The Capsule
The Capsule
Not really a 'ride', but something unique and interesting nonetheless...
For years my Old Man had been on the lookout for a sleeper cab from a big rig.
His idea was to find one and gut it in order to build something self contained
that he could bolt to the front of his trailer and use for auxilary storage or
extra sleeping quarters.
Since he already has a Lance Camper for his tow rig, and I drive my bronco to camp- this was an idea
I supported 100%.
After a lengthy search, we found one local. It had been used as a tack shed for more than a decade,
and was submerged at least 6" in the dirt. There were plywood doors bolted to the cab opening.
We leaned on it with everything we had an it didn't budge. It was crammed full of stuff. Some of it scary.
I begged him not to take it.
He struck a deal for 150 bucks.
We came back with the trailer, a couple of floorjacks, and a sload of
wood for cribbage. We loaded that SOB up like the egyptians, one block at a time.
The look on my mother's face when we brought it home was priceless.
Here's what it looked like:
When we got it home, we realized the framerails under the sleeper were completely loaded with dried mud-
we figure we lost a couple hundred pounds in weight by the time we pressure washed it clean
For years my Old Man had been on the lookout for a sleeper cab from a big rig.
His idea was to find one and gut it in order to build something self contained
that he could bolt to the front of his trailer and use for auxilary storage or
extra sleeping quarters.
Since he already has a Lance Camper for his tow rig, and I drive my bronco to camp- this was an idea
I supported 100%.
After a lengthy search, we found one local. It had been used as a tack shed for more than a decade,
and was submerged at least 6" in the dirt. There were plywood doors bolted to the cab opening.
We leaned on it with everything we had an it didn't budge. It was crammed full of stuff. Some of it scary.
I begged him not to take it.
He struck a deal for 150 bucks.
We came back with the trailer, a couple of floorjacks, and a sload of
wood for cribbage. We loaded that SOB up like the egyptians, one block at a time.
The look on my mother's face when we brought it home was priceless.
Here's what it looked like:
When we got it home, we realized the framerails under the sleeper were completely loaded with dried mud-
we figure we lost a couple hundred pounds in weight by the time we pressure washed it clean
Re: The Capsule
After a ton of degreasing and pressurewashing, he got to work.
I was out of town for most of the project, so there aren't a whole lot of step by step shots.
He first decided what to do with the opening for the cab side of the sleeper.
He scored a window, a small locking door, and an RV door with screendoor.
He trimmed down the RV door, and mocked it up
I was out of town for most of the project, so there aren't a whole lot of step by step shots.
He first decided what to do with the opening for the cab side of the sleeper.
He scored a window, a small locking door, and an RV door with screendoor.
He trimmed down the RV door, and mocked it up
Re: The Capsule
A bunch of rivets, sheets of aluminum, a few pairs of lights and matching rings, and some white paint....
Came out bitchen!
Came out bitchen!
Re: The Capsule
here you can see how pieced it together-
Re: The Capsule
The inside came out nice and clean.
The footprint is 8 feet by 4 feet- nice sized for a sleeping space.
He built a 4 piece bunk system out of 1" square aluminum which is hinged to the steel structure on the back wall of the sleeper.
They can be stowed upright independently in order to maximize his storage capacity.
The footprint is 8 feet by 4 feet- nice sized for a sleeping space.
He built a 4 piece bunk system out of 1" square aluminum which is hinged to the steel structure on the back wall of the sleeper.
They can be stowed upright independently in order to maximize his storage capacity.
Re: The Capsule
with the bunk down
he made sure to leave clearance for spare batteries or a freezer/fridge down the line
he made sure to leave clearance for spare batteries or a freezer/fridge down the line
Re: The Capsule
these are directional vents on the factory door and opposite short wall- giving the cab ventilation on 4 sides
Re: The Capsule
Couple detail shots
Re: The Capsule
And here it is on the trailer
Re: The Capsule
Now plans are being made to relocate the axles on the trailer further back to better balance the load...
- ChaseTruck754
- Spy/Ninja
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- Joined: Thu Jan 28, 2010 9:46 am
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- yikes
- Founder
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- Joined: Sun Dec 06, 2009 7:51 am
- Bronco Info: 1996 with tires and stuff
- Location: Yucaipa, CA
Re: The Capsule
Your entire set-up is badass!
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- Bronco Info: 95 Bronco stock not for long
- Location: south of the Gila
Re: The Capsule
If I didn't have a wife I could live in that thing!