My Backcountry Camper Trailer Build
- Thread starter R_Lefebvre
- Start date
R_Lefebvre
Expedition Leader
Oh yeah, I was looking around last night... a Kimberley Kamper is like 2000lbs empty, ~2500lbs loaded, right? This trailer is definitely intended to be in that class.
dieselcruiserhead
16 Years on ExPo. Whoa!!
Looking very nice Rob...
R_Lefebvre
Expedition Leader
Thanks!
And I just changed my thread title to better reflect the intent. Thanks to the Scott in the Fireside forum for the thread which brought the term to light.
And I just changed my thread title to better reflect the intent. Thanks to the Scott in the Fireside forum for the thread which brought the term to light.
Scott Brady
Founder
They just do not have enough compression travel to dampen trail impacts, especially at speed. That energy will be absorbed partially by the tires and the torsion joint, but the rest will translate into impact to the load and the trailer will bounce quite a bit. The AT suspension is exceptional at managing these impact, but a leaf suspension will be about the half-way point between the torsion axle and independent airbag. Just like on the truck, damping the suspension cycle will greatly improve performance of the trailer.
I have owned two trailers with torsion axles. They do great on the road and even do ok in the really rough stuff, but struggle greatly in all of the moderate speed trail work. There is just not enough compression and no damper. In addition, you are using a 3500 lb. axle, which is a bonus from the strength perspective, but a 2,000 lb. trailer will have a harder time compressing that 3,500 rated torsion bushing.
Just some feedback to consider.
Overall, the trailer looks strong, and if you resist the urge to overload it and put anything in the truck, it looks like a good choice for a family of four. Most of all, I applaud your effort to build it yourself.
Titanpat57
Expedition Leader
I think after watching this unfold, and seeing the current state that it's in..I would be tempted to insert panels with windows in the big openings. 1" x 1" tube frame w/ 1/2 plywood skinned with filon. I used FRP panel on the sides of mine..but it's not UV resistant, so I painted it. The it would be easy to add RV windows that are cheap enough on ebay( I paid 60$ for two)
I think I would also put a fold down bunk(s) hinged to the outside walls on each side that fold down to the center. If it's not so nice out the kids could fold the bunks up and use the center area to play in. I see there is no access to rear, but I guess a side door could be used?. I bought the RTT room add on for under the tent and cut a carpet liner that finishes the inside nicely. As far as insulation, I would have it sprayed by a contractor or DYI blue foam..it makes a huge difference, and add some 3'/8 pre-finished plywood just to cozy it up. If you wanted to build extendable sides..or even modular componants that fit together to make the bunks it's doable. excuse the crude drawing...only trying to help.
I made my own awnings this spring and they work good. I'm currently working on a concept II trailer on sketch up and hope to start construction in a month or two.
I don't have any of the mad welding skilz like you, but the quality of your build has inspired me to make a stronger frame and do it right. Like you...I have no plans to go heavy off road (more because of vehicle constraints) but my trailer performs as I need it to.
Looks awesome...keep it up!
Pat
I think I would also put a fold down bunk(s) hinged to the outside walls on each side that fold down to the center. If it's not so nice out the kids could fold the bunks up and use the center area to play in. I see there is no access to rear, but I guess a side door could be used?. I bought the RTT room add on for under the tent and cut a carpet liner that finishes the inside nicely. As far as insulation, I would have it sprayed by a contractor or DYI blue foam..it makes a huge difference, and add some 3'/8 pre-finished plywood just to cozy it up. If you wanted to build extendable sides..or even modular componants that fit together to make the bunks it's doable. excuse the crude drawing...only trying to help.
I made my own awnings this spring and they work good. I'm currently working on a concept II trailer on sketch up and hope to start construction in a month or two.
I don't have any of the mad welding skilz like you, but the quality of your build has inspired me to make a stronger frame and do it right. Like you...I have no plans to go heavy off road (more because of vehicle constraints) but my trailer performs as I need it to.
Looks awesome...keep it up!
Pat
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R_Lefebvre
Expedition Leader
Ok, I see where you're coming from. My experience with trailer leaf springs has not been good, and I can't see how these could possibly be worse. But, I could totally see how Sami springs, or other long travel ones would be better than these.
I'll have to take it easy on the trails, and see how they make out. I don't drive fast on the trails anyway. I tend to be pretty easy on the equipment. I'm pretty quick in a car, but I've got too much mechanical sympathy to be a professional driver. I think my use of the truck is the same.
If they pose a real problem, I'll change them out. I've got a solid structure underneath that could go to leafs easily, or some kind of independent setup if I got really ambitious.
Pat, the one thing I wouldn't change if I started new, is the frame. The difference in weight between 2x2, 2x3 and 2x4 really isn't that much in the grand scheme of things, yet 2x4 is SO much stronger. So if you have the chance, do it.
I do plan on insulating it. I'll probably put foam insulation glued to the back of the interior plywood pannels. I'll also be using spray on foam in some places to damp out the BONG! noise they make right now. I didn't quite get what you meant by the bunkbeds? The kid's space is only 29" high, so there's not enough room to stack 'em. It'll just have a mattress on the bottom, and when they're playing in there, they'll just be on the mattress.
What you drew is exactly what I'll be doing when it's time to extend the space. Only, the sleeping side is the other side.
The awning, I'm still trying to figure out. Not sure between an awning, or just a big tarp over the whole thing like what the Conqueror trailers use.
Martyn
Supporting Sponsor, Overland Certified OC0018
Rob
I'm sorry to hear this. You always have lots of useful insight to share. Would you consider just hanging in the trailer section?
R_Lefebvre
Expedition Leader
I appreciate that Martin. I've been advised by the powers that be to "not be a target", and it appears that almost anything I post is fair game so, it's hard to want to continue. Since I'm a man who uses his real name, and doesn't hide behind his keyboard, I put myself in a position to be slandered. I'll probably set up a photo journal somewhere and PM you and anybody else interested.
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Martyn
Supporting Sponsor, Overland Certified OC0018
Rob
In my book your always welcome on this forum, either as yourself or some other name. You say what you think, back it up by good solid evidence, and you are polite and to the point.
I have no idea what transpired to make you want to leave. Sleep on it, and come back as yourself or your "twin".
In my book your always welcome on this forum, either as yourself or some other name. You say what you think, back it up by good solid evidence, and you are polite and to the point.
I have no idea what transpired to make you want to leave. Sleep on it, and come back as yourself or your "twin".
R_Lefebvre
Expedition Leader
Yes, I deleted all the other attachments in my profile save for those. I'll take them down once I find a better place to put them and let you guys know directly.