Trailer Appendix
My own version of a camper, for the fifth time.
Last updated
My own version of a camper, for the fifth time.
Last updated
Welcome to the world of adventure on wheels! If you're someone who craves the open road, the thrill of exploration, and the comfort of a home away from home, then traveling with a trailer appendix camper is your ticket to unparalleled freedom. In this guide, we'll unravel the magic of hitting the highways and byways with your trusty companion in tow – your car and its attached trailer appendix camper.
Picture this: You, behind the wheel, navigating scenic routes, and your compact yet cozy trailer appendix camper faithfully tagging along. It's a mobile haven that seamlessly blends the convenience of a car with the comfort of a home. Whether you're a seasoned road warrior or a novice explorer, this mode of travel promises a unique and exhilarating experience.
In the pages ahead, we'll delve into the essentials of towing, setting up camp, and making the most of your travels. From the mesmerizing landscapes that stretch out before you to the camaraderie forged at roadside stops, every mile becomes a cherished memory.
Discover the art of packing efficiently, choosing the perfect campsites, and mastering the ins and outs of life on the road. Unearth the hidden gems off the beaten path, savor local cuisines, and immerse yourself in the diverse cultures that line the highways.
So, buckle up and get ready for a journey where the destination is just as important as the adventure along the way. Your trailer appendice camper is not just a vehicle; it's a portal to a world of exploration, relaxation, and discovery.
Let the road unfold, and let your trailer appendice camper be your steadfast companion as you embark on the ultimate adventure. The open road awaits – are you ready to answer its call?
We have been searching for the right trailer to get to this new modification. While searching for it in different car places like auto5, having a cost of new around 1.400 euros, I found this little one for about 300 euros on a second-hand online market. I went to visit it, it's not in its best shape but who cares I am going to modify it anyway.
The most important thing is the whole structure is in good condition, without rust, and no part to repair. The plus is that the lights were working perfectly, and it had a front metal base where we could place the auxiliary wheel.
I also liked this trailer because it was used to transport wood and long pieces for work, so there was already a metal structure that could be helpful to work on it.
Disassembling all the parts, wood covers and metals, and trying to keep it as naked as possible.
Removing all the paint from the metal structure is not easy, and not fast. It will take a lot of energy because of the little angles you will find all around the metal structure, the joints.
I highly recommend using any stripper product to remove the old paint layers. Sometimes we don't know how deep the paint could arrive. I have found 3 layers of paint on this one. I have used 2L of paint stripper to remove it all.
I am a very detailed person, but it took so much effort to remove paint from some parts that I had to give up. Especially on the internal part of the tube, where the wood pieces fit. From the general external view, it looked great.
Sanding metal before painting is a crucial step in the surface preparation process that significantly contributes to the overall quality and durability of the paint job. This practice offers several important benefits:
Promotes Adhesion: Sanding creates a roughened surface on the metal, which enhances the adhesion of the paint. A smooth and shiny metal surface can be resistant to paint adhesion, leading to poor bonding and eventual peeling or flaking of the paint over time. By sanding, you provide the paint with a textured surface that it can grip onto, ensuring a more secure and long-lasting bond.
Removes Contaminants and Oxidation: Metal surfaces are prone to contaminants such as oils, rust, and other impurities that can accumulate over time. Sanding helps to remove these contaminants, ensuring that the paint adheres directly to the clean metal substrate. Additionally, if there is any oxidation or corrosion present on the metal, sanding helps eliminate these issues, preventing them from compromising the paint's integrity.
Smooth Imperfections: Metal surfaces may have imperfections, such as scratches, dents, or unevenness. Sanding smoothens out these irregularities, creating a uniform and level surface. A smooth base allows the paint to be applied evenly, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing finish.
Enhances Paint Coverage: Sanding increases the surface area of the metal, allowing the paint to cover the substrate more effectively. This not only improves the appearance of the painted surface but also reduces the amount of paint required for full coverage, potentially saving costs and preventing issues like uneven paint thickness.
