Would a cut down disco make a good camper [Archive]

View Full Version : Would a cut down disco make a good camper

nicho

20th March 2011, 03:49 PM

I have recently been given the option of getting a free disco that was used as a parts donor. I'm thinking about gutting it, cutting off behind the front windscreen and filling with sheet metal and brace and fitting it out as a camper with spare fuel tank intact etc. Having an a frame professionally fitted and setting up the brakes etc. Basically doing what's needed to make this a cut down clone of my disco and for it to be our home away from home. Does anyone see and major flaws in my plan before I start or anything I should take into account ....ie weight, compliance, road handling etc. Any advice would be great before I make a mess in my overcrowded garage and set the wife on a rampage
Cheers
Nicho

Chucaro

20th March 2011, 04:00 PM

IMO is not a good idea, there is a lot of weight to carry for nothing which limit the total towing capacity.

alien

20th March 2011, 04:27 PM

Fitt the A frame under the bonnet area.
Lift the bonnet to access a BBQ plate.:D

Done right it could work, weight of the shell once fitted out would be the issue.

Marshall

20th March 2011, 06:10 PM

I cant see why an Azalai wouldn't work? bit pricey though...
AZALAI - homepage (http://www.azalai.co.uk/)

nicho

20th March 2011, 07:39 PM

I cant see why an Azalai wouldn't work? bit pricey though...
AZALAI - homepage (http://www.azalai.co.uk/)
I wish mate, I have a Disco 1 that i am currently building for the major part of the work and after careful consideration i have opted to keep the V8 but rebuild one with torque in mind. I want a camper that i can tow to a central point, from there it will be just me and the missus our 2 dogs and the disco. I will also have a tent for camping in remote areas, But it would be nice to have a sizeable camper of sorts to tow and stow all our valuables when we head out to remote areas for a longer period of time.. I like to be different and this offer has got my mind ticking.. But the big question is WEIGHT. I know its gonna cost me to tow such a large makeshift camper to locations but it could have its upside with all the extra storage areas that can be built into it once the interior is gutted and a false floor fitted.. There will be considerable weight loss with no engine, trans, transfer case, interior glass (sheet metal in place) window winders etc. but then add false floor, roof rack, bed and bedding, fridge, water, fuel, batteries etc etc etc would probable put it back to original weight minus driveline.
Nicho

nicho

20th March 2011, 07:42 PM

Fitt the A frame under the bonnet area.
Lift the bonnet to access a BBQ plate.:D

Done right it could work, weight of the shell once fitted out would be the issue.
I love the idea for the short haul but the long haul it needs to shrink a bit or i may need an articulated licence lol... Thinking a kitchen to fold out when i open the back door would work with plumbed water etc. Its gonna take some planning and spending but if its at all possible then it would be a great water tight sealed unit just like a camper but not a camper a landrover mobile sleeper of sorts lol
Nicho

akelly

20th March 2011, 07:47 PM

I dont think there would be much room... would there? Headroom would be a problem for sure.

Marshall

21st March 2011, 07:33 AM

87County

21st March 2011, 07:41 AM

......

I like to be different and this offer has got my mind ticking.. But the big question is WEIGHT.

.......
Nicho

you've hit the nail squarely on the head there nicho....

unwanted and unnecessary weight is not your friend and in a conversion it is heard to identify what weighty things to delete without compromising structural integrity

.... a nice idea though

87County

21st March 2011, 07:46 AM

Here's an idea: Convert the disco into a ute, this way it remains usable after the trip is done, and get a tray-on / slide on camper...
You can even leave the tray-on at the camp site and go off with the ute and a swag to some remote destination...
Trayon Campers (http://www.trayon.com/)

unless the chassis on a disco is lengthened to provide at least a 120" wheelbase I don't believe that there is enough tray length for this kind of slide-on camper use...

