Camper Trailers
Submitted: Thursday, Aug 06, 2009 at 20:17
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Member - Kevin B (NSW)
I am thinking of building a camper trailer next year to incorporate a number of ideas that I have. The most important being weight. I have some experience in the marine industry and am keen to use composite board..similar to products made by ATL Composites in
Brisbane. The sheet is glass enclosed foam and the specs look very impressive. A 20mm sheet weighs in at about a thied the weight of ply and has much higher impact and flexing properties. I would also use gaboon ply for internal joinery (I have already used this in my drawer system in my Landcruiser) I am interested if there are manufacturers using these products. I know Ultimate uses glass production moulds but these are much heavier. Maybe someone has experimented with these products. Duflex is one composite panel produced by ATL.
I am hoping to have a camper trailer coming in at below 500kg tare.
Reply By: Eric Experience - Thursday, Aug 06, 2009 at 21:17
Thursday, Aug 06, 2009 at 21:17
Kevin.
The weight of the shell of a camper trailer is not significant so going to a lot of trouble and expense using composites can only reduce the total by a small percentage. Many car manufactures have built cars from aluminium to save weight but the total weight of the vehicle is only reduced by less than 10 %. Much better to get a more suitable vehicle for travelling then you do not need a trailer. Eric
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Follow Up By: A J - Thursday, Aug 06, 2009 at 21:26
Thursday, Aug 06, 2009 at 21:26
Kevin - have a look at Swagman Off Road Campers and their 2 berth comes in at 480 kg. RHS boxed steel chassis with 1.6mm aluminium body panels.
The 5 berth comes in at 580 kg.
A J
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Follow Up By: Member - Kevin B (NSW) - Sunday, Aug 09, 2009 at 12:08
Sunday, Aug 09, 2009 at 12:08
Thanks Eric for your advice. I guess I was hoping to save about 100kg. I would get a finish on the panels and so wouldn't need to be clad on the outside. I know the cost may be prohibitive but have yet to check that out. Towing weight is not the issue..ju8st lugging something over soft sandhills.
Cheers..Kevin
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Reply By: Member - Kevin B (NSW) - Sunday, Aug 09, 2009 at 12:11
Sunday, Aug 09, 2009 at 12:11
Thanks AJ
I'll certainly have a look at the Swagman if only to incorporate some ideas. For me its the challenge of creating something..I've aleady rebuilt 2 caravans...but after seeing large heavy caravans on the last Simpson trip I don't wont to go there.
Cheers..Kevin
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