7x16 Cargo Camper

[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

Hey Mark

Good to hear from you, I found a reasonable welder who also works in Alum
so I got some 3 projects going......

today I'm picking up 5 custom alum solar panel racks, these will lift the panels higher so the heat issue I had before will be solved.
any ideas on how to make them tilt ? all the actuators I looked at are $100 each.....
maybe i'lll just have to use shocks / dampers at first to get 12" or so lift.
with my insulation the 5,000 wall a/c works great even in 100 deg full sun.

Cheers Jerry

[Mark519]

Hi Jerry,
Gas struts might be useful but it takes some trial and error to get the right size. I need photos of the racks to really think about it. And photos of the actuators so I can see what you want them to do.

[Al Swope]

Thanks!
Instead of a built in awning I attached stainless steel marine loops to the upper edge and got a 10x15' tarp and poles. It isn't that much trouble to setup since I can easily jump onto the roof by first jumping onto my generator box. Thankfully the box is strong enough for that. Take down is even easier- just pull the rope out.



]

How is the awning attached tot he trailer? I have been thinking about doing this too.

[Mark519]

Hi Al, I riveted Harken Micro Eye Straps along the top of the trailer and use a tarp with reinforced eye holes. I just thread a rope through the holes basically alternating between eye straps and tarp holes. I then tie the rope off on both ends with a pull knot at both ends so I can snatch the rope out from the ground. It can be set up with a step stool if you don't feel like climbing on top. You can find a bunch of different size tarps on Amazon and I think the poles came from Campmor or similar camping retailer.

Defender sells the eye straps: http://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?path=-1|118|2303373|2303376&id=172696

[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

Hi Mark

Here are a few pictures of the new design. I hate those metal poles sticking up on trailers so I made rounded low profile brackets,
the racks will be bolted into the side drip rail & actually sit on the roof.
ZERO HOLES !!!

The hinge would be on one side and the shocks maybe on the other end....
not sure I need to mess with that yet
will do some more testing this summer.

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[Tx River Rat]

OTC
Your set up may be a screaming banshee with that amount of gap between the roof and side brackets.
Might be something to check when you just have one installed.
Ron

[Mark519]

It looks like the rack may be able to bounce - maybe some rubber between it and the roof or maybe you are going to use the super adhesive tape? I think a gas strut could work once you find the right size and power. Seems like it would be best to have one on each side of the panel/assembly so it doesn't twist as much. If you add a center bar on the rack then you could maybe mount a single strut in the center. I guess you will then hold them down in place with a chain or something? The hold down seems like it would also need to be in the center so the panel(s)? don't get a twist. I would be concerned about them shattering. I guess it depends on the size of the individual solar panel(s) and how rigid their frames are. Also when I built my rack I left 1/8" between each panel frame so they could expand in the heat and not jam against each other or flex against each other.

[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

TX River Rat

if it don't scream i'm gonna get one

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Mark

when bolted down there really is no bounce at all, I was planing to put some VHB under the flat section.....
just to keep it off the roof a little. For the time they will just lay flat as I have over 2000 watts, more then enough.

[Tx River Rat]

OTC
A single layer of alum with any crack under it has a good chance of setting a whistle you wouldn't believe when towing up to speed, Dont ask me how I know.
Ron

[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

So I'll have 20 chances 10 on each side

Will let you know

[Slyhuntr]

Wow! Nice trailer. I see a lot there I'm going to try to duplicate.

[CoventryKid]

Great looking trailer and some really great build ideas!

May I ask what the extra cost was to narrow the wheel track and tuck the wheels under the trailer?

Thanks!

[Mark519]

It was $125 but I think the problem is finding a manufacturer who will offer this option since it changes the design of the frame and uses non standard axles. I got mine through TrailerShowRoom.com at the Georgia facility. I am not sure if they do this at all of their locations.
Thanks

[rebapuck]

I know gas cans are generally red. Is the yellow for diesel?

[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

Everybody knows the yellow is for pee
Blue is for fresh water