Thread: 109 Camper Trailer Conversion

Hi all, hopefully this is the right forum for this - apologies if not.

Just thought the members might be interested in a conversion I undertook of a basic 109 body-on-trailer into a full-scale camper trailer. Here is a link to the photo record of the build up. I couldn't capture everything as I was absolutely flat out just getting it done for Christmas 2010, but can add extra photos if anyone needs them: Picasa Web Albums - Gavin Ger - Trailer Build Up

I bought the trailer on the aulro.com classifieds for just over a grand - the previous owner had used it as a simple 1 man camper. I have 4 young kids and a wife who like's tough luxury when camping, and the idea was to convert it into a 'base station'- with all the power, water, gas and storage - and then to attach extra tents and tarps for the kids and living areas.

Currently we use 2 x OzTent RV4s which clip onto saddles on the back and drivers side of the trailer, plus a huge 20FT tarp (with extension). Later when the kids are old enough and I get the garage door lifted, I will change the OZTents for a large roof tent - to make set up even quicker.

We camp primarily in fixed remote locations rather than tag along style, so we settle in for at least 5-7 days (or longer) at a stretch - hence we're focused on comfort, not instant set-up/pack-up - and why we have things like the DRIFTA custom kitchen, pantries and wash-up station (all built to my spec by Luke and the team).

Most of the work was done by (other than me):
- DRIFTA in Gloucester NSW for kitchen and drawers, boxes etc
- Silverwood Trailers in Brookvale NSW for the drawbar extension, brakes and leaf spring/axle upgrades
- Gloucester Autolec - to plumb in the master battery connections - I didn't want to take chances with that, but I did all the 12V connections after that point
- MW Toolboxes in St Peters - who did the front box conversion

I also had 2 x custom mattresses made by Made to Measure Mattresses, which are basically home bed construction and are fabulous.

I sourced almost all the bits and pieces, parts etc from ebay - some amazing bargains. That was a key part of the philosophy - build the best we could with as little as possible, and as much as possible myself so I could learn (I am a DIY amateur but I am willing to try anything). I could have done it for mutch cheaper still, but want to build it right first time and make it last 20 years, so the total cost is around $20K - but it has the functionality of a $60K trailer like a Conqueror, so I think it's good long term value.

I learned a heap from the build (esp. plumbing and 12V electrics), and would like to learn how to weld next. I have some more work to do to tweak it - including replacing the sagging old rear door, and possibly cutting an access hole in the side of the camper to run the kitchen through so there's no lugging - but will probably need to downsize it !

My 110 was captured in a photo shoot for 4WD Action magazine (it comes out in issue 160/23 Feb) while I was up in Gloucester with DRIFTA, and they saw the trailer, so I imagine that it will be featured in some story in the future.

Hope you enjoy.... Gav

nice work mate, very nice ...love the family involvement ... priceless