Toyhauler/camper project:

[CAMO-MONSTER]

Originally Posted by ramairws601

Thanks Smitty,
It's Mountain Dew when I am working on the bus, does that count?

sounds like me

[bunedoggle]

I'm stopping at the store for a case of Mountain Dew tonight!!

Awesome metal work! looking REAL nice! That transition from high roof to cab came out perfect.

[CAMO-MONSTER]

Originally Posted by bunedoggle

I'm stopping at the store for a case of Mountain Dew tonight!!

Awesome metal work! looking REAL nice! That transition from high roof to cab came out perfect.

EVERY DAY ALL MOST, BUT REFILLS BY THE GALLON

[ramairws601]

heres the pic of how I folded over the top
once the center panel is up there and bent over using straps and clamps to pull it into shape I let my panel hang over the raised roof about 1 1/2", hammer forming the metal down to match the contour of the roof. I used a MAP hand torch to heat the metal, started in the center, bent down a section and screwed it in place. move over about 4" and repeat. the metal buckled up between the screws cause of the bend being done on a curve. that buckled up metal between was then heated, hammered, so it lays flat. then remove screws, lift panel, add sealer and rivet in place using old screw holes and some new ones were drilled also. pic taken while it was still light out, I wasnt done riveting yet.

[jkindt]

Have you considered how to drive it without side windows up front?

[ramairws601]

Originally Posted by jkindt

Have you considered how to drive it without side windows up front?

I havent been very lucky in finding anything so I am still on the hunt for those, would be kinda tough wouldnt it?

[M1031]

Originally Posted by ramairws601

I havent been very lucky in finding anything so I am still on the hunt for those, would be kinda tough wouldnt it?

Have you tried this site for a salvage trailer with extra goodies to spare?:

http://www.copart.com/c2/rv_auction_search_results.html

Just a thought for those with room to park one of these trailers.

[ramairws601]

I actually did look at Copart recently. The guy that gave me the 3 camper windows toldme about it and there is a yard just 30 min south of me. I read up and found that being in Missouri, for me to buy thru them I have to use a broker to bid on the rv/campers.

[crazycal]

I kind of prefer something a little more subtle myself. Maybe something like this.





Just kidding. I think you did a great job. I wish I had the skills to do something like that.

[M1031]

Originally Posted by ramairws601

I actually did look at Copart recently. The guy that gave me the 3 camper windows toldme about it and there is a yard just 30 min south of me. I read up and found that being in Missouri, for me to buy thru them I have to use a broker to bid on the rv/campers.

Bummer, I asked my insurance guy and he guided me to them. I thought I'd just pass along what I found out (my minor is investigative journalism). Happy to share my discoveries.

[ramairws601]

I found this list http://www.copart.com/c2/buyingOverview.html on what states can bid on what.

[M1031]

Most of that list bites the big wazoo........ Nothing close to me either...... Oh well. I guess these guys don't want to get more business from us skoolies........

[ramairws601]

The original doorway being so low would have had the storage bay along that side to be too low so I would have to cut some of the extra off. the drivers side would actually be a little high to my liking and need to be lowered some. The solution, figure the difference in the sides and cut the extra off, flip it and weld it back on the other side! now I have my 18" storage bays on both sides. (well, I will have once I build them!)

[ramairws601]

started my storage bays, there is three 4 foot bays and a shorter 3 something feet in front of the tire. will hold all my gear I need and then some.

[Stuff]

looks like a good start of 1" square tubing

[ramairws601]

yep, lots more to come too. the entire sides will be storage areas with flip open panels like a regular RV. some of that space will house batteries, tanks, generator, etc but part of it is for spare parts, wheels/tires for our ATV's and other gear that isnt always needed but a pain to load everytime we go camping. I had started not hauling any of it with us and I know that would bite me in the rear some time or another. One of many reasons I went with a bus now. We can have all our parts, tools, and gear stay loaded, ready to go. I will most likely try to get the faces done first so I can start using it and build in the bays during my off times.

[newtoskool]

hope theres enough clearence under there. The bottom square tube looks pretty close to the road. How much clearence do you have? Seeings as your gunna use it to carry your toys im thinking your gunna be going over some ruffer terrain then just an interstate. One of the biggest questions I have for my skoolie is how low to take the storage bays and how low for my rear ramp. Watchin with lots of interest. Heres to being all clear!

[newtoskool]

O man I knew those were to low to the ground. He has went out and got hung up on a rock and is stuck out in the country.


No really tho interested in the heights of those storage boxes.

[ramairws601]

plenty of clearance under there, especially for where I go. the gas tank, exhaust, driveshaft are all lower than the bottom of my bays.
Ok, for an update, I changed my windows out to the the newer (and bigger) ones I got. this is what I have so far.

I got all these parts for $100, 3 windows you see already installed in the right side of the bus above. hard to see but there are actually two windows in the pic below, the door, converter, water pump, access door, pull out camper 2 step, 3 vents with fans and max air covers

[ramairws601]

more pics