Mobile shelter

Howdy folks,

My names David, I’m a broken veteran with anxiety, ptsd, and depression & I was fired and lost my house because of it… I give up on our government!! I’m going to build my own shelter and pull it around behind my new wheels, a 2009 2.7 Tacoma, it’s a baby compared to my last truck but I’m really digging it so far.

Im basically looking to build an enclosed trailer that can collapse down to my desired height (lower height than cab for aerodynamics/fuel economy). I know these trucks aren’t meant to tow a lot so I’m sticking with an aluminum frame wrapped with some sort of weather tight barrier; fiberglass/carbon fiber pink foam board? Bolted aluminum extrusions seem like a logical choice but I’m also considering a weld.

I’m having a difficult time deciding on my preferred lifting mechanism; electric actuators or a pulley type system would be neat. Hinges are another option I’m looking at as well. The interior height I’m targeting is 6’6”. And the length will be between 8-10’, while parked the back ramp will lower to create a level deck. The width, around 5’6”, should I place my shelter between the trailer tires or above? Either way I’d like the tires to track behind the truck & match the ground clearance of 9.5”.

What about the hitch, I think a gooseneck type would be gentler on the truck, (the frame split between the cab and box makes me nervous, a bumper pull would just add to that stress, wouldn’t it?

My concept/prototype is pretty ugly right now, it’s just a big rectangle, I thought it’d be nice to either match the Tacoma’s profile or to incorporate some angles to shave off the boxy corners. I’ll attach a few photos of what I’ve got so far.

Well there’s my introduction to another one of my crazy ideas, what thoughts or questions do you have? Is there an easier or more sound solution then the ones I’ve come up with? I could document the build here if there’s enough of an interest?

 

You may be way ahead $ and stress wise to shop for a gently used commercial unit of some type. You have a significant load/tow capacity limitation and it would be easy to overbuild on a DYI effort. IMHO of course.

Maybe @Rock Lobster can get you headed in the right way if you choose to look around. IIRC he has a 2.7 2wd and does a good bit of remote camping.

 

Mr Bill, I thank you for your reply! You raise a very valid point with commercial builds, I’m however too fussy for most commercial options … plus I’m a big hands on learner, playing with with new material is how I teach myself new trades. Weight is a huge concern for me, I don’t know aluminum very well yet but I’m hoping to keep the trailer under 1k… high expectations, I know but that’s what’s kept me interested & intrigued in this build… I’ll research and research until I figure it out. I’ll reach out to your contact see what they have to say. Is this posted in the correct location? I’ve never been on a forum before.

 

Heh!

Yes and no, I actually have a 3.5 - 2WD. So my scenario is a bit different, but I can help were I can. I bought my pop-up new and then modified/rewired it for off-grid, plus a few odds and ends throughout for improving convenience.



For your project I see two possible directions, and both of them involve scouring Craigslist for deals on trailers.

Option A, the "I need it now" option - Sell the trailer you have, buy a used pop-up, folding, or teardrop trailer with a good roof and no visible signs of rot, and fix up the rest. You can find great deals for 3-5k if you look hard enough. Option A has the best odds of staying in your budget and time frame.

Option B, the "scratch build it" option - find a pop-up camper that is so thrashed that the owner is wanting to let it go for less than 500. That's your donor for the lift mechanism and whatever other parts you can salvage. Use that to build a plywood fold-out. Google search Trailmanor as your build inspiration. Option B can be done on the cheap if you are extremely organized, patient, and handy. It can quickly run away cost wise or worse, it can leak worse than a wal-mart tent if you aren't those things.

Option C, build it from a cargo box - This one is really tough to do and keep to a budget unless you are literally just throwing a cot in there. It can be done, but it isn't easy to do for cheaper than Option A.


That's my initial advice. As you hone your project, I'm sure many here can help you as we drill down to specifics. Good luck, looks like a fun project.

 

@m01d

From one Veteran with PTSD to another, I thank you for your service bro

The struggle is waking up each and every day, and looking for that thing that'll keep you occupied to keep going.

I don't have any experience with what you're trying to do here, but I want to offer my services if I can. I'm a welder/fabricator working from home, small stuff really, but in your build out if you can benefit from having something cut/bent/made from steel don't hesitate to shoot me a PM.

Not expecting any payment, just want to lend a hand any way I can. I'm normally stocked up on 16 gauge and 12 gauge sheet metal so if there's something you need, just measure it up with cardboard and let me know.

It'll be shipped of course so size is the only consideration.

 

Very nice kind offer, God Bless You

 

from another Vet I have to say that’s a very kind and generous offer to one of our brothers...
Thanks...got a warm fuzzy ;-)

 

@m01d

Just checking in, you haven't logged in for awhile

Hope you're doing ok brother, shooting you a PM