Facilitates Rust Prevention: Sanding not only removes existing rust but also helps to prevent future rusting. By eliminating rust and creating a clean surface, the paint acts as a protective barrier, preventing moisture and oxygen from reaching the metal and causing corrosion.
In summary, sanding metal before painting is essential for ensuring proper adhesion, removing contaminants and imperfections, promoting even paint coverage, and preventing rust. This preparatory step plays a critical role in achieving a durable, attractive, and long-lasting finish for metal surfaces.
We highly recommend having a space, all kinds of protection for your eyes, and breathable mask protection.
We stumbled upon an old, weathered trailer on a barn. Determined to breathe new life into the relic, we embarked on a restoration journey. With passion and perseverance, we meticulously sanded away years of wear, revealing the rich grain of the wood. Some sections were beyond repair, prompting us to acquire new wooden pieces to replace the irreparable ones.
Undeterred, we carefully measured, cut, and shaped the new components, seamlessly integrating them into the original structure. The old trailer began to transform under our skilled hands. To preserve the revived wood, we applied a protective finish, bringing out its natural beauty.
For proper absorption of the paint, we have gone through 3 layers of paint in this process. Seeing the wood is not that much, and it has been only from one side, it was very fast.
With the trailer now structurally sound and visually stunning, we chose a vibrant paint color to give it a modern touch. The project stood as a testament to our dedication, blending the charm of the past with the freshness of the present.
All the metal structure is painted black, except the upper cross bar which has been covered with tape, and that will remain the crude color of the metal. When the paint has been dried then varnish layer will start, we removed the tape that covered the upper cross bar and did it all together.
To cover the wood that was still in good condition, and it was not necessary to change it but to cover it with paint or something else, we opted to cover it with a carpet with the same pattern as the front metal.
This carpet allows a strong grip on anything you place on it. Its thickness is around 3mm and is very easy to cut. We attached it with pins all around the edges of it, every 5 cm of distance.
It has been a day of swapping tires and wheels on our vehicles to winter tires, and I have a better idea to get 15-inch (165/55/15) second-hand wheels for the trailer.
I was not sure they would fit, but I knew more or less the distance I had. In the end, they fit just perfectly, and created an outstanding look, compared to the thin little 12 inches that came originally with the trailer.
As in the last projects, I have received help from the best welders around me. Johnny has been welding all his life in Brussels, and has been a great help when I needed a piece that had to be unique. He has helped on the pieces for the Ford transit (Thule Omnistor attachments to the roof rack), while on the Hummer it was Teodoro helping me in Italy with the auxiliary wheel support for the bike rack and the attachment for the 270 degrees awning prototype.
Now again in Belgium, with this project Johnny is back with his hand and has cut the end of the structure, creating a leveled surface and creating a square that will be to attach the roof top tent.
We have been working from the last pictures to the ones you will see next, sanding and painting the upper structure, finding an amazing second hand Roof Top Tent that is 200x120 when closed annd 200x240 when open. It's enormously big for 2 people! it could be perfect for a family of 3 for sure.
As the last RTT we had for the hammer, this one has also 360 degrees view, and it has 2 ladders.
We have been designing and analysing different options for the furniture. While in the beginning I wannted to 2 bikes, I felt then that I was going to be too much, meaning that I should remove the bikes every time I wanted to use, or the option to leave them there but redusing the space to use.
So the last option was to create a full box that doesn't surpass the level of the side crossbars. Like that I could place anything on top, and attach it when needed (it can also be a bike but not only that).
To reduse weight on the creation of the furniture, the base has been connected as pillars, creating rectangles that connect from side to side we have reduce the quantity of wood to 1/2 the pannel we should have use to complete the box.
So, let's break it in two.
The first part is on top of the water tank, that will be storage space. There is some remaining space on each side of the water tank, where we will place the water hose, and off-shore wire extention for the camping. While on top there will be some kitchenware, shovel, and some seats/inflatable mattress.
