Project "Camp Over" - camper trailer

[Datt]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/09/388.jpg

This is going to be a project that will turn my ex-army trailer into a camper. It will be ongoing as the funds become available. I am a tight@$$ so will be doing as much of the build as I can, and only put into the camper the necessities for how I like to camp.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2008/05/344.jpg

It all starts with the current trailer. I picked this up at auction in Townsville in 2004 for $300. It didn't have a pintle ring which I have now aquired from def-90 from this site (very much appreciated). In the next couple of weeks I hope to remove the top of the trailer and tidy up the chassis as it's getting some surface rust in alot of places.

By the way, "Camp Over" is just a silly name I came up with for the project.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/09/389.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/09/390.jpg

I've done a bit of fiddling (alot actually) with a 3d sketch program that I have so that I can pretty much design the trailer on the desktop before building.

The final product that I'm trying to achieve is a hard floor camper, comparable to a Kimberly Kamper or the like. Hopefully there'll be some people here that can give me some advice and tips as I go, or alternatively I can pass on some of my experiences.

Matt.

[timaus13]

I am looking forward to your trailer build up.
Might look at building camper trailer up from scratch myself once my new garage is built.
Shopping around at the moment for welder and other assosiated tools to outfit the workshop.
Anyway your camper trailer is looking good.:D
PS :D:D:DLove the name.:D:D:D

[Datt]

OK, here is an update on the design that I am playing with.

I intend (but nothing will be set in gold til the final build) for the framework to be steel boxing and angle, but the sheeting and panels to be aluminium. Floor and hinged internal bed base will be marine ply. Considering stainless mesh (like that used for security screens) for under bed drawers. If mesh doesn't work out then will just go with stainless sheets.

Will be heading off to Capral tomorrow to suss out the different types of extrusion profiles for the edges and joins, plus whatever else may take my fancy. Slide out drawer will be custom made from stainless by an associate (as will internal drawers). I already have the sink. The drop down section in the drawer will be to accomodate a removable stove (similar to the Primus delux 2 burner).

Pass on your thoughts and suggestions please. Better to know what I should and shouldn't do prior to spending any money.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/10/505.jpg

[loanrangie]

So this will be a flip over hard floor camper ? who will you get the tent section made my or will you pull out the singer and whip it up your self ?

[VladTepes]

Cool - I like those concept drawings too !

Having an old army trailer myself I'll be keeping an eye on this thread!!

[EchiDna]

looks like a generator trailer?

despite my leanings towards telling you that you should be restoring it, your project looks like a good 'un... :)

maybe go for aluminium mesh (like in screen doors) for the under the bed drawers - unless the stuff is very small, it won't fit through the gaps and it would be way lighter than stainless!

[Datt]

So this will be a flip over hard floor camper ? who will you get the tent section made my or will you pull out the singer and whip it up your self ?

Correct, flip over hard floor. Obviously the sink and stove drawer at the nearside front corner. A battery locker at offside front corner. When I wired up the D1 for dual batteries I compensated with wiring for the intension to charge a 3rd battery in the camper. The wires are sitting in the back ready to be terminated. Not decided yet whether to have 1, 1.5 or 2 drawers that slide to the rear. I intend for the bed base to flip up on gas struts to access static storage for the annexe.

At this stage an upholsterer from work will be doing the canvas, but only if he is sure he can get it spot on.


Cool - I like those concept drawings too !

Thanks. The software for it is free off google. I find it pretty easy to use once you master the basics.


looks like a generator trailer?

despite my leanings towards telling you that you should be restoring it, your project looks like a good 'un... :)

maybe go for aluminium mesh (like in screen doors) for the under the bed drawers - unless the stuff is very small, it won't fit through the gaps and it would be way lighter than stainless!

I've had a few people suggest that it's a generator trailer, therefore am now convinced. Restoration crossed my mind, but then I would have to get a Series to tow it (which isn't a bad idea). If it were a No.5 I would consider it, but this was bought as a good foundation to do this project so am going ahead with it.

I will suss out what aluminium mesh is about because I do want to keep the weight down. That was the idea behind the stainless mesh over the stainless sheet, though the difference will probably be minimal. I think the aluminium diamond mesh holes will be too large for what I intend to carry in the drawers.

Thanks for the comments.

Matt.

[VladTepes]

What about the (cheaper versions of) that security mesh you see advertised on TV ? It's like fly screen only steel.

[Datt]

That's the stuff I was considering using. I have those screens for my place which gave me the idea of using them. I figure once it has a few folds in it, it should be reasonably rigid, enought to carry the loads I want in there at least.

[Datt]

I was wondering how much weight I will have to play with in building the trailer on top of what is already there in an attempt to keep it under 750kg loaded. This would mean I don't have to put brakes on it. So I towed the trailer up to the dump the other week and got it weighed.

I new there was a bit of weight in it but was pretty surprised when oldmate told me it was close enough to 400kg. So, at this point in time I have decided I will strip the top frame off the chassis and start the build from there. I might even try an outlaw run to the dump to see what weight is in just the axle wheels and chassis.

The concept drawings will start again from this.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/11/45.jpg

[Datt]

Since the last post I have removed this (which is up for grabs if anyone wants it)
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/12/343.jpg

which has left this
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/12/344.jpg

Now this is in it's raw state I have redone the concept drawings with a little more accuracy (and some more detail to come yet).
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/05/1053.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/12/345.jpg

At this stage I am thinking of making a deep sided box trailer tub to fit onto the chassis til I can afford to build the camper. The tub will have a galvinised frame (i'm planning on galvinising the chassis too) with plate aluminium lining. Some more pondering will probably occur between now and the actual build so stay tuned for updates if this is interesting you.

If you are wondering why I am spending so much time with the concept drawings then here is your answer - the drawings are to within millimeters of the original trailer chassis design. Inevitably I will learn alot from the build process and hope to make a mach two version of the trailer and camper to a much finer standard. Therefore if I keep a very close record of the build process it will hopefully make it easier to refine.

Your comments will be much appreciated and considered if you wish to share them. Thanks.

Matt.

[Tank]

Since the last post I have removed this (which is up for grabs if anyone wants it)
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/12/343.jpg

which has left this
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/12/344.jpg

Now this is in it's raw state I have redone the concept drawings with a little more accuracy (and some more detail to come yet).
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/05/1053.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/12/345.jpg

At this stage I am thinking of making a deep sided box trailer tub to fit onto the chassis til I can afford to build the camper. The tub will have a galvinised frame (i'm planning on galvinising the chassis too) with plate aluminium lining. Some more pondering will probably occur between now and the actual build so stay tuned for updates if this is interesting you.

If you are wondering why I am spending so much time with the concept drawings then here is your answer - the drawings are to within millimeters of the original trailer chassis design. Inevitably I will learn alot from the build process and hope to make a mach two version of the trailer and camper to a much finer standard. Therefore if I keep a very close record of the build process it will hopefully make it easier to refine.

Your comments will be much appreciated and considered if you wish to share them. Thanks.

Matt.
Matt I am doing the same as you, I have a W/Shop trailer, of which only the chassis and running gear will be used. Have you ever seen the layout of the Trayon Camper which is designed to carried on a tray back. I was going for a hard floor fold out camper setup like yours. After travelling around I came to the conclusion that the fold out hard floor requires a fair amount of Level ground to setup comfortably. Not many bush campsites have a nice convenient flat (level spot) to setup. The Trayon design has the hard lid fold off the top of the camper, either to the back or the side. This lid folds level with the top of the camper main body and has 2 adjustable legs (poles) and is the size of the double, queen or king size bed, depending on the overall size of your main body. The main body interior is like a small caravan with table and seats, cupbords, sink and fridge, you get into it via a door and a top flap in the bed area. There is still room under the seat areas and cupboards for exterior slide out drawers, made out of aluminium tubing and aluminium sheeting it will weigh in with the canvas roof at around 350 kilos. Google up Trayon Campers and have a look at the design. Also I have fitted a Treg Hitch into the original Pintle Ring casing which will eliminate the banging and thumping you get with the standard Pintle and Hook setup, I will post some pics, I would be interested to hear your thoughts on this setup, Regards Frank.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/12/338.jpg (http://www.aulro.com/app/showphoto.php/photo/7754/ppuser/11323) https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/12/339.jpg (http://www.aulro.com/app/showphoto.php/photo/7715/ppuser/11323)

[cucinadio]

Matt.[/QUOTE]


Hay mate,

where did you get the trailer from iv been looking everywhere "interested"

cheers

matt

[Datt]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/12/338.jpg (http://www.aulro.com/app/showphoto.php/photo/7754/ppuser/11323) https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/12/339.jpg (http://www.aulro.com/app/showphoto.php/photo/7715/ppuser/11323)

I've actually discussed the Trayon style camper with a guy from work. He built something similar off his trailer, sold it then did the same for his dual cab ute. I did have a bit of a look at one that was at the 4wd expo the year before last and liked the concept. You've got me thinking now. I might have to have a closer look at one - the bed looks a lit vulnerable perched out there though.

I really like your treg mod. Will probably grab that idea from you.


Hay mate,

where did you get the trailer from iv been looking everywhere "interested"

cheers

matt

Got it at a pickles auction in Townsville when I was living up there. They were offloading about 20 of them. Wish I had bought a few more now, they only went for around $300 each.

Matt.

[Tank]

I've actually discussed the Trayon style camper with a guy from work. He built something similar off his trailer, sold it then did the same for his dual cab ute. I did have a bit of a look at one that was at the 4wd expo the year before last and liked the concept. You've got me thinking now. I might have to have a closer look at one - the bed looks a lit vulnerable perched out there though.

I really like your treg mod. Will probably grab that idea from you.



Got it at a pickles auction in Townsville when I was living up there. They were offloading about 20 of them. Wish I had bought a few more now, they only went for around $300 each.

