Toy Hauler?

[lojim]

Well, I have been debating about the idea of putting a 'camper' on the big trailer. I'm not looking at anything huge, just big enough to function. I was thinking about putting something over the wheelwells - basically build a box that is 6'high, 8'wide, and 6'deep. The door would open on to the front deck. I would only ever use that trailer when hauling ATV's like I do now - so I would not be worried about wind because the ATV's sit about 4' high now (with the box mounted). I would only loose 1 ATV place - which the weight of the camper would make up that difference.

My thoughts:
Single bed mattress - it would fit without me having to build any slides - and if needed 2 people could get close and sleep on it. I could put the bed on one of the wheelwells. Being that they are only 2' wide I would have to build a support under the other 16" of mattress (which could contain drawers or cabinets for storage). Over the bed I could mount a microwave and some shelves for storage. On the back wall I would put a 'kitchenette' (mini fridge, sink, small water tank, and storage). On the other wheelwell I would mount a camp toilet, power inverter, and more storage. Also, I could use the wheelwell to build a bench in place. To eat: a folding table. To complete: an EZ up canopy to cover the fron 8' x 8' deck.

I'm really just thinking right now. It would be a neat idea. It would add about 800-1000 lbs to the weight of the trailer, but then again, it would be right over the axles AND I would haul 1 less ATV (at 600lbs) - so it's close enough.

Thoughts? Ideas? Comments? Am I just crazy?

[lojim]

Well I have tossing around some ideas for my toy hauler idea.

I can save some space in the box by not putting the shower and toilet inside. Instead I can go this route:

(sorry it is a small pic). Basically, it's an outdoor shower that will mount on the outside somewhere. Also, a camp toilet:

and a camping 'outhouse:'


Inside, 2 10gal water tanks mounted on the wheelwells. They would serve as 'end tables' for the conversion van rear seat/bed that will face the front of the trailer. Above the water tanks: a cabinet on each side. This will be storage along with a shelf that will run the width of the camper over the couch.

On one wheel well, one other small wall cabinet will be modified to go under a small bowl sink and hand pump for water. That counter will also extend over the mini fridge. A hotplate will be used to cook on.

The other wheel well: cushions for an extra seat/bed.

All the electric will be powered by AC voltage - all campgrounds provide that power and so will a generator. By using power strips and an extension cord I won't have to hard wire the trailer. A folding table can be used to eat on or outside if necessary. There will be enough room for an ez-up, folding chairs, and maybe a small charcol grill inside for transport. It will provide enough space to get out of the weather, but not be too large that there is a lot of 'dead space.'

I'm thinking if I will do this I will start in the spring. I think that if I am creative with parts/supplies I can do it for $500-$800. Depending on what I can find used in different places. Most of the prices below are for new items (except for the van seat/bed).
New water tanks: about $100/each
Hand pump for water: $30
Shower tent: $70
Camp toilet: $40
Van seat/bed: $30
Cabinets: $40 total
Lumber: $200
EZ up: $70
Paint: $100
Other random stuff: $50
Mini Fridge: I have one
Folding table: I have one

This guy home.earthlink.net/~g.teague/ did a great job building his, so I am thinking I can use some of his ideas for mine. "The floor is 3/4" exterior plywood. The walls and roof are 1/2" birch plywood. The camper was finished with two coats of Behr exterior oil base primer and two coats of Glidden high gloss exterior oil base paint."

Hmmm.....

[krawler97]

Jim, you must be bored ;D? By the way, how's the trailer holding up?

[lojim]

I am a little bored! The trailer is a tank. I put new tires on it and picked up a spare. Still pulls straight and true.

How is the jeep holding up?

[krawler97]

Good, but it's still sitting in the same spot from our last trip. Need to take it for a little spin, I'll probably run it down to the end of the road and hit that stone pile this week.

[jeepboy07]

this my friend could be a bad thing jim ur not supposed to get this bord bad things happen last time you put onbord air in ur quad and sawed a highlift jack in half just to mount it on the fron of your quad whats is next i think that poor rancher is over waight

[lojim]

Well now that I have the MG most of my 'bored time' is spent tinkering with that!

[skip]

Here is your toy hauler Jim www.jayco.com/php/products/floorplans.php?id=178&mod_id=902

Dec 29, 2008 16:45:37 GMT -5 lojim said:

Well now that I have the MG most of my 'bored time' is spent tinkering with that!

See mine is trying to chase my wife around.