Down Under Camper

[danlott]

Sorry Dan, I have missed something. Why would I want to lengthen the trailer. I can understand lengthening the cabin but not the actual trailer frame. Maybe I am misunderstanding.

Is it easy to change the 3D model to suit my 2440 trailer frame?

Cheers
Paul

Sorry about the confusion on the wording. Andrews plans call for making the harbor freight trailer frame shorter if you are wanting to use that to build the Widget on. Your trailer frame looks to be the same as the harbor freight trailers, so that is why I mentioned that.

It is also possible to make the cabin longer to fit your frame. In that case I would add the extra length to the straight part at the top of the cabin.

It is also possible to scale up the entire profile to fit the frame. This would have a longer and taller cabin, but it would retain the same profile look.

As for the wheels a good rule of thumb is to place the center of the wheels 40 to 45 percent of the distance from the back of the cabin based on the overall length of the cabin. The Widget is 120 inches long and the wheels are centered at 53 inches from the rear. That is 44 .2 percent of the overall cabin length.

Dan

[donnan]

Thanks Dan for clearing that up.

Would it be rude of me to ask if you would be able to enlarge the 3D Model so it fits my trailer? I would really appreciate that.

The trailer I believe is made by the same company, Harbour Freight and it is imported into Australia by Carlex Pty Ltd.

The Trailer frame measurements is 2440mm x 1530mm

moving the wheels won't be too much of a big deal I think, but I am wondering if I just extend the tongue so as to get the wheels in the right position. What are your thoughts on that?

Cheers
Paul

[danlott]

I just realized that your trailer frame is both longer and wider than the frame for the Widget. I did an extend profile to show you what it would look like to fit the length of your frame. If you like the look than you can go with it, but with the bigger frame you could go with something completely different than the Widget. You can make it similar to the Widget, but it will be much bigger and the layout possibilities will be greater. If you want send me a PM of what you are wanting in your trailer, I can work on something that might work for you.

Widget extended profile.skp

(66.98 KiB) Downloaded 134 times

If you do go with this profile you will need to change the location of your axles and you will probably not need as large of a wheel cut out. You also might want to move the door back a little to allow for more cabinet space in the front.

Dan

[donnan]

Yes Dan, my trailer is much bigger. I also want to make it as wide as possible so I plan on bringing the floor out over the top of the wheels. This would then make the total floor measurements being 2440mm x1930mm

Moving the door back for more room for the galley is a great idea.

I don't understand why the wheel arch would be able to be made smaller but that is minor technical issue by the sound of it.

We used to own a 21' caravan which had all the mod cons in it, ensuite bathroom large dining/kitchen and a queen size bed in the front.

What do you think we can fit in this new one? My wife would say, put in it what ever we can fit. Of course I also have to consider the weight issue on the trailer. It is only rated to carry 750kg/1300 lb's I think.

Also thanks for changing the Widget model again mate. You are a real champion.

Maybe once we get the design of this one down it can have a new name, since it suits an 8' x 5' trailer.

Cheers
Paul

[donnan]

Most of the trailer is assembled but I may have to move the axle. Dan is working on a modified design of the Widget to allow it to handle the 8' x 5' trailer.


So once the design is settled then I can get into the construction phase.

I went and got a few more necessities to get things stocked up.


Cost: $84 AUD

[donnan]

I thought I better knock together a decent work bench so as I can make all of the necessary templates for my build.

Talk about square! By the time I screwed it all the frame together it was only out by 1mm, once I put the top on it, a tug here and there and it's perfectly square.




Cost: Glue, screws, 4"x 1 1/2" (90mm x 35mm) framing, ply sheet = $168 AUD

Boy it doesn't take much for it to all add up. I don't have a budget on this build. I wonder if I should be keeping it to a certain limit?

One of my aussie neighbours here on this site, said their TD build cost them $6000. I am building a bigger TD. I am thinking about a name. It's a full height standy with an shower and porta potti cabinet, internal dining area by day and a KING size bed area of a night, also has internal galley area. I was thinking "Deluxe Camper". Will have pics of the design soon. Dan is knocking together a 3D Model of it.

