New guy from So Cal :)

[Vtec44]

Hi everyone, I'm new here! I recently built a small 6x10 camper and was looking for photos of other homemade campers when I found this site. I'm a professional photographer by trade and like to tinker with welding and wood working whenever I have some free time. I'm looking forward to learning and exchanging ideas with fellow forum members

Here's a picture of my build. It weighs about 1500lbs by rough calculation since I haven't actually weight it yet. It's based on the 1720lbs Harbor Freight trailer with upgraded hubs, bearings, tires, and strengthen frame. I recently put on poly polycarbonate roof, two 100 watts solar panels, a tankless water heater & pump, and a 50ah lithium ion battery. I've taken it to Yosemite, Kings Canyon, Big Sur, San Simeon, Silverwood Lake, and Mammoth. So far so good

- James

IMG_7043.jpg (264.35 KiB) Viewed 7868 times

[KennethW]

450 solar, carry-on 5x8 mest floor trailer, pickup bed cover for the gallery hatch,two 32" beds, composting toilet, fully vented diesel heater. Made out of foam and canvas (no wood above the trailer frame) 1100# camp ready.

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

[Bill n Robi]

Welcome! Looks like you did a great job on it.

We are heading out this week, up the 395 for 2 weeks+

[Vtec44]

Welcome! Looks like you did a great job on it.

We are heading out this week, up the 395 for 2 weeks+

Thanks! I had a lot of fun building it

Do you guys have a destination in mind or you're just sight seeing along the way? Highway 395 is beautiful. We're heading up that way to lake Tahoe in mid July.

[Bill n Robi]

Not a destination thing, more of a 'get out this "shait hole" thing.

We do a few roaming trips each year even though this is know area trip, just being lazy.
Lone Pine for a few days
Big Pine, Glacier road is now open do BLM for a few days.
BLM near Keo, do a couple days in the hot springs
Bishop Mill Pond and BLM. Need to stop at the gun range and do some long distance, see a friend.
Head up to Bodie for a few and cross into Nevada
Stop in Pahrump and load up on ammo
Back down to Joshua Tree for a few days before heading toward home.
Might stop at Anza-B or Jacumba for a day if I m getting tired.

Labor day time frame is always Hermit Valley music fest on Hwy 4 then down to Bishop for Mill Pond music fest.

OOPs forgot Saline Valley and Benton for some reason... She wants to go.

[Vtec44]

Not a destination thing, more of a 'get out this "shait hole" thing.

We do a few roaming trips each year even though this is know area trip, just being lazy.
Lone Pine for a few days
Big Pine, Glacier road is now open do BLM for a few days.
BLM near Keo, do a couple days in the hot springs
Bishop Mill Pond and BLM. Need to stop at the gun range and do some long distance, see a friend.
Head up to Bodie for a few and cross into Nevada
Stop in Pahrump and load up on ammo
Back down to Joshua Tree for a few days before heading toward home.
Might stop at Anza-B or Jacumba for a day if I m getting tired.

Labor day time frame is always Hermit Valley music fest on Hwy 4 then down to Bishop for Mill Pond music fest.

OOPs forgot Saline Valley and Benton for some reason... She wants to go.

Oh you had me at gun range I have a Savage Model 11 in 308 that I shoot mid range from time to time. I haven't shot it for a while so I need to get out more.

Those destinations sound awesome. Please do share some photos if you have them.

[Bill n Robi]

Bishop Gun club - $25 a year. Combination for entry so you can go any time you want.
http://bishopgunclub.com/
I've paid $25 a day in some areas.....

[Vtec44]

Bishop Gun club - $25 a year. Combination for entry so you can go any time you want.
http://bishopgunclub.com/
I've paid $25 a day in some areas.....

Oh wow! Thanks for sharing the info. I will have to check them out.

[Bill n Robi]

We just put an offer on a place in Big Pine. If this goes thru we are going to have some awesome gatherings in the eastern Sierras.

We have been trying to set something up for the "Alabama Hills Days" in Lone Pine when they have all the tours and museum shows for the old western movies shot out there. They just got the certification from the government for protection. The group camp is/was $90 a day and will probably hold 25 TDs. We did the tour a couple years ago and it was extremely interesting. I watch old shows on the odd TV networks and see many formations that I've seen in person - from a 45 year old TV show that I saw live.....

Anyway, off to the hot spring....

[Vtec44]

We just put an offer on a place in Big Pine. If this goes thru we are going to have some awesome gatherings in the eastern Sierras.

We have been trying to set something up for the "Alabama Hills Days" in Lone Pine when they have all the tours and museum shows for the old western movies shot out there. They just got the certification from the government for protection. The group camp is/was $90 a day and will probably hold 25 TDs. We did the tour a couple years ago and it was extremely interesting. I watch old shows on the odd TV networks and see many formations that I've seen in person - from a 45 year old TV show that I saw live.....

Anyway, off to the hot spring....

I'm just about 4hrs away from the area plus 395 is a nice drive. Best of luck on the place! I hope you get it...

[Bill n Robi]

We are accepted to the park, just need to get the guy to sell at our price....

Has a nice view out the front door....

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All open space, no one between us and the mountain

[Esteban]

Bill n Robi, I hope you get your new home in Big Pine. And that you organize one or more Eastern Sierra gatherings. I've wanted to visit and explore the area. It would be fun to attend a gathering there.

[Bill n Robi]

Bill n Robi, I hope you get your new home in Big Pine. And that you organize one or more Eastern Sierra gatherings. I've wanted to visit and explore the area. It would be fun to attend a gathering there.

Been coming here since I got my drivers license and the keys to my '47 willys wagon in 1966. Lots of good camp grounds. I have noticed lots of group camps are set aside and plan on looking closer as I never needed that info before. Besides the Alabama Hills group camp there is a secret hot spring group camp where you get a private pool. Lots of BLM land but it is weirdly laid out, one side of the road you get arrested on the other side you got free camping. The maps are free to download so it will be a good thing to have people get them and read the rules before they head out.

If this works out, first thing is to do ride-a-longs with the sheriff department to find the best and safest spots and get my carry permit for being a good citizen.

[Bill n Robi]

Well, got the offer in on a place. Hoping this is God's plan as we have been stymied a dozen times in the past 3 years. Even got a drop of 2.3% over the last prequal loan...

[Bill n Robi]

Signing paperwork tomorrow, look for some gatherings starting early next year. 3 great group sites within 11 miles of home. Will also post some interesting spots for people to explore.