Use POP-UP trailer or something else?

[pete.wilson]

Hey

Are pop-up trailers worth converting to teardrop. I think they are about 6ft wide and however long. Does the width pose a problem? Also, what about the usual small size wheels they have; I would prefer a bigger slightly more off-road capable trailer myself. Thanks for the input.

Pete Wilson
Ottawa, KS


FYI Everyone: Kansas Bigfoot Investigations is now expanded to be: Midwest Bigfoot Investigations

[WarPony]

Quite a few have used the popup trailer frames, Pete. They make great frames for big tears or standys but if you get one you need to strip it and look for cracks and damage in the frame. I've seen someone here that had to do some welding and frame repair (can't remember who, though). Scott (Jst83) used one and made a monster of a camper!!

As far as an offroad version using bigger tires/wheels, that might be another challenge.

Jeff

[mechmagcn]

I am using the frame from a Starcraft "6" popup. Originally it was 12' long by almost 7' wide. I cut down the dimensions to match the planned 5X10 teardrop that I plan to build. The axles are also a concern, as they are usually sort of narrow. On mine I would have to either set the tires under the tear or widen the axle to make it work. I think I will go with a torsion axle instead.
The frames, for the most part, are well built and will hold up to the task well while being very light weight.
If you have the ability to cut and weld, I say go for it. If not, some of the factory built trailers could be had for the difference in what it would cost to have someone cut it down.

[Roadtrip]

Would appreciate some comments:

there are quite a few excellent used 4X8 utility trailers out there at very reasonable prices. Quite easy to remove any existing sides and floor leaving the frame. Just wondering that if the only difference in width ultimately winds up being 5 inches a side (48 in. vs 58 in.) whether a small adaptation might be acceptable, say brackets or some simple form of bolt on extension. Pros and Cons?

Richard
Ottawa, Ontario

[TheBizMan]

I've been trying to sell a 7x7 Colman pop-up that I stripped everything out of and made into a cargo trailer. It is one of the last ones that Colman made with all metal, self supporting sides. We used it to transport ceramics to art shows. My wife doesn't do that anymore. I was going to make it into a Tear, but I don't have the drive to do the build. If I started today, it might get done in 2-3 years. If I had built it, I would have put the sleeping arrangements sideways instead of lenght ways. I would have had a 2X7 galley. Just a FYI, if you do use a pop-up, most of the ones built now, when you take the corner cabinets out the sides fall apart, as that is what is bracing them.

[Oasis Maker]

Hey Pete, follow this build. It's on the Expedition Trailer Forum. Guys over there are taking old popups and converting them to some really nice offroad setups. Simple builds too (well at least that's what they all say.)

http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showt ... =pop+build

Scott G.

[pete.wilson]

Hey

Oasis Maker,

Sorry it took so long for me to get back to this; but that is quite a good setup he has and coul dbe easilly done at a reasonable expense. More idea's are appreciated.

Pete Wilson

[pete.wilson]

Hey

Well it looks like in the next month I'm going to MO. to pick up what remains of a 1978 Starcraft pop-up w/14in wheels. I guess the floor is bad, side curtains & propane bottles, cushions, curtains have been removed and some other minor stuff but the tires have been covered and the whole thing is sitting on blocks off the ground, still has the heater, water pump, water tank(?) and a host of other stuff. It's been covered for the last 6 years under a tarp. The whole thing will cost me $150 + my gas to go pick it up. I did a Bigfoot investigation at his place last year and about a week ago, his son in law supposedly had a sighting there on the property, so when I go out there I will take a peek around. I think it will need to get stripped down to the frame and start over. I would like something convertible like the LIL-Diner, Maybe sleep 4 if possible. I would like to use it for family camping or my bigfoot stuff when I intend to say for prolong periods. Any suggestions are welcome.

Pete Wilson
Ottawa, KS

[Endo]

Hey Pete, follow this build. It's on the Expedition Trailer Forum. Guys over there are taking old popups and converting them to some really nice offroad setups. Simple builds too (well at least that's what they all say.)

http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showt ... =pop+build

Scott G.

That is a cool build!

[pete.wilson]

Hey

Scott,

Your right, that is a cool looking build/conversion and it looks reasonably easy to do also. I enjoy the website overthere at expedition portal, lots of great idea's for the adventurers in all of us.

Pete Wilson


P.S. I was just looking at that thread last night.