Building a camper
#1
Posted 19 March 2009 - 03:56 PM
Marty Austin
#2
Posted 19 March 2009 - 04:10 PM
#3
Posted 19 March 2009 - 04:12 PM
You'll get a myriad of answers, for sure!
Thinking back to my search....
I think someone would have a serious advantage if they were to build a "shell" model that could easily be customized...either in the factory...or later by the consumer. Probably the BIGGEST surprise for me in my search (other than seeing EVERY used model FLY out the door before I could act) was to find out that the shell model (at least the FWC is this way) at present *isn't* customizable with stock equipment...and that the infrastructure of said models isn't there to let someone make these decisions later. (elect, plumbing/drains/wiring/etc)
Like a computer...make these units "plug and play". Buy the sink/sink cabinet...uncover the porthole..bolt it in..hook up the drain..BAM..you are in biz...ditto with the stove..refrig..etc.
IMO...this would open up the purchase point of a NEW camper to folks with less $$$ on hand and would allow each owner to build their unit to suit...either upfront..or down the road (pun intended). I hear all the time "I have 6-8K to spend but I don't have 11K for a new unit"...so why not play into that market and get those folks on the road...especially in this economy? The "trickle-in" business after the sale for "options" would be serious stuff in this senario..IMO!
good luck in your quest.... and thanks again for posing the question.
mtn
#4
Posted 19 March 2009 - 05:09 PM
Couch module
Dinette module
Galley module
Furnace Module
...
Also (perhaps) get yourself associated with a university ME program and have them analyze the shell with FEA to uncover potential weaknesses or to enhance the structural design. You might save significant weight|cost...
#5
Posted 19 March 2009 - 06:16 PM
#6
Posted 19 March 2009 - 06:18 PM
2007 Dodge 2500 quad cab 4x4 5.7L Hemi auto and slowly progressing build.
FYI: I've got a bunch of extra 14ga wire in red and black. Its a thick jacket 41strand wire (likely MTW wire) verse typical 19strand automotive wire. It has good flexibility but factor in the thick jacket. I'll ship out 100' coils for $18 (I can go 50' of ea for that too) if anyone is in need of wire.
#7
Posted 19 March 2009 - 06:41 PM
1. Like what Ted said, design a better couch or install a dinette instead of a couch.
2. Try using lighter material for the interior cabinets.
3. Better insulation.
4. An option to have a storage for Porta Potti.
5. External mounting points for Hi-Lift, shovel, axe, Jerry cans and etc.
6. A better ladder to reach the roof instead of the fold down steps.
7. It would be nice to be retro fit some of these features to the existing campers.
8. Would be nice to have an option to add a microwave, . Seriously.
9. A storage behind the couch on both side of the window.
Alex
#8
Posted 19 March 2009 - 07:28 PM
My camper (#1062) has been great. We've loved it. I look forward to eventually ordering a Cougar shell and building the inside myself...
Unless, that is, you beat me to it! So, here are my two cents...
One: build a dinette.
It became necessary for me to retrofit a dinette in after spending a couple days with my folks and their class C. I have NO regrets: the camper is bigger, brighter, and can comfortably hold more people.
Here's a link to what I did: [thread=1677]Panther 3/4 Dinette[/thread].
Bobg333's: [thread=1339]Dinette for Grandby[/thread].
DLN's: [thread=1302]Mini Dinette for the Eagle[/thread].
FWC's dinette, while nice, is too much compromise for a guy like me (i.e. has children). I'm sure it's comfortable, but the cost of this comfort was utility: it's a 2 person dinette with limited foot room, but I can comfortably get 3 adults at mine, 4 if we use a camp stool in the aisle.
What we can't do is sleep 2 adults "downstairs". That's OK, they sleep in the tent, but when it's cold and rainy during the day, having a nice table to sit around is great.
On to the next idea...
Two: galley change.
This is more a brainstorm idea. I'd like to see the galley along the front. Alaskan camper recently did something like this: here's a link.
If you then had seating across the camper, you could have large windows on each side and the dinette could become a bed for 2 adults...
Pods8 describes similar, but I think COG ahead of the rear axle is better.
So, let me close by saying good luck in your endeavor, and keep us posted!
Scott Bailey -- W7SEB
2007 F350 XLT Diesel CC SRW SB 4x4
Cheap tent and a Partner Steel stove.
Future? Really like the Hiatus, but I'm broke AF, so dreaming about a DIY.
SOLD: 2008 ATC Panther:dinette, 5th wheel
#9
Posted 19 March 2009 - 07:50 PM
Special Engel Pricing For WTW Members
Click here to see my ATC Cougar
JayAronowSales.com
(520)579-9610
jayaronow@gmail.com
#10
Posted 19 March 2009 - 08:05 PM
Kudos for posing such a question, marty
You'll get a myriad of answers, for sure!
Thinking back to my search....
I think someone would have a serious advantage if they were to build a "shell" model that could easily be customized...either in the factory...or later by the consumer. Probably the BIGGEST surprise for me in my search (other than seeing EVERY used model FLY out the door before I could act) was to find out that the shell model (at least the FWC is this way) at present *isn't* customizable with stock equipment...and that the infrastructure of said models isn't there to let someone make these decisions later. (elect, plumbing/drains/wiring/etc)
Like a computer...make these units "plug and play". Buy the sink/sink cabinet...uncover the porthole..bolt it in..hook up the drain..BAM..you are in biz...ditto with the stove..refrig..etc.
IMO...this would open up the purchase point of a NEW camper to folks with less $$$ on hand and would allow each owner to build their unit to suit...either upfront..or down the road (pun intended). I hear all the time "I have 6-8K to spend but I don't have 11K for a new unit"...so why not play into that market and get those folks on the road...especially in this economy? The "trickle-in" business after the sale for "options" would be serious stuff in this senario..IMO!
good luck in your quest.... and thanks again for posing the question.
mtn
Well said Mtn-high.....I am one of those folks with less $ to play with.
Paul
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