Chaser #1

[Scott Brady]

I want to start a thread on my Chaser. I feel honored to not only have the first unit, but most likely the unit with the highest miles (I figure somewhere around 14-16,000 miles).

Currently, my Chaser is being retrofit with all the new toys, a new chassis and some other "top secret" mods (lets just say that a hot water shower and forced air and thermostatically controlled heat are on the menu). I pick it up next Monday from AT world headquarters and can hardly contain my enthusiasm. This change also represents a shift for me and my truck and my attachment to the office. I hope to be able to spend more days on the trail and working from my remote "office". This will include several new communications technologies.

Pictures soon, but for now, this is my favorite!

http://www.expeditionswest.com/arctic_ocean/review/mid/Arctic_Ocean_EW-44.JPG

I will use this thread to post updates and mod details.

[adventureduo]

Oh you tease! That's why your in town for the Expo! Im gonna have to run over to AT and sneak a peak! *(just kidding Scott)

Another Chaser thread! uggh! I want ours NOW! Not fair :(

[J-man]

I absolutly love those chasers. Probably the finest quality and workman ship ever put into an expedition trailer. I hope the one im building can withstand what yours has been through. Sweet.

[Mlachica]

that's too cool Scott!

So is that the ocean under the trailer?

I hope I win that chaser/eezi-awn....

[absolute]

That is a great pic!

Intersted in the Mods!

[The BN Guy]

Great pic! Wish that's what I was doing right now...heading out of town for an adventure.

[Desertoutpost]

Saweeeeettt!

[wagner_joe]

You the man Scott... Saw it AT's shop about 2 months ago... Wondering what goodies you were adding onto it... Have fun at the trophy.. If you need any logistical support.. I'm happy to oblige...

[MaddBaggins]

Check mine out while you're there. :shakin:

[BMAN]

Check mine out while you're there. :shakin:

Get them to bring it to the Expo and I'll tow it home for ya.

[flywgn]

...This [new office] will include several new communications technologies...

Scott, I'm parting with our Motosat/Datastorm setup. Interested?

Allen R

[Willman]

Very nice Scott!

:lurk:

[Andrew Walcker]

Too cool, when are the pics coming?

[spressomon]

I want to start a thread on my Chaser. I feel honored to not only have the first unit, but most likely the unit with the highest miles (I figure somewhere around 14-16,000 miles).

Currently, my Chaser is being retrofit with all the new toys, a new chassis and some other "top secret" mods (lets just say that a hot water shower and forced air and thermostatically controlled heat are on the menu). I pick it up next Monday from AT world headquarters and can hardly contain my enthusiasm. This change also represents a shift for me and my truck and my attachment to the office. I hope to be able to spend more days on the trail and working from my remote "office". This will include several new communications technologies.

Pictures soon, but for now, this is my favorite!

http://www.expeditionswest.com/arctic_ocean/review/mid/Arctic_Ocean_EW-44.JPG

I will use this thread to post updates and mod details.



Hmmmm...wouldn't be a little diesel catalytic converter type heater would it?

[CodyLX450]

Aww...now I'm gonna have even MORE catching up to do!

Thats most of the fun tho. Keep the fun stuff comin, Scott!

[MaddBaggins]

Get them to bring it to the Expo and I'll tow it home for ya.

You'd like that wouldn't ya!

It won't be ready then and Mario is delivering it on the 27th of this month. :wings:

[Willman]

Love the frozen lake picture Scott!.....How did it feel to drive that heavy pig over the ice?

:)

[elcoyote]

Here's a little preview of the awning mod that has been added to Scott's Chaser. This will be a very important comfort feature for the Overland Journal Mobile Field Office.

[kcowyo]

It looks............ short....

[Steve Curren]

Mario, need more info... Maybe a trade for a top??:) And a tequila?

[Andrew Walcker]

Mario my man, how would that system work on a Horizon????

[Willman]

A huge Ditto on the more infor. part!!!

Is the trailer going to be ready for the up and coming trophy?

:chowtime:

[Tucson T4R]

It looks............ short....


If you’re talking about the walls...look closer at the bottom edge. Looks like black vinyl bottom edge, like the Ausies do it. Good for burying with sand or dirt to block out the elements and critters.

