Sönke's hard-side popup camper

[haven]

Many thanks to ExPo member "Mickldo" for bringing us information about this Toyota camper with pop-up roof.

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z241/expeditioncampers/soenke-outside-5.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z241/expeditioncampers/soenke-outside-2.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z241/expeditioncampers/soenke-outside-1.jpg

The camper is owned by a fellow who posts using the name "Sönke" on the IH8MUD forum and elsewhere. Here's a link to the thread on 'MUD.

http://forum.ih8mud.com/expedition-builds/245430-travelling-cruisers.html

The camper cabin was designed by Sönke. The truck chassis, cab and cabin exterior were built by Marcus Haase, owner of the German firm Off-Road-Schmiede. Sönke finished the interior of the cabin.

Here's a link to the builder's web page for this project
http://www.offroad-schmiede.com/kabine_hydraulisch.html

The photos above and in following posts are from Sönke and from the offroad-schmiede.com web pages.

Chip Haven

[haven]

The Land Cruiser chassis used in this project is a custom combination of a 1979 HJ47 pickup cab and front clip, mated to running gear from a 1993 HDJ 80 diesel.

Here's a photo of the chassis under construction at the Off-Road-Schmiede workshop. Note how much width was added to the fenders

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z241/expeditioncampers/soenke-construction-1.jpg

A manual transmission is mated to the 1HD-T (12V) diesel engine. An HDJ 100 alternator and starter were added. The radiator is designed for for an HZJ5. The front axle is strengthened, and 4.88 diffs with OME lockers were added front and rear.

Wheels chosen for this project are 325/80R16 Cooper SST tires, mounted on Alcoa 8 inch forged rims. The tires are 36.5 inches (926 mm) tall, with a width of 12.75 in (325 mm).

The cab was lengthened 6 inches to provide more leg room. In finished form, the cab looks quite comfortable.

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z241/expeditioncampers/soenke-cab-1.jpg

Vehicle weight, including the camper cabin and supplies, is about 7500 lbs.

[haven]

Sönke has experience traveling in Africa using a Land Cruiser with fabric pop-up roof. This vehicle was designed for travel in the colder, wetter climate of northern Europe. So Sönke chose to use a hard-side pop-up roof.

Another design goal was to keep the truck's center of gravity low and the track wide. Sönke wanted a camper he could drive on side slopes with less concern about a roll-over.

The cabin frame is aluminum, and the walls are a fiber-reinforced plastic material that has insulation in the sandwich. The finished cabin weighs about 900 lbs (400 kg). Sönke figures he could have saved 200 lbs by using a fabric pop-up roof, but the comfort and security in foul weather made hard sides the right choice.

The roof of the camper is raised by a hydraulic ram at each corner. The pump that provides the hydrostatic pressure is 12V DC. In the event of a pump failure, the roof can be raised using a battery-operated drill.

The company that makes the hydraulic cyliners is Bansbach. Here's a web link
http://www.bansbach.de/com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1&lang=en

Sönke used the Bansbach "A" cylinders, custom modified to lift 28 inches (70 cm ). The system can lift 525 lbs (250 kg), more than enough for the weight of the roof, solar panels, and a couple of kayaks. That's not enough force to lift a snow-covered roof, however.

Chip Haven

[haven]

The interior of the camper cabin is finished in plywood. The double bed fits sideways across the cabin next to the truck cab. An emergency exit into the cab is available

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z241/expeditioncampers/soenke-cabin-1.jpg

The interior has a table on a pivoting mount. The table can be lowered to extend the size of the bed. The large cabinet at the rear has space to hang wet clothing. Hot air from an Eberspächer heater can be routed into the closet. A Webasto water heater warms the truck cab, and can be used to warm up the engine coolant.

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z241/expeditioncampers/soenke-cabin-2.jpg

On the driver's side, the cabinetry conceals an Engel refrigerator

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z241/expeditioncampers/soenke-cabin-3.jpg

The small cook top is an Origo alcohol stove. A Katydin water filter helps sanitize the onboard water supply. An electric pump pulls water into the system. An outside shower is available, too.

There are lots more interior photos and text here

http://forum.ih8mud.com/3855581-post57.html


Chip Haven

[Mickldo]

No worries Chip. It is a wonderful camper isn't it.

I like the bed/table set up and the hard sided pop top. I think I'll be pinching a couple of ideas from this one for when I build mine.

Not to mention the forty series body looks so sweet.

[locrwln]

:jump:

I would love to have/build something like that. Too bad I don't have the money or skills.:ylsmoke:

Jack

[Doin_It]

Here's another example if I could only remember where I found it.

[Desertdude]

Sönke's should get an invite over to the Expo ?

[ColinTheCop]

I recognise that truck, got to be the smartest thing I've seen,

Infact, a mate took a picture of me trying to steal it as we were waiting in a ferry queue to leave Iceland.

http://www.craigsstuff.co.uk/iceland/trucks/IcelandSpottedTrucks%203.jpg

:oops:

[Mickldo]

Here's another example if I could only remember where I found it.

http://www.expedition-cabin.de/en/home.html

[Doin_It]

Ah, there you go. Thanks.

[Overland Hadley]

Sönke's should get an invite over to the Expo ?

Anybody who is on Mud feel like passing along the invite?

[Mickldo]

Anybody who is on Mud feel like passing along the invite?

I might send him a PM next time I am over there.

[Desertdude]

Anybody who is on Mud feel like passing along the invite?


PM invite sent :beer:





:::

[Overland Hadley]

PM invite sent :beer:





:::


Thanks.

[haven]

I found this statement in one of Sönke's posts on IH8MUD:
"Bonnet and doors are build of f/g with some kevlar layers..."

An up-armored camper? Maybe it's more dangerous to drive
in Iceland than I realized? :rolleyes:

[Overland Hadley]

I found this statement in one of Sönke's posts on IH8MUD:
"Bonnet and doors are build of f/g with some kevlar layers..."

An up-armored camper? Maybe it's more dangerous to drive
in Iceland than I realized? :rolleyes:


I saw that as well, I guess that it would be to keep the weight down. You can tell they were aware of weight during the build with all the holes drilled in the plywood inside the camper. Very cool design element.

Not sure why kevlar layers though, kevlar is good with flex, so I guess it would help with any frame flex or when closing the door hard.

[Mickldo]

PM invite sent :beer:





:::

I sent him one too

:D

[whatcharterboat]

Not sure why kevlar layers though, kevlar is good with flex, so I guess it would help with any frame flex or when closing the door hard.

Nah. It's cause you just can't tear it, so where normal fibreglass might crack away and tear around bolt holes, bonnet/door hinges & catches the kevlar reduces that greatly. If you have any scraps lying around they are always good to reinforce those specific areas. Of course kevlar over the whole job greatly decreases the chance of penetration from sharp objects too, say in an accident.

I used to have a bit to do with race car composites (v8supercars) a while back and carbon interwoven with kevlar in the one cloth was the norm for most exterior panels particularly if they were under considerable aerodynamic loads (not straight kevlar BTW). That was where the carbon came in by adding stiffness and support. High aero load rear wings were always done in straight carbon where as something that didn't need the stiffness but required great strength such as a shell around a fuel bladder/cell we would make from straight kevlar.

Regards John

[whatcharterboat]

required great strength

Sorry Maybe "toughness" would be a better description. Definitely not the correct engineering terminology but you get the picture I'm sure. With regards to composites "strength" is commonly referred to as either tensional, compressional or flexural so that was a little misleading. Sorry.

[Overland Hadley]

Nah. It's cause you just can't tear it, so where normal fibreglass might crack away and tear around bolt holes, bonnet/door hinges & catches the kevlar reduces that greatly. If you have any scraps lying around they are always good to reinforce those specific areas. Of course kevlar over the whole job greatly increases the chance of penetration from sharp objects too, say in an accident.

I used to have a bit to do with race car composites (v8supercars) a while back and carbon interwoven with kevlar in the one cloth was the norm for most exterior panels particularly if they were under considerable aerodynamic loads (not straight kevlar BTW). That was where the carbon came in by adding stiffness and support. High aero load rear wings were always done in straight carbon where as something that didn't need the stiffness but required great strength such as a shell around a fuel bladder/cell we would make from straight kevlar.

