Explorer Box X3
Here is another variation of the Explorer Box Tent Topped Camping Trailer. It retains the basic Explorer Box elements of simplicity inspired design, chuck box style front galley area, front cooler deck, large general rear storage compartment and rapid open sleeping quarters. This Explorer Box example shows how with a few easy changes you can tailor one to meet your specific needs.
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- There were a few objectives for this variation:
- Refine mounting of a MOAB tent unit
- Improve galley access
- Improve flexibility on tire size and axle position
- Scale down the overall size.
Normally to provide room for attaching the tent body and travel cover without affecting the compartment doors you add a few inches of height.
Because I wanted to scale down the size, I took a different approach; the box size was reduced 4” in width and 5” in length while maintaining the standard box top size of 48” wide x 56” long.
This formed a ledge around the box top portion of the platform for wrapping the travel cover around. It as has the add advantage of improved rain protection for the doors. On Left is a standard box, on the Right is the variation.
Because I wanted to scale down the size, I took a different approach; the box size was reduced 4” in width and 5” in length while maintaining the standard box top size of 48” wide x 56” long.
This formed a ledge around the box top portion of the platform for wrapping the travel cover around. It as has the add advantage of improved rain protection for the doors. On Left is a standard box, on the Right is the variation.
On this one I enlarged the front door for improved access. The side door was removed so larger tires could be used and the axle position could
be adjusted for optimum trailer balance verses maximizing door size.
The shelves were revised to take advantage of larger front door. As normal, I like to size the shelves for using Sterlite plastic basket as drawers.
The shelves were revised to take advantage of larger front door. As normal, I like to size the shelves for using Sterlite plastic basket as drawers.
I’ve planned to test
Thule’s RV side tables which I installed on this trailer.
For the backpacking like camping we do, there seemed to be some extra space with a standard size Explorer Box.
With the above size revisions to the box, inside storage space was reduced by 6 cu ft down to 26 cu ft.
This one was built stouter than normal for off-pavement towing durability and came in at 440 lbs dry. For building a micro-light street version with the same footprint and revisions you could easily knock 65-100 lbs off the dry weight.
With the above size revisions to the box, inside storage space was reduced by 6 cu ft down to 26 cu ft.
This one was built stouter than normal for off-pavement towing durability and came in at 440 lbs dry. For building a micro-light street version with the same footprint and revisions you could easily knock 65-100 lbs off the dry weight.
Here are a few pictures of the build process:
