Budget Basecamp (AK Camper on a service bed)

[LilKJ]

Bittersweet day today in the camper build... was supposed to be heading out with the family for our first outing. I took the trailer out for its first test drive and immediately knew that the suspension was overloaded. Swayed like crazy and the leaf springs are just flat. Oh well, well have to head out without the camper and I'll get some heavier springs under it when I get back.

As it sits now, ready for testing and minor work here and there.

All packed up:


Deployed and ready to camp (takes about 10 minutes to raise top and level everything, takes about 3 minutes to pack it up to go)

 

[LilKJ]

Operation junkyard was a success... found a 1 ton pickup that matched the trailer frame and was able to swap the springs.

Old springs:


New Springs:


Was able to take the trailer out for its first real test drive. Nothing fell apart and nobody died. There's definitely some body roll, but I think that's just something I will have to get used to. Time to get the shock mounts welded on, brakes wired, and take it out for a real test.

 

[LilKJ]

We have running water. Tank will be installed tomorrow (hopefully), water lines need to be secured, and I need to decide where the outside sprayer is going to be mounted.



Hides nicely behind this panel so the space in front is still usable with the outside kitchen.

 

[LilKJ]

Still plugging along... water tank is installed and plumbed, outside sprayer works, outside kitchen is working. At the moment, I'm really just buttoning up the small stuff that seems to take way too much time and waiting for the folding faucet to arrive. Little trim pieces here, paint there, tidying wires, etc. This week I will also be refinishing the wood stove.


It's kind of nice to be putting finishing touches on things. The end is actually in sight on this thing.

 

[LilKJ]

Still working on finishes... still saying the end is in sight.

 

[JoshN]

Why are there not more campers built like this?

Because they are very pricey: http://alaskancampers.com/

 

[LilKJ]

Thought I would drop in here with an update... trailer is still going and is always under construction to try and make it better on our trips.
Thus far it has driven from Colorado to Maine, been dragged all over the north Maine woods, toured the NE, etc. No breakdowns or significant problems.

 

[Buckshott]

What a great build!!! Love your creativity. Lots of good memories will be made with that little rig. Great job!!!

...and the wood stove is awesome.