Regards John


Yes that makes sense. Thanks.

[soenke]

Moin,
thanks for invitation ...

and for the compliments on our camper ;)

it is still under construction and often anoying us :yikes: with necessary but unexpected and long lasting problemsolvings....

I will have some time Friday night to rummage in your forum...seems to be just about the importent aspects of life !:elkgrin:

if there are any questions I try to answer them...

Greetings Sönke

[Overland Hadley]

Soenke,

Welcome to Expedition Portal!

Your rig is simply amazing. Do you have any more photos you can share with us? Thanks.

[soenke]

Haven described everything better then I could already...

I have just a few digital pictures from friends or dias I´ve scanned. So they will be pretty much the same as already posted on mud...

[soenke]

First we wanted to stretch the frame and make a longer cabine with an upright back.
While making the first set up we noticed, that we might go without touching the frame...
here finding the design, this was no good:frown:
http://up.picr.de/1510415.jpg

the metall work, stretching the J4 body and the fenders, the build up of the cabine, welding the tanks and most of the work getting 40 and 80 together was done by Markus ( www.offroad-schmiede.com )...we did most of the planing and the design (sometimes contrary to Markus´concepts, sometimes fabrication ways forced us to build different to our plans) and we build the interior / furniture
http://up.picr.de/1510416.jpg
http://up.picr.de/1510442.jpg

transporting the cabine to get started with the inside
http://up.picr.de/1510417.jpg
we could use a well equipted carpenders garage in the neighborhood
http://up.picr.de/1510418.jpg

[soenke]

some from the build up time:

placing the J4 body on the 80 frame. It´s sitting further toward the front then original when the 1HD-T is keept in place. Still very little space is left when the visko-clutch fan is used. The Body has to be mounted higher to provide space for the tires underneath the fender.
http://up.picr.de/1550187.jpg

the frame goes in curves, wich helped to make it not to easy for Marcus to manufacture the cabin-mounts
http://up.picr.de/1550188.jpg

The vintage A/C radiator fits perfectly in front of the radiator from a HZJ75. Adapted metal fenders and aluminium storage front bumper. You can see the 13cm body lift
http://up.picr.de/1550189.jpg

f/g sandwichplates glued to the aluminium frame of the cabine
http://up.picr.de/1550190.jpg

the top, easy to lift with two persons
and the extended J45 roof
http://up.picr.de/1550191.jpg

http://up.picr.de/1550192.jpg

getting it together
http://up.picr.de/1550193.jpg
just to take it apart again and again.... untill everything fits quite well.
Time for some paint
http://up.picr.de/1550194.jpg

http://up.picr.de/1550195.jpg

stabilizers for the fenders
http://up.picr.de/1550196.jpg

[soenke]

without the cabin

http://up.picr.de/1556295.jpg

The window is bigger then stock, a Reimo window to slide open. In the cabins front wall is a matching window, allowing emegerncy exit to the cab..
I liked the look, would be nice as a flat bed...

http://up.picr.de/1557701.jpg








if you have any technical questions I try to answer and see if I can find an explaining picture...

[Willman]

Sönke,

Welcome to the ExPo!

This has to be the best LC build know to man!

Thanks for sharing!

:)

[haven]

Welcome, Sönke! Your Toyota is wonderful! thanks for the extra
construction photos.

Let me pose the question everyone else has been too polite to ask:
What is your estimate of the cost to build a replica of your camper?

Chip Haven

[HMR]

This has to be the best LC build know to man!

Thanks for sharing!

+1 :drool:

[lowenbrau]

Thank you so much for sharing this info. I enjoy watching these builds on the net much more than any television program.

[soenke]

Welcome, Sönke! Your Toyota is wonderful! thanks for the extra
construction photos.

Let me pose the question everyone else has been too polite to ask:
What is your estimate of the cost to build a replica of your camper?

Chip Haven

I don´t want to know! :yikes:
Economicially it is totally nonsens. We had to sell our HZJ 71 and the HZJ 78 Camper and where still bleeding.

it took about 2 years more time then figured and around 50% more money.
Though it took so long because 3 friends in different lokations have been involved. So quite some time the rig was just waiting to be continued..

[flyingwil]

Wow what a rig! I needed three paper towels to wipe the drool off my keyboard!

[soenke]

a few pictures from the inside. We wanted a clear, modern look. Our last build was made out of aluminium inside and has been powdered afterwards, this time we prefered marine plywood, on the top and the bottom plastered with Formica (Resopal)

with the top down sleeping is still possible if necessary
http://up.picr.de/1509972.jpg

the bed level is only fastend at the sides, so a huge storageroom results (for spare tire or foldable kayak) and the 4 underfloor storagerooms in the front can be reached. Under the bed are racks to accept Rako-Boxes
http://up.picr.de/1509973.jpg

http://up.picr.de/1509976.jpg

http://up.picr.de/1509977.jpg

the second part of the bed is made up of the table
http://up.picr.de/1509974.jpg

http://up.picr.de/1509975.jpg

drivers side with an open shelf for camping table and seats, Origo stove for inside use, kitchen boxes to take outside (simple drawersystem with Rako-Boxes and aluminium profile). Engelbox in HD drawer.
http://up.picr.de/1509986.jpg

http://up.picr.de/1509987.jpg

to the right is a small sink, a wardrobe wich can be heated to dry cloth, Katadyn waterfilter and outside shower can be plugged in the watersystem.
bottom level with space for a big Rako-Box fpr the outside cooking stuff, shoes etc. Underfloor storageroom with Engelspächer heater.
http://up.picr.de/1509988.jpg

http://up.picr.de/1509989.jpg

[soenke]

Hydraulikpump and the 12V motor
http://up.picr.de/1509990.jpg

[sleeoffroad]

Sönke,

did you move the motor, or is the motor and the axles still in the same space in reference to the frame?

[soenke]

Hey Christo,

The engine and axel mounts are stock 80. I wanted to leave the technic as stock as possible due to traveling.
That is the reason for the cab sitting so far up front regarding the fender and front tire position. It is good to see in this picture:
http://up.picr.de/1575513.jpg

Still radiators and visko-clutch dont gain plenty of space...
http://up.picr.de/1592642.jpg


The design would have been a lot better with the cab mounted further back, but then we would have needed custom mounts and driveshafts, e-fan and the frame would have had to be stretched to support the cabin. We had been thinking of this, but I liked the idea of stock technic better and it would have eaten up even more time and money...

greetings Sönke

[Mickldo]

Moin,
thanks for invitation ...

and for the compliments on our camper ;)

it is still under construction and often anoying us :yikes: with necessary but unexpected and long lasting problemsolvings....

I hopefully will have some time Friday night to rummage in your forum...seems to be just about the importent aspects of life !:elkgrin:

if there are any questions I try to answer them...

Greetings Sönke

G'day Sönke

Good to see you over here.

Once again I reckon your cruiser and camper are awesome. I will be pinching a few ideas when I build my own.

Top work.

[soenke]

from the outside,

http://up.picr.de/1348651.jpg

advantage not to have a high cabin
http://up.picr.de/1521799.jpg

and advantage having a high cabin to stand upright
http://up.picr.de/1579299.jpg

http://up.picr.de/1348652.jpg

http://up.picr.de/1579301.jpg

[soenke]

some more close ups

the bumper; covering the body lift, winchmount and storageroom...
http://up.picr.de/1579364.jpg

http://up.picr.de/1579365.jpg

http://up.picr.de/1579366.jpg


underground:
frontaxel tube is reinforced but still high pinion diff
http://up.picr.de/1579374.jpg

middle tank
http://up.picr.de/1579376.jpg

skidplate and compressed air reservoir
http://up.picr.de/1579377.jpg

rear tank
http://up.picr.de/1579378.jpg

battery and tank switches (box still needs tovbe painted and the watertanks underneath the seats covered..)
http://up.picr.de/1579386.jpg


greetings Sönke

[Overland Hadley]

soenke,

Thanks for posting more photos. It would be great to see more if you have them.

A couple of questions.
What is the overall weight of your truck when fully loaded? And do you know what the weight of just the camper box is?

