The ROAM Camper Build

[titanpat57-TNT]

Hi Everyone,

First off I'd like to say a special and heart felt thank you to all those who came before, took the time to document their ideas and builds, and spent countless hours and numerous talents fine tuning many of the methods applied in the creation of the ROAM. It is much apprecciated.

The ROAM (Recreation Optimized All-terrain Module) is my second attempt at a trailer build. The first was smaller, lighter, and lacked a brake axle....but was a really fun platform, so that's what I based this build off.

The project was started in mid April of 2010, and was taken out for the maiden voyage at the end of October the same year. The interior still needs some finish, as does the electrical system, but spring is right around the corner, and I'll be buying some wainscoating soon to pre-finish for the interior...but it been a welcomed break. There are already several early trips planned....I mean ****, how are going to work the bugs out?

The trailer started out its beginnings as a military generator platform, known as the M116A2, rated for 3/4 of a ton, or a total payload of 2750 pounds, which is what the finish weight will top out. The military axle was swapped out with a new Dexter, 3" dia. with brakes. I ordered 6 x 5.5 pattern, but my problem was that my Toyota 4Runner Trail has hub centric rims, not lug centric. In a quick synopsis, that translates into the wheel lines up with a "raised rim" that sticks out form the drum. In almost all cases your lug nuts center your wheel when tightend, but not in this case. That meant I had to buy a product called Spidertrax, that converts lug centric to hub centric. This build criteria was that the wheels on the trailer have to match the wheels on the tow vehicle.....I know, I know....it's not a news flash I have issues, so that said let the pictures begin

These are mostly the tongue modifications to accmodate the Max Coupler...an awesome multi-axis coupler...

I never did get real good at welding...but man I nailed the grinding part down...

 

[titanpat57-TNT]

And here are some more....I found Google Sketch Up to be invaluable for designing parts, and providing exact measurements.

and you can have all the tools in the world.....


but never the right one when you need it...

I really, really struggled with the welding in the beginning...but it got a bit better once I got some tips.

 

[CapN-SKO]

from what I can see in your drawings this will be a good one to follow

 

[86 slo-vo]

it looks good, keep up the work.

 

[titanpat57-TNT]

Thanks guys!

I also welded a new rear bumper, with a 2" reciever and the original tow hooks. The drop foot jacks are designed to slide into the ends of the bumper and be pinned in. The front jack is welded on and will be concealed in the nose box.

I also had to figure out the tailight brakets....these were important because they add some support to the rear wall against lateral forces

All the rough metal framing is complete...time to flip it and get to work on the bottom.

So we flipped it..5 guys..real scary, but no one got hurt! I powerwashed it, installed the new axle, built a spare tire carrier, and applied a single stage black paint. I figured while she was on her back I'd run some of the power too!

THEN...WHEEL TIME!! The Toyota Trail rims with Load E range tires. A long road to this point...but I'm staying focused

Now we can flip it again...but this time I got 6 guys.....a little safer!

Time for a "Test Run"!!!!!!!

Once the test run was over, time to get back to work, first thing on order was to sure the jacks worked properly...we have lift off! Also had to finish weld up the taillight brackets

 

[compactcamping]

TitanPat57, Great trailer, love that it's Tent Topped!

 

[stomperxj-TNT]

Hey Pat - good to see you made it over here. Love this build. Its bomb proof

Jess

 

[titanpat57-TNT]

I finally read "pictures for dummies"

I do apologize for some of the picture quality...most were taken at the end of the work day, and lots of times in not so great light.

soooooooo...let's try it again.

 

[titanpat57-TNT]

Thanks Scott and Jess!! I'm in good company I see....

I thought it might be a good idea to share this being some of these folks may not make it to Mud or Expo. I spent tons of time in the electrical section for the first build...a real wealth of knowledge and lots of good folks.

I figured you guys must be chomping at the bit for spring!!

I think I got the picture thing figured out...so I'll try to post them and fix the others.

Now I finally got into something I had a little experience with....Wood! It was a welcomed change.

 

[titanpat57-TNT]

The wall construction was 2" x 4" on the flat, bolted and glued down to the metal bed, and 2" x 6" roof construction...to support the ARB Simpson III and my fat butt!

It was covered with 1/2" CDX that was glued and screwed (that will be a pattern with almost everything I build)

Here you can see where the taillight frames support the rear framing

I had to add a socket to eliminate the crank on the front jack before it was framed shut

The inside...

and of course I had to hook up a light....patience is for sissys

 

[CapN-SKO]

wow you sure are building fast

 

[titanpat57-TNT]

Then it time for a trip around the yard, and I can tell a lie....

I drove down through town too!! I had to see how it felt, and all went well.

I installed the rubber roof, then started the FRP on the nose and side walls. THe FRP was a real challenge because of the angles on the nose box. The plywood was a peice of cake, if it was off a hair, take out the belt sander and it's all good. The FRP is only about an 1/8" thick...so now the bar gets raised!

