convert pop up to hard side

[mariannf]

Hi all,
I am considering a new build. I am thinking about buying an old pop up trailer (canvas sides) and converting it to a hard side travel trailer.
Do you know of any examples of this being done well? any tips or advice?

many thanks in advance!
Mariann

[swoody126]

removing everything above the frame should render you a fine platform for a TTT

sw

[les45]

I am considering a new build. I am thinking about buying an old pop up trailer (canvas sides) and converting it to a hard side travel trailer.
Do you know of any examples of this being done well? any tips or advice?

That is exactly what I am currently working on. My hard walls will be lightweight and portable so the top can still be raised and lowered. You can see my status on my journal at:

http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=64782

[prohandyman]

Mariann
I did several with just that concept.

[mariannf]

Thanks Dan, Les and SW.
Les i'll follow your build...it looks great!

[tlsallada]

I used a former pop up trailer to build the pictured retro styled camper. It's build using traditional wood frame construction and covered with FRP exterior and 5mm wood paneling interior.

[Doublacola]

I assume you want to leave the top and bottom and just replace the canvas with hard walls, leaving it up permanently ? That's what I'd like to do also but cannot find anything that looks really good. I've seen a few done but they don't look nice. If you do it keep us informed.
Good luck
Richard

[mariannf]

I assume you want to leave the top and bottom and just replace the canvas with hard walls, leaving it up permanently ? That's what I'd like to do also but cannot find anything that looks really good. I've seen a few done but they don't look nice. If you do it keep us informed.
Good luck
Richard

thanks Richard and Tlsallada.
Right Richard i am interested in using the base and the roof and replacing the canvas with hard side material. Thinking about it still...i f i come up with anything i'll post back here.

[S. Heisley]

I assume you want to leave the top and bottom and just replace the canvas with hard walls, leaving it up permanently ? That's what I'd like to do also but cannot find anything that looks really good. I've seen a few done but they don't look nice. If you do it keep us informed.
Good luck
Richard

thanks Richard and Tlsallada.
Right Richard i am interested in using the base and the roof and replacing the canvas with hard side material. Thinking about it still...i f i come up with anything i'll post back here.

Under that thought, I'd be tempted to do something a little differently...maybe. If it's just the canvas that's bothering you, why not make removable foamie walls to replace the canvas? That way you might have the best of both worlds: low travel profile and ability to stand when the top is up. This would also allow you to use it now, while you work on your hard wall idea, too. Styrofoam is inexpensive, light weight, and somewhat forgiving to work with. Do you already have the pop-up?

[les45]

Under that thought, I'd be tempted to do something a little differently...maybe. If it's just the canvas that's bothering you, why not make removable foamie walls to replace the canvas? That way you might have the best of both worlds: low travel profile and ability to stand when the top is up. This would also allow you to use it now, while you work on your hard wall idea, too. Styrofoam is inexpensive, light weight, and somewhat forgiving to work with. Do you already have the pop-up?

Check my previous comment. That is exactly what I am doing with my current project: http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=64782

[mariannf]

I assume you want to leave the top and bottom and just replace the canvas with hard walls, leaving it up permanently ? That's what I'd like to do also but cannot find anything that looks really good. I've seen a few done but they don't look nice. If you do it keep us informed.
Good luck
Richard

thanks Richard and Tlsallada.
Right Richard i am interested in using the base and the roof and replacing the canvas with hard side material. Thinking about it still...i f i come up with anything i'll post back here.

Under that thought, I'd be tempted to do something a little differently...maybe. If it's just the canvas that's bothering you, why not make removable foamie walls to replace the canvas? That way you might have the best of both worlds: low travel profile and ability to stand when the top is up. This would also allow you to use it now, while you work on your hard wall idea, too. Styrofoam is inexpensive, light weight, and somewhat forgiving to work with. Do you already have the pop-up?

Hi there Sharon!
Well, i got the build-bug for sure...and good to hear from you on this thread.
I am following Les's build and yes thinking about fold/down foamie sides. I haven't bought the pop up. I am waiting until a good deal crops up on a pop up with a large (at least 6x12) box.
Happy New year!
Mariann

[S. Heisley]

Happy New Year, Mariann!

[Doublacola]

This is along the lines of what i've been thinking about. I would add several windows.

http://www.doityourselfrv.com/vintage-a ... rt-studio/

[jandmz]

This is along the lines of what i've been thinking about. I would add several windows.

http://www.doityourselfrv.com/vintage-a ... rt-studio/

The Apache people will try to talk you out of it. They get kinda sensitive about destroying an Apache.

There were a couple years that Apache campers could be ordered without bed ends. They are the shape that you are considering, retain the low profile towing advantages of a popup, and would require zero work converting one, other than what you would do to remodel the interior. They are hard to find, but do come available every now and then. I have only ever seen two like this. Here's a link.

http://www.apachepopups.net/albums/albu ... .sized.jpg

[Doublacola]

This is along the lines of what i've been thinking about. I would add several windows.

http://www.doityourselfrv.com/vintage-a ... rt-studio/

The Apache people will try to talk you out of it. They get kinda sensitive about destroying an Apache.

There were a couple years that Apache campers could be ordered without bed ends. They are the shape that you are considering, retain the low profile towing advantages of a popup, and would require zero work converting one, other than what you would do to remodel the interior. They are hard to find, but do come available every now and then. I have only ever seen two like this. Here's a link.

http://www.apachepopups.net/albums/albu ... .sized.jpg

This is what we currently have. The canvas is completely rotted out and so are the trays. We are looking for an economical way to reuse it.