OverLanding Camper Build

[Bigdave_185]

I think they are independent of each other, the should be able to put up high enough out of the way,  you control the height with the tongue Jack, lower the Jack’s, raise the front to apply pressure


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[TexasRedNeck]

On the tandems, like on my fifth wheel (and the photo above)they have a single crank point but the legs float meaning they self level. One touches the ground and then no pressure is applied until the second finds the ground what ever level that is. The electric ones have a manual backup with a wrench. (The nut showing on the end in the photo above) And generally you carry some plastic LEGO looking blocks if you are extremely uneven to make up the legs not being long enough. https://www.campingworld.com/rv-leveling-blocks-10-pack-56865.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyYLWpMzJ6AIVjoVaBR1g0QDWEAQYASABEgJnUPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds


You can see the rear leveling jack in the photo. Note how long those legs are. Between that and the block you should be able to level up just about anywhere with the small camper you have.
And you are going to want to be level. That top won’t like being pushed up off level and you don’t want your hearing aids rolling off the table while you are sleeping....

Of course the aviator option is hydraulic self leveling....

http://www.thebigfootleveler.com/ez-flip-4-point-system-qez-9f.html

Some have better reach and I’ve seen cylinders that pivot up when not in use.

You know you want to do it. Go Big or Go Home....

Burb with blower...check
Hand built trailer with self leveling hydraulics....check

You will be the most U-neak person on the trail.

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[Flyin6]

What happens if the drill battery is dead? Ratchet?

The pic I posted - do those type operate in tandem from the single crank point, hence your comment about not confirming to uneven terrain? Agreed, flimsy is not good.

Yep

[Flyin6]

Charles, Charles, Charles

When does the man ever let up???

I was thinkin about being U-Neak in the context of my old profession

It was said that doing anything different would get you shot

(Same as trying not to do anything different)

But for now, these are peaceful daze, so...

But no, Don will not be addin' no hydraulicks to no kamper!

Now go to your room!


On another note that tuck up, extending leg jack is nice, but take a look at it and you'll see how low the thing would have to mount. ANd if electrified, how exposed those motors would be to trail damage.

Finally, I have the jacks on property so I think I will at least think through some simple design to integrate those to see if I can find nirvana with what I currently have.

[Sammconn]

I like the pipe extension idea.
Dirt simple.

Weld on the included and make an extension of to where it needs with appropriate OD and ID.
OR  weld on a new one of right diameter and length and be done.

[Flyin6]

I like the pipe extension idea.
Dirt simple.

Weld on the included and make an extension of to where it needs with appropriate OD and ID.
OR  weld on a new one of right diameter and length and be done.

Well Samuel, I sort of went with the concept you suggested, but a couple steps above dirt simple.

Before we go there, Here is the place where the wiring harness and propane gas line will enter the actual frame and transit its length toward the back to safeguard it from wait-ah-minute snags

[Flyin6]

It comes out at the end of that long central piece of steel, then is given a way through all the crossmembers until it can exit in a protected fashion out the back

[Flyin6]

And, Sam, here is the way I chose to deal with the stabilizing problem. The pivot arm provides a multi position mount for the screw jacks. It can fold against the back frame or it can pivot to about any angle to the back or side. I like that because maybe by swinging it six inches I might miss a muddy spot and catch a rock

[Flyin6]

Here you can see it in some different positions. The jacks can ride right where they are or be removed and stored elsewhere. I plan to create a mooring station for them on the front of the frame somewhere

[Flyin6]

To create them, I sawed a shackle in half, then thinned its width until it would slide into the 2" X 4" tubing. It was bolted to a suspension bushing then the whole thing was clamped up and welded via several rose welds from the side. After that it became very rigid, but swings freely with some resistance

[Flyin6]

Then I cut a section of 1/4" plate to slide into the frame 8". I then opened up an irregular shaped hole in the side of the frame and welded the "paddle" end into the inside of the frame.

The weld you see is a heavy second pass over the first bead. I just wanted to close up the dip a little prior to filling and painting

[Flyin6]

I think it was Dave's suggestion, or was it Ryan's, or??? to remove the crank handle then weld on a nut. Mission completed!

[Flyin6]

^^^ That's a 13/16" lug nut which is pretty universal

With both sides completed, I did some lift testing. The jacks readily raise the frame, however they do flex upward some. I attribute that to the fact that I only had rubber bushings, and a set of poly bushings would go a long way to preventing that from happening. But flex as it may, the three "feet" along with the tires should create a stable enough platform for a gud night's beauty sleep.

[Bob Smith]

Nice jack set up.

[Sammconn]

That will do the trick!

[Bigdave_185]

The lord knows you need that sleep. The better sleep the better we like the self portraits lol


I like the swing hinge idea!  Good way to handle and would make it easy to swing around any further bumper build outs.   The pivot points and the ability to quickly detach and put in a non thief able location is nice


Any word on spacers?

Built in mud flap hangers or pending some metal skirts for the wheel wells?


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[Flyin6]

The lord knows you need that sleep. The better sleep the better we like the self portraits lol


I like the swing hinge idea!  Good way to handle and would make it easy to swing around any further bumper build outs.   The pivot points and the ability to quickly detach and put in a non thief able location is nice


Any word on spacers?

Built in mud flap hangers or pending some metal skirts for the wheel wells?


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Spacers inbound. Found they were relatively inexpensive. I'd rather do that than change the wheel, since that wheel is spec'd for the burb.

You folks keep mentioning the "Theft" thing. I don't think about that because we don't have that around here.

Funny how a free state like Kentucky with guns everywhere and people using them to shoot people who need to get shot drives the theft thing to a place where you don't even think about it...

So, I guess I'll have to make a lockable storage for them, and on that count, I have an idea.

Wheel wells, I haven't decided on anything. But I would like to put some aluminum cladding over the area aft of the wheel well.

[Flyin6]

About to finish up on this frame. Just some grinding, then primer and bed liner for the score...after the wheel spacers come in and I run some wires

Here are a couple of reinforcing plates attaching the frame rails to the Lunette ring mount. This is overkill, but by keeping flexing to a minimum, I shouldn't see any cracks

[Flyin6]

These angles cut from 1/4" plate reinforce the frame and will provide for points to through-bolt the frame to the body

[Flyin6]

The triangle plates will carry one or two bolts and use fender washers on the top side, while the square plates will get 4-6 holes and use the same screws that you attach a metal roof to the boards beneath.

I am using both systems to secure so that I get a solid capture on either end and also catch the floor at many points in between.

[Flyin6]

Lastly, I reinforced the stabilizing jack mount points which took some of the flex out, but with rubber bushings, there will always be some.

[Bigdave_185]

We have a few trailer build companies here in ogden, lots of them powered coat things of that size.  Is there anyone near you that would be able to take your trailer and powder coat the frame?


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[Flyin6]

Wheel spacers arrived. I've bolted them on and the wheels/tires fit perfectly!

Pics tomorrow after church sometime.

Oh, all you heathens can join me at church by tuning in at the following address. I believe we go live at either 1000 or 1015 EST

https://www.hfcus.com/

[Bigdave_185]

You preachin or we listening in with you.  Being in Utah it’s the 200th anniversary of the Mormon church and not a single person can actually attend


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[stlaser]

Didn’t realize you were Mormon Dave? Guess there was a time we didn’t know Ken’s gf was H either though.... 

[Bigdave_185]

Shoot I served a mission, was a faithful member of that religion for most of my life.  Kinda distances myself from that kinda thing over the last few years but we all change we all grow different directions


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[wyorunner]

Chief, there’s a good chance I missed it, so forgive me if that’s the case... but do have any idea how much that frame weighs? I recall talking about the whole thing a while back being 3-4. But that frame looks heavy which makes one wonder if when your done it’s not going to be closer to The 5-6k mark. Will certainly be interesting to see! Good work either way, and both rigs will pull it with out issue id like to think.

[stlaser]

Shoot I served a mission, was a faithful member of that religion for most of my life.  Kinda distances myself from that kinda thing over the last few years but we all change we all grow different directions


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Dave, I won’t toss any stones. I was raised Methodist and I haven’t had anything to do with them since I’ve been an adult and last count that’s about 25 years now. I’ve been in them for funerals and such in the past few years and can’t hardly stomach it. To each their own.

[Bigdave_185]

Yep.  Much of my family is and I keep to my self.  Lots less drama on the outside of regular religion


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[Flyin6]

You preachin or we listening in with you.  Being in Utah it’s the 200th anniversary of the Mormon church and not a single person can actually attend


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Not preaching, doing security

Next week the pastor just informed us we are having a 50 minute service every hour from 0700 until 1900! basically one each hour with a 10 min break in between. He wants some people to share testimonies. I'll let you all know if I am asked, although I would think not.

[Bigdave_185]

I tuned in, older gent grey hair and a redish pink button shirt?


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[Flyin6]

Chief, there’s a good chance I missed it, so forgive me if that’s the case... but do have any idea how much that frame weighs? I recall talking about the whole thing a while back being 3-4. But that frame looks heavy which makes one wonder if when your done it’s not going to be closer to The 5-6k mark. Will certainly be interesting to see! Good work either way, and both rigs will pull it with out issue id like to think.

Its heavy but not as much as you'd think. The two prerangers and I can pick it up. The guy told me I was picking up 500 lbs of steel, but after handling it, no way it was 300. Well, a simple calculus is to multiply 3- 24 foot sticks of 2X4 11 gage and that equals 337 lbs. I'm guessing the two timbren suspension arms plus brakes is 90 lbs ea, so 180+337= 517 lbs

And remember, I'll be using warm air in the tires to lighten it all up ;-))

[Flyin6]

I tuned in, older gent grey hair and a redish pink button shirt?


