My Camper Trailer Build Thread

Hi Guys,

So ive been lucky enough to be given a trailer from my old man. Its a 6x4 Dean Trailer, ex RFS, and Ready to go off road. It was used originally to cart tanks of water for rural firefighting so as im sure you can all imagine its very durable.

The one thing thats different about my design is i didnt wanted minimal maintenance so that meant NO canvas. The whole top is going to be a steel frame sheeted, lined and insulated.

Ill be posting pics up as the unit progresses but if anyone has some suggestions id be more than happy to hear them!!!

note: i dont have a pic of the trailer itself on me as im at work but will upload one soon.

the third pic is of the frame on its end. there is a shelf going in you can see the start of it at the top of the frame. that is also the most up to date pic i have taken.

Another trailer thread, we have to change the websites name??

i can delete the thread if it offends?

M2cW is get some triangles on that frame work or plates/gussets.
for insulation try polystyrene sheet instead of batts,
Factor in an overhaed console for 12v radio etc.
Sides big lift up doors with windows rear door window as well. Some sail rail for an awning
Just sold my one to my BFF
was 6x4 , 7x5 would be ideal. solar panel on roof acted as tropical roof
never got hot even in full sun,,,,,,,,,,bolt on /bolt off rubber in between

Hey Rusty, once you get more photos whack them up mate. This will be a cool build. Keen to see the rest.....

No don't delete I just think it is funny!!

I am enjoying all these as by chance I am looking at modding mine!!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by threedogs

M2cW is get some triangles on that frame work or plates/gussets.
for insutation try polystyrene sheet instead of batts,
Factor in an overhaed console for 12v radio etc.
Sides t big lift up doors with windows rear door window as well. Some sail rail for an awning
Just sold my one to my BFF
was 6x4 , 7x5 would be ideal. solar panel on roof acted as tropical roof
never got hot even in full sun

---

thanks mate, i really like that white one it looks very similar to my build. your right windows would be good i was thinking somthing like the windout ones you see on caravans(kinda look like a bubble.

I like the idea about insulation, i was wondering what to do it with and that sounds like a great idea!

The shelf will be fitting a 12v 18.5 inch TV and small computer for movies b4 bed. Solar on the roof like your white one. i was gonna fit a pullout awning on for side cover, and one big door on the passenger side.

what do you mean fit some triangles? do you mean for strength? there is still about another 10 m of steel to go into it before i start sheeting.

thanks for the suggestions they are great so keep em coming!!!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Nisshead

Hey Rusty, once you get more photos whack them up mate. This will be a cool build. Keen to see the rest.....

---

ill take some sharper(non phone) images when i get home of the trailer and some more of the framework tomorrow.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bloodyaussie

No don't delete I just think it is funny!!

I am enjoying all these as by chance I am looking at modding mine!!

---

haha too easy mate! well ill be looking out for yours when it pops up too!

Just some of the things i did ,that white one is the finished blue job. brought a 6x4 for $$$$$, cut everything off it except springs
left the slipper style in as was only going to Murray. fitted a 50 x 50mm solid axle with electric brakes if you have the $$$$ good idea.
Turned it up side down cleaned up all welds . measured centre string lined the drawbaw central 1800mm long, I'm a big fan of triple draw bars
with centre bar going back passed axle on tub. box off the pointy end with plate. welded an O'Brieon off road coupling[easy to use].
bolted up the axle spring over style, fitted the 285s, welded guards on last. made a custom tailgate. pre welded tabs on drawbar for future
boxes etc, fitted colourbond sheet and capped with 25 x 25 aluminium angle, smothered it in stickers and went camping, got to mention "bearing buddies"
best thing ever for a trailer. rattling on so I'll rattle off. Hide all 7 core wires inside RHS underneath for protection, use rated safety chain

FYI I'll keep coming here, my extension was only 600mm never hit my head once, also fitted a false floor, basically a piece of 12mm ply on some 25 x 25 slats. Dont know if you can see but there are 2 marine speakers mounted on the outside, to catch the tunes. also on the Hilux tub job besides plenty of internal LED lighting I've also put it inderneath{ led strip} connected to internal switch. Always on board 100AH DC battery

so i took some pics FYI. the only thing i think ill consider changing on it is the drawbar length. the sleeper top overhangs the front of the box, so it comes closer to the rear of the car, somthing a longer drawbar would fix no probs.

enjoy!

