Building zook camper trailer (Painting Red need new name)

[christover1]

I got the sides and front all cut and drilled.
Pity sides couldn't be cut in one length.
Got just enough for a tailgate left over, but will also be in two pieces.

[christover1]

lookin like something at last.
Probably start on tailgate next?

[christover1]

I'm tired of getting grease on me every time I fit the trailer on.
The grease gets pressed out too easily under load. See pic.
I suspect there is a better grease for the purpose.
I know I'm using wrong grease now.
I think a High Pressure grease may be the answer?
I'd appreciate opinions.
christover

[ofr57]

that looks tops chris
so what are the final dimension's
thinking on one to carry 5 33"s

[Gwagensteve]

I think it's the amount more than the type Chris. Just keep wiping what comes out the ends off and don't get too carried away regreasing it.

In the scheme of things, that's not a "high pressure" application as far as grease is concerned. "High pressure" for grease is thousands of PSI of load on gears and pins. You're nowhere near that.

You can shop for a "thicker" grease, but regardless, if there's too much in there it'll come out as the coupling thrusts.

Steve.

[christover1]

I think it's the amount more than the type Chris. Just keep wiping what comes out the ends off and don't get too carried away regreasing it.

In the scheme of things, that's not a "high pressure" application as far as grease is concerned. "High pressure" for grease is thousands of PSI of load on gears and pins. You're nowhere near that.

You can shop for a "thicker" grease, but regardless, if there's too much in there it'll come out as the coupling thrusts.

Steve.

thanks.
Thrusting couplings sounds fun to me

[christover1]

that looks tops chris
so what are the final dimension's
thinking on one to carry 5 33"s

Its 1400 mm x 1100 mm external.
About 1350 x 1050 internal.
wheelbase of rear wheels to trailer is same as lwb zook.
draw bar roughly 900mm.

[christover1]

cute & nice. But I still cant see how you fit in it to sleep. I m going to need pics with you in it when it is finished.

I've worked out the solution
(lost pic)

[Big D]

LOL. Outa curiosoty, shouldnt u have painted the metal before putting it on? unless ur not gonna paint it....

[christover1]

LOL. Outa curiosoty, shouldnt u have painted the metal before putting it on? unless ur not gonna paint it....

Not planning to paint the galv.
I like the silver grey and green, very much similar to car.
If it begins to look ugly in time, only need to paint the visible bits.
All the mild steel was painted before assembly.
christover

[christover1]

thanks to cj here is a small vid of Frog and Tadpole in action.
As usual vid makes hill look flat :'(
Pix and more vid to come.
christover
http://youtube.com/watch?v=cg5wBZP0xEQ

[christover1]

Finally ran out of jobs on the Zook, so I have started on the Tadpole's tailgate.
My welding is improving, but still need the angle grinder a bit

[nicbeer]

nice numberplate

looks the goods anyway

[christover1]

nice numberplate

looks the goods anyway

I realised I was tempting fate doing test runs.
I'm going to reg it properley, even tho not necessary in vic.
But in other states it does need reg.

[christover1]

Finaly finished the tailgate. Gee I'm slow
I decided to have the tailgate swinging outwards, so as to avoid me bending over, and risking back troubles.
It may get a table/sink or whatever one day?
Got to be the worse welding and painting ever done, but photos look ok.
It won't fall off which is all that matters.
Can be prettied up easily down the track if desired.
I fitted seals, too, hopefully keep dust/mud/water out
Went for a test tow, as you do, and got tempted into some pose shots.
The bank was teasing me
The hitch/car/trailer clearances needed testing anyway









Now we just need legs, jockey wheel, tent top and maybe a spare mounted?
christover

[WRXZook]

I have enjoyed following your progress. You have made a great little trailer that will give you good service. Don't worry about the welds, no-one started off with perfect welds and you have some new skills to make any repairs if needed. Look forward to seeing future developments.

[christover1]

I have enjoyed following your progress. You have made a great little trailer that will give you good service. Don't worry about the welds, no-one started off with perfect welds and you have some new skills to make any repairs if needed. Look forward to seeing future developments.

Thanks for your words of encouragement.
I can be hard on myself sometimes.
Your right, the new skill will be valuable.
My zook ain't pretty and perfect, so the trailer don't need to be either

I met a guy who built his trailer over 20 years ago, with an arc, and it was still giving him good service.
I hope for the same.

As with most of the trailer, part of the load on the welds is supported by bolts as well.
The only weld that isn't, is the 5mm spring hanger to 5mm chassis, which wasn't too hard to get right, and I keep checking it for safety and sanity sake.

christover

[grimbo]

well done Chris looks great, can't wait to see some pics of it out on some trips.

[christover1]

well done Chris looks great, can't wait to see some pics of it out on some trips.

Thanks. I'm pleased so far.
I'm looking forward to getting the tent on it, as well as getting some "non pose" photos from trips.
I was hoping to have it ready for Cup Day weekend trip to Sunset country. Nearly made it.
Even if I had the tent (dear bit) I'd want more testing before going away.
I even take it shopping, to get test time and to learn how to drive with it on.
Now it's all painted and sealed I can happily go dirt for proper tests.

Should be on the easy trip to Cheviot Tunnel on Saturday with luck.

And considering the 4wd show for idea napping.

christover

[grimbo]

sounds like some good trips coming up, I would have loved to gone on the Sunset trip, didn't know about it.

[christover1]

Been tent top shopping, more pix to come soon.

[alien]

lol looks like you got spiderman to secure the load =)

[christover1]

lol looks like you got spiderman to secure the load =)

I didn't wanna have it fall off

[christover1]

This should be self explanatory.
It ain't fixed on yet, but gives the idea what I'm aiming at.
christover

[just cruizin']

I take there are a couple of adjustable legs under the fold out section to support it. Looks the go

[fool_injected]

Looking good Chris

That like what I am thinking of doing witha little kitchen shelf on the tail gate.
Can the tent be fitted so that it can open up over the drawbar?

Wayne

[christover1]

I take there are a couple of adjustable legs under the fold out section to support it. Looks the go

It is self supporting, but I will be needing some stability legs on the trailer, so it dont fall over, especially when not on the car.

[christover1]

Looking good Chris

That like what I am thinking of doing witha little kitchen shelf on the tail gate.
Can the tent be fitted so that it can open up over the drawbar?

Wayne

Tent can be fitted any way, but in my case draw bar would be too short, ie no room it would foul on back of car.
Have been thinking shelf, too, but mainlt had a side opening door to avoid bending down.

[alien]

make it fold out the rear - then the weight of the zuk will stop it flipping cos its all connected =)

[christover1]

make it fold out the rear - then the weight of the zuk will stop it flipping cos its all connected =)

All well and good, but my Zook falls over quite easily