it! keep it up!

 

[Rebuilder]

Great looking camper !
Hope those flat sheets dont expand & ripple too much.

I was worried about that too but they've been on for about a year and it's only slightly noticeable on the narrow section over the door.

 

[Amphibeast]

Yes they do. I think a lot of it is due to years of neglect and sitting around. Any truck that is 20 years old even with only 5000 miles would need some work. If you read thru the Steel Soldiers forum that B85 posted you'll get the idea. The good thing is those guys really know what they're talking about so help is easy to get.

I just worry about repairs costs & expensive parts to replace (critical ones anyway) I have loved this rigs since coming across them a while back.

I assume the MPGs is 6-8? Anyone with better results? Also, What about out of country with Military rigs... heard it is a no-no

 

[Rebuilder]

I just worry about repairs costs & expensive parts to replace (critical ones anyway) I have loved this rigs since coming across them a while back.

I assume the MPGs is 6-8? Anyone with better results? Also, What about out of country with Military rigs... heard it is a no-no

I suppose it's like any commercial sized truck. If something big breaks it's going to be expensive. The good thing is the engine, trans, axles, brakes, air system are all common in the non-military market so parts are available over the counter.

6-8 is about right. It is what it is. As far as leaving the country, Canada wasn't a problem for http://twoifoverland.com/ and I know there are LMTV owners in Europe.

 

[Rebuilder]

At this point I had the exterior of the camper skinned and mostly done so I started working on the mounting. I decided on a 3 point design using a gooseneck ball and coupler in the rear and (2) 2" balls up front. The plan is to make the camper box removable so the truck is more versatile. More on that later.

I removed the bed and cleaner her up so I could see what I was working with.


I decided to remove the upper set of frame rails to make room for the black and grey water tanks that hang below the floor of the camper. This will also allow me to build another lower profile flatbed that will set down on the main rails. Initially I was concerned about removing them but after researching it it sounds like they are there as part of the bed and not the truck.


I ended up using the old rails for the front and rear supports.


Here's the front support showing the receivers for the (2) front mounting points as well as receiver tubes for the lifting jacks. I did the same on the rear support. More on that later :ylsmoke:




Note about the frame rails. They're heat treated so you should never weld on them. If figure for the camper supports it'll be fine but never weld the actual frame


.

 

[B85]

Its very nice. But,where in the hell are you going ?

 

[Rebuilder]

Its very nice. But,where in the hell are you going ?

Not sure yet but anywhere I want comes to mind.

 

[B85]

Ok.
But don't forget it was made for a "ARMY" with 500,000 + helpers.
And backed with a "LOT" of money !

 

[Rebuilder]

Ok.
But don't forget it was made for a "ARMY" with 500,000 + helpers.
And backed with a "LOT" of money !

Roger that. As someone doing the same thing as I am I hope all goes well with your build and the adventures to come.

 

[Rebuilder]

Here's what I came up with for the jacks. Everything I could find on the market seamed cheaply made and overly expensive so I made my own. I could have gone electric for power hydraulic but I liked the simplicity and availability of off the shelf bottle jacks.



Sometimes it's nice to buy the stuff cut to size. It doesn't cost that much extra and it sure does save a lot of time.













These are the pieces of tubing for the clamps at the top.


Split the tube and welded the clamping tabs on.


Coping the upper leg to receive the tube that slides into the camper.


....And I can't find the rest of the pics.... back shortly.

 

[borison]

Looking really good.

 

[Rebuilder]

Looking really good.

Thank you. It's been a really fun project.