Off-Road Camper Trailer Project

[dieseldude]

I've been concidering building an offroad camper trailer to use when I go away. I built my motor bike trailer from scratch so I know what's involved with self registration etc......

What I want to know is :

* Has anyone on here made one from scratch?
* Do you have any things to look out for?
* What would be some good features that you would incorporate into one if you built one?
* What sort of Suspension would be best?
* Anyone have any pictures of their campers?


Any comments will help me decide.

Cheers

Anthony

[Tiny]

I've been concidering building an offroad camper trailer to use when I go away. I built my motor bike trailer from scratch so I know what's involved with self registration etc......

What I want to know is :

* Has anyone on here made one from scratch?
* Do you have any things to look out for?
* What would be some good features that you would incorporate into one if you built one?
* What sort of Suspension would be best?
* Anyone have any pictures of their campers?


Any comments will help me decide.

Cheers

Anthony

go leaf, the oned that don't need a shock...they appear to be pretty good, all terrain campers in seven hills use em, and a friend of mine has one and has crossed the simpson with no issues.

I would go and look at a few and get an idea of what fetures you want and how they would fit, but I would want water tank incorperated with pump, space for the fride, a small sink and bench on a swing away and a battery system so it could be powere stand alone

[dieseldude]

I'm thinking that I'll take a look at as many as I can.

If I make a swing out rear tail gate then this could double as the sink and cooking suface.

It will fold out sideways with one room there and then have a canvas fly that will cover the rear cooking area and provide a shaded area to sit.

I'm undecided whether or not to make the engel sit in a box on the draw bar or within the camper itself. I currently carry it in the truck so I guess this won't be that big of a drama.

If it's within the camper it'll be much harder to simply grab a coldie, whereas if it's in a box up front, it's always easily accessible.

Water tanks are easy enough to fit and source. I guess it'll be plumbed up to a 12 volt sureflow pump.

Are hydraulic brakes better or cable operated brakes? I assume the weight of it will require that brakes be fitted.

[Tiny]

I'm thinking that I'll take a look at as many as I can.

If I make a swing out rear tail gate then this could double as the sink and cooking suface.

It will fold out sideways with one room there and then have a canvas fly that will cover the rear cooking area and provide a shaded area to sit.

I'm undecided whether or not to make the engel sit in a box on the draw bar or within the camper itself. I currently carry it in the truck so I guess this won't be that big of a drama.

If it's within the camper it'll be much harder to simply grab a coldie, whereas if it's in a box up front, it's always easily accessible.

Water tanks are easy enough to fit and source. I guess it'll be plumbed up to a 12 volt sureflow pump.

Are hydraulic brakes better or cable operated brakes? I assume the weight of it will require that brakes be fitted.

I say mechenical, they are proven and foolproof

[phippsy]

I've got a Cavalier Camper, it's pretty basic but it tows really well. From factory it was fitted with Alto, Alco or something like that suspension. I haven't had any problems with that but I'm told it can be expensive to fix though. If you want to have a look or get some ideas drop me a PM and we can organise something...

[shortie]

Swing out sideways in a camper trailer is a pain in the backside.
This means that if 2 people are sleeping on the bed. You will have to climb over your partner if you are on the inside.

Fold out length wise you get out of the bottom of the bed. way more practical.

[dieseldude]

Phippsy, is the Alco suspention a type of independent set up?

Does it just have two swing arms that pivot off a centre cross member?


Shortie, with the fold out backwards design, it'll just make it a fair bit more difficult to construct within a reasonable budget I think. I can see what you're saying but I guess I'll have to investigate the options around. The only way this method seems to be done is by having a solid roof that folds down to form the floor of the annex.

Cable brakes would have to be the easiest to set up correctly. Also, less maintenance over time due to not having to change seals in the boosters etc.

Does anyone have any pictures of theirs set up?

[phippsy]

Phippsy, is the Alco suspention a type of independent set up?

Does it just have two swing arms that pivot off a centre cross member?

Does anyone have any pictures of theirs set up?

Yeah that's what it looks like, have got some pics on my computer at home. Will post them up tonight.

[Johnny Trackabout]

I've been concidering building an offroad camper trailer to use when I go away. I built my motor bike trailer from scratch so I know what's involved with self registration etc......

What I want to know is :

* Has anyone on here made one from scratch?
* Do you have any things to look out for?
* What would be some good features that you would incorporate into one if you built one?
* What sort of Suspension would be best?
* Anyone have any pictures of their campers? Hey There


Any comments will help me decide.

Cheers

Anthony

We have a full range of accessories to suit the Camper you will be building, from Water Tanks to Kitchens to Canvas Tops. Drop in and see me and I'll give you some good advice and steer you in the right direction and it won't cost you a million bucks. I see so many people that build there own Trailer, some do it well and some do it bad and some it ends up costing them more than a new one from me !!!

Cheers Johnny Trackabout Ph 07 3208 1133

[dieseldude]

OK, I don't know what JohnnyTrackabout was going to say there but Don't you sell trailers?

I'm keen to come and take a look at how they're made and I might even just buy one complete.

It really depends on what is on offer.

I'd much prefer to build one but any help is appreciated.

Cheers

[+dj_hansen+]

We have a full range of accessories to suit the Camper you will be building, from Water Tanks to Kitchens to Canvas Tops. Drop in and see me and I'll give you some good advice and steer you in the right direction and it won't cost you a million bucks. I see so many people that build there own Trailer, some do it well and some do it bad and some it ends up costing them more than a new one from me !!!

Cheers Johnny Trackabout Ph 07 3208 1133



He said that, it was included in the quote...
Use the same wheel/tyre combo as your rif to avoid having to carry extra spares, long draw bar is nice for towing/reversing but can put extra load onto tow hitch.

If youhave a copy of 4WD monthly, allot of the camper trailers they test use the alco independent suspension setup, or variants of.

[HeathGQ]

theres a guy on 4wd monthly forum thats building one.... good write up with pics etc.

[HeathGQ]

I've been concidering building an offroad camper trailer to use when I go away. I built my motor bike trailer from scratch so I know what's involved with self registration etc......

What I want to know is :

* Has anyone on here made one from scratch?
* Do you have any things to look out for?
* What would be some good features that you would incorporate into one if you built one?
* What sort of Suspension would be best?
* Anyone have any pictures of their campers?

Hey There
We have a full range of accessories to suit the Camper you will be building, from Water Tanks to Kitchens to Canvas Tops. Drop in and see me and I'll give you some good advice and steer you in the right direction and it won't cost you a million bucks. I see so many people that build there own Trailer, some do it well and some do it bad and some it ends up costing them more than a new one from me !!!

Cheers Johnny Trackabout Ph 07 3208 1133

i think this is what johnny wanted to say

[dieseldude]

Cool

Does anyone have the link for the 4wd monthly forum thread?

Also, +Dj_hansen+ I'll take you up on this offer to come down and be talked through it.

I'll organise a time and day with you to do this if you don't mind.

Are you open on Thursday nights?

[+dj_hansen+]

Err...

think you/we have our wires crossed.. was only repeating/copying what johhny trackabout had said in the quote, sorry dude...

[HeathGQ]

Cool

Does anyone have the link for the 4wd monthly forum thread?

http://www.4wdmonthly.com.au/forum/inde ... eadid=9107

cut and paste...

[dieseldude]

+dj_hansen+ no worries mate, I didn't read the post properly.

Oops......

Anyway, I'll drop into Trackabout and suss some things out.

That thread on 4wd monthly is unreal!

That thing is a work of art!

How about some people with normal style camper trailers? Any pictures of your set ups?

Thankyou.

[Tiny]

[quote="dieseldude
How about some people with normal style camper trailers? Any pictures of your set ups?

Thankyou.[/quote]



that is bloody interesting thread, deisel dude you will have to start a build thread when you start yours

[bundyrum4x4]

Just an opinion,

I feel the Alco suspension is over rated.
Years ago Jaco used it in their Caravan range, which we had removed and replaced with leaf springs due to poor ride.

Now I have the Alco suspension on my off road camper (came with the unit when I got it second hand). It seams to work ok but I personly would prefer eye to eye springs. The alco system requires shocks to have full control over bumps etc.

My 2cents worth

Flame suit on

[just cruizin']

Hey DieselDude,

I'm currently builder my own camper similar to what your talking about. I got most of my parts from Active Fabrication at Logan, best prices I've found. I got an electric brake setup, more expensive I know but I feel I've got more control.

Things to look for, think of every thing you could possibly want and get dimensions and send a couple of weeks sketchin'. Go to the caravan show this weekend and take a heap of photos. Why reinvent the wheel?

Don't rush in madly and start cutting and welding, make sure you have a plan. Know what size tank your fitting, how many jerry cans and gas bottles your going to fit and how you're going to run water, gas and electrics.

I thought I'd got mine all thought out but I'm still changing things. I'll see if I can post some pictures (Haven't done this yet) to give you some ideas. I don't claim to be a guru or have the best design but I've done what I think will suit me and what I want to do with it.

If mine doesn't work out the way I want I can always sell if for what it owes and I'll have learnt to weld.

Good Luck

[Tiny]

Hey DieselDude,

I'm currently builder my own camper similar to what your talking about. I got most of my parts from Active Fabrication at Logan, best prices I've found. I got an electric brake setup, more expensive I know but I feel I've got more control.

Things to look for, think of every thing you could possibly want and get dimensions and send a couple of weeks sketchin'. Go to the caravan show this weekend and take a heap of photos. Why reinvent the wheel?

Don't rush in madly and start cutting and welding, make sure you have a plan. Know what size tank your fitting, how many jerry cans and gas bottles your going to fit and how you're going to run water, gas and electrics.

I thought I'd got mine all thought out but I'm still changing things. I'll see if I can post some pictures (Haven't done this yet) to give you some ideas. I don't claim to be a guru or have the best design but I've done what I think will suit me and what I want to do with it.

If mine doesn't work out the way I want I can always sell if for what it owes and I'll have learnt to weld.

Good Luck

From reports I have heard the elec brakes are not ral good for offroad as they dont like water, and dust and mud etc effects them very easily. In saying that, there are several manafactureres of off road campers that do use em

everything msut be confusing as always to keep us thinking

[bru21]

i will have to post a pic of mine. it started out as a camper poptop. i got sidetracked. now it stands 2.6m tall non collapsable, 3.5 long 2.1 wide on 35"s. It is like a wind sock. i can't get a jocky wheel to fit it. it is the allmighty titan shed on wheels

i might add it has a full size shower base inside with its own room, and the back opens out smoko van style

cheers bru

[SASS]

have a look here not bad looking!!
came acroos site buy accident one day!
http://go.jeep-xj.info/

[-Scott-]

FYI:

Trailers up to and including 750 kg GTM do not
require brakes.
Minimum trailer brake requirements are as follows:
• trailers not over 2000 kg ATM must have an
efficient braking system operating on the
wheels on at least one axle;
• trailers up to and including 2000 kg GTM are
permitted to have over-ride brakes;
• brakes (other than over-ride) must be able to be
operated from the driver’s seated position;
• trailers over 2000 kg GTM require a brake
system that automatically applies if the trailer
becomes detached from the towing vehicle; and
• trailers over 2000 kg ATM must have brakes
operating on all wheels.
The Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) is the
manufacturer’s maximum mass on the trailer’s
axle when coupled to the vehicle.
The Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) is the GTM
plus the mass placed on the coupling.

If your trailer is going to be over 2000kg it gets more complicated.

AL-KO suspension does seem to be fairly popular for up-market trailers and vans, although it has its detractors - this is Australia, after all.

The leaf spring suspensions which "don't need dampers" are relying on inter-leaf friction to provide damping. That same friction also contributes to the spring rate, so once you start running them through dust, then drowning them in water you end up with randomly variable spring rate and damping. Cheap, yes, but nasty too. There's a reason many trucks use airbags these days.

Good luck,

Scott

[mickyd555]

go to the caravan and camping show at the ekka grounds.........its open till 7 or 8 at night i think

[twinnie]

just to throw my hat into the ring, how about a teardop trailer?

you have a hard walled feeling, a good kitchen, low drag...for what it is, and you can build one under 750 kg just. but it sounds like you know braking systems any way.

my 3c

Matt

[mickyd555]

just to throw my hat into the ring, how about a teardop trailer?

you have a hard walled feeling, a good kitchen, low drag...for what it is, and you can build one under 750 kg just. but it sounds like you know braking systems any way.

my 3c

Matt

whats a tear drop trailer??

[twinnie]

just to throw my hat into the ring, how about a teardop trailer?

you have a hard walled feeling, a good kitchen, low drag...for what it is, and you can build one under 750 kg just. but it sounds like you know braking systems any way.

my 3c

Matt

whats a tear drop trailer??

http://www.google.com.au/search?q=tear+ ... S:official

google is your friend

Matt

[BundyRumandCoke]

I have run electric brakes on an off road pop top caravan for about 10 years with no problems. The benefits are there. Electrics apply as soon as you touch the brake pedal, or can be independantly operated from the controller, so if, for example, you a descending a slippery slope, and the camper starts to push you a bit faster, or worse, starts to push the rear of the vehicle sideways, you can apply the camper brakes only to straighten everything up again.

Mechanical brakes, either cable or hydraulic, rely on the weight of the camper pushing forward on the coupling, which can take a moment or two, time you may not have if everything is going pear shaped in a big way on a slippery decline.

As for self sufficency power wise on a camper, you cant go past a decent solar setup. My new camper runs a 65 watt panel, through a regulator to a 75A/H deep cycle battery. I have set this up totally isolated from the vehicle charging system. The panel is more than capable of keeping the power up for a fridge. My panel is removable from the camper, and with the aid of a 10m extension lead, I can move the panel through the day for optimum exposure to the sun, while keeping the camper in the shade. With the addition of a small 300 watt inverter, and 12V lighting, almost anything is possible. This system will easily run a standard mercury vapour light for group camping. I am currently investigating the use of white rope light for internal lighting.

My camper has the ALKO independant suspension. It seems a little harsh in the ride stakes for me, but nothing has been broken in the camper yet. The bugger is brakes. If you get the larger land cruiser bearings and hubs, brakes are nearly $1000 for electrics, verses about $500 for the smaller holden bearings.

[BundyRumandCoke]

The panel was $600, regulator $55, then the Battery about $150. I aleady run twin batteries in the Rocky, and found with a third battery hooked in on the old camper, it was a tad too much for the alternator. Sure I could have done an alternator upgrade, but if I sell the vehicle, then Im back to square one.
If your set on charging from your vehicle, then you want Anderson Plugs for the connection between vehicle and trailer. You see them on electric forklifts, where they disconnect for charging. You can get a smaller version which is great for this application.