Utility trailer (removeable camper mod)

[over45]

so let me see if i understand what you have done. you built this and bolted it to frame rails (drilled through angle iron), and then can undo those bolts and remove it when needed. is that what you did? I ask because I'm thinking of doing something similar but am unsure of how to build it so it will stay on when on, and come off when needed. I was going to go wider - out over the wheels for more space. I was inspired by what this guy had built: http://paleotool.com/the-vardo/

 

[sgiandubh]

Yeah, insulation is definitely a good call. A bit of insulation and a buddy heater would keep you toasty as well.

 

[dcollier32]

so let me see if i understand what you have done. you built this and bolted it to frame rails (drilled through angle iron), and then can undo those bolts and remove it when needed. is that what you did? I ask because I'm thinking of doing something similar but am unsure of how to build it so it will stay on when on, and come off when needed. I was going to go wider - out over the wheels for more space. I was inspired by what this guy had built: http://paleotool.com/the-vardo/

Oh yes, I remember his build. I once too was inspired by his build...
To answer your question, yes the top is removable. It bolts directly to the side rails of the trailer. I originally wanted to go wide and sleep sideways on the trailer for more room, but instead I took the easiest and most economical route. Besides, I'm the only one that's going to be in it. I can't get my wife into camping because of God only knows why. My daughters want to go, but I'll just make a bed for them in the FJ or talk into a tent.

 

[dcollier32]

Yeah, insulation is definitely a good call. A bit of insulation and a buddy heater would keep you toasty as well.

That's the idea... lol

 

[FireMedic82]

Can you bring the white down flush with the angle roof going the length of the trailer. I would like to see how that looks

Got hit with the stomach virus yesterday, so I was out of commission and couldn't get this done for you. Anyways, here you go. I threw the wheels on there just toying around, and to give you an idea.

 

[dcollier32]

Got hit with the stomach virus yesterday, so I was out of commission and couldn't get this done for you. Anyways, here you go. I threw the wheels on there just toying around, and to give you an idea.

Oh wow...! I like that much better. Thanks for doing it for me. Sorry to hear bout you getting sick, that stuff sucks

 

[FireMedic82]

Yeah, no kiddin'. That's some rough stuff for sure. Your welcome. Glad you like it

Sent from my XT1030 using Tapatalk

 

[dcollier32]

I never learned how to do Photoshop. Is it easy to learn?

 

[trailscape]

I'd be tempted to do something like this with my 5x8 utility trailer. I think I'd rather build it lighter though. Perhaps using FRP for the skin, a lighter frame and teardrop style doors/windows. I currently have the equivalent of the white section of that photoshop picture above installed on mine as a removable raised cover/storage divider. I'd like it to be a bit more capable though as I took it down a slightly rocky forest road and it seemed to really need a beefier suspension. This is looking pretty good though. Very interested to see where you go with it from here.

 

[FireMedic82]

I never learned how to do Photoshop. Is it easy to learn?

It's not bad dc, just time consuming really. Takes practice for sure.

Sent from my XT1030 using Tapatalk

 

[dcollier32]

I'd be tempted to do something like this with my 5x8 utility trailer. I think I'd rather build it lighter though. Perhaps using FRP for the skin, a lighter frame and teardrop style doors/windows. I currently have the equivalent of the white section of that photoshop picture above installed on mine as a removable raised cover/storage divider. I'd like it to be a bit more capable though as I took it down a slightly rocky forest road and it seemed to really need a beefier suspension. This is looking pretty good though. Very interested to see where you go with it from here.

I don't know if I mentioned this or not. But the weight really isn't as bad as I expected it to be. The trailer seems to pull better with the top on than with it off. Man handling is a bit heavy, but my plan is to use saw horses and 4x4 post, I'll jack it up from the inside and side the post across from one side to the other and sit them on the saw horses. Then once the top is resting on the posts and saw horses, drive the trailer out from underneath it... that's the plan, just hope it'll work...

 

[dcollier32]

Haven't really made much progress since Tuesday. I have started filling in the screw holes with waterproof wood glue. It's time for a second dose of that, then it's on to taping & gluing the seams. If any one is interested in this process, go to portableboatsplans.com there he explains how to go about doing it. Just an FYI

 

[jscherb]

Haven't really made much progress since Tuesday. I have started filling in the screw holes with waterproof wood glue. It's time for a second dose of that, then it's on to taping & gluing the seams. If any one is interested in this process, go to portableboatsplans.com there he explains how to go about doing it. Just an FYI

You might find that automotive body filler is easier to use for filling holes than waterproof wood glue. It's thick enough to fill holes in one shot, it cures in 15 minutes, and much easier to sand than wood glue.

 

[dcollier32]

Yea, I am thinking about body filler. I'm just curious if it will pop out when traveling on rough roads and trails

 

[dcollier32]

Haven't gotten much done over the past few days. I have rewired the trailer and installed new led trail lights. That's about all I have done over the past few days. The weather is calling for rain all weekend long, so I think I will try bondo-ing the screw holes, and start the finish sanding.