[Willman]

Looks like some type of coating on the front of the trailer or is it just the lighting?????

:confused:

[Tucson T4R]

They were making that an option now to have a bedliner type spray coating on the leading edge to protect from chips. :-)

Isn't progress entertainng? :wings:

[DaktariEd]

They were making that an option now to have a bedliner type spray coating on the leading edge to protect from chips. :-)

Isn't progress entertainng? :wings:

Actually, progress sucks!
Now I've got accessory envy!
The newer trailers have better suspension, rock chip protection, a better water pump...dang!

http://www.bajataco.com/smileys/safari.gif

[Martyn]

Mario my man, how would that system work on a Horizon????

Andrew

The system uses the Eezi Awn Awning and they are available in 2 meter (78") and 2.2 (98") meter lengths, so I'm sorry to say they are too long for the Horizon.

But don't worry we are scouring the ends of the earth trying to find something that will do the same thing but in a shorter length.

[Martyn]

Actually, progress sucks!
Now I've got accessory envy!
The newer trailers have better suspension, rock chip protection, a better water pump...dang!

http://www.bajataco.com/smileys/safari.gif

Ed

I'm sorry, but at least it's better than buying a computer and having it be a relic within 3 years!

Mario just sent me a list of the upgrades for all AT Trailers within the past 12 months. I hadn't realized we'd done that much.

1- Upgrade to Paint Locked surface treated sheet metal body panels vs. conventional cold rolled sheet
2- Improved air spring mounts with lengthened gussets and 1/4” steel vs. 3/16” steel
3- One piece tailgate frame vs. four piece
4- 10 gauge battery charge wiring vs. 14 gauge
5- Rancho RS 9000 shocks with .710 thick piston rod vs. the Rancho RSX with a .625 thick piston rod
6- Waterproof electrical butt splice connectors used on tail light and brake wiring vs. conventional insulated butt splices
7- Trailing arm pivot rod mounting plates thickened to 3/8” vs. 1/4”
8- New proprietary camber and toe in adjustment feature vs. none
9- Pivot rod material changed to 165,000 psi StressProof steel vs. 85,000 psi cold rolled steel.
10- Lid bulb seal upgraded from 5/8” x 3/8” to 7/8” x 1/2”
11- Rivets upgraded from aluminum to stainless steel
12- Lock and Roll coupler is zinc plated for corrosion rather than painted
13- Neoprene is now used between the fender and body to reduce coating abrasion from grit
14- Roof rack system has been upgraded from Surco to the Thule product line with nationally available accessories

No wonder we can't reach the phone in time to answer it!!! :friday:

[spressomon]

M & M: I want to know more about that heat system :)

[Andrew Walcker]

Hey Martyn, I always rest easy knowing you have our backs!!! My Eezi-Awn is 72" long so I wouldn't mind having the awning extend a bit further. Is it the mounting points for the awning that are too close together?


Andrew

The system uses the Eezi Awn Awning and they are available in 2 meter (78") and 2.2 (98") meter lengths, so I'm sorry to say they are too long for the Horizon.

But don't worry we are scouring the ends of the earth trying to find something that will do the same thing but in a shorter length.

[Tucson T4R]

If it's anything like the Webasto Diesel heater in my KK...it kicks butt. Barely uses any fuel and keeps the enclosure as warm as you want, controlled by a thermostat. :-) Maybe something similar??

[Martyn]

Hey Martyn, I always rest easy knowing you have our backs!!! My Eezi-Awn is 72" long so I wouldn't mind having the awning extend a bit further. Is it the mounting points for the awning that are too close together?

Andrew

As you know I'm easily confused, but I think your 72" awning is a Fiamma ????

The 78" long Eezi Awn would extend forward an other 6" that would put it outside the protection of the front Boulder Bars.

What that translates to for someone like me is I'd smack my head on the awning more often because it stuck out more :yikes:

But seriously we are looking at various answers for a room for the Horizon.

