Boxcar's First Outing

[bdosborn]

We finally got the Boxcar out of the garage for the first camping trip! There's still a lot of work to do, the shower isn't finished yet but most of the essentials are on-line. Here's some pictures:



Have to get some more pictures with the top down, this one in the garage is the only one I have.






The refrigerator and water heater were such a luxury! It got cold enough that we used the diesel furnace too. Everything worked except for the remote button for the inverter. It towed very well, no wobbles thank goodness. It's definitely a lot heavier than the teardrop and my mileage went way down (14 mpg on a very windy day). I have to be careful on dirt roads as I'm not used to having a trailer with brakes. I almost jack knifed the trailer going too fast into a downhill corner. But the dexter axle is definitely a better performer than than the leaf springs on the teardrop. The trailer rode well over the dirt roads and cattle guards we crossed. And best of all, none of my welds broke.

We had a lot of people asking questions about the trailer, which surprised me. I didn't think people would notice it, not like they do with the teardrop. Too bad the camping season is almost over, the Boxcar sure is nice to camp in!

Bruce

[b.bodemer]

Very cool build.
Barb

[hiker chick]

Wow - that trailer is quite an achievement. Would certainly love that interior space!

[S. Heisley]

Oh, Wow! Finally we get to see exactly what your trailer looks like! It's not what I thought you were building...it's better. The design is very nicely done and well thought out. The craftmanship is without question

However, I do have some questions:

What is its overall length, width, height up/down?
How much does it weigh?

[Cody Pendant]

That is great!
You have Mad Skilz!
I would like to see some details of the pop up and how it works and how you sealed it.

[mikeschn]

Hey Bruce,

It's loaded with all the comforts of home!!! I like it!

Can you sit in front of the a/c and take a picture looking rearward?

Mike...

[David S]

Wow! very nice work.I like the contrasting finish on the cabinets

[bdosborn]

That is great!
You have Mad Skilz!
I would like to see some details of the pop up and how it works and how you sealed it.

Pop Top Opening Sequence:

First you push up the front half. The front panel is hinged from the top and swings down when you lift the top.



Then you lift the back and the back panel swings down, its hinged from the top as well. At this point the top is just sitting there, nothing holds it together.



Then you lift the sides up. They're hinged from the body and swing up between the front and back panels.



A barrel latch in the corners of the sides secures everything together. The top is very stout once the latches are set. We had it up in very strong winds and had no problems with it.



The sides swing into seals on the front and back panels:


The bottom of the panels have weather strip and an aluminum trim that covers the gap. The panels sit on a 3/4" lip that hopefully will keep water from running in.



The only down side is the top is HEAVY. No way my wife could lift it. Its awkward as well, I'm afraid I'll push the whole thing off accidentally. However, its a WONDERFUL feature when its up. It's so nice to be able to stand up. We haven't had it in the rain yet so I don't know how water tight it is. I'll just drop the pop top if it leaks and figure out how to seal it better when we get home.

Bruce

[bdosborn]

However, I do have some questions:

What is its overall length, width, height up/down?
How much does it weigh?

The box is 11' long, the tongue is around 3 1/2' long. Its 6.5' wide and about 6' tall when the top is down. The top adds 18" to the overall height. I don't know how much it weighs but its not light. I'm guessing around 2500 - 3000# range. I'll have to get it weighed soon as I'd like to know what it weighs too.

Bruce

[bdosborn]

Hey Bruce,

It's loaded with all the comforts of home!!! I like it!

Can you sit in front of the a/c and take a picture looking rearward?

Mike...

Here's looking towards the back with the top down:


Here's a view of the bed looking in from the front side door. Jean made the quilt out of blue jeans she got from Goodwill. A back pocket makes a nifty place for the TV remote:



Here's a view looking in from the back door with the top up.


The contrasting finish was a real PITA to do but it turned out pretty good.
Bruce

[Cody Pendant]

Very nice.

I am very interested in the pop up style of Tiny Trailers.

Do you have any kind of restraint system in place? You mentioned high winds, which got me to think'in about security during the setup and lowering phase. Is it in any danger of blowing off while you are putting it up? That seems to be the sticking point for me. Trying to figure out the details of how to make it work during less than ideal conditions.

Thanks again for the detail pics.

[Miriam C.]

Wow, Bruce! You really have a nice camper there. Love the whole thing.

[rebapuck]

You have a furnace. Why is the camping season over?

[jdarkoregon]

Bruce,

You have done a great job!!!! All the room without the size. Great design.

John

[kirkman]

Verrrrry Nice!