I've seen this extension done and have considered doing it myself

an "extra cab" type setup would be nice to have as well for some secure space behind the seats :)

richard4u2

21st March 2011, 09:00 AM

i dont think weight would be a problem as you can get caravans weighing 3t my 16' weighs 1.7 t

nicho

21st March 2011, 12:22 PM

Here's an idea: Convert the disco into a ute, this way it remains usable after the trip is done, and get a tray-on / slide on camper...
You can even leave the tray-on at the camp site and go off with the ute and a swag to some remote destination...
Trayon Campers (http://www.trayon.com/)
heres the thing though I already have a well modified Disco 1 and am being given another one that was used for parts, its partially stripped interior wise and the motor has some issues so i have no intentions of getting it on the road. I either part it out keeping the driveline for me to rebuild or cut it up and make a towable disco camper.

one_iota

21st March 2011, 02:01 PM

The biggest issue is probably the location of the rear axle relative to the center of gravity of the remaining Disco and the resulting down load on the towing vehicles tow bar.

Otherwise a nice idea :)

adam big lad disco

21st March 2011, 02:37 PM

nicho

21st March 2011, 06:09 PM

Hi Nicho

I live in pakenham if you need to discuss this in detail i'm a welder fabricator by trade i run a structual aluminium welding buisness which builds aluminium plant trailers, it is possible to do everything you are wanting to do:D
What i sugest is you keep the disco shell and build a new frame to go under the shell if you need a hand in this let me know i will try to help as much as i can:D

Thanks Adam
I'll give you a yell once i have it stripped out and i make sure i have enough internal room to make it worthwhile. Then we can run through a few ideas.
one_iota has a valid comment about the location of the rear axle in relation to the over length of the unit.. will a load leveler rectify this or is this going to be its achillies heel?? because fabrication and modifications required to relocate the rear axle will all but kill this idea before it begins

alien

21st March 2011, 06:25 PM

Wonder what weight is in the shell only?
With no chassis and drive line(as you said) you will loose a lot.
Setting up the axle to fit the rear gaurd could be fun.

It would be no different to what was done to Mini's and pannelvans a few moons ago.

ramblingboy42

21st March 2011, 06:30 PM

nicho

21st March 2011, 07:36 PM

why cant you leave it sitting on its suspension and tow it complete? the only weight left would be your diffs....minus their centres.by the time you rebuilt it and loaded it would probably travel perfectly on its original suspension.
The rear axle housing is no problem i can remove axles and diff and just make plates to cover the holes if i were to keep the front axle then i would have problems when it comes to turning so i dont think that is an option at all. My major concern is the overall weight and length and the location of the axle in relation to the balance point to remove as much stress on the tow vehicle and make it useable/registerable as a camper etc.. The more i look into it the more there is to take into account.. But then again how original is it going to be towing around a camper that looks like the vehicle pulling it..

adam big lad disco

22nd March 2011, 06:08 AM

Hi the rear axle would need to be moved for legal reason for one your tow ball on your tow car will probly only be ok with 300kg down pressure and that is a lot we try to get ours loaded with around the 180kg.
You'd also need to check the laws in different state's as they differ from state to state!

The reason i would take the landrover axle out is to set the brake's up on this will be a costly excercise:eek: with being hydraulic!
You also need to take into count that you will need some kind of hand brake as well!

If you can get the whole trailer when loaded under the 2 tonne then you will only need manual brake's any more then that and you need to be able to operate the brakes from the inside of your car! this is when it can get costly

One more thing to check is your rim and tyre's and making sure they will handle the weight of the complete trailer! As it sounds like you are going to have one axle! Have you considered tandem axle!

This all can be done but like every thing it will cost:(

like i said anyway i can help i will:)

Thanks Adam

nicho

22nd March 2011, 03:12 PM

its sounding more and more like the handbrake is being pulled tighter every time i look into it.. I'll still strip it down to the bare minimum and makybe take it to a weigh station to confirm if its too heavy for 1 axle etc.. I'm curious but the moths are already circling my wallet