130 Station Wagon with side fold pop top build

**danialan** · 7th October 2016, 09:00 PM

When people first see the camper popped out, they assume it's "a big roof top tent". After that, their concern turns to the thin spindly looking poles that support the bed. The two poles are 25/22mm OD tube with approx 1.4mm wall thickness. There is certainly not much to them, but we have had over 250kg on the bed with no issues. The full length hinge on the car side supports half the bed weight, and so the poles only have about a quarter of the load per pole.

The bed poles are probably the most vulnerable part of the camper, so I carry two complete sets of pre-drilled poles, cable tied to the chassis under the car. I also have an extra length of pole, the next size up (28mm?), which can be used as a repair sheath for either the bed or tent section poles. The spare poles weigh next to nothing, and are out of the way.

I use a spiked ground plate like this https://www.allterraingear.com.au/shopexd.asp?id=8750 when camped on soft sand or mud. It stops the poles sinking into the ground, and also stops the poles moving around when there is no weight on the bed. On smooth hard ground or concrete, the bottom of the unweighted poles can slide around if bumped. I have been thinking of making a spring loaded sleeve to go over the bottom of the pole for these instances.

For the tent section corners, in my wisdom, I used rounded "Supapeg" corners. Later I changed the long poles down the length of the canvas from 1.6mm wall, to 3mm wall poles, to reduce the bowing of the 3m long poles when the wet canvas shrinks. This involved a lot of work remelting the Supapeg corner into the smaller ID poles. This also reduced the plastic end on the Supapeg corner down to 19mm, so the corner is probably a smidge weaker than before. I haven't had any issues, but I carry two spare Supapeg corners as these aren't available everywhere.

Next time I would just use c clips to join the corners Plastic Snap Grip Fits In 19mm ID, Over 25mm OD Tube | Caravan Pole & Rafter Parts | CaravansPlus - as per Trayon (photo with grey canvas below). The c-clips are cheaper, lighter, and available everywhere. The resulting square corners would have also made sewing the canvas corners easier. The strength of the tent section structure actually comes from the canvas walls, and there is little front to back movement.

**Ranga** · 9th October 2016, 04:06 PM

Originally Posted by danialan

The bed poles are probably the most vulnerable part of the camper, so I carry two complete sets of pre-drilled poles, cable tied to the chassis under the car. I also have an extra length of pole, the next size up (28mm?), which can be used as a repair sheath for either the bed or tent section poles. The spare poles weigh next to nothing, and are out of the way.

I can attest to the strength of the poles, which are used by my Trayon camper (which you also once had). They hold the weight no problem at all. The only issue we've had was when unbeknown to us, one of the poles wasn't vertical, and bent when weight was applied. This was easily rectified with the supplier, and I like you we acquired some of the ground plates to ensure they stayed put. I also inserted about 6" of high pressure water water pipe into the ground plates, of which the poles slide into. This allows the poles to moved up and down ~6" before coming separated from the ground plate.

I like your idea regarding the spare poles, and think I'll source a couple for emergencies.

**danialan** · 28th January 2017, 08:36 PM

The 130 has been back in Australia for about month now. The return shipping details for anyone interested is here ?https://www.aulro.com/afvb/showthrea...29#post2636429

Keen readers will notice new number plates, a silly requirement when re-registering the 130, after I saved a few $$$ by letting it lapse overseas. I also got a blue (mod) plate for the Recaros, auxiliary fuel tank and gas removal. I am now $550 poorer for no real gain, but it is all legal and ticked off.

It's great to be back and camping in warm weather again. We did a trip up to Charlie Moorland State forest in Imbil NP, where I had the pleasure of finally meeting Ranga - I look forward to catching up again soon mate. We also headed up to Cooloola for a couple of nights. Excellent to be camping on the beach again.

Anyways, I hope to find some time to finish of the reviews, and also detail some of the future mods I've got planned. Stay tuned!

If anyone is in the Sunny Coast area, and wants to check out the 130, or have a chat, feel free to send me a PM. Also keen to head out camping in the area, so if anyone has a (family friendly) trip planned to a secret spot send me a PM.

**Barefoot Dave** · 29th January 2017, 12:00 PM

G'day Folks.
Welcome backto the good country!
How long are you in SEQ for?
I have a busy few weeks but would still like to catch up.

Harry's Hut on the Upper Noosa river is a beautiful spot, especially if you have watercraft. a kayak or even an inflateable boat will get you across the river and give access to the day walk up to the Cooloola sand blow. You look like you saw the coast side of it on your drive up to coloured sands.
PS, though some swim the river to get to the walk, I wouldn't. There is a real chance of encountering bull sharks.

**danialan** · 29th January 2017, 09:17 PM

Originally Posted by Barefoot Dave

G'day Folks.
Welcome backto the good country!
How long are you in SEQ for?
I have a busy few weeks but would still like to catch up.

Harry's Hut on the Upper Noosa river is a beautiful spot, especially if you have watercraft. a kayak or even an inflateable boat will get you across the river and give access to the day walk up to the Cooloola sand blow. You look like you saw the coast side of it on your drive up to coloured sands.
PS, though some swim the river to get to the walk, I wouldn't. There is a real chance of encountering bull sharks.

Thanks Dave. We are living on the Sunny Coast now. I've sent you a PM with my contact details.

We haven't been to Harry's hut in years. Good idea - might be time to go back. Thanks for the shark tip, we'll definitely paddle our kayak.

Alan

**Archangel007** · 30th January 2017, 09:07 AM

Hi Alan,

Love you work mate!!

When Camel is finished, Plugger and I would certainly like to meet up with you and the rest of the guys on the Sunny Coast and do a spot of camping!! We are at Burpengary so just a quick trip up the road for us to meet you guys.

Keep up the good work and I look forward to seeing the 130 in person!!

Cheers,
Tricky

**squizzyhunter** · 30th January 2017, 09:45 AM

Looks dam good! I'll have to read the rest of the thread now. If your camping up that way have a Sunday roast at the Apalonian hotel if your not already aquatinted (or if you are your probably already heading there)

**Dervish** · 31st January 2017, 08:05 PM

G'day Alan,

I believe you're working with my better half. A trip to Harry's Hut sounds great, let me know if you want company. I can also vouch for the roast at the Apollonian! In any case, I'd be keen to look over the 130.

If you're interested, the SCLROC has a meeting tomorrow night at the Old Schoolhouse at Nambour Showgrounds; 7:30pm.

Matt

**danialan** · 31st January 2017, 09:13 PM

Hey Matt, Yep that's me. Small world hey

.

Thanks for the invite, I'll try and make tomorrow night.

Alan

**jay_guess** · 14th September 2019, 05:23 PM

I have just spent the last 2 hours trawling over this build - my mind is blown! Amazing work, amazing build - thanks for sharing.

Thread: 130 Station Wagon with side fold pop top build

Thread Tools

Review Poles

Back in Aus

Meetup!!

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions