So I'm new to expo style trailers, but I really love the idea of being able to set up a base-camp, that I dont have to break down if I want to use my rig during the day. I have never really liked the idea of a "camper" and so I have never even looked into or though much about owning one. Not that I know nothing about trailers in general, but camping outfits, yep I'm clueless.
I have also been lurking here for a good long time, gathering intel and ideas. And I gotta say, props to some very ingenious and talented people, I have been greatly inspired. So much so that I decided I would give it a go of my own.
I wanted to build something lightweight, that I can tow with my 4 cylinder Suzuki. It needs to be small and maneuverable, and off road capable, to a point. But Space is a big deal too. Any of you guys with Jeeps, or Zuks can feel my pain here, they are great for what they are for, but super limited on space. I have gotten pretty used to camping out of my Zuk, and when it was just me it was great. But then I had to go and get married (about a year ago) and since then I'm pretty sure the gear I need to bring has tripled... or maybe even quadrupled... but however much, it has become very apparent that the Zuk wont hold it all.
I started looking at what others have done and gathering parts. And just figuring out what to plan into the build. I have gone through several different steps ( Admit, beleive, make a decision, etc. ) to get to where I am finally ready to start. As you can imagine, money is an issue (She costs a lot!), so inexpensive is the name of the game. Something that fits my needs, was out of my price range by a fair ammount. So I decide to build from scratch.
I want to include the following. But may not get it all done on the first run. So I have designed in some modularity, so I can add stuff later
- Small, light, offroad capable
- Dual purpose, for now, Happy Wife; Happy Life. She was a little opposed at first, ( Irony, since she is the one who needs the extra gear ) but if I can use it for more than just camping...
- Tent, not sure which one yet.
- Eventually a lid, and slide out kitchen
- Water tank (later)
- Battery, water pump, solar charging (later)
Anyway pretty simple, once i get it going and start using it Im sure the list will change. But for now this is what Im starting with.
This is how today started
Then it started taking shape...
The end of the day, not bad for about 8 hours... You can see in the floor that the cross braces will double as mouting locations for the water tank (ahead of the axle), and battery box (behind), wanted to keep them low for good weight distribution. There will be a tongue box, and the "frame" section will ad rigidity and make it sit up a bit taller. All in all Im happy with the way its coming along already.
I have also been lurking here for a good long time, gathering intel and ideas. And I gotta say, props to some very ingenious and talented people, I have been greatly inspired. So much so that I decided I would give it a go of my own.
I wanted to build something lightweight, that I can tow with my 4 cylinder Suzuki. It needs to be small and maneuverable, and off road capable, to a point. But Space is a big deal too. Any of you guys with Jeeps, or Zuks can feel my pain here, they are great for what they are for, but super limited on space. I have gotten pretty used to camping out of my Zuk, and when it was just me it was great. But then I had to go and get married (about a year ago) and since then I'm pretty sure the gear I need to bring has tripled... or maybe even quadrupled... but however much, it has become very apparent that the Zuk wont hold it all.
I started looking at what others have done and gathering parts. And just figuring out what to plan into the build. I have gone through several different steps ( Admit, beleive, make a decision, etc. ) to get to where I am finally ready to start. As you can imagine, money is an issue (She costs a lot!), so inexpensive is the name of the game. Something that fits my needs, was out of my price range by a fair ammount. So I decide to build from scratch.
I want to include the following. But may not get it all done on the first run. So I have designed in some modularity, so I can add stuff later
- Small, light, offroad capable
- Dual purpose, for now, Happy Wife; Happy Life. She was a little opposed at first, ( Irony, since she is the one who needs the extra gear ) but if I can use it for more than just camping...
- Tent, not sure which one yet.
- Eventually a lid, and slide out kitchen
- Water tank (later)
- Battery, water pump, solar charging (later)
Anyway pretty simple, once i get it going and start using it Im sure the list will change. But for now this is what Im starting with.
This is how today started
Then it started taking shape...
The end of the day, not bad for about 8 hours... You can see in the floor that the cross braces will double as mouting locations for the water tank (ahead of the axle), and battery box (behind), wanted to keep them low for good weight distribution. There will be a tongue box, and the "frame" section will ad rigidity and make it sit up a bit taller. All in all Im happy with the way its coming along already.
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