New Name "TRAP SHACK" 02-09-10

[Moosemt]

Starting the build tommorrow have named it the trap shack, and will hopefully get the frame together tommorrow, and then start making some saw dust. Have all of the materials together and off we go. Hope to get it done in 2 months for use this summer.

[Moosemt]

Well the Trap Shack did not go as planned, decided to divest my self of way more than half my stuff. But no longer married to Satan so going to start over again, she even took the frame that was done along with the metal frame. I am have a 5x10 nice pre-made trailer and have decided his to try and make the Camper kind of on a skid and then tied down to allow the use of the flat bed if needed and then the camper when wanted or if have to take the camper up on the mountain, and slide it off on a frame and then then go back for my four wheeler as a bug out shack has anyone tried this or am I crazy.

[Martiangod]

Downsizing can be a good thing, too much clutter can make one feel penned in.
The removable box on a trailer, can and has been done, In some ways I think it may be a better way to go.
A lot of Ice shack manufacturers are going that way,
Definatly sounds like a doable way to go, dual purpose trailer, and the pod would take up less storage space then a dedicated trailer..
No hassle registration as the rv just becomes the load now and not the trailer.
You may be able to source some camper jack legs and make it lift off, would be easier for loading and unloading and leveling

[Moosemt]

Had not thought of the camper Jack legs, but yeah that is a great Idea. Trying to upload the picture of the base trailer but to no avail. Will try again. Does anyone know of a set of plans for this type of modular camping that has been done on here or who might have some idea?

[Moosemt]

This is what I am starting with going to delete the rails, and change out fenders as larger off road tires will fit this axle, and had it upsized to #3500 break axle so should be enough.

[Martiangod]

I'd make it fit within the side rails, and maybe overhang the sides like a truck camper, You could incorporate tool boxes on the outer sides ahead and behind the wheels for storage, ones that would stay with the trailer, not the pod. By overhanging that would put camper jacks outside the wheels. Also make it easier to secure the pod to the trailer. Big problem I see is the axel location being very centered on that trailer, but that can be overcome quit easy with some planning. ie: battery location, water tank location and so on.
Rear entry would allow you to use on or off the trailer and having some open area at the back would move some of that weight forward.
One thing to remember, is a lot if not most landscape style trailers, the sides are integral to the strength of the trailer.
Take a look at some truck campers to see how they utilize the overhang on the box sides

[Moosemt]

I am sure the rails are not needed for support, I am going to build the frame out tube steel for the camper and think should be able to make the old frame rail pockets as holders. I also think I can use the idea like you mentioned and make the truck jacks work. I might move the wheels back a little on the trailer for better weight distribution, and have one side door on it and one escape window on the opposite side, With a large tip up full galley on the back.

[KCStudly]

The cabin will only stiffen the frame when it is on. If you plan to use the ute with the cabin off, you need to leave the top rails on.

[Moosemt]

Might need to modify the rails so not that hard to climb or build over maybe modify to be a quick attach luggage style rack for the top when using the camper as right now only 6 bolts hold It in the stake pockets. so make that on the exterior of the camper and then have a rack. Might be an idea.

[Martiangod]

Hmm, the rails are stake pocketed???
Had to brighten up my screen to see in pic.
I thought it was a landscape trailer, on them rails are an integral part of the structure.
But it looks like you have a flat bed with add on rails
Sorry for the confusion

[Moosemt]

I do think I like the idea of making the rails a "luggage rack" that is quick attached for the top of the camper, for junk. I could make that happen on the camper pretty easy with the bolts and also that the frame is steel and should support the weight.

[KCStudly]

What are the main rails of the trailer made of (size, shape, thickness)? It does sound and look like it is a heavy duty trailer (emphasis on heavy).

[Moosemt]

Tube steel for the frame 2" x 4" think just shy of .187 to .250 can not really tell with the addition of paint. It is heavier duty than most TTT trailers but want something I can carry some weight on with the #3500 pound brake axle should really have no issues, with the camper. The rails just bolt onto the stake pockets, it is a probably over kill for a trailer to start from but better to be over than to light my opinion.

Revised plan so frame for camper module will be out of either 1 1/2" to 2" probably .0.125 tube and with bracing every ? not sure until get doors and etc hoping to come in 2 feet from end for galley and then put in 8 foot of camper, just not sure the amount of support for the 8 foot area maybe only brace every 3 feet instead of 2.