check out the new remote control Jockey Wheel SmartBar Topargee products Enginesaver Low Water Alarms
Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
Click here for the Grey Nomads website -> The Grey Nomads Forum -> The Grey Nomads - General -> Modifications to my camper
Post Info TOPIC: Modifications to my camper
Beth54


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 6513
Date:
Modifications to my camper
Permalink  

I've posted before about my son modifying Gypsy to mount the fridge on the draw bar. So here she is!

He had to stregthen the draw bar, make the box to suit, and attach the bracket for the gas bottle which will run the fridge when I'm stopped. He also added a crate to carry the small gas bottle, guy ropes etc. I can easily lift this 2kg bottle out to attach to the stove.

He did the wiring through the car to run the fridge while motoring, but he had to admit defeat, and I'm taking it to the professionals on Wednesday for completion.

He also modified a cargo barrier to fit behind the front seat.



Attachments
__________________

Beth, now living on the Redcliffe Peninsula, SEQ.

 

 
Smokeydk


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1371
Date:
Permalink  

Hope the turning circle is enough...whats the towball weight now....looks heavy......with the extras on it.....rear over campers are great but storage is always limited....

well now you'll have more room in your car

__________________

 
Vic


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 2454
Date:
Permalink  

Looks nice, but I would be worried about the tow ball weight on you car Beth, also the ability of the car to tow that weight/sag etc.

Be careful too with your insurance cover, it may be void if the extra weight/modifications are not covered.

What does the i30 handbook say about towing?



__________________

Vic

Hi Ace Pop Top Campervan & A'Van A'Lite Camper Trailer.....

Khalil Gibran says "We tarry forward - not backward".

Spread the laughter
Share the cheer
Let's be happy
While we're here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Beth54


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 6513
Date:
Permalink  

According to the book, the ball weight limit is is 75kg. It can tow 1200, and Gypsy herself only weighs 120kg.

It's not as heavy as it looks. Son says it's fine. He's made it all as lightweight as possible.

The big gas bottle will be the heaviest thing. And there's ample room in the back of the car.

I'll have to check about the insurance Vic.

The car does sit low naturally, which is often a pain, but I'm always aware of it. She actually has a good bit of grunt. My brother is a a car nut and was pleasantly surprised at her get up and go.

 

 



__________________

Beth, now living on the Redcliffe Peninsula, SEQ.

 

 
Vic


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 2454
Date:
Permalink  

Not a bad tow ball weight Beth, also towing capacity. 

Unless you can get some scales from somewhere (some dealers have them and are happy to weigh the bar for you), put a pair of bathroom scales under the tow ball cup (chock your wheels/trailer hand brake on) then put a piece of wood across the face of the scales (the weighing platform) raise the trailer height with the winder, use either wooden blocks or bricks on the scale to the normal level height position of the tow frame and either readjust the scale weight to zero or take the weight shown for the added bits off the final weight, which you will get by using the winder to lower the frame down onto the items on the scale until the winder wheel is not touching the ground.   

Do this when the trailer is loaded with full gas bottle etc on, and this will give you a fair idea of what your trailer ball weight is. 

Just for info, the weight of a gas bottle is approximately double when full, ie; a 9kg bottle will weigh 18kg when full.  Using a piece of wood across your scales to sit the bottle on as stated above will give you an idea of how much gas you have left in the bottle (deduct the weight of the the wood bit of course). 

If you want to reduce the tow ball weight, using a smaller bottle on the bar would be better. 

Usually a 9kg will give you about 14 - 21 days for running a gas fridge and cooking, more if you don't have a fridge. 

 



__________________

Vic

Hi Ace Pop Top Campervan & A'Van A'Lite Camper Trailer.....

Khalil Gibran says "We tarry forward - not backward".

Spread the laughter
Share the cheer
Let's be happy
While we're here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Beth54


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 6513
Date:
Permalink  

Okay, thanks for that Vic. We'll do that on the weekend, just to be on the safeside. And I'll ring the insurance company tomorrow.

I did think about getting another 2kg bottle. I bought this one for the stove some time ago, because the big one's too heavy for me.

 



__________________

Beth, now living on the Redcliffe Peninsula, SEQ.

 

 
jimricho


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 3917
Date:
Permalink  

Maybe a short "shake-down" trip is in order to check the mods haven't introduced any nasty surprises, especially in the road handling department.

__________________

Merda tauris scientia vincit
Beth54


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 6513
Date:
Permalink  

Oh yes, thanks Jim, forgot to say...Dan had me tow her home and back to him next day, to see how she handled. No problems. In fact, the extra bit of weight helped to ground her a bit. She tended to bounce a bit before as she's so light. I used to put flat things in on top of the bed to weigh her down a bit!

By the way, Dan's dad, my ex, is an A grade mechanic who should have been an engineer, so he's learnt a lot from him over the years.

The electrics baffled him though. He had to admit defeat, much to his chagrin, and send me to a professional!

 



__________________

Beth, now living on the Redcliffe Peninsula, SEQ.

 

 
Happywanderer


The Master

Status: Offline
Posts: 12473
Date:
Permalink  

I don't have any answers Beth, Sorry. It looks good. Is your gas bottle only 2kgs. Mine is 4kgs and I had trouble getting a replacement on the way home. Nobody had any that small so I still have to refill or swap it yet. Won't do that till I need it again.

__________________




Happy Wanderer    

Don't worry, Be Happy! 

Live! Like someone left the gate open

 

 

 
Beth54


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 6513
Date:
Permalink  

Happywanderer wrote:

I don't have any answers Beth, Sorry. It looks good. Is your gas bottle only 2kgs. Mine is 4kgs and I had trouble getting a replacement on the way home. Nobody had any that small so I still have to refill or swap it yet. Won't do that till I need it again.

 The one for the fridge is a 9kg Marj. I have a 2kg for the stove. Yes, I had trouble getting it refilled last year. Someone on here suggested hardware shops, so I'll try that next time I need it refilled.



__________________

Beth, now living on the Redcliffe Peninsula, SEQ.

 

 
Firefly


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 2458
Date:
Permalink  

BCF filled ours in Darwin Beth. smile

Its all coming along nicely mate, good to see.



__________________

I must be a binge thinker. I do it a lot at times, then, not much at all.

 
Sheba


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 8735
Date:
Permalink  

Don't want to put a dampener on things, but aside from any Insurance issues, would that modification be Legal ?

Just a thought.

Cheers,

Sheba.



-- Edited by Sheba on Monday 6th of June 2011 06:22:55 PM

__________________
An it harm none, do what you will.
Beth54


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 6513
Date:
Permalink  

I've used BCF here FF, but in small towns it can be hard.

I'm assuming it's okay Sheba. I guess I'd better ask that question. confuse



__________________

Beth, now living on the Redcliffe Peninsula, SEQ.

 

 
Beth54


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 6513
Date:
Permalink  

By the way, I expect to be off on the 15th June, heading north to my sister at Cooloola Cove Qld first off.

I have my grey nomad stickers on, 'Lucy' on the car, 'Gypsy' on the trailer, so give me a 'hoy' if you see me.

I'll also have my laptop to 'report in' along the way!



__________________

Beth, now living on the Redcliffe Peninsula, SEQ.

 

 
sparkles


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 5
Date:
Permalink  

Hi,
Mum sent me the link to this thread.
Was planning to check final loaded ball weight as described above. As it is with an empty 9kg bottle and the empty fridge I can easily lift it one handed. In fact I think mum could lift it. The box is huge to allow plenty of airflow, but it is very light ally.
Will be bowlining the drawbar all the same. And the brackets of the barrier are r&d, mkII will have concertina bends
The wiring has me beat, solenoid will not unlatch, getting backfeeds or residual. Maybe it's canbus voodoo. Too hard.

Cheers
Dan

__________________
Happywanderer


The Master

Status: Offline
Posts: 12473
Date:
Permalink  

sparkles, you are doing a lovely job there for your mum, we are all proud of you.

__________________




Happy Wanderer    

Don't worry, Be Happy! 

Live! Like someone left the gate open

 

 

 
Firefly


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 2458
Date:
Permalink  

Good on you Dan, I think your mum is itching to get back out there mate.



__________________

I must be a binge thinker. I do it a lot at times, then, not much at all.

 
jules47


The Happy Helper

Status: Offline
Posts: 12023
Date:
Permalink  

Ditto Sparkles!!

__________________

jules
"Love is good for the human being!!"
(Ben, aged 10)
Travel Bug


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1874
Date:
Permalink  

Ditto from me too Dan!!!

Cheers. smile

 



__________________

 Cheers. Pam.

Safe and happy travels everyone.

 
Vic


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 2454
Date:
Permalink  

Everyone should have a son like you Dan, don't be afraid to pop in now and then and add your 20c worth, all feedback is appreciated.

__________________

Vic

Hi Ace Pop Top Campervan & A'Van A'Lite Camper Trailer.....

Khalil Gibran says "We tarry forward - not backward".

Spread the laughter
Share the cheer
Let's be happy
While we're here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Beth54


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 6513
Date:
Permalink  

Thanks for giving Dan a pat on the back, fellow nomads. He and his wife have been very good to me.

 All three of my kids are good to their Mum. I feel blessed.



__________________

Beth, now living on the Redcliffe Peninsula, SEQ.

 

 
Firefly


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 2458
Date:
Permalink  

Same with mine Beth, its lovely isn't it. smile



__________________

I must be a binge thinker. I do it a lot at times, then, not much at all.

 
sparkles


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 5
Date:
Permalink  

Thanks everyone,
Vic wrote:

Everyone should have a son like you Dan, don't be afraid to pop in now and then and add your 20c worth, all feedback is appreciated.

Vic, this makes me think of Lesley Nielson and Prescilla Presley...

__________________
Cruising Granny


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 6882
Date:
Permalink  

I just wish I had a daughter who accepted my desire to travel as much as you support your mum Sparkles. Welcome to the Grey Nomads. You done good.
Her guts and determination are to be respected and admired. It seems like you might be just a little bit proud of her. She's a good mum with drive, literally.


__________________

20ft Roma caravan - Mercedes Benz Sprinter - SA-based at the moment.
Transport has no borders.

Management makes the decisions, but is not affected by the decisions it makes.
Beth54


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 6513
Date:
Permalink  

Thank you CG. smile



__________________

Beth, now living on the Redcliffe Peninsula, SEQ.

 

 
Vic


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 2454
Date:
Permalink  

sparkles wrote:

Thanks everyone,

Vic wrote:

Everyone should have a son like you Dan, don't be afraid to pop in now and then and add your 20c worth, all feedback is appreciated.

 

Vic, this makes me think of Lesley Nielson and Prescilla Presley...

Don't know the line Dan, and hope my comment wasn't taken the wrong way, I meant it in all sincerity, job well done !!

 



__________________

Vic

Hi Ace Pop Top Campervan & A'Van A'Lite Camper Trailer.....

Khalil Gibran says "We tarry forward - not backward".

Spread the laughter
Share the cheer
Let's be happy
While we're here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Beth54


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 6513
Date:
Permalink  

Vic wrote:
sparkles wrote:

Thanks everyone,

Vic wrote:

Everyone should have a son like you Dan, don't be afraid to pop in now and then and add your 20c worth, all feedback is appreciated.

 

Vic, this makes me think of Lesley Nielson and Prescilla Presley...

Don't know the line Dan, and hope my comment wasn't taken the wrong way, I meant it in all sincerity, job well done !!

 

 I don't know it either Vic, but it's sure to be funny...and no, he wouldn't take it the wrong way.



__________________

Beth, now living on the Redcliffe Peninsula, SEQ.

 

 
sparkles


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 5
Date:
Permalink  

Vic wrote:

sparkles wrote:

Thanks everyone,

Vic wrote:

Everyone should have a son like you Dan, don't be afraid to pop in now and then and add your 20c worth, all feedback is appreciated.

 

Vic, this makes me think of Lesley Nielson and Prescilla Presley...

Don't know the line Dan, and hope my comment wasn't taken the wrong way, I meant it in all sincerity, job well done !!

 

No, not at all Here it is at 2:21 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJEmtLxkEoI&feature=youtube_gdata_player

-- Edited by sparkles on Tuesday 7th of June 2011 07:45:43 PM

__________________
Vic


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 2454
Date:
Permalink  

sparkles wrote:

No, not at all Here it is at 2:21 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJEmtLxkEoI&feature=youtube_gdata_player

That's one pat on the back you don't want........sheesh, OJ Simpson before he became infamous !!   Takes you back a bit ! biggrin

 



__________________

Vic

Hi Ace Pop Top Campervan & A'Van A'Lite Camper Trailer.....

Khalil Gibran says "We tarry forward - not backward".

Spread the laughter
Share the cheer
Let's be happy
While we're here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Page 1 of 1  sorted by
 
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.
Click here for the Grey Nomads website -> The Grey Nomads Forum -> The Grey Nomads - General -> Modifications to my camper
Tweet this page Post to Digg Post to Del.icio.us
Purchase Grey Nomad bumper stickers Read our daily column, the Nomad News The Grey Nomad's Guidebook