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daveholman

Rank 0

Contributor II

38
Tucumcari, NM, USA
First Name
DAVID
Last Name
HOLMAN
I am embarking on a DIY camper trailer build. I have done 2 skoolies in the past, but never something from the frame, up. Looking to do about a 16'. My tow vehicle is limited to 3500#. The reason for building my own is I have a brother in a wheelchair, and there's just nothing out there suitable. I thought of converting a toy hauler, but they are pricey. So...I start today by putting the hitch on the van. Monday, I have 800# of steel coming to weld up the frame. My reason for being here is to get tips and tricks along the way for strong but lightweight superstructure and furnishings.
 

Kent R

Executive Director
Staff member
Mod Team
Moderator
Member

Pathfinder III

5,200
El Dorado, Ca
First Name
Kent
Last Name
Reynolds
Member #

1632

Ham/GMRS Callsign
K6KNT
Service Branch
Retired Firefighter
I am embarking on a DIY camper trailer build. I have done 2 skoolies in the past, but never something from the frame, up. Looking to do about a 16'. My tow vehicle is limited to 3500#. The reason for building my own is I have a brother in a wheelchair, and there's just nothing out there suitable. I thought of converting a toy hauler, but they are pricey. So...I start today by putting the hitch on the van. Monday, I have 800# of steel coming to weld up the frame. My reason for being here is to get tips and tricks along the way for strong but lightweight superstructure and furnishings.
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If you have any questions don't hesitate to message me, hopefully I can get you going in the right direction. @Kent R or Kent@OverlandBound.com
 

roots66

Local Expert, Texas USA
Launch Member
Member

Member III

3,477
Weir, TX, USA
First Name
Mike
Last Name
Roots
Member #

16968

Service Branch
USAF
Hello and welcome to the OB family.
 

Advocate I

1,135
Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada
First Name
James
Last Name
Girard
Member #

0

Hey! welcome. check out the trailer section on the forum. there are tones of people building campers or just trailers in general ( or modifying existing trailers but the ideas are there) I have no ideas for building campers... I have plans in the future but for now my focus has been on offroad/utility trailer to tow behind my Jeep. I have built a trailer frame, I used 2"x2"x.125" tube the frame and everything above that was 1.5"x1.5"x.100" tube to save a bit of weight, but because it will be thrown around a bit..... I want everything to be sturdy. you could brobably go with 1x1 tube for the framework of it mostly road travel or even if its supported by enough other material. what type of camper are you planning?
 

Michael Golden

Rank VI
Member

Explorer I

4,240
Tampa Fl
First Name
Michael
Last Name
Golden
Member #

28987

Ham/GMRS Callsign
KG4BCN
Service Branch
U.S. Army
I am embarking on a DIY camper trailer build. I have done 2 skoolies in the past, but never something from the frame, up. Looking to do about a 16'. My tow vehicle is limited to 3500#. The reason for building my own is I have a brother in a wheelchair, and there's just nothing out there suitable. I thought of converting a toy hauler, but they are pricey. So...I start today by putting the hitch on the van. Monday, I have 800# of steel coming to weld up the frame. My reason for being here is to get tips and tricks along the way for strong but lightweight superstructure and furnishings.
Welcome to the overland bound community. Glad to have you join us.