Purpose built

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Purpose built

Postby roamer » Mon Oct 12, 2015 8:56 pm

I am starting a new build that is just that, purpose built.
Like most things, it is built out of a need(want).
For a back ground I have had several trailers in the past. I currently have two other trailers.
My toy hauler is great for some trips. It can sleep a small army, move toys and tons of gear, holds 125 gallons fresh water, 38 gallons fuel, and has a 5500 watt generator.
It will sustain a family for a week at a time easily, if not longer. It is not a trailer that can go anywhere, trust me. I have spent a lot of money repairing damage that happened trying to take it places it shouldn't have gone. Now that the family is growing up and moving out and the need to explore deeper into the wilderness this need arises.
I have a small stake bed trailer that is built for all-terrain, but is just for cargo. The new trailer will bring the best of both.
List of requirements includes:
1. Must have sleeping quarters of the ground and dry. No more wet tents!
2. Have a place for restroom facilities for the middle of the night, no ladders and inside camper.
3, Be able to go anywhere the tow vehicle can. (relatively stock Landcruiser).
4. Will fit in a standard single car garage.
5. Be able to stand up
6. Have the option to be indoors on bad days. like a dinette style
So here it begins! Wish me luck on our first build!
Dave

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Re: Purpose built

Postby roamer » Tue Oct 13, 2015 7:24 am

Starting the frame.
136620136619
Dave

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Re: Purpose built

Postby Thirdtime » Tue Oct 13, 2015 7:26 pm

I'm real interested in your build. My current trailer is a 19' and can't get in and out of some of the sites I frequent hence the need to downsize again. I'm tired of a tent for those areas. I am planning my build now with very similar criteria. My only additional need is the ability to keep it light so I can tow it behind my old Bronco. Weight seems to be my biggest hurdle. I'm looking forward to watching your progress.

Eric
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Re: Purpose built

Postby roamer » Tue Oct 13, 2015 9:53 pm

I also want to keep it light, but strong. The 80 series Landcruisers are not super powerful, but it goes where we want.
It is not as powerful as our 73 Bronco we used to have or my Cummins powered Excursion. Needed more room for the kids, so here we are.
The kids are not camping with us often anymore. So really only need room for the two of us.
Playing around with different ideas to keep the weight down. We don't plan on having a lot of built in systems. For one, we wont always need each one.
Why haul around a heater all summer? Systems change and things break, so having it more modular makes sense. Campgrounds are not where we plan on staying which makes some of the conventional camper systems less than ideal. We are used to backpacking where you have to keep it light. Being miles away from services also means you are on your own if it breaks. Hope to have it ready for spring.
Dave

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Re: Purpose built

Postby roamer » Mon Oct 19, 2015 8:21 am

A little progress...136686

Here is my inspiration. Nice trailers! Waaay out of my price range!
136687
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Re: Purpose built

Postby aggie79 » Mon Oct 19, 2015 4:47 pm

Cool! I really like the offroad style trailers. I look forward to your progress.
Tom (& Linda)
For build info on our former Silver Beatle teardrop:
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Re: Purpose built

Postby rebapuck » Mon Oct 19, 2015 10:43 pm

Inspiration from another trailer is totally acceptable.
Judy
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Re: Purpose built

Postby roamer » Mon Oct 26, 2015 9:03 am

Haven't had much time to spend on it lately but did get the rear up kick tacked in place. Went with 35 degree down slope.
Waiting for parts. The rear bumper will be a lot like off road jeeps that have the swing away spare tire carrier and jerry can holder. That puts it about counter height. Behind it will be my hatch to access the pantry. I will be able to access it from inside or from the hatch.
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Re: Purpose built

Postby roamer » Sun Nov 29, 2015 6:18 pm

137744
Installing Timbren suspension
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Re: Purpose built

Postby roamer » Sun Nov 29, 2015 6:21 pm

137738
The other side. Other installers commented on concerns of frame collapsing when torqueing down the bolts.
I used a hole saw in a drill press and inserted sleeves in the frame to prevent this from happening.
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Re: Purpose built

Postby roamer » Sun Nov 29, 2015 6:25 pm

137743
Mocking up the spindles and hubs. Still waiting for the brakes. Opted for a set with parking brakes. Now I have to plan for the cables.
Dave

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Re: Purpose built

Postby roamer » Sun Nov 29, 2015 6:27 pm

137745
The frame is now right side up!
She is standing on her own two .... wheels.
Dave

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Re: Purpose built

Postby roamer » Sun Nov 29, 2015 6:31 pm

137746137747
Looks a little off with the rear section missing.
I removed it during final welding of the front section of the frame. It was easier to rotate with the back up-kick off.
Dave

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Re: Purpose built

Postby roamer » Sun Nov 29, 2015 6:35 pm

137748
The five gallon bucket gives an idea of clearance. Currently 21 inches to bottom of frame, I expect to loose some as weight is added.
Dave

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Re: Purpose built

Postby roamer » Fri Jan 01, 2016 7:45 pm

Made some progress on the frame today. Forgot the camera but will post some pics by weekends end. Have to go get more steel in the am. It's a pain at this point because the only welder is at work. Progress is limited to weekends when we are closed and I have free time. Free time is very limited lately with my oldest daughter getting married in two weeks and two other daughters of driving age. We now officially have a fleet of cars to take care of and soon to be three trailers. The snow makes it harder to get the trailer to the shop.
On a side note, I was wondering if anyone has any ideas on installing a fan, but not on the roof. I LOVE our Fantastic fan in our Toyhauler but vertical height is at a premium. Was thinking about a wall install. Any thoughts?
Dave

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