ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: keith on January 31, 2010, 08:25:10 PM
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Last November I picked up very used tent trailer type camper. It is a 1968 Appleby. I paid very little for it because it needs a new tent. Unfortunately that will cost $800. >:( But then it should be as good as new. Towing it home behind my Montero Sport it was barely even noticeable. Since I've never towed anything with a Tracker I was concerned how the Tracker would do with it. It only weighs around 500 pounds. I got a Curt brand trailer hitch for the Tracker for Christmas and today I got around to installing it. Not a terrible job. The old bolts came out with just a bit of grunt. What made it somewhat a pain was the new bolts wouldn't go in at the rear because the plastic from the bumper cover was in the way. My Dremel took care of that problem and I got it all bolted up. The Tracker pulled the camper very well. I could hardly tell it was back there. Power was down slightly but not bad. I still need to wire the Tracker for lights and rewire the trailers lights. Looking forward to Zukimelt!
(http://www.keithert.com/appleby/Photo_013110_003.jpg)
(http://www.keithert.com/appleby/appleby_front.jpg)
More info on the Appleby campers.
http://incolor.inebraska.com/elassley_bie/appleby/index.html (http://incolor.inebraska.com/elassley_bie/appleby/index.html)
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Shoot, I pulled over 2000Lbs of boulders with my Sami on a HF trailer. Had to replace the bearings halfway in to the trip, but they were already bad....
Pic of the combo without the rock, I have a f350 now.
(http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d35/bigzook/red-trailer.jpg)
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Wow, $800 to repair or replace?
I might be able to help w/this if you can provide some measurements?
Do you have the old canvas ? I could copy it for you...
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Wow, $800 to repair or replace?
I might be able to help w/this if you can provide some measurements?
Do you have the old canvas ? I could copy it for you...
That is to replace. I sent you a PM.
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Ouch 800 you could find another camper... lol
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I hope to find an option for less than $800 but another camper of this small size will likely cost $1000 or more and come with a 20+ year old tent.
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I once towed a fully packed 1800 lb. U-Haul Trailer from Detroit to Los Angeles behind my 8v 94 tracker and it did awesome. Cruised 75mph the whole way. The only bad part was this wicked incline near the California border where i had it in 4th gear, and floored and couldn't get the tracker past 45 mph.
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I'd like to find one like that. Haven't seen a new model light enough (and affordable) to pull behind my Sport.
I bought an old Apache tent trailer, much like that one, about 22 or 23 years ago. A new top then cost about $500, but I thought it was worth it. Pulled it all over Colorado and Arizona behind a Toyota pickup for several years. Wish I still had it.
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Keep an eye on Craigslist. They pop up from time to time. Also look for a Coleman Colorado. They are a bit heavier but set up easier. Basically flip them over and you are nearly done. I think they are around 800 pounds.
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Great little Camper! I dig those old ones too, they are pretty light and simple. I picked up a 63 Riveria that is simliar, a tent type camper with a NEW tent canvas. Had to drive to Ohio to pick it up. Only trouble I had was in the mountains of WV and PA, it was a bit slow going uphills. On the flats it's fine, but mine weighs close to 900 fitted out.
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Keep an eye on Craigslist. They pop up from time to time. Also look for a Coleman Colorado. They are a bit heavier but set up easier. Basically flip them over and you are nearly done. I think they are around 800 pounds.
Huh. First Google entry: Coleman Colorado for 650.
http://www.rvclearinghouse.com/index/listings/page4086.htm (http://www.rvclearinghouse.com/index/listings/page4086.htm)
You guys are giving me spring fever.
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Shoot, I pulled over 2000Lbs of boulders with my Sami on a HF trailer. Had to replace the bearings halfway in to the trip, but they were already bad....
Pic of the combo without the rock, I have a f350 now.
([url]http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d35/bigzook/red-trailer.jpg[/url])
I think we had that much IN the kick on the ride to Apple Valley and back... so you have any pictures of the Tennessee Hillbilly trip to Wisconsin?
Z
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I looked at the Coleman Colorado when it came out. I didn't care for the suspension--there are no spring shackles on it. The rear of the springs slip on the frame. That might not be a problem, but the aesthetics bother me.
Might not turn one down if the opportunity arises. I would want to put 12" wheels on it and probably raise it some, anyway.
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I looked at the Coleman Colorado when it came out. I didn't care for the suspension--there are no spring shackles on it. The rear of the springs slip on the frame. That might not be a problem, but the aesthetics bother me.
Might not turn one down if the opportunity arises. I would want to put 12" wheels on it and probably raise it some, anyway.
Heh.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13650&highlight=coleman+colorado (http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13650&highlight=coleman+colorado)
(http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/Avus325/Group3049.jpg)
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Interesting link, Beercheck. There was a lot of work put into that one. I think the final weight would put it above what I would want to pull with my zuke, tho.
As I recall, the Apache I had had a minimal frame. The tongue was bolted to the 3/4" plywood floor. It wasn't the stoutest built trailer in the country, but I pulled it over some pretty rough trails without any trouble. The weight would be great for a Suzuki.
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Looks like I need to buy a lot bigger camper!
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lb0pltMf6-Q/SWs_7AD5UKI/AAAAAAAAABg/Rjg5cVIG_2Y/s1600-h/lj80+cARAVAN (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lb0pltMf6-Q/SWs_7AD5UKI/AAAAAAAAABg/Rjg5cVIG_2Y/s1600-h/lj80+cARAVAN)
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I'd like to see how that rig does going uphill!
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Keith; finally sat down and figured this for you , and I'm well over half way there w/just materials, not to even include the additional features you mentioned to me...(more time=$)
I'd have to say that $800 bucks is very fair if it's a direct replacement !
Wish I could have been more help...
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I've come to pretty much the same conclusion in adding up the prices of canvas to do it myself. I have found one cheap option but I'm not sure about it. The open area of the camper is 12x7 foot. Coleman and Wenzel both makes dome tents in that size for between $90 and $140. I could mount the tent to the trailer. That would allow me to be off the ground and to stand up in the middle. The downside is that it wouldn't be stable in windy conditions and tents in general aren't as weathertite as a canvas camper. I'm still considering options though. Here is a quick mock-up.
(http://www.keithert.com/appleby/Appleby2.JPG)
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Looks like I need to buy a lot bigger camper!
[url]http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lb0pltMf6-Q/SWs_7AD5UKI/AAAAAAAAABg/Rjg5cVIG_2Y/s1600-h/lj80+cARAVAN[/url] ([url]http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lb0pltMf6-Q/SWs_7AD5UKI/AAAAAAAAABg/Rjg5cVIG_2Y/s1600-h/lj80+cARAVAN[/url])
That looks like its a very lightweight setup, if you look through the windows you can't see any cupboards. Also its on a German plate and they are pretty strict
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I've talked about these before, how about building your own?
An Explorer Box (the one pictured weighed in at 393 lbs)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3479/3195622804_15818aa4d2_m.jpg) (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3509/3195602892_7e554e0910_m.jpg)
An Explorer Pod
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2424/3736362010_7a924e363e_m.jpg) (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2714/4307372062_b30ec96d04_m.jpg)
Multi-purpose
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3405/3197153120_fe06b84593_m.jpg) (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2632/3990436776_3bf15743c9_m.jpg)
Visit Compact Camping Concepts (http://www.compactcampingconcepts.com/) for details
Full Disclosure: Yes, I own Compact Camping Concepts
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Keith,
We have been towing our camper to Zukimelt for quite a few years now. You are going to love being able to sleep up off the ground, especially when it rains
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y24/jzap/P7040809.jpg)
How bad is the canvas you have now? Is it repairable? When we first got our Apache, it needed mending, screens and zippers. Other than a couple rips, the canvas was in fair shape. A. B Kelly, 212 W Main in Cary (a little hard to find, around back and in basement) did our canvas repair, and it is still holding up pretty well. Talk to Bill Braun.
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It's pretty bad. It rips when you move it much. I'll have to talk to them about if they would make a whole new one and what the price might be.
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It's pretty bad. It rips when you move it much. I'll have to talk to them about if they would make a whole new one and what the price might be.
If its that bad, you will need a replacement. A B Kelly is OK for repairs, but they tend toward the high end on their custom boat covers (their primary business). you might check with Bear Creek Canvas, I've heard good things about their quality. They are said to have patterns for most of the old campers, and can also make a pattern from your old canvas.
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Bear Creek is who I have been talking with. They do have very good reviews. I sent them the old tenting this morning to use for a pattern. They are going to put 4 windows in it and the large ones will have clear plastic in addition to the screen. That way the camper will be usable in cooler weather. Can't wait to get it back and set it up.
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Camper tent is back. Can't wait for Zukiworld!
http://www.keithert.com/appleby/appleby.html (http://www.keithert.com/appleby/appleby.html)
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Good looking setup. IMO ideal for a suzuki.
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Sweet Camper!
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That is really nice.
I'm hoping to make it to Zukimelt this year. I'm looking forward to seeing that rig in person.
Are you staying at the Badlands, or Steam Corner?
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Leaning towards Badlands but don't know the pro's and con's of each. What do you like?
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I prefer Badlands. Its more convenient since its right at the entrance, and you don't have to make that 15 mile trip at the beginning and end of the day. Most people consider the fact that alcohol is not allowed to be a negative, but since I'm not much of a drinker, its really not an issue for me. The big thing that Steam Corner has that Badlands is missing is shade. Its pretty much camping in a field. Also, if you don't get a reservation in early enough, you won't get a site with electricity.
All things considered, I'll be staying at Badlands.
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havnt pulled and campers BUT I pulled my 15 speed eaton fullar dump truck transmission to get parts with my tracker. stock car except the v6 motor. I could defiantly feel it back there, but it stopped okay, did the speed limit, didn't hert anyone and I would do it again. I am not sure how much it weighed, but I think it is around 2000-3000 lbs.
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Dang! that's some transmission.
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yah, it takes replacing a clutch to a whole new level. ;D