Also, it looks like you carry just one spare tire, is this correct?

Thank you.

[soenke]

yes, with tire size 255/100 or now 325/80 we just carry one spare. The tire is so strong and long lasting one spare should be sufficient. And on the other hand a second tire would be more difficult to stow... I think going on a long journey in the third world I might take a second spare wheel, if I had not the time to wait for a spare to be send in case of need. (we needed two spares when we traveled with 7.5 R 16 tubed on split rims, since we use tubeless and modern tires we seldom had a flat and no problems to fix that very quicky. Since we are useing big tires we never had a problem any more at all..)

the weight of the cabin is about 400kg including heater, furniture, Engel-Box, etc. Making a tented pop up instead of the hard shell hydraulik top would have saved about 100kg.

The weight overall depends on the destination. Betwenn 2.9t and 3.5t. More then 550kg could be fluids...and depending where we go we carry different amounts of spares and tools and wine and food :steak: :friday: :D :beer: . If we take the kayak and gear its about 60-70kg additional....

I don´t have any more digital pictures showing somthing different....maybe one or the other could be used to explain some detail..?..but I think they are quite boring to show ..
A few more pics you can find here, showing our "home" in Iceland last summer
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21136

greeting Sönke

[CLynn85]

Soenke, welcome! Very impressive truck. Nice to see another custom hardsided-popup, they're pretty rare around here but have so many advantages IMO.

Have you had any difficulty sealing between the two sections? (Dust, Moisture, etc)

[spray]

WOW....what a build:clapsmile

[gjackson]

Sönke,

Welcome to the Portal, and may I add my name to the growing list of admirers that your vehicle has. Very, very nice build.

cheers

[soenke]

Thanks..
Carl, no problem with the sealing of the two sections, we used a brush-sealing (?can you say so?) on top of the inner and lower wall

greetings Sönke

[Fireman78]

That is the coolest rig I have ever seen. :rappel:

[laxtoy]

oh man, that is a work of art! i wish your vehicle were in production, i would buy one and live in it! :clapsmile

[soenke]

Thanks,
scaned two more: up and down :jumping:

http://up.picr.de/1604517.jpg

http://up.picr.de/1604519.jpg

I will have some more work done inside the cab soon...

[4307]

Oh WOW! Droooool :Wow1:
This rig is my new favorite rig. Absolutely amazing.
This thread is now bookmarked.
:26_7_2:

[Randy]

Hi Sonke

Thank you for sharing. Can you tell me the approximate size of the camper?
Particularly, the height (headroom) with extension up and down.

Cheers,
Randy

[soenke]

Hi Randy,

overall hight outside with top down is 217cm, lift is 70cm. Inside I can stand upright then, beeing 190cm tall...

;)

[Corey]

Excellent rig, I just saw your pics over in the Campsite pics thread, and now this thread.

Very unique rig you have built up.

[snoxxy]

Hey Soenke,

I was wondering how thick the fiberglass sandwhich plates were that you used on this build.
by the way, Awesome build. I already drooled all over the build over on mud.

Phil

[soenke]

Hey Phil, thanks..

bottom 30mm and top 15mm f/g sandwich

[ExpoMike]

This has got to be one of the coolest rigs I have ever come across. Very good job on the build and thinking outside the box.

Sure makes me wonder why someone hasn't built the back camper part that could be added to a pickup chassis. Sure would be cool if you could buy a 4x4 truck, remove the bed and add something like this.

[bucketosudz]

Well this is my first post. I stumbled upon this site at times over the years and I have in the last week spent countless hours reading about all of the Fantastic Rigs and Trailers you all have.

I own a fairly nice 1990 F-250 4x4 with a topper and carpeted bed kit that the family and I use to camp with. With 3 growing children and the wife and I we have to have a fairly decent sized rig to get all of our stuff to and fro.

Nonetheless I have been completely mesmerized by Soenke living quarters on his cruiser. And I read all of the threads on different forums, and I could think to myself is exactly what XJ Mike just thought, "Now I have to have one of those to put on the back of a full-size truck" I was mentioning to my wife over my shoulder, that is one of the choicest setups I have seen.

I sent my warmest regards to Soenke on spectacular build!!! What ingenuity and craftsmanship. Very well thought out and excuted. As with any project of this magnitude there will be kinks, as he mentions, but it never fails to intrigue me on these things are decidedly executed.

Bravo!!!!

[soenke]

Thanks very much for your nice comment and welcome :jump:

[spencyg]

Fabulous. I'm extremely jealous and may just do something similar someday once I get tired of my boat-ish rig.

One question. How is your fuel mileage?

Great work...

Spence

[pete.wilson]

Hey

I just read this today and what an awesome build; I love all of the birch woodwork inside. That would be perfect for two people. One question: What do you have for electronics/communication/navigation gear? Maybe that counts as 3!

Pete Wilson
Ottawa, KS

[soenke]

@Spence,
we have about 380l Diesel and need between 10-15l for 100km depending on speed, wind and terrain

@Pete,
we have been very conservativ using map, compass and SAT.pictures, having the gps stored away most of the time.

Last trip to Iceland we used digital maps and a running Garmin 276 for the first time...and it made things easier!

I plan to instal a Toughbook 18 for navigation with FUGAWI and for internet access.

In the moment we use for kommunikation mobile phone D2, GlobalStar SAT phone and a handheld 2m marine radio

[spencyg]

If I calculated that right, you're getting between 19 and 28 MPG with that rig. That is amazing! I'm lucky to get 14 MPG with mine unloaded. Loaded is closer to 11-12.

Fabulous.

Spence

[Lynn]

According to this online conversion calculator (http://www.onlineconversion.com/fuel_consumption.htm), it's between 15.7 and 23.5 mpg.

Really good economy!

[atlib]

Soenke will I be seeing you in Iceland next summer?

[soenke]

Hey atlib,

The plan is to go kayaking this year, visititing Vancouver Island.
So unfurtunally there will be not time and money left this year to go to Iceland in summer. I think we will be there next year again....

[cumminscruiser]

Wow, I have a basket case FJ40 and now I can't stop thinking about building something like this.

[soenke]

just go ahead, a few guys on MUD have been thinking about it too, we could help telling you how we managed to solve some problems (cooler, stearing etc...)

[Ramdough]

Hey Soenke,

You are becoming a very popular guy. From what I read on this forum, you have a 5 inch (13 cm) body lift. That is Huge! Has that caused any problems? Is it possible to just reshape the fenders, or is it the location of your feet that causes the tire interference?

Also, how far forward did you slide the J4 body?

What kind of backspacing did you use on your wheels? For some reason I thought you pushed the tires out with a non-stock backspacing.

I think you will find this forum well suited to the traveling you do...nice people here as well. (nothing against MUD, I just have barely spent any time there)

[soenke]

hey again,

If you want to leave the mounts in place (wich means the drive train stock) and the radiator in front, the cab has to move foward in relation of the original J4 front axle position. The cab is still much further back as the 80 body as you see looking at the bumper...In order to fit the tires under the front fender they have to move up. The body lift isn´t a problem, you have to rebuilt all lines and the stearing anyway...

here you can see the position of the front in relation to the J8 frame. Compared to the J4 axle position its is a few centimeters, we didn´t measure. All we wanted was the tires not to rub. 35" will work with chains, 37" don´t touch...

and my feet have nothing to do with it...for them we stretched the body ...

the rims are 8"R16 ET 0 , no spacing at all. I know someone how put on nissan rims to be less wide with his J7/J8 Hybrid but the turning circle will suffer.

http://up.picr.de/1822950.jpg

http://up.picr.de/1823015.jpg

[Ramdough]

Hey Soenke,


I assume you did not do anything to the suspension aside from heavy duty springs.... is that right?

Thank you for all of your help.

[Totenkopf]

Can you say how much the cost was for just the shell part of your box?

[Funrover]

My friend that is one of the coolest things I have seen, well done!

[Lynn]

Every time this thread pops up, I think to myself, "Man, what an awesome truck."

It's time I said it out loud.

Well done!

[soenke]

thanks Lynn and Funrover,

the suspension and the shocks are from HT suspension custom made.

