M101A2 Project: Camp Trailer

[BigRix]

I've had this trailer for 6 months or so but it has just been used to haul stuff since I don't have a pickup truck. It pulls great behind my M1009 and I love it's versatility.

When I bought the trailer I also bought the top, several bows, one side board, and a front board. I decided I wanted to get the top operational and make this a camping rig for the fall season.

I took two metal poles off the side board and rearranged them so I could use a bow on the front and back. I then made up some pvc pipe to take the place of the middle three bows. I plan to do some more work with pvc to stiffen things up and take the sag out.

As fate would have it, the sky's opened up right after I put the top on and I was able to find all kinds of leaks. I snapped a pic of one of the problem areas. No tears but there seem to be cracks in the rubber coating.

Any suggestions on repairing these?

After I get things weather proofed I want to make a simple platform for my spare futon mattress with storage underneath. I lost all my camping equipment in '97 due to a fire in my garage and I never replaced it, or went camping again. I will be gearing up on a budget so any and all suggestions would be welcome.

 

[MarcusOReallyus]

My first suggestion is to forget about using PVC. It's just not going to get the job done. Try thin wall conduit, instead.

 

[BigRix]

I never considered that and I even have a bender kicking around at the house.

I should be able to match the radius of the bows as well.

Thanks

 

[MarcusOReallyus]

There ya go!


I'd go with 1 1/4" or 1 1/2", if it were me.

 

[harleyhouse]

Skip the tubing and build a house........................

 

[svanhorn]

I wish there were more pictures of that camper conversion.

 

[BigRix]

I see those pics all the time but never a build thread or who built it.

And that would completely blow the budget.

So any thoughts on fixing the leaks in my top?

 

[svanhorn]

I see those pics all the time but never a build thread or who built it.

And that would completely blow the budget.

So any thoughts on fixing the leaks in my top?

No clue. the only thing I can come up with off the top of my head, is to use windshield urethane, which would look terrible.

 

[Wing Commander]

Maybe you could try this stuff. It looks pretty **** durable, is fairly cheap and can be tinted to the color of your choice:
http://www.plastidip.com/home_solutions/Plasti_Dip

 

[juanprado]

I use the 100 mph military duct tape. That stuff is really good and looks to be long term durable.

 

[MarcusOReallyus]

Maybe you could try this stuff. It looks pretty **** durable, is fairly cheap and can be tinted to the color of your choice:
http://www.plastidip.com/home_solutions/Plasti_Dip

I thought of trying that myself. You'd want to clean with a good solvent, and maybe rough the surface a bit.