Coleman Laramie Popup Conversion

[daveleb55]

The Plan:

1. get a popup
2. remove everything
3. reuse anything that is not too heavy
4. go camping

So far, we are up to step 2.

See pics here:

http://s118.photobucket.com/albums/o115/daveleb55/

We've got a nice sink/cooktop that can be re-used. A lightweight folding table and a couple of other bits from the interior. Some of the canvas could be refit as awnings. The door will be cut down to size to fit the lower profile. The 12v converter will stay right where it is.

We're planning on using the heavy fiberglass top as a roof for a toolshed.

The rest we're making up as we go along. I've drawn up half a dozen sketches, trying to keep it:
A. light enough to tow with my little truck.
B. short enough to fit in the garage
C. tall enough that we don't bang out heads on the ceiling getting in and out of bed
D. big enough to be comfortable

Of course, as the project continues, these are subject to change...

Dave & Kathleen

[Darren]

Love seeing new projects starting. Keep us updated on your progress.

[Ken A Hood]

Well yours was in better shape then mine......
But, I basically bought it for the frame (with a torsion axle, which I wanted) and was hoping I could camp in it for this year, and that it had a fridge (which it didn't).

I worked for a few days on it (in the heat) ripping it apart....and hauling the rubble to the dump. Only saved a few of the lights, and sink/stove combo whick I gave away (Freecycle)

Here's my post and pics;

PICS

THREAD

[daveleb55]

I finished removing all the cabinets today. We also removed the pullout bed slides. It was too dark to take pictures so I'll try and get some taken tomorrow. I'm going to weigh all the crap I removed just to see how much dead weight I've taken out.

Next we make room in the garage for it, and then take the roof off.

Dave & Kathleen

[daveleb55]

I weighed all the junk we took out - 300 pounds of cabinets and stupid crap! The canvas alone was around 35 pounds, curiously, most of the cabinets were metal, some wood on the sides, and about 1/2" thick pressboard for the tops.

We ripped out the inner paneling tonight, not much weight wise, but I needed to see what was behind there. The outside panels are aluminum, as is most of the bracing. I think I'm keeping it, I''l just insert some foam insulation and panel it back up again.

Tried to run the inverter, it doesn't seem to be working. I'll troubleshoot it later. Nothing obvious like blown fuses so I might have to bench test it.

Added a few more pics to my photobucket. (see earlier post).

We've also been working on a drawing of the build, still working out where stuff is going and how best to use the space. So far the profile looks something like a benroy, I'm trying to keep it as simple as possible.

According to one site, the trailer weighs in at 1200 pounds dry, we've removed about 300 pounds so far, and the fiberglass roof and crank mecahnisms probably weigh at least a couple hundred pounds, so that brings it down to 700 pounds before we start putting weight back on. We're trying to keep it under 1000 pounds and $1000 Dollars. So far:
Trailer - $250
2 Wheels & tires - $200

We also got a cast iron waffle iron for the upcoming California trip. We're working on a secret recipe for waffles, as well as secret plans for the trailer.

All will be revealed in good time....

Dave & Kathleen


Dave & Kathleen

[Joanne]

Dave,

You've ruined all the fun. I was going to bring over my chain saw so we could really have a trailer teardown! (no, I don't actually own a chainsaw)

I do have a 4" grinder with a cut-off wheel. So let me know when you are ready to remove the pop-top crank mechanism. It's MUCH easier than a hacksaw!

Can't keep it a secret from me 'cause I'll come over and spy on you. Of course with Area 51 so close, you could paint the whole thing silver and call it a top-secret alien craft. Bob Lazar has nothing on you. I'll be listening to Art Bell for the sighting reports....

Joanne

[daveleb55]

Sounds like a job for ye olde smokewrench (aka oxy-acetylene torch). Hacksaws take too long, grinders are too noisy. Actually I'm hoping to remove the vertical contraptions intact, maybe someone can use them, just not me...

Got to clean out the garage first. We're almost there, I got another shelf to put up, then I'll shelve a lot of the loose crap and have room for the trailer to work on.... hmm, I wonder if it will fit with the hitch on? Ruh roh! I better go measure it again!!

Dave and Kathleen.

[daveleb55]

I'll bet he gets better mileage than I do!!

[doug hodder]

I do have a 4" grinder with a cut-off wheel. So let me know when you are ready to remove the pop-top crank mechanism. It's MUCH easier than a hacksaw!
Joanne

Joanne....someone that can weld like you and you don't have a "blue tip wrench"? much more fun than a grinder!! Doug

[Joanne]

I do have a 4" grinder with a cut-off wheel. So let me know when you are ready to remove the pop-top crank mechanism. It's MUCH easier than a hacksaw!
Joanne

Joanne....someone that can weld like you and you don't have a "blue tip wrench"? much more fun than a grinder!! Doug

Ahhh, now let's not jump to conclusions here!!! I don't think I said that I don't have one. I simply offered my services with the grinder. Said cutting torch is at the ready! I simply didn't want to burn down Dave's new trailer. Not to mention the car...the truck....the house...

I haven't practiced with it for a long time but I used to be pretty good with it.

Here's something I noticed not too long ago. I gas weld right to left. I use a cutting torch right to left. I arc weld left to right. I "pull" my arc puddle and "push" my gas one. Is that normal or am I all confused?

Joanne

[doug hodder]

Joanne...whatever works for you....I like plasma from right to left or top down, or towards me, same with a torch...welding...either way...doesn't matter as long as you get the job done...but it's fun to blow sparks around if someone isn't used to what you're doing and watch them jump when you fire up the torch!!! Doug

[asianflava]

I think it's because you have to hold your welding rod when gas welding. Don't need to use the other hand when using a MIG. Just a guess tho.

[Nitetimes]

Here's something I noticed not too long ago. I gas weld right to left. I use a cutting torch right to left. I arc weld left to right. I "pull" my arc puddle and "push" my gas one. Is that normal or am I all confused?

Joanne

I think most of it's a matter of whether you are left or right handed. I'm left handed so I do most of my welding, cutting and what not from left to right but I can MIG with either hand in either direction without a problem.
I've been doing this stuff so long I pretty much don't even think about the direction or hand I'm using but certain ways are just more comfortable.
When using your MIG with gas always push puddle whenever possible for best weld, without gas (flux core wire) pull the puddle the same as you would with a stick. Stick welding is generally done dragging the puddle. Of course there are exceptions to everything.

[daveleb55]

See my photobucket for a few new photos:

http://s118.photobucket.com/albums/o115/daveleb55/

We pulled the trailer into the garage today, after a few days of shelf building and re-arranging stuff. The roof is off, we guess it's around 200 pounds, haven't weighed it yet. I've started the removal of the crank mechanisms, 4 bolts and cut the cable, yank it out. They each weigh about 9 pounds.

The two plastic panels were so dryed out with UV damage, they literally crumble. I could break them apart with my bare hands, but a small sledge hammer was more efficient.

A little more demolition and we'll be ready to start the actual build!

Demolition Dave and
the lovely and talented Kathleen

[Joanne]

<snip>

The two plastic panels were so dryed out with UV damage, they literally crumble. I could break them apart with my bare hands, but a small sledge hammer was more efficient.

<snip>

Not to mention, much more fun!

Oh, sorry for the temporary thread hijack. We are back on topic now...

Joanne