[Andrew Walcker]

Just measured again because if you are easily confused, than there is pretty much no hope for me:)

The Fiamma is measuring in at 71.5" long and the Eezi-Awn (model 1800) is 72" long. I hear you though about another thing to whack my noggin on. I don't think I've got too many more "hits" before I'll have to strap my mountain biking helmet on permanently. I'd be game for another 3" of length in both directions to go with something like that set-up, but will sit hear patiently staring at the computer for you to come up with the Horizon Room....




are you done yet????

[spressomon]

Just measured again because if you are easily confused, than there is pretty much no hope for me:)

The Fiamma is measuring in at 71.5" long and the Eezi-Awn (model 1800) is 72" long. I hear you though about another thing to whack my noggin on. I don't think I've got too many more "hits" before I'll have to strap my mountain biking helmet on permanently. I'd be game for another 3" of length in both directions to go with something like that set-up, but will sit hear patiently staring at the computer for you to come up with the Horizon Room....




are you done yet????



X2

[Martyn]

Just measured again because if you are easily confused, than there is pretty much no hope for me:)

The Fiamma is measuring in at 71.5" long and the Eezi-Awn (model 1800) is 72" long. I hear you though about another thing to whack my noggin on. I don't think I've got too many more "hits" before I'll have to strap my mountain biking helmet on permanently. I'd be game for another 3" of length in both directions to go with something like that set-up, but will sit hear patiently staring at the computer for you to come up with the Horizon Room....




are you done yet????

OK I guess you guys need some sort of reply!

The 1800 Eezi Awn tent is 72 inches long and 48 inches wide when folded. So the entire tent sits on top of the lid of the Horizon with a little hanging over the back and a little over the front. The tent sits within the foot print of the trailer.

The Awning is mounted 13" outside the lid on the side box and extends out forward over the front fender. But it's still within the footprint.

The 78" long Eezi Awn would extend out beyond the footprint of the trailer and be exposed to possible damage. This would occur even if you turned the awning around and had it in board of the brackets while traveling.

Did I answer the question ?? If I didn't I need more clues or possibly a charade or two.

[goodtimes]

Actually, progress sucks!
Now I've got accessory envy!
The newer trailers have better suspension, rock chip protection, a better water pump...dang!

http://www.bajataco.com/smileys/safari.gif

Yup, your trailer is out dated and totally sucks Ed. You better order a new one. Just drop the old one off here and I will dispose of it for you. Leave that crappy RTT up there too. You may as well get a new version of that while you are at it.

http://www.bajataco.com/smileys/safari.gif

[Andrew Walcker]

OK I guess you guys need some sort of reply!

The 1800 Eezi Awn tent is 72 inches long and 48 inches wide when folded. So the entire tent sits on top of the lid of the Horizon with a little hanging over the back and a little over the front. The tent sits within the foot print of the trailer.

The Awning is mounted 13" outside the lid on the side box and extends out forward over the front fender. But it's still within the footprint.

The 78" long Eezi Awn would extend out beyond the footprint of the trailer and be exposed to possible damage. This would occur even if you turned the awning around and had it in board of the brackets while traveling.

Did I answer the question ?? If I didn't I need more clues or possibly a charade or two.

Sooooooooooooo...............what you are saying.................is that you are still not done yet with the Horizon Room....................??????? :littlefriend:

[Martyn]

Sooooooooooooo...............what you are saying.................is that you are still not done yet with the Horizon Room....................??????? :littlefriend:

Oh! the Horizon room! Now I get it. What I really need to complete this project is a quick trip to Europe to pick up some parts. Got any mileage you can donate?

[elcoyote]

We are working on a room for the Horizon based on the Fiamma F35 Pro awning. There are a variety of components from their other models sold in EU that will work with some modifications stateside to make them compatible with both the Horizon, Chaser and vehicle roof racks. A prototype is in the works. We'll keep you posted as it evolves.

[spressomon]

We are working on a room for the Horizon based on the Fiamma F35 Pro awning. There are a variety of components from their other models sold in EU that will work with some modifications stateside to make them compatible with both the Horizon, Chaser and vehicle roof racks. A prototype is in the works. We'll keep you posted as it evolves.


Care to elaborate on the heater?

[Andrew Walcker]

We are working on a room for the Horizon based on the Fiamma F35 Pro awning. There are a variety of components from their other models sold in EU that will work with some modifications stateside to make them compatible with both the Horizon, Chaser and vehicle roof racks. A prototype is in the works. We'll keep you posted as it evolves.

