Camper trailer tent caravan discovery????

**Hocks** · 2nd March 2011, 12:33 AM

The missus has said she's going to stop me from reading 4WD mags, cause every time I do I see something that gives me an idea and want to start another project.

The latest idea/project is......I'll try to explain...it all Gavins fault with his hidden gem in 4wd Action after reading the mag and seeing the defender converted into a caravan. I have thought of doing something similar but with a disco.

The fact the shell is aluminum, meaning less weight than others.
I should be able to get hold of one without the engine, shortly, Very Cheap.
In an emergency, I have easy access of spare wheels and other bits.
The trailer wheels will follow in the discos wheel track.
The electrics are already there.

Wondering on peoples thoughts and what will be involved in making the trailer.

Thinking off cutting it of either right behind the firewall or just before, concerned about too much weight at the front but would like to keep the full length of the roof.
Will replace the windscreen with metal, save it getting smashed from flying stones.
Having access from the back doors and boot (giving access to storage).
For extra living space, using the roof top tent and living space on ground. Also looking at having extra rooms made.
Either wash the fuel tank out or replace it to use it as a water tank.
Having most of the area as a bed and make use of the space underneath as storage. Have a slide out kitchen and table and chairs, as well as draws.
No welder but got a few mates who are, wondering about the a frame and tow hitch.
I have electric brake's hooked up on the disco already so would like them on the trailer too.

Well, that's all for now, would love to get hold of Gavin Ger, if you read this mate, I'd love your advise. On paper it looks easy but is bound to be a lot more.

Hocks

richard4u2 · 2nd March 2011, 09:32 AM

i would remove the front guards etc and bend the chassie to form the Aframe and remove all the glass and relpace them with alley remove the fuel tank and replace it with a water tank

**Hocks** · 5th March 2011, 05:32 PM

Would the chassis not be way to big? I guess you are suggesting I use the chassis but reduce it and bend/cut to make the a frame.

I would like to increase the water tank size. There is a lot of space under the shell that could be used for so much, as demonstrated by Gav 110.

Had a look through his pictures, great build and supplied so much for thought.

Made a short list of things to consider.

Would like to keep all the doors and windows functional, with electric windows and central locking and put fly screens up on the outside.
Use the rear light cluster that's already there.
Will have its own battery supplied power from the vehicle when its running and back up from either solar panel or genie, or both).
Using the roof top tent for the main sleeping compartment for myself and the missus and secure sleeping for our daughter inside the trailer. Or if I am on my own, loss the roof top and I'll sleep inside.
Running water and electrics (lighting and media).
Utilizes the space for storage.
Extending the roof top tent living space that is usable without the rooftop, when I'm on my own.
Have a functional kitchen (sink, 2/3 ring cooker and fridge/freezer)

Lots more but I'm going to have to get my head around it all.

Hocks

richard4u2 · 5th March 2011, 06:32 PM

i wouldnt reduce the lenght of the chassie as the longer the a frame the easer it is to reverse the trailer and you could also make up a wire mesh box on the a frame for fire wood ?

**Hocks** · 19th March 2011, 02:20 PM

Plans are coming along, just need to get hold of the Disco. Itching to get started. I probably will keep it fairly long. Most the weight will be over the back wheel, with the water tank and kitchen set up.

**Hocks** · 28th March 2011, 11:55 PM

Got the donar disco, its not in as good a condition as I hoped, I got a lot of work ahead of me.

Found another one but still has its engine and runs, trying to see if the owner fancies selling it. Might be an easier option, only issue is its a 3 door but from the info I can find, the both the same size, so might make it easier.

Hocks

**Homestar** · 29th March 2011, 09:42 AM

Looks like an interesting project. Just for my 2 cents, I would ditch the whole back axle as well, and put in a heavy duty trialer axle setup - this will save a huge amount of weight. As already mentioned, ditch the fuel tank and install a water tank. Get rid of as much glass and trim as you can, it will really need to go on a good diet. I personally would build a new a frame, and graft this back into the chassis, or build an entirely new chassis. It would be lighter, stronger and look better.

Can't wait for you to get started and post a few pics along the way - It may give me some ideas...

**Hocks** · 23rd April 2011, 11:38 AM

The project has begun, I'll keep the chassis as is and use the chassis to make the |"A" frame. For now anyhow. Want to get things moving.

Will start taking some pictures and posting them on her.

**Hocks** · 17th March 2014, 04:40 PM

Trailer plan went out the window, ran out of time and had to move on.
Started another, with a normal 7x4 trailer, not so ambitious this time.

Moved to Geraldton, WA.

**gavinwibrow** · 17th March 2014, 05:40 PM

What, not doing this?

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