And now for something completely different

[Orlov]

And then the conversion begins

As I choose not to sleep in the tank, it needs to be removed.

First I jacked up the tank, and bolted on a couple of 4"x4"that fit on top of the rails. Then I added 2"x4" "skids". I needed all this to handle the tank myself as I lack proper lifting equipment here.
As the tank is double skinned aluminum, I estimate it at roughly 330lbs, 150kg.

The red pieces are bolt on frame extensions I welded up for the deck when used as a flat bed trailer.

And then the removal:


Just as planned!



As I will not be running 44" swampers, it rides a bit tall...
The trailer is raised so it can be pulled behind anything with wheels or tracks.

 

[Orlov]

I removed six bolts on each side, and cut two short welds on each side. The subframe then came right off the frame.


The subframe was two 2"x5.5", 50x140mm box girders.



The ride height changed considerably.


The trailer can now be towed behind anything, except a 20 tonne truck.

 

[Mark Harley]

Very nice! I like the stemmed rear marker lights.
What are the red tubes used for on the front?
What are you planning an enclosed camper or open box for hauling?

 

[Orlov]

Mark, the red tubes are supports for a deck.
The trailer will be enclosed, with internal sitting height, not standing. The rear mounted kitchen will be usable from both outside and inside.

And then todays progress:

Have been working on the junction box from hell...
Still missing a couple of cables just for running lights.



And some of the parts have started coming together.
Backup lights, 10W LED.



And an additional pair of rear lights to be mounted on top of box.



These are 0.8x9" (20x230mm) red and amber LED.

And then there is the SMEV combined sink and propane cooktop as well as an electric tap.

 

[VanIsle_Greg]

Will be watching this one... very kool indeed.

 

[Mark Harley]

Looking forward to the build.
Will you be selling the tank or recycling it?

Post pictures as you go.

 

[Orlov]

I'll be keeping the tank.
All components will be interchangeable on the frame.

Have been playing around in Sketchup to get some general ideas of what direction to go.



Yes, I know the kitchen is very high off the ground, but then again it is also very close to the floor...
The trailer is so high that the floor is at 28", 70cm off the ground. I need space for fridge, gass bottle and some storage under the counter.
I need to find a balance between the outside/inside use of the kitchen.

The "box" opposite the entrance is the enclosure for porta-potty. It will have hinged door in front, and a lid that extends the kitchen counter when not in use.
The cook top pictured will be the combined sink/cook top in my last post, and can be used for washing hands after use of PP.

 

[Orlov]

Got the trailer registered today. 726lbs, 330kg dry weight.
Also picked up a huge 7.3x12.8ft, 220x385cm 1/2" piece of marine plywood that will be used as the subfloor for the camper.

I will need to make a steel subframe for the floor to keep it rigid.