Building The Rock Pod

[VegasNick]

I think this may be only like my third post here. I've been reading this forum for over two years and gathering ideas. I've also enlisted a few members near me for some great advice along the way. I have gone back and forth with "Build or buy" and realized that I really cannot justify dropping $15K or more on what I want. So, a few weeks ago I set off on the build. I had some concept of what I wanted. I actually put it on paper a few years ago while stuck in the bed doing battle with cancer. Now, I've started laying wood and glue and it feels great! Although not a "teardrop" by shape, I wanted to post up my build. I have been told that in the end it will look like a Star Trek shuttle.

Design is simple. 5x8 "pod" on a 5x8 Carson trailer with a 3500lb axle and springs. I wanted something that did not require fancy curves and could be easily built by someone with little woodworking knowledge. (I am an Avionics tech/engineer by trade)

Some inspiration:


and from Craigslist:


The floor came together easily. 3/4 with 2x4 and 2x2 framing. Underneath is sealed with the black roof sealant.


Sidewalls will be 3/4 with 2x2 frame and 1/8 Lauan on the inside. I am using doors from TC Teardrops. Right now, I have the sides up and the galley bulkhead in:



I understand that 3/4 is going to be heavy...but.. I am not doing water tanks, or galley gear save for probably an IRONMAN fridge and Coleman stove. I need something that will be rugged and well insulated. AC unit will be stand alone. Heat is going to be a Camp Buddy. I am hoping her maiden voyage will the end of April as we hit the Mojave Rd.

[KCStudly]

Build on!

[VegasNick]

This is the tow vehicle by the way:

[CMC]

Looking good. Hope your able to get it done by your timeline. I am finally starting mine as well. We have a similar profile.

Curtis

[VegasNick]

Looking good. Hope your able to get it done by your timeline. I am finally starting mine as well. We have a similar profile.

Curtis

Thanks Curtis! I have a feeling that it is going to be a marathon run come March! Waiting on the tax refund and a few customers that owe me some serious $$$ then it's throttles to the firewall!

Do you have any pics of yours up yet?

[VegasNick]

What a week of fighting the crud off. I went through chemo in 2012 and didn't have a cold for all of 2013 and most of 2014. This year I have been hit twice with nasty respiratory infections. It seems to be going around everywhere at work. This has managed to slow me down a bit this week.

I did get the galley bulkhead in place this past weekend:


I am going to insulate it and skin the backside I believe. That is skin and insulate the galley doors and walls. Right now I am torn as well as to make like a giant storage chest in the bottom of the galley or just leave room for my box and some plastic storage keepers.

[CMC]

All I have up are my sketchup drawings which I am reworking due to some changes and pictures of the frame. Finally getting around to having a little more free time so that I can start putting some time into it. I am almost done with the improved plans and have started to get the frame as level as possible so that I am ready to go.

Curtis

[VegasNick]

More progress:





Finally got it rolling!

[dales133]

Looks like your steaming ahead!

[39Ratrod]

Looking pretty sweet!

[titanpat57]

Nice job Nick...glad to hear you're on the rebound from the ick.

Good job on the build, some people don't get, or understand the forces that are exerted on a trailer when towing off road. Something that you build for a paved road can be torn apart on a trail, even if just a forest trail. Never be afraid to overbuild.

Happy camping...awesome FJC too!!

[lfhoward]

That's a great design! Love it. And it will be a beast offroad. What sorts of places do you envision taking it?
I will be watching your thread for inspiration, as I'm about to start building an offroad camper too.

[VegasNick]

Thanks guys!!

We are testing it out this weekend on a mild trail that leads to a campground about 6,000ft. It is just a 30 minute drive from Vegas.

Update pics coming.

[VegasNick]

I decided to so with a finish from INterlux called "Brightside". It is a marine topside paint. It has a special primer that goes on first. It has a bot of a learning curve as to application because it is so thin. You roll it on with a foam roller. I sanded with 22 grit in between all coats of primer and paint. The finish is amazing! It looks like one solid piece. Very happy with that.

So, on to the good stuff:

Primer on


Paint going on, and final panel closeout. I used a new product from BONDO for all of the seams and screw holes. We rounded every square edge with a router and finishing bit:




Tool box on, jack points mounted and final coats of paint on:

[VegasNick]

New wheels went on yesterday. Mounted the IRONMAN awning as well. Also finished the matching paint to the tow rig:



Still working on the interior. I added a pull out "coffee table". We will finish the cabinet faces after we get back from our Mojave Rd trip.