New camper in the works

[Steve F]

I think, although I'm not 100% sure yet, that I will weld angle to the end of the frame and mount the panels on it, so the angle also protects the bottom of the panel. I've spoken to Dean at Huntsman to discuss the suspension and I was happy that it is a quality product and they carry spares for it so decided to go with them, price helps too Once I get it I'll know for sure though.

Cheers
Steve

[GPCDR]

Originally Posted by indiedog

any feedback on how the Huntsman compare to the VC suspension? VC is local to me so I've looked at theirs for my camper. Huntsman is certainly better priced and still uses Alko brakes so as long as the main arms are comparable it looks like a good way to go.

Steve, looking forward to your build. I highly recommend the Vehicle Components suspension. Our conversion started a new arm to their business. They are the specialist in suspension systems for caravans and trailers.

We started with a 1600kg suspension with 10" brakes but found that the carried weight and tyre combination required the upgrade to the 2000kg suspension with 12" brakes.

[xjrob]

Yes Vehicle Components are excellent, my current camper trailer has VC air independent suspension, the best thing even though my camper is a very light soft floor camper 470kg, air bags make it so easy to level on uneven ground then in the morning top up air bags back to travel height.

[Steve F]

Added the suspension mockup to my sketches so I could ensure there were no issues with the drop door step and water tank location etc, also added the outriggers and can start calculating the frame weight a bit better



Cheers
Steve

[Steve F]

Made some changes, need to make all the decisions before I start building. After pricing a few things in regard to the pop top I've decided to go with a clam shell top, cheaper, stronger (piano hinge down one side means no alignment issues, and it can use two gas struts for the lift. Also decided to skin in aluminium composite but a single sheet that does the whole side is too expensive, so went with two sheets (one white, one green) with the join hidden with a black aluminium strip to make it a feature. Decided to adjust the rear bar to tie it into this strip as well.

Going back to a beam axle too, much cheap than the independent and the simplicity of a well setup beam axle out weighs the cost and complexity/maintenance of the independent for what I want it for.



Cheers
Steve

[indiedog]

Looking very good Steve. Question on the body construction. Why would you not use a Styromax type panel with a finished face on it? You would get them full size and no need to then pay for another skin to finish it off. Obviously less gluing etc involved as well.

As to the roof construction, will you still use the roof "pop top" aluminium sections? From memory those are not cheap.

[Steve F]

Styromax panels are massively expensive, talking the best part of 3 to 4k for the panels needed. Won't be using the pop top extrusion either for the same reason. The aluminium composite panels will cost under $900 for the exterior (no finishing needed either, comes in the colours above too) and I haven't decided on the interior but since there will be some framing I can mix and match, more expensive stuff where it can be seen, cheaper grade ply under the bed etc.

Cheers
Steve