tray camper canopy fabricator Sydney? and ideas?
Submitted: Tuesday, Sep 06, 2011 at 10:25
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robertm
Image Could Not Be FoundHi All
I am about to design and have built a camper unit for a a 70 series tray back. Something like the photo , so i can slide my tinny below the sleeping pod. Any experience with aluminium fabricators around
Sydney who know how to build offroad canopies? Any design ideas appreciated as
well.
I was planning on the passenger side one side opening door for a fridge, one side opening door for a bolt-on Drifta kitchen and on the other side a drop down door for a bench.
Not sure about the best fabrication for the door seals? ie recessed channel or an L shaped edge that overlaps on the outside?
Reply By: Mick O - Tuesday, Sep 06, 2011 at 11:06
Tuesday, Sep 06, 2011 at 11:06
Robert,
Always great fun designing and building your own outfit. I gather you're building direct on to a standard sized ute tray. Did you want the canopy to lift off as
well. I've recently been down that road but probably a tad more comprehensively in that I had the tray built as
well. I've used Aluminium as a weight saving factor. I have also used container seals instead of the recessed channel. (I have recessed channel on the under tray
bins. The doors on
mine are gull wing and provide a shelter area for the kitchen area. I have found the container seal system to be very dustproof but you have to be spot on with the silicone when fitting them to the hinge. Water will find its way passed if you are not. While I'm happy with my unit, I'd consider the channel seal as a better option next time.
Not sure on the dropdown door as you have to be reaching full length across it if you wish to get to your draws etc which could be a bit bothersome, particularly if you have something high or at the back. You’ll need long arms. A slide out table like those I have may be a better option. I have built the bed in as part of the overall camper. The Maggolinia are a good option and both members Alex B and
John (Vic) on the site have them fitted to their units or trailers. They are expensive though. I think Hannibal has a similar version as
well. It was a lot cheaper for me to incorporate the bed area than buy a similar unit (They are about $5K new).
If it’s to be a lift off unit, give some consideration to the legs and lifting system. The bottom of the unit will need to reinforced to allow it to lift. I know they’re a long way from you but wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Marco at Allform engineering in Morwell. While surfing, there is a mob in
Adelaide that specialise in aluminium campers and boxes. I think they were Wills or Willis engineering or similar. 4x4 Action will probably have an add for them. I remember that their website had quite a few good ideas for canopies/campers etc.
Good luck. Let the spending begin lol ;-)
Mick
Building the dream off-roader
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Follow Up By: robertm - Tuesday, Sep 06, 2011 at 20:23
Tuesday, Sep 06, 2011 at 20:23
Mick;
Great rig and brilliant build notes. I can see I have only just started. I really like the across tray cavity for wheels, dirty gear etc. That in now.
Sounds like channel may be the go. One camper fabricator indicated that he was aware of issues with flexing and dust causing binding on the door-channel. But that may not be significant.
Good point on the drop down door. Cabinets will be less than 0.6m high and with the middle of the tray at 0.8m it will be a stretch. however fold up is not an option. may doors that drop all the way down to access the interior then can be raised and held up at right angles to the body by a chain. May need 2 doors not one? Do you have stainless piano hinges or just 2 heavy duty hinges?
I have seen the maggiolina and now the James baroud is in the Aust market. It is a little cheaper and has good reviews.
Legs and lifting is tricky. I was thinking about having 3 horizontal rectangular tubes running along the back and front walls to be the frame. I was thinking of having my legs connect into the bottom 2. For the legs I am aware there are tall ones from the caravan suppliers or even legs that come at at 45 degree to the body then connect to short jacks.
Thanks for the links to builders. Its great to support good people
Rob
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Reply By: Member - Vince M (NSW) - Tuesday, Sep 06, 2011 at 11:56
Tuesday, Sep 06, 2011 at 11:56
if you feel like a drive to the south coast, (Huskisson)I custom built
mine as I wanted it using the best seal & when open not let the water funnel in etc..., can show you why & how, to many secrets to list & photo & send
Note
mine is dust & water proof (will float)
send member MSG if you want
regards Vince
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Follow Up By: robertm - Tuesday, Sep 06, 2011 at 20:40
Tuesday, Sep 06, 2011 at 20:40
Hi Vince,
Thanks for the offer. Id love to look over the rig. Even from here I can see ideas I like. My vehicle will come in about two weeks and I will PM you. I will need to get some easy highway
miles before the fun dirty ones :-)
rob
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