My Backcountry Camper Trailer Build
- Thread starter R_Lefebvre
- Start date
RgrBox
Adventurer
Thankd for th elink.. I've been looking fo rthese everywhere.. nothing over my way..
Mike B.
Mike B.
That's what I'll do if I have to.
That's fine. I would have liked to have had it lower too, but it just didn't really fit anywhere else. The mount had to be bolted to structure, not just sheetmetal, and the large expanse on the back has nothing behind it. So, it's bolted to a vertical member, and a roof bar. I did have in mind a lot of trucks and expedition campers in particular that have it mounted in a similar location.
It's a compromise, but it's really not an issue. It fits into the slipstream of the tent. I made sure of that. I will in all likelihood make a new mount for it that will move it more central and lower, at some point. Just to make you guys feel better.:coffeedrink:
Edit: Just pulled the trigger on these puppies that I'm going to use for the slide-out for the fridge and stove. I shoulda done this long ago and stopped screwing around trying to figure out a cheaper way.
http://www.leevalley.com/hardware/page.aspx?c=1 &cat=3,43614,43620&p=58870
Edit 2: Anybody have any good ideas for how to seal the slots in the roof through which the tent mounting bolts fit? Basically, there's 8 slots, 1/4" wide, 1" long through which pass the bolts. Right through the sheet metal. The seal would preferrably be flexible, and I'd really like reusable but I doubt I'll be so lucky. I was thinking, worst case, squirt a little foam up there. Won't see it unless you look through the tiny gap between the roof and the tent. I'm not sure I could glop some silicone because it would probably just drip out.
R_Lefebvre
Expedition Leader
Yeah, it's not just the working on the trailer part, this whole summer the weather has completely sucked. In June I said "Ok, I'm not sacrificing the summer for this trailer, if the weather is nice, we're going anyway." But the fact is, the summer just sucked. Way below average temps. I sat shivering on the beach the few times I went.
This was a GLORIOUS weekend! :wings: Farking hot and sweaty, but much appreciated!
R_Lefebvre
Expedition Leader
I still have hope to get out with it this fall. Yup, I'm in Ontario. I actually lived in Hudson QC for a few years. Went to CEGEP John Abbott.
dlbrunner
Adventurer
I read most of the thread. well skimmed it.
cool Trailer, only a few questions....
Are you going to give the little boy a window to look out? A ship porthole would be pretty cool on the back
I gotta say it looks kinda like a creepy body hauler without a window.
Just curious about egress too, do you plan on being able to close up the sleeping compartment for the kids when the weather gets bad? If so, can they open up from the inside when "nature calls". Also what about ventilation.
With all the thought you have put into the build tus far I'm sure you have solutions in mind, maybe I missed them in earlier posts.
I really like it though, keep up the good work! My GF's Kids would go nuts having a good time in that thing!
cool Trailer, only a few questions....
Are you going to give the little boy a window to look out? A ship porthole would be pretty cool on the back
I gotta say it looks kinda like a creepy body hauler without a window.
Just curious about egress too, do you plan on being able to close up the sleeping compartment for the kids when the weather gets bad? If so, can they open up from the inside when "nature calls". Also what about ventilation.
With all the thought you have put into the build tus far I'm sure you have solutions in mind, maybe I missed them in earlier posts.
I really like it though, keep up the good work! My GF's Kids would go nuts having a good time in that thing!
R_Lefebvre
Expedition Leader
The steel door will fold down to reveal a wooden wall which will be the protection from the elements. The wooden wall will have a large window which can open for ventilaton. There will also be a door for entry, which can of course be opened from the inside. It will probably have a window in it too, and the door could be left open on for more ventilation when required. I will decide on the rear window later. I have decided I will insulate the compartment from the rest of the trailer.
R_Lefebvre
Expedition Leader
Titanpat57
Expedition Leader
[/QUOTE] As mentioned, the truck is parked so I can climb the bullbar to get in, since I forgot the ladder! :elkgrin:[/QUOTE]
LOL..how many times did you walk by it while loading and say "damn...I gotta throw that ladder in.." Been there, done that bro :snorkel:
Nice to see a "live action shot" and you using it and enjoying it!!
:smiley_drive: Enjoy !!
LOL..how many times did you walk by it while loading and say "damn...I gotta throw that ladder in.." Been there, done that bro :snorkel:
Nice to see a "live action shot" and you using it and enjoying it!!
