Camper project! Yes, my new project.
I remember having a discussion with members some years ago, when an NGO was trying to sell his 3-wheeler, I must have convinced myself that it may be a not half bad worthy project. I thought firstly about 4-wheels, but the initial expense, running costs and yearly road taxes of the vehicle just didn't cut it for my liking.
So, the cheaper alternative is the popular Chinese made 3-wheeler. I came across this -





2 years old, with paperwork, card and plate. 250cc all running gear replaced by new, also battery and electric's, with a now brand-new body fitted. Price $1600 with small guarantee.



I will build a metal frame arrangement to support the canvas on the body, still don't know where to get a good quality canvas. I prefer the canvas because it can be cut and then sewed to fit, rather than using an ever more popular plastic tarpaulin sheet.

The idea is I can carry the essentials, stove, pan's, water, ice box, bed and so on, thus having little restrictions on what I carry and where I stay on the longer journeys.
I have tested it on versus road surfaces for about 180km, all was good.

I’ve been contemplating something similar Andy, but a vardo type trailer, built around the ubiquitous walking tractor and trailer rig used by the guys who sell the heavy wooden furniture or pots and pans (Khmer tinkers?) though I’d make it a twin axle with suspension and possibly brakes.
It’d make a nice project for next dry season.
Something along the lines of this, or possibly a bow top (then I’d also need a canvas cover manufactured)



I’d haul it with a walking tractor, not sure on the legality of driving on main roads with it (possibly only an issue with a barang driver?) but I’d build it just to use for hauling along the local back roads for camping near fishing spots or parking up in the palm oil plantations for a bit of bird and wildlife watching.

Regarding canvas for the top of your camper, I thought about the canvas tops on the old Moto Tuk Tuks, they were tailored and fitted canvas. Ask around the Tuk Tuk drivers, somebody must know where they were made.

I understand having something like that where accomodation is expensive but here in Cambodia.

Chad Sexington wrote: ↑Mon May 02, 2022 8:33 pm I’ve been contemplating something similar Andy, but a vardo type trailer, built around the ubiquitous walking tractor and trailer rig used by the guys who sell the heavy wooden furniture or pots and pans (Khmer tinkers?) though I’d make it a twin axle with suspension and possibly brakes.
It’d make a nice project for next dry season.
Something along the lines of this, or possibly a bow top (then I’d also need a canvas cover manufactured)



I’d haul it with a walking tractor, not sure on the legality of driving on main roads with it (possibly only an issue with a barang driver?) but I’d build it just to use for hauling along the local back roads for camping near fishing spots or parking up in the palm oil plantations for a bit of bird and wildlife watching.

Regarding canvas for the top of your camper, I thought about the canvas tops on the old Moto Tuk Tuks, they were tailored and fitted canvas. Ask around the Tuk Tuk drivers, somebody must know where they were made.

The tailored canvas would always be the best way to go. But it was only recently I had got myself a rivet gun for another job, and I do have a new 6x4 good quality tarp.

atst wrote: ↑Mon May 02, 2022 8:40 pm I understand having something like that where accomodation is expensive but here in Cambodia.

It's not about expense, you're missing the point! How many times have you been on a moto journey and in the middle of nowhere been caught out by heavy rainfall, then taking the next place on the road that has a bed? This camper option gives you choice on journeys, you have your shelter with you, meaning you can get out of the elements, and be comfortable.
Also has it has been mentioned above you have the option of the scenery of Cambodia's finest countryside to view, all while you're cooking the bacon butties.

I do belive that the camper is already invented. So no need to make one. I think it is available in camper shops in most countries in the world.
https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=ht ... egUIARCjAg

Tommie wrote: ↑Tue May 03, 2022 12:10 am I do belive that the camper is already invented. So no need to make one. I think it is available in camper shops in most countries in the world.
https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=ht ... egUIARCjAg

Are you suggesting Andy tows that behind his bike?
Another one missing the point, we know camper vans have already been invented, but there’s added pleasure to be had from building something with your own hands to your own specifications. By your thinking, nobody should ever build a custom bike or make their own furniture or clothes?

Looks a fun project. I look forward to seeing the progress.