custom build about to start

STEVEOOO wrote:
My moma allways told me rules are to be broken in tell you get caught... Hehehe I new what I was doing well before I did it. Being I had a CDL there was bssing anyone

I have and had a CDL and prior to my CDL a Chauffers License. I carry every endorsement, Straight Truck, air brakes, combination vehicle, short doubles, long doubles and triples as well as a Haz Mat rider, tanker, school bus and commercial bus.

My before retirement job was a safety and compliance officer for a major carrier.. I'm a graduate of the Eaton Corporation Defensive Driving Commercial Vehicle School as well.

I know the law. Coincidentally, I have the up to date JJ Keller edition of the Federal Motor Carrier Rules and Regulations and licensing regulations laying right next to my computer, if you need verification on anything... just ask. I'll be happy to look it up for you....

Just having a CDL (also known as a Certified Dummy License) just means you passed the test. It don't mean you can apply the rules and regulations properly and legally.....

My moma allways told me rules are to be broken in tell you get caught... Hehehe I new what I was doing well before I did it. Being I had a CDL there was bssing anyone

SidecarFlip wrote:

STEVEOOO wrote:
Bedlam, I like your thinking but most camp grounds only support up to 30'. We have a 32'5th wheel now. That camper alone is a pain to back into alot of sites. for the past 5 yrs we have been pulling a 28' boat/Trailer behind that witch put us over 70 ft. we got popped hard this yr due to length and most states dont allow triple tow witch resulted my boat getting impounded... My wife of course put fuel on the fire with I told you so and picked at me for 300 miles then we had to go back and get the boat... not cool! going home we tripled towed it back and that is the last time will due that out state.

A simple check of online state regs regarding recreational triples (or doubles) would have saved you a lot of grief.

Betcha you got out your wallet.....

Sage advice, SidecarFlip!

Sadly, we have a preponderance of posters in this forum that believe two things;


"I have been doing this (speeding/overweight/no visible plates/drinking and driving, and the list goes on) for twenty years+/I have asked other police officers and was told it was o.k."

"I've watched others do this all the time and there is no reason I shouldn't now/Ask for Forgiveness rather than ask for permission."


Sadly we have rules that are available for us to research and often know the rules in how we conduct ourselves but our overpowering need to make things work to suit our own personal needs drives some of us to ignore your advice, SidecarFlip.

b

STEVEOOO wrote:
Bedlam, I like your thinking but most camp grounds only support up to 30'. We have a 32'5th wheel now. That camper alone is a pain to back into alot of sites. for the past 5 yrs we have been pulling a 28' boat/Trailer behind that witch put us over 70 ft. we got popped hard this yr due to length and most states dont allow triple tow witch resulted my boat getting impounded... My wife of course put fuel on the fire with I told you so and picked at me for 300 miles then we had to go back and get the boat... not cool! going home we tripled towed it back and that is the last time will due that out state.

A simple check of online state regs regarding recreational triples (or doubles) would have saved you a lot of grief.

Betcha you got out your wallet.....

Bedlam, I like your thinking but most camp grounds only support up to 30'. We have a 32'5th wheel now. That camper alone is a pain to back into alot of sites. for the past 5 yrs we have been pulling a 28' boat/Trailer behind that witch put us over 70 ft. we got popped hard this yr due to length and most states dont allow triple tow witch resulted my boat getting impounded... My wife of course put fuel on the fire with I told you so and picked at me for 300 miles then we had to go back and get the boat... not cool! going home we tripled towed it back and that is the last time will due that out state.

There have been truck campers in the past with tag axles connected to the rear overhangs. What I have not seen is someone towing behind something like that.

Here is another thought: Get a truck that can load the boat and trailer on to the rear and tow a trailer or toy hauler behind it.

I like the "tag" axle for the camper. Believe it was Ford did this years ago (70s?).

Figured you had thought this all through, but wanted to point out some options you may not have thought about. Isn't it fun trying to figure out how all of our "necessities" can go with us!

Have fun with the build and look forward to the progress reports.

kohldad, isn't funny how we all have different wants and needs, the camper will be removable so we can run around town if need be and I have to be able to bull trailers. I had a meeting with truck utilities who builds crane's and specialty setups for there customers, after our meeting I came out of there excited once again for we found out there is a way to do what im trying to accomplish with the 550's but this will push my build cost more then the Host mammoth. I will be meeting with there engineer next week to do the drawings for main frame. Truck utilities will have this custom slide on frame on a 6000 lb steering tag axle and DOT certified I laugh my XXX off when they told me this and has been done all ready..(not a camper) this will be as close to a 5 wheel as one can get with out it legally being a 5 wheel. Will be able to slit the weight between both axles now.