Can't wait!

Cheers
Paul

[Roo Dog]

Paul,

If I was to build another Tear I reckon I could knock a few dollars off that $6000.
Went in the wrong direction (not the cheapest route) a few times.
Hindsight is 20/20 and in colour.

That be the way of it.

Take it easy.

RD

[Doubltap]

Paul, the majority of axle relocations are done to balance the weight of the items in the rear galley area, and to also emulate the design characteristics of the classic tears of the 1940s. As for moi, rather than get into the issues involved with axle relocation on my 4x8 harbour freight build, I elected to merely balance out the weight of the items in the galley with a 14 gallon water tank on the trailer tongue. The only important thing, IMHO, is that you ensure a positive tongue weight commnensurate with keeping your hitch on the ball. One would NEVER want negative weight on the hitch ball. Here is my build thread for "Doubltap's Double Snuggle Box": viewtopic.php?f=50&t=53840

The water tank is not on the tongue yet, but will probably be in a few days. The tank is actually a 14 gallon Harbour Freight sprayer with 12v DC pump, which will supply water to both my sink and outside shower.

Enjoying your build. You should be ready to trek across the Nullabor in no time!

Best wishes,

Al Thompson, Topeka Kansas USA

[donnan]

Thanks for explaining that Doubletap, it makes a lot of sense. Also others have mentioned that is also improves towing of the trailer. I think I can move them back 6 inches and that would be a plus.

Already done the Nullabor trip in a bigger caravan. What an experience that was. Would love to do it again some day though.

Paul

[Roo Dog]

Paul,

Just for the memory.
Nullarbor crossing from the Norseman end.
First crossing I did was in a Mini Minor in '62 I think it was. All dirt back then.
Done a few since. My work took me out there a number of times as well.
Take it easy.
RD

[donnan]

I can't wait to be able to cross the Nullabor again Roo Dog, though I am sure I will have to wait a while.

I have just started on the template on the "Deluxe Camper"......it's going to be a FULL stand up model with internal shower and galley. I BIG thanks to Dan for all his hard work in getting me the sketchup model and the profile. All I needed to do was work out the measurements for the curves, which wasn't too hard.

No pics at the moment as I want to finish the template completely before I share it.

I have done a full re-model of the workshop so I have somewhere out of the cold to make all the panel and cabinets.

The trailer is completed just need to get it registered now and then I can put the "Formply" floor on it.

Will have some pics soon.

Paul

[Roo Dog]

Onya Paul,

Look forward to the pics as you progress. Sounds as though it is going to be a very different project to our wee beastie. Whatever, enjoy the build, they really are a great project.
Cannot see us doing a Nullarbor crossing again. We camp about the Norseman area a bit on our way to and from Kalgoorlie etc. I worked for the RFDS for many years and oft times found myself out there and way to the North sorting out sick and or damaged aircraft. Surprising the amount of damage a big kangaroo can do to an aircraft on take off.
Up to Kal for a few days next week end. Tear in tow, way to go!
Don't forget the pictures.

Take it easy.

SD
PS. For our American friends who may wonder where the name Nullarbor comes from. Nullarbor is not a native name, it is Latin. Null arbor. No trees.

[donnan]

Here is the model pics of what I am hoping to achieve. I call it the "Deluxe Camper".





The table will fold down into a King Size bed. The closet is for shower and toilet. The galley will be at the front. A wardrobe may yet be added on the cabinet wall just to hang a few items.

Paul

[danlott]

Looking forward to your build. If you do decide to go with a small wardrobe make sure to consider the window size.

Dan

[donnan]

The trailer is pretty much all ready to go. The lights all work great. I haven't got it registered yet as I thought I would wait until I have at least got the sides of the TD built.



Although, I am still deciding if the axle of the trailer really needs to be moved. It shouldn't take too long to do it, but I know I can't put the floor down until it's done, if it's going to be done.

What are your thoughts on moving the axle?

Paul