Justardnck
Loxahatchee, FL
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Joined: 01/01/2008
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This is gonna sound strange so I'll try to briefly explain why I need it and that will help you understand what I'm doing.
My friends and I ATV in a place that you can barely bring a 4x4 truck to. I need a toy hauler that's tough, has high ground clearance, has no holding tanks, is very light and can carry 4 ATVs. I'm a pretty fair fabricator so I wanted to build a 22' long 8' wide deck over axle trailer with an expanded sheet metal deck. I want to mount a popup camper permanently to the top deck. My question is... can I just unbolt a popup camper from it's frame and hoist it to the deck of my trailer just like you would unbolt a truck body off of it's frame? Does anybody have or can they post some pics of the underside of your popup showing me the frame mounting system?
Thanks in advance for your help
2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD, EC, LB, 4X4, 6.0L, 4:88 gears, 6" Fabtech suspension lift on 35" tires
2006 Coachmen Adrenaline 228 FB/TT
The Equalizer hitch with a Primus brake controller
Just the woman, myself and Beuford our Rottahoula (yeah... you read it right)
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javaseuf
California's Gold Coast
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Joined: 03/30/2005
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I have considered doing this myself and was going to go a few different ways.
I was going to just remove the axel and cut-off the "A" frame at the front and then place it on the trailer. I was going to use a PUP with an 8' box so I could mount it sideways on the flat trailer.
Depending on the PUP you use, many incorporate the cable lift system into the frame of the PUP so the box can't be separated from the frame. Also, I wanted to do this with an older Coleman but decided it wasn't able to work because the older Colemans had an entry door that folded down and partially went under the box to mafe the entry step.
My plan for the propane tank, since I will cut-off the front of the PUP frame, was to get a small chassis-mounted horazantle tank like used on the Class B's and mount that under the frame of the flat trailer. Was also going to add a grey water storage tank.
If you go with this, keep us posted. My plans are on hold for a while.
Steve
2007 Springdale 291RKL
2003 F150 King Ranch
2001 Dodge Van w/Wheelchair Ramp
1991 Palomino Mustang PUP
Eureka Timberline Tent
Yamaha IF2400isc
Yamaha EF3000iSEBC
"Politically Incorrect And Proud Of It" 
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mike4947
N. Syracuse, NY
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The way Steve posted is about the only option. The frame of a PU is integrated to the floor and sidewalls, not to mention the lift system.
Without it there's literally no structure to hold the rest together long enough to get it on the trailer base.
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TheHomelessGuy
San Jose, CA
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Joined: 05/03/2007
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mike4947 wrote:The way Steve posted is about the only option. The frame of a PU is integrated to the floor and sidewalls, not to mention the lift system.
Hmmm.... that's not the case for my Jayco Baja, Mike. The camper body is a box sitting on top of the frame, self tapping sheet metal screws go down through the floor into the frame rails. The lifter mechanism is totally contained with the camper body. So the OP needs to look around some, maybe he can find an old Jayco or similar.
2004 Chevy Colorado 4x4
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a45automan
Kansas
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Joined: 02/24/2006
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Check my Scorpion out in my signature. Great ground clearance and holds 4 sport quads or 3 full size utility quads. Putting an air-conditioner on it this weekend and off to Utah and Colorado for 3.5 weeks starting July 6th. Can't wait.
I would like to see someone come out with a large box like the Eco4 but have made so you could place quads both front and rear so the trailer would balance out alittle better.
Dwight
2006 Ford F250 4X4 6.0 liter
2005 Fleetwood Scorpion
2005 Grizzly 660
2003 Rubicon 500
2001 Rubicon 500
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He Ruide
Cincinnati Ohio
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Joined: 08/30/2006
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Dana, Hopefully this post with its pictures will be of help. Wileetoyote mounted a 2002 Utah on a new frame that included a deck. The post has pictures of the whole process he went through including the trailer frame, installation and under side.
Hope this helps.
Ruide
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He Ruide
Cincinnati Ohio
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Dana, Here is another example. This time Punkindad mounted a 1976 Jayco to a trailer and added a deck. Click here for more photographs.
Ruide
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mike4947
N. Syracuse, NY
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Please note that both examples left the original frame on the PU. Trust me folks remove the frame and what's left really can't support itself.
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Justardnck
Loxahatchee, FL
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Joined: 01/01/2008
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WOW some great pics and good advice on the cable system. I will certainly keep you guys posted on the direction I take. I have been busy working on the truck because I found out the hard way that you need more than 4wd to drag a trailer through the Florida swamps. I'm lifting the truck a little and adding some aggressive tires then the next project will be the sleeping arrangements
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PavementPilot
Vernon, BC
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Joined: 08/21/2007
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If you can find one of the older ones like mine in my sig, then yes it is a matter of knocking the axle off and cutting the tongue off and welding the rest of the frame in place on your other trailer.
DW, 2 girls, and me
07 Freestar
76 Parklane Tent Trailer
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56 Featherlite 10' Cartopper
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