I guess the cabin would cost around 20K€, depending on the standard, just ask Marcus from the offroad-schmiede ...

[Totenkopf]

Thanks for the info...I only asked because I emailed offroadschmiede a while ago and he never sent back.

[soenke]

better use the phone, but in the moment he must be on a short trip? I didn´t reach him either the last days.
0049 (o)1602804639 try this one again next week...:coffeedrink:

[Ramdough]

Do you have any pictures or schematics/specs for your Wabasto, water filter system, and camper heater? I am curious how those systems work.

Also, with your custom springs and shocks, is your rig lifted over stock, or is all of the lift in the body lift.

[soenke]

sorry for the late answer :smilies27

We use a Katadyn-dual-filter wich can be put it in the water line if needed (we use the Gardena connectors and pressure air connectors). Water can be drawn from either tank under the seats in the cab or from outside ( when dirty, it will have to pass the filter ) and be pumped to the tap at the sink or to a Gardena-Nozzle.
http://www.gardena.com/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10052&storeId=10052&productId=13077&langId=10&parent_category_rn=12555
This works as a shower or to refill the tanks with filtered water, so we never have to take water of unkown quality in the tanks.

In the engine bay a Webasto water heater is installed wich works by timer, so in winter the engine will be warmed up and the cab cosy befor starting.

The cabin is heated by an Eberspächer air heater with a possible air outlet in the wardrobe if we have to dry cloth.

Here the sink (with an Ortlieb sink lying inside), far right on the wardrobe you can see a metal pipe for all the wiring going up to the top. In the wardrobe an aluminum cover prevents the cloth from beeing penetrated by the pipe when the top (and so the pipe) is descending. Air outlet for the cabin at the bottom right. The Eberspächer is installed in an underfloor box, you can just see the top of the heater
http://up.picr.de/1972047.jpg

http://up.picr.de/1972048.jpg

http://up.picr.de/1972045.jpg

http://up.picr.de/1972049.jpg

Sorry, it´s still not finished and the wireing cleaned up...

[milo12]

Great truck and camper.

Can you tell us more about the windows? Are they Seitz? I have been looking for a source for quality windows in the USA with no luck.

[soenke]

yes they are Seitz S4.

they don´t weigh as much as real glas windows and are protected when the top is down..so they are sufficient to our needs, though I wouldn´t call it primus quality--
if you are looking for quality and don´t mind a little more weight, give KCT a call (the web side is just in german)
http://www.kctechnik.de/

the US dealer is
http://www.globalxvehicles.com/

[Overland Hadley]

Every time this thread pops up, I think to myself, "Man, what an awesome truck."

It's time I said it out loud.

Well done!

x2

[soenke]

thanks :D,

I´ve been asking for pics showing a NATO tow hook / pintle mounted at the crossmember...and have been collecting all kinds of official data for quite some time. Now I got the raod approval from the german TÜV for our hitch system. It works with the VarioBlock, wich allows to change between a DixonBate pintle, a tow ball or a cover to allow the door to swing open...

pintle
http://up.picr.de/1898259.jpg
tow ball
http://up.picr.de/1898260.jpg
cover to protect the mechanism
http://up.picr.de/1898261.jpg

it´s just a piece of paper, though hard to get.
And so driving home the small roads was very pleasing :victory:
http://up.picr.de/1898262.jpg
http://up.picr.de/1898263.jpg

[pplkook]

I now have officially wasted 2 hours of work reading and dreaming about this rig.

Amazing in all aspects. Just wish we could get diesel cruisers here in the states......

The only thing that truck needs is to be licensed to me, registered in California, two surfboards on the top and me driving across the TJ border for a 6 month Mexico surf trip reenactment of Siestas and Olas.

It is like the super camper taken to the logarithmic next level.

well done sir! you win.

[Mickldo]

thanks :D,

I´ve been asking for pics showing a NATO tow hook / pintle mounted at the crossmember...and have been collecting all kinds of official data for quite some time. Now I got the raod approval from the german TÜV for our hitch system. It works with the VarioBlock, wich allows to change between a DixonBate pintle, a tow ball or a cover to allow the door to swing open...

pintle
http://up.picr.de/1898259.jpg
tow ball
http://up.picr.de/1898260.jpg
cover to protect the mechanism
http://up.picr.de/1898261.jpg

it´s just a piece of paper, though hard to get.
And so driving home the small roads was very pleasing :victory:
<snip>

We fit a combination pintle hook and ball hitch to the vehicles we build at work. I am on an RDO (Rostered Day Off) today but I will try and get a pic to show you later. The hitch is on a 50mm receiver so it is easy to remove when it isn't being used and it is rated to 3500kg. I am pretty sure they also do another one that is rated to 6000kg too.

[soenke]

Thanks,
I have seen pics of the combination Pintle/ball, but I don´t think you´ll get the road approval for it in Germany.

Hope to get the Sankey trailer by the End of April...

[LaOutbackTrail]

This is definately the coolest truck build I've seen! Great job!!!

[soenke]

thanks..

:victory:


got the Sankey trailer on the road meanwhile ... http://nakatanenga-tours.de is repairing and selling Sankey and other Land Rover stuff


the trailer will be used for working around the house rather then travelling or serious off-road driving. To do so, we´ll have to lengthen the draw bar first

but driving autobahn I don´t even notice the little thing behind :D




http://up.picr.de/2171673.jpg

http://up.picr.de/2171674.jpg

..

[Ramdough]

Hey Soenke,

Do you have any new modifications planned? I am not sure what else you would need.

Also, do you know the manufacturer of the fiberglass panels used on the camper? They are foam core right?

Thanks,...

[soenke]

I think it is the same dutch panel manufacurer Action Mobil uses too, I have to ask Marcus, he got the panels

We still have a lot to do, solar panes are on top by now but need cable, Alarm System needs work and the cab inside some more noice and heat-insulating. Also a lot of cleaning up all the cables and tubes, improving the details...

I don´t know when to do all that...never ending story

On the "nice to have" list is :

modified parking brake

exhaust brake system

[soenke]

a new kind of 80 build dedicated to travelling has just been finished by the www.Offroad-Schmiede.com
it´s lighter to go without a hydraulic system and less complicated without the J4 cab...

http://up.picr.de/2300290.jpg

http://up.picr.de/2300291.jpg

http://up.picr.de/2300346.jpg

http://up.picr.de/2300347.jpg

[Ramdough]

WOW, that is nice:smileeek:. Do you you have any construction pics? I would love to see how he seals between the cab and the camper. He is definitely a very talented person to be able to build such high quality conversions.

[Willman]

:drool::drool::drool:

Need to change my shorts again!!

:)

[soenke]

I would love to see how he seals between the cab and the camper

that is one of the "secrets"... and no photos permitted, you´ll have to buy one to find out..:elkgrin:

but here is the thread where Stefan (the owner and designer) has documented the evolution with some more pics:

http://www.offroad-forum.de/viewtopic.php?t=20185&sid=085f1714554792e9c0b3d1aff611b8b7

[soenke]

Have been out to another LandCruiser meeting this weekend, maybe you like to see some pics?

camp with friends
http://up.picr.de/2312214.jpg
http://up.picr.de/2312215.jpg
http://up.picr.de/2312216.jpg
http://up.picr.de/2312217.jpg
http://up.picr.de/2312218.jpg
http://up.picr.de/2312219.jpg

have you seen this truck ?? The new Bremach T-Rex
http://up.picr.de/2312220.jpg
http://up.picr.de/2312221.jpg

[bucketosudz]

The new Bremach T-Rex
http://up.picr.de/2312220.jpg
http://up.picr.de/2312221.jpg[/QUOTE]

Thats a tough looking rig!! I like it. Thanks for sharing.:smiley_drive:

[dzzz]

Apparently the Bremach can travel underwater :)

[tlbrewer]

More interested in the MB behind it.

Tom

[Scott39]

Those are some cool looking Landcruisers! Wish we had more of those type here in the US.

[emohn]

Hi Sönke,

Saw the write-up on your rig in this months Allradler magazine. Fantastic job!

