The design as we go M-101A1 Trailer build

[protohyp]

Looks more like a space age phaser but got the motor coupled to the screwdrive. A little bit of sanding down in the screw got it to fit into the 1/2" coupler and the motor side was a perfect fit. Very little to no vibration which is no big deal but for testing purposes I'm only using the trigger from the drill which has variable speed but will require a feather touch to get it to maintain a slow speed. Maybe a few hours from the test run but I'm taking my time now to make sure the weeks work doesn't end up in a ball of flames. Crossing fingers!


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[protohyp]

http://youtu.be/JIJeMTEguBs


Hope the link works but just to update that aside from some minor adjustments the lift works! Beer time!


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[silvrzuki77]

That is slick!!! Congrats

 

[protohyp]

So even without the gas springs assisting the lift this little Ryobi 18 volt angle drill running off my jobsite xantrex battery pack lifts the top with out so much as a squeal or complaint. My guess it's lifting 200lbs static weight but probably pushing on 250 or maybe 275 on resistance with pulleys and cables. I really want to measure the torque of this little motor but it's really impressive. Actually it will be doing most of its work on the way down needing to compress the springs if the weight of the top doesn't do it but I have faith based on what I've been using it for on just the test runs. Well gonna start cutting windows and working on the kitchen box and head toy metal guy to start bending the skins. Now I'm gonna actually have to go out and spend some money.


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[Titanpat57]

Thanks for the kind words ...


THAT is off the "cool" scale!!....this is really getting fun for sure....just ingenious!

 

[protohyp]

Great having sheet metal guy as a neighbor...gave him measurements and had the first two top edges bent while I waited. Because I'll be using 3M VHB tape I'll have to do the cap piece later so the tolerances are tight all the way through. Great to be able to bond and waterproof all at the same time.

Instead of using the pop up camper rails to center everything I had 2" commercial butcher block laying around so I cut them up and doubled them at every corner and now the top will self center with about 1/16" play on each side. This might change later as I decide the interior skin which might end up being industrial carpet. But for not this will do just fine


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[protohyp]

Updated video of the lift

http://youtu.be/VMxe5iIfnqo


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[protohyp]

Got the side skins fitted and just a bit out of square at the tail but easy to adjust. Now I really get to slow down because with the VHB tape on the way if I don't make sure all my bases are covered meaning I don't need to access anything in the walls after I apply the skins needless to say I'd be screwed

Also got door frames fitted. I have a few options on how they'll operate. Because they're on two different planes I'll have to come up with something ingenious so they can swing,drop or lift without hitting anything


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[protohyp]

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[UnfrozenCaveman]

Very impressed!

Is there / will there be a seal between the halves?

 

[Mark Harley]

Will the fenders mount to the top half?

 

[protohyp]

Very impressed!

Is there / will there be a seal between the halves?

Yes there will be. I've alotted 1/2" for weatherstripping plus about 1/4" of compression to the weatherstripping when open. The inner box at the top rail is like a "7" and the outer box at the bottom is like an "L" so the two pieces will completely lock together creating a weather tight seal all the way around. the hardest part is the door because again its' on two planes and I haven't decided exactly how it's going to operate yet as the tail end on the inside might have some compartment doors in them affecting how it will swing.

 

[protohyp]

Will the fenders mount to the top half?

I want to be able to step on the fenders so most likely not. I will probably weld steel to the frame to shape the fender wells but won't attack that until the axle and wheels are on so I know where everything sits. I'll also have to be careful where the aluminum and steel are closest to each other as to prevent galvanic corrosion. I'll probably hit up Craigslist for some cheap diamond plate truck boxes and mod them to sit above the fender wells. Again I'm a guy who works without a plan and even though the metal guy is a good friend i'm designing and changing bends in his shop and I know he doesn't have a lot of time for my indecisiveness. Plus I work with his scraps so I can get stuff cheaper but it makes solving cladding problems interesting each and every time i'm there. I'm sure you know when you're building all your best ideas come when you're either sloshed or sleeping so what ever i've decided when i'm standing by the trailer during the day is most likely going to be squashed by the next morning.

 

[protohyp]

Not sure which way it will orient but this way is a perfect fit. I didn't want to have a permanent vent out the top so I might just make another access lid/storage compartment above it that can act as a vent when the tank is in use


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[silvrzuki77]

Looking great, really impressive!