The ROAM Camper Build

[titanpat57-TNT]

ok another question. I see that you put a receiver hitch on the back, do you think it would be possible to use a basket with the 500lb rating and fill it up with out making it difficult to tow? I plan using mine as a hunting trailer so I need room to put game (I am optimistic) be it boned out in a cooler or two or just quartered in canvas bags. plus it would be nice to haul fire wood on the hitch on the way out instead of in the camper. I am liking you design more and more for my needs. With the roof top tent can you still use the roof rack to carry other stuff like kayaks?

thanks
carl

Hi Carl,

I wouldn't recommend putting that much weight behind the rear wheels....something that off balance could be disasterous, at best, and really squirrelly towing at the very least.

I think a better solution would be to put some of the gear from the inside, on the roof rack of the trailer(mine needs some additional work to accommodate that) or on the roof of the tow vehicle. That would open up the inside, centered on the wheels, to add the weight.

It would be much safer....Pat

 

[titanpat57-TNT]

Hi All,

I haven't updated in awhile, and I thought it might be time.

I've been using the ROAM for trips to VA, PA, NY, VT.

The biggest change was the elimination of the roof top tent (with no fault of ARB, fabulous unit and very well made) after a fishing trip upstate last year. The wind blew for 3 days non stop, at times so hard I couldn't keep the stove lit! There was no way you could've stayed in a RTT with that wind blowing, and it actually almost toppled the canopy if I hadn't anchored it down with two ropes on each corner....it was crazy

So I got rid of the RTT and the pop up canopy (it was the first time I stayed for 4 nights on the inside of the trailer), and picked a military tent called a "Command Post" tent. It's super well made, substantial in wind and bad weather,and albeit a bit heavy (about 275 lbs), is a spectacular addition to the rear of the trailer. No single pc. weighs more than 75lbs. It measures out to 11' x 11' and 7' high at the end wall, the peak is about 9' high. It has interchangeable sidewalls, and boots right up to rear of the trailer...and also has a stove jack built into the roof.

I did manage to get the inside foamed and finished with lightweight pine planking from the Depot...then hit it with a few coats of poly....all in all it looks good, but still needs some corner trim to hide some wires. I'm just always anxious to get out and go camping, and relax. I'm sure it'll get done this summer (right after the central air, basement renovation, and picture window replacement... )..lol.

Here's a few pics of the tent and trailer at various camping outings. The last one was the same spot as last year, and this year I was ready for the howling winds and sideways rain at 34 degrees...the woodstove was the star of the show!..

Thanks everyone for looking.

now some pics...

 

[KCStudly]

Camping with bacon in the skillet. It doesn't get any better than that!

 

[scotty_lobe]

Nice set up. How long does it take to set up the tent? Do you need two people?

 

[titanpat57-TNT]

Thanks Scotty,....the tent weighs about 275 lbs....but no one piece weighs more than 75. It really is a marvel of engineering, manufactured by Camel, and it's really nice to have a sturdy, well made structure behind the trailer.

I've put it and up and taken it down by myself probably four or five times...and it's definitely nicer with a hand...but for a 4-5 day trip worth the effort.

 

[Eric_kc0ahk]

 

[cryptojones]

TitanPat,

This looks amazing? Do you happen to have the sketchup files for this? I would like to use this design. My kids have a cardboard spaceship in our basement, same shape!

http://kids.discovery.com/shop/role-pla ... ocket-ship

Thanks,
CJ

 

[Donutboy]

Wow! That is REALLY cool! Nice work.

 

[JFW3]

Nice! Great job!

 

[Bob Palmer]

Really nice that tent is exactly what i need for deer camp were you get it?
Thanks
Bob

 

[titanpat57-TNT]

Thank you all for the kind words.....I really need to get back more often to check the forum...

@CJ... I really don't hand out the design file, but if there's some measurement needs I'd certainty help you out.

@Bob.... Its called the "Command Post Tent"...its made by Camel, and is a pretty serious piece of equipment. It weighs about 300 lbs, comes with a heavy aluminum frame, and separate roof and side panels. It cost about $1200, was used, but very lightly.

Thanks again.

 

[BC Dave]

and your awning looks light but sturdy; not a typical RV one where did you get that? cost?

cheers BC dave

 

[titanpat57-TNT]

and your awning looks light but sturdy; not a typical RV one where did you get that? cost?

cheers BC dave

The awning is an ARB 2500 (8') and takes about a minute to set up, another minute to stake down. The best price I found so far was on AutoAnything.

Here's some camping pictures this season, starting with fishing trip in April...

 

[Martiangod]

Definatly the complete package looks figgin awesome

Oh ya, they're never complete.
Must be something else you can squeeze in there.

 

[BC Dave]

yep that's a fine build; I went back and had a look at you original sketch; just as you planned; whats your work background in? Thanks for the awning reference, they don't ship to Canada ...sigh, but Im not in the market for one immediately and Im not sure I could mount it on a stock pathfinder roof rack; there a nice little unit though.

oh and glad to see you enjoying a "cool one wid you feets up bi the cap fire"

 

[Silvrzuki77]

Anymore of the interior with the folding seating?

 

[Fun4wheelerguy]

I love your build.... I have a friend with the same trailer. I want him to look at this one.

I own an off road shop and I am building a trailer too. I hope mine will be as liked as yours is.

Brett

 

[titanpat57-TNT]

@Martiangod ha ha!...isn't that the truth!....my buddy always says.."don't worry about the mule...just load the wagon!"

@BC Dave Thanks...

@ Silvrzuki77 ...I'll try to get you some.....the bed area doesn't really fold (although it does easily come apart), I kinda gave up on that idea. The flat area is stacked with gear and the tent. I'm in the process of designing a new "tent" area for the back..smaller (5' x 10') and much lighter. I'll only take the big tent for a 4 day excursion or more.

I love your build.... I have a friend with the same trailer. I want him to look at this one.

I own an off road shop and I am building a trailer too. I hope mine will be as liked as yours is.

Brett

Good luck with it, and thanks...if I can help please let me know.

 

[Eugenio-TNT]

Hi I like your construction titanpart57, I want to ask you out and then the pusistes telgoport forraste with aluminum foil? Eugenio greetings

 

[titanpat57-TNT]

Thank you Eugenio!! Greetings also!


and now....a few shots of camping up in Davenport, NY last week. Water was too high from the rain and muddy to fish, and one night it got down to 34, and the next 33....I'm sure it knocked the fishing down.