Noticed the frame is angle not rhs, was Just thinking then what about a flip top lid on top your frame.
You'll hate pulling your strides on lying down. right pain in the rrrrrs
Very light duty trailer for what you are going tt do, Mine used to carry bobcat so strong frame and floor

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by threedogs

Noticed the frame is angle not rhs, was Just thinking then what about a flip top lid on top your frame.
You'll hate pulling your strides on lying down. right pain in the rrrrrs
Very light duty trailer for what you are going tt do, Mine used to carry bobcat so strong frame and floor

---

nah mate, if you mean a flip top like the roof top campers, im trying to avoid canvas so i wint be going down that road.

the dimensions of the sleeping cavity are:
l: 2050
w: 1200
h: 900

and im sure the trailer will be right for the amount of weight ill be adding too it. it roughly a 2 cubic meter water tank on it and water pump with motor. the way i see it if it can handle that sort of weight(i work out to roughly 2t) it can handle the 500 kg's max that will be loaded into it.

One thing, I probably will end up reinforcing the side walls if they look lacking, you are right TD the sides are angle but it's very thick folded steel, would 2.6mm thick sound right?


Tappin

ok just a little update, the frame is finished, shes rock solid, now to buy some steel to sheet the outside of the frame.

fyi, the bloke with the white shirt on is 6'3" and he fits in, and we both fit in shoulder to shoulder

Added Te first second and third panel today. Forgot to take a pic after the first one went on tho:Attachment 27030


Tappin

Looking good buddy need an overhead compartment for radio etc.
I covered mine in colour bond sheet then trimmed it
with 25mm x 25mm Aluminium angle, Smeared a touch of silicon on before
riveting on.

Didnt need to line roof as solar panel covered most of roof
but sides I use 20mm polystyrene sheet

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by threedogs

Looking good buddy need an overhead compartment for radio etc.
I covered mine in colour bond sheet then trimmed it
with 25mm x 25mm Aluminium angle, Smeared a touch of silicon on before
riveting on.

Didnt need to line roof as solar panel covered most of roof
but sides I use 20mm polystyrene sheet

---

Hey mate, thanks for the feedback. Yeah so you may just be able to see the shape of a shelf on the left of the pic. I haven't decided whether to enclose the shelf or make it open, probably better for making stuff not fall down.

I'm using the same stuff, colourbond sheet, with blind rivets every 100mm. And ally 25x25 angle with a nice bead of silicone.

I plan on insulating the walls, I was thinking with polystyrene or something like that, any ideas on something better?


Tappin

So it's progressed more out about 7 hours in tonight it's looking better and better:

Attachment 27261

Attachment 27262


Tappin

Nother 7 hours and this is what I've accomplished =)

Attachment 27284

Attachment 27285

Attachment 27286


Tappin

That's a great looking set up Rusty, looking forward to seeing it on the trailer.

Thanks mate, So am I. I can't wait to get it all trimmed up inside and finished! Still gotta put a handle on the door, some sort of latch/locking system, I was thinking just a simple barrel style latch, gotta wire up inside with some lighting, was thinking LED strip lights and a couple of 12v ciggie plugs. Probably another few days, it will be done, I was hoping by the end of weekend and it'll b finished.


Tappin

Trying it out at Easter?

Maybe, was gonna do the winery thing that weekend. Was probably gonna use it the week after. Just wont have any time to work on it that weekend.


Tappin

Don't forget the usb power outputs for charging phones, GPS etc..

Looking tops though. I'm with td, polystyrene for insulation. See if you can find a supplier to cut it to size for you.

What's the inside going to be lined with?

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Westy's Accessories

Don't forget the usb power outputs for charging phones, GPS etc..