-Erik Mohn

[soenke]

thanks a lot Scott and Erik. That is motivating, still a lot to do...:coffeedrink:

They told me it would be a story about Marcus and the offroad-schmiede and I thought our Toyo would be just one of many examples shown

Marcus exhibited meanwhile in Bad Kissingen "Abenteuer & Allrad", we visited him and our exposed Toyo just for the weekend

http://up.picr.de/2439499.jpg

http://up.picr.de/2439501.jpg

http://up.picr.de/2439502.jpg

[pete.wilson]

Hey

This has been an excellant thread; I would like to see something similar to Sonke's but on a full size american/Toyota 3/4 or 1 ton vehicle chassis. My compliments to Sonke on a very good looking, well executed camper. I would be curious to know approx. how much you have invested, which I would imagine would be quite high with all of the custom work that was done, but is shows quality throughout! Nice rig.

Pete Wilson

[soenke]

Hey Pete, thanks

I can just tell you, that for a simillar cabin Marcus would now start charging by 25K€. :Wow1:
It will depend very much on the shape, welding rounded profil takes a lot of time...a simpler shape and the use of rightangle profil will make it a lot cheaper.

if you ship your truck Marcus would be glade to help you..;)

[pete.wilson]

Hey

Soenke,

Even if you added another 10-15% to the $25K, that's still not too bad when you consider how much stuff costs these days and even a comparable decked out trailer would run you $15K+. I like how it's all self contained.

Pete Wilson

[haven]

25.000 Euro is about $35,000 in Yankee dollars. Craftsmanship
commands high prices, on both sides of the Atlantic!

$35K actually isn't that bad. You'll probably pay $25K to
Alaskan Campers to make a custom design. The camper part
of an Earthroamer XV-JP costs $70K.

I wonder if we could convince Markus to develop a standardized
design for a full-size American pickup with flatbed. Sort of like
the Terra Cross line that Unicat makes.

Markus' web site is http://www.offroad-schmiede.com/
It's in German, natürlich.

Chip Haven

[pete.wilson]

Hey

Good point, I forgot about the money conversion aspect. Thanks also for the web address.

Pete Wilson

[TACODOC]

Amazing truck and camper!!! :Wow1:

[jeepdreamer]

I sit in AWE at that which you have created! In design, perfection. In execution, nirvana! Im consistantly amazed at the quality and craftsmanship that Europeans in general (and you specifically!) attain. The forsite, planning, function of design, and overall utilitarianism leaves me envious. I find it almost silly how, as Americans, we explore so little of what our beautiful country has to offer. Meanwhile, our friends accross the pond will jump at any oppertunity to "scratch thier feet" on the unknown wilderness. To see you not only create such a fabulous exploration vehicle, but to witness you USING it..! Perhaps one day i will find the means to mimick what you've done...? Until then, I must force myself to live vicariously through your work of art! Thankyou sir!!!

[soenke]

thanks Jeepdreamer :bowdown:,
I wich it will be half as perfect as you assume one day...

[Mickldo]

thanks Jeepdreamer :bowdown:,
I wich it will be half as perfect as you assume one day...

What would you change? Anything you would do differently if you did it over?

[soenke]

our circumstance of life changed, instead of travelling with open end as we had planed, we settled down and bought an old farm house right at the baltic sea. A once in a life chance. But this will keep us busy for the next years and allows us just short travelling.

but in I can take comfort in driving right into the kitchen :coffeedrink:

http://up.picr.de/2607074.jpg


So if I had known that before, I would have designed the cabin and a pick up bed for quick exchange to have a bit more of a work horse..

[Funrover]

If you can fit that rig indoors you did good

[TACODOC]

AMAZING 'CRUISER!!!!

:Wow1::drool::Wow1::drool::Wow1:

[p1michaud]

I had seen the very first pictures in this thread but had not returned since. All I can say is wow! :victory:

[soenke]

thanks michaud.

for those of you, not using the mud forum, a few pics from the latest trip:

just a quick up grade...

changed the water tanks from V2A to PE because of the noice the water made while driving off road...
FT-Design: Home (http://ft-design.de/) now there is silence ...

still some work to do...
but we decided against working on the car and left for a short trip to the Baltic countries wich we haven´t managed to visit yet..

outside the holiday season, we have been alone in the few remaining open camp sides, wich we prefere to use in touristic areas

http://up.picr.de/3030173.jpg

places in the woods or at the beach are easy to find too
http://up.picr.de/3030174.jpg

just love the baltic sea shores
http://up.picr.de/3030175.jpg

http://up.picr.de/3030176.jpg

and the old wooden farm houses with flower and vegetable gardens surrounded by apple trees
http://up.picr.de/3030177.jpg

many poor old people in the (beautifully restored) capitals, not having a garden to feed them
http://up.picr.de/3030178.jpg

and young business aiming for :
http://up.picr.de/3030179.jpg


well no expedition,
but a long overdue trip to get to know our baltic neighbours better

[soenke]

its going foward in small steps (but no changes to be shown on photos)


we brought the car to a specialist MALTEC - Leichtbautechnologie für Expeditions- und Rallyefahrzeuge (http://www.maltec.org/) to reduce the wiring to the absolutely essential,
can´t wait to get rid of this, wich is somehow just stuffed away in the moment:
http://up.picr.de/3087513.jpg
http://up.picr.de/3087514.jpg

(there are nice J7 and J8 camper conversions on the maltec side to see..)


and a few more pics from the car on the last trip

http://up.picr.de/3087529.jpg
I like this few..

http://up.picr.de/3087530.jpg
plenty of nice places to camp

http://up.picr.de/3087531.jpg
everything getting ... grey when the gravelroad is wet

http://up.picr.de/3087532.jpg
bedtime..

:cheers:

[shortbusadventure]

:Wow1::Wow1::Wow1::Wow1::Wow1::Wow1::Wow1::Wow1:
Beautiful!

[skysix]

Once upon a time I remember seeing a wonderful shot of your Toy parked in a line of vehicles (waiting for a ferry?) but can't find the thread it was in any more - not in this one or the http://forum.ih8mud.com/expedition-builds/245430-travelling-cruisers-7.html thread either.

Do you know what the thread was or where?

[charlieaarons]

WHAT is that horrifying ball of wiring for?

Charlie

[soenke]

skysix,
I think I know wich picture you mean, but I can´t find it either. It was taken by a british member of the forum....

edit
found it, the pic is gone


#9 11-22-2008, 10:52 PM
ColinTheCop
Observer Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Scotland
Posts: 41



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I recognise that truck, got to be the smartest thing I've seen,

Infact, a mate took a picture of me trying to steal it as we were waiting in a ferry queue to leave Iceland.



another one waitung for the ferry
from Tallinn to Helsinki, my only ferry pic, not as good as Colins

http://up.picr.de/3278917.jpg





charlie,

that ball of wiring is original J80 elektriks and it is just good for horrifying me. That´s why we wand to get rid of all that. One cable for glowing, one for the starter, one for the pump, that will be everything we will need to fire up the truck....

..

[skysix]

Another great shot - the one I was trying to find was the one described - a front 1/4 angle shot with other vehicles behind that gave a great idea of scale - and how compact your rig is despite seeming big.

But I like this one for composition as well!

And Right On The Money regarding the ball of wire!

It's really to bad you never made it out to western Canada with your rig. But I envy you the new place and know that will make the sort of long journey that justifies the shipping cost harder to do now...

[Mickldo]

Lucky I saved every pic of this wonderful rig I could find.

http://inlinethumb47.webshots.com/43054/2205788720103919311S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2205788720103919311vfiVwA)

[ersatzknarf]

http://up.picr.de/1509972.jpg

http://up.picr.de/1509988.jpg


Hello Herr Sönke !

This thread is now more than one year old, but I still find myself reading it over and over and over and also sometimes going over to the MUD site to look at the thread there.

Your camper is such an inspiration for ideas. I am still amazed at how so much was packaged into the cabin. There are so many useful ideas.

I have looked around, but I cannot yet find any source for the pivoting extension that supports the table. I think I have seen something like it somewhere, but I just cannot find it. It is a great idea for making something have several functions. Please, can you point me to where I might find something similar ? I have tried different combinations of terms by google, but it is not working...