:smiley_drive: Enjoy !!
R_Lefebvre
Expedition Leader
You know... I didn't even look at it and think about it. It was hiding behind my motorcycle and just totally slipped my mind!
I'm not sure if I'll store it in the tent regularly or not. Probably not. I think it'll normally be stored in the kids sleeping area. That will be where I put all the large/bulky/light objects. Camp chairs, etc.
I've been tinkering on the wiring. Have the battery installed and wired. Front and rear work lights set up, awesome having the switch right on the light. 2 LED puck lights in the kitchenette. Pics soon.
I'm not sure if I'll store it in the tent regularly or not. Probably not. I think it'll normally be stored in the kids sleeping area. That will be where I put all the large/bulky/light objects. Camp chairs, etc.
I've been tinkering on the wiring. Have the battery installed and wired. Front and rear work lights set up, awesome having the switch right on the light. 2 LED puck lights in the kitchenette. Pics soon.
R_Lefebvre
Expedition Leader
Well, I just got back from the weight scales to find out what she weighs before the interior gets installed. It came out to...
Wait for it....
850kg, or 1870lbs!
That is with the Maggiolina Safari Large (125lbs), spare tire (60lbs) and battery installed (80lbs). I'm absolutely ecstatic. The actual dry weight is 1605lbs, so about 500lbs heavier than an empty Horizon. Considering the size, toughness, and functionality of this thing, I think it's fantastic. I figure by the time I get the interior installed it'll be around 2000-2100 lbs. And there won't be much cargo on top of that, because so much is built-in. Maybe 2500lbs fully loaded? So I'll be at the bottom end of the weight range for this suspension (they recommend 2000lbs min for the 3500lb suspension).
Maybe not everybody gets it, but I'm over the moon. I was so terrified I'd get on the scales and find it to be 2200lbs or something. :wings:
Wait for it....
850kg, or 1870lbs!
That is with the Maggiolina Safari Large (125lbs), spare tire (60lbs) and battery installed (80lbs). I'm absolutely ecstatic. The actual dry weight is 1605lbs, so about 500lbs heavier than an empty Horizon. Considering the size, toughness, and functionality of this thing, I think it's fantastic. I figure by the time I get the interior installed it'll be around 2000-2100 lbs. And there won't be much cargo on top of that, because so much is built-in. Maybe 2500lbs fully loaded? So I'll be at the bottom end of the weight range for this suspension (they recommend 2000lbs min for the 3500lb suspension).
Maybe not everybody gets it, but I'm over the moon. I was so terrified I'd get on the scales and find it to be 2200lbs or something. :wings:
XJBANKER
Explorer
Close to your original assumptions
I think that's still way too light. I'm building a trailer almost exactly the same size and it'll be pushing 1500 just for the bare bones. Now, they have used more engineered folded sheet metal and have better strength to weight. But I just can't believe it's 900lbs rolling dry weight. Just the axle, springs, brakes and 3 wheels is probably 400lbs.
__________________
-Rob
Zelix
Adventurer
Wow, That is an absolutely fabulous trailer. Your fab skills are top notch. It really doesn't weigh that much considering how stout and heavy duty built it is. Congrats on a great build. :sombrero:
BTW: I'm also diggin that tent. I wish I had the cash to lay out for one of them.
BTW: I'm also diggin that tent. I wish I had the cash to lay out for one of them.
R_Lefebvre
Expedition Leader
Thanks guys, yeah, I almost didn't want to open my eyes and look at the scale. I know I blew away my budget, and was worried I'd done the same with the weight. I guess I have a lot of scrap metal left over, because I think I bought almost 2000lbs of steel. I think the key to the weight is that it's simple. There's no bracketry needed, or subframes or skid plates or anything. I kinda think like Colin Chapman, everything has at least two functions.
I also know in the future I could easily take another 1-200lbs out by replacing the doors with aluminum ones.
And, BTW, I compare it to the Horizon not because I think it's better or something, but because the Horizon is sort of a benchmark. :26_7_2:
I also know in the future I could easily take another 1-200lbs out by replacing the doors with aluminum ones.
And, BTW, I compare it to the Horizon not because I think it's better or something, but because the Horizon is sort of a benchmark. :26_7_2: