Coachmen Clipper Express 9.0TD V-PKG

[PCO6]

And the spare wheel under the tongue …

What spare tire setup did you use to mount the spare tire under the tongue? Thx.[/quote]

I made it out of a couple of hinges and mainly 2" x 1/8" flat bar and 2" x 1/2" tube and a pair of latches. The hinges bolt to the front cross member of the frame and the straps swing up to meet a tube I welded to the frame just in front of the utility box I added to the tongue. The tire fits snuggly in the "V" of the tongue frame rails. I lock the latches so they won't spring open while I towing and so the tire can't be stolen (un likely that it would be).

Here are a few more pics ...

I notice that you have a few stickers on yours (rear door for example). Did you add them? I thought would be difficult given the rough texture of the body panels. I see that Coachmen made a lot of changes to the 2021 model. One is a smooth body material.

btw ... nice tow vehicle!

 

[Lockdown]

I made it out of a couple of hinges and mainly 2" x 1/8" flat bar and 2" x 1/2" tube and a pair of latches. The hinges bolt to the front cross member of the frame and the straps swing up to meet a tube I welded to the frame just in front of the utility box I added to the tongue. The tire fits snuggly in the "V" of the tongue frame rails. I lock the latches so they won't spring open while I towing and so the tire can't be stolen (un likely that it would be).

Thanks. Nice work; I was hoping for a bolt-on option I could pick up somewhere... However, that's a great idea you had. I noticed on some of the new 2021 units they are now offering the under tongue spare tire option

I notice that you have a few stickers on yours (rear door for example). Did you add them? I thought would be difficult given the rough texture of the body panels. I see that Coachmen made a lot of changes to the 2021 model. One is a smooth body material.

Yes, I had those logos made from a custom kind of family crest my wife and I have been using for years (same as my avatar here). The logos were made of the same vinyl used for vehicle graphics. Yes, they were a bit*h to put on; I had to use the normal application method and then let them sit in warm sun for about an hour before removing the backing.

I just ordered a suction-cup U shower curtain and expect it won't work because of the rough wall texture.

btw ... nice tow vehicle!

Thanks! Gotta advertise our business every chance we get!

 

[PCO6]

That's the first factory model I've seen with an under tongue mount.

Here's what the 2021 Clipper Express 9.0 looks like. Note the difference in exterior wall finish and that the front wall is basically flat. Not sure I like it but I guess it provides for more storage.

The new Clipper 12.0 model is bizarre. It has a side "bike" door. We just walk ours in through the back door and lay them on the bed.

 

[Lockdown]

I noticed that too. I guess that short door on the side could be useful. I did notice that the dry weight was over 2000 lbs. Then again, I guess that would be the price for having more interior room and options (like the new microwave).

 

[Lockdown]

Locking/sliding drawer for the Alpicool fridge

Which model did you use? How has it worked out?

 

[Lockdown]

Instead of going with one of those portable 12V cooler/freezers, has anyone thought about changing out the "dorm" mini 120v fridge that comes with the V-pkg units to something like a Engel SR70 AC/DC Front Opening Fridge-Freezer (12/24/110/120 volt)? I'm at work, so haven't measured the opening, but I'm thinking this Engel (or something similar) may fit the exact existing cutout.

Yes, these are pretty pricey... Here's more info on this specific unit: https://engelcoolers.com/products/sr70- ... ing-fridge

Thoughts?

 

[PCO6]

The 12V ability of that fridge will be a nice improvement. Those things seem to be built according to a size template so I'd be surprised if it wouldn't fit in the Clipper "cavity".

We jump from trailer to trailer (2 on the road and a project underway) and are 12V only. We currently use a cooler but want to upgrade to a fridge (Dometic?). The cooler travels with the tow vehicles (Jeep XJ & LJ) and comes out when we get where we're going. At camp we run it off of the trailer battery which is backed up by a solar panel. The nice thing is that if we don't go with a trailer or if we take a day trip exploring the cooler works well with the Jeep only.

The other thing about having the fridge in the Clipper is that if you stop while travelling for lunch or to reload it's a bit of a hassle to access as you have to lift the lid. The problem is a bit worse for us as we have the kayaks on top of the trailer.

 

[Lockdown]

PC06, although we're not carrying anything on the camper's lid, those are exactly some of the issues I'm weighing.

I did some minor mods yesterday while prepping the camper for this weekend's trip:

Added a spare tire under the tongue:

And added a removable shower curtain setup:

 

[PCO6]

Nice job on the spare tire location. That will free up some good space for you on the tongue.

That's where I put our shower enclosure (3 sided) too. We use a shower curtain as one wall and a privacy tent as another wall. We can stretch the shower head into the tent if we have to. The curtain rod is a pipe that telescopes into the top tube of the roof rack. It's what I use to lift the bow of the kayaks up on to the rack. The pipe is the full width of the trailer and I can pull it one side at a time as I load up the rack.

