M348 Camper conversion

[Jakelc15]

I've had this thing for a while and haven't done too much with it.
I finally did a little work and took it camping recenty.
I took some pictures and everyone here loves pictures so I thought I'd share.

Rays Taj has been a huge inspiration as well as some other trailer and shop van conversions.

Here's pretty much how I got it.


All the wires had been cut so I had to remove all the old and start new. Added power batteries and a tool box.


Here's my scale drawing of what I hope it to look like when it's finished. Gonna be slow though. And I'm open to suggestions.

 

[Jakelc15]

Found this in the frame rail

 

[Jakelc15]

Took the family camping a couple weekends ago.

Even had running water!

 

[RAYZER]

That's awesome Jake and thanks for the props!
I like the the floor plan you have layed out, the floor step up in front makes a perfect area for the main bed area!
One challenge I had when building the "Taj" was where to place all systems inside (toilet/tub plumbing and wiring) to coenside with all systems mounted underneath (holding tanks, batterys, propane, plumbing, etc), it looks like your off to a good start!
Is this trailer the same size as a m373?
Good luck with your build!

 

[Jakelc15]

The M373 should be the same size. I think the M373 replaced the M348
I think I know where the water tanks and toilet are going to fit. I was thinking of using ABS 55 gal barrels for the black and grey water tanks. The propane tanks are not so easy to going a place for. Accessibility and safety are hard to mount under a trailer.

 

[Jakelc15]

My next goal is to add roof top vents. I'd also like to add windows but I'm not sure if I want to install black out windows or standard rv windows.

 

[gimpyrobb]

Black out. I am not a fan of light while trying to sleep!

 

[Jakelc15]

Yeah, while camping last time I woke up to use the bathroom thinking it was about 0400. Till I opened the door and saw the sun was high and a kid riding their bike in the street. It was actual closer to 0900!
But it was great, my kids slept in too.

 

[RAYZER]

Yeah, while camping last time I woke up to use the bathroom thinking it was about 0400. Till I opened the door and saw the sun was high and a kid riding their bike in the street. It was actual closer to 0900!
But it was great, my kids slept in too.

In my opinion, windows in a camper are a must, when I'm out camping I want to be able to look outside at the surroundings! You can always put shades on the inside to block light.

 

[Old Lincoln County Iron]

I plan on doing a rv conversion on one of my M373A2 trailers. One thing I like about the M348/ M373A2 type trailers is the low overall height, helps get under those low hanging tree limbs.

 

[11Echo]

The M348A2 trailers are very handy. The 11' height does make for less worry when on side roads/off road. My M373A2 is 4' longer.

 

[Jakelc15]

There is a 12' 2" railroad bridge near me that I go under almost everyday. I'm glad I don't have to go around it when I pull the trailer.
And I have a little room for these.

 

[Jakelc15]

Got one in today.

 

[11Echo]

Sold one of the M348A2's yesterday.
I hope this wasn't a mistake.

 

[Jakelc15]

I'm out in mine right now!
Put the other vent in. Starting to pull wires for the 12v wiring. Also started installing the solar stuff. But it looks like it's gonna rain. I also have a awning to install while I'm on the roof.
My wife started painting the outside. Priming the steel. Once I'm done cutting holes in the roof I'm going to coat it with the elastomeric paint designed for RVs.

 

[11Echo]

Nice work!

We had a "gully washer" a half hour ago here.

 

[jdknech]

any more progress??

 

[Jakelc15]

I put up a shelf and under mounted a 12v car radio with a couple speakers. Nice to play music.
Got a little more painting done and also checked the brake system. I need to bleed them still, it takes a while using the trolley valve as soldier B!

I'll probably be going camping again in a few weeks and hope to get a few more things done before then.

 

[Jakelc15]

Put up a screen door, as seen on TV, works well. We'll see how it holds up to my kids.


Put the solar panels on the roof, 3 50w panels so far. Using a morningstar prostar controller. So far they keep the batteries topped off even with lights and radio on. I unplugged from shore power, gonna see how self sufficient it is.

 

[Jakelc15]

Put up the awning. That was allot of work making that. Doesn't take too long to put it up and take it down. 10'x24'