Thread: Design and build a camper trailer - novice

Originally Posted by Mick_Marsh

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

I think this is what you were looking for

OK so I've made a few little tweeks from the plans I've posted.

Got the fuel and water tanks last week, and have ordered:
- Fuel pump
- water pump
- sink
- air filter (for pressurised air system)
- air duct (for pressurised air system)
- steel
- ali sheeting
- lots of cutting discs

Also have laying around:
- Blower unit from a Series 3 LR for pressurised air system)
- Hinges
- other random stuff that I will need.....

Steel and ali is turning up next week, so next weekend will be the real start date.

Still chasing some series land rover bonnet stays.... see my wanted post if you have some to offer.

Have you looked at the myswag.org forum? The built up section has some great ideas...try this one:

Custom off-road pop top camper

Originally Posted by 86mud

Have you looked at the myswag.org forum? The built up section has some great ideas...try this one:

Custom off-road pop top camper

I can only hope that I fluke my camper to look that good! wow.

I'm looking forward to seeing your progress.

I'm in the process of sketching up a design to get quoted on. I wish I had the ability to weld it up myself to save a few bucks but we'll see what the quote comes back at.

Here's some pics of the design so far, a long way from finalised.







Matt.

Matt,
Nice drawings.
Two points if I may.
-If you are starting from a blank page reconsider the independent swing arms... pm if you want a full explanation or just search on some of my previous rants I guess if you plan on buying pre-manufcatured swing arms then carry on.
-Second, change up the rear mud flap design. Either finish the folded sheet at the level of the gusset and continue it with rubber or alternatively put in a second gusste back to your corner posts.

Regards,
Steve

Originally Posted by Datt

I'm looking forward to seeing your progress.

I'm in the process of sketching up a design to get quoted on. I wish I had the ability to weld it up myself to save a few bucks but we'll see what the quote comes back at.

Here's some pics of the design so far, a long way from finalised.







Matt.

Matt, wish I could "sketch up" like that! nice. Why does everyone want independent suspension on a single axle trailer??????? I can sort of see the point on a tandem.... but just looks too overcomplicated to me.

What sort of tent are you planning on using? a typical trailer tent or some type of roof top tent? I'm guessing your planning the old tailgate kitchen setup.

Originally Posted by roverrescue

Matt,
Nice drawings.
Two points if I may.
-If you are starting from a blank page reconsider the independent swing arms... pm if you want a full explanation or just search on some of my previous rants I guess if you plan on buying pre-manufcatured swing arms then carry on.
-Second, change up the rear mud flap design. Either finish the folded sheet at the level of the gusset and continue it with rubber or alternatively put in a second gusste back to your corner posts.

Regards,
Steve

Thanks for the comments Steve.

I was planning on buying the swing arms premanufactured from Vehicle Components. I've searched your posts in relation to this am very interested in exploring other designs though in particular the triangulated 4 link. Is it compatible with air springs or a combo of coil and load leveling bags?

I will change the rear of the mud flap to finsh with the gusset and continue with rubber. Good call.

Originally Posted by debruiser

Matt, wish I could "sketch up" like that! nice. Why does everyone want independent suspension on a single axle trailer??????? I can sort of see the point on a tandem.... but just looks too overcomplicated to me.

What sort of tent are you planning on using? a typical trailer tent or some type of roof top tent? I'm guessing your planning the old tailgate kitchen setup.

Thanks Debruiser for the comment.

This vid got me first thinking about independant [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADoLPq2L0qE&feature=c4-overview&playnext=1&list=TL35gU-VrTv40]Suspension Comparison - YouTube[/ame]

I was searching after seeing video of lots of trailers up the Cape almost bouncing themselves over onto their roof. I'd like to see an unbiased comparison between designs.

I guess I'm chasing a compromise of on road handling for light to heavy loads, a degree of suppleness for bouncy off road work, reliability, durability, ease of acces to parts if gone remote and lastly cost effective. All are considerations and the end product will have to be a compromise because I doubt one product will do all.

I'd like to be able to use my trailer as a box trailer for the majority of the time then slide a chuck wagon style box on for camping kitted ready to go. Maybe a rooftop tent later down the track for when the kids get a bit older.

My idea for the kitchen is to be side mounted (passenger side) for easy access while on the road when you pull up for lunch or a late breakfast after you're already on the road. Possibly gulwing door to give some cover for quick stops as well as an awning for when set up at camp.

Lots of ideas in my head and examples out there to investigate. The end product will suit me though and not neccesarily others.

Matt.