By the way, how do you like the large Cooper tires in size 325/80R16, especially compared to the 255/100R16 XZL tires from before ? How are they for noise and handling and do you think they were a good choice for long service ?

Many thanks for all of the information you have shared with everyone here. I never get tired of reading about this great car or seeing photos of it.

Hope you are enjoying your new home, too ! ! !



Frank

[Bike_Mech]

Check out the 80/20 stuff. Perfect for an application like this. You could make a table that rises and lowers plus pivots out to various locations for more table space and to get it out of the way if necessary. I use the stuff for jigs and various applications.

http://www.8020.net/

-Chris


Hello Herr Sönke !

I have looked around, but I cannot yet find any source for the pivoting extension that supports the table. I think I have seen something like it somewhere, but I just cannot find it. It is a great idea for making something have several functions. Please, can you point me to where I might find something similar ? I have tried different combinations of terms by google, but it is not working..


Frank

[ersatzknarf]

Hi Chris,
Thanks !
I will have a look.


Frank

[skysix]

Was wondering a few things about the plywood...

Baltic Birch? Finnish Birch? Marine grade? Aircraft Plywood (strongest)?

Also - anyone know where I can find the strengths of various thicknesses of high grade structural (aircraft / marine) plywood?

[Bike_Mech]

You can also get Baltic Birch plywood with a melamine veneer on it in various colors. I like using it for counters/furniture/shop-accessories because it cleans up nicely and is pretty durable without any type of paint or sealer product applied.

My local place, th&h in San Diego, sells baltic birch ply in 5'x5' pieces, is that the same else where?

-Chris

[Sleeping Dog]

You can also get Baltic Birch plywood with a melamine veneer on it in various colors. I like using it for counters/furniture/shop-accessories because it cleans up nicely and is pretty durable without any type of paint or sealer product applied.

My local place, th&h in San Diego, sells baltic birch ply in 5'x5' pieces, is that the same else where?

-Chris

5x5 is the standard dimension. There are a number of companies that will provide custom dimensions for frequently requested sizes there likely no or a small minimum.

For an RV shell marine ply is a good option, water proof of course and typically available in lengths up to 16'.

Marine ply source - http://www.boulterplywood.com/
Other marine panel products.
http://boatdesign.net/Directory/Materials/Fiberglass_and_Resin/Composite_Cores/
http://boatcraft.com.au/composites.html

Jim

[soenke]

Hey, Frank and all,

thanks for the compliments.

The table

I have looked around, but I cannot yet find any source for the pivoting extension that supports the table

I got it here:
http://www.svb.de/index.php?sid=a862c9342e544b349a303c1b937ae2e9&cl=details&anid=1181&tpl=&lang=1&listtype=search

there are other solutions on the market too, I think this ist the best.
Or did you mean the plywood I need to suport the table when extended to built the bed?


The Cooper:

By the way, how do you like the large Cooper tires in size 325/80R16, especially compared to the 255/100R16 XZL tires from before ? How are they for noise and handling and do you think they were a good choice for long service ?

They did very well so far. Not noisy, better then the XZL when surface is wet, better speed index. But they show quite some wear after about 30.000km. The XZL 255/100 are theoretically better to replace on tour...



The plywood

You can also get Baltic Birch plywood with a melamine veneer on it in various colors
I think our plywood in 12 and 6mm was from Finland, nothing else to get at that time. Its supposed to be waterproof glued together...well we oiled the surface. To get a very hard surface I would rather use Resopal etc then Melamine. The Resopal has to be put on both sides of the panel though in order to keep it straight...
http://www.resopal.de/en/index.html



PS
if any one has an idea to get rid of the table/bed supporting plywood I would be grateful

...

[ersatzknarf]

Hi Soenke,

Yes, I meant the table's frame that can be moved.



The table

I got it here:
http://www.svb.de/index.php?sid=a862c9342e544b349a303c1b937ae2e9&cl=details&anid=1181&tpl=&lang=1&listtype=search

there are other solutions on the market too, I think this ist the best.
Or did you mean the plywood I need to suport the table when extended to built the bed?

...

Great ! ! ! Thank you ! I thought maybe it was something from a boat/yacht - just could not remember where I had seen it. I could not find the right combination of words using google. This is a big help. Thanks.




The Cooper:

They did very well so far. Not noisy, better then the XZL when surface is wet, better speed index. But they show quite some wear after about 30.000km. The XZL 255/100 are theoretically better to replace on tour...

...

I see. Thanks :) Yes, it looked like there was a little wear on them from the photos. We were looking at the XZL as a solution for the weight of the car and also for the tire's diameter for the gearing. Noise is a big concern and I think you mentioned they made for a "tippy" feeling.

I am also liking the Dunlop Maxx Traction (315/75R16 ~34.6" OD), but it is not available in the Cooper's size. The only other tire I could find in the 325/85R16 size is a "Pro Comp Xtreme All Terrain."




The plywood

I think our plywood in 12 and 6mm was from Finland, nothing else to get at that time. Its supposed to be waterproof glued together...well we oiled the surface. To get a very hard surface I would rather use Resopal etc then Melamine. The Resopal has to be put on both sides of the panel though in order to keep it straight...
http://www.resopal.de/en/index.html

...

Thanks. I will have a look at the Resopal site. I did not know about putting it on both sides to keep it straight - that is a very good point to know. I was considering the "Baltic Birch" as it appears to be easily available (?) in the states.




PS
if any one has an idea to get rid of the table/bed supporting plywood I would be grateful

...

What is the problem with the table/bed supporting plywood, please ? Do you mean the long, vertical support piece put under the table to support the bed ? If that is it, I would be glad to think of a solution.

Thanks, again !


Frank

[soenke]

yes Peter,

that is the way it works. It´s stored in front of the bed under the window. I would like to reduce the working steps ...but did´t find a simple and solid solution...

[soenke]

Frank,
I am glad I could help you so easily with the links to SVB ...

and the 325 just drive perfektly by now, we just had some work on the chassis to do...

[JMPC]

nice rig - want one

[soenke]

The elektrik installations is getting along, all cables and devices reduced to the max, everything is tidy, condensed and easy to reach. I think it´s worth the lost space in the glovebox...

Sorry just a handy-pic

http://up.picr.de/3431768.jpg

[ersatzknarf]

Looks much more tidy than the other photo of the wiring ;)

[soenke]

chance to buy a HDJ 45 in Germany

http://up.picr.de/3505065.jpg
http://up.picr.de/3505066.jpg


[www.buschtaxi.de] - The european site for Toyota LandCruiser, HiLux, FJ Cruiser, 4Runner, Megacruiser...: Fahrzeuge: Land Cruiser (http://www.buschtaxi.de/marktplatz.0.html)

[www.buschtaxi.de] - Thema anzeigen - Nr3 HDJ45 (http://forum.buschtaxi.org/nr3--hdj45-t22733.html)

I would buy it myself if I had some money left...:frown:

[haven]

Sönke,
Thanks for sharing this listing, and the link to www.buschtaxi.de

I don't see the asking price listed on the web pages you listed. Do you know the price, or should we send email?

[soenke]

Hello Haven, better deal with Heity directly....

the amount I have heard is very fair :drool:

[haven]

I wrote to ask. Here's the response I received:

"The chassis is a 1992 HDJ80 landcruiser with coil springs, 3 electric lockers and a 4.2 turbo diesel engine, 5 gear tranny (a normal 80 series chassis). The body is from a 1974 FJ45 Pick Up, totally restored.

Have a look: http://forum.buschtaxi.org/nr3--hdj45-t22733.html

Price is 30 000€"

That's about 43,000 US dollars at today's exchange rate.

Considering the hours needed to complete the project and the level of workmanship, I think the price is fair. Remember that a vehicle like the "new school" Icon FJ45 costs $141K! http://www.icon4x4.com/inventory/new-school-fj45 And a Jeep J8 with diesel will cost somewhat more than $50K. The Heitz vehicle is 100% droolworthy, and 100% Toyota, albeit from different years.

Sadly, I think the USA Customs folks will consider this a 1992 Land Cruiser with a custom body. That means you'll have a very expensive task making the vehicle meet USA safety and emissions standards.