Well this should get me some flaming words... but I no what I want and if I dont like the outcome then will just buy another house down south.

Yes will be starting a new thread for the build once we get to that point.

Bka I will look over your links this weekend. Yes this DIY is starting to get to the top of my budget for everything but so be it if it meets and works for my needs

Thanks all

First off, STEVEOOO, welcome to the TC Forum!

There is certainly a wealth of knowledge and experiences available to you just for asking, in this TC Forum. Your willingness to respond and working with the suggestions is gratifying. Sadly this is not always the rule, in regards to how we sometimes have individuals, doing what you are doing, that feel they come here to; “Hey everyone, look over here at what I am doing and you could learn something from me and what I am doing here. Be also aware I don't want or expect you to make comments as I know what I am doing.” Many of us are anxious to see what your plans are and what you will be doing and how your project does. Definitely more than a 3 Popcorn Bag to sit in the gallery to watch!

Every time a project, like yours, comes up I make a suggestion that you might consider dividing your project/progress in a Chapter Format by starting separate threads for each Chapter. Then using the original opening thread as the site of your Table of Contents. This will become clickable links for you and those following. As well as emulating what you are doing and removing yourself from that possibility of falling into the slippery slope of the quoted comment, in the above paragraph. The Chapter Format, of what I am referring to, is the highlighted Box below. Those that have not proceeded with this format in mind end up with an unmanageable mishmash of a never-ending thread and the impossibility of finding a specific section from scrolling backwards. Using page numbers does not work as your setting is often different than other users due to their settings and yours for page loading on different platforms. Also, getting familiar with the Advanced Help Bar will aid you too in presenting this information to the forum.

One point I would add is that you must have already realized that you will not be saving money in doing this as a DIY project. The advantage will be gained in that you can take pride that you did it, a one off camper and put things in and on your camper you truly need. Depending on you future use consider these 3 things, Water, Black/Grey Storage Tanks, 4 Season Protection, Heat, Solar, Propane and Food Storage capabilities. All of which I prioritized on my own extended boondocking capabilities.

By all means, have fun.

Dave Pete wrote:

Here's a complete list.

1968 Travel Queen Resto Mod - 1. Acquisition & Evaluation
1968 Travel Queen Resto Mod - 2. Dismantling and Salvage
1968 Travel Queen Resto Mod - 3. Structure and New Wood
1968 Travel Queen Resto Mod - 4. Bathroom Remodel
1968 Travel Queen Resto Mod - 5. Propane
1968 Travel Queen Resto Mod - 6. Jacks & Tiedowns
1968 Travel Queen Resto Mod - 7. Finishes & Finishing
1968 Travel Queen Resto Mod - 8. Fresh Water
1968 Travel Queen Resto Mod - 9. Electrical (AC/DC)
1968 Travel Queen Resto Mod - 10. Galley & Greatroom
1968 Travel Queen Resto Mod - 11. Night Chamber
1968 Travel Queen Resto Mod - 12. Waste Water
1968 Travel Queen Resto Mod - 13. Exterior, Skin & Openings
1968 Travel Queen Resto Mod - 14. Viewer Perceptions

After seeing the 4 slides, I agree you will be pushing the 10-11k after it's loaded. Biggest design issue I see is put a little more space between the kitchen windows. There may be already, but I would want at least 6" from the corner to the window cutout to provide some strength and to ensure the outside remains flat. Other issue is the angled counter I would make square or possible rounded on the end. The 45 is going to waste a lot of precious space.

Seems like a lot of work or a lot of money for what can be had for other means. At 23', have you considered just modifying a TT to sit on the back of the truck.

Also, don't see why it has to be removable. With a long frame 650, it really isn't going to be practical for a run-around vehicle. Plus with the price of a 650 and custom build, a Class A with a stacker trailer would be in the same ball park price wise but give you a practical run-around vehicle plus your boat.

When you start your build, please make sure to post your progress with lots of pics as it looks to be a fun and ambitious project. Have fun and good luck.