Research/ Experience &Concern about Trailer Manufacturer Response
- Thread starter waveone
- Start date
Neither going without nor doing it yourself are required, not relevant to my point.
I'm saying the fundamentals listed are the sine qua non, without the maker getting those right you're building on sand for a foundation.
In fact you can't even properly verify if the framing's covered up.
Buying the aircon unit you want is the only way you're going to get that.
Finding a shop to install it, truly is trivial compared to the effort required to get those fundamental essentials done right.
I'm saying the fundamentals listed are the sine qua non, without the maker getting those right you're building on sand for a foundation.
In fact you can't even properly verify if the framing's covered up.
Buying the aircon unit you want is the only way you're going to get that.
Finding a shop to install it, truly is trivial compared to the effort required to get those fundamental essentials done right.
A/C as we call it here in Texas is not irrelevant. If you think so come see me in September , or even early October some time. Neither of which are prime camping months per se'. We could always take a hike in late July or August in 105deg temps w/ 80% humidity. Then we'll talk because Texas heat is no joke
An aluminum trailer "done right" ranging from say 12'- 14' would probably run between $25-$30 in a stripped down version. That includes all of your specifications , exterior / interior lights, storage areas, electrical wiring and possibly basic interior cabinetry. Possibly some type of awning
Loaded out would be in the &40k plus range. My .02
An aluminum trailer "done right" ranging from say 12'- 14' would probably run between $25-$30 in a stripped down version. That includes all of your specifications , exterior / interior lights, storage areas, electrical wiring and possibly basic interior cabinetry. Possibly some type of awning
Loaded out would be in the &40k plus range. My .02
Recommendations for makers capable of doing a custom job like this from basic CAD or even Sketchup, their engineer fills in the details
please, if anyone knows.
Or just the engineering part, finished blueprints + BoM I could take to a local fab shop.
Maybe could be offshore so they don't need to worry about legal liability.
please, if anyone knows.
Or just the engineering part, finished blueprints + BoM I could take to a local fab shop.
Maybe could be offshore so they don't need to worry about legal liability.
You should contact Mark Badgerow at Mission Overland. He might be able to help you. He is also the brains behind and founder of Off Grid in CA.
Frankly, I came to the conclusion we have arrived at in fairly short order after a few days of research. No builder had in build or concept what I was looking for, or considered a priority short of paying an arm and leg. Confoundingly even an arm and leg would not purchase what I require in these United States. Prior to this search, that notion was inconceivable to me to the extent that, had I not researched myself, I never would have guessed it. We in the US have want or need of veritably nothing that the free market cannot provide- almost.
Now, given what I consider necessity and based upon resources available to me, all that is needed is good engineering from someone in the field- or not and the rest can be handled IMO.
EDIT: At some point in the near future, I will dispense with use or notion of a trailer altogether and buy an EarthRoamer LTS. That checks all the boxes including the ones I didn't even consider ...
Now, given what I consider necessity and based upon resources available to me, all that is needed is good engineering from someone in the field- or not and the rest can be handled IMO.
EDIT: At some point in the near future, I will dispense with use or notion of a trailer altogether and buy an EarthRoamer LTS. That checks all the boxes including the ones I didn't even consider ...
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I thought Mission Overland will sell to USA customers, but I did see it stated on the website.
USA exchange rate is pretty nice these days.
Another fantasy.
In alternative energy we are rapidly being left in the dust, lots of vendors have no interest in selling into the US.
Super energy efficient mains power appliances, for example fridges where even using inverters less thirsty than 12Vdc Danfoss style.
Plenty of kitchen white goods, laundry units, aircon units.
Automotive industry is an obvious example.
Yes exceptional, exceptionally backward! We are rapidly devolving into third world status, in dozens of basic quality-of-life categories, transportation, health care, housing.
I'm all for strong opinion, because I possess them myself. So here's one for you- without getting too political, your comments given their context, especially about healthcare, are patently ignorant. Whether or not they're willful, remains to be seen
One brief point which provides a glimpse of what I perceive is your position in reference to Healthcare. We no longer have HC quality or freedom of choice due to the moron socialists-communists in the previous Admin. What has been foisted upon us is as destructive as it is stupid, and an unconstitutional mandate to boot. In addition, spare me and everyone else from any tripe about Sweden, Denmark the UK or any other nations which are a fraction of our size. In terms of triage and emergency surgeries no one competes with the US. Palliative is a different story- by design.
