Hillbilly Delux Camper/Hauler build by Brian

[jeeper]

I don't know if any of you will care to see this get built, but to make myself feel cooler by having my own "build thread", here we go..

Goal: provide adequate space for a family of 5 to enjoy trailer camping while being able to transport each different type of vehicle we recreate with, and keep costs to a minimum.

We have used a cab over camper for the past few years and have absolutely loved it. It fit our needs well, and is easy/cheap to maintain. However, We would like the use of the truck without the camper attached. We do many week long camps and it would be nice to run in to town for supplies without the camper on board.


I purchased a 30' flat bed, with the intentions of dropping the camper on the front and decking the back to be trailer space. We starting hacking away ad the trailer to make them marry the right way..


Last week the family and I spent some time in the camper, and realized QUICKLY that 5 does not fit the same way 4 did last summer. While the baby is still in a cradle at the end of our bed, it would not work through out the summer or coming years. Need more space.

We picked up a 19' 5th wheel last night. It provides an extra bed, and a little more room than the camper. We didn't want anything bigger, as it would make our Hauling space to small for the Jeep.


The plan is to get this on the front of the flat bed. It will leave me with about 16' of deck space which is enough for a jeep and my bike, or the rail and all the families dirt bikes.

Wish me luck!

 

[ricsrx]

Subsrcibed. I think this will work out great for you guys.

 

[I Lean]

Specs on the cabover camper? Going to be for sale in the next couple months? :greg:

 

[jeeper]

Specs on the cabover camper? Going to be for sale in the next couple months? :greg:

It's going to be for sale as soon as I get out there and take a few pictures...

Its an '87 lance Squire. 12 ft long, plus cab over makes about 16'. I installed an A/C over the summer- long story on it , but it does not have the plastic covers installed. It functions great though. has a forced air furnace, as well as a radiant heater. We bought it in the dark from a guy who swore it had no water damage, but found some in the cabinet above the kitchen table... I have sealed the roof and we keep it covered so no more damage has happened.

It has crank jacks instead of hydraulic which are much smoother and more reliable.
It's in good shape I would say.
There are a couple small things I need to repair from our last trip but want it in the truck to make it easier so I haven't done them yet..
1-black water tank dropped on the way home- the lag bolt gave way on the strap, nothing broken, but needs to be lifted into place and new bolt installed.
2-magnet holding the screen door to the door broke so they don't stick together when opening. I bough a new magnet and have it here... somewhere
3-one of the access door laches (plastic piece about $0.50) broke.. might have one kicking around also..
$1500 as is.. a little more after I fix it.

 

[Rot Box]

Good times Sounds like a fun project.

I like the tow rig a lot. Any details on it?

 

[jeeper]

Good times Sounds like a fun project.

I like the tow rig a lot. Any details on it?

Thanks! it's not often I get a compliment on the truck.. It's just a '94 IDI turbo diesel, No special mods but it gets the job done

 

[jeeper]

For best towing with my truck I wanted to get the ride height as low as possible for the camper. I can tow heavy all day no problem, but the wind really kills me..
in addition to lowering the trailer I needed to move the axles forward. They were 24 ft back (80%) from what I understand axles should be at about 2/3rds or 60%/40%
I went for the 60/40, as I will have a lot of weight up front.

Before shot

Here are the new axle hangers welded on

Axles installed. They have been moved forward 6 feet

I was able to get the ride height down about to where I wanted. It sits at 24", and I was shooting for 20", but I am satisfied. The hitch portion will be cut down 10" to help it ride level.

 

[jeeper]

Today i spent some time cutting the tongue shorter. I cut out 10"



I have tacked on the kingpin again with my little welder



It sits level in the truck now, and gives me just over 5" of clearance between bed rails and trailer. I will have to be cautious off road with it that close, but think it will be fine. I have dealt with 4" in the past without problem.




Now I it's favor time... Anybody near Midvale willing to finish the welding around the tongue? I don't trust my little welder to penetrate enough, and do not have enough experience with a 220 stick to trust myself.. I believe I can tow it to you, and I can get it prepped a little better. Should be fairly simple and fast.
Thanks.

 

[Rot Box]

Thanks! it's not often I get a compliment on the truck.. It's just a '94 IDI turbo diesel, No special mods but it gets the job done

Haha I know the feeling I have one too. IDI's are awesome engines imo I love mine


Project is coming along nicely

 

[jeeper]

I finished the welds on my hitch today. Nice and sturdy now!

For the next step I need to find a way to lift the camper onto the trailer.
If anybody has access to 2 forklifts that would be totally sweet..???

OR

the thought I had would be to use 4 of the old style cable camper jacks that are free standing to lift each corner, then back under with the gooseneck. But I don't have any of those either.. does anybody have some I could borrow for a weekend?

Thanks guys!

 

[RabbitTwo]

agree with

agree with author good!

 

[jmaxj]

the thought I had would be to use 4 of the old style cable camper jacks that are free standing to lift each corner, then back under with the gooseneck. But I don't have any of those either.. does anybody have some I could borrow for a weekend?

Thanks guys!
View attachment 70106

dill rental in west jordan rents those. last i used them their price was 40 bucks a day for 2.

 

[jeeper]

I picked this up today on trade for a set of home made pw50 training wheels and $20..

Miller thunderbolt.

Should come in handy when it's time for the landing gear to be welded on. And I may just go over my spring hangers again with it

 

[jeeper]

Where is the best place (cheapest) to pick up rod?? I don't know much at all, but it seems like an all position 7014 is the most versatile?? Any thoughts on this? Thanks!

 

[jeeper]

I need some additional advice..

I was in the process of cutting off the rack on the back of the camper so that the decking will come right up against the back of the camper, but I am kind of liking the idea of the rack being there. It seems like a great gas can holder, or a place to put a truck box full of tools and junk. but then the regular trailer deck would do that just as well..
Should I cut this off, or paint it to match the black trailer and leave it? the decking would come up to the back of the rack.

Thanks!

 

[jackjoh]

Where is the best place (cheapest) to pick up rod?? I don't know much at all, but it seems like an all position 7014 is the most versatile?? Any thoughts on this? Thanks!

I used 7013 back in the 70's so you might be better getting more current advice.

 

[blznnp]

Where is the best place (cheapest) to pick up rod?? I don't know much at all, but it seems like an all position 7014 is the most versatile?? Any thoughts on this? Thanks!

i could get you some at a discount, not sure what it would be but i can find out for you if you tell me what you want. i get a student discount at praxair and air gas. i would run a 7018 but that is what i am familiar with.

 

[mesha]

You can come and pick up a handful of welding rod from me if you want.

 

[jeeper]

A LOT of progress tonight. I rented some jacks from Dill Rental in West Jordan. A shout out to them for giving me 4 for the rate of 2!
Trailer is in the air

Axles off


Flat bed underneath the 5th wheel

There were a couple braces that had to be cut in order to fit it down just right, and Pizza showed up so the next step took us into the dark, but..


I still have to take the hitch off of the 5th wheel, and add a few more supports to tie the two together, but the part i considered the hardest is now done!

 

[ricsrx]

Brian i like it!!