On the other hand, I think Canada's import rules say a diesel truck that is 15 years old may be imported without much fuss. I have a friend who lives in Vancouver...

Chip Haven

[lowenbrau]

If that thing crosses the ocean, I'll trade a brand new reproduction 45 bed for that 70 series one.

[KEENO]

Soenke....

I hope there's room on your plate for another compliment on such an awesome vehicle/camper/rig. Your truck keeps me awake at night dreaming!

Quick Question: How is the cabin mounted to the frame? Is it a solid mount or isolated with consideration for frame flexing? (ie: 3 point or 4 point system or bushings)

KEENO:)

[soenke]

Thanks Keeno,

the bottom aluminium frame of the cabine ist rubbercushioned fixed to brackets, welded onto the Cruisers frame

frame with the new breckets hanging up side down
http://up.picr.de/3531516.jpg

cabin frame and rubber cushion (don´t know the english word für "silentblock")
http://up.picr.de/3531678.jpg
http://up.picr.de/3531515.jpg

everything in place
http://up.picr.de/3531517.jpg



there is not to much flex in the Cruiser frame compared to a truck / Unimog

[KEENO]

Perfect Soenke....

I appreciate the reply and details. Very simple & straight forward!

KEENO:)

[Kilroy]

Soenke,
Your design and work are an inspiration and compelling example of what one can accomplish with the right focus and dedication. You have created a wonderful vehicle for exploring what the world has to offer. Your attention to detail is second to none. Thank you for sharing the process and your techniques.

A bit more detailed information on what you use to seal the two sections of the camper would be appreciated. Any chance of a picture of the material you use? Wondering if the material you are using might be adapted to the seal on an Alaskan camper.
Thanks.



Thanks..
Carl, no problem with the sealing of the two sections, we used a brush-sealing (?can you say so?) on top of the inner and lower wall

greetings Sönke

[soenke]

Hey Dave, sorry no pic of the sealing at the moment available. Hope you are not in a hurry

[Christian]

Hi Sönke

I would like to know more about your silent blocks, I have been looking around for something for our Volvo project, and have been advised to use model 17-1671-45 on this page:
http://www.mecmove.se/vibrationsdampare/trelleborg_dampare/CabMountings.pdf
To get the best noise and vibration reduction possible.
But rated at 160 kgs I would need 10, and at almost 100 € a piece I am still looking for alternatives.
I know every inch of your build is very well thought through, and I would like your thoughts on it?

Thanks again,
Christian

[Kilroy]

Not in a hurry. When you get a chance. Thanks


Hey Dave, sorry no pic of the sealing at the moment available. Hope you are not in a hurry

[soenke]

Marcus from www.offroad-schmiede.com bought the silentblocks.
The cabine construction follows his expertise....

I can ask him thought wich rating our silentblocks have...I remember they ain´t cheap..
Maybe Stefan form the Big Blue knows any details, I think Marcus used the same silentblocks on his car..
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=538299#post538299

[Big Blue]

Hi Christian, moin sönke,

my rubber blocks are the original ones. I´ll ask my rubber dealer next week…

[soenke]

Hey Christian,
talked to Marcus. Just mail him, he will get the "silentblöcke" for you. They should be much cheaper then 100€/pp.
Greetings Sönke

[Christian]

Thanks alot, both Sönke and Stefan!

I'll take some pictures tomorrow so Marcus can see what I need and then I'll mail him.

Sönke, you know what I think about your Cruiser :-) But Stefan yours is outstanding too, a different approach than Sönke's, but really well engineered!

[goodwoodweirdo]

Hi Soenke (sorry I spelt your name wrong in a email !)

Is there any posts covering your HZJ78 Innovation Camper ? I think I've read something about the choice of wheels... but that’s it...

Would love to know more about it, I know the roof conversion company... but your choice of tyres and suspension is of interest. Why didn’t you have a bull bar like so many ? I would love to know you thoughts on its Overland potential as I have a older HZJ75 with Trakker roof conversion which I'm renovating... any pointers for the interior is also very much appreciated ...

Kindest regards
Matthew
Belgium

[soenke]

Hey Matthew, did you find a sailmaker to help you?

There is no special thread dealing with our HZJ78, it just has been mentioned on MUD.
I just have a few scaned Dia to show you, and I lost all pics from the inside...

http://up.picr.de/3888343.jpg

http://s1.up.picr.de/3888344.jpg

http://s2.up.picr.de/3888345.jpg


We have had the heavy OME suspension and 6.5x16" steel rims with XZL 255/100. The diffs had been changed to 4,88:1...
It was perfekt driving on washboard pists or on lava tracks.
But I dont think the hassel is worth it because the diffs are weaker with 4.88


Rather get the gear box of an HDJ80 (and maybe the engine too :drool:) or stay with 255/85R16 , 285/75 R16 or even 7.5R16....
But your are lucky the HZJ 75 is build much stronger..

We don´t need a bull bar, I try not to hit anything :elkgrin:...it´s just to much weight for no use, at least in Northafrika or Iceland. We fitted a storage box between frame and bumper instead.
Maybe I would use one in Namibia (Kudu) or Australia (kangaroo) when driving high speed on the dirt roads

[goodwoodweirdo]

Hi Soenke,

I've found a company who can help with making the canvas but I need to find the material, this is the fun part... would really like something insulated as we’ll be travelling in Europe for the next coming years. Any ideas .... maybe a double sided canvas with insulation inside... might be possible to make something.

Being very new to this, (my previous travels where on a Honda Africa Twin :bike_rider:). I’m thinking I should change from the current 15” to 16” wheels, go for something narrow and fit spacers. Keep the tyre narrow to minimize drag and save the bearings / fuel consumption; I also have the 2H engine, so I'm looking for “no brainer” modifications – however like it stock as it runs very sweet and I like the simplicity.. and in the meantime plan on loosing some of the weight, this must have an effect when driving on the highway & off road...

Salutjes
Matthew

:ylsmoke:

[Scott39]

Hey Matthes, did you find a sailmaker to help you?

There is no special thread dealing with our HZJ78, it just has been mentioned on MUD.
I just have just a few scaned Dia to show you, and I lost all pics from the inside...
http://s1.up.picr.de/3888344.jpg
We have had the heavy OME suspension and 6.5x16" steel rims with XZL 255/100. The diffs had been changed to 4,88:1...
It was perfekt driving on washboard pists or on lava tracks.
But I dont think the hassel is worth it because the diffs are weaker with 4.88

Rather get the gear box of an HDJ80 (and maybe the engine too :drool:) or stay with 255/85R16 , 285/75 R16 or even 7.5R16....
But your are lucky the HZJ 75 is build much stronger..

We don´t need an bull bar, I try not to hit anything :elkgrin:...it´s just to much weight for no use at least in Northafrika or Iceland. We fitted a storage box between frame and bumper.
Maybe I would use one in Namibia (Kudu) or Australia (kangaroo) when driving high speed on the dirt roads
Nice setup, especially the two sea kayaks.:sombrero:

[lostfamilyof6]

Sorry to bring up a thread that was written so long ago but I have to say that I haven't been able to sleep for days because I have been dreaming about this truck.
Truly superior to anything of its size that I have seen here in the U.S.
:drool:

[dustboy]

Sorry to bring up a thread that was written so long ago but I have to say that I haven't been able to sleep for days because I have been dreaming about this truck.
Truly superior to anything of its size that I have seen here in the U.S.
:drool:

Thanks, now I have to lose sleep too. Again.

[AxeAngel]

That is sexy.

[Kilroy]

Your on the right track with the narrow tyre's. Wind resistance will be as big or bigger a factor at highway speeds as weight. The two kayaks will probably cost 2-3 mpg loss at highway speeds, minimum. We make our choices and pay the price. Have fun, what a great looking rig.




Hi Soenke,

I've found a company who can help with making the canvas but I need to find the material, this is the fun part... would really like something insulated as we’ll be travelling in Europe for the next coming years. Any ideas .... maybe a double sided canvas with insulation inside... might be possible to make something.

