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Post by ambitioustallguy on Jun 3, 2022 18:40:40 GMT -8
Hi Everyone,
I am new to the board and the hobby. I sold my teardrop trailer so I could have something that I could stand up in, considered converting an enclosed cargo trailer but wanted something taller (I'm 6'5") and then I discovered that campers could be framed with wood... which led me down a pretty cool rabbit hole that brought me here.
Anyway. I've been absolutely devouring everything I can on the hobby: looking through different builds here, taking the course offered by Mobiltec, and bothering engineer friends with endless questions. It's been a ball.
But now I'm ready to start building. But because I have specific height requirements I want to build the camper from scratch to my specs. The big issue I'm running into right now is finding a chassis that will work for the build but won't be insanely expensive. Is there a place to purchase a camper frame? I'm looking for a single axle frame that's roughly 7' wide, 12'-14' long (in addition to the tongue). I'm considering a carry-on trailer with outriggers, but I'd rather go with a camper frame if possible.
Thanks for any suggestions!
Tim
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Post by Teachndad on Jun 4, 2022 4:51:54 GMT -8
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WhitneyK
Active Member
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'67 Shasta Compact
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Post by WhitneyK on Jun 4, 2022 7:14:06 GMT -8
Welcome Tim,
I know where you're coming from, I'm 6'4" and we are currently still using our teardrop style camper (over 40,000 miles on it so far)
I am re-working a '67 Shasta Compact that I got on a swap with a friend. I wanted to be able to sleep sideways in it but still remain "compact" to minimize wind drag while towing. While I had it disassembled to the frame, I widened the frame 4 1/2" (simple addition of a piece of angle iron up the middle and extend the tongue) to accommodate a queen size mattress. I'm willing to give on height, it's only going to be about 6'1" ceiling height so I'll have to slouch. I can deal with that because we don't spend much time in a camper and it will be so great not to have to get dressed in bed, and I know you know what I mean.
Good luck on your journey, scratch building is not that bad.
Whitney
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azshastanut
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1957 Kenskill 16T
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Post by azshastanut on Jun 4, 2022 9:44:13 GMT -8
Where are you located? I have a 59 Shasta rolling frame that I won't be using. I'm located in Tucson, Az
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Post by vikx on Jun 4, 2022 11:30:39 GMT -8
North of Seattle-have a pop up trailer for cheap. Belongs to the neighbor-lift mechanism went out. Lots of good parts tho.
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Post by wisconsinjoe on Jun 11, 2022 14:25:47 GMT -8
I had happened upon a ruined 70s Jayco for free that when demolished left a great strong frame. If I was going to really start from scratch, I'd consider building one from raw steel (...if I had welding skills, which I don't). Or, I'd talk to a trailer builder. Locally there is a small manufacturer of utility trailers who would build custom. Not cheap, but doable.
However, it is important to study the geometry. Not only do the wheels need to get placed properly to distribute tongue weight to avoid sway at high speeds, you also have to figure out how to make sure the rear does not scrape the road when driving over steeper grades, like over a sidewalk at a gas station. On my build, the frame angles upward several inches for the last two feet.
In the end, it may be worthwhile to buy a ruined camper with a good frame. One of the aesthetic features of vintage campers is that they sit lower to the ground than modern stuff. Even if that cost $1,000, it would be worth it. Lord knows there are plenty of ruined campers out there. Fortunately, the steel chassis may still be fine, albeit a bit rusted.
I certainly can speak to the value of designing and building your own camper. Although I modeled my scratch build on a '63 model, I raised the ceiling to 6'-4" so my tall friends can fit.
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Post by wisconsinjoe on Jun 11, 2022 14:30:55 GMT -8
One more thing about scratch builds: You will need to find vintage windows and a door. New versions just don't make it for aesthetic reasons. Again, another reason to find a ruined camper that may be totally rotted but still may have salvageable windows and door. The door will also probably be ruined, but that can be rebuilt with new wood framing and even new aluminum skin.
I spent a lot of time perusing Craigslist, and buying a stock of windows. In fact, I have several in southern Wisconin that I'm tripping over. PM if interested
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aslmx
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Post by aslmx on Jun 13, 2022 18:34:50 GMT -8
One more thing about scratch builds: You will need to find vintage windows and a door. New versions just don't make it for aesthetic reasons. Again, another reason to find a ruined camper that may be totally rotted but still may have salvageable windows and door. The door will also probably be ruined, but that can be rebuilt with new wood framing and even new aluminum skin. I spent a lot of time perusing Craigslist, and buying a stock of windows. In fact, I have several in southern Wisconin that I'm tripping over. PM if interested this is what’s killing me. I want to do a scratch build off of the 59 Shasta skins but windows are hard to find. I’m with you with nothing new will look right. At least what I’m finding won’t look right. If anyone has a link to something that would be close to vintage I’d love to see it. |
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Post by wisconsinjoe on Jun 13, 2022 19:23:25 GMT -8
I'd be contacting John Palmer, here a member. He told me he was thinking of starting a Hehr window remanufacturing business. I bet they won't be cheap, but if I added up all the gas and time spent running them down on Craigslist, and then all the work in restoring them, I'dve been happy to be able to buy new.
The other thing I'd do is contact any local mom and pop RV dealer who considers trade-ins. There is one here in Madison, Wisconsin who takes trailers in "trade" and junks them. Windows to be had for the asking if you want to remove them. Those vintage windows continued to be made for some time after the cool vintage styles died by the early 70s.
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Post by Teachndad on Jun 14, 2022 3:56:15 GMT -8
I'd be contacting John Palmer, here a member. He told me he was thinking of starting a Hehr window remanufacturing business. I bet they won't be cheap, but if I added up all the gas and time spent running them down on Craigslist, and then all the work in restoring them, I'd have been happy to be able to buy new. Hi Friends, I have seen the windows that Joe mentioned at a recent rally and they are very well made. I saw a Hehr like sample at a vintage trailer rally. They are hand made and look professionally built and look identical to the original. You get a new window with all new parts and you don't have to clean or polish them. Cheers, Rod |
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mobiltec
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I make mistakes so you don't have to...
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1954 Jewel In Progress...
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Post by mobiltec on Jun 16, 2022 5:50:41 GMT -8
I'd be contacting John Palmer, here a member. He told me he was thinking of starting a Hehr window remanufacturing business. I bet they won't be cheap, but if I added up all the gas and time spent running them down on Craigslist, and then all the work in restoring them, I'd have been happy to be able to buy new. Hi Friends, I have seen the windows that Joe mentioned at a recent rally and they are very well made. I saw a Hehr like sample at a vintage trailer rally. They are hand made and look professionally built and look identical to the original. You get a new window with all new parts and you don't have to clean or polish them. Cheers, Rod Is there any contact info for ordering? |
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Post by wisconsinjoe on Jun 16, 2022 17:14:01 GMT -8
I'd PM John Palmer. I know he is "thinking about" selling them. Hope he made up his mind.
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