 

[davidl743]

Just bought a Clipper 9.0 express and while I haven't had a chance to take it out yet am already starting on the mods. Moved the tank forward on the tongue, added a spare tire under the tongue using this clamp "https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002IV8I80/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" it worked great. Ordered a tongue box to go behind the tank and will place the battery and solar controller there. I'm also adding solar panel to the top. I'll post photos once I am done with that.

 

[Lockdown]

@davidl743 Nicely done with the tire. I didn't even think of looking for those two holes for the bracket as when I move the battery All the holes are now covered. I'll have to unbolt the battery and see if I can use those holes instead. I like that method better than what I'm doing now.

@PCO6 Good good job repurposing your kayak lift! The shower rod setup we're using was a removable one bought off Amazon. With the textured finish of the 2020 models the suction cups wouldn't grip, so purchased some flat adhesive backed plastic circles used for mounting cell phone stands on dashboards. That worked very well even in windy conditions this past weekend.

Here's a few pics of our camp setup this past weekend at 2021 Jeeping with Judd. Our friend next to us is using a Weroll trailer that he's built into a pretty lightweight camper.

 

[PCO6]

Nice to see pics of these trailers being used.

 

[davidl743]

Made a couple of more mods to the trailer. Added a nice large tongue box to the front, and then finished the solar panel install. For the solar panels I used the original roof rack, but cut it down flat so the camper will fit into my garage. I then mounted 2, 75 watt, 12 volt solar panel to each side. They do charge the battery, but haven't had a chance to see if they will keep it charge with the refrig running. I place the battery and the solar controller in the tongue box, but still have lots of room.

 

[PCO6]

@davidl743 - Looking good!

About the 2021 models ... is the exterior skin aluminum? I like the smooth glossy look. Likewise the front black checker plate. It looks like it could be aluminum or rubber.

 

[davidl743]

@PC06 - The exterior skin of the 2021 is aluminum including the front checkered plate. I also like the looks of it compared to the older version.

Today I undercoated the trailer with Herculiner, as I wasn't too happy with how they painted the underside, leaving several areas bare wood. Looks a lot better down there and should have no issues with the wood under flooring rotting out due to rain, snow, and mud coating the underside.

 

[dergrah]

Instead of going with one of those portable 12V cooler/freezers, has anyone thought about changing out the "dorm" mini 120v fridge that comes with the V-pkg units to something like a Engel SR70 AC/DC Front Opening Fridge-Freezer (12/24/110/120 volt)? I'm at work, so haven't measured the opening, but I'm thinking this Engel (or something similar) may fit the exact existing cutout.

Yes, these are pretty pricey... Here's more info on this specific unit: https://engelcoolers.com/products/sr70- ... ing-fridge

Thoughts?

Late to the party here. I was able to make a Dometic CRX50 fit with little effort. Truck Fridge also has models that will fit.

 

[Lockdown]

Late to the party here. I was able to make a Dometic CRX50 fit with little effort. Truck Fridge also has models that will fit.

Thx, any pictures of the install? Was it an easy install?

 

[dergrah]

Late to the party here. I was able to make a Dometic CRX50 fit with little effort. Truck Fridge also has models that will fit.

Thx, any pictures of the install? Was it an easy install?

Remove existing fridge two small screws from the bottom underneath the trailer. Amazing that worked to hold it down.

Remove this piece. 4 pocket screws in the back. After the screws are gone you’ve got staples to carefully pry apart.

The then this Dominic CRX50 fits perfect. I haven’t finished the install.

Don’t laugh used it a couple of times by putting a fat bike tube around it putting it in the hole and blowing up it up to secure it. Will be properly installing it this weekend and doing the electrical.

Moving to 150Ah lithium battery and 220W of Solar. Should be good for perpetual camping in the summer.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Lockdown]

Nice, thanks for the update! I'm leaning towards a portable Alpicool APLT60-LG; it has more space, and the area where the existing fridge can be converted to storage space. Of course, that would mean transporting and securing (from theft) the unit while camping.

 

[dergrah]

After spending 5 days camping at the beach over the 4th of July holiday, I realized the trailer needed a couple of upgrades. Yesterday I swapped out the speakers. Because of the shallow depth of the wall, I had to use spacers. They are in at an angle because the factory speakers are mounted at a 45 degree angle or so. They did that so 2 of the screws would hit the 1x wood in the wall and not just attach to the fiberboard. That little swap made a huge difference. Whizzer cones just don't compare to a coaxial.

What size are these speaker? I’m a bit confused on how to mesure the stock ones. What did you use to extend them out to accommodate the extra depth ?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk