Utilizing the camper box and some of the running gear from a 1965 Coleman Tent Trailer we have built a neat little camper that has been a lot of fun. The original idea was to liberate the camper box from its trailer frame and attach it to our M-416 military quarter ton trailer for pulling behind our 1977 Classic Bronco. I had envisioned an “African Safari” style tent on trailer camper.

With that in mind, a sub-frame was made from 1” x2” box tubing to support the camper box and threaded tabs were added to secure the sub-frame to the M-416 tub with bolts inserted through the tub sidewalls.

The increased height of the M-416 sides over the original tent trailer set-up required adjustable extensions for the prop legs that support the sleeping platforms.

These are a great improvement over the original legs that required either sleeping with the “lay of the land” or digging/propping to accomplish some sort of level. In this configuration, the camper worked well. My M-416 has a tailgate so the additional storage under the camper box was also a plus.

The trailer portion of the original camper was converted to a nice small utility trailer with the addition of a larger 1”x2” box tubing frame, new lights, new tires, a marine grade ¾” plywood deck, an under-mount spare tire, and some tie down points. We used this for all sorts of things including hauling our go-cart to riding areas.

The modifications were all made with the ability to replace the camper box back onto the trailer and use it as originally designed. As the family grew, more and more stuff had to be hauled on camping trips, the Bronco was deemed to hot/cold/wet/loud for the infant children, and we started pulling the camper in its semi-original configuration with our Honda Odyssey Minivan.

Closed 58" x  80" x 17"

Additional modifications included a roof rack for additional hauling capability, diamond tread plate on the tongue for use as a step/shelf, air mattress, marine grade carpet, 80 BTU air conditioner mounted over the tongue, electrical power strip mounted for power distribution, scissor style stability jacks for the rear entrance, and a large rain fly/sun screen with prop poles.

We have had damaged zippers replaced with high strength plastic zippers (originally aluminum) when needed, and have made a few patches in the canvas and screens as well. There were some patches when we got the camper where a mouse had had fun with the canvas while in storage. We treat the canvas with Camp Kote every year and have weathered many rainy days with no problems. The canvas is aged and will not last forever. We have received a quote from a local canvas shop for $800 to have a new canvas made.  

We have outgrown this fun little camper and are now moving on to a much more conventional, and less interesting, travel trailer. As such, we offer this one for sale.  Further camper dimensions are as follows:

-Closed: 4'10" x 6'8" x 17" high                       -Marine Grade Plywood
-Open: 12'1" x 6'8" x 6'7" high                         -As stated above all ropes, bungees,
-Bed Space: 6'7 x 4'2 on each side                  rain fly, a/c, scissor jacks and stakes
-Floor Space: 6'8" x 4'2"                                 included in price.

-Camper dimensions as shown below  11'8" x 15'2"

FOR LARGER PICTURES OR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT US

Located in Monticello, IL 61856

217-762-2760