Folding Foamie Camper a la Casita or Esterel in the Works

[TinkerTailor]

Ordered a longer, stronger axle, better hubs, and will put some radials on for better stability. Likely not done before the next trip, though...

 

[TinkerTailor]

Took a trip to Tahoe and all went smoothly. Tows fine - no instability. Took it up to 80 mph and it seemed fine. Should be even more stable when I put the wider axle and better tires on it. I did have to stop and let the transmission cool off after going too fast up the Sierra Nevada hills - lesson learned. Cooled down pretty quickly and we were back on the road. Had to cut the trip a day short as another atmospheric river was coming in and I didn't want to tow in a blizzard, but I have one more snow/ski trip for the season coming up. Plenty warm and much easier to set up/tear down than it was before. Will add a few pics later.

 

[pchast]

Glad your trip worked out well.

 

[OP827]

Great news! Will be looking for

 

[TinkerTailor]

Here are some shots from the trip. Nothing too exciting, but you know:

album]171601[/album]

 

[GPW]

Looks Very Exciting !!!

 

[OP827]

You are making this trailer work the best for you and your family. Your children will remember this time. Great accomplishment!

 

[TinkerTailor]

Thanks all -

I have another trip up to Tahoe with my younger son in a week or two. Should be fun!

 

[TinkerTailor]

Got the new, wider and beefier, 2000 lb. Dexter axle on today with some proper hubs and better radial tires:

There were no stability issues when I towed on the last trip, but it should be even more stable now with the wheelbase extended by about 9 inches.

 

[GPW]

That should work out Great !!!

 

[TinkerTailor]

Quick update on the camper which has undergone a few modifications.

First, I took the diesel heater, which I never used, out of the tongue box. I installed a 50 AH battery with a simple system to replace the Ecoflow power pack I'd been using, which was bigger than I needed, heavier, and made weird noises if I didn't unplug the solar at night. This simple system allows pass through charging. So far my light 12v usage doesn't seem to make a dent in the battery charge due to solar. Going to install a 12v line/outlet so I can plug in my fridge as well.

Added more drawers and counter space. Made some organizational changes to allow for easier cooking, etc.

Added a bit of new decor.

Added a clock/thermometer inset into the wall.

New dark paint job with new drip edge made of wood, fiberglassed, and then varnished. When I have time I'll sand down the doors, add a new layer of door skin, fiberglass it, and varnish to match. I was going for the black, shou shogi ban modernist cabin look.

Still going strong and making ski camping trips!