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That's him
Cleddy Keith
in his mid 70's and has pastored since early 20's
Was a boxer and a steel worker, hails from Waco Texas.
Good guy
I was there throughout

[Flyin6]

Tyler
I have been updating a weight inventory spread sheet. Its the way we track weight in aircraft

 I am seeing a weight of 3100 give or take...

[stlaser]

I tuned in, older gent grey hair and a redish pink button shirt?


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That's him
Cleddy Keith
in his mid 70's and has pastored since early 20's
Was a boxer and a steel worker, hails from Waco Texas.
Good guy
I was there throughout

Cut in steel cloth eh? Better keep an eye on that guy..... 

[dave945]

You preachin or we listening in with you.  Being in Utah it’s the 200th anniversary of the Mormon church and not a single person can actually attend


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Not preaching, doing security

Next week the pastor just informed us we are having a 50 minute service every hour from 0700 until 1900! basically one each hour with a 10 min break in between. He wants some people to share testimonies. I'll let you all know if I am asked, although I would think not.

I was watching when he announced that part for next week, interesting idea, different topic/subject every hour. You can grow throughout the day or just have a good message for an hour and duck out.


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[Flyin6]

You preachin or we listening in with you.  Being in Utah it’s the 200th anniversary of the Mormon church and not a single person can actually attend


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Not preaching, doing security

Next week the pastor just informed us we are having a 50 minute service every hour from 0700 until 1900! basically one each hour with a 10 min break in between. He wants some people to share testimonies. I'll let you all know if I am asked, although I would think not.

I was watching when he announced that part for next week, interesting idea, different topic/subject every hour. You can grow throughout the day or just have a good message for an hour and duck out.


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Correct.
The schedule is yet to be published, but in all of that will be spanish church for an hour, and french church for an hour, then a healing service at 1500, and a confessional at another time, and guests coming in throughout to give testimonies.

I'll pull a five hour hitch to cover stuff, then help as needed.

I think true christianity is about serving. If you don't or don't have the heart to, I'd check if you really have the spirit at all. Seems the spirit he gives us wants to:
1. Get back to him
2. Serve him
3. Help others find him
4. seek to better oneself
5. Live out the new creation you have become
6. gather with like-minded people

But if you're just sitting on the buttox and getting fed, but never giving back, never tithing, never getting involved, you are stuck as a baby Christian or not a Christian at all IMHO.

[Flyin6]

I tuned in, older gent grey hair and a redish pink button shirt?


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That's him
Cleddy Keith
in his mid 70's and has pastored since early 20's
Was a boxer and a steel worker, hails from Waco Texas.
Good guy
I was there throughout

Cut in steel cloth eh? Better keep an eye on that guy..... 

I do!

[Flyin6]

OK time to turn this chat forum back into a build thread

The spacers came in and here they are:

[Flyin6]

I had to space the wheel out 4" so here are two of them bolted together to give me the desired spacing, and you can see the spacing worked out great

[Flyin6]

Next up I provided some solid mounting for the latches that I plan to use to keep the aft leveling devices secured in the travel position

[Flyin6]

At this point I spent some quality time with my grinder, flattening the surfaces that will touch the camper body

[Flyin6]

Next I took a cup twisted wire brush on a different grinder and went over the whole frame to remove everything I could and then washed the whole frame down with mineral spirits a couple of times

[Flyin6]

The primer I like to use for bare metal is either the catalyst self etching stuff, but that is very spendy, and for new steel which I was able to "Scratch up" with the wire brush, I prefer a good red oxide primer.

THis stuff available at tractor supply stores is inexpensive, like $35 a gallon and is easy to spray and clean up afterward

[Flyin6]

With that said, I got after the frame with that cheapo HF sprayer which has been doing a really job for me.

Just look how it laid down the primer:

[TexasRedNeck]

Do I know we’ve covered this but keep an eye on those wheel bearings with that much offset.  They are designed for 0 offset


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[Flyin6]

I gave it 2-3 medium coats which took 1/2 gallon for this frame

[Flyin6]

Do I know we’ve covered this but keep an eye on those wheel bearings with that much offset.  They are designed for 0 offset


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Got a winner!

I said to myself, someone right away is going to point out the offset thing!

Couple of points Tex

first of all the wheels are negative offset and the 2" spacer probably brought them to near their CG

Secondly with the bearing actually subjected to 2" positive offset, remember these are the much larger 8,000 pound 8-lug brakes/spindles/bearings and not the light or even medium duty stuff

Finally with all that bearing in there, the camper is not all that heavy

My concern is more to do with unwanted loosening of all those lug nuts.

[Flyin6]

I definitely got a bit of overspray on the floor!

[stlaser]

Don, are those true 2 piece spacers or just two spacers bolted together? Reason I ask is my guy makes legit 2 piece spacers that lock together.