Thanks guys, looking forward to the Horizon/Fiamma Room!!! Just had to give you two some grief to off-set my immediate jealousy of Scott's set-up:)

[Willman]

Is Scott's Chaser going to make the Trophy??????


:chowtime:

[Tucson T4R]

Is Scott's Chaser going to make the Trophy??????


:chowtime:

Yes, just so he can park next to my KK and experience canvas envy.:shakin:

Ok, that was just rude...I have no idea if the upgraded chaser wil be there.:(

[spressomon]

Care to elaborate on the heater?


Guess its still top secret eh?!

[Andrew Walcker]

Guess its still top secret eh?!

I think we were lucky enough to pry the Horizon Room plans out of them, better not push or welcome:)

[Martyn]

I think we were lucky enough to pry the Horizon Room plans out of them, better not push or welcome:)

I have no idea what heater will be used, completely out of the loop on that one! Can't even speculate (somehow I manage to a few lines further down).

I'm a big fan of fires, but that could have something to do with the 2 cords of wood at my house.

A pure guess here, but I think Scott will be heating his room with ............... Penguins. I come to this conclusion after hearing him shout out in his sleep "Throw another Penguin on the fire!":REOutCampFire03:

[spressomon]

I have no idea what heater will be used, completely out of the loop on that one! Can't even speculate (somehow I manage to a few lines further down).

I'm a big fan of fires, but that could have something to do with the 2 cords of wood at my house.

A pure guess here, but I think Scott will be heating his room with ............... Penguins. I come to this conclusion after hearing him shout out in his sleep "Throw another Penguin on the fire!":REOutCampFire03:


They only burn well during the depths of winter when their blubber is thicker.

[Andrew Walcker]

They only burn well during the depths of winter when their blubber is thicker.

I knew we'd eventually bring this thread around to penguins:) :REOutArchery02:

[Willman]

Is Scott's Chaser going to make the Trophy??????


:chowtime:


Bump!

:jumping:

[Scott Brady]

Oh yes, it will be there :)

[Willman]

Scott-

Is your trailer getting the BF mud 255's just like the EW tow rig?

:jumping:

[Andrew Walcker]

Scott-

How do you like the Eezi-Awn awning and room? Is it usable size-wise and worth the extra time to set-up?

[kb7our]

Scott -

Anything you can share about the heater? Pics maybe?

[Hltoppr]

I was pretty impressed with the mini swamp cooler he had at the ET!

-H-

[Martyn]

I was pretty impressed with the mini swamp cooler he had at the ET!

-H-

These units are great, are very quiet, and draw very little power, plus they are in stock !!

"This is the answer if you want the coolest air from an evaporative system for your tent , and you will appreciate the small versatile size of the unit. Using powerful Twin Brushless Double Ball Bearing Motors this Model provides streaming cool crisp air where & when you need it. The Twin Motors have the capacity to produce over 220 cubic feet per minute (cfm) at a velocity of 3,000 feet per minute with a noise level of 59 dBA on high speed.

The Tent Cooler cost $284.00

[Tucson T4R]

X2 I have one of these puppies too and you can't beat them when it's dry and in the high 90s! It might cause a fight to break out if you have more than two people wanting to squeez in front of it. :sport_box

They really do pour out the cool air and draw very little current. A little pricey, but well worth it when you are out in the desert in the summer. :shakin:

I got mine through the AT boys which is always a good thing. :)

[Willman]

Scott-

Is your trailer getting the BF mud 255's just like the EW tow rig?

:jumping:

Bump!

[Robthebrit]

X2 I have one of these puppies too and you can't beat them when it's dry and in the high 90s! It might cause a fight to break out if you have more than two people wanting to squeez in front of it. :sport_box

They really do pour out the cool air and draw very little current. A little pricey, but well worth it when you are out in the desert in the summer. :shakin:

I got mine through the AT boys which is always a good thing. :)

I might get one of these, do they use water or ice?

Rob

[Martyn]

I might get one of these, do they use water or ice?

Rob
Rob
They use water, but if you want them to run really cold you can a mixture of ice and water.

