The design as we go M-101A1 Trailer build
- Thread starter protohyp
- Start date
protohyp
Adventurer
Measured 15 times and cut once is my mantra. Everything obviously has to be square and knowing my table saw is precise gives me tight fits all the way around
So now gonna cut openings for windows and start skinning soon
Cutout for kitchen and storage units in the inner box
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protohyp
Adventurer
So I changed my mind on using the old trailer bed. After wasting a few days of work to get it all cut up I just decided building the new wheelwells will actually be a smaller task then I had thought so just decided to go with the latter.
So also after many days and nights trying to figure out which lift mechanism to use, actuators versus cables versus gas springs I decided to use the lift mechanism from my pop-up camper which I had lying around so I've been spending the morning cleaning everything up.
With this system I'll be able to rely on manual crank as backup but will use a screw drive to wind all the cables to do the lifting for me and connect it to 12 volt motor. I still might introduce gas springs to assist with the lifting but I want to try to minimize the amount of money invested as most of this build has been from parts that I had laying around.
I also picked up an eccotemp L5 water heater for the shower. They're so inexpensive for what it can do and nothing beats instant hot water
It's small enough to fit in the tail section but I'm still contemplating propane tank placement and don't really want permanent gas lines running through the trailer.
Anyway...some progress now as the trailer boxes are coming together
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So also after many days and nights trying to figure out which lift mechanism to use, actuators versus cables versus gas springs I decided to use the lift mechanism from my pop-up camper which I had lying around so I've been spending the morning cleaning everything up.
With this system I'll be able to rely on manual crank as backup but will use a screw drive to wind all the cables to do the lifting for me and connect it to 12 volt motor. I still might introduce gas springs to assist with the lifting but I want to try to minimize the amount of money invested as most of this build has been from parts that I had laying around.
I also picked up an eccotemp L5 water heater for the shower. They're so inexpensive for what it can do and nothing beats instant hot water
It's small enough to fit in the tail section but I'm still contemplating propane tank placement and don't really want permanent gas lines running through the trailer.
Anyway...some progress now as the trailer boxes are coming together
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protohyp
Adventurer
Thanks SiliconTi
It's been getting tedious trying to figure out the drive system and I think I've finally figured it out.
I had an old screw drive garage door and decided to modify the carriage to push/pull the cables for the lift. Started thinking about using two carriages and cutting the screw in half then recoupling to reverse the thread for push/pull but the just figure I'll introduce a pulley into the system so that the thread and carriage can go the same direction without too much modification. Cool thing is that most of the system hides in my 2x2 square tube structure
This is the modified carriage system
And this is how it will fit in the tubing.
Best thing about living in Los Angeles is the McMaster Carr is a stones throw so order in the morning or night before and it's there the same day or right when you need it.
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It's been getting tedious trying to figure out the drive system and I think I've finally figured it out.
I had an old screw drive garage door and decided to modify the carriage to push/pull the cables for the lift. Started thinking about using two carriages and cutting the screw in half then recoupling to reverse the thread for push/pull but the just figure I'll introduce a pulley into the system so that the thread and carriage can go the same direction without too much modification. Cool thing is that most of the system hides in my 2x2 square tube structure
This is the modified carriage system
And this is how it will fit in the tubing.
Best thing about living in Los Angeles is the McMaster Carr is a stones throw so order in the morning or night before and it's there the same day or right when you need it.
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protohyp
Adventurer
I'm a woodworker by trade and routing aluminum is just as fun as wood and sometimes more forgiving. This is the carriage system to pull all the cables to lift the camper top. Same concept as a pop up camper but because of the weight it will be pushed more so by the pistons. I should be able to lift and lower with a simple 18v drill
Should be able to test in a few days. It's still tedious work and not finalized but hoping for the best
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Should be able to test in a few days. It's still tedious work and not finalized but hoping for the best
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silvrzuki77
explorer
Very awesome build, looking forward to more. Been thinking of a similar lift system on the next trailer I build. Subscribed.
protohyp
Adventurer
Thanks Silvr.
I'll let you know how it goes. My guess is that the top will weigh in at most 300 lbs if I have any gear on it but because it is rear end heavy i've had to use higher force gas springs in the rear to balance it out. I still haven't been able to test yet because the skin isn't on yet. The hardest thing is navigating the wires and pulley's because i'm working in such a small space and with moving parts I have to make sure nothing gets in the way and that everything is balance. In theory the cables and motor will actually work as the damper to the force of the pistons. If i have the cables tight throughout when I turn on the motor everything should lift evenly and the pistons will do the majority of the work, again in theory. But i've spent many a sleepless night trying to nail it down considering screwdrive lift at each corner, scissor lift at each side...etc etc. But again i'm having to work around all those possibilities because 99% of the trailer has been built with parts that I had laying around. I've only purchase plywood and rivets and maybe a few drill bits.. oh yeah and the pistons but those were cheap. Its nice to spend very little money on the build but you get so hindered by limitations yet you're forced to be very creative. Hopefully by end of the weekend i'll be able to test the system.
protohyp
Adventurer
It's getting so close I can taste it! Not getting too excited though as this is when things usually go awry. Gonna take a little break and step back a little to make sure I have everything planned out before I operate it but here are some pics for the update
This is the left front corner pulley junction for front left and left rear cable. It's a little messy but each individual cable doesn't bind and does its job
All these cables will get consolidated into one block the. A turnbuckle tensioner will connect to the carriage under the screw drive.
I have a salvaged 18 volt 90 degree angle drill that I will wire for the motor. it should provide plenty of torque although not much is needed since again the gas springs are doing most of the work
I've been on this thing 3 weeks straight and I feel like I'm back in architecture school preparing for my thesis review. Did I mention I hated school...but this I absolutely love!!!
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This is the left front corner pulley junction for front left and left rear cable. It's a little messy but each individual cable doesn't bind and does its job
All these cables will get consolidated into one block the. A turnbuckle tensioner will connect to the carriage under the screw drive.
I have a salvaged 18 volt 90 degree angle drill that I will wire for the motor. it should provide plenty of torque although not much is needed since again the gas springs are doing most of the work
I've been on this thing 3 weeks straight and I feel like I'm back in architecture school preparing for my thesis review. Did I mention I hated school...but this I absolutely love!!!
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Titanpat57
Expedition Leader
super-impressive!
looking forward to more updates!
looking forward to more updates!
protohyp
Adventurer
thanks Titan. That means a lot..i've followed your build and know you ended up with an excellent trailer
silvrzuki77
explorer
Probably one part of the install drinking a beer could be bad lol
protohyp
Adventurer
could be...I get aluminum cans mixed up with my structural aluminum and wonder why things don't hold up. Many of my epiphanies have been while inebriated....i'm a rum drinker though.