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Posted: 2/23/2024 9:58:39 PM EDT
[Last Edit: TCH2FIX]
I figure it’s going to cost me $1500
So far I’ve spent just over $600 The trailer is a Northern Tool that I bought used for $380 and modified.  Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File |
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Posted: 2/23/2024 10:02:16 PM EDT
[Last Edit: TCH2FIX]
[#1]
I plan on Boondocking my way up the Alcan. I am planning 9 days to get to anchorage, 9 days there, and 9 days back.
I got the plans Here I’ll put a 3/4 full short mattress in it, and will take a small blackstone with me. |
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Posted: 2/23/2024 10:14:22 PM EDT
[#2]
Teardrops are by far the best way to camp if your group fits in one.
Here's one I drug for ~20k+ miles all over the western US for a few years. The only reason we sold it is because we got a big ass dog that sleeps with stiff legs. 2 people and 80lb stiff-leg dog don't fit well in a small camper  . Looks like you are well on the way already. Are you planning aluminum skin or something else like fiberglass? Foam insulation for the top?   |
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Posted: 2/23/2024 10:25:48 PM EDT
[#3]
Originally Posted By TCH2FIX: I figure it's going to cost me $1500 So far I've spent just over $600 The trailer is a Northern Tool that I bought used for $380 and modified. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/463698/IMG_1412_png-3139248.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/463698/IMG_1411_png-3139249.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/463698/IMG_3564_jpeg-3139250.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/463698/IMG_3562_jpeg-3139251.JPG Hope you planned for bigger tires. |
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Posted: 2/23/2024 11:08:34 PM EDT
[#4]
Sounds like a great project and trip, only problem I see is the axels from NT, Chinese junk. Swap out that axel or at LEAST swap out the bearings for some American bearings like Timkin. I would build it for the tallest tire and wheels you can possable fit. The smaller they are, the faster they turn and fail.
I would also have a spare tire and wheel and a hub with you. I have driven the Alcan and it is a long way between stops. |
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Posted: 2/23/2024 11:14:23 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By wookie1562: Teardrops are by far the best way to camp if your group fits in one. Here's one I drug for ~20k+ miles all over the western US for a few years. The only reason we sold it is because we got a big ass dog that sleeps with stiff legs. 2 people and 80lb stiff-leg dog don't fit well in a small camper . Looks like you are well on the way already. Are you planning aluminum skin or something else like fiberglass? Foam insulation for the top? https://i.imgur.com/093g9AM.jpeg https://i.imgur.com/CXtoDN9.png Yes. I’m going to go with foam insulation under diamond plate on the roof. I haven’t decided between aluminum sheet siding or some kind of fiberglass. The aluminum will be lighter. I’m leaning that way. |
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Posted: 2/23/2024 11:15:38 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By akcaribouhunter: Nice. Hope you planned for bigger tires. Yes! I’m going to change the axle to the 3500lb version with 5 lug 15” wheels and put a 8 or 10 ply tire on |
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Posted: 2/23/2024 11:17:01 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By deerranger: Sounds like a great project and trip, only problem I see is the axels from NT, Chinese junk. Swap out that axel or at LEAST swap out the bearings for some American bearings like Timkin. I would build it for the tallest tire and wheels you can possable fit. The smaller they are, the faster they turn and fail. I would also have a spare tire and wheel and a hub with you. I have driven the Alcan and it is a long way between stops. A spare wheel/tire is in the plan but a hub with bearings is an excellent idea! Thanks |
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Posted: 2/23/2024 11:21:26 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By TCH2FIX: Yes. I'm going to go with foam insulation under diamond plate on the roof. I haven't decided between aluminum sheet siding or some kind of fiberglass. The aluminum will be lighter. I'm leaning that way. There's also fiber reinforced plastic panels. Could easily do a combination. My trailer was a factory build; FRP on the side panels with aluminum sheet on the roof. Sealed up with simple trim and caulk. We never had a structural leak. The OEM windows/doors did leak in heavy Big Sur rain which wasn't awesome because it goes right into bed. You don't want any leaks. I've also read about "poor-man's fiberglass" that is canvas wrapped over the surface and coated in waterproof wood glue, or something like that. Recommend further research if that's an option. |
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Posted: 2/24/2024 9:35:20 AM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By TCH2FIX: A spare wheel/tire is in the plan but a hub with bearings is an excellent idea! Thanks Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By TCH2FIX: Originally Posted By deerranger: Sounds like a great project and trip, only problem I see is the axels from NT, Chinese junk. Swap out that axel or at LEAST swap out the bearings for some American bearings like Timkin. I would build it for the tallest tire and wheels you can possable fit. The smaller they are, the faster they turn and fail. I would also have a spare tire and wheel and a hub with you. I have driven the Alcan and it is a long way between stops. A spare wheel/tire is in the plan but a hub with bearings is an excellent idea! Thanks Don't forget grease and tools. |
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Posted: 2/24/2024 6:33:22 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By wookie1562: There's also fiber reinforced plastic panels. Could easily do a combination. My trailer was a factory build; FRP on the side panels with aluminum sheet on the roof. Sealed up with simple trim and caulk. We never had a structural leak. The OEM windows/doors did leak in heavy Big Sur rain which wasn't awesome because it goes right into bed. You don't want any leaks. I've also read about "poor-man's fiberglass" that is canvas wrapped over the surface and coated in waterproof wood glue, or something like that. Recommend further research if that's an option. That’s a good idea! I just looked into it. Very reasonable. |
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Posted: 2/24/2024 10:42:01 PM EDT
[#11]
So that trailer is trash. You are gonna have problems with that axle and tires. That trailer is made for super light duty use. With the weight you are adding, it ain’t gonna hold up
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FL, USA
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Posted: 2/24/2024 11:31:47 PM EDT
[Last Edit: die-tryin]
[#12]
BTDT,,shame photohucket went to shit.
