Thread: Design and build a camper trailer - novice

Well the steel turned up yesterday, as well as a bunch of other stuff like the water pump and fuel pump. I've started on the basic frame but it's a lot of cutting and welding so not a lot has been done. I will have to get some photos of the progress and post them later on.

So I've spent a couple of afternoons cutting and welding up the beginnings of the frame. At the end of each session I have been giving any welded bits a quick prime to stop any rust. Here are a couple of progress photos.

Front Right
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Front Left
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Rear
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I know it doesn't look much at the moment but hopefully it comes out nice. O and yes I'm using a gasless mig can't afford to build this thing and get a gas bottle too, plus i dont know that I'd know what to do with the bottle anyway

The first afternoon I started on it my grinder died! So I had to go buy a new one. Got a 125mm Hitachi Professional model, seems pretty good.

So there's still lots to go. more photos as I get it done.

Originally Posted by debruiser

Got a 125mm Hitachi Professional model, seems pretty good.

I've got the exact same one I have and it is a ripper. I've had mine for years and use it almost every weekend and have abused it heavily and it's still going strong.

I've cut up huge chunks of steel with it and have had it so hot I can't pick it up, but it still goes like a beauty.

Day 2 down. Lots of cutting and welding today. It's gotta be the biggest welding job I've ever done.

Front
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Rear Right


Rear Left
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I still can't decide how to make the shelves! Some inspiration is needed. Should I use 3/8 marine ply or try to fold up ali ones? I don't have a sheet metal folder so I have to just fake it with a lump of 2inch angle iron. What would you do?

O and for those of you thinking dam that looks heavy; it's all light gauge steel so I can still lift it on my own (bit awkward though).

The mrs is already thinking about going camping at christmas time. We sort of thought that heading south away from the heat and rain might be a good idea. Is there any suggestions for camping spots? Would be good if we could do a little 4x4ing/fishing/kayaking as well.

Hi Debriuser,

We have had those hitachi grinders in the workshop for years and they have copped the worst abuse I've ever seen. They still come back for more. I'm keen to see this trailer of yours turn out. It looks great so far.

Cheers,
Brian

Originally Posted by goanna_shire

Hi Debriuser,

We have had those hitachi grinders in the workshop for years and they have copped the worst abuse I've ever seen. They still come back for more. I'm keen to see this trailer of yours turn out. It looks great so far.

Cheers,
Brian

Brian

I've only heard good things about hitachi grinders, lets hope that I'm not the first one to have problems. I'm a bit of a hitachi fan to tell you the truth, I've got their 4" belt sander - animal of a thing! so much fun! Plus I have an 18V set of toys, they are soooo much fun too. And pretty good tools as well. In fact the 18V drill I have (with hammer function) will actually turn a bigger bit better than my 240V 500W Makita drill!!!! WTF!

The slide-on. well, it looks good to you cause you can't see up close na really I'm actually reasonably happy with it so far. There is SO SO much work to go on it though, and plus lots of money to spend too, havn't got all the parts I need. I'm using old series 3 land rover hinges that I cut "flat" (because they are angled and wouldn't work in the setup I'm making) had to order bolts to mount those today, hopefully they will be here in time to start fitting them when I need them. I'm also using the 'demister' from a Series 3 LR too! it's going to be my pressurised air system - got a 4" pod filter to attach and going to wire it off the car ignition so it's plug and play.

The biggest concern for me as far as purchases go at the moment is latches, originally I thought that I could use series 3 LR burstproof door latches and modify the latch to work in my situation, (I have a couple of them laying around) this would add to my retro LR look but I'm thinking that they will be too hard to modify. So was thinking of using a drop T-handle w/lock, what worries me is fitting them and price. They are pretty steep and I can't afford to get a whole set that wont work for me. Maybe i should just buy these locally so I can play with them before purchasing.

well i ordered a tigerz11 awning the other night, 2.5m x 2.5m with mozzie net. Seemed like a bargain. (they are having a sale!)

Got a few more parts show up in the mail.

Other work has been slow. I've made up mounting brackets for the water and fuel pumps as well as a bracket for the pressurized air. Also had to custom fab a couple of 4" air flanges to suit. Started making door frames as well. Drilled the frame for mounting most of the hinges, but have to buy some more steel to make up a couple of brackets to mount the rest of the hinges to the body.

So there isn't much to see in a photo - hence no photos today. Maybe tomorrow....
Hopefully during the week I will get the extra steel and continue fiddling.