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Thread: Camper build

  1. #1
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    Default Camper build

    Hello ,

    Got some bits together for a camper build. I have a question about mounting the springs. They have a clamp not from the eye on the right but not the left

    Is this the correct way to mount them if the front of the trailer is to the right? Any advice gratefully accepted

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  3. #2
    Yonnee's Avatar
    Yonnee is offline Trailer Bloke & Mild Mannered Moderator
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    Default

    OK, with the front of the trailer to the right, the way you have the springs setup is correct.

    However... the spacing between the hangers is not.

    Firstly some terminology. The 'U' shaped piece at the front of the spring is the Hanger. The piece of tube at the rear welded to the piece of flat is either the 'Rear eye to eye Hanger' or the Dumbjack. The two flat pieces either side of the Dumbjack, connecting it to the rear eye of the spring are Shackle plates, and are designated by the bolt hole size.

    Now, the setting up. The front Hanger should be attached so that the axle location point (the bolt in the middle of the spring) is 1/2 an inch to the rear of centre, for every foot of trailer body (excluding the drawbar). So, a 7x4 trailer, the axle is 3-1/2 inches rearward of centre.
    Then, with an Eye to Eye spring, the centre of the dumbjack is placed 25mm behind the centre of the rear spring hole. So in your picture, a vertical line through both of the bolts at the rear of the spring on the left, should be 25mm apart, with the dumbjack being further back.


    Hope this helps.

    Yonnee.
    Too many projects, so little time, even less money!
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  4. #3
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    Default

    Thanks Yonnee,

    Going to set them up today.

    Regards,
    Ray

  5. #4
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    Talking Update

    Love these days at home.

    It is up on wheels. Next step attach jockey wheel. Go get a water tank & install. Then spare wheel carrier on draw bar to counter act weight of water tank.

    Then got to make a decision on imported tent or locally manufactured. Leaning to local but about 2 x $$$.

    PS is this chain a bit light for a safety chain?

  6. #5
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    Default

    Looking good.

    Re Chinese canvas, there seems to be enough satisfied users out there - but I leaned to Australian too when I bought my CT. Heavy weight so doesn't flap around much and it's survived some high winds.
    Cheers, Ern

  7. #6
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    Default

    Looks great.
    Reality is no background music.
    Cheers John

  8. #7
    Yonnee's Avatar
    Yonnee is offline Trailer Bloke & Mild Mannered Moderator
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    They say pictures are worth a thousand words, so I shouldn't need much more than this...
    clap:


    Yonnee.

    Oh, and don't worry about the spare wheel balancing the water tank... your chain will do just fine!
    Too many projects, so little time, even less money!
    Are you a registered member? Why not? click here to register. It's free and only takes 37 seconds! Doing work around the home? Wander over to our sister site, Renovate Forum, for all your renovation queries.

  9. #8
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    Yes I have a vested interest.

    I would buy a good secondhand Aussie made tent with OZ made canvas before I touched a Chinese one. If u plan on taking your camper to the tropics I cant stress enough, dont go for the Chinese stuff.

    Whatever u buy take a good look at the fall of the roof before hand. ie is it going to turn into a swimming pool after a decent downpour. Seen a few made by other manufacturers come thru the door with the owner complaining of just that, a wading pool in the roof.

    If it was me would chase the tent bit now before making sides for the trailer. U need to know the drop between the bed base and the ground.

    Recommend if u r going to put stabiliser legs on the trailer they are done at this stage. Why, cause I recon its easier to now than later.

    Definetely make up some stone protection for the water tank.

    Good luck with your project.
    www.lockwoodcanvas.com.au

    I will never be the person who has everything, not when someone keeps inventing so much cool new stuff to buy.

    From an early age my father taught me to wear welding gloves . "Its not to protect your hands son, its to put out the fire when u set yourself alight".

  10. #9
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    Hi

    take a look at the oztent range of camper trailer tents. Yes they are made in china however managed by a western company. We have the camper 7 and am very impressed (and I am pretty picky) with both the quality of the canvas and the manufacture.

    I think they would sit half way between the chinese ebay type of tent and an australian custom made one.

    Have fun!


  11. #10
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    And I see you welded the drawbar into the front spring hangers.

    Good Man

    Have you welded the jockey wheel on yet?


  12. #11
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    Default

    Thanks for the help guys.

    Still puzzling over the tent.

    Jatt if I could find a good second hand aussie made tent I would consider that but haven't been able to locate one.

    Dazzler I have been thinking about the oztrail 9' as well.

    I have been waiting for a local manufacturer to start back up after xmas. He's back tomorrow & he had a demo tent he may do a deal on. He uses 11 ounce aussie canvas which appeals to me for weight reduction & easier handling. I considered the tent offered by Austrack but Kevin advised me I would find it difficult to set up alone. He has some 7' ones comming in Feb & a better price than the Oztrail. The other tent he supplies has some good reviews and his customer service is good.

    Yep welded the jockey wheel on but on the opposite side to where I had it clamped. Probably should have waited as I have made it tight to fit a stoneguard but I am sure I will solve that.

    Yep put the stabiliser legs on after one of those moments. And I'm not explaining!

    Had a look at a tent on a Johnnos trailer & if the budget allowed I would seriously consider one of them as the ease of set up is so important for our use.

    Made the water tank mounts & yet to make a guard for it.

    Ray

  13. #12
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    Default I think someone is pulling your chain

    He uses 11 ounce aussie canvas
    I really hate this. Its a play on words

    Ask this guy if this canvas is weighed before or after the proofing is applied. I recon its actually 8 ounce. How it works is reputable manufacturers weigh their canvas whilst it is still in its "loom State". Once stuff like proofing, UV stabilisers are added them the weight is higher ie 11 ounce.

    8 ounce for the walls and 12 for the roof works quite well.

    Yep put the stabiliser legs on after one of those moments. And I'm not explaining!
    Yes I have done this myself.
    www.lockwoodcanvas.com.au

    I will never be the person who has everything, not when someone keeps inventing so much cool new stuff to buy.

    From an early age my father taught me to wear welding gloves . "Its not to protect your hands son, its to put out the fire when u set yourself alight".

  14. #13
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    Default

    The canvas he uses looks & feels the goods.

    The finish of the tent looks good as well, however, budget will determine what I get & its leaning towards imported despite my preference for a local made product.

  15. #14
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    One option to help keep the initial cost down is to purchase the top with only an awning, or even just the tent. At the same time check to see if walls can be added later. All the better if both sides of the zip are attached. Walls can be made/purchased later if required. If only one side of zip is attached then of couse its harder to know if a standard size zip thats available in oz has been used.

    There are several manufacturers who have a setup similar to the above. If a customer shows up with just a tent or complete with awning (so long as theres no zip issues) no worries we just make it up in the shop. The machinists here have done plenty.
    www.lockwoodcanvas.com.au

    I will never be the person who has everything, not when someone keeps inventing so much cool new stuff to buy.

    From an early age my father taught me to wear welding gloves . "Its not to protect your hands son, its to put out the fire when u set yourself alight".

  16. #15
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    Default

    Making some progress. The body is only tacked up. I might hire a small mig to weld it up.

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