I built an oversize tear drop long time ago,,had a trailer company built me a frame to my specs. All boxed steel. Mine was for on/off road , I used an articulating hitch system,, called Lock n Roll. Need to move axle up a foot or 2,,gonna put crazy load on tongue and probably gonna fold up on ya. When installing the door ,,hinge goes toward the front. Are u doing roof vent ? Good luck. |
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Posted: 2/25/2024 9:17:04 AM EDT
[#13]
Yes. I’m going to do a roof vent. As I’ve been assembling it the tongue load has increased a bunch. I was thinking about moving the axle back up some. It will make the fenders that I plan to use fit better.
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Posted: 2/25/2024 10:49:54 AM EDT
[#14]
I too have driven the ALCAN. I am also skeptical of the actual trailer. I would do a lot of upgrades to it before putting a lot of trust in it making the journey. Granted, I took an 80s FWD turbo car there and back again, so I guess anything can technically make it.
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Posted: 2/27/2024 8:56:13 AM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By TCH2FIX: Yes! I’m going to change the axle to the 3500lb version with 5 lug 15” wheels and put a 8 or 10 ply tire on glad to read that. it was my first thought when i looked at the trailer picture. also check out "bearing buddy". i don't use them because i never trailer far. but if i were, i would get them. |
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Posted: 2/28/2024 5:38:37 AM EDT
[#16]
Tag...
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Posted: 2/28/2024 7:54:29 PM EDT
[#17]
In... sprinting towards retirement and would like to outfit something with DIY. I have the tools and skills.
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Posted: 2/29/2024 12:12:12 AM EDT
[#18]
So I reinforced the center of the trailer with additional c channel. Moved the axle forward a bit and wired up a 7 pin with allowances for a tongue battery and accessories. I’ll be putting the roof on this weekend.
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Posted: 3/2/2024 5:10:31 PM EDT
[#19]
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Posted: 3/2/2024 5:16:37 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryThose connectors will give you trouble. Every time I have used them I ended up taking them out and using different ones. |
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Posted: 3/2/2024 5:24:17 PM EDT
[Last Edit: wookie1562]
[#21]
I have done some pretty major projects with these:
https://www.posi-products.com/posilock.html They also make a posi-tap that's very handy. |
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Posted: 3/3/2024 9:29:31 AM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By akcaribouhunter: Those connectors will give you trouble. Every time I have used them I ended up taking them out and using different ones. This. Not much contact surface area and a tiny bit of corrosion kills the connection. |
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Posted: 3/3/2024 8:43:18 PM EDT
[#23]
Thanks, I’ll look into them before I put the outer skin on.
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Posted: 3/4/2024 10:35:07 AM EDT
[#24]
Solder and good heat shrink tube for ALL electrical connections.
If you can't see glue oozing out of the tube when sealed, it is garbage. The last thing you want to do is cut into your walls to make repairs in wiring. |
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AZ, USA
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Posted: 3/4/2024 11:27:50 AM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By TCH2FIX: So I reinforced the center of the trailer with additional c channel. Moved the axle forward a bit and wired up a 7 pin with allowances for a tongue battery and accessories. I’ll be putting the roof on this weekend. Glad to see you moved the axle forward, it was way far back. And reinforcing the trailer is wise. I’m following along |
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Posted: 3/4/2024 12:25:07 PM EDT
[#26]
OP, I have made that trip a couple of times. The road is rough and is going to beat the shit out of that trailer. I hope you build the camper in a way that allows it to bend and flex cause it is going to do a lot of bending and flexing.
Absolutely take an extra hub, bearings, upgrade to bigger tires and go 10 ply. Read the laws for Canada to see what is allowed/not allowed as far as bear deterrent cause there are bears everywhere. |
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Posted: 3/4/2024 6:20:13 PM EDT
[#27]
Thanks everyone. I’ll work on the wiring. I got the last of the framing done today. I’ll put the roof on once the roof vent is cut in the ceiling.
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Posted: 3/4/2024 6:22:14 PM EDT
[#28]
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Posted: 3/4/2024 6:59:27 PM EDT
[#29]
How are your plywood bulkheads attached to the sides?