Looking tops though. I'm with td, polystyrene for insulation. See if you can find a supplier to cut it to size for you.

What's the inside going to be lined with?

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories

---

Thanks I forgot about them, I reckon I'll need about halfer dozen of those bloody things.

Polystyrene will be the way to go, I think I might be able to get it at a craft shop of Clark rubber.

I'm just gonna get the stuff they put on caravan walls, thin pre-finished on one side. I think camec or a camping store might be the go there.


Tappin

There is some 10mm stuff you see on new house frames, maybe a member will know the correct name.
it's about 10mm and silver foil one side and blue on the other, cheap as chips, don't go to clarkes, cost
a fortune IMO. Looking great BTW

X2 with td about Clarke rubber... Rip offs .

Are you thinking of the foam core board td?

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories

Cool it would be great to know a better alternative


Tappin

I do know you can get sheets of colour bond with foam sandwiched between them. Around 5mm thick.

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories

I just used those "T" handles with key lock in the centre, never ever used them , but it was lockable.
You may find the fancy flush ones use a bit of room. but you know KIS. Get some gas struts as well .
Now you need a sky light or clear windows with fly wire sliding

Yeah it's all something to think about, but really good ideas, thanks guys. Did a bit more work this arvey, it's not fixed down, but I have all Te attachments. What do u think?

Attachment 27300

Attachment 27301





Tappin

You didnt "ROAD TEST" it this arvo did you , you sly bugger Lol
BTW both look great
Now an 80 watt solar panel will just about cover your roof aka tropical style
keeps heat right down. Are you fitting a battery box and water storage behind wheels
on the outside??????

Very nice... Ow, trailer.. right..;)

Looks good. Ill try find that sheet stuff

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by threedogs

You didnt "ROAD TEST" it this arvo did you , you sly bugger Lol
BTW both look great
Now an 80 watt solar panel will just about cover your roof aka tropical style
keeps heat right down. Are you fitting a battery box and water storage behind wheels
on the outside??????

---

hahah no "Road test" yet =P, the floor isnt in yet, unfortunately it and the foam mattress will be the the last thing to go in but then ill be giving the frame a good stress test with the missus haha.

thats a great idea about the solar panel, I was considering putting a basket ontop with a spare wheel in it but after seeing the height i dont think i want to increase it any more. A solar panel sounds like a great way to give it some more protection from the sun.

i plan on putting a battery box under the overhang at the front with the leftover steel box and colorbond. its all coming along nicely, its nice to feel encouragment from everyone too thanks guys

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Westy's Accessories

Very nice... Ow, trailer.. right..;)

Looks good. Ill try find that sheet stuff

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories

---

hey mate, sorry call me stupid but whats OW? would be good to find out an alternative to polystyrene from clarkies, they are very expensive!

oh and just noticed ive joined the 4 figure club haha 1000 posts baby!

SuperCheap do a flip up jockey wheel. Don't forget drain holes for battery box and breather holes.
Did you change rear tailgate to side opening or did you leave it flip down, I know bit late now,??

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by threedogs

SuperCheap do a flip up jockey wheel. Don't forget drain holes for battery box and breather holes.
Did you change rear tailgate to side opening or did you leave it flip down, I know bit late now,??

---

yeah will do mate with the battery.

i didnt change the tailgate, i worked out that if I swage some wire at either end the kitchen will go sit in perfectly. it i hinged it from the side, I would have to change the tap on the sink as it too tall standing up inside the trailer box.

Few more pics. We got the hinge attached, put all the ally angle on, siliconed the crap outta it so hopefully it won't leak. Tried fitting a gas strut to the door but it was piss weak and broke. I had some better struts but no ball joints for em so tried them on the crappy ones and the joints bent lol. Oh and as a bonus, got the missus on the tools :) haha

Attachment 27340

Attachment 27341

Attachment 27342


Tappin

Sure is coming up a treat rusty,
well done on the whole job so far.

Looking good mate , you can get some 4- 10 mm floor underlays for under timber floors or floating floors that may be suitable for insulation you can even get it at buntings in like a 15 m roll. But it's coming along nicely