[Tucson T4R]

Rob
They use water, but if you want them to run really cold you can a mixture of ice and water.

Like any swamp cooler, they work great as long as the humidity is below 30%. Below that, it feels like AC, above that, it will just move hot humid air around. In the AZ desert, they are wonderful.:wings:

[Robthebrit]

Where do I get one? Does AT sell them?

Rob

[Nuclear Redneck]

Here (http://www.adventuretrailers.com/accessories.html) ya go.

[Robthebrit]

thanks

[Scott Brady]

The cooler is awesome, and extends trip potential in the deserts by another month or so. It took a good 10-15 degrees out of the awning room.

[Scott Brady]

Scott-

How do you like the Eezi-Awn awning and room? Is it usable size-wise and worth the extra time to set-up?

I am sold.

It does need a back wall (bugs at night with a light on) and a better floor. The flooring they give is really light and would work well in most cases except dust. I will probably use that floor for all of the mountain camping and use a canvas tarp in the desert. The floor is comes with is like a screen mesh, designed to keep hard dirt and grass/leaves, etc. out, but dust can come through.

The room is extremely useful while cooking, and would be a savior in the rain or snow (the main reason I wanted it). I had two chairs, two big storm case boxes and my food prep set-up in there.

[Scott Brady]

Scott -

Anything you can share about the heater? Pics maybe?

I am using Espar units from Lubrication Specialist (http://lubricationspecialist.com/front/showcontent.aspx?fileid=19)

[Willman]

Scott-

Is your trailer getting the BF mud 255's just like the EW tow rig?

:jumping:


D bump!

:chowtime:

[Scott Brady]

D bump!

:chowtime:

Not sure yet. For right now the big BFG's work great, but it would be nice to lower the rolling resistance.

[Redline]

I'm thinking along the same lines Scott. I have BFG M/T 255s on my Chaser and on my swing-away spare, but for most trailer duty think that a quieter, smoother tire with less resistance would work well. The only advantage I might loose by pulling the BFG M/Ts from the trailer would be my option of using them as secondary spare on the Mall Crawler (same size) as I have a second 32-inch spare under the car that can be mounted on my Chaser.

I liked the look of Pasquale's aggressive all-terrain ElDorado Trail Cutter R/T tires in 255/85 on his trailer enough to make a few calls about them upon returning from the ExPo Trophy last week. I'm still waiting for my price/shipping and availability from my tire shop, but their initial report information was that the customer service directly from ElDorado Tire is slow & poor.

http://www.eldoradotire.com/products/product.asp?id=14

Just got off the phone with my tire man, still no return call from ElDorado tire. Plan B was to have him check availability for an all-terrain, all-season tire in 255/85. A couple other Les Schwab stores have a couple sets of four all-seasons in recently discontinued tread designs, one sets is only $132.00 per tire!, the other is a more typical $182.00. I'm going to drive down and look at a picture of the treads.

Redline, The Imelda Marcos of Tires



Not sure yet. For right now the big BFG's work great, but it would be nice to lower the rolling resistance.

[flywgn]

Scott, I'm parting with our Motosat/Datastorm setup. Interested?

Allen R

Scott, I plugged this inquiry in on page two of this thread. You mention new com/tech 'stuff' being introduced to the current rig. I take it you're not interested in the Motosat/Datastorm equipment. You probably have something newer, better, and smaller.

Allen R

[spressomon]

I am using Espar units from Lubrication Specialist (http://lubricationspecialist.com/front/showcontent.aspx?fileid=19)


Ok Mr. Mum's the Word: You want to elaborate on the model, performance, flex tubing to heated location and the location and bracket type where you have it mounted on your Chaser? Or do we have to sign a confidentiality agreement? :violent-smiley-031:

[jbs]

Ok Mr. Mum's the Word: You want to elaborate on the model, performance, flex tubing to heated location and the location and bracket type where you have it mounted on your Chaser? Or do we have to sign a confidentiality agreement? :violent-smiley-031:

Bump. Now that a few months have passed and this is in the latest issue of OJ, are we going to get details on the Espar install? I's really like to add one to my Chaser.

[Shadow-Warrior]

Great trailer, can't wait to hear the details of the heater and how you like it. :)