Thread: Design and build a camper trailer - novice

i am a novice but i bought a Castle Camper and it is under 750k (no brakes on it) and it has all that you listed and i got mine for around $8k in semi off road configuration (4WD wheels/ tyres and heavier axle) all based on a Nathan Trailer made in Brisbane

Originally Posted by Mick_Marsh

Here's some ideas.

If you were starting with an old Army trailer, I wouldn't go No5 or Workshop. No brakes.
You're probably going to load up the trailer. It will easily go over 750kg.
I would expect the Haulmarks have brakes and possibly the Cooks. I know the Tracks do.
Track have a nice civvy one available but don't look at the price.


I wanted something similar so I bought an ex-RAAF Track. All I did was put some drawers in it and bolted a camper top on it.



The camper top was bigger than I wanted but it was the only one I could find with a 1.2m drop.

Mick

What's the brand of tent?

I have a camper on 130 tub and have a height of 1250- 1300.

Originally Posted by MR LR jnr.

Looks like it's lower than the Defender? Realistically you want it at the same height (chassis height) or even higher if you intend it to follow where the 90 will go. Looks good though

Also think about departure angles and all that if you want to take it off road, do you?

Cheers
Will

Yea the trailer is sitting on falcon tyres it was custom built YEARS ago for Dad's little tractor to go in.... but the tractor is gone and he doesn't use the trailer much so I'm trying to inherit it it's one tough little trailer.... I'm thinking that I will try to save up some more cash and then put some 4x4 tyres under it....

Originally Posted by bigcarle

i am a novice but i bought a Castle Camper and it is under 750k (no brakes on it) and it has all that you listed and i got mine for around $8k in semi off road configuration (4WD wheels/ tyres and heavier axle) all based on a Nathan Trailer made in Brisbane

Thanks for the idea. Just had a quick look and they look ok, but I don't want the whole palace style tent thing.... I have a Airtop tent already that I just can't bring myself to get rid of....

Maggiolina | Airtop |

Plus the whole $8k bit is a bit beyond me ATM. At least building the box I can buy bits in dribs and drabs.

Ok just ordered a couple of poly tanks - 1 for water and 1 for diesel! plus sender units and gauges to suit. Will pick them up Wed next week.

Had another thought about the construction of the box! maybe I should forget having a 13x13 RHS frame sheeted in thin ali and just get thicker Ali sheeting - weld that up. I know that Ali is harder to weld and that I'd need to purchase the ali welding kit for my mig as well as a bottle of gas but what would be cheaper? Has anyone priced this sort of thing before?

I would think a steel frame with Ali skin would be cheaper, but all ali construction would be lighter. You will need good fabrication skills to make the whole lot from ali. Also, while I'm not 100% sure, I think the steel frame would stand up to vibration better long term.

Originally Posted by bacicat

I would think a steel frame with Ali skin would be cheaper, but all ali construction would be lighter. You will need good fabrication skills to make the whole lot from ali. Also, while I'm not 100% sure, I think the steel frame would stand up to vibration better long term.

yea that's pretty much sums up my thoughts too, but I thought it'd be interesting to put it out there and see what others think.

Also while we are on the topic of ali.... if I want thin sheeting what grade of ali will I be able to get cheap? and what grade is appropriate for this application?

Originally Posted by Brad110

Mick

What's the brand of tent?

I have a camper on 130 tub and have a height of 1250- 1300.

Trekmaster 9 Offroad.
Dingo Campers - Camper Trailer Tents / Tops For Sale To Fit Trailers & Utes