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Hello, I have just got a used Erde 122 (3 x 4 feet x 15 inches high).  I would like to build it upward and to do it safely as we are off to Switzerland in a couple of weeks.  I want to make a wooden thing to give me extra capacity, but am not really sure where to start.  I thought about just constructing a wooden thing and sitting it inside the trailer, but then the water would leak down into the trailer between the wooden insert and the trailer itself.  How do other people make theirs? 

My wish list is this:

1.  I'd like to extend upward to 24/25 inches or perhaps a bit higher (if this is safe?)

2.  I'd like to be able to put my roofbox on the Erde, if this is safe to do so.

3.  It must be water-tight.

4.  I'd like to be able to see and/or access the stuff at the back of the trailer when I open it up and not feel like I'm looking into a deep dark cave. 

If anybody can give me tips on how to make such a wooden extension thing, I'd so appreciate it.  How or where would you suggest I do a door ....  should the door be at the back, or a top-opening one and if the latter, how would this work with a roofbox on it, etc.

If anybody has pics so I can take a good look at what you've done, that would be great.  My car is a VW Golf Estate, 1400 cc engine, in case that's a factor in what I build.

Thanks in advance.

Humbird

Quote: Originally posted by nigel16 on 16/7/2011

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When we had our trailer I made a box lid that sat on the sides of the trailer that similar to Johns lid had timber in the corners but only 1 inch long to position the lid on the sides correctly. I also fitted hasps so that it could be secured.

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Same approach I took, though mine didn't have a solid lid. I fitted some handles to make it easy to lift off...

Hi, thanks so much for the great feedback.

John your comment: "At the back I used aluminium angle and wood so the rear section slides up and out to make loading easier. All is covered with a plywood box cover secured with padlocks. ".  I am not sure I know what you mean by this, I can't quite picture what that would be ....?  Good tip on using the sealant between the wood and metal, I think this is what I'll do too.

Naebother: with regard to fitting it on top of the trailer, I'd be a bit uneasy ... I'd constantly be fearful rightly or wrongly that it would blow right off .... I think I'd prefer the wooden frame to sit snugly all the way down the trailer. 

It sounds like if my trailer was wooden that it would be easier to modify and build up.  I forgot to mention that I'm a female (small) with a 5 year old boy, so I dont think I'd be able to lift the lid off (solo) of the great trailer that you show in a pic Pwatson, nor would I be able to lean over into it deep enough to get the gear out of it!  I need to have a side door or a back door for me to access the depths of the trailer once I have it extended upward.  I'll do a search on Trailers and see if any other pics show up that might help me get started. 

Another question, I know that it wouldn't be good to keep a tent in the trailer during winter (outside) because of mould/damp .... but would camp chairs, canvas beds be ok or would they get mouldy too?

As for travelling with the weight ... I was thinking of keeping the tabletop fridge and tent (25kilos) in the boot, and keeping the poles (25 kilos) and kitchen/cooking equipment, chairs, tables, etc in the trailer itself.  And thinking of keeping the roofbox for cloths and duvets.  What do you think?

Humbird

Nigel16, I've just read your thread on building your own trailer extention, its brilliant.  Sorry I missed it first time around.  Unfortunately the image isn't showing up on my computer, but your detail is great and I'm using my imagination!

Humbird

Hi, thanks both of you for taking the pictures, I'm really really impressed.  I have a couple of weeks before we head off, but a thousand other work things to do also (not holiday related), so I hope I can get to the trailer to do the necessary work.  If not, then the trailer is already 15" deep and it came with a soft cover, so at least I'll have that if I can't quite get the trailer raised on time!  Thanks a mil ... I'll print off these pics and show them to my local wood man in the hardware shop and get his help to get all the bits and pieces I'll need for the job.  THanks !

Humbird

Hi Newcampers, what exactly is Far Eastern Plywood .... I haven't come across that term and would like to be able to tell my wood fella, in case they call it something else in my area.  Also, how did you attachd the metal corner posts into the construction?  I have a hand drill, but have only ever used it for masonry or wood .... do I need something different when dealing with metal (i assume so) ....

How long did your take you to build?

Thanks for the replies, its a great help, Humbird