On the second part there will be the section with the stoves and mini oven, the fridge, and again some kitchen ware with space for the gas bottle.
For the water pump we have done the connection below the trailer, getting a second hand tupperware to protect it from the water, crossing the hose from side to side (one from the water tank and the other to get the output) and leaving the 12v plug ready to connect to the battery.
We have bought a 1m bolt and cut it 5 cm more than the distance of the wheel. Attached from the interior of the trailer, we have created a resistant attachement for the wheel.
As a recommendation, if you're going to pass too close to the wheel with the jigsaw and you like those wheels, please cover them or at least give some space. For me these wheels were spare wheels and I realise later on that I had damage the paint of it, but as for me they were not important, I didn't realise that in the first place.
Once again the help of Johnny is always there to perfectly weld these new support pieces.
We had bought these legs to support the weight on the back, and like this we have now 5 points supporting to the ground:
Trailer coupler (the front wheel)
2 wheels (one on each side)
2 Support (these two new legs)
The stencil technique is a versatile and captivating method in the world of art, allowing artists to create intricate and repeatable patterns with precision. Originating from the word "stencil," which refers to a thin sheet of material with a design or pattern cut into it, this technique has been employed for centuries across various cultures and artistic movements.
At its core, the stencil technique involves placing a stencil, often made of paper, cardboard, or a more durable material like plastic or metal, onto a surface and then applying paint or another medium over it. The areas of the surface that are not covered by the stencil remain untouched, creating a distinct and controlled image. This process allows artists to reproduce the same design consistently, making it an efficient method for creating patterns, letters, or detailed artworks.
One of the notable aspects of the stencil technique is its adaptability across different art forms. Street artists, for example, have embraced stencils as a means of quickly and anonymously creating striking murals on urban landscapes. Iconic street artist Banksy is renowned for his masterful use of stencils to convey social and political messages in a visually impactful way.
In addition to street art, the stencil technique has found its way into traditional painting, printmaking, and mixed media. Artists often push the boundaries of this technique by combining stencils with other methods, such as layering, splattering, or incorporating textures, resulting in unique and dynamic artworks.
The appeal of stenciling lies in its accessibility and the balance it strikes between control and spontaneity. Artists can meticulously plan and execute intricate designs, or they can embrace the unexpected results that may arise during the creative process. The versatility of the stencil technique invites artists to experiment with various surfaces, sizes, and color palettes, encouraging a constant exploration of artistic expression.
Whether used to create bold urban murals or delicate patterns on canvas, the stencil technique continues to be a captivating and influential approach in the ever-evolving world of art. Its ability to fuse precision with creative freedom makes it a valuable tool for artists seeking to leave their mark on the canvas of human expression.
In conclusion, the conversion of our camper trailer has been a transformative journey, breathing new life into our mobile haven. The meticulous process involved disassembling weathered pieces of wood and seamlessly integrating fresh replacements, coupled with the intricate modification, sanding, and vibrant painting of the metal structure. Ensuring both functionality and style, we secured the wooden kitchen furniture in place with an adherent carpet, preventing any unwanted movement during our adventures.
Upgrading the wheels to a larger size not only enhanced the trailer's stability but also paved the way for a smoother and more comfortable travel experience. The addition of a roof-top tent elevated our camping escapades, providing a cozy and elevated space to appreciate the great outdoors.
Crafting the kitchen furniture and storage from wood showcased our commitment to personalized and functional design. The attention to detail extended to the integration of a 12v water pump, ensuring a convenient water supply for all our on-the-go culinary needs.
Adding a personal touch, we proudly displayed our identity with a logo, skillfully applied using a stencil. This not only branded our camper but also served as a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication invested in this project.
In the end, our camper trailer is not just a means of transportation; it's a reflection of our passion, creativity, and the joy of exploring the world in a space that feels uniquely ours. The conversion process has turned a simple trailer into a customized haven, ready to accompany us on countless adventures, making memories that will last a lifetime.