In terms of the Auto industry, electric cars, public transport and alternative energy for nations a fraction in size w/ much lower GDP, the same goes. Combustion engines could have been replaced by ones running on water decades ago so spare me the lecture on what you think you know better than everyone else that can read. Special interests rule the markets because of their run of previous Admins etc Ad Nauseum
The US is the mark that everyone else looks to - for everything. If you like other countries markets, energy policies and way of life, there is a simple solution- Move- as in NOW.
Bottom line- this is my thread and I want it to remain productive So, I'll put this as politely as is necessary- Stay on topic and you're welcome to stay, or take a hike. You choose.
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I would really like to learn more about these trailer businesses that everyone seems to think are out there that “should”... in air quotes... be able to deliver a perfect all aluminum or composite unit for $40k. I just ran some simple estimates, and I’m guessing that you would have to start with 12-15 million in working capital and crank out 300 trailers per year ( more than 1 per working day ) to hit that price point. At that point, you get zero customization. Even at $120k, it feels like a damn near impossible business model.
Good luck finding it.
Good luck finding it.
Jafrench
Observer
I've only skimmed through this thread so forgive me if it's been covered and dismissed. I agree that there isn't a ready made option that checks all the boxes for the most discerning of buyers. When that's the case, choose what comes closest and modify to get it where you want it, knowing "Le meglio è l'inimico del bene" (the best is the enemy of the good).
Here's what I did/am doing:
www.expeditionportal.com
Hard-sided (aluminum framed with aluminum sandwiched styrofoam walls) for relative safety/warmth w/ pop-up functionality for increased head room and sleeping capacity. Lower bed doubles as seating area for lounging. Interior water with or without cook space depending on needs. I had a one-off frame/chassis built for strength/durability, increased clearance/capability and more space for water storage. Added shower/toilet enclosure to exterior. Added Eccotemp on-demand propane water heater and upgraded interior heat to Propex HS2000. No need for AC for me but they do sell them with it. Still have some little things to do hear and there but it's pretty close and as long as the rivets in the side walls hold up I'm happy. It's been on some pretty rough trails and so far so good. All in I'll be very comfortable with the final price point. Having said that, if the TetonX Hybrid weren't built with wood framing, I'd be seriously considering scrapping my project and going after it.
Here's what I did/am doing:
My Taxa Cricket mod/build...
Some have asked for me to document what I'm doing to my Cricket so here goes. I started my camping trailer life with an AT Chaser w/ large rooftop tent. I'd still have it today if not for the wife and kids needing a little more creature comfort. I wanted to still get off the beaten path but...
www.expeditionportal.com
Hard-sided (aluminum framed with aluminum sandwiched styrofoam walls) for relative safety/warmth w/ pop-up functionality for increased head room and sleeping capacity. Lower bed doubles as seating area for lounging. Interior water with or without cook space depending on needs. I had a one-off frame/chassis built for strength/durability, increased clearance/capability and more space for water storage. Added shower/toilet enclosure to exterior. Added Eccotemp on-demand propane water heater and upgraded interior heat to Propex HS2000. No need for AC for me but they do sell them with it. Still have some little things to do hear and there but it's pretty close and as long as the rivets in the side walls hold up I'm happy. It's been on some pretty rough trails and so far so good. All in I'll be very comfortable with the final price point. Having said that, if the TetonX Hybrid weren't built with wood framing, I'd be seriously considering scrapping my project and going after it.
Tried this approach multiple times and it was a no go with each manufacturer. I'm really not that fussy about the type of A/C unit that would be used by the builder, as long as it is not an external type "toy" that looks like it was built the same way as the ones made for dog houses.
This statement is ridiculous. There are plenty of builders that offer trailers in the 32-35k range that offer quite a bit of customization. I fully realize that every trailer manufacturer has models that do not tick the boxes for every buyers needs. After you research enough of them there is always a compromise in living quarters, galley amenities and so on. I can live with that as I do not have the skills to manufacture myself. A lot of these trailers cost more than the vehicles that are towing them which is why I cant understand why someone would settle for a wood frame on the trailer when they would laugh if someone suggested that a vehicle they were buying had a body made the same way. Evidently you havent seen the Conqueror trailers. The 490 has 2 solid A/C units, endless options and sells for 53k.