ZombieBlazer
1/2 ton status
I would like a kind of large camper on my 84 Blazer 6.2 diesel... does anyone have any idea what is the max weight you could design a Blazer to carry with conventional modifications?
CK5
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Overland rigs, expedition rigs, whatever else you call it
- Thread starter natemc
- Start date
ZombieBlazer
1/2 ton status
The Chalets are sweet but I would like something a bit bigger if possible because I don't want a pop-up and I want a sleep area above the cab.
Something close to this but a bit bigger in the sleep area.
https://www.google.com/search?gs_rn=24&gs_ri=psy-ab&tok=mrvzqHNzemDiSlfxqhvzkg&cp=12&gs_id=1c&xhr=t&q=action+camper&safe=off&rlz=1C2GIGM_enUS530US530&bav=on.2,or.r_cp.r_qf.&bvm=bv.50500085,d.cGE&biw=1536&bih=760&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=cd4GUuqcLoeligK0y4DICw
But... I don't know if it is worth it if it diminishes the off road capabilities too much having the weight too high.
ZombieBlazer
1/2 ton status
I think it's like 800 - 1000 pounds total you can distribute in the vehicle. But that includes passengers as well I believe. The Chalet models might have been a bit beefier to add a little more weight than stock.
But I am wondering what the max might be if I did some serious upgrading of the Blazer components too.
Even a K5 can be slept in. I have a sleeping platform just over the wheel wells, which was like $30 to build. Two stacked futon matresses and it's just like a regular bed. Warm, dry, no bugs and quiet. That and some supplies is about all you need to turn a regular 4x4 into an overland vehicle. If the ground isn't level enough, just stack some rocks or move logs to park on.
Here's a video showing a subset of the group on a recent trip. 3 of these rigs were just setting up tents each night (fair enough, I can't imagine trying to sleep in an FJ40). 1 Jeep was stringing hammocks and 2 of them had the RTTs. You can do this stuff in just about any kind of 4x4. You just have to plan ahead, find a route and do it....
http://vimeo.com/72079880
Here's a video showing a subset of the group on a recent trip. 3 of these rigs were just setting up tents each night (fair enough, I can't imagine trying to sleep in an FJ40). 1 Jeep was stringing hammocks and 2 of them had the RTTs. You can do this stuff in just about any kind of 4x4. You just have to plan ahead, find a route and do it....
http://vimeo.com/72079880
Hey do you have pics of bed build? I was looking into doing something similar
Yes, back seat stays home. A suport at each corner and the long one in the center is full length. The ply is sitting on the wheel wells. I put "under-the-bed" bins underneath for gear and slide them out just like drawers. There isn't quite enough room, so the matress gets pushed back against the back window for driving, and the front seats are folded forward for sleeping.
You can kind of see the refrigerator in the pics up between the front seats. It's strapped down to the seat frames. The computer, fridge, GPS, CB and interior lights all run off the aux battery, so we can do whatever at camp and not drain the starting battery.
If you notice the tarp on the back of the luggage rack in the video, that is a roll out/fold out canopy that just uses a couple of tent poles to keep rain/sun off us when we're cooking or whatever. It's all very simple. The goal is to be able to make and break camp quickly to make good use of the time, but it's hard to do with all the gear you end up needing.
You can kind of see the refrigerator in the pics up between the front seats. It's strapped down to the seat frames. The computer, fridge, GPS, CB and interior lights all run off the aux battery, so we can do whatever at camp and not drain the starting battery.
If you notice the tarp on the back of the luggage rack in the video, that is a roll out/fold out canopy that just uses a couple of tent poles to keep rain/sun off us when we're cooking or whatever. It's all very simple. The goal is to be able to make and break camp quickly to make good use of the time, but it's hard to do with all the gear you end up needing.
If you're interested, I posted up a thread about the last trip here: http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=306988
Blue85- you've got the idea for sure. Loving it.
badmix
1/2 ton status
Tag for further info. 
Im working on an Exp Trailer right now, going to be a cargo trailer with roof top tent. Working on some stuff for my Blazer as well. Would luv to do a trip of some sort, always having to run solo and that gets boring and very unmotivating.
Im working on an Exp Trailer right now, going to be a cargo trailer with roof top tent. Working on some stuff for my Blazer as well. Would luv to do a trip of some sort, always having to run solo and that gets boring and very unmotivating.
I don't have the opportunity to do much long term driving or camping, but my auxiliary battery, ARB fridge/freezer, and Helton hot shower system have been WONDERFUL. I'd like to build a trailer, or buy a RTT, but couldn't justify the cost. I just carry a tent and air mattress and make due.
