Popular Post Rhyscar Posted October 18, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted October 18, 2023 I've enjoyed reading other people's 'other' projects including campervan stuff so will try to post some non-car-related stuff I get up to when I'm not working on the Levin/Corolla/Subaru or Lexus.... So we purchased this sight-unseen at the other end of the north island. Previous owner had stripped it back, had a baby and then realised how much work it is. What could go wrong?!? Last weekend, I towed from Paraparaumu back to palmy with the front of the body flapping around in the wind, roof collapsing etc. 100% dodgy. Wasn't actually attached as welds had broken. It's a 15ft generic 80's caravan. 1930mm inside height currently. Bearings and frame seem to be in OK condition, everything else needs some work. Good thing it was cheap. Aiming for basic use summer 2024 and completion by summer 2025 as finishing the Levin is taking the priority currently. We were looking for a blank canvas to start with so this should be perfect once we address some key issues; - Replace roof skin & frame. Aiming to make it 100mm higher in the centre - Replace front and rear panels (lower) - Relocate a few windows - Repair frame, particularly where it's been cut to run elec wires. Might rebuild parts of it to allow optimal window placement. - sandblast & paint frame. New tow hitch/weld mounting plate - New brake calipers (brackets and discs already there) - maybe replace 12mm floor with new ply Have now propped up the roof and bolted the frame back to the trailer in preparation for towing it back to Hamilton. 11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Rhyscar Posted October 18, 2023 Author Popular Post Share Posted October 18, 2023 Basic specs we are looking to achieve; - At least 4 berth - Off-grid solar system - 200L water tanks - Hot water/shower and larger bathroom - Gas heater - still towable with the Lexus/mid sized car. Here's one basic concept that might work... will develop a few of these sketches until we land on something we like and then convert to 3D... So the idea behind this project is to apply everything we learned from building a transit campervan during Covid. We travelled the country for 4months fulltime in this and loved it. We sold it, made a stupid amount of money off it so why not rinse and repeat right? Ultimately, the transit was only suitable for 2 people so now with our daughter we want something with a bit more living space. 11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HighLUX Posted October 19, 2023 Share Posted October 19, 2023 Has that look of a Liteweight Caravan but @Stu might be able to confirm from his barry book Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stu Posted October 19, 2023 Share Posted October 19, 2023 It sure does, will consult with the Liteweight bible when its returned from some friends who are currently reading it. It looks like a Liteweight 1500 to me. Watching this thread with anticipation Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhyscar Posted October 19, 2023 Author Share Posted October 19, 2023 Wow thanks @Stu I know nothing about caravans. Anything to look out for? Unsurprisingly, it is very lightweight and my key concern is repairing the frame so I don't need to run my wooden stripper pole setup long-term. Might beef up the trailer while I'm at it too. I'm guessing these are pretty common issues? Somehow, Hamilton is the capital of caravan manufacturing so I'm sure I'll find an old barry to help with bits and pieces. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mof Posted October 19, 2023 Share Posted October 19, 2023 Hey put some angle braces from the wall/floor to the wall/roof or your roof support. Usually the cabinets do the bracing, but when you don't have any... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HighLUX Posted October 19, 2023 Share Posted October 19, 2023 Liteweight caravans fan club on FB is good for info on these old ducks even the owners of liteweight are on there and have much barry knowledge 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stu Posted October 19, 2023 Share Posted October 19, 2023 ^ This. Don Jessen runs the page and his Dad started Liteweight so its fair to say he knows a fair bit about them. Dave @ Motorhome and Caravan World in Hamilton worked at Liteweight too so is probably the guy to talk to if you need anything 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anglia4 Posted October 22, 2023 Share Posted October 22, 2023 On 19/10/2023 at 15:56, Stu said: It looks like a Liteweight 1500 to me. That was my first guess at it too 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GARDRB Posted October 30, 2023 Share Posted October 30, 2023 Where's the transit build-thread though? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhyscar Posted October 31, 2023 Author Share Posted October 31, 2023 22 hours ago, GARDRB said: Where's the transit build-thread though? I was on a forum break. Detailed most of the build stuff on a instagram page though (might have to scroll back a fair way) - https://www.instagram.com/backyard.advanture/ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwibirdman Posted November 3, 2023 Share Posted November 3, 2023 Looking at the wheel arches and the drawbar that is an early liteweight 1500. I suspect possibly late 1960's or very early 70's. I would gas off that draw bar and remake, did one side on my 1980's van, not a big job if you have access to a welder and some one to drive it. You plan for a 200 litre water tank could be a problem for weight unless you do a wheel and tire upgrade. The dinky 13 inch wheels and 165 tires are only good for 1200kg (need to check the load rating on mine, I think it is 600 kg per tire) The trojan suspension should be the 1500 kg model. The other thing is the chassis is designed to be light and they do twist around. Enough Barrying for the moment, enjoy the project, they are a good unit to play with. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhyscar Posted November 8, 2023 Author Share Posted November 8, 2023 Thanks for the info! Yeah I was planning on sandblasting and strengthening up the frame, maybe even adding a reverse triangulated brace (dunno what these are called) underneath. And yes wider wheels and higher rated tyres are on the agenda. I’ve got a set of 13” work wheels sitting behind the shed that should do the trick. No suspension on this one, axle just bolted straight to the frame. Keeping the fixings lightweight will be a priority I’m thinking I’ll make a lot of stuff in alloy and get it powder-coated. small bit of progress getting this thing onto the back lawn. Required modifying the back steps to be removable to get it past the garage. Win. Now I don’t need to look at it outside my kitchen window every day! 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xsspeed Posted November 8, 2023 Share Posted November 8, 2023 ol guns on the manwell saw Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhyscar Posted November 8, 2023 Author Share Posted November 8, 2023 8 minutes ago, xsspeed said: ol guns on the manwell saw I don’t do wood things so only have steel-related power tools. Increases the non-desire to do wood things/house Reno’s 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xsspeed Posted November 8, 2023 Share Posted November 8, 2023 a fair call lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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