Spy photo of new AT Trailer

[SinCityFJC]

The design work is complete.

We are looking at possible composites for the production trailer. The original material we looked at is very strong and light weight. Once we have it finished on both sides it becomes more expensive and heavy. We are looking into some other materials that offer the same light weight characteristics and strength but are lighter as a finished product.

A few things we learnt dealing with all of this are; it is never quick, easy, or cheap.

Looking forward to more pics and a expo trailer stateside that will fit on trails I want to explore without climbing a ladder to get into bed.

And as we say in my line of work PRICE - QUALITY - SPEED pick any two

 

[highlandercj-7]

Looking forward to more pics and a expo trailer stateside that will fit on trails I want to explore without climbing a ladder to get into bed.

And as we say in my line of work PRICE - QUALITY - SPEED pick any two

LOL took the words out of my mouth, lol..

 

[Martyn]

Looking forward to more pics and a expo trailer stateside that will fit on trails I want to explore without climbing a ladder to get into bed.

And as we say in my line of work PRICE - QUALITY - SPEED pick any two

As a company AT seems to be unable to compromise on quality. That one factor has a big part to play in the speed at which new products come to market and existing products are produced. The selection of high quality materials and components also has it's effects on pricing.

I don't know that this business model works for everyone.

 

[snakeii]

Martyn is still out playing. Call me (Mario) at the shop and we can talk about your project.

Been too busy to call.

Ok, I'm thinking that going with a full steel frame might be the best route to take to ensure there are no issues with flex or breaks. It will definitely add some considerable amount of weight compared to alum, but its not going to be a pavement trailer... After some experimenting, I've found aluminum (at least the pieces I'm trying out) will bend very little before it snaps. Take a good hit in the frame from a rock or whatever and it would probably be toast. I've considering possibly putting in some steel skid plates/sliders. As simple as some 90 deg angles strategically placed on the bottom/outside corners. They are fairly light, inexpensive and could add some structural strength to the frame. I may also see about getting the alum anodized, which will add strength.

I'll definitely have to consider the cost of the AT suspension/frame or just the suspension alone as a alternative. If you care to, you can PM info/prices or maybe one of these days I'll have the time to sit and call. I just have to watch the budget for this project.

I'm also seriously considering purchasing a mig welder and figuring out how to use the thing. I'd love to save some weight on the trailer, but the truck does have a good tow capacity, so even if the thing weighs 300-400 pounds more its not going to matter too much. Being able to modify or add stuff with a welder would be a cool skill to have.

 

[Hilldweller]

Make/break:
-I think a place to stand up and change as well as take a late night nature break pretty much seals the deal for my SO.
-Fast set-up break down is important to me.
-The dog doesn't get a vote, other wise we would spend every vacation chasing rabbits and finding places to get wet.
-Extra fuel transport is a necessity.

Cost cutting;
I don't know about everybody else but we already have some decent camping equipment. We would be okay with using our existing gear, stove lights etc., to save a few bucks. An upgrade path to built ins would be cool. Maybe a modular kitchen upgrade.

I'm on the same page as you except that the dog gets a vote in our household. That little annex out front will do her fine though.

Comfortable mattress.

Yes. And long enough for a grown-up. Incline-able too please?

Thankfully the demographic group that buys capable off-road trailers don't seem to want to spoil anyone else's fun. They are responsible "Tread Lightly" types, who enjoy camping in remote areas, good trails, and respect the great outdoors.

I count among my friends the children of trailer owners who are being brought up to respect nature and their fellow travelers. They are being introduced to what we love so much at an early age.

There are no secret trails that only a few have the right to travel, at least that is true in most of the West where huge tracts of public lands exist.

Be happy to share your love of the outdoors with others, and help the next generation understand why it is so special. If you need your own personal space drive the extra mile where others may not care to follow.

Okay, okay; I want one.
When and how much? Just the basic unit... I'll use my own gear until I can afford upgrades.
Thanks for making a nice playpen for us, btw.

This is us now:

 

[Dave Bennett]

Ttt

:088:

 

[Cruiser]

How bout a new teaser pic to keep us all going for a little longer,,,

 

[Hilldweller]

How bout a new teaser pic to keep us all going for a little longer,,,

Or a prototype sent to me for beta testing? :1888fbbd:

 

[Martyn]

We are still working on composite materials that fit the bill. Mario just got back from a fact finding mission at the Caravan Show in Dusseldorf, only to report that the Europeans are using a wide range of composites in their designs, but the price of their products is about twice what you want to pay.

 

[Cruiser]

How about the panels they used in the body of the early turtle exp. ford camper. That stuff from nida? nivda? something like that? plastic honeycomb covered with a fiber that gets covered with resin to make it stiff.. very light and very strong.. Also $$$ I assume,, but if your not using large amounts per trailer??

 

[Hilldweller]

Carbon fiber and titanium; you'll save money in the long run because you won't have to paint it...:sombrero:

 

[Dave Bennett]

Mario just got back from a fact finding mission at the Caravan Show in Dusseldorf, only to report that the Europeans are using a wide range of composites in their designs, but the price of their products is about twice what you want to pay.

Awww, c'mon! Caravan Show?

WE WANT PICS!!! :sombrero:

 

[Martyn]

Awww, c'mon! Caravan Show?

WE WANT PICS!!! :sombrero:

An interesting Caravan show, complete with German beer and organic chocolate. Apart from that a few boring things I know you wouldn't be interested in like, energy efficient water heaters, sleep systems, shower units, and propane systems.

 

[Redline]

Nope, we don't want any of those things in our new AT clam-shell off-road trailer

An interesting Caravan show, complete with German beer and organic chocolate. Apart from that a few boring things I know you wouldn't be interested in like, energy efficient water heaters, sleep systems, shower units, and propane systems.

 

[Martyn]

Nope, we don't want any of those things in our new AT clam-shell off-road trailer

Not even the German beer and chocolate?
:26_34_3: