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dazzler
9th Jan 2010, 08:39 PM
Hi all

Just before xmas I managed to finish off my Camper Trailer and used it for three weeks on the nth island. Originally the CT was designed using a ute tub and a camper tent to suit the 1000mm (ish) side height. The trailer was close to complete and with only a month before departure (ferry and accommodation paid for on the nth island) the supplier was unable to supply the tent despite having almost three months to supply.

So we were left without a tent top and the one downside of living in Tassie is the difficulty in sourcing components. The only tent I could purchase and take that day was an Oztrail 7 which suits a std height 6x4. Some quick google sketchup and I decided to use the Oztrail 7 to build a CT suited to our Rav4 (or other SUV)

What I wanted';

1. Compact size (we pay by the metre to cross the ditch to the nth island)
2. Suitable for off road use
3. A rack to carry bulky stuff
4. Seperate storage areas for bedding/clothes, food and kitchen, deflated zodiac boat
5. A bike rack
6. A water tank

I would normally build my trailer from scratch but was running out of time. Kings Trailers in Hobart had a 6 x 4 that would suit the build with a couple of modifications. It had a 75x50x3mm drawbar, 40x40x2mm chassis, treadplate floor and light guards and sides. I had them fit full eye to eye springs and leave off the tailgate so I could build a swinging one. I also supplied my own new light truck tyres on new white spoked rims.

Once home I test fitted the tent to see that it was ok;
http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq249/dazzler1966/AWDCamperTrailerforupload-01.jpg
http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq249/dazzler1966/AWDCamperTrailerforupload-02.jpg
http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq249/dazzler1966/AWDCamperTrailerforupload-03.jpg
And then started work on the supports for the rack using 40x40x1.6mm shs;
http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq249/dazzler1966/AWDCamperTrailerforupload-04.jpg
http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq249/dazzler1966/AWDCamperTrailerforupload-05.jpg
http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq249/dazzler1966/AWDCamperTrailerforupload-06.jpg
http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq249/dazzler1966/AWDCamperTrailerforupload-08.jpg
I did the same on the LH side and then similar at the front. Forgot to take shots at the front but basically there is a full width 40x40x2mm shs that ties into the front of the trailer to spread the load across the trailer. (there is a shot of it here running behind the front panel of the trailer)
http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq249/dazzler1966/AWDCamperTrailerforupload-21.jpg

dazzler
9th Jan 2010, 08:40 PM
I then cut out a section at the front left that is accessible from inside the setup tent where we will keep our bedding/clothes etc;
http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq249/dazzler1966/AWDCamperTrailerforupload-09.jpg
http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq249/dazzler1966/AWDCamperTrailerforupload-10.jpg
http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq249/dazzler1966/AWDCamperTrailerforupload-11.jpg
I made up a box section for the cutout and a divider across the first 3rd of the trailer which is visible in that earlier shot of the painted trailer.

I then tipped the trailer on its side and welded in the supports for the water tank (angle with five holes in it) and the spare tyre winder;
http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq249/dazzler1966/AWDCamperTrailerforupload-14.jpg
http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq249/dazzler1966/AWDCamperTrailerforupload-12.jpg

I also fitted an orac off road coupling to replace the 50m ball one and welded on dumbjacks (rear spring hangers) on the supports for the rack. An attachment for the bike rack was also added.

Then onto the rack which is made from 40x40x1.6mm shs and 25mm x 1.2mm shs. I have welded front spring hangers to match the dumbjacks;
http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq249/dazzler1966/AWDCamperTrailerforupload-28.jpg
http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq249/dazzler1966/AWDCamperTrailerforupload-29.jpg
http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq249/dazzler1966/AWDCamperTrailerforupload-17.jpg

I then sprayed it in hammertone pacific blue paint;
http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq249/dazzler1966/AWDCamperTrailerforupload-20.jpg
http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq249/dazzler1966/AWDCamperTrailerforupload-22.jpg
http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq249/dazzler1966/AWDCamperTrailerforupload-23.jpg

dazzler
9th Jan 2010, 08:41 PM
A quick test fit;
http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq249/dazzler1966/AWDCamperTrailerforupload-24.jpg
http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq249/dazzler1966/AWDCamperTrailerforupload-27.jpg

I wasnt happy with just the marine ply base so made up a 25mm shs frame to support it (The tent is fixed to stop dust);
http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq249/dazzler1966/AWDCamperTrailerforupload-18.jpg

I then fitted a pole holder and tv antenna pole to the rack;
http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq249/dazzler1966/AWDCamperTrailerforupload-39.jpg
And fitted the water tank, spare, jockey wheel and battery and did a test setup at the park up the road (ground was not level so its a bit wonky - I didnt peg it out as the mercury was hitting 25degrees - a heatwave!)
http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq249/dazzler1966/AWDCamperTrailerforupload-35.jpg
http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq249/dazzler1966/AWDCamperTrailerforupload-36.jpg
http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq249/dazzler1966/AWDCamperTrailerforupload-37.jpg

Here is the complete package;
http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq249/dazzler1966/AWDCamperTrailerforupload-38.jpg

And all packed up on the way home from the mainland;
http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq249/dazzler1966/AWDCamperTrailerforupload-31.jpg
http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq249/dazzler1966/AWDCamperTrailerforupload-32.jpg

dazzler
9th Jan 2010, 08:42 PM
Here are some random shots of some of the stuff;
http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq249/dazzler1966/AWDCamperTrailerforupload-33.jpg
http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq249/dazzler1966/AWDCamperTrailerforupload-34.jpg
http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq249/dazzler1966/AWDCamperTrailerforupload-41.jpg
http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq249/dazzler1966/AWDCamperTrailerforupload-42.jpg
http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq249/dazzler1966/AWDCamperTrailerforupload-43.jpg
http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq249/dazzler1966/AWDCamperTrailerforupload-45.jpg
http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq249/dazzler1966/AWDCamperTrailerforupload-46.jpg

I still have some finishing off to do. It towed really well. Our rav normally gets 10.2l/100ks and travelling at 90k's it returned 12.8 and at 100ks it was 13.6.

cheers

Gaza
9th Jan 2010, 09:57 PM
Nice job dazzer,
you should make them to sell on eBay!!!

Yonnee
10th Jan 2010, 01:10 PM
Mate, that is brilliant!!

I particularly like the way the frame hinges up.
How stable is it sitting up on the angle when the tent is up? What do you use to hold it up?

Do you have to remember to empty the pole carrier out first? :;

Again, great stuff Dazzler. :2tsup:


Y.

dazzler
10th Jan 2010, 02:10 PM
Hi

thanks for the kind words. When I went away I used some shs that was a snug fit in the 40mm shs that supports the rack (below the hinge) and it stuck out about 300mm and I used leather straps to hold it. It sat at 90deg to the trailer.

Now that I am home I am going to make it better by having the shs come out and then bend at the angle that is shown in the picture. I will post once I have done it.

cheers

yaryetnom
10th Jan 2010, 09:05 PM
Great work Dazzler.

Given me some inspiration for some more additions.

Regards,
Ray