parrotcam
New Member
Posts: 1
Currently Offline
|
Post by parrotcam on Jul 30, 2021 12:18:36 GMT -8
Hello,
I am a new member to this forum. I am presently planning to build a trailer. Three things that a longstanding search through the world of vintage trailers has made clear.
Many are nearly completely torn down and rebuilt to a degree that comes close to starting from scratch.
It is nearly impossible to find one that isn't limited in the available interior height or bed length. I am 6' 5" and done with crouching over or sleeping crosswise to be inside a trailer. But, I am open to finding some option that might still yield a possible vintage candidate.
And finally, I have a preference for designs that predate canned-ham styles. Most notably designs with clerestory roof lines running the length of the trailer. Among other things, that appeals to my height challenged experience with the typical trailer. But that is not a make-or-break issue.
Equipment and skill sets are not an issue. Viable space to do the work remains a challenge since all available space in my recently downsized studio is dedicated to other uses. So while I enjoy perusing the restoration labors and techniques on this site, I thought I might appeal to the greater knowledge of forum members for any awareness of designs that exceed 77" of head room.
Thanks for taking the time to read and possibly respond to this. Kurt
|
|
|
Post by vikx on Jul 30, 2021 14:36:50 GMT -8
One of our members, Hamlet, raised the roof on their Compact for height. Hopefully they may chime in...
|
|
Hamlet
2K Member
Posts: 2,816
Likes: 924
Currently Offline
|
Post by Hamlet on Jul 31, 2021 7:43:23 GMT -8
Hamlet here. We did raise the roof, but only to 75”. Hamlet is a canned ham, and we decided that since we had to take him completely apart, we might as well make it so my hubby could stand up in the kitchen area. It wasn’t difficult at all. We made some adjustments to side uppers and had to get some extra skin for the sides. The roof is raised only from the front corner to the middle of the wheel well and unlesshe’s standing next to an original, you don’t notice the change.
As far as sleeping diagonally, my hubby just fits. Given what you want to do, your comment about building one may be the way to go. I think some of the old loaf style campers may be wide enough, and maybe even tall enough with a raised clerestory area down the middle.
Best of luck!
|
|
|
Post by wisconsinjoe on Aug 1, 2021 6:09:23 GMT -8
Because I designed and built from scratch, I could make the height anything I wanted. I made mine for 6'-3". We also made the bed(s) as two opposing sofas that could come together in the middle, so you sleep long-wise.
|
|
|
Post by Teachndad on Aug 3, 2021 6:49:53 GMT -8
Hi and Welcome, This is a really cool project! From your description, it sounds like you are interested in the style like a Westcraft Trolley top. Is that correct? Having stepped into a few of them, the longer ones seem to be very wide. I would consider looking for a Westcraft that is in need of restoration, but sellers of these often ask a lot. It may take a while to find one, but it might save you time in the long run. The interior corners are rounded adding another challenge as well as the tapered back with rounded corners, but you said your skills aren't an issue. One other thing is that the doorway tops on these trailers are usually low. You would be interred to just walking up and down the middle without bending over. What length of trailer are you looking to build? You mentioned a space concern. Here is a shorter Westcraft trolley top design. A longer design. I added the picture for a reference in the discussion to help clarify as needed. Just my opinion, but the trolley top design would make it easier to hide the proportion change, if designing from scratch and raising the height of a tailer. Please continue to share your journey on VTT. Cheers, Rod
|
|
WhitneyK
Active Member
Posts: 492
Likes: 169
'67 Shasta Compact
Currently Offline
|
Post by WhitneyK on Aug 15, 2021 10:05:26 GMT -8
Just thought I'd chime in... I'm 6'4", working on a '67 Compact (of all things). Original ceiling height got shortened a bit since I'm (purist's look away) changing it from a toaster profile to a ham style. Bed configuration was to sleep lengthwise with the camper, I wanted to have more "floor space" (ya, I know, still talkin' about a compact here). I opted to add 4 1/2" to the frame width so we could sleep sideways. Axle had to be widened (was gonna replace it anyway) and tongue lengthened 8-12", which is always a good thing. It's basically a rebuild to my liking kinda thing. Just my opinion, didn't say it was a good one... Whitney
|
|