Tent trailer question
- Thread starter CJT
- Start date
Mayne
Explorer
I don't see why not. I tend to go to extremes when I build something, so take this with a grain of salt. I would fab up a frame, and bolt/weld the old frame to it, and thus build an off road trailer underneath it. Depending on how wide it is origanally, I would either make the axle so the tire stick out ala M416 style, or build wheel wells underneath and use the space undneath the main tent box as storage for water and such. I love the old apache's and would get one if I had the coin. (I've spent too much time figuing on how to attach an apache box to the M416... it's a sickness really, and has no scientific or social value.)
That's my grandious idea, may help you, may not?
Mayne
That's my grandious idea, may help you, may not?
Mayne
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Deleted member 9101
Guest
Too funny, I am building a very mild one right now:
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Deleted member 9101
Guest
I say go for it, considering new canvas is 700.00+ thats one heck of a deal. Really all you have to do is unbolt it from the original frame, then bolt it to a new trailer and its done!! Its very simple, and self contained.
http://www.apachepopups.net/SMF/index.php
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Deleted member 9101
Guest
The Apache eagle barely has a frame. They have a tongue that runs back to the middle of the trailer where its bolted to a cross member that supports the suspension. The plywood floor is as much a structural part as the frame is.
highlandercj-7
Explorer
It's easy to do that. I been toying with converting mine but my design would require a new tent to make it work. The design you pictured would be simple and not need any tent mods. I have a 1961 Apache Chief. There is no frame on it it's a uni body. To lift it I was thining of tubing through the uni body to build a frame. setting it on 235's even would give it tons of clearance to the bottom of the body. As the bottom of the body has to be taller than the tires to open it's compartments. Here's a link to mine:
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14082
My enitre trialer only weighs 350 lbs. dry, but it's smaller than a eagle.
Here's a link to the factory brochure on the 69' Eagle:
http://fotolode.com/images/njjimf/69h.jpg
Also the owners forum:
http://www.apacheowners.com/index.html
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14082
My enitre trialer only weighs 350 lbs. dry, but it's smaller than a eagle.
Here's a link to the factory brochure on the 69' Eagle:
http://fotolode.com/images/njjimf/69h.jpg
Also the owners forum:
http://www.apacheowners.com/index.html
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Deleted member 9101
Guest
I know the whole thing weighs about 650 LBS... so I would guess 450-500 for just the camper. The cool thing is the frame is just screwed to the plywood floor. Its like 8 bolts and 80 screws and the body comes completely off the frame. The only thing you really have to modify on the camper is lengthen the braces that hold the beds when they are slid out.
I have not weighed mine yet, but as it sits, with the storage box full, propane bottle in the back, and a empty cooler I only have 100lbs for the tongue weight.
As for an Apache Chief, my Grandparents had one for years.. and to this day regret selling it.
FYI: make sure the front latch on the clamshell works, if not it will open goign down the road and destroy it.
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Deleted member 9101
Guest
Mine is sitting on a old harbor freight utility trailer frame that I has laying around for now. I added the biggest 12"tires I could find, and beefed up the tongue. In 2011 I am taking it on a road trip with a close friend and doing a lap around America. After that I will probably mount it on the top rails of a 5 x 10 utility trailer with the mesh bottom. Right now it works fine, but I can never leave well enough alone. :ylsmoke:
It is almost exactly five feet wide by seven feet long, and when its mounted on the back of the trailer it leaves tons of storage on the front and underneath. Plus I get bigger tires, axle, and stronger frame with out adding a ton of weight. I will use aluminum for everything hat I add and plan on keeping the entire thing under 1300-1500 pounds.
It is almost exactly five feet wide by seven feet long, and when its mounted on the back of the trailer it leaves tons of storage on the front and underneath. Plus I get bigger tires, axle, and stronger frame with out adding a ton of weight. I will use aluminum for everything hat I add and plan on keeping the entire thing under 1300-1500 pounds.