Being very new to this, (my previous travels where on a Honda Africa Twin :bike_rider:). I’m thinking I should change from the current 15” to 16” wheels, go for something narrow and fit spacers. Keep the tyre narrow to minimize drag and save the bearings / fuel consumption; I also have the 2H engine, so I'm looking for “no brainer” modifications – however like it stock as it runs very sweet and I like the simplicity.. and in the meantime plan on loosing some of the weight, this must have an effect when driving on the highway & off road...

Salutjes
Matthew

:ylsmoke:

[ColinTheCop]

Lucky I saved every pic of this wonderful rig I could find.

http://inlinethumb47.webshots.com/43054/2205788720103919311S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2205788720103919311vfiVwA)

I wasn't really trying to steal it - Honest. :drool:

Anway, I see someone in Oz has copied your design Sonke, albeit done on a smaller budget by the look of it.

(clicky)

http://i.ebayimg.com/13/!B)oHS,wBWk~$(KGrHqEOKnQEvyFr)DIMBMO(C97Zwg~~_12.J PG (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/1974-FJ45-Landcruiser-Campervan-/150465391373?cmd=ViewItem&pt=AU_Caravans_RVs&hash=item23086fab0d)


Being right hand drive, it's perfect for the UK, if only I wasn't married it be flying down there and driving it back up through Africa. :(

[slowtwitch]

This thread is an eye opener. WOW.


-Mike

[ETAV8R]

Amazing!

[4Rescue]

THis is easily one of the COOLEST trucks I've EVER seen... Man I love the work you've done. Taking the style and charisma of the 40-series and addin g the plushness and technology of the 80-series is just plain awesome even BEFORE you get to the amazing pop-up camper. Such amazing work mate.

Cheers

Dave

[soenke]

thanks guys.

I didn´t find to much time to keep on improving details, so there is still no reading light inside the cabin, we just use a small flashlight :p

We had to postpone our this year summer trip to Iceland to October...so I tried to fit military chains on the 37" and they just fit perfectly. All I need is spacers to maintain the full clearance offroad...

http://up.picr.de/5107844.jpg

hope I can make some nice pics in snow, storm and rain...

[jeepdreamer]

One of the things I love about this is the verefication of a build. Soekne has built one of the nicest and well thought out rigs I have ever seen. It is easily one of my all time favorites, hands down. But what I really enjoy is that he is a down to earth guy and truly uses what he has crafted. And is humble enough to provide proof that no matter how much thought and planning go into a build, there will always be some, though tiny, miniscule detail that can be addressed. The reading light in this instance.

[Guloffroad.com]

I Think is the most beautiful Land Cruiser camper that I´ve seen.
With your permission, I shared your Toyota with my friends of Foro4x4.com (http://www.foro4x4.com/foro/index.php?topic=25037)
Bye!

[pods8]

I've got an inquiry about for door system. I assume the lower door can open even with the top down? If so how tall is it and do you find it feasible to slip into the camper with the top down or is it a royal pain?

I'm pondering out door thoughts on an overlapping hard wall pop-up camper currently. Being about to reasonably slip into the camper with the top down is important to me thought. I'd likely be able to have ~20" (~500mm) tall lower door in an arrangement like yours.

Any thoughts would be helpful. :coffeedrink:

[soenke]

Hey pods8 (what a name??)

I also think the door has to give access with the top down.

We wanted to be able to reach anything inside and be able to sleep even with the lift not working.
It saves a time when you just want to fetch something from inside and you don´t have to wait till the roof arises....
Climbing inside with just the door open is no problem and the shape of the cabinrear even gives you shelter when raining.

we dont like the look with the angled rear but its very practicable

Steffi standing inside rising the roof
http://up.picr.de/6087610.jpg

[pods8]

Hey pods8 (what a name??)

I also think the door has to give access with the top down.

We wanted to be able to reach anything inside and be able to sleep even with the lift not working.
It saves a time when you just want to fetch something from inside and you don´t have to wait till the roof arises....
Climbing inside with just the door open is no problem and the shape of the cabinrear even gives you shelter when raining.

we dont like the look with the angled rear but its very practicable

Steffi standing inside rising the roof


Long story sort Pod or Pods is a nickname but both these were taken when I was starting an email back in the day so I added an 8, I've just used on message boards since for years.

What is the vertical height on yours? I'm thinking the slated aspect makes yours a little easier to live with. I'm looking at a side entry door so the wall would be vertical. If you didn't happen to have the slated back which allows a bit of an angled entry how well do you think the door would work out in that case for you?

When the weather clears up around here on of these evenings I'll use some cardboard to block off the upper part of the door on my FWC and see how I like trying to slip into a 20" gap. Probably less than ideal but maybe I'll be surprised, esp. if I duck in but then turn to sit on the ledge and then stand up in the camper...

By the way I actually like the styling of the rear angle on your rig.

[soenke]

without the slated back (sorry didn´t know the terminus ) it would be much more hassle to get in or even to reach the switch to elevate the roof. Now we just have to bend down once to get under the upper roof and door and stand upright again with the body inside, beeing able to reach most of the strorage or to enter kompletely with one big step....

with the wall vertical you will have to climb in on your knees :elkgrin:

[Bogo]

Also on side vs. rear entry, I was never able to come up with a decent layout using side entry. The door/entry zone just took up to much storage space. Putting it in the center back allows for dual use as the entry zone is also the main hallway.

[pods8]

Also on side vs. rear entry, I was never able to come up with a decent layout using side entry. The door/entry zone just took up to much storage space. Putting it in the center back allows for dual use as the entry zone is also the main hallway.

Depends what you need I guess, the side entry in my mind for my camper seems more ideal. The space would double as the kitchen standing area and then you could head to the rear dinette or front cab over bed. This is better accommodations for multiple people (ie small family) so people aren't climbing over each other. Building a 1 or 2 person camper changes demands.

[ersatzknarf]

Man, still enjoy this thread and refer to it often :coffeedrink:

[Ozarker]

I'd use AWSOME! I can't believe the craftsmanship and finish from plywood, many boats don't turn out as well! I'm amazed! This thread was a link in a more recent thread and couldn't go back, spent the afternoon reading this one! How many hours went in this rig? I'm afraid I woundln't live long enough to finish a build like this one.....assuming I get another ten years....LOL

[Ozarker]

Added to favorites! This is the one I was asking about in the hard sided camper section.... :)

Looks like I am the thread killer here..... :(

[ersatzknarf]

Not at all. This thread has more lives than a cat ! :D

[Overland Hadley]

It is good that this thread gets brought to the top every once in a while. Such an amazing vehicle.

[AeroNautiCal]

^^^ This!

I don't think that I've ever been so taken with a vehicle build as I am with this.

The design, materials, craftsmanship, utility, practicality and durability are beautiful.

It's just so right!

[GroupSe7en]

Oh, for crying out loud!

You got me all excited when I saw this thread pop back up - thought there was an update to it!
This might be my favorite build of all time.

Now what am I gonna do *grumble grumble*

Guess I reread it - again! :wings:

[AeroNautiCal]

^^^ You can't update perfection!

[LaOutbackTrail]

Has Soenke been traveling in their rig lately??? Pics please!

[Mitubitchy 3.5]

I`ve only one pic from a Overlandmeeting this Summer...

http://i.imgur.com/gtzYi.jpg


Stephan

[762X39]

Is that a Russian truck behind it with an NBC shelter?:coffee:

[Mitubitchy 3.5]

Hi, its not russian, its former East German Product.

Its called IFA W50

Here is a Pic http://www.google.de/imgres?imgurl=http://tuxpingu.bplaced.net/4images/data/media/5/w50lapv_0001.jpg&imgrefurl=http://tuxpingu.bplaced.net/4images/details.php?image_id%3D497%26sessionid%3D3d5ae9ff5 ccfb1dc218bda773fa3f5e0&h=375&w=500&sz=32&tbnid=9DSrrWCOUE9uWM:&tbnh=150&tbnw=200&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dw%2B50%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=w+50&usg=__8wRSFbUsD5dn4hqIq71X4Cjo4W4=&docid=igTlas8y939WIM&hl=de&sa=X&ei=_OLAUN7CFsvDswa5q4G4AQ&ved=0CEMQ9QEwAQ

Stephan