It had to start at the bottom so all seams over lapped for water tightness. I was also trying to avoid trim peices at the joints

Then there are two different types of adhesive: spray contact cement and then 5 min. set epoxy at the seams. I was worried about compatibility issues, so I taped off the plywood so the epoxy had bare wood to adhere to. Once dry the joints were sanded and ready for paint

THen it was time for the roof rack to hold the RTT . It was constructed from 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" x .120 square tube I welded feet with holes to allow it to be bolted thru the pre-installed blocks in the roof framing. It was exciting to start the finishing touches...it was a long summer.

The sides and exposed fenders were covered in aluminum diamond plate, it had to be cut to size, siliconed and riveted on.

Then the damn back doors...this set was as big or bigger PITA to do then the previous build. The Yuengling (which is the official beverage of the ROAM Camper) flowed freely. Why do always leave the tough stuff till last?

There is a raised hatch in the nose box that will get a window/screen for ventilation for the inside. The inside has a queen size air matress, and eventually a fold down couch.

 

[titanpat57-TNT]

wow you sure are building fast

I give slow a whole new meaning...

 

[titanpat57-TNT]

Then it was time to address the kitchen. I had an awesome Cabelas fold up kitchen in a bag first time around, and I really liked it, but I wanted to take it up a notch.

So then I said the **** with it...let's cover the whole side with one...

So here we go...

Before the Kitchen can be mounted it needs a spritz of silver, the FRP is NOT UV resistant, so I primed it with Rustoleum plastic primer, then Rustoleum silver

Then it was time for the Roof Top Tent and awning

and the finished kitchen

and a few "live actions" shots from the maiden voyage. My nephew John came to celebrate...and was always a big help when I needed him. Of course I'm his favorite uncle because I'm unstable.....

 

[starleen2]

GEEZ-SUS - that's one heck of a build

 

[Steve F-TNT]

How does it tow with the tent up there, I'm about to put one on mine and am curious as to what it does to how it handles with all the weight up high?

Cheers
Steve

 

[mezmo]

Hey titanpat57,

You Dun Did It!

What a great design and build! And super posting of pics
to document it all.

A perfect example of building what you want!

You and the ROAM inspire all the rest of us, still in the process,
showing that it IS possible to do it.

Enjoy your roaming in your ROAM home.

Cheers,
Norm/mezmo

 

[titanpat57-TNT]

@ starleen2...thank you!

@ Steve F.....

I haven't towed loaded much more than 20 miles...but it was rock solid. Part of the design is that the batteries (2-6v 220A/H) and the 21 ga. water tank are located between the hitch and the front of the wheels. Below that is a full size spare. I planned it that way to help offset the rack and the tent (200lbs). The trailer also has a steel 1/8" deck, and even though it's a spring over axle, is extremely solid. My thoughts were to keep the heavier items as low as possible as to keep the center of gravity low.

The water tank filled and the batteries combined are about 320 lbs, and there are also 2 - 5 gal water cans located on the outside. I'm a big believer in lots of tongue weight. Although the nose if filled with light stuff like blankets and sleeping bags, I'm betting I'm sporting in excess 350 lbs tongue weight....which is fine with me. I added the Airlift 1000 bags in rear of the 4Runner, and they seemed to work well also.

@ Norm/mezmo

NORM!!...

Glad you like it! The inside renovations will commence in March, and although sometimes I'm not sure what to do....I defintely know what not to do...lol. I actually have a couple of designs in the works for a new one, but if I don't let the dust settle on this one a bit....I'll be in Divorce Court for the next one...

Now just a few of the systems start. The batteries and water tank are housed in plywood with a removable top. There is a second peice of plywood that is laying flat, along with 3 - 2"x6"s that pull out and form the bed inside the trailer. In the "closed" position it carries 4 large plastic lockers that house the stove, sink, annex, kitchen needs, etc.....all the camping goodies.

Here's the short list of on-board ammeities.

Engel 45 12V fridge....Port-potti(popular with the ladies).....Instant Hot shower hot water heater.....Cabelas 4' x 8' easy up shower/potty tent....31 Gals of water with a 12V pump and quick disconnect fittings for sink and/or shower...2-20# fiberglass tanks with propane tree for propane light and propane 3 burner stove.......10' x 10' First up Canopy with screen/solid walls kits......2 - 6V batteries able to produce 450 A/H of power, backed up by a Honda eu2000i generator if need be......45 Amp Iota Converter......LED task lighting inside and outside, also in tent....54" wide bed inside the camper, same size on top in tent.........8' aluminum fold down kitchen counter.....Shovel and Axe mounted on outside.........Hi-lift to mounted on inside

The fridge...

Here's a shot of the inside, very early on....

 

[S. Heisley]

Hi, TitanPat:

That is an impressive build! You definitely thought outside of the box when you designed it and it looks like it works well for you.
Thanks for sharing.

 

[titanpat57-TNT]

Hi Sharon!...thanks!!

I thought it thru pretty carefully, but haven't used it enough to find the flaws...this year though!

Be well, Pat