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Posted: 3/4/2024 7:08:25 PM EDT
[#30]
Are the cabinets in the galley intended for storage or somethign else like plumbing/electrical utilities? If they're for storage you might like to put access on the inside as well. That way you can get snacks from both sides
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Posted: 3/4/2024 9:24:32 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By paul463: How are your plywood bulkheads attached to the sides? Decking screws and steel “L” brackets with 1” screws Decking screws also hold them to the 2x4’s too |
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Posted: 3/4/2024 9:26:31 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By wookie1562: Are the cabinets in the galley intended for storage or somethign else like plumbing/electrical utilities? If they're for storage you might like to put access on the inside as well. That way you can get snacks from both sides On the cabin side there will be other cabinets for clothes. I’m going for a no-pass through design. I don’t want to deal with bugs or other creepy-crawlies. This is for the benefit of my wife. |
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Posted: 3/5/2024 3:45:52 PM EDT
[#33]
I've done a ton of research and will be building one once the kids have gone. Good luck OP. I'll be following this thread.
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FL, USA
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Posted: 3/5/2024 3:55:26 PM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By wookie1562: Teardrops are by far the best way to camp if your group fits in one. Here's one I drug for ~20k+ miles all over the western US for a few years. The only reason we sold it is because we got a big ass dog that sleeps with stiff legs. 2 people and 80lb stiff-leg dog don't fit well in a small camper . Looks like you are well on the way already. Are you planning aluminum skin or something else like fiberglass? Foam insulation for the top? https://i.imgur.com/093g9AM.jpeg https://i.imgur.com/CXtoDN9.png Nice. Even got 1UPs front and rear.
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Posted: 3/5/2024 10:06:04 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By FlashHole: I've done a ton of research and will be building one once the kids have gone. Good luck OP. I'll be following this thread. Thanks! You too! |
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Posted: 3/6/2024 12:24:14 AM EDT
[#36]
I installed the door and finished up the framing.
 Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File |
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Posted: 3/6/2024 9:18:43 AM EDT
[#37]
I have to ask, why is the door on the left side?
Normally they are on the right. |
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Posted: 3/6/2024 9:44:11 AM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By fredshort: I have to ask, why is the door on the left side? Normally they are on the right. Get both. I did. |
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Posted: 3/6/2024 2:03:54 PM EDT
[#39]
What is the footprint in sleeping area?
4' x 8'? |
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Posted: 3/6/2024 10:09:09 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By outdoorgb: What is the footprint in sleeping area? 4' x 8'? Yes. |
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Posted: 3/6/2024 10:09:39 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By paul463: Get both. I did. That’s what I’m doing. It will have doors on both sides when I’m done |
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Posted: 3/6/2024 10:10:41 PM EDT
[#42]
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Posted: 3/7/2024 10:07:18 PM EDT
[#43]
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Posted: 3/8/2024 11:50:19 PM EDT
[#44]
I too have grave concerns over the wiring. Please spend even one hour looking at the following site. You don't need DR-25 heat shrink loom and Deutsch connectors, but it is what I would do for any system that can't fail. I use that and tefzel/mil-spec wire in my automotive projects. Still waiting on a failure...
https://www.rbracing-rsr.com/wiring_ecu.html |
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Posted: 3/9/2024 8:44:27 AM EDT
[#45]
I got the tail end on yesterday. I’ll build the hatch today
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Posted: 3/9/2024 11:20:18 AM EDT
[#46]
Nice progress. Waiting to see the how the joints are closed and sealed... The bain of any RV.
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Posted: 3/9/2024 8:59:09 PM EDT
[#47]
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Posted: 3/11/2024 6:31:46 PM EDT
[Last Edit: TCH2FIX]
[#48]
I welded in the new tongue and the front basket and put the rear lights in
 Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File |
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Posted: 3/11/2024 6:40:56 PM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By TCH2FIX: Me too!  I'm looking for trim options now. Here's the completed hatch: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/463698/IMG_3657_jpeg-3154818.JPGhttps://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/463698/IMG_3656_jpeg-3154819.JPG My teardrop had corner trim kinda like this (I do not know if this is a reliable link or not) It's a channel that forms to the contour and gets a vinyl insert to cover the screw holes. https://babsrvmarine.com/product/92-white-aluminum-vinyl-insert-type-corner-molding-rv-trailer-5-8-leg-x-1-1-4/  |
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Posted: 3/11/2024 10:23:30 PM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By wookie1562: My teardrop had corner trim kinda like this (I do not know if this is a reliable link or not) It's a channel that forms to the contour and gets a vinyl insert to cover the screw holes. https://babsrvmarine.com/product/92-white-aluminum-vinyl-insert-type-corner-molding-rv-trailer-5-8-leg-x-1-1-4/ https://babsrvmarine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/My-project-1-67.png Vintage technologies also has trim, windows and other such parts. https://www.teardroptrailerparts.com/aluminum-trim.html |
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