Matt.
Matt, after observing other people with fold down hard floors trying to find a spot that will give them a level area for the trailer and then the floor, without much success. I decided to go the Trayon route. Since then I have seen another design that takes up even less (level) ground. It is a tray back design as well, but the hard roof, in this case checkerplate aluminium is hinged at the front of the tailer body and it lifts up to about 30 odd degrees forming half of the roof with the canvas attached forming the back half of the roof and the triangular sides. The trailer body is entered via steps from the rear in the centre of 2 single beds, setup at about knee height with large storage areas underneath and acessible from inside and out. The beauty of this setup is there is no canvas going down to the ground, no poles or guy ropes, which means less cost as far as canvas goes, an awning could be fitted to cover the kitchen and outdoor eating area. The sides of the trailer can be one piece full length doors that open upward giving some shelter, the floor of one side is setup with a large kitchen and fridge area. The other side can be storage for whatever you want. I cant think of the name of this one, it was in 4WD Monthly magazine in an ad, I will try and find some pics and post them up, Regards Frank.

[RonMcGr]

You could always stick a Cub Camper body on it.
They are fibreglass and very light.

http://www.cubcampers.com.au/images06/spacematic.jpg

http://www.4wdworld.com.au/outlets/ore/cub.jpg

[Datt]

Long time no post. Trying to get my house ready to sell so have been too busy to do much with the trailer. Took the old top to the dump and picked up a second hand dropside aluminium tray for $100. Have sketched it up for now, pics to follow for those interested. Will make a bit of a camper out of this for now until I'm settled in a new house (on acerage at Dayboro hopefully).
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2008/04/456.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2008/04/457.jpg

Matt.

[DeeJay]

Were'nt those trailers normally an underslung axle?
I remember when I wore a green uniform in the 70's we overslung one in our workshop to raise it as we wanted to use it as a work platform/ mobile workbench , but never got around to completing it. That trailer was our unit trailer and it later jackknifed behind a LWB (admittedly being driven hard) as its C.O.G. was altered. The driver was hit on the head by a boxed chainsaw along with sundry junk.








Jeez it hurt. When I go bald I'll show you the scar :angel:.

Or did we undersling it?? - my memory's going --I think I'll sue the army.

[Datt]

[QUOTE=DeeJay;728642]Were'nt those trailers normally an underslung axle?
QUOTE]

Not sure, most of the ones I've seen have been like mine.

Pics of the tray sitting on the chassis. Need to repair the headboard (it only cost $100).
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2008/04/190.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2008/04/191.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2008/04/192.jpg

Have got a sainless steel water tank to go in front of the headboard as long as it doesn't stop the rear door from opening. Was made for my dad's Defender cab chassis but he said I could have it. Am thinking of also mounting the spare and a jerry can holder up front too. We'll see.

Matt.

[Dinty]

G'day All, The No5 trailer and the 1/2t platform trailer all have the axle under the springs i.e. springs over the top of the axle, if you have one that is the reverse then someone has been fiddling cheers Dennis:wasntme:

[Beckett]

hi guy's, was wandering if any of those workshop bodies that ya's removed are still available? cheers, bill.

[Datt]

Went to the tip due to lack of interest.

[UncleHo]

G'day Datt :)

You should have advertised it on REMLR as there are always somebody looking for Workshop bodies, Oh! well! too late now:(

cheers

[afpdisc]

Hi Datt, if you're not hard and fast on the flip over camper, have you considered a long wheel base series tub mounted on your trailer? I built one with a full length hard top and station wagon rear door and I sleep in that for quick overnight stops. For longer stays I have a side and rear awning with side curtains. The front section(where the driver and passenger sit) is filled in and is used to store all my camping gear. You may have seen it if you were at Cooma this year. The whole thing weighs 600kilo with all my gear and full water tanks.
Good luck with the job either way.

[Datt]

Hi Datt, if you're not hard and fast on the flip over camper, have you considered a long wheel base series tub mounted on your trailer? I built one with a full length hard top and station wagon rear door and I sleep in that for quick overnight stops. For longer stays I have a side and rear awning with side curtains. The front section(where the driver and passenger sit) is filled in and is used to store all my camping gear. You may have seen it if you were at Cooma this year. The whole thing weighs 600kilo with all my gear and full water tanks.
Good luck with the job either way.

Got any pics??

[Datt]

G'day Datt :)

You should have advertised it on REMLR as there are always somebody looking for Workshop bodies, Oh! well! too late now:(

cheers

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2008/05/344.jpg
I'm pretty sure this wasn't a workshop trailer body, however I wouldn't know for sure. I had been told by a few that it was a generator trailer. Either way you're right, too late now.

[VladTepes]

Got any pics??

Yes please - details details details.. perhaps a new thread is in order

[harlie]

Hi Datt

Where are you up to with this project? Earlier on I notice you were thinking of Alloy panels on steel frame, have you considered corrosion issues between the dissimilar metals? Especially if it sees the beach.

Big congrats on your design before construction efforts – big fan of that! I’m near the end of the design process (using autocad) for my camper build project once the design is finished it will be sent to the metal folding people – as you said “to the millimetre”. I will start a new thread once build starts if anyone is interested in following this method – I plan to spend more time with the PC than the welder… if all is well may make plans available.