My take on a Camping/ Expo Trailer Build
- Thread starter KLT88YJ
- Start date
JOSX2
Observer
sweet build man! You're entire thought process of initial plans to where it is now is right along with how my thoughts are turning out 
Right up to the Mt. Rainier CVT too...I'm looking at that one too for me & my family.
I was thinking a HF trailer & fiberglass tub...but after a couple weeks of thought/researching, I found what looks to be an m416 frame with a usable wooden tub (until I strip the wood out & redo it my own way) on CL I may be able to get for relatively cheap. Seeing you build your tub outta wood gave me some hope/inspiration that it does work out!
Definitely gonna follow how this progresses
Right up to the Mt. Rainier CVT too...I'm looking at that one too for me & my family. I was thinking a HF trailer & fiberglass tub...but after a couple weeks of thought/researching, I found what looks to be an m416 frame with a usable wooden tub (until I strip the wood out & redo it my own way) on CL I may be able to get for relatively cheap. Seeing you build your tub outta wood gave me some hope/inspiration that it does work out!
Definitely gonna follow how this progresses
KLT88YJ
Observer
sweet build man! You're entire thought process of initial plans to where it is now is right along with how my thoughts are turning out
I was thinking a HF trailer & fiberglass tub...but after a couple weeks of thought/researching, I found what looks to be an m416 frame with a usable wooden tub (until I strip the wood out & redo it my own way) on CL I may be able to get for relatively cheap. Seeing you build your tub outta wood gave me some hope/inspiration that it does work out!
Definitely gonna follow how this progresses
Not sure why, but I never got any of these notifications. I've also been away for a while too!
JOSOX2, thanks for the kinds words! Pretty pleased with how she's turned out so far. The tongue and groove is pretty resilient too.
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KLT88YJ
Observer
AA1PR thanks! I try and split my time between the sites.
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KLT88YJ
Observer
I got around to installing the awning (79" CVT). The combo looks good.
I also skinned the back corner (black diamond plate) and added a brace on the underside where I installed my propane tank. When we get back from our up coming trip I'm going to work on finishing up the diamond plate.
Lastly I opted not to run "shore" power in the trailer for now, opting only to use my solar panels and solar generator. This will run cell phones (recharge), my 12V (3A drawl) pump for my shower and also power my 12V LED light strip for my awning (pics to follow). Here's some pictures of the Solar generator for now. I used a .50cal ammo can.
I'll try and check back in a little sooner this time.
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I also skinned the back corner (black diamond plate) and added a brace on the underside where I installed my propane tank. When we get back from our up coming trip I'm going to work on finishing up the diamond plate.
Lastly I opted not to run "shore" power in the trailer for now, opting only to use my solar panels and solar generator. This will run cell phones (recharge), my 12V (3A drawl) pump for my shower and also power my 12V LED light strip for my awning (pics to follow). Here's some pictures of the Solar generator for now. I used a .50cal ammo can.
I'll try and check back in a little sooner this time.
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KLT88YJ
Observer
I got around to installing the LED light strips on my awning. The strips are 24" long and drawl .36A. The light output is pretty good. Haven't run them at night yet (on the trailer), but having them in my house, they definitely lit the room up.
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Last edited:
KLT88YJ
Observer
biskit, thank you! I appreciate the kind words. There will be more to come...!
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KLT88YJ
Observer
I've been horrible with posting updates. I ended up taking the jeep and trailer on a 1700 mile trip this past summer. My cousin and I made the drive from Maryland to Mackinac/ St. Ignace Michigan in one day. We headed out at 0430 hours and made it to our camp site at Straights State Park by 1830 hours.
Shortly after we left (home) it started raining, and continued to rain until we reached Saginaw Mi. I was able to see parts of the original Willys Jeep factory, Smoke stack and the highway sign "Willys Pkwy"!
The Mackinac bridge was a welcomed sight, as we were looking forward to relaxing with a beer at our water front site!
Whelp, after all that, we didn't feel like cooking so we made our way into town (St. Ignace) and ate at Clydes, an authentic drive in. Enjoyed some delicious fresh made burgers and fries. While watching classic cars go by, this weekend happened to be their annual Upper Peninsula car show!
Made it back to the campsite to enjoy a beer and a cigar and take in the view.
Also found this a good time time to "test" out my awning lights.
The next day we headed into town, boarded a ferry and headed over to the "Island".
Downtown Mackinac Island
We opted to rent bikes, and rode the island, 7 miles.
After the island we checked out all of the cars in town, there were some nice ones too!
Made it back in time for dinner, we made pita pizzas over the fire. New favorite camping food here!
Made a fire, grabbed a beer and enjoyed the sights
Headed to bed early, since we still had an 8 hour drive a head of us the next morning. All packed up and headed out...
More to come...
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Headed to bed early, since we still had an 8 hour drive a head of us the next morning. All packed up and headed out...
More to come...
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KLT88YJ
Observer
Our grand plans of leaving early the next morning...yeah, that didn't happen. We finally hit the road around 0945/ 1000. By this time in our journey the sights had changed drastically, as we traveled along the waters of Lake Michigan and Superior for the remaining 8 hours of our trip! https://vimeo.com/183584260https://vimeo.com/183584260
About 2-3 hours in we entered Munising Mi. and stumbled upon a nice surprise...
FORWARD FRANK! After some pics, we went into the "Hill Side Party Store" (liquor store). Turns out the owners of Roam, also own the Hill Side. We talked for a while and made arrangements to check out the shop on the return trip.
Shortly after leaving Munising we ran head into a nasty storm rolling in from Lake Superior
After about a half hour of rain and black sky it was over. Once we reached Wakefield, Mi our excitement was building as we were about a half hour from home.
Even though our road trip portion of the trip was over for the next 2 weeks, there was plenty of fishing, shooting, hay bailing and trail riding!
We also managed to get a night shoot in on the farm! During this leg of the trip, my wife, kids and the rest of my family flew in for a family reunion.
More to come...
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More to come...
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