Skersfan's build for Old Sarge, May 2012...

[skersfan]

Just walked in the door, took longer to get out of there than expected. Set up some great deals for making the trailer more family friendly.

We will be offering two tents for the trailer, Magolina and the Oz Tent.

I will have special pricing on them shortly.

I will be offering the Fox Wing awning and the 6.9 tent which mill make the trailer complete for extended days in the rough.

It will cover the most of the area around the trailer, offer a place to stand up and dress, set down at a table enclosed and just a great addition to my trailer for those with children, as there will be room for them in the tent also.

Will also offer a small bunk bed option for the young children.

Curtis, give me a call about this stuff. I think it would be great for your trip.

The trailer was a big hit at the Expo. A Bloody Ripper according to Ric Moon , who has been traveling around the world for many years writing about overlanding and expeditions. He said it was the best Off Road Trailer he had ever seen. Chris Cole from Campa trailers said it was an Austrailian Tear Drop the best he had ever seen. Needless to say these guys made my weekend.

I will start on the trailer in the morning, I think the axle is in, and a lot of stuff came while I was gone.

Sorry for the delay and no reports from the Expo, but it was a great weekend for Aspen Trails.

I also took the trailer on the driving course and it had no problems what so ever. I think we were the only ones to attempt it.

The center of gravity is not affected by the AC, which truly made my day.

Pictures tomorrow I promise.

[skibum315]

Awesome updates Bob, glad to hear Overland Expo was such a success for you.

[gabepari]

snip...

I also took the trailer on the driving course and it had no problems what so ever. I think we were the only ones to attempt it..

Yeah, Dave Druck took his teardrop on it also. I believe he has video of it...

[1leglance]

Hey Bob,
great to see you again and check out your trailer in person. very very nice.

But I have to say if you are going to post any video at all it needs to be that balance test you showed me.
Being able to stand on the rear and not have the tongue lift up....and then to be able to so easily lift the tongue was astounding. Great job getting that kind of balance out of your setup.

I am just glad my wife didn't see the trailer as she would really like a nice basecamp like that while I go play in the dirt

[SWITAWI]

The latest from Bob the Builder...

I will have several pictures tomorrow, the rest tonight did not come out due to darkness. The project is moving along quite well. I have almost everything to build the trailer other than the fiberglass, and that will get ordered on Tuesday is my guess. Should have it by the following Friday. - Bob


Great to hear about how well things went at Overland Expo, and about the tent and awning offerings. Lookin' good, Bob!
Funny, the one thing that leapt right out at me in this picture is that Voodoo Blue sure likes a camera flash!

[Dirtytires]

More pics,,, Come on Bob! That blue does grab the eye..

[SWITAWI]

More pics,,, Come on Bob! That blue does grab the eye..

How is it that one of the most impatient members on ExPo is the owner of the Turtle Build...

Just kidding, of course. We're all very interested in Bob's rate of progress these days. In his defense I would point out that he's only human, but he does have those new knees... Though I never tried welding with my knees before. Can't be easy.

[Dirtytires]

I would think that if he could weld with his knees he should be more into the Circus act..
But then again isnt that life? My build is becoming too slow..I have lost interest for the time being.
Family and all before the build..

[SWITAWI]

05/26... Built most of the walls this morning, but realized I do not have enough 1x2 steel, have to pick it up as I want to have the frame rhino lined on Tuesday. - Bob

[SWITAWI]

05/26 @11:24pm PST... Walls have been welded on, two upper crossmembers are in. Waiting on front window measurements for front cross members, also need 1x2 steel for main cross members and AC support. Eyelets are for towing in case it is needed from the side. Chains are on and jack. Will wait on cutting the jack as Old Sarge is using 33 inch tires. Have not done one with that size so we may have to make some changes when his tires arrive. Still need to figure out water tank mounting for holding tank.

This will be the last trailer with 28 gallons of water on board, notified yesterday that they have not found a mold for a 35 gallon single tank, so we will go up to 41 gallons on board. Not a big deal, but it is cheaper than running two tanks and less chance of leakage.

I should finish up all welding tomorrow other than the upper 1x2 and expanded metal. Will pick up both Tuesday morning and hope to have the trailer to Rhino Liner by early afternoon. Will be able to start the flooring once the frame is lined.

Plan to work on wiring on Monday and have the whole wiring loom built. This trailer will have back up lights in the door. All electrics will run through PD4000 series Power Control center, manufactured by Progressive Dynamics. This will do away with the fuse blocks used in my trailer. Never any problems, but this unit will control all electrics with breakers for all 110, such as AC, Fridge, Microwave.

I have a windmill coming in from Sundyne. I maybe able to mount it to a pole that the trailer sets on its base. This is still in the future.

This trailer will have the Foxwing awning, so have to pick up a Rhino Rack for it. Trying to work out a deal with them for roof racks and boxes. The Foxwing will cover the entire passenger side of the trailer and the back. I am very excited about it.

Long day, so headed to bed. You're about all up to date. - Bob