195rb Expediton Glamper with Toyota Tow-coma build

[bigironcoder]

One of these days my DW is going to ban me from this forum. Seems like I end up buying something every time I get on here!

[01tundra]

Originally Posted by bigironcoder

One of these days my DW is going to ban me from this forum. Seems like I end up buying something every time I get on here!

It should slow down after a couple years, at least it did with the pace I worked

[Lord Humongous]

Yeah don't worry man. In a couple years you'll find something else to spend money on

At least you wont have to buy disposable tanks anymore!

[Imperfectgrowth]

Here's some different views of our new front setup with the jack-it bike carrier in place.

[Imperfectgrowth]

Also, I can't figure out how to post photos stationary on the forum, anyone have suggestions? Any photo posted from my phone goes sideways, sorry. Better than nothing I suppose. [emoji6]

[Screwby]

I just assumed you posted them while lying in bed.....

[Imperfectgrowth]

Originally Posted by Screwby

I just assumed you posted them while lying in bed.....

Haha! Maybe if we posted them that way, they'd end up right right up!🤣

[stateboy]

I've read that those who post from iPhones in Tapatalk have their photos end up sideways for some reason. Is that the route your using to post?

[Lord Humongous]

We did a little boondock glamping a couple weeks ago. This is a really nice little known spot on a rim with great views of Sedona and Oak creek Canyon. We we're able to get the 195 right up next to the edge for some great views from trailer. I did have to break out the spork shovel and dig a hole for the trailer tire to get it level on the slope. The suspension and tire combo worked out nicely on the 26 miles of rough roads and really made the difference between averaging 5-10mph and 25 mph. I did bring the tire psi down from 80 to 35 once we got off the highway to help smooth things out. We did have some issues with the suspension that I'll get to in the next post but still huge improvement. The new batteries and solar setup also kept us fully charged for the whole trip so the generator was only needed to microwave some cold brew coffee.

[Lord Humongous]

So after the first run we had an issue with the Timbren suspension. I had some initial concerns after install because the suspension had squatted about 2.75" and the timbren specs for the setup state a maximum deflection of 3" deflection. I called timbren because I was concerned about only having .25" of up travel and the excessive squat with a trailer well under the rated 5200lbs the suspension is rated for. Timbren assured me standard operating procedure and not to worry.

Well after filling her up with H20 the camper sqauted an additional 1.5" and we defiantly had some fender well rubbing on the big bumps. No permanent damage, the SLX fender well is built very well!!

When we got home I again contacted timbren and was told that they did sell stiffer rubber Springs that would support the weight and bring the trailer back to normal ride height. This would have been amazing information to know before I ordered parts. I also felt as though the spring should have been sent to me free of charge (potentially faulty parts) but timbren wasn't budging and camping season is here. The rubber Springs aren't too expensive but for me it was the principle of the matter. Like I said I want this thing ready to enjoy this summer so I bought them out of pocket. I also contacted etrailer regarding my experiences and so far they have ignored my two customer service inquiries that I have placed over the last month.
With that said new Springs are installed and the ride height is now meeting my initial expectations. You can see in the pics below the difference in rubber density as I push on the two different Springs with my thumb.

I definitely not poo-pooing this is suspension design itself, just my customer service experiences I've had. This suspension is built very well and the rubber Springs do provide fantastic shock absorption and Progressive spring rate.

We'll be testing out next weekend for the Overland Expo in Flagstaff AZ.

First picture is before last picture is after

[bigironcoder]

How do the Timbrens work on a trailer? Do they only come into play when the trailer squats with a heavier than normal load?

I have Timbrens on my truck. That type has about 1 1/4" gap before it makes contact. So, they don't come into play during normal driving.

When I put the trailer tongue on the hitch and all our stuff in the back of the truck, it goes down to about a 1/4" gap. That's with 2 full propane tanks and an oversized battery. Even so, the only time I can feel a difference is going over rumble strips, definitely weird.

[bigironcoder]

By the way - great views. You must have been around 7,000 feet? How cold did it get at night?

I can see why you beefed up the trailer suspension. 26 miles on a rough road with a full tank of water... good thing the tank is above the floor on a 195rb instead of hanging by straps!

[Lord Humongous]

Originally Posted by bigironcoder

By the way - great views. You must have been around 7,000 feet? How cold did it get at night?

I can see why you beefed up the trailer suspension. 26 miles on a rough road with a full tank of water... good thing the tank is above the floor on a 195rb instead of hanging by straps!

Yeah I believe we were around 7200'. It's kind of an interesting area being on the rim. There's cactus, pine trees, juniper, agave and Oak trees all growing next to each other. literally chipmunks and lizards co-habitating haha.

Nights were getting to the low 40s and mid 70s during the day. I'd say a little warm for the time of year.



The Timbren suspension is actually a complete replacement setup for the solid axle. Its their axle-less trailer suspension so basically an independent suspension that consist of two trailing arms that are completely supported by rubber springs.


Your completely right on the H20 tank location. we were out for 5 days and I did not trust a full black tank for the return trip so used our 15 gallon transfer tank to prevent damage.

[ttavasc]

Those were some great pics from the rim - thanks for posting them. While a bit more off the beaten path than what I would do it's a great reminder after our long soggy winter/spring up in the PNW why I love coming down that way every season and spending some time in the high desert. Our youngest daughter went to NAU and now lives in Chandler so we've spent a fair amount of time exploring a lot of different places around there and take every opportunity to head down that way that we can.

[Lord Humongous]

Originally Posted by ttavasc

Those were some great pics from the rim - thanks for posting them. While a bit more off the beaten path than what I would do it's a great reminder after our long soggy winter/spring up in the PNW why I love coming down that way every season and spending some time in the high desert. Our youngest daughter went to NAU and now lives in Chandler so we've spent a fair amount of time exploring a lot of different places around there and take every opportunity to head down that way that we can.

If you ever need any coordinates for some good camping sites in AZ let me know!
We love the soggy PNW! I'm born and raised in PHX and I can honestly say I wouldn't care if I saw another hot sunny day again lol. We try to get to the Oregon Coast at least once a year. We love all the green, foggy dark skies, and constant 58 degree temps. Paradise!!! We definatley want to retire to the Florence OR area.

[MrKABC]

Lord Humongous!!! It's Mr. KABC from TW. Just found your thread here. Sorry for the necro post, but wanted to say HELLO if you are still active on this site would love to hear more about your rig. Cheers!

[Bob K]

Originally Posted by Lord Humongous

Last week I approached a local fabrication shop to build a "rock slider" to protect the dump plumbing from being damaged. We haven't broken the pipes yet but have had a couple close calls on fire roads.

Can you post a couple pics of how the tubes are welded/attached to the trailer frame?

[Vista]

This guy hasn't been active for over two years. Not sure he is coming back but you could try a PM.